http://beryl.gather.com Recent Articles on Gather by Beryl Singleton Bissell en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 Tue, 21 May 2013 07:43:39 GMT 2013-05-21T07:43:39Z en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2013 http://www.gather.com/images/header/logo_gather.gif http://www.gather.com/ http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866202 Update: April 3, 2013. Aaron Lazar's Next Big Thing Aaron Lazar is one of the most prolific authors I know, which is why I'm so pleased to feature Aaron’s Next Big Thing Interview . . . Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:34:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981866202 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2013-04-03T22:34:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862747 John Caruso's Next Big Thing Update: March 18, 2013. John Caruso's Next Big Thing Interview What joy it gives me to feature writers whose work I admire as I promised in my . . . Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:37:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981862747 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2013-03-24T15:37:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859868 I've been listening to Julie Meyerson's book, The Lost Child, the story of her son's addiction to Skunk Cannabis. I'd never heard of this form of marijuana before. I'm working on a book about my daughter's . . . Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:16:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859868 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2013-03-15T12:16:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859030 Do you find the term “tagging” confusing? I do. Most often, you've probably been “tagged” in a photo or a post, yet you fail to find yourself either in the photo or . . . Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:49:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981859030 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2013-03-13T16:49:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827431 There’s an Irish Proverb that expresses my sentiments as I open the cards you've sent during this sacred holiday season and read your Christmas postings. “When I count my . . . Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:14:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981827431 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-12-22T21:14:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981782315   For the first time in four years, we have remained in our northern paradise to celebrate snow.Blessed with the wondrous white stuff, we've gone snowshoeing on dark afternoons on . . . Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:47:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981782315 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-11-28T17:47:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701469 Our home overlooks Lake Superior where we are often treated to sights of large ore boats, fishing vessels, pleasure yachts and an occasional brave sailboat. I suppose it's only natural then that . . . Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:41:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981701469 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-10-14T17:41:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981432662     Once I stopped fighting And gave myself up to limitation and pain I realized how supremely happy I was Just being here On May 29, I slipped on a stairway and landed hard on . . . Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:17:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981432662 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-06-27T18:17:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981281613 "In a proper Christian understanding of things, the earth is not just a stage for human beings . . . with no value in itself apart from us. Like humanity, it too is God's work of art, God's child." . . . Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:22:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981281613 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-04-22T19:22:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240822 If you've never read anything by Birdie Jaworski, I recommend you do something about it right now. I've just finished reading her latest book Don't Shoot, I'm just the Avon Lady and want to recommend . . . Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:25:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981240822 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-04-04T01:25:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981207115 Normally, while trudging through the deep sand along Lake Worth’s beach, we encounter lots of man-made debris cast up on shore by Atlantic’s waves along with slimy seaweed, tortured . . . Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:10:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981207115 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-03-21T10:10:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981192509 For the past six years, I've been working on a manuscript tentatively titled  Looking for Francesca , the sequel to  The Scent of God . In a recent post, I mentioned that I was waiting for news . . . Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:51:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981192509 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-03-15T21:51:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981107021 A new paranormal mystery by prolific story-teller Aaron Lazar For the Birds held me in its grip until I finished it several days later. If I’d had more time, I’d have read it straight . . . Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:36:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981107021 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2012-02-12T15:36:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980860198   While I’ve bent over my keyboard, writing, the seasons have progressed from a very wet and illusive spring through a delayed but lushly green summer to the most exquisite fall imaginable.  . . . Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:23:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980860198 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-12-05T15:23:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980647167 For the past few months, I've been skirmishing with several giants. The battles began with the launch of my latest book, A View of the Lake , published by Lake Superior Port Cities Inc. . . . Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:28:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980647167 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-10-24T12:28:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979966266 How many  small publisher's authors encounter difficulties getting attention for their books. Every sale is critical for an author's survival. Sales determine the success of that writer as . . . Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:11:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979966266 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-08-18T11:11:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979829204 Random Musings So much to do. So little time. August 5, 2011 Tags: beryl singleton bissell ,  random musings ,  blog ,  A View of the Lake ,  The Scent of God Sequel . . . Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:48:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979829204 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-08-05T19:48:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979539128 As a Goodreads author, I am giving away a copy of A View of the Lake. To enter the giveaway, click this link . The giveaway is open until July 31 so don't waste time if you are interested. . . . Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:20:59 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979539128 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-07-01T10:20:59Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979495514 I am the author of this book so take this into consideration as you read. I'm convinced that if you love Lake Superior, or lakes in general, or dream of packing up and moving to an idyllic spot, . . . Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:52:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979495514 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-06-23T18:52:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979452383 I know that it seems like I've been gone forever, but my dear friends, squirreling myself away in my writing shed has really paid off. Let me tell you about it. A View of the Lake, the story . . . Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:09:01 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979452383 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-06-15T10:09:01Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979195067 Don’t let the modest size of  TLC for Frazzled Kids: Helping Grown Ups Help Kids by Nancy Goodell and Ann Garrett fool you. Its 104 pages are packed with so much wisdom that, while . . . Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:12:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979195067 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2011-04-07T01:12:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978534107 TITLE: Healey’s Cave: a Sam Moore Mystery AUTHOR: Aaron Paul Lazar PUBLISHER: Twilight Times Books DATE OF PUBLICATION: August 15th, 2010 ISBN: 978-1-60619-162-0 PAGES: 267 GENRE: Paranormal . . . Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:03:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978534107 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2010-09-20T23:03:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978145556 The Grand Hotel in Trento, is a classy old hotel smack in the heart of the city. Delicious room, tasteful decor, scrumptious breakfast buffet, great drinks in the piano bar, and my precious Bill enjoying . . . Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:21:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978145556 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2010-04-01T18:21:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978075665 I first encountered Fiona Robyn via one of her blogs: A Small Stone -- a snippet of poetry gleaned from the daily. I love pithy observations, insights that take something small and . . . Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:07:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978075665 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2010-03-01T17:07:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978035888 A delightful journey through a once important, now forgotten New Mexico town with one of the most distinctive, lively writing voices I've encountered. Birdie misses nothing. My Tiny Vegas by Birdie . . . Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:23:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978035888 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2010-02-07T19:23:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978021305 This is the continuation of an Italian Sojourn taken during the fall of 2008 with my husband Bill. A risky trip as we were  retracing the journeys taken with my deceased husband Vittorio thirty . . . Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:03:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978021305 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2010-01-30T11:03:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977874106 After numerous turns around a town square outside the walls of Florence, the GPS system leading us to the wrong building in a different section of town with the same address, and several phone calls . . . Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:14:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977874106 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-10-28T11:14:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977814951 Assisi: parking ticket and all We came to Assisi seeking St. Francis and Clare. We found them. We found, as well, a greeting from the Assisi police: a parking ticket. Parking in Assisi . . . Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:49:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977814951 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-09-16T13:49:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977790645 We ate breakfast on the terrace in Amalfi, served by skinny Renaldo who buzzed and hummed about, making an occasional nervous foray into conversation about his marriage to a Russian woman from Eastern . . . Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:24:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977790645 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-08-27T21:24:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977655659 My husband Bill is noise sensitive. Sounds of traffic, noise from factories, lawn equipment and machinery drive him batsy. I, on the other hand, having spent many years in a cloistered monastery on a . . . Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:33:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977655659 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-04-14T10:33:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977633976 Juliahna was diagnosed last August with acute myelogenous leukemia. Since then she’s undergone progressively more radical procedures, all the while keeping her friends informed of her progress through . . . Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:35:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977633976 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-03-22T19:35:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977609007 As if she'd been awaiting the exact moment of our arrival on the patio for breakfast the next morning, Rita –Titty’s mother (of La Maison de Titty ), hurried out with tiny éclairs with Nutella . . . Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:39:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977609007 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-02-27T15:39:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576327   "What is it you REALLY believe?" asked a friend in her weekly email "On the Waterline." She posted the question two days ago and I am still pondering the thought. What . . . Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:36:22 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977576327 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-01-27T11:36:22Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977566331 We left Rome for Naples on my birthday, October 10, 2008. This was not a wholly good idea, unless one thrives on travel tension. The day started off innocently enough when we took a taxi to the Termini . . . Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:09:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977566331 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2009-01-17T19:09:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977537316   Normally, while trudging through the deep sand along Lake Worth’s beach, we encounter lots of man-made debris cast up on shore by Atlantic’s waves along with slimy seaweed, tortured driftwood, . . . Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:38:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977537316 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-12-16T22:38:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977533752 Dark suits for men; long skirts and sleeves for women -- on a warm day, not such a good idea. The Vatican website suggested that for an audience with the Pope we should dress modestly so Bill and I . . . Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:46:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977533752 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-12-12T16:46:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977511281 When my hubby Bill surprised me with tickets to Italy to celebrate our 12 wedding anniversary and suggested that I plan the trip as I “knew Italy,” I thought “Oh my! Did I still “know” Italy 30 years . . . Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:05:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977511281 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-11-19T16:05:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977464145 "Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again." John Denver's lyrics waft through my mind as I return to Gather for an intense day of reading and commenting, only . . . Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:45:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977464145 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-09-30T23:45:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977453798 Drinking from the Saucer by Charlene C. Duline is a fascinating memoir of a strong-headed, devout, and idealistic young black American woman who was among the first volunteers to join the Peace . . . Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:41:28 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977453798 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-09-19T21:41:28Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977420969 I took my grandchildren, Tommy age 10 and Cassie age 9 to Ely, Minnesota last week. Why take grandchildren to Ely when there’s so much to do and see here on Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior? Come . . . Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:33:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977420969 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-08-13T20:33:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977405177 Roses. This is a true story told in 10 minutes in response to kathryn's wedneday writing essentials prompt. In 1996, I was at a writing retreat in one of the most scenic spots along Lake Superior’s . . . Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:55:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977405177 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-07-23T22:55:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977404411 I was in Duluth last week, running all those errands that a 168 mile round-trip drive demands, when I decided that I also needed to take a walk. I headed for the city's harbor walk that stretches along . . . Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:52:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977404411 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-07-23T21:52:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977399643 Some people have a fear of public places, others fear public speaking, while yet others fear speaking on the phone. I fear none of those things. What I fear is getting the mail.   My fears . . . Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:38:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977399643 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-07-16T18:38:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977388185 Jacqueline loved her high place a top the dune. She was the only one who climbed up here, who had the whole expanse of the sea and the beach at which to gaze, the magnificent old home in the distance . . . Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:48:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977388185 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-07-02T19:48:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977386517 From April 29 through May 4, I was in New York for the PEN World Writers Fesitval "Public Lives/Private Lives." First, I should probably tell you what PEN is and how I found myself at this . . . Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:07:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977386517 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-07-01T00:07:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977382341 This is 10 minute fiction based on Wednesday Writing Essential's prompt photo taken by Kathryn Esplin-Oleski. I've never visited Montreal and never had this experience but I do like to travel . . . Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:53:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977382341 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-06-25T14:53:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977376468 Dear Mom, I know, I know. You warned me about this again and again . . . the image you hoped I'd never project. The "look" that would give others (namely "him's") . . . Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:50:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977376468 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-06-18T11:50:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977361799 I wanted to paint it purple, with dark wine balustrades and teal around the windows and upper gable; but my husband reneged on his promise. "Go for it Babe. Do it up your way," he'd . . . Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:13:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977361799 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-06-04T23:13:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977353552 Within three days of my return home last week – after two and half years of practically nonstop traveling since my book, The Scent of God , was released -- I saw two moose lounging off Highway . . . Sun, 25 May 2008 19:03:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977353552 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-05-25T19:03:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977340972 The Sentinel -- an average giant When we set off earlier this week for the Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks we knew only what the map told us: that they lay several hundred miles . . . Wed, 07 May 2008 20:26:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977340972 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-05-07T20:26:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977323433                                             . . . Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:45:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977323433 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-04-15T13:45:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977323180 Travel, Grieving, the Writing Life, Book Reviews, Fictions, Random Musings, all my posts are here for your convenience, especially when the pull-down menus don't work. Please let me know if a link doesn't . . . Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:31:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977323180 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-04-15T12:31:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977305142 Victims of sexual assault don't wear banners identifying them as such. They might be your neighbor, your son or daughter, the young child up the street. They don't want to be known as victims . . . Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977305142 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-04-08T16:00:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977292745 My 11-year-old granddaughter Amber woke recently to a sight that caused her to shout, "Grandmommy, look at the lake. It's covered with ice. I never saw Lake Superior covered with ice before." It doesn't . . . Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:37:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977292745 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-03-24T22:37:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977262770 As most of you know, Aaron Lazar has been a stellar Gatherer since he joined and somehow manages to support and encourage other Gatherers even as he creates one fine mystery after another. I read Tremolo: . . . Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:44:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977262770 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-02-24T16:44:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977243400 Today we are celebrating the launch of Patry Francis's The Liar's Diary. Patry, a Gather member as many of you know, has been recuperating from serious illness and surgery. To assist this wonderful . . . Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:41:13 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977243400 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2008-01-29T10:41:13Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977201734 For centuries stuffed toy animals have been hugged, kissed and played with. They’ve been fed pabulum and sticky candies, been dressed and undressed, tucked into bed and tossed into corners. They’ve . . . Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:18:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977201734 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-12-12T13:18:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977156777 - -- or the Back Story behind becoming an author My favorite past time as a child was sitting under the ping pong table over which I'd draped a cloth  tent, reading.  As a teen . . . Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:36:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977156777 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-10-24T13:36:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977136716 For months I counted down the days until Ann Patchett's newest book Run arrived in my mailbox. When it arrived I immediately set aside what I was doing and lost myself in the joy of her story-telling.  . . . Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:31:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977136716 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-10-03T22:31:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977132056 The day the calendar announced fall’s arrival – a pounding rain doused the North Shore. The darkened, cloud-menacing sky that had hovered over the northland for two days sent waters gushing . . . Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:03:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977132056 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-09-29T18:03:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977121736 Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of the death of my 24-year-old daughter, Francesca. I am reposting an article I originally published on Gather December 2005 My Runaway Girl     I no longer . . . Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:41:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977121736 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-09-19T11:41:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977101197 I live next to Lake Superior, the second largest fresh water lake in the world. Only Lake Baikal in Russia surpasses her -- not in size because Superior is 19,000 sq. miles larger, but in . . . Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:14:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977101197 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-08-29T19:14:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977084011 There was a time when Ted could shimmy up trees with the best of them. He could gambol in play and run faster than others. Ted can no longer do these things because he weighs 900 lbs. Before you gasp in . . . Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:45:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977084011 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-08-12T18:45:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977074998 Terminado. Finito. Finished! The final stop on my eleven week book blog tour. Were some of you wondering just how long this book blog tour would continue? Just how much more could you learn about a book . . . Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:39:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977074998 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-08-03T11:39:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977067043 July 2, 2008  I am leaving tomorrow to repeat this event -- 10 days of silence. I will miss my fellow Gatherers and will probably wonder what you are up to. If you are wondering what I'm . . . Thu, 26 Jul 2007 07:39:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977067043 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-26T07:39:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977065906       In December 1999, I fly to Buenos Aires to meet my husband Bill who is working in South America. I beat him there by a whole day and arrive to find the streets of the city blockaded . . . Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:03:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977065906 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-25T07:03:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977061743 I was going to title thisDolphi Rockets toward US from Saudi Arabia but thought that might be a little too explosive even though its true. Dolphi's writing has the power and thrust of a rocket.  . . . Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:55:23 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977061743 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-20T12:55:23Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977060681 Actually, I almost leapt the wall but I didn't. If I'd pictured a cozy retreat where I didn't have to talk and could just moon around being thoughtful I was sadly but wondrously mistaken. This . . . Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:41:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977060681 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-19T13:41:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977047550 "Get thee to a monastery!"  -- does anyone know the actual source of this quote? -- there are thousands of articles with that quotation but none I can find that attribute the quote to its . . . Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:06:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977047550 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-04T17:06:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977046069 When you travel in Puerto Rico, be sure to take a map. A big map. A commercial map, not the ones you find in tourist brochures or travel magazines. The day I went in search of my father’s grave, . . . Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:26:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977046069 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-02T22:26:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977045601 Aaron might be off vacationing right now, relaxing, hanging with family, and cooking up the wondrous fresh produce from his Geneseo garden which followed him to the lake, but that hasn’t stopped . . . Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:23:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977045601 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-07-02T13:23:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977042765 I’m a terrible planner. Organizing events has never been a strong point. When my children were little, even their simple birthday parties with neighborhood playmates flummoxed me. Should we play . . . Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:22:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977042765 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-06-28T23:22:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977036757 Each time I settle down to an interview with the bloggers who are hosting my book blog tour, I am amazed at the unique questions they toss at me. Today I am off to Michigan with one of our favorite Gather . . . Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:12:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977036757 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-06-22T15:12:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977030049 "What are you reading and why?" Perhaps you've heard this question asked on NPR to persons (usually with impressive credentials) from a wide variety of backgrounds. I don't know about . . . Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:16:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977030049 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-06-15T02:16:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977027973 Book Blog Tour: Week Six -- Diana Raabe's great review and interview appeared on Gather last night and then disappeared today. It is back up now and I'd like to encourage you to head over there. . . . Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:47:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977027973 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-06-12T20:47:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977019470 I am  off to Massachusetts today for the fifth event in my national book blog tour. Today I will visit Patry Francis, a favorite Gather member and author of The Liar’s Diary, a book which held . . . Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:04:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977019470 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-06-04T11:04:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977012516 The Liar’s Diary: A Book Review   Gather keeps getting better. I keep bumping into fine writers that I hadn’t encountered before and a growing number of outstanding authors. Often these . . . Mon, 28 May 2007 20:32:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977012516 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-28T20:32:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977012347 I love this little book and I’m not a knitter. I knit but how can someone who's spent more than two years trying to knit one hat -- call themselves a knitter? I do love knitters and knitted things. . . . Mon, 28 May 2007 17:27:21 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977012347 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-28T17:27:21Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977008537 My blog tour today takes me to Portland Oregon to one of my very favorite bloggers, David Rochester. I first encountered David when we were members of the now defunct blogging site blogsource.com. In his . . . Fri, 25 May 2007 07:45:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977008537 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-25T07:45:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977006230 The other day I received a message asking me to read an article by Christian Lore Weber called "The Rosary Lady." As it was written by that very "Rosary Lady," and as I happened to . . . Tue, 22 May 2007 12:04:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977006230 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-22T12:04:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977004415 Today, blogger Elaina Avalos has posted a review of The Scent of God on her fun site New Adventure. Elaina, who is not yet part of our Gather community, but who would make a wonderful neighbor,  . . . Sat, 19 May 2007 18:21:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977004415 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-19T18:21:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977001127 Don’t know what the above title means? Here’s the deal. In April, I launched a competition offering entrants the chance to win one of 10 free signed copies of my book, The Scent of God. All . . . Tue, 15 May 2007 18:48:04 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977001127 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-15T18:48:04Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976998714 Friday, May 11: The second stop on my book tour takes us to beloved Gather blogger Kathryn Esplin Oleski. I first met Kathryn on Gather in its very early days when there were only several hundred of us . . . Sat, 12 May 2007 10:54:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976998714 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-12T10:54:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976998274  On May 5 a campsite on a small lake in Minnesota’s famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area blazed out of control. Today, May 11 the fire (click this link to see photos of the fire) continues to rage, . . . Fri, 11 May 2007 16:23:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976998274 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-11T16:23:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976975349 Gather booklovers and authors take note. Book blog tours are a great way for authors to help publicize their work, and for readers to interact with authors. A book blog tour is a rolling event that moves . . . Fri, 04 May 2007 10:19:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976975349 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-05-04T10:19:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976969822  Happy Arbor Day. Thought we'd honor the raggedy and lumpy as well as the gracious and lordly.  I was hiking with Shelby the other day and encountered a very unobservant grouse strutting . . . Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:35:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976969822 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-04-27T12:35:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976963021 To celebrate the release of the paperback edition of The Scent of God, I am offering a free signed copy to each of 10 lucky winners. All you have to do is share your feelings about the book jacket after . . . Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:35:39 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976963021 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-04-19T12:35:39Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976961638 “Mommy, “ my children shouted as they careened breathlessly into the kitchen from outside. “Will there still be trees when we grow up?”  If  they hadn’t been so . . . Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:05:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976961638 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-04-18T08:05:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976921305 As I watch our beloved old dog Shelby find it more difficult to rise from the floor, when she refuses to eat or suffers interminable bouts of diarrhea I know that at some point we shall have to say goodbye. . . . Fri, 06 Apr 2007 10:52:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976921305 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-04-06T10:52:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976939037   I heard about Professor Philip De Wolfe before I met him. The year was 1987 and what I heard was to change the direction my life would take from then on. I have Gloria to thank. Gloria and I . . . Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:24:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976939037 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-03-22T19:24:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976917727 Just couldn't resist posting a few more photos of the incredible ice mountains formed last Thursday and Friday due to the blizzard on Lake Superior's North Shore. My hubby, Bill Christ, was in . . . Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:28:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976917727 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-03-05T12:28:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976921290  I wrote the below during the midst of a blizzard and then lost my connection for two days. I am finally able to repost with photos.      I am in total awe. We have got massive seas . . . Sat, 03 Mar 2007 11:44:18 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976921290 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-03-03T11:44:18Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976917729 The “Literary Events” Happening Gather’s literary events took place during the two full days we spent sailing to and from Bermuda. Posters placed prominently in much trafficked areas . . . Sat, 24 Feb 2007 15:41:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976917729 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-02-24T15:41:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976903575 I am reposting this article because it is a compilation of my Gather articles organized by topic: Book Reviews,  Writing Life, Place as Home, Travel, Grieving and Loss, and Random Musings. It is . . . Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:17:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976903575 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-02-05T17:17:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976896979 I made a New Year’s resolution to spend Sundays as Sabbath days. I would worship, connect with family via phone or letter, and visit with friends on Gather. I would not work on my book, clean the . . . Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:56:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976896979 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-01-28T20:56:48Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976879885 As I sent out holiday greetings this year, I hesitated each time I wished my friends and loved ones “Peace.” How could I offer such wishes when I don’t believe peace is possible in a . . . Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:51:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976879885 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2007-01-08T12:51:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976852877 I thought I’d completed the process of writing a book when my memoir, The Scent of God , was published by Counterpoint, NY, this April. I didn’t realize that the most arduous part of authorship . . . Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:29:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976852877 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-12-03T17:29:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976848449 I've been on the road with book publicity since October 22. Now that I'm home, I am anxious to catch up with my fellow Gatherers. I've missed you. I'd hoped I'd return to . . . Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:25:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976848449 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-11-27T23:25:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976839563   Though the Jewel of the Seas would not leave Boston until 5 pm on November 25, Bill and I began our trip two days ahead of time. I was scheduled to give an early morning talk to a group of . . . Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:41:03 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976839563 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-11-15T19:41:03Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976839306 I will be reading from my memoir, The Scent of God , at the Hennepin County Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center MN on Tuesday, November 21, 7 pm. I'd love to meet Gatherers in the area and am  . . . Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:41:11 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976839306 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-11-15T12:41:11Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976834214 Can a week have transpired since we docked in Boston and disembarked from the Jewel of the Seas, since we bid farewell to Birdie and Matt, Chris and Ryan, and all the other Gatherites and authors aboard . . . Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:10:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976834214 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-11-08T18:10:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976812805 Did you know that you can turn your Gather points into gift certificates to send others? While inquiring how I could help send our beloved Gather friend Christopher Bell and his seeing eye dog on . . . Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:24:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976812805 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-10-10T16:24:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976809377 This summer, as one week wended toward the next with no sign of rain, many of us believed we'd have little fall color. The trees were too stressed we thought. And, when the color seemed to peak around . . . Thu, 05 Oct 2006 19:11:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976809377 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-10-05T19:11:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976807668 It looks like our old dog needs some encouragement to take a hike today but don't let appearances fool you. She's been barking her head off, so anxious she is to get going. It's just that sometimes . . . Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:54:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976807668 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-10-03T18:54:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976807588 I've been indulging myself recently, reading books written by Gather members: Damian McNicholl's A Son Called Gabriel, Moya Goatley's Basket of Rain, and Brazil, the spectacular historical . . . Tue, 03 Oct 2006 17:10:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976807588 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-10-03T17:10:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976799348 Fires, that as of this morning, might have been smoldering in the Boundary Waters have certainly been drowned today. We've got ourselves a November storm in September here on the North Shore. I'd . . . Fri, 22 Sep 2006 18:47:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976799348 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-09-22T18:47:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976796118 On September 18, five years ago, I prepared my daughter Francesca's room. I put fresh sheets on the bed and cleaned her bureau drawers of the paraphanalia that had accumulated . . . Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:40:24 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976796118 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-09-18T16:40:24Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976794726 Warm sun and scintillating breezes propelled us out of the house on September 7 to canoe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The closest access site is on Sawbill Lake, a mere half hour . . . Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:23:37 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976794726 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-09-16T13:23:37Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976785610 We've been blessed with kind of weather that convinces tourists that there is no more beautiful place on earth than Lake Superior's North Shore. Brilliant warm days filled with cooling breezes . . . Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:41:19 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976785610 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-09-01T17:41:19Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976782621 Not everyone has a writing shed. Nor has everyone received a "welcome to your writing shed" gift. Though such people might exist, I am not at all certain if anyone with a writing shed has received . . . Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:28:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976782621 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-08-27T18:28:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976782536 Brazil , by Gather member Errol Lincoln Uys, is the epic saga of a nation I knew little about until I got sucked into its history by this master story-teller. Not only is it a "vast novel to . . . Sun, 27 Aug 2006 14:57:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976782536 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-08-27T14:57:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976775590 Remember that old Christmas song about Santa making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Well I'm not Santa but that's just what I've been doing. I've . . . Sat, 12 Aug 2006 12:40:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976775590 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-08-12T12:40:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976775348 I'd like to suggest Damian McNichol's Smiling Dolphis to the Best of Gather. Until I read this article I was one of the many who enjoy watching Dolphins perform in Zoos and waterparks. Damian takes . . . Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:15:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976775348 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-08-11T18:15:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976772639 If you've been reading my posts for a while, you'll know that I've been awaiting a "writer's dream." No. It's not making the NY Times best seller list. This dream concerns . . . Fri, 04 Aug 2006 13:51:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976772639 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-08-04T13:51:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976766609 Seems like I barely get back from one event when off I go to another. I returned from San Francisco and a few days later  Bill and I headed off for a Monastic Institute held at Saint John's Abbey. . . . Wed, 12 Jul 2006 17:15:14 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976766609 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-07-12T17:15:14Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976763371 Gosh it's been great to get back to Gather, even if for a brief dip. Hungry to catch up between publication readings and interivews, I've been trying to read at least one piece of all . . . Wed, 28 Jun 2006 21:53:16 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976763371 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-28T21:53:16Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976762885 I'd like to suggest Peter M's marvelous essay on his most unusual teenage upbringing in Spain. This memoir is filled with the kind of detail that makes the writer's personal experience so real . . . Mon, 26 Jun 2006 21:30:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976762885 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-26T21:30:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976760302 I wrote this article specifically for a new group called Minnesota Readers but am posting it to everyone at Gather as I'm currently engaged in a publicity tour for my new book, The Scent of God. . . . Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:47:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976760302 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-15T13:47:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976759008 Today is one of those totally blow-your-mind beautiful days on the North Shore – the sky blue, blue without a cloud, the sun's rays striking Lake Superior with such force that the light seems . . . Sat, 10 Jun 2006 14:15:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976759008 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-10T14:15:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976758522 The other day, I wrote a very brief piece on helpful sites for writers that have proved invaluable resources for me. Today, I received a notice from Poynter , one of the sites I recommended, about another . . . Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:00:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976758522 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-08T11:00:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976758130 I have received a number of messages from Gatherers wondering how best to get published and find agents and have attempted to answer each request as thoroughly as possible. Today I received my free monthly . . . Tue, 06 Jun 2006 18:50:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976758130 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-06-06T18:50:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976756617 I'd like to suggest Sandy Knauers brilliant post "He says, She Says" /viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976747185 that takes us into a dinner conversation between a divorced couple as . . . Wed, 31 May 2006 21:36:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976756617 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-31T21:36:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976756482 The Minneapolis leg of the publication tour for my book, The Scent of God, went swimmingly. The interview with Pat Miles and Susie Jones on WCCO so pleased my publicist at Counterpoint in New . . . Wed, 31 May 2006 07:24:02 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976756482 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-31T07:24:02Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976754297 Since my book, The Scent of God, was released in April, my husband and I have been at odds. Friendly odds. The discussion revolves around our schedules. If I am on tour, will he be home to care for the . . . Mon, 22 May 2006 15:10:42 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976754297 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-22T15:10:42Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976752976 In my last post, I was in Boston, heading back from a great visit at the Gather.com headquarters to the Inn at Harvard to prepare for my reading that night at the Harvard Coop. Almost 50 years ago, . . . Wed, 17 May 2006 15:24:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976752976 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-17T15:24:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976752396  In my last post, the cat returned safely home just prior to my departure for Boston.  I mentioned that she was very, very cold, but I don't think I said that she was so traumatized by her . . . Mon, 15 May 2006 23:51:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976752396 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-15T23:51:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976750350 In my last post I was developing " warped hand and eye syndrome" as I sent hundreds of postcards to people living in or near the places I will be reading and signing my book, The Scent of God . . . Mon, 08 May 2006 17:06:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976750350 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-08T17:06:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976749631  In my last post, I mentioned how helpful it can be to do local readings and interviews first -- before you go on tour with your book. While I've been doing these local readings and . . . Fri, 05 May 2006 14:19:40 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976749631 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-05T14:19:40Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976748718 A bit of advice for those of you who might fear the "after the book" cycle. Start local. There is nothing like showing up for a reading and finding that they've run out of chairs for the . . . Tue, 02 May 2006 06:56:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976748718 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-05-02T06:56:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976748098 I'd love to be surrounded by warm and caring Gatherers when I go on tour to read and sign books in Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Francisco, so, if you live nearby or have relatives and/or friends . . . Sat, 29 Apr 2006 14:15:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976748098 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-04-29T14:15:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976747313 Okay Gatherers. It's about time I got back on line for a quick dip then back to publicity stuff for The Scent of God . A big article about me and the book in the Faith and Values section of the Minneapolis . . . Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:02:07 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976747313 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-04-26T11:02:07Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976744643 In my last post, I spoke about my introduction to the after-publication process and the way an interview with a friendly reporter can take a turn you did not envision. Before I continue with that story, . . . Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:33:05 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976744643 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-04-15T15:33:05Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976743881 I'd like to suggest Damian McNichol's "Planning a Trip to Europe this summer?" as an Editor's Pick. It offers a wealth of "getting there" information for penny-pinched . . . Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:44:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976743881 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-04-12T18:44:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976742511 In response to George Corneliussen's suggestion  to Gather members to post  regular weekly features or columns, like those in newspapers, I have decided to turn my "getting published . . . Thu, 06 Apr 2006 23:47:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976742511 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-04-06T23:47:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976740959 Before I continue with the book publishing saga I must share a news bulletin. My book, The Scent of God is out!! Last week, I received two advance copies of the book from my publisher and holding that . . . Fri, 31 Mar 2006 10:47:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976740959 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-03-31T10:47:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976739126 This will be brief and to the point. Would any Gather members who live near or in Milwaukee want to come to a reading for my book, The Scent of God ? Harry Schwarz Booksellers wants to know. The publicist . . . Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:59:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976739126 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-03-23T17:59:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976738855 In my last post, I spoke of the editorial process that had taken  place without yet having a signed contract. I had received editorial suggestions from the editor/.publisher and my edits in response . . . Wed, 22 Mar 2006 18:03:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976738855 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-03-22T18:03:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976737037 I In my last post, I had just received news that my agent had sold my book. "You can expect a contract within the next six weeks," Lisa said. " Don't worry if you don't hear. . . . Wed, 15 Mar 2006 16:48:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976737037 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-03-15T16:48:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976734461 Continuation of Part VII January and February passed at an agonizingly slow pace as I waited to hear from Lisa Bankoff. Meanwhile, I worried. Had my author friend misplaced her trust in me and The . . . Sun, 05 Mar 2006 19:55:49 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976734461 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-03-05T19:55:49Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976733237 This is the continuation of the actual publication saga in Part V , uninterrupted by the New York Sequence. in Part VI When I left Norcroft, I had made a good start on rewriting the manuscript but it . . . Tue, 28 Feb 2006 15:25:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976733237 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-28T15:25:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976731964 I don't think you'll mind if I interrupt the publishing saga to talk a bit about what happens in New York during my prepublication trip. On the morning of the February 15, my publicist sends -- . . . Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:57:36 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976731964 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-22T21:57:36Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976730713 One of my Gather readers accused me of leaving you with a "cliff-hanger" in part III. "The news when it arrived was both good and bad." So, before I write more about my New York pre-publication . . . Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:40:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976730713 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-17T17:40:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976730043 Hello from New York. The 22 inches of snow that created havoc out here and messed up flight schedules for thousands of others two days earlier seems almost nonexistent. From my hotel room in . . . Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:26:54 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976730043 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-15T07:26:54Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976729495 Before leaving for New York, I hasten to publish one more sequence in the saga of the journey to publication.  In 1998 my husband Bill and I fell in love with a view and decided to sell our Twin . . . Sun, 12 Feb 2006 23:45:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976729495 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-12T23:45:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976729249 Perhaps this would be a good place to talk about the James Frey "Million Little Pieces" scandal, especially as I was recently contacted by Hillel Italie, a journalist with the Associated Press . . . Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:58:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976729249 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-11T13:58:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976728916 On February 14, I head to New York from the North Shore of Lake Superior to meet my publisher/editor Liz Maguire and the marketing and publicity staff at Counterpoint, the literary imprint of Perseus Press. . . . Thu, 09 Feb 2006 15:41:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976728916 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-02-09T15:41:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976725508 I grew up on the island of Puerto Rico, the daughter of an American banker who'd been asked to set up a Credit and Loan division for a small but rapidly growing Banco Popular. When I first met my . . . Wed, 25 Jan 2006 13:24:51 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976725508 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-01-25T13:24:51Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976723865 My editor at the Cook County News Herald once suggested a great writing resource for me to pursue -- one I'd like to share with all of you Great Gather writers.  The Poynter Institute   . . . Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:45:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976723865 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-01-18T17:45:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976722326 November 30 I convince Bill, my husband of one month, to sign up for a week-long rafting trip on the Yellowstone to take place the following August. The expedition's description of journaling and . . . Thu, 12 Jan 2006 11:21:55 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976722326 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-01-12T11:21:55Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976721408 My husband Bill and I have been cleaning up. We've been talking about it for years but somehow never got around to it. We've been making the changes slowly, I think it is called moving with one's bio-rhythms. . . . Thu, 05 Jan 2006 16:45:32 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976721408 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-01-05T16:45:32Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976720948  Am I the only one having trouble keeping up with all the postings on Gather? I'm wondering how much time the average Gather fan spends on the site. Two weeks ago, convinced that I was becoming . . . Sun, 01 Jan 2006 14:05:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976720948 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2006-01-01T14:05:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976719580 I wrote this for Francesca when she was nineteen, never dreaming that, one day, I'd be using it to pay tribute at her funeral. --Beryl Singleton Bissell This evening, I watch you force the zipper . . . Thu, 15 Dec 2005 08:17:29 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976719580 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-12-15T08:17:29Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718897 Have you ever lost a letter of the alphabet on your computer? What solutions or amazing insights has this loss generated?   While driving along major state and federal highways, you have probably . . . Mon, 05 Dec 2005 07:43:08 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718897 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-12-05T07:43:08Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718605 How do you feel about the current "torture" debate scenario taking place in the administration right now? I am not only distressed but confused. Despite our nation's incredible history of . . . Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:11:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718605 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-12-01T12:11:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718443 Ellie, our fat cat, sits patiently in the kitchen next to her empty bowl. She demolished four ounces of canned cat food earlier this morning. She wonders why her bowl is empty. She looks at us, then down . . . Tue, 29 Nov 2005 13:20:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718443 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-11-29T13:20:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718388 Two years ago my husband and I thought that we would have to leave our Lake Superior home where I've been "putting down roots" for the last eight years. My husband had given up his lucrative . . . Mon, 28 Nov 2005 16:12:52 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718388 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-11-28T16:12:52Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718210 You've noticed it I'm sure, how while driving on a bleak winter day it can look like snow is falling in the distance. The landscape ahead is hazy, the spruce and evergreens muted as in an old photo, . . . Wed, 23 Nov 2005 15:30:57 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718210 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-11-23T15:30:57Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718101 My granddaughter Cassandra has a penchant for gathering rocks, pieces of wood, and wildflowers to bring to my daughter Francesca's grave. When Cassie visits our home, we do not set foot from the house . . . Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:18:48 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976718101 Beryl Singleton Bissell 2005-11-21T14:18:48Z