My universe is constantly expanding.

There seems to be a stereotype that writers can only work in one genre for one audience, forever. We are amazed when a mystery writer attempts a foray into action-adventure. We applaud when Nora Roberts takes on the futuristic police procedural as J.D. Robb.

And one never, never crosses over from fiction to non-fiction.

Frankly, I don't do well with rules. I started off with non-fiction writing until I was hijacked by my wonderful Valerie, Lance, and John for Dracula's Secret. Sophia is running amok in my brain in Sister of God. But my passion for history is not letting me go.

There aren't a lot of American women who study Middle Eastern history. As a Western feminist who is familiar with various cultural mores, I have insight into the forces that create the image of Islam that Americans struggle with. I have things to say about how events in the 1600s still effect what everyone experiences now. As a fiction writer, I can say them in an interesting and vibrant way.

Someday, I'm sure I'll need to create a second blog for my history work and how that is going. I don't think many publishers want the author of a popular history posing in a cocktail dress with a wine glass. After all, serious writer r serious, you know. *makes serious face*

Of course, the field just might need an author who wears rhinestones. It certainly would make book talks more interesting....

I can't give up my beautiful boys and girls who search for love and passion while saving the world. I'm going to write them until I die. :)

I'm just going to add more excitement into my life. This is going to be fun!

Where the hell have you been? Part Two

The international news has been so very horrifying lately that I've had to turn inward. I had to find the place inside of me that knows that nothing lasts forever. Out of terror and fear, beauty and hope will always rise again.


I keep a picture of Winged Victory (Nike of Samothrace) by my desk as reminder.

I have found new inspiration.

Why, hello there, Guilherme Marchi, professional bull rider from Argentina!

Where the hell have you been?

I've had the marvelous Miss B as a guest this past week, and well....I certainly wasn't up for blogging. We were too busy roaming the Pacific Northwest in search of delicious pastry, excellent shopping, waterfalls, and bonding time.

And here's a picture of one place we went:

Voodoo Donuts' Cock and Balls Donut

These things are huge. And tasty.

Now for something completely different...

Belly Dance Flash Mob!!!

Location, location, location

I've started a brand new book. Tentatively titled Sister of God, the story takes place all over the Northern Hemisphere. The story starts in Seattle, moves to Las Vegas, then to Glastonbury, England, Paris, France, Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul.

The next few posts are going to discuss each of these locations and how I'm doing research to make sure I can bring each city to life.

As a teaser, here is an image of Doheny Street Synagogue in Budapest. This is one of the places my intrepid heroine and hero must go to prevent the end of the world.

This is going to be a fun ride!