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Hello! You’ll find posts here for readers, writers, and anyone interested in life. Check out the categories to the right for your favorite topics, or just start browsing. Sometimes I throw in a recipe or a poem, share my writer’s life, or tell you how I came up with one of your favorite characters.  I’ll announce contests and share pics from events. Sometimes I delve into how to handle tough political, social or religious topics in your own books if you’re a writer, or share what I learn about the ever-evolving world of publishing. Whatever the topic, I promise to do my best not to waste your time. There’s enough clutter online without my adding to it.

I love to hear from readers, so feel free to comment on any post or write to me directly through the Contact page.

Meet Rupert!

Meet Rupert!

A FEW DAYS AGO I RECEIVED A SURPRISE package in the mail. With a hand written return address, I knew it was from an actual human, so I ripped it open and there he was, staring up at me with those big, chocolate eyes. I promptly named him Rupert. Turns out he was from...

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New Book!

New Book!

SO EXCITED! In just six short weeks, on August 18th, In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 will be released. This one was definitely a labor of love. I fell in love with owls and other raptors when I moved here to the Oregon coast and the next thing I knew,...

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French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

Logan may not like to cook, but I sure do! My main character in the Logan McKenna Mystery series is famous for assembling vs cooking, but we do have one thing in common, we love to eat! I used to only order this soup out at restaurants, but during the Covid shutdown I...

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Savory Stuffed Peppers

Savory Stuffed Peppers

I DOUBLE THE RECIPE for these and freeze half of them for those nights when the 'Logan Light' is on later than I intend. Sometimes its 6:00 by the time I look up from my keyboard and nothing's ready for dinner. Having these on hand is a lifesaver. A salad and some...

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Go-To Potato Leek Soup

Go-To Potato Leek Soup

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE AROMA OF HOT SOUP bubbling on the stove. Add this easy-to-make, delicious potato soup to your recipe box. It is one of our winter favorites! Easily adaptable, you can doctor it up with bacon and extra sour cream, or make it vegetarian, even...

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How Much Water???

How Much Water???

IF YOUR NEW YEAR'S GOAL HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH HEALTH you probably know you need to drink more water. But how much? For a 175-lb woman, that means about 117 oz or ~15 cups of water per day. More if you're going to be very active. Yikes! Half of your coffee or tea...

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My Secret Weapon!

My Secret Weapon!

NEW YEAR'S DAY IS BEACH DAY! I'm not sure when I started this tradition, but for years now when Jan 1 rolls around, I don comfortable layers and good walking shoes, load up a small backpack with essential supplies, then tuck myself into my car and drive to the nearest...

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New Year’s Black Eyed Peas

New Year’s Black Eyed Peas

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT NEW YEARS DAY is enjoying a warm, delicious bowl of Southern Black Eyed Peas. Serve it with cornbread & greens and you're off to a prosperous New Year! There are many versions, start with this basic one and add ingredients you and your...

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About Valerie

A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow. A life of travel with exposure to many different cultures led to a pervasive interest in people, with degrees & teaching credentials in Cultural Anthropology & English.

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