One morning about a year ago I was in my local supermarket buying bacon and eggs. It was Mother’s Day and, as a childfree woman, the one Sunday a year when I wouldn’t consider going out for breakfast (unless of course it was with my own mother, although that usually doesn’t happen since we live in different states). Brunch reservations on Mother’s Day are the domain of moms, and I wouldn’t dare compete for a table—a reservation at Gjelina is hard enough to get, even when it’s not a major…

It’s a strange feeling not having a living mama on Mother’s Day. I heard a preacher speak on the radio the other morning. He said to let your mother know how important she is to you if she is alive and if she’s gone on, cherish the memories.

The preacher went on to say that some mothers do not fit…

Fifteen years ago this week, I picked my eldest up from school. She arrived at my car sobbing, clutching what could only be a Mother’s Day art project, a gift wrapped with lots of construction paper, held together with even more scotch tape. When I asked her what was wrong, she explained between tears and hiccups that she only had time to make the one present. “But I have two mommies!” She whimpered. My heart broke into a million pieces. Gently, I took the gift from her hands and unwrapped…

In celebration of our national Irish holiday, I am giving away three original short stories at my website. 

These original stories are free until 12:00 midnight on March 17th. 

These contemporary tales all center around the topic of infidelity, Irish style.

The first story, "Wednesdays," is posted there now.

To follow: "La Belle Femme" and  

(just in time for…

Up in Kings River Life Magazine today we have a lot of St. Patrick's Day mystery fun & a lot of reviews & giveaways. We have a St. Patrick's Day mystery short story by C.A. Rowland http://kingsriverlife.com/03/09/the-crock-of-gold-a-st-patricks-day-mystery-short-story/

Some St. Patrick's Day mystery reading suggestions from Sharon Tucker…

As another St. Patrick's Day approaches, I've been thinking about the issue of identity and writing. As in, can we ever separate our national, ethnic, gender or other identities from our work and books? 

In my case, I question if it's a blessing or a curse to be labeled “an Irish writer.” Is there a set of reader expectations for a book that hails from the Emerald Isle?…

(I know this is a bit long for a blog post, but if you are married, or have been,  you just might enjoy the ride :) )

Valentine’s Day

I placed a hesitant hand on the smooth metal door handle of the Hallmark store and pulled it open to the sound of tinkling bells. Ruby hearts hanging from the door jamb brushed the top of my head as I stepped…

At some point in the relationship, every man I’ve ever gone out with has looked at me sadly and concluded “You aren’t very romantic, are you?”

I am not. I am loving and funny and loyal. But romance has never been my thing.

Hearts and flowers? Strolling hand-in-hand? Candle lit dinners for two?

No thanks.

Love at first sight? Not for me.

In contrast, the very first time my sister met her future husband, she knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life…

Things you’ll need: 

1. Medium sized post-its/heart-shaped post-its if available. 

2. Scissors.

3. A pencil. 

4. Ruler

5. Coloured pens (Optional, for decoration)

Valentine’s Day card 2 step 1: You need to create 2…

3 Unusual Romantic Day Trips that will Rekindle Your Marriage

More often than not, married couples eventually get stuck in a rut. Nobody wants to be in a marriage that lacks romance and intimacy. However, keeping the fire alive takes some effort and meticulous planning. Check out these unusual romantic day trips to rekindle the fire in your marriage:…

New issue of Kings River Life is up! We have a mystery short story by J.R. Lindermuth featuring a father in honor of Father's Day http://kingsriverlife.com/06/16/anything-a-fathers-mystery-short-story/

An interview with mystery/suspense author John Gilstrap-who also happens to be a father-a review of his latest book "Damage Control" & a chance to win a copy of the book…

During the Memorial Day Weekend I started wondering about all the men and women who had lost their lives in the eleven wars Americans have fought in. Each person who lost his, or her life was a unique individual. A person God created with a face, personality and soul like none other. Each fallen soldier was someone’s son, brother, dad, sister, wife or mother. They should not be a forgotten memory. They were real flesh and blood with the same wants and needs of you and me. The only…

For Memorial Day, I once again post this letter Dear Baby Brother from my blog. A friend lost her brother in Afghanistan. Please take the time to read and share.

I saw this photo on Facebook today.  And that made me think of ee cummings' poem, "I Carry Your Heart With Me."  It really is powerful when you believe in your dreams and weed out negativity.  I have been working on this.  And I have also been praying about it.…

Hello.  My name is Helen (Len) Leatherwood and I am delighted to be the guest editor on SheWrites this week.  We will be talking about the importance of daily writing,as well as explore the world of Flash Fiction and Flash Memoir this week.  I look forward to getting to know you SheWrites members.  Please feel free to participate with comments and writing exercises.  I'd love to hear from you!
…

To all of our mothers.  Thank you for your love~

A Mother's Silhouette

I awoke for a moment in late afternoon, the hospital room spare and efficient.   I looked over and saw my mother sitting with a rosary in her hand, a cool dark silhouette before a window fiercely illuminated by the hot desert sun.

“You don’t have to talk,” she said noticing I was stirring. “I’m just going to sit…

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than reflections from both sides of the mother-daughter coin via a new little e-book (available on Kindle/Kindle for iPad and Nook) + a little perspective on…