Category Archives: Uncategorized

Equal Rights for Blind Americans? Author Says We’re not There Yet

As a member of various blindness, advocacy and guide dog organizations, it’s not uncommon to come across a request from a college student to take a survey on blindness, and I’m always happy to participate. Rarely, however, (in fact, never) … Continue reading

Posted in Accessibility, authors, Blindness, Disability, Guide dogs, novel, Service Dogs, Smashwords, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Changing Behavior Network: Teaching Diversity Through Fiction, Freebies & More 

Win an autographed copy of The Heart of Applebutter Hill; download a free MP3 of “The Rules of the Game;” take a quiz and listen to the best interview I’ve ever done. I never thought I’d say that about just … Continue reading

Posted in authors, Blindness, diabetes, Education, novel, songwriting, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Authors, Advocates & the Press: Humiliation, Angst & Recovery

Hurray! I can finally scratch “getting humiliated by a national law journal” off of my bucket list. Oh, wait, it wasn’t on there to begin with. Nonetheless, it happened. I hope sharing the experience will enlighten my fellow authors and … Continue reading

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, authors, Blindness, marketing, PR, Print Disabilities, Self-Publishing, Smashwords, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quiz & Fact Sheet on Blindness

After inviting me to be on his radio show on the Changing Behavior Network, psychologist Dr. James Sutton asked me if I had a quiz or fact sheet about blindness that he could make available through: http://www.thechangingbehaviornetwork.com/ I didn’t, so … Continue reading

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, authors, Blindness, Braille, diabetes, Disability, Education, Guide dogs, Literacy, Print Disabilities, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Police Protection for Elderly Rural Pennsylvanians with Disabilities: an Alarming Story

In late December, an elderly, rural Pennsylvania couple, with medical and disability issues, were awakened at 2:00am by the sounds of thumping and clanging on their back porch. From the peep hole in the door, the husband spotted a large … Continue reading

Posted in Disability, older adults, Pennsylvania, Police, Rural Life, Service Dogs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples: a Book Review

Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples My rating: 5 of 5 stars Afghanistan is a land of war and poverty in which there are rarely any happy endings. How can you tell its story with honesty, sensitivity and … Continue reading

Posted in Afghanistan, authors, Book Reviews, novel, Uncategorized, Wrighting, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Novel or Scrapbook: the Benefits of Being a Writer

A Goodreads member recently asked my thoughts on the best thing about being a writer. The following is based on my answer. My first inclination was to make it clear up front that in enumerating the wondrous world of the … Continue reading

Posted in authors, Blindness, breast cancer, bullying, fantasy, novel, Uncategorized, Wrighting | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Friendships in the Dark by Phyllis Campbell – a Book Review

Friendships in the Dark, Vol. 1 by Phyllis Campbell My rating: 5 of 5 stars When you read the subtitle of Friendships in the Dark, what do you think you’ll be getting? Stories about great people? Great animals? If so, … Continue reading

Posted in authors, Blindness, Book Reviews, Cats & Dogs, Dogs, Guide dogs, memoir, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Advice for aspiring writers: Get Your Editor On

Recently, a member of the Goodreads community asked for my advice to aspiring writers. My answer could have gone in so many directions — getting published, building your personal brand, incorporating time into your life to write — the list … Continue reading

Posted in authors, novel, Uncategorized, Wrighting, Writing Process | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Same-Sex Marriage, Americans with Disabilities & the Unintended Consequences of Refusing to Do Business

Since same-sex marriage became legal in Pennsylvania, most wedding-industry businesses have been welcoming to their new customers. Nevertheless, here in Northeast Pennsylvania, several stories of discrimination have fowled our local news. W.W. Bridal Boutique in Bloomsburg, Cake Pros Bakery in … Continue reading

Posted in ADA, Blindness, Disability, Guide dogs, Refusing to do business, Same-sex marriage, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments