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My Summer Accomplishment

September 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

my summer accomplishments

Today marks the first day of the last week of summer 2017. If I’m being honest, my summer accomplishment is pretty much singular. I did a handful of the things on my summer bucket list, which was a carryover from last summer’s bucket list. I had grilled lobster thanks to my sister-in-law. I read several books outside my normally preferred genres. John and I “sort of” hosted a porch party for the first Razorback home game. In other words, friends came, and we hung out on the porches for a while. And, I found the small church I plan to attend, but I haven’t yet.

So no, the church one doesn’t count.Continue Reading

How hard is it to write a book? Let me count the ways.

June 24, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

writing a book

Forgive me while I complain for a moment. The truth is, writing a book is difficult under the most ideal circumstances, when the words are flowing and the light is faultless both inside and out, when I’m swimming in the deep end of creative waters. BUT. Writing a book is impossible when Japanese beetles are chomping away on my rose bushes.

Yesterday, I planned out the whole day—an entire luscious day with nothing to do but work on the book I’m writing. But you know the saying. The best laid plans of mice and men and writers. Somehow, even though I am “one with my garden”, piddling around in it at least daily, often twice a day, even so, yesterday morning completely by chance I noticed Japanese beetles swarming my roses like something straight from the Old Testament.

The Book of Exodus, to be specific.
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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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