In Memory

A sad day in the literary world.

Ursula K. Le Guin died today at the age of 88.

Not only did I absolutely love the way her name rolled off the tongue, but I also loved her way with young adult fantasy fiction. One of her shorts from The Wizard of Earthsea series was a regular in my classroom. Ah, good ol’ Mr. Underhill and his secrets!

If you are a fan of Tolkein, reading at least the first book in this series would be a great nod to Ursula Le Guin’s memory. The New York Times quoted her as saying, "The writer’s 'pleasant duty,' she said, is to ply the reader’s imagination with 'the best and purest nourishment that it can absorb.'"

2018 Surprises

Happy New Year!

I have to chuckle to myself at the possibilities a new year springs on you!

Just a few days ago, I wrote about how the pieces of my Eye of the Peacock project were pulling together. I am very excited about the cover ideas that will be coming soon.

Or so I thought!

My cover designer, Aaron La Porta, is first and foremost the head designer for the Buffalo Bills football team. Here in Western New York, we don’t get too excited about the Bills’ playoff possibilities. We hope and we cheer, mind you, but, well…. So, as the season neared its end, I was confident that Aaron might have a bit more free time on his hands.

But lo and behold! Not so! The Bills’ have broken 17-year playoff drought!

So as I cheer for the Bills, along with the rest of Western New York, the peacock will just have to wait a bit longer! Here’s to more surprises in 2018!