MCARLM’s great history event for 4th graders took place again last Tuesday and Wednesday. Though I didn’t have my tent for day #1, I still told 49er stories and sang “My Darling Clementine” with the kids. They got to pan for gold, eat hardtack and visit the blacksmith’s shop, as well!
P.S. Mothers and aides were thrilled to visit with their old school teachers, too. Many of us can still do a fine job – at least for a day or two!
Filed under Author Visits, Front Page
Tiburcio Vasquez, bandit
My Fantasma Malvado was a finalist in the recent Arcanist short story competition and has just been published in the contest anthology. “Malvado” is one of my Joaquin Murrieta stories, based on Central Californian history and legend. I had great fun introducing Joaquin to Tiburcio Vasquez and having them team up to go after buried treasure. I used this story most successfully with Chalone Peaks students for several years, so I’m especially pleased that it’s been published. I hope it will find many new friends through this fine anthology! Here’s the Kindle link:
Filed under Front Page, published story
I thought I’d mention again that two of my stories will be presented at this event. I won’t be able to attend, but I’m sure curious about how they’ll be received!
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Filed under Accolades, Front Page
My “Dogwood Dream” and “Black Maggie’s Secret” are to be dramatized and presented at a literary evening in Hollywood on October 8th. If you’re in Southern California and are interested, I’ve put the official announcement containing pertinent details above. I won’t be able to make it, but I’m most interested in how this turns out. Both stories are personal favorites of mine.
P.S. If you know somebody in L.A. who might like to attend, please send this link to them!
Filed under Front Page, published story
Principia Ponderosa (Third Flatiron Anthologies Book 18) just came out today. “Welcome to the “Principia Ponderosa,” land of wide-open spaces and
dark dreams. This new anthology from Third Flatiron features 17
stories that combine elements of the Western with other literary
genres, including steampunk, fantasy, occult, and horror. We invite
you to mount up and ride with us into the sunset.” My “La Loca” is included, though it takes place somewhat after sunset!
Filed under Front Page, published story
One of the best things about writing is sharing friendships with your characters. Joaquin Murrieta is a friend of thirty years standing and we’ve shared nine adventures together, five of them published. I’ve got almost enough stories to make a book now, though nobody seems interested. The latest to achieve print is “Big Kitty”, in which I poke a bit of fun at the Western genre. Take a peek at Frontier Tales:
Filed under Front Page, published story
Photo by Phyllis Walton
“Mission Days” at San Antonio de Padua both celebrates the early history of Central California and raises funds for restoration of the Mission buildings. This year’s event took place on April 2nd and was a great success. Gold-panning, brick-making, black-smithing, cowboy-singing, acorn-grinding, candle-making, wildflower-hiking were – among many others – activities one could engage in. All was topped off by Rosa Pacheco’s BBQ and a concert by the New World Baroque Orchestra. I squeezed in some story-telling – Ask me how the kangaroo rat got its paint brush of a tail! – and some book signing.
Filed under Author Visits, Front Page
