Blog Posts

  • Capitola Book Cafe

    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… Read more

  • Santa Cruz Peace Chorale events

    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,… Read more

  • Valuable advice for critique groups

    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… Read more

  • Writing Critique Partners

    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,… Read more

  • Zumbathon

    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.… Read more

  • Aviva College

    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… Read more