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What's in a name?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:49:44 GMT

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

William Shakespeare raised this question in Romeo and Juliet , and it has been a topic of conversation ever since. This principle—that things are what they are, no matter what name you give them—is at the heart of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet . It also weighs on the hearts of new parents when they consider names for their children; politicians as they prepare to run for office; actors, singers, athletes, and more.

Not to contradict the famous bard, but I would argue that names carry far more importance than he claimed. Like any other word, a name conveys context. It sets an expectation. John Wayne was born Marion Morrison; Judy Garland was Frances Gumm. Would either of these given names carry the same weight as their chosen names? Many singers have also chosen "career" names. Elton John switched from his original name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, for example; and Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman.

Even United States presidents have changed their names. Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr., and at least a dozen others altered their given names before they ran for public office. And don't get me started on the various companies and products using a different name than their original moniker. Starbucks was first named Pequod, after the whaling ship in the story of Moby-Dick. They later switched it to Starbuck, who was the ship's chief mate.

All of this leads to an explanation of my decision to write books under two names. I chose my pen name, Anna St. John, because I felt my true name was shared by too many people—including four Susan Armstrongs at my eye doctor's office. Over the years, I had found that my name was so common it became difficult for people to remember. I received correspondence addressed to Susan Anthony, Sharon Armstrong, and many other variations on the theme.

I also wanted to establish my author name, and the social media attached to it, separately from my personal accounts. With that logical thought in mind, I created a name based on family connections. My grandmother, Anna, was an avid reader who once became so engrossed in her book that she forgot to churn the butter; she received a solid scolding from her mother for the oversight. The initials S.T. represent my maiden name initials. John was my father's name; he was the first to encourage me to write, and his name worked best with the rest. (Although my mother, Dee, saved every poem and essay I brought home, inserting her name into the equation—Anna DeeJohn—might have been too close to the sound of the well-known Dijon mustard.)

Anna St. John has served me well for my fiction writing, but I will write under my real name for nonfiction. This will help readers find the type of book they are seeking. Mysteries and fiction by Anna St. John; nonfiction by Susan Trout Armstrong. Besides, it feels odd to use a pen name when writing a true story.

I hope you'll agree, and that you'll find something here you'd enjoy reading. By the way, William Shakespeare's name was recorded as Gulielmus Shakspere in the Stratford-on-Avon baptismal register on April 26th, 1564.

Nellie's Denver Casserole

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:44:09 GMT

An easy main dish to share with a friend

In DOOMED BY BLOOMS, Nellie Nester prepares a simple casserole to console "Miss Betty" on the death of her husband. Here's the recipe for her dish:

NELLIE’S DENVER CASSEROLE

• 2 pounds ground round

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 1 package sliced mushrooms (8 ounces)

• 1 teaspoon marjoram

• salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil until soft. Add hamburger and

cook until browned. Add seasonings.

Add:

• 1 can stewed tomatoes (run through food processor)

• 1 can tomato soup

• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

• Pour over the meat and simmer for 15 minutes.

While that simmers, cook a 12-ounce package of egg noodles (Reames

Homestyle Egg Noodles or similar).

Alternating layers: sauce, noodles, and Velveeta cheese slices.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

175

In Difficult Times

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:06:46 GMT

What Matters Most

When life seems uncertain, we tend to gravitate to those people and places that bring us comfort. Whether we are reeling from a natural disaster, or weathering the threat of an international virus, the result is the same: we want to feel safe.

On May 3, 1999, our home and office were hit by an F5 tornado, leaving us shaken, but alive. As we emerged from our shelter, we were surrounded by debris. Huge trees had fallen across our lane; power lines were down; cellphone signals silenced. The devastation was overwhelming. And, yet, hope prevailed. Together with our neighbors, we cleared the piles of trash. We planted new trees, and repaired our property. It wasn’t long before we realize an important fact: our lives were enhanced by the shared experience.

When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first wrote, “into each life some rain must fall,” he struck a chord that has resonated with us for generations. Countless songs have been written – and sermons preached – about this concept. Most of them remind us that the sun will ultimately come shining through, and life will go on.

There is a huge difference between experiencing personal misfortune on a localized level, and witnessing a worldwide pandemic crisis. But, our individual responses are still what matters. Each of us needs to find our own way of coping with the changes around us.

Personally, I want to stay close to home. To take long walks with our sweet Old English sheepdog, Oliver. To prepare my favorite foods. And, at the end of the day, I want to discuss world events with my husband, as we always have.

The good news is that these times – the bumpy ones in life’s road -- cause us to pause and reflect upon the things that matter most. We remember that life is good. The sun shines. The birds sing. Our grandchildren laugh. And every moment is a treasure.

