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 loved this review posted on Net Galley December 20th by Delainie Hanson, educator: “My 3rd grade daughter read this soon after reading The Wizard of Oz. She loved reading the story from Toto’s perspective. She kept comparing and contrasting the two books and even used to a Venn diagram! She says that she told … More Toto’s Tale Review
Don’t miss the Book Fair at the downtown Santa Cruz library on November 13. Eight local children’s authors will be reading, as well as Young Writer’s Project authors. I’ll be there with Toto’s Tale. It’s free and there will be raffle prizes and cookies. Buy books in time for the holidays. Part of the proceeds … More First Annual Children’s Book Fair
In case you missed it, you can still watch the Independent Author Day webinar on You Tube. Go to the website and click the link. Many local libraries, including the Santa Cruz Public Library, participated. I was one of a panel of four independently published authors who talked about our writing and publishing process and … More Indie Author Day
Writers are people who like to get lost in story, usually a solitary activity. I love writing my books, even revising them. However, I’ve never been much of a salesperson. And, as you who subscribe to my blog well know, I’m not much of a blogger. Marketing a book, once published, is a job for … More The Marketing Dilemna
It’s now possible to read the beginning four chapters of Toto’s Tale and True Chronicle of Oz, including taking a look at the beautiful illustrations by W.W. Denslow, from the original Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Just click the link for a look at the Kindle version. Let me know what you think here, or read … More Toto’s Tale Preview
Toto’s Tale has been getting lots of good reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. And now it’s available on Ingram at wholesale prices for booksellers and libraries. Net Galley members can read it and post a review on line. I did school readings this past semester at several schools in the area, some organized by school librarians, … More Toto’s Tale News
If you’re in the area, don’t miss the Santa Cruz Peace Chorale concert, “We’re Still Here!” It’s the 14th annual spring concert and silent auction on Saturday, May 14th at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 2402 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel. Under the musical direction of singer/songwriter Aileen Vance, the Santa Cruz Peace Chorale sings traditional & contemporary … More Peace Chorale Concert
The Muse isn’t dead This long running tradition, a celebration of women’s writing, has been revived this year by Wilma Marcus Chandler who had the original idea for the event over thirty years ago. If you live in or near Santa Cruz, come celebrate the Muse and hear eighteen local writers (including me) read from … More In Celebration of the Muse
I recently entered the “Pitch Madness” contest hosted by Brenda Drake and three other bloggers. My entry pitch for my middle grade contemporary Baba Yaga story, Bony Legs, was chosen for the Moo Moo Meadows team on Sharon Johnston’s blog. It’s a Mario Kart game. New to me, since I’m not a gamer. Participating literary … More Pitch Madness
Sylvia Patience, Author 