My friend and amazing author, Ami McKay, interviewed me and did a nice write-up of my novel, The Blue Jar. She included a favorite photo of mine--us with Santa Claus and I'm wearing my "Who Killed Laura Palmer?" tee-shirt. If you can, go over there, read, and comment. Maybe share. I've known Ami since we …
Author: mapelba
Halloween!
I don't like gore and I don't like to be scared. But I love Halloween anyway. Since I childhood, I've been drawn to witches, magic, and mystery. And dressing up is fun. Today I showed one of my classes, the documentary The American Scream. I love the guy in the film obsessed with creating the …
Moms, Dreams, and Stupid Questions
My mother drew the unicorn. I can't draw like her. I've always wanted to, but have yet to manage it. Do you compare yourself to your parents? Is there something either on of them did that you wish you could do? My mother started to write a novel. She had only a few chapters written …
Hide!
You have to wonder why anyone would spend so much time writing a book, pitching that book, and bringing that book to market if that same individual was going to hide when one someone actually mentioned reading the book. Kind of silly. But I admit to doing that. It is exciting and weird to have …
My Illustrated Things
I've illustrated children's books and greeting cards. You can always go directly to my publisher, Plum Tree Books, but if you live in the US, you can order directly from me (for a while anyway). I'm experimenting with this site, and we'll see how it goes. My illustrated things are here at Bonanza.
Music, Dance, and Storytelling
When I write, I sometimes listen to music. The music fits either the mood of the story or the personality of the characters. The other day, I had the chance to collaborate on a music show with London DJ Claudio Fiore and with my publisher, Plum Tree Books, that tells the story of the music …
Launching Dreams and Other Madcap Schemes
My novel launched today! (Here at Amazon.) Since the story is set in the summer of 1985, I've been thinking back to those high school days. What were you like in high school? I wasn't popular. I liked to be in the art room with a sketch pad or a book. The drawing posted here …
Press Release! The First Bite Of Bacon!
My publisher has put heart and soul into making this a reality. My book will soon be out in the world. Whew.
What are the ’80s anyway?
Every decade has its personality, right? Although it's tricky because it isn't as if everything changes on January 1st of that zero year. When exactly did the '80s become THE '80s? What historical events mark the period? The election of Reagan perhaps? The beginning of MTV? I graduated in 1986, the year Ferris Bueller skipped …
Things Can Only Get Better
My novel is set in the summer of 1985. That summer I loved Howard Jones and I was about to start my senior year of high school. If you were around in the '80s, what did you love and what did you hate? * * * My novel, The Blue Jar, will be released as …