I have struggled ethically in having my books distributed via Amazon. I recently found myself thinking through this yet again as I released the audiobook version of My Music Man. Having dedicated myself for forty years to advocate for healthy and safe work for all workers, yes, it feels a bit self-serving... After all, again … Continue reading Supporting Independent Bookstores Over Amazon
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!
Maybe there’s a pattern or maybe it’s happenstance. After I published my first memoir, I felt for the first time in adulthood that I could write a novel. Allowing myself to tell my own story in My Music Man, fed by memories of my past and stories lived by others, invited my brain to be … Continue reading A Map of Her Own: Navigating Dual Timelines in Fiction
You may have noticed recommendations to boycott META from May 6-11. Yes, that includes Facebook and Instagram, and I will try to follow suit. The boycott is to, at least in part, "pressure Meta into changing its policies, particularly regarding content moderation, fact-checking, and its treatment of LGBTQ+ communities." Yes, some say the attempted boycott … Continue reading Boycotting META: Seeking Authentic News Sources
Creating a writing community of close friends was not one of those things I imagined in my future when I was young. And yet, it is something I’m deeply grateful for, especially in this time of midlife. Don't get me wrong, I spent a lifetime journaling, reading, even writing a few poems. But it was … Continue reading Empowering Stories: The Strength of Writing Communities
I recently experienced one of my most difficult parenting challenges. My thirty-something adult child asked me if things will be okay. Authenticity, honesty, trust, compassion, optimism. These qualities are important to me as a parent and friend. Both our daughters work in health care, one with critically ill patients in the ICU, and the other … Continue reading Moving Ahead When Things Feel Hopeless
Taking time to feed our creativity and well-being is essential now more than ever. As we attend to activities important to us, our loved ones and our futures, we must also find moments to be good to ourselves. For me, reading, writing and sharing my own work fill those moments, augmented by quiet walks outdoors. … Continue reading Join Local Events to Celebrate Storytelling
I got a lot out of this year‘s Portland Book Festival, although big sales were not a part of it. A most important and relevant takeaway for me to apply to my current Work in Progress was one shared by my friend Adam. "Be expansive in your writing." I have an index card with that … Continue reading Writing Expansively: Insights for Aspiring Authors
Gaga reads Petra Mathers' book "Lottie's New Beach Towel" with her granddaughters at Illahee. We were fortunate to hear Petra read this book at nearby Ilwaco's Time Enough Books. It’s no surprise how I return to the Power of the Book during challenging times. While I don’t want to be one who puts my head … Continue reading The Joy of Reading: A Refuge from Reality
Dede's Books and blog 