My writing life
From early childhood, when I insisted on integrating the Catholic School Boys' Playground, I've been a feminist. Using my pen, I've written scholarly, mass market books, and articles concerning inequalities of gender, race, and class. This site introduces many of these writings. I first explored these elements while a social researcher at Johns Hopkins University.
At Sonoma State University my students demanded more material on women's history, so I shifted my research to biographies. I was fascinated by the lives of women connected to noted men. Living near Jack London State Historic Park, I started with London's wife Charmian Kittredge. Then I examined several generations of women in two prominent families: Vanderbilt and Rockefeller. Returning to London, I explored all the women connected to him: mother, stepsister, wives, friends.
My latest essay is "Aesthetics, Androgyny, and Identity: Charmian Kittredge London’s Artful Life," for Women's Studies. Click the title for a copy.
My first fiction book is Slanderley: Love and Death in Cornwall. A spoof, it is solely to entertain while it mocks the British class system. http://tiny.cc/li4vdy
Recently the Muse ordered me back to Slanderley, so I am about the estate during the Edwardian period. Watch for the eventual publication of Scandal at Slanderley: Death in Cornwall.
Currently I am preparing educational materials for Mother Lode Musical Theater into print and eBooks. This non-profit creates California History materials through use of music and drama.
Hot Off the Press
These marsh plants can feed and shelter you! The Adventure is the history of California Indians and their wise use of these and other plants. For thousands of years plants provided survival. misunderstandings. Contemporary Indians from the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo bands taught the authors about their cultures and how to use these plants. We trace their history up to and through the Mission period, Gold Rush, and military removal.
The digital Guidebook leads you through basic skills, such as making rope and mats. Learn to make toys and fish traps. We include recipes because these plants are very nutritious. Links to videos and instructions provide additional training. Best of all, we provide detailed instructions on building a navigable reed boat, using photos from our own experience with adults and children.
The history also includes quotes from primary sources, such as those of explorers. This book will aid any teacher approaching the revised Social Science curriculum for California 4th grade. Because these plants occur throughout the United States, the content applies outside California. Our Native history is very different from other regions, such as the Plains or Northeast, so it offers a good contrast to understand the variety of cultures.
Available now on in both digital and print on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and more.
The digital Guidebook leads you through basic skills, such as making rope and mats. Learn to make toys and fish traps. We include recipes because these plants are very nutritious. Links to videos and instructions provide additional training. Best of all, we provide detailed instructions on building a navigable reed boat, using photos from our own experience with adults and children.
The history also includes quotes from primary sources, such as those of explorers. This book will aid any teacher approaching the revised Social Science curriculum for California 4th grade. Because these plants occur throughout the United States, the content applies outside California. Our Native history is very different from other regions, such as the Plains or Northeast, so it offers a good contrast to understand the variety of cultures.
Available now on in both digital and print on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and more.
E-MAIL is the quickest way to contact me.
My Amazon Author Page offers more biographical background.
Also see my Goodreads Author Page for my book reviews.
My Amazon Author Page offers more biographical background.
Also see my Goodreads Author Page for my book reviews.