Although I write books, a poem or two has been known to leak from my pen. So have a couple of short stories. I’m in the process of cobbling them into a book, Slain Phantoms. They showcase some of my issues and fears, and how their exit from my brain to the page set me … Continue reading Slain Phantoms: A Forthcoming Collection
I’ve been workin’ on the sequel…all the live-long day…
A few posts ago, I put up the opening pages of Cress on the Bay, my sequel to Cress in Waterbee. While I plug away on the rest of the book, please enjoy the rest of Chapter 1, ‘Lily Jansen’:
Beneath the smoke of steam and burning coal, the Calistoga Chief headed north. Mothers and grandmothers cooked on small stoves, knowing the ‘pledged to comfort’ rail company would provide no such thing in the emigrant car. It was a place for everyone the rail company considered un-American—Indians, Mexicans, Chinese and colored. This, among other subjects, livened conversations while the scent of roast chicken filled the air. Continue reading “Chapter One of Cress on the Bay”
Reality–ain’t it grand? You live for years in what you think is the real world, and then one day it isn’t. Many people dread reality, and I don’t blame them.
I’ve had a rude awakening that involved a close relative. I got to see firsthand the truth of this quote:
For years this relative has struggled, has eked by and kept their head above water. We made an arrangement to assist each other financially, and they made a great show of supporting my creative endeavors. I qualified for a grant that eased some of our financial burdens, one that increased their cash flow and enabled me to put more energy toward my start-up. Yet when I asked for a portion of the funds to cover my basic necessities, there was an uproar. There was resentment, name-calling of the ‘entitled princess’ caliber. For the first six months of the program, I heard not a peep from this person, not a word of complaint while Continue reading “Your Heart Will Go On”
I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback on Cress in Waterbee. It’s great when people see the vision you see, isn’t it? I’m currently working on the second novel in The Cress Series, entitled Cress on the Bay.
1887. Now ten, Cress Steward is on her way from Waterbee, Vermont to Frimond Bay, a town on the Lost Coast of California. As a biracial child in the Victorian age, Cress is told little about her origins. A man Cress knew as Mister Jake is related to the white family that first took her in. When Cress finds out that Mister Jake is her father, she is certain he cares nothing for her.
Yet a letter invites Cress to spend a year with Jake in Frimond Bay. Knowing little about her white father, and even less about her black mother, Cress accepts the invitation. And while the letter was signed ‘Jake Steward’, he is not the person who invited her.
Here’s a sample. Enjoy!
“Figures.” Jake grumbled. From the window of his study, he watched a rainstorm darken the Pacific. When Jake first bought his estate, its view of Frimond Bay and the harbor pleased him. He was often told that the sight of his home gave greater comfort than the lighthouse. One time his sister-in-law overheard the compliment and said ‘You certainly have the look of a hero.’ The memory of her smugness returned Jake to his desk. Continue reading “On the way: Cress on the Bay”
I just posted this review on Amazon, and wanted to share it here. Great children’s books are good for all of us, because in so many ways we are still children inside. Here’s the review:
In a few sweet words, Niko Staten speaks out for women in technology. Not every girl wants to be frilly, Continue reading “Review of the excellent ‘I’d Rather Be a Robot’ by Niko Staten”
Originally posted on Think Ten Media Group – The Blog:
Last week, I shared my top filmmaking reads from the week before with some emphasis on Selma and the Oscars. This week, I decided to focus on some simple, but important, tips for filmmakers. On set filming our upcoming webseries, “The wHOLE.” ? I often… Continue reading 5 Simple Filmmaking Tips Inspired by Advice for Writers
Today is Multi-Cultural Children’s Book Day, and as a strong believer in diverse fiction, I am participating by posting this review. Please go to Twitter, hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join in!
Little Boy is the first in the Saga of a Comanche Warrior series, by Max Oliver. Instead of a Eurocentric lens, Oliver’s book shows us Native Americans as people going about their own lives. Little Boy is born to a woman named No Talks, named so for her calm reserve. He is a scrawny baby, the weaker twin, Continue reading “Review of Little Boy, YA novel about a Comanche warrior”
DON’T YOU love a well-written and detailed review? My favorite reviewer is Peter Travers, film critic for Rolling Stone. I’ve been saved from many a bad movie thanks to his witty and spot-on reviews. Even when I don’t agree with his take, I can always see where he’s coming from. No one gets money or … Continue reading Latest review of Cress in Waterbee
The Lost Heirs is aimed at a middle-grade audience without talking down to them. I picked up elements of Steampunk, Narnia and The Phantom Tollbooth, with a helping of The Goonies.
I am not generally fond of the fantasy genre, and I feel this book is ‘Fantasy for people who hate fantasy’. Continue reading “My review of The Lost Heirs by A. Moran-Sorley”
As of today, I have 12 reviews of 25 to Love!. My romantic comedy about a woman who goes on a dating show as the token person of color has gotten some varied feedback. The one below is my favorite, from a reviewer named T. Wheaton. I don’t know if T. is male or female, but he or she has mastered the art of the helpful review. *Salutes*
Without further ado, T. Wheaton:
“I loved this. I’ve read other books that use reality shows as their settings. Of all the books I’ve read with this setting, this is probably the one that feels like it gets closest to the truth. Continue reading “My Favorite Review of ’25 to Love!’”
JOYE JOHNSON - Politely Refusing the Kool-Aid 