Four Ways Writing a Novel is Different than Reading One
One of my favorite collaborative efforts. Steel and heather. Alfter, Germany. ©Laurel Decher, 2018. Reading is a collaborative and creative activity. The reader is in partnership with the writer, and they create an experience together. Writers are told to read, read, read. . .to improve their writing. Good advice. 🙂 But I’ve recently noticed four […]
Things keep falling down. . .and then the harvest comes.
In January, we had heavy winds for this area. They were impressive, but I think winds are much stronger in other, drier parts of the world. The trees here don’t seem to have deep roots, considering their size. It rains constantly. Trees don’t have to work for water, growing down deep to find it during […]
One Dollar Glasses
The other day, I got my first pair of reading glasses. All of a sudden, reading, computers, knitting–even the fine print at the store–is SO much clearer. I’ve had regular glasses since the third grade, so you’d think I wouldn’t be surprised, but it’s easy to forget how much difference a new pair of glasses […]
Join me over at SCBWI Germany + Austria: I’m blogging about doodling
My doodle for the SCBWI Europolitan Conference in Belgium. ©Laurel Decher, 2017. Hanging out with all of the illustrators at the 2017 SCBWI Europolitan Conference in Belgium must have rubbed off on me. I created the doodle above on the train ride home. Just what I needed, a quick way to ‘revisit’ the conference in […]
Olives and Antifreeze ALWAYS come in Two Colors except when They Don’t.
Is your #expatfamily cranky? Heroes in every story get worn out. Sometimes the right story gives them the strength to get up and go again . . .
Maybe you need Giant Trouble . . .
#jackandthebeanstalk #boypeacemaker #chapatis #comicstripartist #bookworm
10 MORE Great Books for the Young Readers (9-12 yrs) on Your List
Need book recommendations for the 9 to 12 year old readers on your gift list? Here are the 10 books for this age group I really, really enjoyed in 2017. This list has heartwarming adventure stories about orphans, the Middle Ages, life in the theater, and adventures at sea. Quite a few of these will […]
If we start now, can we IMAGINE a really wonderful, peaceful 2018?
Imaginations are powerful, how are we using ours? Note: I originally wrote this post in 2017, but it feels just as relevant to me now. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if we are spending our imaginations in the wrong direction. My husband suggested that it was about time for […]
Serious about Writing a Series?
This handy infographic will help you sketch out your next series in no time. Points to techniques from experienced and generous authors: Mary Robinette Kowal, Robin Stevens, Susan Kaye Quinn, Writing Excuses podcast, Rachel Aaron, and literary super-agent, Gemma Cooper. With this all-star cast of online mentors, you’ll be raring to write.
Beauty and an Escape from Death
Note: This post was written in 2017, but it’s always a good reminder for me. Hopefully, it will help someone else. People look beautiful and shiny to me just now. When I look at families pushing baby strollers or see young couples deciding how to spend their money in the grocery store, or older couples […]
4 Things Trappist Monks know about Safe Spaces for Creativity
Abbey Mariawald, the only existing Trappist monastery in Germany. Founded 1470 A.D. Heimbach, Germany. ©Laurel Decher, 2017. Safe spaces to create art Lately, I’ve been thinking about safe spaces to create art. On the weekend, we visited Abbey Mariawald, famous for its split-pea soup. Judging from the number of motorcyclists, families, and hikers, they’ve hit […]
Life’s soundtrack should be big: Rossini Opera Festival makes a splash
The Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, Italy was over the top! I love watching live orchestras and this one had 5 string basses. 🙂 And the audience was as fun to watch as the opera! I didn’t expect a fashion event. Of course people are well dressed at a fancy cultural event, but there was so […]
Basic Garden Vocabulary in German and a side-trip to Mexican Oregano
Vegetable garden overtaken by poppies, nasturitiums, cosmos and zucchini plants Clearly this garden needs tools and more plants. 🙂 I’ve never grown vegetables in Germany–until this year. That means I need lots of new words! If you’re considering gardening in Germany, maybe this list will help you out. Or provide you with a little entertainment. […]