Two top books to read while under quarantine
For most of us, life has taken a radical turn in recent months. As a writer, I’m pretty reclusive anyway, but now it’s extreme. I haven’t left the house since February except to walk or jog in the neighborhood and surrounding hills. My husband still goes out to work one day a week, so he […]
Food, shelter, and social proof
As humans, in order to survive, we need a few essential items—like water and nutrients, clothing and shelter, and some kind of social support system, usually made up of friends, family, and community. As a writer, I have similar needs. I thrive on ideas, creativity, and readers who validate my efforts. But in today’s marketplace […]
I promise to mystify, fascinate, and entertain
As a reader, when you open a book, you have certain expectations. You’re in a sort of agreement with the writer. Your part is to give the book a fair try, suspend disbelief where reasonable, and enter in with the intention of enjoying the book. The writer’s part is to fulfill the promise they made […]
Obstacles and complications…you gotta love ‘em
Whenever I’m up to my ears in knotty problems and difficulties, my children like to remind me that’s the way I’d write it. We all want smooth sailing in our day to day living, but when it comes to story, we demand conflict. Without it, there simply is no story. At its core, story is […]
What I did on my summer vacation
I remember how, when September rolled around and it was back to school, the teacher always gave a writing assignment on the topic of how we spent our summer vacation. It seems I’m feeling nostalgic, because I want to share the highlights of my late summer trip with you. In a recent email to my […]
Hooked on a story
As readers, we’re each a little different, searching for a unique set of dynamics that creates our perfect read. That said, there are common factors that tend to hook us and pull us deep into a story, and it’s a subject I find fascinating. Today, I’m taking a look at some of those elements that […]
The multi-faceted benefits of a good book
I’m guessing I don’t need to convince you that reading is a very good thing. You know that already, but perhaps it won’t go amiss for me to examine some of the top reasons why diving into a good book is a fabulous use of your time. If you haven’t watched my short video about […]
The spark that lights the torch
Probably the question authors hear most from inquisitive readers is, “Where do you get your ideas?” And of course the quantity and variety of answers rivals the stars in the sky—the possibilities are endless. I write suspense fiction—mysteries, thrillers, capers, heists, and so on—which almost always involve a crime of some kind. May I suggest […]
Spring has put me in a rhyming mood
It’s Spring, and Spring has truly sprung Don’t believe me? Ask my lungs Their wheeze and gasp is problematic It doesn’t pay to be asthmatic And yet, my lack of air must not Unseat me from my writing spot I’ve words to craft and tales to tell And so, my friends, I’ll bear it […]
We are all connected
I attended a lovely memorial service last Sunday for a friend who recently passed away. It was marvelous to hear friends and family share memories of how this man had touched their lives. The room was spread with wonderful photographs, keepsakes, and items of significance that stood as a record, in part, of a life […]
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Hi! I'm Joslyn Chase and I've set off on an adventure to capture and share my stories and use the power of Story to enrich my life, and yours. Join me! Learn More...
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