actually writing blog: what the author's talking about when she talks about prompts
2026-08-05 17:47 MDT
I have, of late, and possibly belatedly, become aware that "prompt" is a word with multiple meanings, even in the context of writing. Or, indeed, "writing." Since I often talk about writing from prompts, I want to be extremely clear about what I mean. I . . . .
actually writing blog: in which the summer harvest multiplies and the author copes deliciously
2026-08-04 19:04 MDT
I swear I'm trying to get more regular with my blogging and but so anyway HOW ABOUT A RECIPE FOOD THING I call it... Shakshoukatouille! Ingredients Half a quite large yellow onion, or one if yours are reasonably sized Several cloves of garlic A couple . . . .
actually writing blog: The State of the Friday Fictionette Project, ed. June 2026
2026-07-14 20:35 MDT
Hello the blog! How abouts we do a little Friday Fictionette round-up? I haven't done one of these for a long while, what with being perpetually behind schedule and kind of ashamed about it, but hey! No time like the present to start things up again. I've . . . .
actually writing blog: Portland, OR. The NW Portland Hostel.
2026-04-30 17:40 MDT
Welp, here I am! At the end of my 2-day drive, and checked in at the hostel. It's tempting to just settle in here, hang out all evening in their Commons or their Cafe - but I mean to head over to wander the Northwest District just as soon as I've figured o . . . .
actually writing blog: Pendleton, OR. Arrowhead Travel Plaza.
2026-04-30 11:24 MDT
I was right about La Grande being the next planned charging stop. However, shortly after I began driving, ABRP offered a route that was "7 minutes faster." I thought, sure, why not, and tapped START DRIVING. The new route had me bypass La Grande and head r . . . .
actually writing blog: Nampa ID, the Starbucks at 6th and Northside
2026-04-30 07:40 MDT
Good morning. I am in Idaho. Spent the night at a rest stop because getting a hotel room just seemed like a lot of work. Woke up around 5:30 when the birds started mouthing off. Watched the moon set orange over a different collection of mountains than I'm . . . .
actually writing blog: Salt Lake City UT, a Target on 300 W
2026-04-29 16:30 MDT
Excuse me. Coalville, not Coalton. And I wound up skipping it entirely. It turns out, if you keep charging your vehicle to, like, 80% or 90% despite ABRP telling you that 65-70% will be fine, eventually it decides you don't need one of the originally plann . . . .
actually writing blog: Rock Springs WY, Kroger Smiths 182
2026-04-29 13:26 MDT
Self-check assistant: "Would you like me to get your your bag credits?" Me: "Oh, thank you... I only have the one bag, though." Self-check assitsant: "Eh, I'll give you extra. I feel like I always miss you when you're here." Me: bites tongue and stares in . . . .
actually writing blog: Rawlins, WY, Pilot Flying J, Johnson Road
2026-04-29 11:07 MDT
Just kidding, last stop wasn't Fort Collins - it was just outside Cheyenne. It sure seemed to take longer to get there after passing Loveland than Fort Collins should have. Wyoming is famously the place with the great big sky. It's also got a bunch of rea . . . .
actually writing blog: Fort Collins, CO. Pilot Flying J, College Avenue
2026-04-29 08:24 MDT
I've reached the age where grocery stores and truck stops cater to my generation. The sound system was playing Laura Brannigan's hit single "Gloria," and the TV in the lobby by the showers and laundry was playing an episode of The A Team on BBC America. I . . . .
At left: An outdated photo of the author.
At right: Some of the author's recent thoughts.
Below: Some of the author's recently published works.
Email contact: "me" at [this domain]
or I guess @ me on Twitter