Caerphilly cheese. Have you heard of it? Welsh in origin, it's one of the lesser known British Isle cheeses--at least here in the States. I had my first bite in the 2010s while attending a cheese science conference in Somerset, England. Somerset is a prime dairying area in South West England. In fact the conference was held at the family home of Jamie Montgomery right next to the well-known and very delicious Montgomery Cheddar company. At the time, I'd heard and written about Caerphilly, but never tasted a real British one. (Interestingly, Somerset is where two of the best known Caerphilly makers, Duckett's (pictured above) and Gorwydd Caerphilly, are made. Although, the Trethowan brothers, who developed Gorwydd, did so on their family farm in Wales before relocating production to England.
A Cut Scene from My New Novel
This unedited deleted “darling” (as we writers call the scenes and characters we love but must amputate from a story) is from the April 2024 version of Assisted Living: Book One of the Old Grove Lake Trilogy, a cozy-eco horror folk tale. It takes place at the end of Chapter One. I cut it when … Continue reading A Cut Scene from My New Novel
The Goatie Boyz: Pack Goats Extraordinaire
At 225 pounds, Bob is a natural linebacker, while his roommate, and twin brother, Bill, who tips the scales at 200 pounds, was born a philosopher. No one could be prouder of these twin fellows than their parents, Barbara Rich and Howard Freiman of Bayside, California. The fact that the brothers still live at home… and … Continue reading The Goatie Boyz: Pack Goats Extraordinaire
Book Excerpt: Goats in America, A Cultural History, by Tami Parr
The following is from the newest book by Tami Parr, Goats in America, a Cultural History. I had the good fortune of reading an advance copy of this important and entertaining work! If you love goats and history, this book's a must read. Please visit Bookshop.org to purchase online from your favorite local independent bookstore, … Continue reading Book Excerpt: Goats in America, A Cultural History, by Tami Parr
Geotrichum candidum: Fun Fungal Facts
I recently had a question from a newsletter subscriber about the cheesemaking microbe Geotrichum candidum. Specifically, the person wanted to know sources for the fungus for cheesemaking. Rather than try to answer this lengthy topic in an email, I decided a post on the subject might be fun to write. There are two very important … Continue reading Geotrichum candidum: Fun Fungal Facts
Farmstead Cheesemaking Class in Humbolt Co
August 19-21st at Spring Hill Farmstead Goat Cheese, Bayside, California I'm excited to be back to teaching this three day immersive, hands-on class we used to hold at Pholia Farm. Karin (kuh-rin) Eide owner and cheesemaker of Spring Hill Farmstead Goat Cheese is hosting the small class at her dairy and creamery. There are currently … Continue reading Farmstead Cheesemaking Class in Humbolt Co
Notion for Authors
Ever since I decided to go indie for my fiction, I've been obsessed with trying to find an appropriate project management software. Being organized really scratches an itch, for me. And embarking on this new journey--one that could potentially flop or fly--I wanted to attempt being super professional from the beginning. Trying to find a … Continue reading Notion for Authors
“Marlowe” AI Author Tool: Review
I recently saw a meme on a social media platform that has stuck with me. It said, "AI won't replace humans, it will replace humans who don't use AI." Whether this is true or not, only time will tell. But I'm reminded of all new technology from early phones to computers. There's an innate fear … Continue reading “Marlowe” AI Author Tool: Review
BookBub and Chirp: More ways to find great reads—for cheap
Well, I wish I'd known about this great site sooner! BookBub was founded in 2012 as an ebook "discovery service." When you sign up for a free account, you enter your favorite platform for purchasing ebooks, click on a your preferred genres, then select a few books from the samples they provide as good choices … Continue reading BookBub and Chirp: More ways to find great reads—for cheap
How to Find Great Indie-Author Books
As I contemplate the possibility of NOT getting a traditional publishing deal, I am forced to face my own prejudice against self-published books. And that's just what it is: a prejudgment of a huge category of work. But here's the problem, how does one find promising titles in a field of work flooded with quickly … Continue reading How to Find Great Indie-Author Books