Hello! Thank you for taking an interest in reading my published works. Please click on the links below to read a sampling of my writing available on-line. Alternatively, I invite you to view my writing portfolio on Contently.
You might also be interested in 9 Lives: The Life in 10 Minutes Anthology, in which one of my short creative non-fiction pieces appears, as well as in Our Virginia, a collection of poetry including two of my poems.
Cooperative Living Magazine
Published by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, Cooperative Living Magazine is a “lifestyle magazine that informs and entertains. Reaching more than 510,000 customers, the largest circulation of any Virginia publication, 10 times a year. From the Delmarva Peninsula to the Cumberland Gap, from suburban Washington, D.C., to the North Carolina border, Cooperative Living magazine covers the Commonwealth.”
- A Trail of Two States: Virginia and Maryland state parks offer something for everyone, in every season
- Getting Out There: Virginia hiking club encourages women of color to explore the great outdoors
- Two Rivers, Three States and a Lot of Paddling: Whitewater rafting in Harpers Ferry
- Down and Dirty, for a Cause: Dahlgren Lions Club Mud Run fundraiser is a family affair
- Of Wildlife and Local Legend: Visiting the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
- Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: A bus ride up a mountain to see elk at Breaks Interstate Park
- The Longest Yards: Virginia Adventures’ Freight Train Ultramarathon tests endurance runners
- Enjoy an ‘Ugly’ Day on Tangier Island: Outsize charm on a shrinking outpost
- Where to ‘Park’ it: Post-pandemic, Virginia state parks represent a glorious getaway opportunity
- Blue Ridge Tunnel Vision: History and mystery in reopened tunnel
- SUP with your Pup: What to know and where to go for stand-up paddleboarding
- Warblers, Waterfowl and a Weekend Retreat: Paddling the Pocomoke on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
- What I Learned from a Walk in the Woods: After an endurance race is canceled, finding other ways to endure
Writing Through the Apocalypse, Pandemic Poetry and Prose
Writing Through the Apocalypse, Pandemic Poetry and Prose, is a collection of sixty-three essays and poems written by writers from all over the world who have been writing together on Zoom every week since March 2020.
Cypress Lifestyle
Poetry for Ukraine
“From award-winning multi-published poet laureates, to emerging poets exploring words for the very first time; from university professors, actors, psychologists, artists and journalists, to students, domestic workers, librarians, teachers and care-workers; from high-schoolers, to the over eighties, POETRY FOR UKRAINE brings together an incredible 254 poets from 53 countries around the world, all showing their support for Ukraine!”
- More than Dust, featured as the daily poem on June 20, 2022
Quilted Poems: An Ekphrastic Collaboration of Poets and Quilters
“Quilted Poems” was created by an ekphrastic collaboration of poets from the Poetry Society of Virginia, and quilters from Virginia. Ekphrastic is Greek for to “describe or explain”. The quilts in this book visually describe poems written to inspire quilters. It contains 65 poems and images of 45 quilts. Some of the quilts were designed as concrete representations of the quilter’s chosen poem, others used abstract symbols or abstract quilt block designs. The poems address various subjects including nature, the process of quilting and quilters, and spirituality.
- Memories Wander These Woods
The Virginia Mercury
“The Virginia Mercury is an independent, nonprofit online news organization covering state government and policy. The Mercury launched in 2018 to bring a fresh perspective to coverage of the state’s biggest political and policy issues and fill the gaps in statehouse reporting created by a shrinking media industry.
The Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. We retain full editorial independence and are a proud member of the Virginia Press Association and the Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association.”
U.S. Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Powered by the United States Department of Education, the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) helps families, schools, and students find and access resources and programs.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Dogs
This edition of the popular and uplifting Chicken Soup for the Soul series became available July 14, 2020. Chicken Soup for the Soul books provide encouraging, real-life tales (or should I say “tails?”) of people and animals overcoming challenges, surmounting odds, learning life lessons, etc.
- Always With Me, Still
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy
This edition of the popular and uplifting Chicken Soup for the Soul series became available September 24, 2019. Chicken Soup for the Soul books provide encouraging, real-life tales (or should I say “tails?”) of people and animals overcoming challenges, surmounting odds, learning life lessons, etc.
- What I Wouldn’t Give…
American Kennel Club (AKC)
The Petco Foundation
Poetry Society of Virginia
- Running Eulogy
- Salem’s Indifferent Ox
Great Wolf Lodge
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books provides encouraging, real-life tales (or should I say “tails?”) of people and animals overcoming challenges, surmounting odds, learning life lessons, etc.
- The Reward
Freedom with Writing
Freedom with Writing is a resource for all writers. In a regular newsletter, they compile dozens of writing and publishing opportunities for blogs, websites, articles, contests, anthologie, etc. They also publish informative books for writers.
Everyday Dog Magazine
Originally a print magazine known as Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog, Everyday Dog Magazine is now an online web and social media platform for dog lovers and dog professionals.
- Must-Do Dog Events in 2020
- 5 Dog-Friendly Cities to Visit in the US
- Including Your Dog in Your Wedding: Important Things to Consider
- Richmond, Virginia, is for Dog Lovers
- Pet Preparedness: A Disaster Plan for Dogs
The Village News
Based out of Chester, Virginia, The Village News is published weekly and covers “the stories that mean the most to our readers…. Editorial focuses on school events and news, local sports, community events and announcements, civic groups and club news, local politics, local social issues, and anything that is affecting the daily lives of our readers.”
