Welcome to my bedroom closet! I met author Anna Kashina at the 2014 World Fantasy Convention in Arlington, Virginia. We were attending a party there, and the opening chapters of her award-winning fantasy novel, "Mistress of the Solstice," captivated me. And it wasn't the wine. It was her writing. Anna agreed to let me podcast one of the opening cha…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Today, my guest of honor is a photograph of the San Francisco Polytechnic High School cornerstone, which dedicated Polytechnic alumni are working to return to where the school once stood. Included in this podcast is a reading of a short story by Marianne Eichenbaum: "I am the Polytechnic High School Cornerstone and thi…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. One hundred thirty-seven years ago, my Mexican great-grandfather, Emigdio Medina, composed a schottische, entitled El Tecolote. The Owl. I discovered the sheet music in an online library listing in 2010. A long-forgotten song? Might no one have heard the piece for over 100 years? I asked my dear sister-in-law, Martha, …

Welcome to my hearth on Walpurgisnacht 2012. On this night, I prepare the story assignments for the 2012 Wicked Women Writers Challenge sponsored by HorrorAddicts.net. Who will be "Most Wicked 2012?" The process starts now. Warm and Wicked Wishes, Laurel Anne Hill (Most Wicked 2011)http://www.laurelannehill.com…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Okay, I know what my website claims. Laurel Anne Hill crafts stories with inspirational premises, right? Worthiness is rewarded, right? Yet many of my short stories these days lurk in shadows of the horror genre. In fact, Horror Addicts (http://www.horroraddicts.net) named me “Most Wicked 2011? for my entry, Flight of …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. In this thirteen-minute podcast, I share my experiences as I sought information about the "Mine Kafon," a wind-powered device for potential use in clearing hidden, unexploded land mines. The Mine Kafon, created by Massoud Hassani, recently won a London Design Museum Award nomination. Final winners will be announced in …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Ever ponder whether your novel, short story or nonfiction piece would be accepted for publication? Or if your next project at work would shine or flop? Well, enlightenment is available. All you have to do is ask "Doctor Fortune." Listen to my ten-minute podcast to learn the details. Warm wishes, Laurel Anne Hill (Autho…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Today's true story, "A Fair Trade," is a tale of two sisters -- a story of Christmas and Life. "A Fair Trade" celebrates the experiences I have shared with my older sister, Kathleen. In 2007, "A Fair Trade" appeared in the Contra Costa Times. I hope you enjoy my presentation, which lasts approximately 9-1/2 minutes. Wa…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 25, the final one in HEROES ARISE. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and also i…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 24 of HEROES ARISE: A Different Price. Gundack prepares for the bridal tea ceremony with Eutoebi. But something appears wrong. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here are Chapters 22 & 23 of HEROES ARISE: Shadows on the Dunes and Desire Was Enough. Gundack travels toward his home encampment to marry Eutoebi. Does trouble head in the same direction? HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the ligh…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 21 of HEROES ARISE: Vengeance Swallows the Land. Gundack faces both death and life in the Cave of Spirit Echoes. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HER…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 20 of HEROES ARISE: Where is Honor? Gundack finds a surprise in the entry chamber to the Cave of Spirit Echoes. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HERO…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 19 of HEROES ARISE: Pulses of Fear. Gundack continues his climb up the Mountain of the Dead. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adve…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapters 17 & 18 of HEROES ARISE: Combined Honor and Like a Web Threader. In Chapter 16, Gundack, Rheemar and Sem had encountered poisonous insects on the Mountain of the Dead. Will the creatures sting them as they sleep? HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our ow…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 16 of HEROES ARISE: A Deadly Work of Beauty. In Chapter 15, Gundack, Rheemar and Sem--all exhausted--found shelter for the night on the Mountain of the Dead. Then Rheemar had a vision showing Tarr alive and present on that mountain. How could Tarr still live? HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 15 of HEROES ARISE: On This Mountain. In Chapters 13 and 14, Gundack learned Rheemar had once visited The Mountain of the Dead with a member of Tarr's inner circle. Where does Rheemar's loyalty lie? And now, to make matters worse, the wounds inflicted upon Gundack by Tarr's krens make climbing the mounta…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapters 13 and 14 of HEROES ARISE: "A Damaged Section of Line" and "A Bride Would Have Cost Less." In Chapters 11 and 12, Gundack and the human, Rheemar, obtained supplies and began their trek to the Mountain of the Dead. But Rheemar has had some secret dealings with mountain krens. Is Rheemar a traitor awaitin…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapters 11 and 12 of HEROES ARISE: Wrinkled Kettlefruit and Inner Pressure. In Chapter 10, Rheemar had confirmed that the bracelet in the ashes of the burned merchant encampment belonged to his kidnapped sister. Tarr had cut off her hand to obtain the piece of jewelry. Is she alive or dead? HEROES ARISE is a pa…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 10 of HEROES ARISE: Part Kren. In Chapter 9, Gundack found a mysterious bracelet in the ashes of the burned merchant encampment. Did the jewelry belong to Rheemar's kidnapped sister? Now Gundack will have to reveal the disturbing news to Rheemar, his human ally. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking t…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 9 of HEROES ARISE: Morning Prayer. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and also i…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 8 of HEROES ARISE: A Moaning Wind. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and also i…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 7 of HEROES ARISE: A Dark Secret Festers. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 6 of HEROES ARISE: Last Moment Alive. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and als…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 5 of HEROES ARISE: Prepare to Die. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, and also i…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 4 of HEROES ARISE: An Appropriate Greeting. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, a…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 3 of HEROES ARISE: As Though the Air Burned. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Here's Chapter 2 of HEROES ARISE: A Stirred Pot of Trouble. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love story, suitable for ages 9 - 90, …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. I'm finally doing it, recording my award-winning novel, HEROES ARISE, chapter by chapter. HEROES ARISE is a parable about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our own personal darkness and finding the light of reason. I've set HEROES ARISE in the world of Thard. HEROES ARISE is an adventure and love sto…

