CREATING CHARACTERS is one of my favorite things to do, particularly the eclectic minor characters that people Logan’s world. What would Logan’s hometown of Jasper be without Tava’e, the massive Samoan chess queen, or Iona Slatterly of the spray on...
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 THING ABOUT RESEARCH is the unexpected tidbit you learn along the way. Take my recent trip to the Cascade Raptor Center in Eugene, OR while researching a storyline for Book 8. The Executive Director, Louise Shimmel, arranged for me to spend time with several...
IN THE MIDST OF LOGAN’S NEW WORLD UP HERE ON THE OREGON COAST, I’m having a great time with background research for her ever-evolving story in Book 7. I am continuing to learn about mushrooms, of course, that were introduced in the last book. So far,...
I DIDN’T PLAN IT THIS WAY, but moving to the Oregon coast meant moving Logan with me. As I explored my new neighborhood, which includes miles of paths through an old growth forest and a walking path along a rocky ocean cliff, new story lines and characters...
TODAY WAS ANOTHER JOYFUL DAY in my life as a writer! I spent the day with a violinist who shared her love of music, her instrument and many of the ins and outs of being a musician and how individual and unique each musician is. Some compose, some play, some struggle,...
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.
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.