Blog Posts

  • Teaching cultural diversity

    Once again I’m teaching the course I designed in Cultural Diversity at the online midwifery school, Aviva College. It’s a small group of students this time around, a real joy to read their discussions and see them learning and growing, becoming more aware of the many facets of culture and the importance of developing cultural… Read more

  • Peace Camp Fundraiser

    “Celebrate Peace!” is a musical and theatrical benefit for Jane Addams Peace Camp.  The family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, March 9th from 1-3pm at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz.     Participants will include The Santa Cruz Peace Chorale, led by Aileen Vance, the Unitarian Universalist Just in Time Choir… Read more

  • How to keep on writing

    After finishing a writing project, my most recent middle grade book SHELL, it’s been hard to find inspiration to continue with something else. I felt no enthusiasm. I felt stuck. Even though I had a story in mind, one I started to work on a few years back. Finally I resolved to write something every… Read more

  • Back on the blog

    Sorry if you’ve missed my blog over the last couple of months. The holidays were a busy time. But, besides that, I’ve been figuratively holding my breath waiting to hear from an agent and an editor who requested the full manuscript of my latest book, Shell. I hoped to blog with good news. But I’m… Read more

  • Emma Dryden interview

    Patti Gay, an author illustrator in my critique group, has posted an interview with editor Emma Dryden on her blog. Emma Dryden has years of experience in children’s publishing and calls herself a “generalist”. She works on everything from picture books and illustration, to middle grade and young adult. She is currently a free-lance editor.… Read more

  • Revision

    I have been very lax in keeping up this blog. First there was summer and all that involves. Lately I’ve been working frantically to revise one of my books for submission for whole novel critique at the upcoming Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop. But, on the subject of revision, here is some excellent advice from… Read more