Welcome to my Bedroom Closet. Today, I'm reading "The Capturing," my 44-minute fantasy short story set in the biotechnology industry in the San Francisco Bay Area. A scary event at a real biotech company twenty years ago inspired my writing of this tale. Please note that my main character in "The Capturing" does use some profanity. I hope you enjoy…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. When the earthquake hit Haiti last January, that country's history of poor government was largely responsible for the extent of the devastation and inability to deal with the aftermath. Lax building codes were only one ingredient in the stew. My podcast, "Haiti: A Patient with Hope," provides an update about current re…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Ever wonder why some people gain weight easily and others don't? According to some scientific studies, the bacteria living in our guts could play a role. My essay, "My Bacteria are to Blame," takes a light-hearted look at bacteria and body weight. Please enjoy a piece of chocolate while you listen. Warm regards, Laurel…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Are you a fan of the ocean? Have you ever enjoyed--or wanted to experience--wading in ocean shallows, exploring tide pools, riding a wave, and/or SCUBA diving beneath the surface? Do you love the sound of seagulls or the smell of ocean breezes? If so, this podcast, "My Ocean Companion" (approximately ten minutes long) …

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Have you ever done research in the U.S. Library of Congress (LOC) or wondered what it might be like? Have you ever given up your research attempt because you got lost in the LOC tunnel system or ran out of time? Whether you answer these questions with a "yes" or a "no," you'll probably enjoy my light-hearted descriptio…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Are you retiring? Are you concerned your mind will turn into mush after you leave your job? If so, "A Quantum Leap into Retirement" (a grandmother's view of grandchildren and quantum computers) is for you. I may have retired two years ago, but I'm still computing. Laurel Anne Hill (Author of "Heroes Arise") http://www.…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Which way do you turn your bed pillows when you make your bed? Do the pillowcase openings face inward toward the middle of the bed? Outward toward the room? To the left? Or is placement totally random? And might pillowcase placement enhance inspiration to write? "The Case of the Pillowcase Openings" is my personal true…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! In 2002, my husband and I spent the month of November in Paris. Our dream vacation. I was still recovering from a severe illness when I attended worship services at St. Sulpice, a church nearby our rented apartment. I experienced more than I had anticipated that Sunday morning, and "Crescendo," relates my true, inspira…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Have you ever noticed a patch of ground where nothing ever seems to grow? My two teen characters, Howie and Frank, encounter such a place in my creepy new short story, "The Grave of Mario Bandini." The inspiration for "The Grave of Mario Bandini" came from my friends Donna and Jon. When I was eleven or twelve years old…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. How many of you recall the San Francisco of yesterday and the importance of wearing gloves downtown? For a dose of San Francisco nostalgia, please listen to my personal true story, Gloved for all Reasons. Gloved for all Reasons relates my life-long relationship with that basic accessory. And don't forget to visit my we…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! In 2004, KQED-FM (NPR, San Francisco) broadcast "A Handful of Band-Aids," my perspective on the plight of homeless families in Contra Costa County, California. I had written "A Handful of Band-Aids" in the latter part of 2003. Today I'm posting a slightly longer version of the piece used by KQED-FM. In this podcast, I …

