Author Archives: admin
I Spy
Today, I discovered a new podcast – “I Spy” from Foreign Policy magazine. If you are intrigued by the intelligence business, especially by the clandestine cloak-and-dagger side of things, you will love this podcast. The episodes are narrated by the operatives who were there – the unsung heroes who worked in the shadows, fighting against … Continue reading
A Gentleman in Moscow
Amor Towles’ 2016 novel, A Gentleman in Moscow, is an exquisitely written tale about a Russian nobleman who finds himself on the wrong side of history after the 1917 Russian Revolution. When the new communist government declares Count Alexander Rostov an unrepentant aristocrat, he is sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest. Fortunately for the … Continue reading
A Great Start to 2019
I’ve been sitting on this news since Christmas Eve because I wanted to wait until the deal was sealed, which happened last night. I’m thrilled to announced that I have signed with literary agent Steven Hutson (WordWise Media). Many thanks to Elaine Ash, a superb editor, coach, and sounding board who whipped my spy thriller, THE WAYWARD SPY, … Continue reading
Chechen Terrorists Tied to ISIS
When I wrote my first two novels, Chechen terrorism consisted largely of attacks of Russian military, security, and political officials. Then came al-Qaeda, training and recruiting Chechens Islamists to wage jihad against western targets. In more recent years, Chechens have joined ISIS in Syria by the thousands. __________________________________________________________________________________________ ONE OF THE most heavily discussed groupings of … Continue reading
Liberty Island Magazine – Short Story Finalist!
Last week, I wrote my first (ever!) short story for Liberty Island Magazine’s “Non-Traditional Holiday Fiction Contest.” I just found out that I’m a finalist! When the story is published later this week, I’ll post the link. I never considered writing short stories until I found out about this contest. I knew immediately that I … Continue reading
Hunting Chechen Terrorists
From my second novel, Reluctant Martyr — Chechnya, as my main character experiences it during her pursuit of a Chechen terrorist. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In the distance, Maggie saw the faint outlines of a city. Soon, the Skoda was bouncing over gaping potholes at the outskirts of Grozny. Minutes later, they passed the first of innumerable abandoned … Continue reading
Time Flies
Time flies – it’s a tired cliche, but ain’t it the truth? There are moments when I can’t comprehend where it’s all gone. Did I nap through a decade of life? Am I so consumed by the minutiae of daily living that I forgot to notice how much the kids have grown? Last night, my … Continue reading
FAQs
FAQs Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? No, I didn’t. Most published authors say that they “always” knew they wanted to write. Not me. I knew I could write well, and I knew I had a very active imagination, but I never thought seriously about combining those two strengths into a … Continue reading