Featured Authors

Symbol & Synchronicity: Learning the Soul’s Language in Dreams and Waking Life is my latest book. The impulse to write the book, which at its heart is about working with dreams as guides on the spiritual path, came as a sort of “call” early in the pandemic lockdown. Over a year of writing, the journey was one of discovery and transformation. The book explores ancient dream traditions, scientific research into sleep and dreaming, cutting edge theories in quantum physics and consciousness, and wise spiritual traditions from different cultures. The book also includes a powerful and practical process for working with dreams that was triggered by an amazing dream I had while writing the book.

To date, I have eight published books, 100 plus articles, two full-length courses, and an award-winning board game. My publishing story spans more than three decades and the gamut of publishing from self-publishing to traditional publishers. My latest book is a hybrid contract with a publisher. I worked with a professional designer to achieve the best possible look, and am working on marketing with the publisher. This includes finding as many opportunities to talk about the new book as possible. It is available on my web site, the publisher’s web site, Amazon, and in bookstores.

First thing in the morning is my best time and the routine depends on the current project or schedule. I consider everything I write, including e-mails, to be part of my craft and an opportunity to hone my skills. I write every day for some amount of time and 5-6 hours a day if I am working on a book or article.

I call them works-in-progress that are plans for future projects. At the moment, I would estimate that I have five books and two courses in this category–the list continues to grow.

My publisher handles most of the marketing/advertising for the current book, which includes entering different award programs. I have an e-mail list and offer Zoom talks/programs and solicit opportunities to speak about my work. I do a monthly full moon program to an expanding audience. I have a blog, which is an opportunity to share facets of my work.

I reach out to readers, colleagues, or those who write on similar topics. I believe it’s possible to learn from every comment or review, especially those that seem “negative.” We often have blind spots where our own work is concerned. However, it is important to discern if review comments, whether positive or negative, are valid. If so, then take the feedback to heart as a chance to learn and grow.

I admit that I prefer print books because after a long day in front of a screen, I want the pleasure of holding a “real” book in my hands and relaxing with a cup of tea. A print book is a reward in the evening after many hours at the keyboard.

Fiction – Nora Roberts. I recently read the second book in her new trilogy The Dragon Heart Legacy.

Non-Fiction – Hank Wesselman, PhD, and Joseph Campbell.

Choosing a favorite book is a tough call, but I am still a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The very last book I read (I am a voracious reader) was The Book of Joy: Finding Happiness in a Changing World. This is a dialog between the Dali Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

We live in a time of transition on every front, and publishing is no different. Because of software and print-on-demand publishing, the ratio and dynamic of self-publishing and traditional publishing is likely to continue to shift. I believe this makes the role of the author in promoting their own book increasingly important. Writing the book is just the first step. An author is also his or her own best spokesperson.

Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic and take her advice to heart that writing, like other forms of art, is a craft. We must create for the sake of it and learn to polish our craft until it shines. We must be brave and send our words out into the larger field of consciousness unaware what their effect may be. My grandmother used to say, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Van Gogh never sold a painting in his life—now they are worth millions. Few writers or authors actually make their living at their craft, and now thousands of books are published every day. Sometimes with dedication and hard work, fortune smiles on us with recognition, and yes, even sales. Just keep writing.