Sylvia Patience, Author

The fliers about the compost workshop I’m teaching on November 13 went out this past week in the Green Waste “curbsider” and Ana Maria Revelo at the county received an overwhelming response (over 200 phone calls). I’m glad there is such an interest and wish it were possible to put on more workshops. Without any Read more

This You-Tube video was forwarded to me by a friend. A Japanese scientist has developed a portable machine to convert plastic trash into usable oil or kerosene. It looks like a great idea. It can be used anywhere, but in third world countries where people have no adequate means to dispose of plastic waste, converting Read more

Tomorrow being election day, I’m putting in my plug to remind you all to vote. I think there are some pretty big issues involved. One is Measure 21, here in California, to fund our state parks for only $18 a year added to motor vehicle registration, and California residents will be able to visit the Read more

On Saturday I attended a regional conference of SCBWI (the Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Illustrators) in Oakland. I always enjoy the regional conferences which are a great way to connect with other writers in my area, as well as agents and editors. There were some good tips shared, information and inspiration. I especially Read more

For those who live in Santa Cruz County, I’m including the following notice of a compost workshop I’ll be co-leading on November 13 at the Live Oak Grange. Funds for these workshops have been severely cut, so this will be one of the few opportunities during the next year (maybe longer) to attend a workshop Read more

How important is it to know where you’re going with a story when you start out? What about plotting out the story arc or making an outline before you begin to write? I’ve done that with one book that I haven’t started writing yet. But Ann Patchett, whose writing I greatly admire, has a post Read more