Blog Posts

  • Operation Redwood

    Operation Redwood by S.Terrell French is an excellent middle grade novel which I recently read and then field-tested on each of my three grand-children ages nine to thirteen with enthusiastic results. The characters are well drawn. The lively action begins when city boy Julian Carter-Li intercepts an e-mail meant for his uncle from Robin, a Read more

  • Here on Earth

    Before I take a two week hiatus for travel, I want to say something about a new book by science writer, explorer and conservationist Tim Flannery. It’s called Here on Earth, and is subtitled A Natural History of the Planet. Sounds ambitious, doesn’t it? I learned a lot reading this book, which is easy to Read more

  • Peace Chorale Tenth Season

    The Peace Chorale is open to everyone who wants to sing. It’s been a wonderful experience for me for the past two years. I hope some of you will join this year. Below is an invitation to the upcoming retreat. The Santa Cruz Peace Chorale invites all current & prospective singers to their annual Singers Read more

  • More on the Yucatan: birds

    After my June trip to the Yucatan I wrote up a little report on the birds I’d seen there. I’m posting it for anyone who’s interested. I wasn’t on a birding trip, and had to fall behind whatever group I was with when I was trying to look at some bird. Also I’m an amateur. Read more

  • Electronic publishing for children’s books? An interview with author/illustrator Patti Gay

    Patti Gay is an illustrator and author of picture books, a member of SCBWI, and one of my critique group partners. The following is an interview with Patti about her recent launch into publishing her picture books electronically. Sylvia: Patti, you’ve jumped right into e-book publishing with a couple of your picture books. How did Read more

  • The Yucatan

    Wow! It’s been a long time since I posted. I was getting ready for a trip, then going on the trip, then recovering from the trip. I went to the Yucatan, southern Mexico, for a little over a week. I’ve published a few photos on Facebook, so take a look. It’s a beautiful place to Read more