The theme of this blog is Top Secret Washington because of all the special things I get to do behind the scenes in D.C., but it’s also called this because of my spy series. I love empowered women who can take care of themselves — something I’ve always […]
This woman is so lifelike, so realistic, it can be debated whether this is art or a mannequin display like you’d see in a shop window. I personally think the work of Duane Hanson (1925-1996) are character studies that could drive a novel. This again is the type […]
Okay, time for a bit of fun. Can you identify where these photos were taken? I’ll give you a hint, we’re near George Mason University in Virginia. I’m not looking for a town — Can you tell me what restaurant I’m at? First clue — this architecturally interesting […]
Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most amazing museums in the world. Even better, most of them are free. This is my first feature on specific works of art that I find interesting and want to share. I love art of all kinds, and if this […]
Originally posted on Cecily Nabors:
? This morning while we were eating breakfast, a squirrel came racing across our patio. In hot pursuit was a handsome red fox. The squirrel was there to harvest seeds dropped from our bird-feeders; the fox was there to seize his own breakfast…
I’m extremely pleased to share Sarah Andre’s interview of me regarding my nomination for the Golden Heart for my spy thriller, Escape from the Harem. Thank you Sarah! and thank you all for your support. XO Originally posted on KissAndThrill.com by Sarah Andre: Hi, Sarah Andre here! For […]
![By Silvia Cestari [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons](https://topsecretwashington.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/arnold_schwarzenegger_and_maria_shriver.jpg?w=300&h=200&crop=1)
Watching Nancy Reagan’s funeral today was the ultimate D.C. event — even though it was at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. D.C. insiders turned out in droves. Patti Reagan gave a heartfelt speech her mother would have been proud of. Ron Reagan was less eloquent. But […]
I came across this list of Presidential net worths on Wikipedia and thought many of you might be interested. The table below has adjusted the amount of money for inflation and reports the number in 2010 dollars. While the information is listed for the highest value during that particular President’s […]
Right now we’re so caught up with the platforms of the candidates, I wonder how many people have realized how ground-breaking this election will be? No matter who wins, we will set a new record in the White House.
There is something about an old barn. Weathered and worn, sagging beam, missing board, each defect adding to its charm. Gorgeous in its decrepitude. Why don’t we see people this way? The area around Washington, D.C. is filled with many picturesque scenes — Civil War structures one step from falling down, […]
A terrific look at desk safety and health from the Washington Post and author SA Taylor. Great tips here for all of us.
Several of my fellow authors and I got together to share what we’re grateful for. I can think of no better way to start the new year. I’m especially grateful they count me as one of their number and call me friend. Tell me, what are you grateful […]
Originally posted on Kiss and Thrill:
Democrat, Republican, Independent, naturalized citizen, American-born, permanent resident, foreign visitor, adult, child. No matter who you are, it is always a thrill to cross the threshold into “The People’s House” aka The White House. But during the holidays, it is magical. This…
“Isn’t it terrific?” I gushed at intermission during a performance of Daddy Long Legs at Manhattan’s Davenport Theatre. “No less than a creative masterpiece”
NB: This begins a series of theater reviews — some a day trip from D.C. in New York and others as far as Chicago. There is so much to see and do — I hope my readers get out there and enjoy! Broadway’s Music Box Theater is a […]
Words can’t say enough, but I hope these photos open people’s hearts to the enormity of your sacrifice on all our parts. Thank you, always.
Washington D.C. never seems to sleep. It’s overrun by tourists, politicians, and diplomats from around the world. While it has a very public side, I’ve been privileged to be invited into places the average person never gets to see. So whether it’s a private play at the Italian Embassy, dinner […]
Originally posted on Kiss and Thrill:
Since moving to the D.C. area, I’ve become a wonk — yes that is an official term. While it can mean a studious or hardworking person — things I certainly hope I am, it mostly means a person who takes an excessive…
This summer, before you take your horse-crazy teenaged daughter to Chincoteague to see the pony swim from Assateague Island, there are few facts you might want to know. The story is dark, less than romantic, and a hard truth about how women are perceived by men yet today. […]
Please welcome Rita-nominated guest blogger, Sarah Andre, as she extends congratulations from all the Kiss and Thrill gals to Sharon Wray for her fantastic debut novel, Every Deep Desire. Thanks for posting today Sarah. I’m so excited for Sharon Wray, and know my readers will be, too! by Sarah Andre All nine of us are […]
Originally posted on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author :
Tall, Dark & Dangerous/SEAL Team Ten #12 New, never before published, full-length novel First published May 2018 Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jim “Spaceman” Slade’s got a problem. A SEAL Team is only as fast as its slowest member—and right now, thanks to his battered knees—that’s Jim. He reluctantly…
I’m a bit more conservative than most authors. Gorgeous guys on book covers are not my personal style. Still, this gorgeous cover for Gwen Hernandez’s Blind Fury, the first in her Men of Steele series, really has me thinking. Do I really need to be that shy about my heroes best physical assets? I was […]
Originally posted on TOP SECRET WASHINGTON:
Like thousands of other Americans, I eagerly awaited the release of the movie, A Wrinkle in Time. As a kid’s fantasy adventure, it contained the special effects, star-studded cast, and fast action designed to create a modern blockbuster. A film you waste a couple of hours on and then…
Today on BookSmart, I’m interviewing historical romance author, Valerie Bowman. Her novels are smart and fun and I’m a big fan. Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor […]
