Fire Road

You can’t be an American without having strong feelings about the Vietnam War. One of the most extraordinary images from it, and one of the world’s most shocking depictions of the impact of violent conflict, is an image that, once seen, is never forgotten. It’s the famous heart-breaking photo of the eight year old “Napalm … Read more

It’s a Date! — Indie Authors and Libraries

Getting into libraries is the toughest part of being an Indie author. There are a number of reasons why. One is the fact that indie authors can’t easily contact librarians on a national or state basis. Another is the system of selling and distributing books to libraries, although that’s slowly changing. But the biggest reason … Read more

The Universe is Laughing

Have you noticed that life doesn’t always accommodate your plans? Things happen over which we have no control, sometimes no explanation. Back in August, I finally decided to get organized. My assistant and I created an annual promotion calendar. We carefully chose two books and audiobooks to feature each month. We started in on the … Read more

Audio Week… because why not?

Welcome to Audiobook Week. I mean, it is August, so the alliteration works, right? Actually, it happens that I do have some special things going on with  my audiobooks this week, and I wanted you to know about them. Today (and every day if you haven’t joined Audible.com) you can get your first audiobook FREE… … Read more

What I’m Writing

Hi, all. I know it’s been forever since I’ve blogged– I guess I didn’t have much to say. But I’d like to fill you in on my current WIP (Work in Progress), otherwise known as the “blankety-blank manuscript.” When I started writing over twenty years ago, I challenged myself to actually finish a novel. I … Read more

Vietnam: Saigon to Mekong Villages

I think I mentioned that everyone in Vietnam gets around on motor scooters, and in the cities, they look and sound like a hive of bees. You see both men and women, and many carry their children as well. Some women cover their work clothes with an old skirt and wear gloves and long sleeves … Read more

Vietnam: The Cu Chi Tunnels

One of the highlights of the trip for me was a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels.  During the Vietnam War, The Viet Cong (VC) dug tens of thousands of miles of tunnels, including an extensive network running underneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Saigon. They connect to the Ho Chi Minh trail, and we … Read more

Vietnam: Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

Compared to Hanoi, Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City (I was surprised how many people still call it Saigon) is Vegas, baby! The lights, the crowds, the motor scooters, the young people all trying to go for the gold ring, was energizing and, sometimes, quite amazing. For example, the 5 star hotel we stayed at, … Read more