Writerly Wednesday
Monday evening my hubby, Peter, and I heard Khaled Hosseini speak in downtown Portland. It was an incredible experience. Hosseini is as good a storyteller on the stage as on the page.
Read Morenonfiction book binge
I don’t usually binge on nonfiction, but I did recently on this one: Dangerous Instincts by Mary Elle O’Toole, Ph.D. and Alisa Bowman. Dr. O’Toole is a retired FBI profiler and outlines all sorts of situations of concern. She details questions to ask and red flags to look for, whether you’re hiring someone to paint your house or trying to decide whether your child should spend the night at a friend’s. The book is endorsed by Ann Rule with this blurb: “This book will save many lives–including quite possibly your own. I recommend it highly to all of my family, friends, and readers.” I’m sure I’ll use insights in the book in character development in my writing, but I’ll also use it in real life. I...
Read Morecurrently reading
I’m on an early church reading kick right now. Currently I’m reading Man in White by Johnny Cash. It’s a novel inspired by the Apostle Paul. I’m enjoying it, but the forward about why Johnny chose to write about Paul is as interesting as the novel itself. That led me to thumbing through Johnny Cash’s autobiography Man in Black, an old copy that belonged to my grandmother. I’ve always respected Johnny Cash as an artist, but I also respect him as a follower of Christ, flawed and saved like all of us. Today’s sweet thought is imagining him in...
Read MoreBook recommendation
The book I’m finishing up right now is also about war, but it’s not a novel. It’s Love Our Vets, by Welby O’Brien. Every bit of it has been helpful. And not just in loving vets, but loving anyone who has experienced trauma. (Including oneself.)
Read MoreRecommended Veterans’ Day read
Ronie is a master storyteller, who weaves a compelling story, filled with strong characters, including an endearing dog, and twists and turns that kept me flipping the pages. Early in the story she hooked me and kept me reading until the very last word.
Read MoreTwo Mackinac Island novels
Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson have teamed up for a tour of the island, now and then. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries. The grand prize winner will be selected August 27, 2012. The night sky is breathtaking on Mackinac Island in...
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About Leslie
Some of my strongest memories from childhood include stories—and how those stories connected me to my family and friends. Read more...
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