What's the Story?
  • Welcome to What's the Story?

    I hope you'll join me Mondays and Thursdays to explore what makes stories enjoyable and memorable.  To find out more about the blog (including the guidelines for commenting), click on About in the navigation bar.  To find out more about Amy, click on Homepage.  I hope you'll look around, discover some great new stories, and leave your comments to help others.  Thanks!

August 27, 2011

#IReadIrene Weekend

Sneaking back from my hiatus to share with all lovers of story that a number of authors have banded together for a special online promotion this weekend. First, my thoughts are with everyone along the East Coast who is facing Hurricane Irene.  It’s hitting the Outer Banks of North Carolina as I write this.  In fact, it’s hitting the Cape Lookout National Seashore, a place I know well because I …Read the Rest

Guilty Pleasures
March 7, 2011

Guilty Pleasures

We all have them.  Come on, admit it.  Somewhere in your past is a story—be it book or film—that you love so much, it’s a guilty pleasure. Guilty pleasures are stories you return to again and again.  They lift you when you’re feeling down or comfort you when you’re sick or blue.  They prepare you fight back when life has dumped on you.  They’re a welcome interruption when life is …Read the Rest

Sports As Story
March 4, 2011

Sports As Story

I already miss football.  And I’m not really a serious sports fan.  Not like my brother.  He can talk stats and scores and teams and players for every sport.  Might come with the territory of being the father of three grown sons. But as a writer, I’m also intrigued by how the media turns so many elements of sports into STORY.  First, there are the many personalities and life stories …Read the Rest

Story Icons: The Protector
February 28, 2011

Story Icons: The Protector

I’m wild about heroes who play the role of “Protector.”  From True Grit to Terminator 2, there are hundreds of stories that feature this iconic hero.  Often a loner or someone who has been shunned by society, the Protector defies convention and risks his life to keep the heroine safe. Of course, there are heroine twists on the Protector, too.  Sigourney Weaver’s character in Aliens must protect the orphaned girl, …Read the Rest

The Classics Are, Well…  Classic.
February 21, 2011

The Classics Are, Well… Classic.

Go ahead and list them.  Those “classics” you were forced to read in school.  Which ones were on your list? Great Expectations The Grapes of Wrath To Kill A Mockingbird The Red Badge of Courage Julius Caesar Macbeth Hamlet I read Great Expectations in high school.  Don’t tell anyone, but I *loved* it!  I was always two chapters ahead of the class.  Yeah, Dickens was a little long-winded in his …Read the Rest

On Hold: Family Comes First
January 21, 2011

On Hold: Family Comes First

For those who follow this blog, my apologies for another “on hold” announcement.  My father passed away a few days ago. It was unexpected, but peaceful.  He was 81, and I’ve had the luxury of living in the same town with him for the past five years. However, the blog must again be put on hold.  I have a few family events to attend, some upcoming snowy travel, and a …Read the Rest

My Kingdom for a Horse (Story)
January 13, 2011

My Kingdom for a Horse (Story)

Raise your hand if you were a Mr. Ed fan. Remember him? The talking palomino who lived in architect Wilbur’s little barn? (Go ahead, I’ll wait while you sing the theme song…)  For a city kid who dreamed of one day owning a horse, that show was like candy. I have always loved the majestic beauty of horses. No one else in my immediate family rides, but from the time …Read the Rest

Do You Belong To A Book Club?
January 10, 2011

Do You Belong To A Book Club?

Happy 2011, everyone!  Thanks for being patient with me.  I extended my blogging hiatus for a little trip down to Orlando to visit the recreated Hogsmeade and taste butterbeer. Yes, it was fun.  When I go back (heck, it’s only 2 hours away!), I’ll take my camera, snap some pix, and blog about it.  Maybe by then I’ll have finished reading all 7 books. Now that I’m finally reading Harry …Read the Rest

Another Hiatus, Really?
December 18, 2010

Another Hiatus, Really?

Christmas is next week and I am, to say the least, not prepared.  In fact, my To Do list is towering very tall and rather unsteadily as I try to clamber back on top of it.  I still have gifts to wrap, to ship, to BUY–ack!  I run an online writers community that’s all about goals.  New Year’s is a major kick-off for new annual goals and welcoming new members. …Read the Rest

Favorite Christmas Stories
December 15, 2010

Favorite Christmas Stories

Hi all!  I’m home from a week of travels (and even missed my Monday post–sorry!–due to holiday preparation), and now I’m finally getting into the holiday spirit.  Good timing since we’re experiencing a cold front in Florida.  I almost expect to see snow! So what better time to discuss our favorite Christmas stories? I have a lengthy and diverse list (instead of a gift wish list!).  Watching these movies or …Read the Rest

Where’s the Story?
December 5, 2010

Where’s the Story?

I hunger for a good story. As much as I hate to miss a whole week with you all, I’m putting the blog on hiatus. The holidays have filled my calendar with a lengthy list of “to dos.”  I’ll return on Monday, Dec. 13th with more regularly scheduled blog posts. Meanwhile, enjoy the tiger.  I’ve been looking for an excuse to use this photo…  No, he didn’t eat me.  However, …Read the Rest

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