What if your dog that could see ghosts? Two spirits have materialized in Sarah's already complicated life. Thirteen years ago, a tragic event resulted in the death of two youths on senior ball night. Now on high school prom night, both worlds are about to collide and Sarah holds the key to resolve the rivalry. At the heart of the matter stands Shadow, a border collie mix, whose glowing purple eyes will capture your heart. Between Shadow's Eyes is more than a ghost story, it is a tale of courage and friendship and healing.
Did you ever wonder what happened after the Polynesians settled on the Hawaiian Islands, but before the missionaries arrived? Seven Little Eyes takes place in the early 1800s. While the Hawaiian people are coping with the aftermath of war brought on by the ambitious warrior King Kamehameha, Nuku, a high priest in a remote village, grapples with the rising tide of the white man’s corruption. Amidst these uncertain times, he must also conquer his inner demons to protect his family.
Experience the rich history of Hawaii, observe Captain Cook’s death as told by an old grandmother, and learn of Kamehameha’s sacrifice to stop an erupting volcano as we follow Nuku’s plight. Interwoven with poetical sayings, Seven Little Eyes carries the reader into the mysterious world of a lost civilization. Death cults, messages from beyond, and shark encounters abound as Nuku strives to preserve his heritage for his young daughter. Nuku’s journey transcends the boundaries of what one man can achieve when everything he cherishes is at stake.
Who would have thought a tiny insect could alter the course of my writing career? What began with an interest in the devastating impacts of the mosquito on Hawaiian birds transformed into a passionate interest in ancient Polynesian culture. Work-related travel to Hawaii afforded me opportunities to glimpse the artifacts of a dwindling culture in the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, visit ancient heiau temples, and spend hours in public libraries. This eleven year journey finally culminated in the completion of my first novel.
My love for dogs led me tackle my second novel, Between Shadow's Eyes. Shadow, a foster dog who I have since adopted had a few unusual behaviors and before I knew it, my imagination had concocted a riveting tale of ghosts, friendship and a young heroine in a spot of bother. I've discovered I'm not ready to abandon my characters and I've already started a second book in the Shadow series.
Both my fiction and nonfiction has been awarded top honors in writing contests. I took first place in the adult nonfiction category of the 2004 Kay Snow Contest with my piece “Round.” I also took first place in the Inland Empire branch of the California Writer’s Club short story contest in 2007 for a Hawaiian fiction piece, "If it Weren't for the Horse" (see also Awards). .
I have been writing fiction for more than ten years and have developed my writing skills and discipline through writing classes and workshops. Over the last eight years I have worked with Charlotte Cook, M.F.A., of Komenar Publishing and attended her private writers group.
I am an active member of Mount Diablo California Writers Club. I served as a panelist at a CWC event in April 2004 and was a guest speaker on writing essays in December 2005. In 2008, I served as a judge for essays in their young adult contest.
I am a founding member of the Avid Readers Book Club, serving as chairman for over seven years.