Author Archives: Betsy

Finding Forgiveness

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Betsy

We are given many reasons to forgive those who have wronged us. Advocates may cite scripture, Karma, personal health, psychology, or family unity. Forgiveness is not easy — sometimes it can take a lifetime to be able to accomplish that … Continue reading →

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Get Your Scare On (Monster Fest 2013 panel on Writing Horror)

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Betsy

Rough History of Horror Fiction H.P. Lovecraft’s most famous quote about the genre is that: “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” The first horror … Continue reading →

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Blood in Southern Waters (Capclave 2013: why set vampire stories in the South?)

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Betsy

I don’t usually write vampire stores, but I set my urban fantasy stories in the South — New Orleans (NOLA) specifically, for several reasons — so I can see why it would be a top choice for setting a vampire … Continue reading →

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Yurt Talk Part 2: Anthology workshop

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Betsy

This is a workshop I was invited to give to the Carroll County chapter of the Maryland Writers Association. Several of the members participated in an anthology I produced in 2012: That One Left Shoe. They are now ready to … Continue reading →

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Yurt Talk Part 1: Tips for Writers

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Betsy

This post is an overview of an invited talk I gave to the Carroll County Chapter of the Maryland Writers Association, April 2014, in the Yurt at Piney Run Park. The invitation asked me to describe how I do what … Continue reading →

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A-Z exercise: Eat It!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Betsy

This piece was the result of a challenge to write a short story of 26 sentences, starting with the letters of the alphabet, in order. It was fun. All the muffin needed to taste perfect was a swipe of butter. … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Philosophy of Life | 1 Comment

Artist Tools Panel: Balticon 2013

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Betsy

This is the first in a series of outlines/summaries of panel discussions I have participated in at various SFF (Scifi/Fantasy) conventions (cons). While not capturing the entire discussion, they are representative outlines of panel topics in my portfolio (for future … Continue reading →

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My First Rifle

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Betsy

for his fifth birthday, Davey got a Cricket rifle, single shot though it was loaded by mistake a single shot is all it takes the present was so gaily wrapped no sign how badly judgement snapped to make and sell … Continue reading →

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No Pizza for Me

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Betsy

I’m allergic to the sauce and to Italian cheeses so growing up (and later) we made our own mock pizzas Crescent rolls spread flat were topped off with velveeta I must say they went fine with my limeade “margarita” Work’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 2 Comments

Five Million Shades of Green

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Betsy

Set the clock to spring and the earth will bring five million shades of green End the winter’s drought when we’ve done without five million shades of green No more the gray-blue shades of darker evergreens that fade: juniper, holly, … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 1 Comment