A few months ago I wrote about some of my favourite research activities for characters in my books (Networking Among Characters - Part I), and where I collect different details and nuances about human behaviour. Hanging out in restaurants, cafes, malls or especially train stations are my top favourites, but none of this is possible... Continue Reading →
Write Now, Dream Later
Much as I fantasise about becoming a hermit and dedicating my days and the rest of my life to writing, there is no way this can be financially viable unless I strike gold around the next river bend! In any case, social distancing and lockdown are proving to be very good for introspection and re-assessment... Continue Reading →
Writer’s Block Under Lockdown
When you can't quit the day job just yet and dedicate yourself body and soul to writing, a writer will move heaven and earth to find time to write. Now that all the research is done for Sunset Shadows, I can finally hunker down and put all the pieces of the puzzle together. At first... Continue Reading →
To Search, Research and Re-search
The Search ©FrogDiva Photography As 2019 comes to a close and look back on the year and decade that was, I have a lot to be grateful for as a writer. What began as a more sophisticated journal that transformed into a blog and eventually became the source material for books, and inspiration for more.... Continue Reading →
Missing my co-writer
As many of you know, my dearest feline companion Champagne crossed the rainbow bridge last November. She has left a huge vacuum in my life both as my constant shadow and co-writer. She sat patiently with me through the long nights while I wrote or researched, regardless of whether it was a book, blog, translation,... Continue Reading →
Long-term goal: digital nomad
Let's face it, unless you have broken into the mass market and are selling books by the thousands, every writer has to keep a day job. This is the tragic reality that I face, with stacks of bills staring back at me from my desk. There is nothing I desire more than to simply have... Continue Reading →
Magical Mornings
River silence ©FrogDiva Photography With the current heatwave cutting across Europe, sleeping in the usual place becomes a challenge. I follow the example of my cats and seek out the coolest and most comfortable place to sleep (and rest), in the hope that my body will follow the suggestion. The conservatory has become my preferred... Continue Reading →
No Such Thing As Overnight Miracles
Yin and Yang ©FrogDiva Photography My father-in-law, may he rest in peace, always cautioned against people who promised overnight wealth and instant success. Such grandiose empty promises will blow up in your face sooner or later, and he was right. Similarly, in the Philippines there is an expression "Ningas-Kugon" which aptly describes the process of... Continue Reading →
Wings, Shadows, and Chains 