Grandmother turned the bottom story of their house into a small restaurant. They started selling lumpia, pancit, adobo—classic Filipino food made in their home kitchen. The best customers—the ones with money—were American soldiers. Everyone loved the Americans who had liberated their country. And American soldiers liked whiskey, so Grandmother started selling that, too.  Mom said Grandmother got a chemist friend to make whiskey in big barrels outside the house. She even bottled it, labeled with the name, ‘Five Roses.’ The name and label bore a remarkable resemblance to the popular American ‘Four Roses Bourbon.’ Grandmother had good business instincts.

A former boss once told me, “You have an interesting way of communicating.” I didn’t ask him to clarify that, but there was no doubt in my mind it was not a compliment. 

This is my first go at writing anything like this. I’ve done a few of these now and would honestly like to know what you think. I very much want to be connected with readers and potential readers of my books (and actually, with any good person who finds me even mildly interesting) but I don’t like constantly promoting and pitching a product. 

It was a glorious experience Japan with my dear friend Ann.

She explained everything from the difference between shrines and temples to the intricacies of the phenomenal train system to the wisdom of carrying an actual handkerchief to proper escalator etiquette (people do politely line up single file on the left so those in a hurry have room to get by).  

I enjoy talking. It’s so much faster than writing. My mind is much less disciplined than it had to be when I was working or has to be when I’m writing. I like it this way. I will never write two thousand words before lunch, but I’ll easily speak that if I can find someone to listen. I’m fine with that. I enjoy letting my mind wander around exploring the random thoughts that pop into my head.

Seeing the Eagles in The Sphere in Las Vegas was a lot like going to a concert in my youth, only much more sedate, technically amazing, and outrageously expensive. The show encapsulated the arc of my life. As a Boomer, many of my defining memories were captured in the music of my generation. 

I called myself a bit of a Luddite the other day (more on that later) as I told someone I had personal qualms about using an AI-generated trailer to promote my new book. (Parallel Peril! Out April 22!). One reason is that several people who are very dear to me make their livings creating art in different media and forms. They’re keeping a wary eye on how their livelihoods may be affected by artificial intelligence. As a writer, as a human being, I too am wary, even fearful.

 “I lived next door when you were born,” she said. “I remember your daddy wanted to name you after your mom, but she didn’t want that. Did you know you still didn’t have a name when you came home from the hospital?”

 A couple of days later the teacher gave us back the tests and scolded the whole class for missing so many answers. Then he said—I hated it when teachers said things like this, bringing attention to me— “And I know there was a lot of cheating going on. Lynn Barrs is probably the only one in here who didn’t need to cheat.” 

The holidays always bring to mind those who are no longer here to celebrate with us. I'd like to share something I wrote about my Mom.

At dinner recently, a friend said he saw my Instagram post that included a quick clip of the audiobook version of my debut mystery, Parallel Secrets. He had just read that same passage in the physical book. I asked whether it sounded like he pictured it while he read. He said, “Absolutely. She nailed it.”

I was asked recently how I resolved problems I faced on my Parallel Secrets writing journey. I share some solutions here in hopes they can help another writer along the way.

I was struggling recently with some technical difficulties and took a walk to clear my head. It reminded me of a story from my days in TV News…

Confessing Ain’t Easy was the Winner of the San Francisco Writers Conference 2023 contest, Adult Non-Fiction category.

When you have COVID on the day your book comes out, you do a book launch from bed!

Today’s the Day!

My book club recently critiqued my first book, Parallel Secrets. These are very forthright readers.

Two days until launch. And a sneak peek at the second book in the series!

I was lucky enough to meet in person with the narrator of my audiobook (coming out in October 2023). Susanna Burney is an actor who has narrated and produced multiple books for ACX, the audiobook arm of Amazon-Audible. It was fascinating to talk with someone who read my book so closely.

Writing fiction is, for me, a very different challenge than writing and editing television news.

Five Days until my first mystery, Parallel Secrets is released, a few thoughts about starting a new career later in life.