Michele Torrey, a talented writer and good friend, started an organization called Orphans Africa. They’ve been building schools and providing for orphans in Africa. Last year, several children’s book authors attended their annual auction and dinner. We had a blast, and we hope you’ll join us on February 11, 2012 (5-9) at Emerald Downs racetrack [...]
They’re here! Board books of DINOSAILORS and ALL ABOARD THE DINOTRAIN. And I had no idea they’d be this chunky cute. Like chubby little kids who are all grins, they immediately won me over. I love the colors, the size (dinobig), and the sturdiness of these tough little guys. They’re worth their dinoweight. And their [...]
I love Orcas Island, and one of my favorite places to visit is Darvill’s Bookstore. I’ll be there this Sunday at 2:00. Why not make it a day or weekend on Orcas, and I’ll meet you at Darvill’s! Sunday June 6 2 – 3pm Deb Lund, author of the acclaimed “Dino” series books for children, [...]
You’ll hear more about this from me later, but Jesse Watson’s moving picture book story of resilience and hope in Haiti during the earthquake tragedies, coming out in October, features images of my kids. Our son Jean modeled for the main character, and our daughter Sandra will be featured in the book as well. The [...]
Rick Steves had this one wrong. The palace interior has been reconfigured so many times it’s lost it’s charm, but the grounds are pure magic. I’ve had dreams about tunnels, caves that never end, being lost as I crawl through smaller and smaller crevices in the dark, so it took courage to wind my way [...]
Sintra is steeping in castles. The royalty would vacation here. Lord Byron stayed here. The whole town and surrounding hilly countryside is dotted with spires, steeples, and statues. Most folks flock to Pena Palace, the sprawling, multi-colored king-of-the-hill that rises above the rest. It makes the Moorish Castle look like a gnome home, but that’s [...]
Ahhhh… While the rest of the Sintra sight-seeing crowd tromped and bussed over to Pena Palace (more on that later), I found a home of sorts at the Moorish Castle (800-900). Stories hide in the stones there and I could have spent all three of my Sintra days perched on the steps and rocks of [...]
I’m literally closing down this computer when I finish this, and hopping on our Whidbey airport shuttle to head to Portugal. Why? A novel I’ve been working on has called me there for months, just a wee bit of time compared to how long this story has been churning in me. Follow my journey right [...]
Barbara Walker is one of those people you want on your side. She’s tough, determined, and not afraid to speak out. We met Barbara when we were considering adoption. We spent several days in Haiti before bringing our children home, and our visits with her there and here leave us awestruck and appreciative. It takes [...]
A novel is one picture, one glimpse of life, with a sky-full of stars tucked inside to discover as you read. I’m reading my novel in progress for the first time. I’m discovering loose ends, meanderings that take me away from the story, and also some gems that dropped in there as I created the [...]
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