I was honored to learn last week that an essay of mine titled "Coining Out" was chosen as an Honorable Mention for creative nonfiction in the New Beginnings Writing Contest hosted by Four Tulips, an online literary magazine. "Coining Out" describes the goodbyes I had to say at the conclusion of my partial hospitalization for … Continue reading My essay “Coining Out” has won Honorable Mention in Four Tulips’ New Beginnings Writing Contest
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Finding My Way Home will be receiving a 2025 FAPA President’s Book Award
I was thrilled to learn earlier this week that my book, Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida, will be winning a 2025 FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers Association) President's Book Award. Winners are selected in several categories and receive either gold, silver, or bronze medals. I've been selected to receive a medal … Continue reading Finding My Way Home will be receiving a 2025 FAPA President’s Book Award
Primeval day-hiking paradise awaits at Tiger Creek Preserve
Highlands Loop Trail at Tiger Creek Preserve As the heat of summer approaches and my attention shifts to Florida’s springs and beaches, perhaps my biggest regret from the spring and winter is having not yet hiked this year at my favorite day-hiking destination in Central Florida, the Nature Conservancy’s treasure trove of trails at Tiger … Continue reading Primeval day-hiking paradise awaits at Tiger Creek Preserve
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Home of Big Sky and an Ocean of Stars
When I rediscovered backpacking last winter, I made my first one-night trip on an unfamiliar trail to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, on the 5.5-mile Kissimmee Prairie Loop that is a favorite trail for Florida families. I described Kissimmee Prairie Preserve in my book with reverence and awe, as I still do today. A huge … Continue reading Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Home of Big Sky and an Ocean of Stars
I can’t wait to return one day to Adirondack Park
Baxter Mountain Earlier this week I posted about my week at the Craigardan Spring Writers Retreat, at a working farm and artists community nestled in the eastern Adirondack Mountains just outside Elizabethtown, New York. But I did not share any details or many photos from the hiking I did there or about how the entire … Continue reading I can’t wait to return one day to Adirondack Park
Thank you to Kate Moses and everyone at Craigardan!
I just had the privilege of spending a magical week in the Adirondack Mountains at the Craigardan Spring Writers Retreat, learning from distinguished author Kate Moses and three brilliant women who will certainly also soon be distinguished authors. I highly recommend this program for any new creative writers looking to learn from the best. After … Continue reading Thank you to Kate Moses and everyone at Craigardan!
Thank you, Sunshine Book Co.!
We were privileged to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with our friends at Sunshine Book Co. yesterday for their author celebration behind the bookstore. Thanks again to the Merrick family, and the other authors with whom we spent the early afternoon. Claire was also a trooper and didn't even demand a cut of sales. We hope … Continue reading Thank you, Sunshine Book Co.!
Looking to Backpack Near Minneapolis? The Western End of the Ice Age Trail May Be Just the Place
As temperatures rise here in Central Florida, I am reminded that there are great places further north to enjoy the outdoors. Like the Florida Trail, Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is one of three national scenic trails located entirely within a single state, and its western terminus is located along the St. Croix River only one-hour’s … Continue reading Looking to Backpack Near Minneapolis? The Western End of the Ice Age Trail May Be Just the Place
Come join me (and other authors) at Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont on Saturday, April 26th
Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and I'm thrilled to be joining Sunshine Book Co. for its Independent Bookstore Day celebration all day this Saturday, April 26th at their store at 647 Lake Avenue in Clermont. Among the festivities will be local authors showcasing their books, and I'll be one of them! Sunshine Book Co. is … Continue reading Come join me (and other authors) at Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont on Saturday, April 26th
Summer is for sailing, and you can learn to sail here in Central Florida
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, many backpackers in Central Florida move from the trails of Central Florida to the waters they surround. There are few better ways to enjoy the historic lakes in Central Florida than by sailing. And while you can rent small craft like Sunfish and catamarans at many beaches and lakes, … Continue reading Summer is for sailing, and you can learn to sail here in Central Florida
