You might be thinking I’m talking about the politics of the day. Nope. Not today. One of the challenges I took on when drafting From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood, and Aging, was to write my life's fairy tale or new myth. As with most writing I do, I had no … Continue reading Creating New Myths: Enough is Enough
As I began drafting this blog – and was patting myself on the back for the completion of my audiobook – I began to sing Eric Carmen's 1970s pop song, All By Myself. Curious to listen to this tune I haven't heard in ages, I found it online, sat back and closed my eyes. I … Continue reading Creating (Another) Audiobook: A Tribute to Mom
Does it seem the older we get, the harder it is to recognize the year's end? Perhaps we have finally accepted there are fewer years ahead of us than behind? Or maybe, 2025 is a year we are eager to be done with! Regardless, it is odd for me to look at the 2026 calendar. … Continue reading Thank You for 10 Years of Blogging: Celebrating 2025 Milestones
In case you missed the news, Sunday, December 7 (from noon - 4 pm) is a perfect opportunity to support local, buy holiday gifts, visit downtown Portland, and celebrate the joy of reading. All this within the beautiful Oregon Historical Society's museum. This annual event is my favorite book event hands down. Invited authors must … Continue reading Celebrate Reading at the Oregon Historical Society’s Holiday Cheer
Reading has always been one of my most favorite things. I still feel excited as I seek new books to read, whether at a favorite library, a neighborhood lending library, bookstore, or even an audiobook on Libby. I own more books than I may ever read, even though I’ve also spent time clearing my shelves. … Continue reading Our Connection to Departed Loved Ones Through Books
My dear friend Maura and I have each published creative works, but did you know we also both have Masters Degrees in public health and worked our careers as Certified Industrial Hygienists? Once in a while, something happens and you just know there’s a bit of magic-making. Little things and big things, things we forget … Continue reading Exploring Relationships in Fiction and Public Health
This essay was first shared on Women Writers, Women['s] Books on September 29, 2025. Thanks to Books by Women for supporting authors and readers. When I began this story, I thought it would be my fifth rather than sixth book. But as other authors know to happen, life interrupted. I did know that Celia, a … Continue reading The Writing of A Map of Her Own
I adore children's books. In fact, I have to remind myself whenever I'm in the children's section of a book store to temper myself. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't buy books –only that I'm extremely picky. I don't often blog about books written by others, but today is different as I share two … Continue reading Exploring Books That Delight Kids and Adults Alike
Until last year, listening to audiobooks was something I rarely did except when on a long drive. I would have to backtrack or rewind many times as my mind drifted to one thought or another. Once on a trip to Missoula, Russ and I listened to Invasion of the Body Snatchers enroute, and a collection … Continue reading Embracing Audiobooks: A Journey of Discovery
Just hanging out in my closet, reading to myself. Yes, for some time I've wanted to narrate an audiobook version of My Music Man. Several of the first readers of this book, when it was released in 2017, told me it felt like they had been in conversation with me while they read. Others asked … Continue reading Releasing My Music Man, the Audiobook!
Dede's Books and blog 