Reflections on a life in safety, a passion for fiction, and the labor that defines us.

Each day, authors debut a first or next work. Somewhere between 2-4 million new books are released each year worldwide. It’s both exciting and overwhelming to try to keep up with the variety and diversity of available books. And for us (“high rated lesser known”) authors, it also means that it is challenging for the average reader to ever hear about any of our titles.

It was pointed out to me recently by a friend, how my professional background sets me off a bit from the typical novelist. While it’s been easy for me to reflect on how my past is quite different from most authors, especially those who have written for a living or secured the traditional MFA, I hadn’t thought as much about what my past also gifted me. Yet, it’s true, that I have worked with just about every different profession and trade out there. Too, I’ve seen the impacts of jobs on many, and not only because of an on-the-job injury or illness. Above all, I get how – regardless of what we do for work – it impacts us and our lives, both negatively and positively.

To illustrate this, I put together this two minute video.

Even before releasing A Map of Her Own, my fictional characters’ work and professions shows up in bits of my earlier books. Compassion fatigue shows up in Paul’s work as a vet tech (Humanity’s Grace) while family-carried trauma related to policing challenges Calvin’s intimate relationship and yet positively influences his decisions working in corrections. Bonding over safety practices creates friendship between Chuck and Jackson while working in early Portland shipping yards as electricians, even though one is Black and the other white (Beyond the Ripples). Jackson too experiences body aches and pains as an older man after decades working in the trades, while years later his daughter Sharon is diagnosed with breast cancer, a risk factor after working decades as a night shift nurse.

Yes, my characters simply came to me as I wrote, as they do for other authors. And yet, it was only later when I understood how much what I knew from my work life in health, safety and well-being feeds the story. No, work isn’t the only thing in our lives or what drives a story; but it certainly impacts both. I’m grateful to understand, now in my mid-60s, how these two seemingly separate parts of my life, have intersected.

I too am appreciative of more upcoming events. If you happen to be in the area, I’d love to have you stop by!

Saturday, March 14 at 1pm, Chaparral Books, Portland

Sunday, March 15, 10 AM – 2 PM, Eastmoreland Grocery, Portland

Saturday, March 28, noon, Covington House, Vancouver WA

And…thank you for sharing a review about any of my books on any platform, and with friends and family.

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