Having written fiction since I was a little girl, and non-fiction for the past 24 years, it makes sense my first two books should be one of each. Florida being my adopted state, most of the short stories and all of the travel guide take place beneath its sunny skies.
The Shell and the Starfish and other stories
The Shell and the Starfish and other stories (2011) is a collection of fourteen short stories, four of which were previously published, and two won awards. Whether the man or woman faces a problem in love, marriage, infidelity, divorce, crime, or old age, the theme in all but one spins a common thread: the complexity of human relationships. The one exception is truly “out of this world”.
A New Jersey reader wrote: “Your use of words, the imagery of the setting, the depth of the characters…it’s as though you have the mirror to my memories allowing me to really relate”.
Florida “freebies” and “cheapies”
Florida “freebies” and “cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money (2012) is a travel guide inspired by a regular column, Florida Fun for Few $$., I wrote for a now defunct magazine. Begun in 1992, it was a road to Florida people and places I’ve traveled ever since. Whether a small town attraction or in a state park, you’ll find all kinds of inexpensive, often Free things to see and do, from Pensacola to Key West. They range from art and antiques, living history, military museums, nature, springs, wildlife and more. Sometimes an entire town is featured and many attractions are close enough to each other to turn a daytrip into a weekend. With “budget” the overall theme, accommodations are limited to Florida state park campgrounds with a back of the book lists of cabins, the majority fully equipped, for visitors who have neither tent nor RV.