2025 in Review…and a Peek at 2026
I’m a list-maker. Lists keep me organized, they give me goals to strive for, and they give me a sense of accomplishment. So, here’s my 2025 list and a glimpse at 2026. In 2025: I stepped into the world of audiobook production. Two of my “On the Dakota Frontier” books, Proving Her Claim and Lone […]
In praise of mentors
At the recent SD Festival of Books event, I had an interesting conversation with fellow author and presenter Lawrence Diggs. Of course, all conversations with Diggs are interesting. We spoke about the importance of mentoring the next wave of professionals. “Mentors provide encouragement and courage,” Diggs said. It started me thinking about the mentors in […]
A Royal Assist
Warning: Old-school references ahead. In the middle of the last century, my mother insisted that I take the secretarial classes offered at my public high school, which included typing and shorthand. Mom said, “You’ll always be employable if you can type and take shorthand.” The ability to type served me well. But shorthand? Well, Mom […]
It’s not all writing & editing
Being an author isn’t all research, writing, and editing. The cliche of the hardworking author alone at a typewriter or keyboard is a myth. Once the book is written, the next step is to promote the book at author signings and book fairs. And it’s been a busy summer for my “On the Dakota Frontier” […]
Hello 2025! It’s time for New Year’s resolutions
It’s a new year. And, like many people, I’ve made New Year’s resolutions. Last year I was two for three: I resolved to set up a Free Sharing Library. √ I resolved to become a Master Gardener. √ (Editor’s note: I’m an Intern until I complete 40 volunteer hours.) I resolved to learn how to […]
Podcast questions: What’s your favorite book?
Part of marketing a book includes being a guest on podcasts. I must admit that it’s kinda fun. The podcast questions have also given me a new insight into myself. One of the questions that podcasters like to ask authors is “What’s your favorite book?” While there are a number of authors whom I enjoy reading — […]
Book Event Season is here
We’re moving into “Book Event Season,” when authors meet with readers at book fairs and speaking events. You can find me at the following events.
Top Ten Books for 2023
It’s the time of year when Top Ten Lists start popping up, so I decided to look through my GoodReads list for 2023 and see which books I rated the highest. Interestingly, my list contained a good mix of fiction and non-fiction books
The SD Humanities Council Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau is the collection of humanities scholars who present on a variety of topics comprising the humanities – including, but not limited to, history, culture, language, literature, philosophy, arts and sciences, and heritages.