Welcome to my bedroom closet! What do I do when I crave a festive dinner but finances and dietary restrictions keep me at home? First of all, I consult the "oracle of the refrigerator" and use my imagination. Two Happy Hearts: Savoring an Anniversary Dinner relates the true story of my 34th wedding anniversary. My husband had recently undergone car…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Here's the concluding part of my three-part series: How to write a holiday letter that people will love to read. Today's podcast addresses the issue of writing holiday letters during difficult times. I hope you find the presentation both entertaining and useful. My next podcast will be posted during the first week of 2…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Today, I'm posting Part Two of my latest presentation: Writing a Holiday Letter. I've been writing creative Christmas letters for at least 30 years. Here's my advice on how to write a holiday letter that your friends and family will love to read. And if you're looking for ideas for Christmas gifts, please consider my n…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Today, I'm posting Part One of my latest presentation: Writing a Holiday Letter. I've been writing creative Christmas letters for at least 30 years. Here's my advice on how to write a holiday letter that your friends and family will love to read. And if you're looking for ideas for Christmas gifts, please consider my n…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! Today, I'm reading the 21-minute conclusion to my short story and fantasy, "An Incomprehensible Force." Sorcery toments Olga and has murdered her husband. To survive black magic, she must return an enchanted, stolen brooch to its rightful owner, somewhere in France. But who is the rightful owner? Now an unknown man fol…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Today, I'm reading part two of my short story, "An Incomprehensible Force." Sorcery toments Olga and has murdered her husband. To survive black magic, Olga must return a stolen brooch to its rightful owner, somewhere in France. But who owns the brooch? Sorting out clues from her past, Olga arrives in Paris, only to enc…

Welcome to my bedroom closet. Today, I'm starting a new tale. Mysterious deaths. A stolen brooch. A woman tormented by sorcery. A seemingly harmless Russian fairy tale. Add them together, sprinkle in a bit of Paris and the result becomes "An Incomprehensible Force," a short story and fantasy. Part one of "An Incomprehensible Force" (approximately 2…

Happy Halloween and welcome to my bedroom closet! My guest of honor this week is the fat black spider on my ceiling. Please listen to this podcast, a reading adapted from Chapter 16 of my novel, "Heroes Arise." Let's hear three cheers for web-threaders: 12-legged, elongated spiders with an IQ and an attitude. Have a safe Halloween. To learn more ab…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! A year ago, I had a Halloween experience in the middle of October. Did I see my mom's ghost or were store-bought mushrooms to blame? Listen to my podcast, then you be the judge. Email your comments to laurelannehill@gmail.com, or leave a message on my website: http://www.laurelannehill.com. Happy Halloween, Laurel Anne…

Welcome to my bedroom closet! All three episodes of my award-winning short story, "Reaching for Rainbows," now may be found on my podcast site (http://www.laurelannehill.libsyn.com). Each episode is approximately 9 - 10 minutes long. "Reaching for Rainbows" is the story of a ten-year-old girl coping with homelessness, a school assignment about Mart…