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Hello! You’ll find posts here for readers, writers, and anyone interested in life. Check out the categories to the right for your favorite topics, or just start browsing. Sometimes I throw in a recipe or a poem, share my writer’s life, or tell you how I came up with one of your favorite characters. I’ll announce contests and share pics from events. Sometimes I delve into how to handle tough political, social or religious topics in your own books if you’re a writer, or share what I learn about the ever-evolving world of publishing. Whatever the topic, I promise to do my best not to waste your time. There’s enough clutter online without my adding to it.
I love to hear from readers, so feel free to comment on any post or write to me directly through the Contact page.
What is Your Spirit Animal?
YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL IS PROBABLY AN EAGLE, WOLF, OR DOLPHIN, but when I saw this guy's mug, I knew he was the one for me. And I like the name. Emu. A bit odd, scary and funny at the same time. I'd love to have him by my side in a bar fight. If I ever went into a bar...
Creating Freely During Cancel Culture
CREATING CHARACTERS is one of my favorite things to do, particularly the eclectic minor characters that people Logan's world. What would Logan's hometown of Jasper be without Tava'e, the massive Samoan chess queen, or Iona Slatterly of the spray on jeans and neon...
Savory Stuffed Peppers
I DOUBLE THE RECIPE for these and freeze half of them for those nights when the 'Logan Light' is on later than I intend. Sometimes its 6:00 by the time I look up from my keyboard and nothing's ready for dinner. Having these on hand is a lifesaver. A salad and some...
Go-To Potato Leek Soup
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE AROMA OF HOT SOUP bubbling on the stove. Add this easy-to-make, delicious potato soup to your recipe box. It is one of our winter favorites! Easily adaptable, you can doctor it up with bacon and extra sour cream, or make it vegetarian, even...
How Much Water???
IF YOUR NEW YEAR'S GOAL HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH HEALTH you probably know you need to drink more water. But how much? For a 175-lb woman, that means about 117 oz or ~15 cups of water per day. More if you're going to be very active. Yikes! Half of your coffee or tea...
My Secret Weapon!
NEW YEAR'S DAY IS BEACH DAY! I'm not sure when I started this tradition, but for years now when Jan 1 rolls around, I don comfortable layers and good walking shoes, load up a small backpack with essential supplies, then tuck myself into my car and drive to the nearest...
New Year’s Black Eyed Peas
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT NEW YEARS DAY is enjoying a warm, delicious bowl of Southern Black Eyed Peas. Serve it with cornbread & greens and you're off to a prosperous New Year! There are many versions, start with this basic one and add ingredients you and your...
Writing Fuel
COOKING KEEPS ME OUT OF TROUBLE when I'm not dreaming up trouble for Logan to get into. With Fall and Winter in the air, I was craving baked apples. The best variety of apple for this is a Rome Beauty, but you can't find them in the grocery stores anymore. Apparently,...
I AM THANKFUL FOR everyone from my editor and designer to you, the readers, who keep Logan's adventures coming! Taking a break to enjoy family, friends, and of course, the Thanksgiving Feast! Hope you are doing the same. Back at my writing desk next week!
Who Knew?
THE THING ABOUT RESEARCH is the unexpected tidbit you learn along the way. Take my recent trip to the Cascade Raptor Center in Eugene, OR while researching a storyline for Book 8. The Executive Director, Louise Shimmel, arranged for me to spend time with several...
About Valerie
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow. A life of travel with exposure to many different cultures led to a pervasive interest in people, with degrees & teaching credentials in Cultural Anthropology & English. Logan McKenna Series
