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Month: July 2014

Hemingway Cats in Key West, Florida

The Old Man & the Polydactyl Cat Not only was Ernest Hemingway fond of cats, but his name has become synonymous with a particular feline genetic mutation, one that causes cats to have extra toes. While these polydactyl cats are not an actual breed, they are often referred to as, “Hemingway Cats,” in his honor. It all started down in Key West, where Ernest Hemingway lived in the 1930’s with his second wife, their kids and, rumor has it, a polydactyl Maine Coon named Snowball. The cat was given to him by a local sea captain. While it’s unclear how…

Arlington’s Lost Cemetery of Infants – A Surprisingly Cheery Tale

Lost Cemetery of Infants is in Paranormal Texas [The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Paranormal Texas – a travel guide to haunted places in North Texas that you can actually visit. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.] More photos here To see a 5-minute info-video I made to accompany this story (with even more photos) click below: While single mothers are common in today’s world, and it’s often an intentional life choice, back…

Azle, Texas: Where Chuck Norris Buys his Toys

The following is an adapted excerpt from my Amazon Best Seller: Unexpected Texas. Enjoy! Wild West Toys in Azle, Texas If you enjoy retro collectibles, Wild West Toys in Azle, Texas will knock your socks off. This funky shop is stocked with vintage playthings from the 1950’s and 60’s, as well as specialty sodas (sarsaparilla and the like), candies, turquoise jewelry, western-themed dishes, housewares, and play clothes for kids. Made in the USA Wild West Toys is also the only place in the USA to manufacture metal cap guns. They must be top notch, too, because even Chuck Norris owns…

Contests & Cover Reveal for Soul Prompts by Morgan Dragonwillow

Morgan Dragonwillow, Shadow Poet Morgan Dragonwillow is my good friend, writing partner, and all-around creative cheerleader. We constantly share tips, offer encouragement, and volley ideas back and forth. We even take turns listening patiently while the other needs to rant – since venting is an important part of the creative process, too! Wild Woman Waking Earlier this year, Morgan released Wild Woman Waking, which features my iPhone photography along with her poetry. While I’ve had a few photos printed in magazines, this was the first time any have been featured in a book. I know I’m biased, but I think…

IWSG: Where’s my Promo & Marketing Fairy?

IWSG Check-in IWSG stands for “Insecure Writers Support Group.” It’s a monthly check-in for writers of all stripes. Its creator, Alex J. Cavanaugh, describes ISWG like this: “Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!” – Alex J. Cavanaugh Promo & Marketing Fairy This past month my writing insecurity has fixated on the promo and marketing side of being an indie author. Not only do I…