There’s a new book out that suggests where William Shakespeare may have gotten not only inspiration but also settings, themes, and specific wording for eleven of his most famous plays. Researcher Dennis McCarthy used plagiarism software to detect similarities between Shakespeare’s plays and an unpublished manuscript of the time. It’s an intriguing technique that unearths … More She Didn’t Like Flying, But Then…
Valentine’s Day starts us thinking about romantic gestures–gestures to make, gestures we might receive. So I find it a little interesting that Emilie Loring’s books say nothing at all about Valentine’s Day. In fact, she mentions very few holidays or traditional celebrations. We know how she might have observed Thanksgiving and Christmas, but she leaves … More Romance: A First, Hopeful Sign
Do you know about Wunderkammern, Cabinets of Wonder? Earliest examples were mini-museums for natural history objects–shells, bones, rocks, leaves, feathers. They could hold anything about which one was curious–hence, their other names, “Cabinets of Curiosities,” or “curio cabinets.” I like “cabinet of wonder” better; “curiosity” can mean “odd or strange” and “curios” can descend to … More A Writer’s Cabinet of Wonder
It’s a dream of mine to have a library. I would have shelves on three walls, some open and some with glass doors. The fourth wall would have a big, beautiful window overlooking something lovely, with a comfortable desk and chair facing outward to capture the view. In the center of the room, I’d have … More Our Selves in our Libraries
Since I started this blog and began to receive your comments, I’ve wondered, what is it about age ten that starts so many girls on Emilie Loring? “My mom got me hooked on Emilie Lorings- giving me my first when I was 10.” Katie “I began reading Emilie Loring around the age of 10, and … More The Next Thing When You Are Ten
Outside, the air is frigid, but sunshine streams in at the window, spurring thoughts of the new year ahead. This is the traditional time to make resolutions, set a course for the coming days. I like to do that, but I’m looking at mine differently this year. When I first sat down to think about … More New Year, New Ideas
Our Christmas tree is decorated, lights are up outside, and most of our presents are under the tree, waiting for Christmas morning. I’ll do a little more wrapping today, and Santa will bring his gifts after we go to bed on Christmas Eve. I enjoy gift-giving. I like to think about people I care about … More From Me to You: Gifts from Her Pen
