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Tasman Background – Sailing From England

adventure novel / giveaway / story background / Tasman

Tasman Background – Sailing From England

In the 1850s sailing ships plied the earth carrying cargoes as varied as the ports they visited. Live animals, local crops, mined ore, lumber, government notices and soldiers as well as letters and humans; convicts were among its paid cargo. The trip to Port Arthur, Tasmania meant stops along the way: Tenerife, Rio, Cape Town. Ships used the trade winds to advantage as they distributed or exchanged both sanctioned and secret cargoes. Most honored Neptune, the god of the sea, when if they crossed the equator. That meant raucous celebrations or silly antics while wearing outlandish outfits consisting of buckets...

Valentine’s Day is Coming!

84 Ribbons / Ballet Trilogy / Educating America / Letters to Follow / Sonnets for Ambrosia / Tasman / When the Music Stops

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.) [product_category category=”ballet”] For the adventure-minded sweetie in your life, consider Tasman. I’ll personalize the...

Tasman Updates

Book events / musings / Story project updates / Tasman

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

musings

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

adventure novel / book excerpt / Tasman

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??

adventure novel / musings / Tasman

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...

Best Holiday Book Ever

musings / special books

Best Holiday Book Ever

During the holiday season, which books draw you in for a second, third, or maybe a yearly read? I want to share one that remains on my heart since high school. My author friend, Lauraine Selling, wrote The Lonely Donkey, a lovely children’s story when we were in high school. It follows the journey of the donkey that carries Mary toward Bethlehem. Lauraine made colored pencil drawings and created a wood-burned cover with leather hinges. As it turned out she only made two copies, both of which she gave away.  Several years ago when I was getting out my holidays...

Seasonal Haiku

poetry / quotes

Seasonal Haiku

Winter is just around the corner. Here are a few poems to move you into thinking about the changing world. Enjoy   Winter Solitude-                                             Reflecting mirror in a world of one color                                    frozen pond in bare garden the sound of the wind                                     – I am day older…       Dark, frozen cornstalks                                   My bed is so warm beneath a leaden sky, feel                               My alarm clock is so cold. the rabbit’s warm blood                                  I think I’ll sleep in.   On a frozen twig, The little bird dreams of spring. Oh! To see the sun.   Now, try...

Order Books for Holiday and New Year Giving

84 Ribbons / adventure novel / Ballet Trilogy / Book Specials / Educating America / Letters to Follow / Tasman / When the Music Stops

Order Books for Holiday and New Year Giving

Time to start thinking about the readers on your holiday giving list. Here’s a sale for you and your friends! Order copies of TASMAN, my newest historical fiction, my ballet-themed trilogy, and/or Educating America materials between today, Dec.5th  and December 16th. You’ll receive a 20% book discount and free priority shipping (within the U.S.A.) valued at $10 per novel or up to $6 per educational book. Click the links above to order! When you order the entire trilogy, you’ll receive special wrapping materials and a set of ballet-themed note cards at no additional change. That’s an additional $4 discount per...

As a Writer, I’m Thankful for…

musings

As a Writer, I’m Thankful for…

Writing is a solitary endeavor. It’s dependent on so many things falling into place; some beyond our control. I appreciate your support and hope this season of giving thanks presents you with lots to be thankful for. I am thankful for: Ideas that feed my imagination The persistence to build a story from its beginning to its end An audience that supports me by reading my stories Readers who let me know what they like about my stories Readers who take the time to write me reviews and who encourage others to read my work Time and energy to build...