- Family is first and foremost for lifelong Chesterfield resident, WWII veteran on the eve of centenarian milestone
- Dale graduate goes from pro hoops player to life coach and author
- Cowboy Church
- Back to busy at the B
- Local restaurant, catering business opens outdoor site to serve community
- On the front line
- Novel: Corruption, drugs, ISIS
- ‘My Kisha:’ Local musician-writer publishes third book, urges people to ‘tell their stories’
- Christmas cheer: Huge light display brings neighbors together
- Pete the Ramp Guy: Local handyman builds wheelchair ramps to improve neighbors’ lives
- Scary! South Chesterfield resident hosting free haunted house
- Chester couple trains Rottweilers as therapy dogs
- Soldier who suffered loss finds purpose in his children
- Karate class for children with special needs brings joy to students, instructors alike
- Walking is a virtual reality for Chester woman
- Former teachers walk through life together
- TDHS grad nets success_ Blankenbecler makes name for himself at another Chesterfield school
- World traveler: TDHS grad enjoys helping others
- Puzzle mania?_Chester man builds puzzle magazine
- Running helps woman cope with cancer
- Faith and gratitude spur Moody to help others
- Bradbury a man of many parts_ County engineering employee also a chaplain, announcer at L.C. Bird
- Preschool teacher enjoys taking care of pets
- Art educator overcomes domestic abuse
- Local architectural engineer is an artist and writer
- In the Alaskan bush: Local reading specialist and son summer up north
- From the Alaskan bush to Chester: Former canine TV star, sled dog finds a home
- Overcoming adversity: Mother, daughter strengthen each other through running and writing
- Vietnam War veteran found humor in the darkest hours
Mother Earth Living
Mother Earth Living features articles, tips, tricks, and information for living our best lives in harmony with the natural environment.
The Extra Mile
The Extra Mile is powered by The Harford, and features lots of useful information about insurance, as well as about wellness, home, family, and lifestyle.
- Six Retirement Hobbies for the Young at Heart
- Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip
- The Benefits of Volunteering in Retirement
- Smart Plate: 10 Foods That Support a Healthy Mind
- Surprising Ways to Repurpose 10 Common Kitchen Waste Items
- Nine Money-Saving Tactics and Tools to Stay Cool
- Your Guide to an Eco-friendly Home
- Low-Water Gardening for Dry Climates
- 10 Unique Towns to Retire to: Part 3
League Blog
League is a health and wellness company that offers some pretty cool benefits and programs. Their blog features all kinds of stories, covering topics ranging from how you can be healthier at work, to how health benefits impact the workplace.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
The Times-Dispatch is Virginia’s capital city newspaper. My work has appeared in their “In My Shoes” and “My Life” columns.
- Fly Away Home
- Finding peace in nature
- When snow falls in Richmond
- Just spending time together can make a day special
- The things I would miss if I slept in 90 minutes later
- A little flexibility goes a long way toward happiness
- Savor the Sweet
- For a Soldier
- Finding marriage wisdom in a taxicab trip
ScoutKnows.com
ScoutKnows.com is an excellent resource for pet parents (like me!). If there’s a dog (or two or three!) in your life, you might want to read the articles below–as well as many others available on ScoutKnows.com.
- The Benefits of Walking Your Dog
- How to Make your Dog Walk Great
- Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses
- Best Time to Get a Puppy
- What You Need to Know About Puppies and Worms
- Best Dog Bath Time Products
- What to Look for in a Dog Groomer
- Bringing a Dog Home to a Cat
- Should I Get A Purebred or Mixed Dog? How to Decide
- How to Read a Dog’s Body Language
- Health Benefits of Dog Ownership
- Best Gear for Traveling with Your Dog
- Bringing Home a Baby to Your Fur Baby
- How to Weather the Winter with Fido
- Potty Training your Pup
- Finding the Right Dog Walker
- Introducing a New Dog to your Current Dog
- How to Stop your Dog from Licking its Paws
- Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Dog Parents
- Finding the Right Dog Sitter
- Dog Food Ingredients: The Basics
- How to Get Legal Ownership of Your Dog
- Your Guide to the Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services
- A Raw Diet for Rover: the Basics
- Food Breakdown: Dog Food Superingredients
- ScoutKnows Insurance Buyer’s Guide
- A Sticky Situation: Getting Gum of out Fido’s Fur
- The Dog Days of Summer: Keeping your Dog Safe in Hot Weather
- Give a Dog a Bone…Maybe Not: What to do if your Dog Eats Chicken Bones
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie: The Best L.L. Bean Dog Beds for your Dog
- How Pet Insurance Covers Tumors in the Spleen
- Protecting Your Dog’s Health: Vaccination Schedule
- The Holliest-Jolliest Christmas Pajamas for your Dog
- The Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans
Sweatpants and Coffee
Sweatpants and Coffee is a self-care website that touts itself as being “a bastion of comfort and sanity in an often uncomfortable world.” Their articles are uplifting, informative, and engaging.
writeHacker Magazine
Although no longer in circulation, writeHackr was a digital magazine geared towards writers of all kinds.
Lifein10Minutes.com
Life in 10 Minutes is a writing workshop group in Richmond, Virginia. It’s also a book and a school of writing. It’s inclusive, encouraging, and unifying. The site publishes pieces written in a mere 10 minutes.
- Thank you, but it’s not okay
- How to Eat Dark Chocolate: A Lesson in Living
- Spider I: New Beginnings
- Rescued
- The Eclipse
- The Fear of Elevators
Bozeman Magazine
Bozeman Magazine is both a print and digital publication that features local art and writing.
Cicada
This literary magazine is geared for teens and young adults. Though several of my poems have appeared in Cicada, the first literary magazine to feature my writing, only one is available online.
The Christian Science Monitor
This independent newspaper is owned by the First Church of Christ, Scientist. It prides itself on fair and balanced presentation of news around the world.