4 points to consider before you join that Facebook group

posted in: On writing | 6

Since Facebook became a paying concern, author Facebook pages have become (in my opinion) pretty much a waste of time. Here’s my take on that issue. However, that doesn’t mean Facebook is a waste of time. Increasingly, as Facebook’s ever-changing … Continued

You can’t be too careful with that precious first page

posted in: On writing | 2

Authors, you can’t be too careful when crafting that precious first page for your tour de force. This is a case study. Since he retired, my husband has read a lot of books. He tends to like crime, thrillers, mystery … Continued

Should content warnings be standard on books?

posted in: On writing | 9

The subject of ‘trigger warnings’ has come up for heated discussion among my circles of friends. For those of you who have just emerged from under a rock, “Colleges across the country this spring have been wrestling with student requests … Continued

7 sure-fire ways to make me leave your website – in seconds

posted in: Other | 14

I really, really have to wonder about some website developers. Do they ever test anything on real people? This is going to be my list of gripes, but when I mention these cases (especially the last one) to others, I … Continued

A pox on both your houses

posted in: Life and things | 9

I haven’t had a rant for a while. Let me tell you, readers, the time has come. (Takes deep breath) Rant/ What is it with Apple and Microsoft? Why do they find it necessary to change a perfectly functional user … Continued

Let’s take a short cut

posted in: Science fiction | 11

More from Kuralon Rescue. Siena and Jirra have made it to Crossmar, where they’re going to have the ship repaired and pick up some much-needed supplies. ********************************* “This is wrong, isn’t it?” Siena said. Jirra nodded. “These look like warehouses. … Continued

Sexism is alive and well in SF art

posted in: Science fiction | 6

I’ve just been amusing myself looking for pictures of female science fiction characters which may be appropriate for the cover of my new book (Kuralon Rescue, out soon at an online venue near you). And let me tell you, sexism … Continued

Is Pelsaert’s journal an accurate account of the Batavia shipwreck?

posted in: History | 1

Many ships have been wrecked over the centuries. Most of their names became nothing more than ciphers in the ocean of history. But the wreck of the Dutch East Indies merchantman Batavia on remote islands off the coast of Australia … Continued