Midwife, nurse, grandmother, writer of novels for middle grade children: "Toto's Tale and True Chronicle of Oz", "The Weaver's Daughter", an immigration story, and "The Double Crossing", historical fiction.
I haven’t attended this workshop, in my own backyard, now in its tenth year. But a local writing friend has been several times and recommends it. I hope to go in October. For any of you who are writing for children, here’s some information. Sounds like a good line-up of faculty. 10th Annual Pacific Coast … More Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop
I recently spent a day in the redwoods, a Cabrillo College extension course led by Sandy Lydon. The afternoon of that day, our group went on ziplines into the canopy at Mount Hermon. While this was a beautiful and challenging experience, I was left somewhat unsatisfied because I was hoping for a real old growth … More The Wild Trees
Our wonderful local independent book store, Capitola Book Cafe, is struggling to stay in business, as are many independent book stores. They’ve kicked off a Survive and Thrive campaign to try to raise the money needed to keep on bringing us not only great books, but all the wonderful author talks, workshops, and other events … More Capitola Book Cafe
Two big events in May will end the season for the Santa Cruz Peace Chorale. Coming up this week on Thursday, May 3, the chorale will sponsor films as part of the annual Reel Work Labor Film Festival. The films are about the Occupy movement, current and historical. The chorale will sing a few songs, … More Santa Cruz Peace Chorale events
I apologize for the long gap between blogs, once again. I’ve just completed a new middle grade book, Shell, about a modern young Maya girl’s experience immigrating to the U.S. Writing consumed me. Then I made a road trip to visit family in parts north. And I confess, I don’t always have something I feel … More Valuable advice for critique groups
I can’t say enough about how important it is for a writer, or at least this writer, to take part in a critique group. The feedback I get from critique partners is invaluable. I sometimes think of my books as collective efforts. My settings take on smells and sounds. My characters begin to display mannerisms, … More Writing Critique Partners
The Santa Cruz Peace Chorale will hold a fundraising Zumbathon hosted by the Live Oak Grange on January 28th at 2:00 pm. A $15 donation at the door will go to support the chorale. I’ve never tried Zumba, but I hear it is a fun dance exercise and there are rumors it may involve tassels. … More Zumbathon
Sorry for the long break in posts. The holidays have been quite busy. I just got word that Aviva Institute, the online midwifery school for which I teach, has reorganized as Aviva College with a new executive team and beautiful new website. Aviva College will continue Aviva Institute’s legacy of providing post secondary education and … More Aviva College
Anne Ursu was my instructor for the wonderful week-long Whole Novel Workshop for Fantasy at Highlights Foundation last year. She is a gifted instructor and writer and has recently published what I believe is her best book, Breadcrumbs. NPR chose Breadcrumbs as its December Kid’s Book Club pick. Read their review at http://www.npr.org/2011/11/29/142862998/december-kids-book-club-pick-breadcrumbs. Then get … More Breadcrumbs
There’s been a lot of talk on internet blogs about a spate of Oz based movies reported to be in production. Here’s a link to one of them: http://blog.moviefone.com/2010/05/19/whats-up-with-all-the-wizard-of-oz-spinoff-movies/ It just so happens that I was inspired a few years ago by my little rescue terrier, who came with the name Toto, to begin retelling … More Toto’s Tale
Sylvia Patience, Author 