The past two decades in the book world have brought with them an enormous expansion of paths to publication. Which path is best? Does it matter to writers and readers?

Photo by Shiromani Kant @shiromanikant on Unsplash.

How did you find books that you love? Oh yes, Amazon certainly makes it easy to just order a book you read a review about or heard about from someone. Ahh, but the adventure of discovery is so much more rewarding.

Photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash

On my trips, my camera is my best friend, and I use it to capture the feel, the sights, and the colors of a place. Wander with me and my character, Bryn, from Should Have Told You Sooner, as we explore Wales.

Photo by Jane Ward.

I’ve combined sweet and savory in a risotto that is unusual but unforgettable for delivering the first flavors of fall.

Photo by Jane Ward.

The concept of practicing Literary Citizenship began well over a decade ago as an effort to encourage writers to support other writers in ways they know will help the most.

So, how does Literary Citizenship show up in the broader world of readers?

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Edgewater Library, Chicago.

The Boston literary community is vibrant, diverse, and has great roots — come take a walk through literary time.

It’s too hot to bake - here’s how to pull off an enjoyable and relaxed summer picnic.

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

Very often, after I’ve introduced myself as a writer to people I don’t know, I’m asked about the kind of books I write.

Family drama, especially when it’s not happening to me, is always fascinating. That’s why I love stories about family secrets.

In a recent writing group meeting, I said to my fellow writers that a lot of working through the first draft of a novel is like swimming through mud.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, London has many secret places to offer up to the adventurous traveler.

It’s summer, and the peaches are ripe.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to reading folk tales and mythologies. I think because I was making sense of my own world at the time, I was equally interested in how people of ancient cultures explained what was going on around them.

Image courtesy of Gardners Books via Amazon.

I drew on art history survey courses I’d taken in college. I stared at art images online in between writing sessions, wandered in and out of art museums in Boston and London, and bent the ear of a local artist about her process of creating. Every piece, place, and technique I explored got poured into this story to make the art world real for the reader.

Checkout the Should Have Told You Sooner Trailer.

Here’s where I‘ve been. What about you?