on December 16, 2018
Ever wanted to write a short story about New Orleans mischief and mayhem circa 1889 Christmas? Here are a few killer ideas to get your story started! HINT…these ideas might be used for any locale in any era.
on October 5, 2018
A working writer of any kind (technical, marketing, short story, historian, etc.) can’t “wait for inspiration to strike”. Nope, if you’re a working writer, you’ve got to choose your story, sit your butt down in a chair, open up the computer, and get to work. For all of that hard work, your first draft will… Read More
on August 1, 2018
I’m a guest blogger on Suzanne Adair’s Relevant History blog this week. Enjoy my Sanborn Fire Insurance Map post and enter my contest to win a 13 oz. can of New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde’s French Roast Coffee and a Kindle ebook copy of Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper. To enter, just comment… Read More
on July 30, 2018
Since Fanny Newcomb is set in Gilded Age New Orleans, I want to start with a short word association game. When I say “New Orleans”, I’m guessing that you’ll say “Mardi Gras parades! Streetcars! Beignets! Hurricanes! The French Quarter! Jazz!” And when I say “Gilded Age New Orleans”, I’m guessing that you’ll ask “What’s the… Read More
on July 28, 2018
Although late 19th century New Orleans was renowned for the hookers of Storyville, the devastating hurricanes of the 1880s, and the elevation of Mardi Gras to a state holiday, there’s so much more to know about the Crescent City during this time! For starters, there was an assassination that was followed by lynchings (1890), an… Read More
on February 6, 2018
If you’d really like to win an autographed copy of Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper…head over to Amy Bruno’s Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour. The Giveaway ends around March 19. AND…check out my book tour schedule. Fun for all!
on January 27, 2018
On January 28 I’ll be sharing ideas on “Writing a Killer First Chapter” with the Redwood Writers (a Branch of the California Writers Club) in Santa Rosa. Here are some links with more info…. For novels: • 10 Things Your Opening Chapter Should Do: A Check-List for Self-Editing • Finding the Perfect Place to Start… Read More
on December 9, 2017
For two days only (Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10), Fanny Newcomb & the Irish Channel Ripper for Kindle is on sale for 99 cents! ALSO this weekend….all SAND HILL REVIEW PRESS Kindle editions are available for 99 cents!
on November 22, 2017
Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s the 2017 easier-to-follow version: Roast Turkey With Truffles. Dinde Truffle Rotie. 1 Fine Young Hen Turkey. 1 Pound of Lean Ham, Cut into Dice. 2 Pounds of Truffles. 1/4 Nutmeg. 1/4 of a Teaspoonful of Pepper. 1 Bay Leaf, Minced Fine. 1. Clean… Read More
on November 21, 2017
Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s a rearranged version: Stuffed Tomatoes. Tomates Farcies. 6 Tomatoes. 1 Tablespoonful of Butter. 1 Cup of Wet Bread, Squeezed Thoroughly. Salt, Pepper and Cayenne to Taste. 1 Clove of Garlic (if desired.) 1 Onion. 1/4 Inch of Ham. 1. Wash the tomatoes, selecting… Read More