Monthly Archive: January 2018

Valentine’s Day is Coming!

Valentine’s Day is Coming!

Looking for something to give that someone special in your life? Consider purchasing my books from my website now through February 21st*.               ALL will include free shipping within the U.S. My ballet trilogy is perfect for that someone who loves the arts. If you purchase the three book set, I’ll personalize the books and send along the wrappings and a ballet-themed ornament as well as a set of ballet note cards. All you’ll need to do is buy a card!  (Individual books are also available.) For the adventure-minded sweetie in your life, consider Tasman. I’ll personalize the book as...

Tasman Updates

Tasman Updates

I’m certainly enjoying the chance to share Tasman- An Innocent Convict’s Struggle for Freedom. The story began so many years ago and now I’m able to revive those early days of writing and researching as well as hearing feedback about Ean’s story. I’ve created several handouts (with the help of my creative publisher) and will gladly mail you information if you are interested or considering using my book for a book club or group event. I will gladly speak with you and your friends via Skype or attend your book events around the northwest. If I’m traveling to your area,...

A Day in a Writer’s Life

A Day in a Writer’s Life

People often ask what my day of writing looks like. That depends on whether I am involved a project or between projects. When I am writing or editing I start writing early before the sun or rain appears at my window. By noon I’ve often spent 5 -7 hours working so I move on to other interests: volunteering in classrooms, working on crafts or reading my next book club offering. During the times I’m between projects I spend my mornings on personal writings, write my blogs and create math games for elementary classroom use. I also dedicate more time to...

Tasman Excerpt: On the Ship

Tasman Excerpt: On the Ship

Backstory: Ean has been falsely accused of stealing from his sweetheart’s employer, Lord and Lady Colridge. After several days in London’s Newgate Gaol, he’s removed by a constable. He thinks he’s to be freed. We walked along narrow, twisting streets. The smell of wood and tar mingled with that of stale beer and rotting vegetables. A sea of barefoot men dressed in rough jackets and canvas breeches steered past, hauling boxes and crates on their rickety carts. The constable yanked my tether and used the loose end of the rope to whip my back and head. He smiled as the...

Is it Winter or Summer??

Is it Winter or Summer??

Us northern hemisphere residents forget that southern hemisphere residents have weather that is opposite to ours. When I wrote Tasman—An Innocent Convict’s Struggle for Freedom the differences were a constant concern because in Tasmania, June was winter  and December was summer. Talk about needing to be consistent! Tasmania is comparable to the Pacific Northwest if you reverse the seasons. The island lies between 40° and 45° degrees while the Pacific Northwest lies between 45° and 50° degrees. Antarctica and the Indian Ocean influence Tasmania’s weather; the Arctic and the Japanese Current in the North Pacific influence ours. Both locations have...