It never fails. Just when I'm unsure I have another blog in me, a new inspiration floats in. Today it is a memory about a set of glass goblets, and the Oregonian's front page story celebrating 175 years since its birth. Today's Oregonian article celebrates the anniversary of the first printing of the Oregonian. That … Continue reading From Newspapers to Glass Goblets: Creatively Weaving Fact into Story
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
There is a let down after the initial excitement of releasing a new book. Perhaps it’s not spending those hours drinking tea at my dining room table, editing, writing, imagining. Or maybe it is recognizing (again) that most people still don't know about my book. And conceding that the bulk of readers never will. Even … Continue reading Navigating Post-Launch Blues
This October of 2025 has been a big month. In addition to my usual October Celebrations like my birthday (this year 64) and wedding anniversary (37!), I published a book (my sixth). Too, although recently claiming retirement, I agreed to present a keynote and session at an early October industrial hygiene conference. I too struggle … Continue reading Take a Breath
UPDATED: As of Wed., October 22 A Map of Her Own is now readily available on Amazon for the retail price of $16.95. Find it here. That being said, you can still find it under the other book buying options listed below. It's a good thing this wasn’t my first or second, or perhaps even … Continue reading A Map of Her Own: Testing My Limits
Yes, today is an exciting day! It is the release of A Map of Her Own, my fifth book set in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you to Bedazzled Ink Publishing for, once again, helping me get my stories out. So, I'll begun by encouraging you to check it out. If you have enjoyed any of … Continue reading Embracing Unexpected Encounters: The Power of Connection
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
Keynote talk at the 2023 ASSP WISE (Women in Safety Excellence) event at Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference. My mom was a bit younger than I am now when she retired from her adjunct faculty position at Marylhurst. It was a difficult choice as she loved what she did, but an autoimmune illness … Continue reading Embracing Retirement: A Journey of Growth and Mentorship
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
Dede's Books and blog 