-
California Delta Part 2: Mossdale Crossing Regional Park
Last week we visited Paradise Cut, a section of the California Delta outside my hometown of Tracy. This week we’ll move a few miles east to Mossdale Crossing Regional Park, which sits next to I5 on the way from Tracy to Stockton. Only a few pictures this time, because a) it was cold and windy, and b) the park is small. The boat ramp is the big attraction, but a) I don’t own a boat, and b) the river was running high and fast, which should make sensible people think twice about boating. For me, the attractions were the river and the old bridges. But before we get to those:…
-
California Delta Part 1: Paradise Cut (+Books! and Memes!)
Today I’m going to take you on a visit to one of my favorite places in the world–and the setting for my novel-in-progress, Delta Dawn–the California Delta. Well, I’m going to take you to one tiny piece of it, Paradise Cut outside my hometown of Tracy, California. We’ll also talk books, and I have the usual batch of meme-y hilarity. But first: Welcome to the Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer and the What’s On Your Bookshelf Challenge, hosted by Sue, Donna, Jo and Deb. Grab a treat, have a seat, and let’s get to it. When most non-Californians think of the state, they think of Hollywood, San Francisco, Silicon Valley–movie stars and…
-
2023 is off to a weird start
I had lots of plans for Winter Break and the start of 2023. Travel! New look for the blog! Lots of progress on my writing! Late brunches and desert hikes and lots of lounging in my PJs. Well… some of that happened. Long-Suffering Husband and I drove to Vegas right after Christmas (he won, I didn’t–as usual). I worked on the Blog Refresh from Hell that I started last Winter Break. I flew to Sacramento, drove to my hometown, hung out with friends, visited some places near and dear to me. Flew home ready to finish up the website refresh, work on my novel, and have those late brunches and…
-
Holiday horror short story published in Deathlehem anthology!
“The Fine Print,” my newest horror short story, is published in ‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas in Deathlehem, the 2022 holiday horror anthology from Grinning Skull Press! What’s it about? Thanks for asking! In the year since his daughter died on Christmas morning, Josh Fogarty has barely held himself together. As he weeps at her grave on Christmas Eve, a stranger offers him a sympathetic ear–and a tantalizing deal. It’s available in print or Kindle formats from Amazon. Grab a copy and ring in the new year with a good scare (or several). As with previous Deathlehem anthologies, proceeds support the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. And while you’re there,…
-
Check out my award-winning mystery story, “Walk Me Home”
I have an award-winning mystery short story! My story, “Walk Me Home,” won the 2022 Jim Martin Memorial Short Story Contest from Arizona Mystery Writers. SQUEEEEEE!!! Hey, I did warn you of incoming SQUEEEEE-laden announcements. What’s the story about? Thanks for asking! Rachel, a nerdy, socially awkward college freshman, wants Robert. And tonight she just might get him.
-
Writing news and the monthly book post
I have writing news! And I read some books! And it’s cold in Tucson! C’mon, at least pretend you’re excited. My delicate writer’s ego bruises easier than an overripe heirloom tomato. And if you humor me, you get memes. OK, fine, you get memes anyway. Let’s get this party started before I make a bigger idiot of myself. Welcome to the Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer, and the What’s On Your Bookshelf Challenge, hosted by Sue, Donna, Jo and Deb. Grab a treat, have a seat, and let’s get to it.
-
A visit to Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson, Arizona
This week I’ll take you on a tour of Sweetwater Wetlands, another place here in Tucson that a) has actual water, and b) is not a swimming pool or a water hazard on a golf course. Last week we toured Sabino Canyon, so apparently it’s Water in the Desert Month here in my demented corner of the interwebs. I’ll also have the usual hot, fresh, batch of memes, but otherwise this post will be short, because I’m trying to get serious about completing the Novel Revision from Hell. After spending at least a year and being not even halfway done, I’m starting to understand why authors drink. I do have…
-
Are holidays for rest or productivity?
I’ve spent the last few days on holiday planning. I’m an academic, and my university shuts down from just before Christmas till just after New Years, giving me ~10 days off during which I don’t have to monitor email or think about work in any way. I don’t have much family, so I don’t have holiday houseguests, and I’m not expected to travel anywhere. Yet I manage to stress about Winter Break every year. Why? Because overthinking is one of my superpowers (the others are being so lazy my FitBit thinks I’m dead and eating my body weight in Extra Toasty Cheez-Its). Before we get to my overthinking of Winter…
-
Fall Color in Sabino Canyon
One of the best things about having a friend come to visit (besides, you know, enjoying the friend’s company) is the excuse to play tourist in your own city. My friend Arlene visited for a few days, during which we: I’m happy to report that we’re both now in excellent physical condition and have solved all the world’s problems. Hahahahahaha. Right. I’m actually happy to report that my pants still fit and my voice, legs, and hips still work. I’m calling that a win. Another win? Getting to see actual fall color and actual water, both of which are rarities in my adopted desert home. But before we get to…
-
My Christmas horror story will be published!
My new Christmas horror story, “The Fine Print,” will be published in the 2022 Deathlehem holiday horror anthology! Actual footage of me seeing the acceptance hitting my inbox: I signed the contract this morning and am now basking in the warm glow of external validation. Also basking in the warm glow of a stomach full of pumpkin pie. Mmmmm… Now I need a nap. But before I take one: Welcome to the Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer! Grab a slab of pumpkin pie and let’s chat!
Janet Alcorn
Suspense | Horror | Romance
