Elizabeth Crook, Sharon Creech, and Ann Patchett

I’ve been out this morning watching the deer watch me. At about 6 a.m., I made my coffee and took it outside to go on a stroll around the premises with our cats. The early morning on our farm/ranch is perfect these summer days, and I can’t help but admire God’s lovely handiwork. We had … Continue reading Elizabeth Crook, Sharon Creech, and Ann Patchett

Checking In

It has been over a month since I have posted on my blog. I used to write four or five blog posts per month, and I hope to get back to doing that before long. I want to continue my Literary Texas series at some time. I love doing it, but the time involved in … Continue reading Checking In

BOOK RELEASE DAY!

It has finally arrived, the day Pelican Publishing/Arcadia releases my middle grade chapter book, Ranch Girl and the Orphan Lamb Adventure. I want to thank so many of you for your constant encouragement and sincere happiness for me. I especially, of course, thank God. I find writing to be hard work but a true labor … Continue reading BOOK RELEASE DAY!

Literary Texas: John Graves, Part 2

A limestone ledge on a stream near Hardscrabble, John Graves’ former ranch. “April and May can be magnificent with birdsong and wildflowers and greenery gone crazy, and if good rains come in late August or September, as they often do, early fall can be a sort of verdant second spring before frosts turn red and … Continue reading Literary Texas: John Graves, Part 2

Literary Texas: Fred Gipson, Part 2

Fred Gipson (1908-1973) published his most famous work Old Yeller in 1956. A prolific author of short stories, fiction and non-fiction books, articles, and movie scripts, he was born in the ruggedly beautiful Texas Hill Country. It was a place he loved and could never leave for long. When, after its publication in 1956, Walt … Continue reading Literary Texas: Fred Gipson, Part 2