Blog

Latest Blog Post and Essay by Dianne C. Braley
BLIND SPOT: BOOK/AUTHOR RECOMMENDATION

BLIND SPOT: BOOK/AUTHOR RECOMMENDATION

As an author, and an AWARD WINNING one I'll add... sorry, but I had to; I am often asked to review other authors' books. It’s a courtesy many of us do for each other, especially if we respect each other’s work or want to help a new author with the launch of their debut book. It can become...

WHAT’S THE NEW BOOK ABOUT?

WHAT’S THE NEW BOOK ABOUT?

As a novelist, everyone asks, “What’s your upcoming book about?” I stutter my words as I have yet to nail down that perfect elevator pitch to hook a potential reader, and I don’t want to disappoint. It is such an undertaking trying to sum it up in one sentence because people lose interest in...

LAST YEAR IS DEAD

LAST YEAR IS DEAD

Hey friends! I stumbled upon a powerful poem by Philip Larkin, an English poet and novelist. I resonated with it instantly as he captured much of what I am currently experiencing with the coming change of season. The Trees (1974) The trees are coming into leafLike something almost being...

REROUTED AND RESTRUCTURING

REROUTED AND RESTRUCTURING

Do you believe things happen for a reason? Sometimes, I do, but other times, I’m not so sure. I have had LOTS of things happening lately, so much good and love, which I am working daily on making a conscious effort always to see, and also a great deal of loss and pain and a sort of restructuring...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… NoT ALways

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… NoT ALways

Happy holidays, everyone. I hesitate to say that sometimes because, for some, the holidays aren't happy, and there is often a lot of stress put on being happy and celebrating this time of year. While I am not trying to be Scrooge, this year's holidays have been incredibly dark and depressing. I...

WRITING IS HELL

WRITING IS HELL

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho—the publishing industry is slow… And that is an understatement. I'm unsure if you recall that I gave my book to that agent who wanted an exclusive. I talked about it a few blogs back, which means she doesn’t want me to send it to anyone else. I didn’t listen to some of you wise folks...

WRITING WITH A SIDE OF TRUE CRIME

WRITING WITH A SIDE OF TRUE CRIME

Two big things this month. The Martha’s Vineyard Times featured my collaboration on behalf of my book, The Silence in the Sound, with the RFK Community Alliance Organization and Martha’s Vineyard Ocean Academy, formerly FUEL, which is the phenomenal sailing camp I told you about in my last blog....

WHICH ONE?

WHICH ONE?

First off, I have a new book for you to check out. Actually, it isn't new, but it is great. Another Vineyard novel, and this one is fantastic. I read Split Rock by Holly Hodder Eger not long ago. This book touched me as it has all the things, Martha's Vineyard, love, loss, and survival of it all....