January Reads

Published on February 1, 2016February 1, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

One of my friends (Marie, looking at you) keeps a book log every year. I used to keep one all the time and I’m going to keep track this year. I don’t promise to make long commentary about all of them, but will add a word or two about each one so you can tell […]

Winter Light

Published on January 30, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

Birches in Winter by Mayfield Parrish, from Flickr Creative Commons. One of my goals as I get back to blogging is to celebrate beauty in as many forms as I can. Books, food, animals, writing, love. And paintings. This one is by Mayfield Parrish. He’s a favorite of mine because of the way he used light […]

Rave Review

Published on January 26, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

This kind of review is why writers stick with it. Thanks, Puppitypup. from Amazon 5.0 out of 5 starsFiction/Romance – So Much Deeper than I Expected By puppitypup The Lost Recipe for Happiness. I was blown away by this novel. Somehow I was expecting lighthearted, chick-lit fluff. What I got was story that broke my […]

Flexibility and Growth as an Artist

Published on January 20, 2016January 20, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

I am a fan of Gretchen Rubin, whose books on happiness and habits offer a lot of insight into how we can live the best life for ourselves. (She doesn’t get the Rebel personality, but I forgive her for that.) This morning, her Facebook post let me to this blog: The Dangers of Typecasting As […]

Intimacy and Privacy in a Public Age

Published on January 11, 2016January 17, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

Lately, I’ve been reading the diaries of Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn to help create an authentic world for the Restoration drama I’m working on for Serial Box. (It is so much fun! You’re going to love this series!) Reading the diaries makes me aware of my own diary habit. I’ve been keeping a journal […]

Being Still

Published on January 4, 2016January 4, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

The first Monday of the new year, and once again, I am not home. This is the fourth January in a row that I have not been home. This year, I am in San Antonio, awaiting the birth of my second grandchild who is in no rush at all, though everyone else is. Her sister […]

New faces

Published on January 4, 2016January 20, 2016 by Barbara Samuel

We’ve been working on new webpages, my friends. This one was given a facelift some time ago. Now we have two new ones to show off, all shiny clean and new: http://www.barbaraoneal.com/ http://www.barbarasamuel.com/ http://www.barbarasamuel.com/ Next week I’ll give you a peek at the new Lark O’Neal.

The Quiet Middle Week

Published on December 28, 2015December 29, 2015 by Barbara Samuel

Here it is, that week between Christmas and New Year. This is when many businesses are shut down or only operating on half-staff. There’s nothing much to take care of, all the shopping is done. As a girl, out of school and often stuck inside because of snow and cold, I would read and read […]

Saying No to Say Yes

Published on November 25, 2015December 29, 2015 by Barbara Samuel

Ah, I’ve been in my writing cave again and haven’t been blogging here at A Writer Afoot. I do keep trying! Meanwhile, I have my regular monthly gig at Writer Unboxed, the 4th Wednesday of the month. This is November’s column: India is on my mind this morning. Forgive me for dreaming a little of […]

The Magic Figs

Published on September 29, 2015December 29, 2015 by Barbara Samuel

I absolutely adore figs. I don’t think I’d ever eaten one until I was an adult, and it was the most delightful revelation, all that sweetness and texture and flavor–oh! They don’t travel particularly well, so the only times to eat them are the short seasons in late spring and early fall when they are […]