Yesterday I told a friend that my favorite author-related activity is joining book groups to discuss my books. I meant what I said. As much as I enjoy presenting book talks, usually with folks who haven't yet read my book, nothing compares to exploring a book's nitty gritty details. All of it: what people most … Continue reading Exploring Author Insights Through Book Groups
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!
Recently, I met a new friend who is on the path to recovery. "Sober for a year," they said, a smile sad and proud at the same time. Because we were talking about all things books, I shared with them my favorite page from my first book and memoir, My Music Man. After they read … Continue reading From Memoir to Audiobook: Celebrating Healing and Connection
Hey Mom; we did it. I want to believe that some part of you felt the energy too. I did dream about you last night, but without reference to our book. I'll keep waiting. If you had been with us in person, I'm certain you too would deem the events to be complete and heartfelt. … Continue reading Dear Mom: We did it!
UM Commencement in 1983 with Patrick. I got to thinking after my brother Patrick told me what sparked the name of the Flathead Lake Monsters, the band that will play at my weekend book gig. And yes, I’m excited to have Patrick and friends play at my Missoula event. When we were lining it up, … Continue reading Lake monsters, Bigfoot and carp
This essay was first shared by Women Writers, Women('s) Books. I'm thrilled to share it here in case you missed it. I appreciate Women Writers, Women('s) Books for sharing my work, along with other authors and writers. Intersection and introspection are my words today. Life and its stories circle, entwine and intersect as I prepare … Continue reading Writing, Legacy, and Things Left Behind
In response to an email I'd sent to my publisher, I received a reply beginning with "Take a breath" followed by a smile emoji. It made me laugh. You who know me well are probably smiling too. Yes, I admit, sometimes I have a tendency to get a bit keyed up in enthusiasm and excitement. … Continue reading Dede, take a breath
Yes, I am surprised that it is nearly 2023. So much has happened this year in our world, while at the same time so much has not. In my personal life, though? So much change. I celebrated my second Christmas without Mom and my eighth without Dad. As I share and listen with friends, more … Continue reading End of year ruminating
I haven’t before pitched My Music Man as a Father’s Day story, a gift to give a father or someone who’s missing a father or loves their own father. And yet, readers have told me my memoir is just that. Not that your father was like my father or that your relationship was like mine, … Continue reading A gift for Father’s Day
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
Dede's Books and blog 