Life's serendipitous moments stun me. This in itself is a bit surprising since moments like these show up frequently in my books and blogs. This week was no different. I had already begun this blog earlier in the week after receiving a card from my fourth grade teacher (Diane). That's the way I often write: … Continue reading One teacher: the power of one
Writing
Three years of ripples
How is it that time passes so differently the older we get? Events from our past can seem long ago while almost in the same moment as if yesterday. Like yesterday it seems I read finalized sections of Beyond the Ripples to Mom. Together we would walk, she still using sticks then, to one of … Continue reading Three years of ripples
About last night’s book discussion
That was SO fun! Thank you to those who joined last night's book discussion about Humanity's Grace. Special thanks to the good folks at Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company (and my kind friends) for being part of it. You can now watch the highlights! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooh8uHnVe5Y Available now in e-book and hard copies. Support local bookstores by … Continue reading About last night’s book discussion
Into the deep blue yonder of past and present
You know that feeling when you return to a place that hugs your heart? For some of us it might be the return to a favorite childhood place, maybe the home you grew up in, a special spot you traveled to, or where you first fell in love. These days when I pass through the … Continue reading Into the deep blue yonder of past and present
Join Humanity’s Grace book discussion
At my book launch party I mentioned that I had received a request to facilitate a discussion about Humanity's Grace (2022, Bedazzled Ink Publishing). Since then I've chatted with a few of you about the book and thought it would be a lot of fun. It's so interesting for authors to hear what readers think … Continue reading Join Humanity’s Grace book discussion
My why: creating stories and selecting genre for Humanity’s Grace
My books, photo of my grandmother and siblings on the Long Beach Peninsula, and the bottle used in the making of my trailer for Ripples. Before I return to posting Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 2, I wanted to share this post featured first on January 1, 2022 by Women Writers, … Continue reading My why: creating stories and selecting genre for Humanity’s Grace
A tribute to my oldest friends
Yesterday my friend Liz reminded me about John Prine's song Hello in There. She had responded to a story I'd shared on social media about an interaction with a stranger I met on a walk. I am reminded how much I miss my elderly friends who have died. Like Mom. While some might say I … Continue reading A tribute to my oldest friends
About that book launch…
I feel very loved: thank you for sharing your support upon the release of Humanity’s Grace. If you missed some of the excitement you can catch up by reading this (front page) article in the West Linn Tidings (West Linn author reflects on life's interconnectedness in new book), and this bit in the Astorian (In … Continue reading About that book launch…
The art of naming characters
I've read how many authors feel paralyzed over the responsibility of deciding the names of their characters. That's news to me - and certainly a good lesson. Or not. Naming characters has been one of the easiest things for me during my writing journey. Hmm. Perhaps, I don't take the task seriously enough? Here's the … Continue reading The art of naming characters
From Ripples to Humanity’s Grace: what to know
Soon after finishing my 2019 novel, Beyond the Ripples, I imagined writing a sequel. I wasn't yet finished with its characters: Annie, Sarah and others. I drafted a few short half-hearted attempts along different plot lines, soon after abandoning them to instead write another blog. Finally, just before the pandemic unfolded, I asked myself the … Continue reading From Ripples to Humanity’s Grace: what to know
Dede's Books and blog 