There was once a woman who perfectly copied her mother’s treasured pot roast recipe. First, she took the roast and cut off both ends. Then she put it in the pan, measuring water carefully… leveling each teaspoon of seasoning with a knife. She always set a precise timer. One day, while teaching the recipe to…
Author: Hilarey
You Missed the Boat
A re-post since I’m cranky that I have covid again. Also, we lost the little guy in this video about a month ago. If sarcasm (the lowest form of wit) annoys you, skip this one. Originally Posted on April 18, 2022 Who doesn’t miss the good old days? I mean, 1950s ironically upbeat television totally…
Your Villain… a Caricature
Is the enemy chaotic-evil and unredeemable? I learned in a writing class that no one is a hundred percent evil, so, writing your novel’s villain that way will actually make him less threatening. That kind of antagonist is comical—a caricature like Snidely Whiplash. If you aren’t old enough to remember the cartoon that made me…
Your Redemption Draws Near
I once said to my grandma, “I wish Jesus would come back.” It wasn’t during a trial. I think I was just feeling the irritation of living. I had a bill due, or something equally inconsequential. She said, “Yes, I hope so too. But, not yet.” I was shocked. Maybe even a little worried that…
Dismantling Human Tradition
When I was young, I told my mom a name I wanted to give to a future child. Her quick response was that if my future husband had ever known someone by that name—and didn’t like the person—he wouldn’t want the memory of them in his home. The same name, the same word, can have…