Come along for the ride

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:02:38 GMT

Let the journey begin, as Josie Posey, a big city crime reporter turned crime solver settles into a quiet life in middle America.

Josie Posey, a big city crime reporter turned crime solver, has officially retired to a small, touristy town in middle America where she and her posse of friends "unofficially" have their noses in everything.

Josie loves her new life, but a weekly game of mahjong isn't enough: she itches to get back into the action, making headlines and solving crimes. She gets more than she bargained for when The Village Gazette asks her to interview their local celebrity, a former NYC prima ballerina.

Hours later, the ballerina's husband is discovered dead--face down in the couple's beloved field of flowers. Now Josie has the inside track on both: writing the story and solving the murder, with her quirky Mahjong Mavens as useful sidekicks.

And if a killer in their midst wasn't enough distraction, Josie's matchmaking friends are pushing her to date again--particularly to pursue an attraction toward a certain local blacksmith, with whom sparks fly.

I hope you'll join me for this first book in the Josie Posey mystery series. Now available in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

Taking the mystery out of cozies

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 21:37:10 GMT

What does it mean to be a "cozy mystery" writer?

More often than not, when I explain that I write " cozy mysteries," people respond with a polite -- but blank -- expression.

Hopefully, this description will help clear the confusion.

Cozy mysteries are the perfect genre for those who love mysteries, but shy away from blood and gore. They offer all the puzzling pleasure of more traditional crime thrillers, without the profanity, sex, or violence.

Impossible, you say?

Not so.

Authors have been serving up cozy mysteries since the late 20th Century. They became popular as mainstream "mysteries" when Agatha Christie, and others, wrote dozens of them during the Golden Age of crime fiction in the 1920's and 30's. In those early years, their novels emphasized the plot, and the puzzle. They contained no graphic language, sex, or violence.

Still, it wasn't until the 1980's that this style of storytelling became known as a "cozy mystery." While the cozy authors in the 80's stayed true to the "no sex, no violence" rules, their style focused more on character-driven novels with everyday sleuths the reader might consider a friend. Writers gravitated toward stories featuring close-knit communities and the balance of justice -- in part, because female authors and fans felt the gritty, hard-boiled mysteries of those days were demeaning to women.

As a result, today's cozy mysteries are far more diverse than their predecessors. Some feature main characters with interesting careers or hobbies. Others incorporate elements of the paranormal, or crime solvers with hidden "special powers." Many cozies fall into a "culinary" category. Often, pets play a major role in the plot. Romance, if it exists, is G-rated.

Always, cozy mysteries rely on an amateur sleuth to solve the murder. The stories take place in fascinating settings, like charming small towns or touristy villages. Despite twists and tuns throughout the plot, each mystery comes to an agreeable conclusion, where everything is right with the world.

Two important organizations founded in the 80's helped propel cozy mysteries into the limelight. Sisters in Crime , created in 1987, became a voice for women mystery authors who weren't being reviewed or nominated for awards in proportion to their numbers. And, Malice Domestic , formed in 1989, began to celebrate and promote traditional mysteries that best typified Agatha Christie's works (mysteries with no explicit sex, excessive gore, or violence).

I'm proud to be a member of Sisters in Crime , and thrilled that my publisher, Level Best Books , is the sponsoring organization for Malice Domestic. it makes me feel that I'm walking in the shadows of many talented female authors who pioneered the way for the rest of us.

And that's a happy ending for all.

How sweet it is

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:05:25 GMT

When dreams come true

This month, I'm savoring the sweet success of a long-awaited dream-come-true. I signed a contract for a five-book publishing deal that will bring my cozy mystery series to a bookstore near you.

When my amazing agent, Cindy Bullard, of Birch Literary, called with the news, I was stunned. Could it possibly be true? I'd been chasing the elusive dream of becoming a published author for more years than I wanted to admit. Now, against all odds, the moment had arrived.

My message to you is this: It's never too late to pursue your dream. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.

But, you don't have to take my word for it. Look at the others who have gone before us: Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book at the age of 65. Grandma Moses didn't start painting until she was seventy-seven years old. And Walt Disney was turned down 300 times before someone said "yes" to his mouse-themed amusement park. No wonder the lyrics of Disney's theme song, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," rings with authenticity. The songwriters captured Walt Disney's own journey in their words.

"No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

The dream that you wish will come true" ©

Songwriters: Mack David / Jerry Livingston / Al Hoffman

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes lyrics © Walt Disney Music Co. Ltd., Walt Disney Music Company, Wonderland Music Company Inc., Wonderland Music Company Inc, Walt Disney Music Co Ltd

"I'm Late. I'm Late, for a very important date."

