Don’t Miss the Robson Ranch Art Crawl — Nov 12, 10-3pm.

My table at the 2022 Art Crawl . Featuring four
books this year, the City Streets mysteries and
the Riversong Books 2022 Short Stories.

Participating in my neighborhood Art Crawl today. 30+ artists at 17 home galleries, most within a few steps of each other. So enjoyed setting up yesterday afternoon instead of this morning — a first for me. Big thanks to my friends Judi & Paul, hosts of home gallery #7.

The Crawl is organized in part by the amazing Judi and she does an incredible job putting it together each year while creating at the same time. So in awe of her. Looking forward to a fun event. If you are in the area, come see us.

Happy November, Everyone

My November book-stack. Can you spell out November with the first letters of book titles in your library?

We’re a week into the month but I have issues with deadlines. Just for the fun of it, I’m challenging myself with a #novemberbookstack
I seem to have many books that begin with M or P, but here we go. All authors should start titling our books with words that begin with vowels.

The Narnia Chronicles by C. S. Lewis
O Jerusalem by Laurie R. King
Veteran by me!
The Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Education for Critical Consciousness by Paulo Freire
Runaway, also by me!

Thank you, Veterans! Download Veteran for 99c through month of November

In honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov 11, “Veteran” Book 2 in the City Streets series will be only 99c for digital copy on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes&Noble Nook and other digital retailers through the month of November.

“Veteran” has a special place in my heart as does the MC, a Gulf War vet named Ty. I met courageous, resilient people as I interviewed vets to write the story which is dedicated to my three brothers, each of whom served in our armed forces.

Download Veteran today for 99c
OR — Is there a special Veteran in your life?
Purchase an autographed softcover copy of “Veteran” for them for only $12+postage.
Email from contact page for order info.

Ten-minute Writing Prompt: If I were dictator of the world, I would…

…abolish snobbery and outlaw meanness. Rudeness would be subject to fine and bullies would have their mouth taped shut with duck tape and be ignored until they agreed to group therapy.

Random acts of kindness would be applauded. Food insecurity would be eradicated and health care would be compassionate and universal. People would identify with rainbows and there would be no color lines or barriers. No one would worry about who you love and would just be happy that you love someone.

Patience would not be a virtue because it would be unnecessary and we wouldn’t pray for it because we know where that leads.

The golden rule would be honored and expanded to the platinum rule — do unto others as you would have them do unto others.

Older people would, once again, as in olden times, be revered for their wisdom and experience.

The most important things in our lives would never be what we wear, the size of our homes, or the balance of our bank account.

Book Review: The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois

When I majored in sociology in the 80’s and 90’s W. E. B. DuBois was required reading. This collection of essays range in subject from race, education, and economics to the author’s experience as a grief-stricken parent encumbered by racial discrimination. DuBois, first and foremost, an educator (and an excellent writer) deserves his position as a premier social commentator and trailblazing advocate for civil rights. One would think that we’ve achieved much since Dubois published “Souls” in 1902 but many of the indictments he brought to light at that time are sadly, still issues today. While we’ve seen strides of progress toward equality, we still have a long way to go. Along with Weber, Maslow and Durkheim, DuBois is essential reading in sociology and on the subject of our society’s pitfalls and the need for change.

Book Mail: notes from the editor

Well… there’s ‘book mail’ then there’s ‘BOOK MAIL’ 😆 Received manuscript from Matt, my editor on Friday with edit notes for “Swan Song”, my fourth novel — a thriller this time.

Phone conference planned for Sunday morning to discuss his notes, my thoughts and moving forward.

I may actually get this one published after all. Two month off schedule, but not bad considering my life these days. Big hurrahs to my awesome beta readers—Cheryl, Lynn, TK and Markus!

Swan Song ~ a quick overview

Mara Cordovan’s life was rough even before she learned she was dying. Her death sentence was caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Corporate greed was to blame —and her demise could have been prevented. With nothing left to lose, she decides against seeking restitution in the time she has left. Instead, Mara wants revenge.

#swansongthenovel #indieauthors #novels #thrillers

Happy Book Bday to “Runaway” released 10/1/20

Happy Book Bday to Runaway, released Oct 1, 2020!

For the entire month of October, the City Streets Mysteries ebooks are only 99c each! Save $10 when you purchase all three!

~ Runaway, Book 1 99c

A runaway is found dead in an alley. Who is she? Why is she on the streets? Investigators Jordan and Connors pursue a killer and uncover deceit, lies and exploitation.

~Veteran, Book 2 99c

A Gulf War Veteran haunted by his past is accused of a vicious crime. Why does he not come to his own defense? Jordan and Connors believe in his innocence—but will they be able to prove it?

~Gutter Punk, Book 3 99c

A suspect from Lieutenant Jordan’s past threatens to expose a devastating secret. When she’s thrown into the dicey world of street kids, will they trust her to find a killer in their midst?

~Riversong Short Story Contest, 2022

If you enjoy short stories, don’t miss this edition. Six unique, quirky, thought-provoking stories in various contemporary genres. Edited by Neela Tuduri-Klepfisch.

Also Available on Amazon.

Happy Birthday, Rumi ♥️

September 30 marks the birth date of 13th century Persian poet Rumi, born in 1207. His most famous poem, Masnavi is a six-volume series that is often referred to as “The Koran in Persian”. In these 50K lines, Rumi sought to teach Sufis how to find love in God. He is by far the most renowned of the Persian poets. #rumi #poetry #poetsofinstagram #masnavi #persianpoetry