“Pond Monkeys, 1889” - digital image purchased from Old Oregon. No, in this moment I’m not writing about politics or discrimination. I am blogging about something that is related to my work, which I rarely do on this personal writing platform, except when I feel compelled to use this blog as a way to share … Continue reading Things that are tough to talk about

Sat., October 12, 2019 Facebook Live: Talking characters Now that was fun! I had figured I should join others in hosting a Facebook Live event and do appreciate those of you that joined me in real time. It'd be a little weird to talk to yourself - even if I do all the time, usually … Continue reading Talking characters

Who knows how it'll go: it might simply be me talking to myself (which, face it, I do all the time), or it could be a fun-filled-fest with tips shared by me and others! Regardless, I'd love to have you join me to discuss writing and developing characters, specifically related to Beyond the Ripples. Whether … Continue reading Facebook Live: what did you say about those characters?

I met Lois in a local grocery store parking lot (one neither of us generally frequents). She was talking to Karen, a friend I had met through Mom: Patty and Karen had attended a writing class together for several years. When they first connected in class, Karen realized Patty was the instructor of an empowering … Continue reading The past leapfrogs into today

Serendipity of the discovered game piece. Thanks to friends and readers who have sent me feedback about Beyond the Ripples. It means so much. If you want to take it a step further, do 1) put a review - it can be as simple as a sentence or two - out there for the world … Continue reading Read, review, repeat

As I launched my kayak into the Willamette early this morning, the air felt different. The sun still promised to bring heat in the encroaching hours, yet, a hint of fall was in the air. The bald eagle soaring above me shared no signal that September was near. An osprey, circling above me as if … Continue reading Savoring summer

Last summer I blogged about the "Portland and Columbia River souvenir playing cards" I was gifted by my Boston friend Jack. Upon the advice of a staff member at the Oregon Historical Society, I scanned the 52 cards, each with a unique image. The cards  hold a copyright date of 1909 by the U.S. Playing … Continue reading Oregon’s past in a deck of cards

Shortly after the November 2016 presidential election, I began a novel. Two factors intersected at virtually the same time. First, I had finished my final editing of My Music Man with the ultimate "send" of my manuscript to the publisher. But even bigger, was my obsessive brain becoming unhealthily addicted to the news. My spirit … Continue reading Crazy politics: a time to write

I really don't care much about football. This is not a claim I make lightly in Duck and Seahawk country. Sure, I was excited when our local West Linn High team won state, as they did just last month, or when my brother's team won the state title four decades ago. But really, unless I … Continue reading Early Portland and the flying pigskin