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:51:09 GMT

If you’ve ever felt like the famous White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, racing from place to place and never quite arriving on time, this information might help. As a reformed “tardy” person, I’m all-too-familiar with that sinking feeling that — despite my best intentions — I’m going to be late to the meeting.

In the early years of running our business, I always tried to do “just one more thing” before I jumped into the car to drive to a meeting. As the clock ticked toward my planned departure time, I would hurry to make one more phone call, send one last email or have one quick conversation with a staff member. Inevitably, I left the office five minutes late and allowed no leeway for time delays caused by pesky traffic issues — like interminably long trains or malfunctioning stoplights.

Sitting in line behind a stalled car in busy traffic one morning, I was experiencing one of those “I’m-going-to-be-late moments” when one of my favorite KMUW commentators began talking directly to me over the radio. “If you are always late to meetings, you are telling your business associates they aren’t important,” she said, catching my attention. “You are demonstrating that you believe your time is more valuable than theirs.”

“Whoa. Is that what I’m doing?” I replied aloud. “That is not my intention.”

I listened carefully to the remainder of the program and vowed I would never again be late. For me, the thought of disrespecting others was enough incentive to begin a new habit of early arrival.

Since that day, I’ve accumulated additional research that further validates my commitment. The fact is, meetings are a big part of the business world. When you’re in business, you are in meetings. According to CIO Insight Magazine, senior executives spend the most time in meetings – an average of 16 hours a week with at least three other employees. That’s a lot of time.

If a meeting is productive, it may be time well spent. But, what about those meetings that waste valuable time because people arrive late or unprepared? This happens far more often than it should.

A two-week study by the Harvard Business Review found that only 10% of meetings start on time. On average, the 90% of meetings that begin late are starting at least 12 minutes behind schedule.

Waiting...

Sometimes technology causes the delay. Thirty-four percent of conference calls and online meetings start late because of technical difficulties – either new software downloads are required to join the meeting or attendees don’t know how to join.

However, all too often, a room full of people sits waiting for just a few stragglers who habitually show up late. Multiply the 12 lost minutes by the number of people in the room and the unproductive time can be costly.

The good news is, it’s easy to be on time. Of all the business challenges you might face, this one is simple to address.

Here are five things I do, to make sure I’m never late for meetings:

Prepare in advance.

If I’m bringing something to the meeting, I prepare it the day before – including making copies. Otherwise, the copier will be out of paper or ink, causing unanticipated delays.

Include travel time on the calendar.

If a meeting begins at 11:30, I plan to be there by 11:15. I schedule a departure time that assures an early arrival.

Think about others.

I go through a list of meeting participants and make it a point to remember how much I value their time. I want them to know they are important to me.

Avoid last-minute distractions.

When it’s time to leave the building, I leave the building. I walk away from the urge to accept a phone call or send an email. Nothing is more important than getting to the meeting on time.

Plan the journey.

Before I get into my car, I know what route I will take and where I will park. I always have an alternate in mind in case of an unexpected road detour or traffic delay.

If you want to show your respect for others, relieve your own stress level and save your company money, you have the power to make it happen.

Try it. Leave the office just a little earlier for your next meeting.

What we do for love

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:51:09 GMT

Stars shine brightly outside your window. The moon is a huge round ball hanging high in the midnight sky. It’s time to call it a day.

Thirty-nine years ago, a business owner friend of mine congratulated me on my decision to start my own business. “Now, you will be able to work half days and choose your own hours,” he said.

Smiling, he added, “That’s any 12 hours you want.”

He was half-right. To build a successful business, long days are just the beginning; but, you don’t really get to choose the times. You do whatever it takes to get the job done; you never really walk away from it,

Our marketing company has worked with literally hundreds of growing businesses over the years. They tell us ownership requires hard work and dedication beyond anything they ever anticipated. We share their pain.

As owners, we can all list the biggest challenges we have faced and tell personal stories about each one:

Working harder than we have ever worked before
Worrying about making payroll
Managing cash flow to grow the business
Providing consistently excellent customer service
Losing an important customer
Training new people
Losing great employees to a competitor
Surviving in a down economy
Diversifying when an industry niche goes away

We stay up late at night, finding solutions. We leap over high buildings. We run through obstacles with our hair on fire. If we hit a concrete wall, we reinvent our companies and start over.

Why do we do it?

Because we love it.

The top reason business owners start their own company is because we have a passion for our product or service. Owning a business isn’t really about the money, although making a profit is important. It’s about love.

Going to work every day is not really a job because we love what we do.

So, to all the business owners who work their heart out for their customers and employees, every day of the year:

Happy Valentine’s Day. We love you.