lisaepugh

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I Found the Perfect Quote for my Mood

I Found the Perfect Quote for my Mood

Spring will come again, people say. Yet I am heartsick. Nothing will happen when spring comes; That child will not come again.

Nakahara Chuuya, “Spring Will Come Again” Note: the poem was written after the death of Chuuya’s first son, Fumiya, in November 1936

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Before, After, Before

 From a loving mother to her MVP. I miss you, baby.

He is dead and gone lady. He is dead and gone. At his head a grass green turf. At his heels a stone — William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5

Before sunset, they found him. A small shape in a pond. They worked on him for ages, Hoping he would respond.

After sunset, they moved him To a new place of care. They tried their best to revive him. With…

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A Young Boy's Idea of Subtlety

A Young Boy’s Idea of Subtlety

My son is so funny sometimes.

As a mother, I can tell when my son’s really hurt. Sometimes he’s crying in protest, in frustration or just to see what happened. And sometimes, he’s more sneaky.

During one morning, he slipped on the carpeted floor. As he landed and dropped onto his back, he cried at the surprising position. Worried he might have twisted his ankle, I hurried over and knelt beside…

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Oh my lord...

Oh my lord…

Please note, most of the opinions of English legal practice are those of the writer, Mr. White. I do not agree with many of them, but it was easier to write it this way. My comments and emphases are in italics.

For my current story, I was looking for information on UK trial procedure, especially the way trials close. I’d heard some horror stories about the judge’s summing up being beyond…

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You Know You Write Historical Fiction When...

You Know You Write Historical Fiction When…

You know you’re a history fiction writer when:

You’re ecstatic to find out sniffling is from the 17th c. and “squib” was old enough for the book you’re writing!

Sorry about the long gap since last post. Where has the year gone?

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My First Book Fair

My First Book Fair

I finally got to go to my first book fair at the local library. It was fairly busy, and I got to talk about my book at my table and in front of the group.

My daughter came with me to provide help and moral support. She was very patient, all things considered.

Her are a couple pictures from the event, including Caitlin “photo-bombing”.

My first book fair

Caitlin photo-bombing

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"What did you most admire about your grandparents?"

“What did you most admire about your grandparents?”

One of my online groups, “Hearts Through History”, had this as a weekly topic. This is my entry.

My maternal grandpa was the best. Funny, clever and always ready to help.

He was an immigrant from Italy who left there old enough to remember bits about living there. He described the area around his home, and, when I later tracked down his village on the internet, it was exactly as he described it.…

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Swiss Gun Laws as I Understand Them.

Swiss Gun Laws as I Understand Them.

I’m writing a story set in Switzerland and have been looking into rules and customs to make it more accurate. I just came on some interesting facts.

Firstly, if you think this country is full of state’s-prerogative people, we don’t hold a candle to the cantons of Switzerland. A relatively small country (around 7.9 million), it has a lot more direct democracy and fairly reduced federal power. It’s…

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One of those, “you know you’re getting old when...” moments.

One of those, “you know you’re getting old when…” moments.

I recently had an epiphany. 1> I’m definitely getting older, and 2> being a parent really restricts your enjoyment of popular music. You start to see stalkers where you once saw admirers. You see pushy potential abusers where you once saw ardent and determined wooers.

Here’s an example of what I mean:

I was listening to “Rude”, a pop/reggae fusion song by Magic!It has a cool beat and a “I love…

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Things that strike you as funny...

Things that strike you as funny…

I’m sorry I’ve been incommunicado recently. Summer is a busy time in the Pugh, with the children at home all day. But I’m back at it, and hoping to get another book out this Fall or Winter.

Anyway, I’m currently working on two new books (including trying my hand at SF Romance) and a sequel to Unexpected Danger. Release dates TBA. I’ll have a sneak peek for my Swiss story and my sequel soon.

While…

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A Meeting with an Old Friend

A Meeting with an Old Friend

For the first time in probably a year, I bought a physical book – a real paperback. I purchased the book at a real bookstore, which I haven’t been to in even longer. My more recent real-book purchases have been at displays at grocery stores and Walmart.

I missed physical books terribly. They feel solid in my hands, are easy to access, and I just have to look up at the bookcase to see my options.…

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Sometimes the Writing Comes to You

Sometimes the Writing Comes to You

Even at my age, I have dreams about missing school deadlines. I’m sure a psychiatrist would say I’m feeling that things are out of control, or there are other deadlines I’m stressing about. She’d probably be right.

However, sometimes they are a godsend.

The other night, I had a dream about an unfinished school project. First, dream-me couldn’t think of what to do. When I get an idea, I work on it…

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When "Participation Trophies" Matter

When “Participation Trophies” Matter

Michael’s trophy

My son Michael is a special boy in more ways than one. He’s sharp as a tack and has ingenuity coming out of his pores–especially when it comes to finding a way around rules and obstacles (especially those we set up to protect him or the house). He’s also one of many children who require special services.

This year, my son participated in Little League Challenger Baseball. It’s…

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Irony, thy name is Disney's Animated "Robin Hood"

Irony, thy name is Disney’s Animated “Robin Hood”

Early this morning, I had the “Phony King of England” running through my head.

In it, Little John sings,

“Oh the world will sing of an English King thousand years from now And not because he passed some laws

Or had that lofty brow”

And it suddenly occurred to me, the only thing most people know about the real Prince John is a “law” he signed, “The Great Charter of the Liberties”. Okay, it…

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I did it! I won first place for Reader's Choice, Historical Romance in the Maine Romance Writer's Strut Your Stuff contest! Thank you everyone who voted for me!

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Meet “The Hound of the Pughs”, Watson! Night Owl Romance has a blog subject #pets. My entry launches May 17th. Come read Watson's Tale! The Hound of the Pughs

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Coming to Night Owl Romance…. My guest blog is posting to Night Owl Romance on May 17th.