One of my favorite passages from my books is about summer. I don't imagine it to be my finest writing, but the imagery remains powerful for me. "Summer is true river time. Lazy summer emanates nature's special recipe: a potpourri of carp and cottonwood that transports any grown-up river kid back to childhood on the … Continue reading Sliding into summer
Hey Mom; we did it. I want to believe that some part of you felt the energy too. I did dream about you last night, but without reference to our book. I'll keep waiting. If you had been with us in person, I'm certain you too would deem the events to be complete and heartfelt. … Continue reading Dear Mom: We did it!
UM Commencement in 1983 with Patrick. I got to thinking after my brother Patrick told me what sparked the name of the Flathead Lake Monsters, the band that will play at my weekend book gig. And yes, I’m excited to have Patrick and friends play at my Missoula event. When we were lining it up, … Continue reading Lake monsters, Bigfoot and carp
Perhaps even more than trillium, the bursting forth of pungent skunk cabbage illicit yearnings of spring for me. Even though we often spy them when we still feel nearly in the heart of winter. My upcoming memoir too feels as if it is nearly bursting out. In posting this 284th blog since my first in … Continue reading Bursting ahead
This essay was first shared by Women Writers, Women('s) Books. I'm thrilled to share it here in case you missed it. I appreciate Women Writers, Women('s) Books for sharing my work, along with other authors and writers. Intersection and introspection are my words today. Life and its stories circle, entwine and intersect as I prepare … Continue reading Writing, Legacy, and Things Left Behind
Before we get to the topic of Wallace, a bit about this blog. Early on I suspected someday I'd run out of content; yet so far something has flown into my brain nearly a couple of times each month. The seeds for most often take root as I walk - capturing phrases and key points … Continue reading Wallace remembered
In response to an email I'd sent to my publisher, I received a reply beginning with "Take a breath" followed by a smile emoji. It made me laugh. You who know me well are probably smiling too. Yes, I admit, sometimes I have a tendency to get a bit keyed up in enthusiasm and excitement. … Continue reading Dede, take a breath
It wasn't until I finalized my soon to release memoir, From First Breath to Last, when I fully appreciated how skilled and prolific Mom was as a writer. In this “soon to be released” memoir, I don't mention the volumes of other writing she produced, most of it during her second to last decade. Mom … Continue reading The Gnome
Earlier this week I met up with a friend. She's been a tremendous supporter of my books and writing, but that had little to do with our conversation this time. Her face, posture and spirit answered my question before I asked: how was her new job? She gave off entirely different vibes than what I … Continue reading We know it when we feel it
My creativity lends itself well to words. Less so with artwork. I have been pleased with the prior three covers created for my books by my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. With each book I've written, I know what I want but feel unable to fully put my vision into graphics or images. Yet, I absolutely … Continue reading First Breath to Last cover and more!
Dede's Books and blog 