Recommended Reading Recently I went back to my shelves to rediscover some feel-good favorites. It was like reuniting with old friends. A few of those special titles included Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts and Jan Karon’s Mitford series. All of their books are gentle on the soul, providing reminders that the world still offers...Read More
Recommended Reading Every year I re-read certain books, all stories I first encountered and adored as a kid, and which have probably all influenced my writing in certain ways. Like many people, I fell in love with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice early on, and there’s a deliciousness to the language...Read More
Recommended Reading “Hey, we gotta get OFF this planet.” If that sentiment feels very #2020 to you, then you’re not alone. Though I write romance professionally, I love me some science fiction, and I absolutely adored the The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series (by Douglas Adams) when I was young. Happily, the books are still...Read More
Recommended Reading I shiver, remembering the opening line of the first of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne’s mysteries (In the Bleak Midwinter): “It was a helluva night to throw away a baby.” Bone-chilling cold and the lakes and forests of the Adirondacks are the backdrop. The story was a riveting page turner, a mystery...Read More
Recommended Reading Though I write mostly beverage and food-related cookbooks and culinary nonfiction, in my heart of hearts, I’m a Star Wars nerd. I’ve loved sci-fi and fantasy ever since I was a little girl, tearing through The Wizard of Oz series (and yes, it’s a series, not just one book with one movie...Read More
Recommended Reading It’s always safe inside a story, and no place more magical than inside Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. I am a devoted thriller reader, but this magical realism, gorgeously set in a turn-of-the-century New York, manages to be so rapturously well-written, and so philosophically intriguing, so full of love and passion and...Read More
26 May 2020 Dear Readers, Just as the pandemic hit, I ran around the public library (actually 3 public libraries), frantically collecting books. I lugged 5 or 6 bags of books to my car and put them on shelves in my office. Knowing I had a book deadline coming up, I wanted to...Read More
28 January 2020 Note From Rochelle Dear Writers, How are you doing with your resolutions? If you’re procrastinating—and who isn’t?—you might find help at my workshop: Procrastination Proof Your Writing Life. I will be teaching it again in Monday, February 3 at 5:00 PM CT. And here’s the exciting bit:...Read More
December 24, 2019 Note From Rochelle Dear Writers, As I come to the end of another year, I am grateful for you. Thank you for being loyal followers. I’m out of the office starting today through January 5. I am looking forward to reading, writing and hanging out with my family. Today’s tip gathers...Read More
June 19, 2018 Note From Rochelle Dear Readers, We had an artsy weekend at my house. We went to a book signing, wandered around an art festival and took in a concert. Each event elevated my mood and inspired me to work on my own writing. Although I’m a firm believer...Read More
