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A writer’s (nano) descent into madness.

January 8, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

descent into madnessYesterday, I open the mailbox to discover a neat, tight envelope sealed on the end rather than the middle (which for whatever reason, appeals to me), and inside, an unexpected book. Not really a book-book, more of a chap-book, larger than pocket-sized but compact and slender and flawless. And the matte cover is fashioned from heavy, charcoal-colored card stock (or a level up from card stock), certainly more substantial than a flimsy pamphlet or typical paperback cover.

Intriguing. Everything about it, including the minimalistic design, an atomic swirl printed in silver with an “N” in the center where the nucleus of everything lives. At the one o’clock position, a simple “10”. Also shiny and silver.

I trace the design with my index finger. I channel long lost junior high science class. I press the silver “N” in case it’s THE button unlocking Narnia for writers.

Or a port key.

Could be.Continue Reading

Christmas Spirit – 12 Ways to Make it Last

January 5, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Christmas Spirit - make it last all year

Happy Twelfth Day of Christmas! Today is that day—the twelve drummers drumming day. The day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem long, long ago. Epiphany Eve, Twelfth Night, this is a day with a multitude of names and rich in history. And no matter how you frame it, for many of us, today marks the official end of the Christmas season.

Say it ain’t so.

Okay, I know many of you tossed your tree and packed the ornaments days ago. I get it. I took my tree down just after Christmas this year because it was as dry as a Texas tumbleweed. Even so, just because we pack away Christmas doesn’t mean we have to pack away our Christmas Spirit. There are a few simple ways to make the season last all year.

Twelve ways. For the twelve days of Christmas.
See what I did?Continue Reading

One Little Word 2017

January 3, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

One Little Word 2017

For the past several weeks, I’ve been thinking about my One Little Word for 2017. If you’re new to the One Little Word idea (the brainchild of blogger Ali Edwards), the essence of it is this: you choose one word and rally around it during the year. And there’s something magical about it. The power of suggestion. The power of the mind. Call it what you will, but for me, if I make a concentrated effort to center my thoughts around a word or an idea, that word plays an active role in my life. Sort of a “dream it and it will happen” thing.

One Little Word can lead to big things.

This will be my third year, third word, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.

Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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