Blog Posts

  • 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

  • Breadcrumbs

    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… Read more

  • Toto’s Tale

    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… Read more