Below the run-down of my books, in case you’re still looking for a holiday gift for anyone from a child or literary fan in your life.
Message from a Blue Jay (Buddhapuss Ink) is a memoir-in-essays, or perhaps more correctly, a personal essay collection. The book explores meanings that can be found in small and large moments and ways I found to overcome some of the most challenging moments and events in my life. It’s a meditation, a serious look at life, but it also offers hope and draws inspiration from the natural world. A tenth anniversary edition with two additional essays was published by Huntsville Independent Press and can be purchased here.
The Stray Cat Stories childrens books (Writers Coffee Bar Press) are a trilogy of books for children aged 3-8 (or up to 120!) who love animals. The books, delightfully illustrated by Laurel McKinstry Petersen, are based on true-life stories of cats I rescued. Each story is entertaining while teaching about compassion for stray and feral cats. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this series is donated to non-profit animal rescue organizations.
The Varmint and Other Short Stories (Huntsville Independent Press) is a chapbook of three short fiction stories previously published in several literary journals — “The Varmint,” “Capture the Moon,” and the fun and award-winning mystery tale, “Who Let the Cats Out?”
Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience (Huntsville Independent Press) is a recent collection of microfiction — one hundred 100-word stories. Illustrated by acclaimed European artist Anya Lauchlan, the book offers uplifting and hopeful tales at a time when many people could use something positive to enjoy. Read a story in a couple of minutes or enjoy the whole book cover-to-cover by a cozy fire or during a holiday flight. This perfect gift book has something for everyone.
The Art of Touch: A Collection of Prose and Poetry from the Pandemic and Beyond (University of Georgia Press) is a literary book that I co-edited with award-winning writer Joan Schweighardt. This collection of personal essays (including one of my own) and poems from thirty-seven accomplished writers and professionals tackles the concept of “touch” during a time when we were all being asked to keep our distance (and beyond).
Toys at Night (GoldfishbooksUK) is a gorgeous just-published children’s book illustrated again by the wonderful artist Anya Lauchlan. Praise has been pouring in for this book, which was conceived as a charitable project. Donations from the non-profit U.K. publisher have helped children in Ukraine, Mountbatten Hospice in the UK, and Glasgow Children’s Hospital. Donations on this side of the pond have gone to such organizations as Greater Good Charities helping people and animals in Ukraine and Paws of War. Available mostly in the U.K. and Europe, a few copies of “Toys at Night” are still available directly from me (send a message through this website).