Behind the scenes in House Key
So the reason for the radio-silence lately is that I’ve actually been working on an audio project for the last few weeks. I’m creating a voice-over version for House Key, or what my husband jokingly calls “a new science project.” … Continued
Today, as the hunt season comes to a close, a reader shared this beautiful photo along with an excerpt from “House Key”: “The thrill of it, the rush of crisp morning air filling the lungs in a heart-pounding gallop across … Continued
A former boss and mentor once said that my desire for perfection stood in the way of actually getting things done. His words stung. The truth didn’t hurt as much as the fact that it came from someone I highly … Continued
Another big take-away from Hemingway on Writing, edited by Larry W. Phillips — along with making characters real — is knowing Country. Living and writing in Africa and Spain allowed Hemingway to write compelling novels in those settings. Hemingway advocates that you … Continued
I mentioned in my last post that I took Hemingway’s advice on creating real characters and the places they inhabit a step further. I started a painting of my children years ago. Their teenage years were fraught with a lot … Continued
I’ve been reading some excellent books on the craft of writing. All contain good advice, memorable insights and quotes that I mark with sticky tabs. One in particular that resonated from Ernest Hemingway on Writing, edited by Larry W. Phillips, … Continued
We learn in House Key that it doesn’t take much for trees to come down around here. I think it was the overnight winds this Monday that brought the one in the picture crashing across our road — a tree big enough to block us in. Trees … Continued
I knew House Key would be set on Wildcat Mountain the first time I rode its trails years ago. Rich in visual and historic detail, the air is permeated with a spiritual quality that elevates the soul. If the climb doesn’t take … Continued
Love this view of Great Run! It’s an oil on copper by Patty Rice that absolutely captures the essence of one my favorite spots described in House Key. Jordan first introduces us to it in Chapter Four, Jury of Peers: “We reached … Continued
June is one of my favorite months of the year. There is always so much to look forward to, such as the annual Upperville Colt & Horse Show. I’m excited about attending this week, not only to see the hunter and jumper … Continued
