Writing

"Mini-Tab Publications for the Star Buyer's Guide"

To read stories I have contributed to the Star's Mini-Tab Publications, click on the images above.

"The Unlikeable Molly McDull"

A chapter book for young readers age 7-to-11-years-old.

12 year old, Cindy Manor, is given her final assignment in English - to find out what makes some people likeable, and other not so likeable. Cindy is outgoing and friendly, and hopes to become an Investigative Reporter when she grows up. Her English assignment is perfect for her! Since nobody seems to like Molly McDull, Cindy decides to make her the center of her investigation. But Cindy's nemisis, Terry Binder, seems to be getting in the way from the start. Will Cindy ever get any 'dirt' on Molly? Will she find out the real truth behind Molly's 'stolen shirts', and her tendency to skip classes?

"Freaking Out - Forty"

This personal experience piece runs 1,190 words for women, and is a funny look at approaching the big Four-O!

Warts, unwanted hair, vericose veins, flatulence, wrinkles, the list goes on and on! No wonder people start freaking out when they near this magic age.

"Double Dare"

A chapter book for young readers age 7-to-11-years-old.

Emily James is proud of her tomboy looks, and ability to create elaborate booby-traps. When Vanessa Miers embarrasses her out on recess, Janice Feltmen dares Emily to get Vanessa back by making a booby trap that will not only trap Vanessa, but embarrass her in front of the whole school. Not able to resist a 'double dare', Emily agrees, but will it backfire?

"The Red Jumper"

This health and fitness piece runs approximately 900 words for women, and is an encouraging story about getting into shape.

Being a motivational speaker for Weight Watchers, I tell this story to new members when we talk about adding exercise to their daily lives. I think that sharing my own getting in shape story encourages people to find something they like to do, and to do it, no matter how goofy they may look trying.

"The Robin Who Wouldn't Eat Worms"

Fiction story about fussy eaters running approximately 1,200 words for kids age 4-to-7-years.

The newborn Robin, Chuck, will not eat worms. His distraught mother tries everything she can think of to make him eat, and finally finds he likes seeds from a bird feeder. Not being in the Robin’s normal diet, the seeds make Chuck a bit on the chunky side, so he cannot fly. Winter is coming fast, and time is running out for Chuck. Will he eat worms? Will he learn to fly?/font>

"Norman T. Riddles Meets Jennifer Giggles"

This story runs approximately 1,900 words for kids age 7-to-11-years-old, and is about learning to trust someone other than yourself.

Norman T. Riddles is perfect in every way, but most especially in school - his grades are impeccable! That was until he gets paired up with Jennifer Giggles for a 300 point science project. Norman tries to find a way out of his dilemma. Is he doomed?

"Midnight Monsters"

This story is for kids age 4-to-8-years-old running approximately 200 words.

“Midnight Monsters” is a short story about how to get rid of monsters by adopting better health habits, like brushing your teeth.

"Gone Fishing"

A contemporary fiction story running approximately 1,100 words.

Mark can’t wait until his city cousin arrives at the cabin. First on the agenda is a fishing trip, and Mark takes his cousin, Walker, through the paces of preparing for their trip, and catching a fish. Suddenly, Mark’s pole gave a yank. “I’ve got one, too!” As he began reeling his fish in, Walker’s pole bent down so hard it looked as though he would lose his pole.

“I think I’ve caught a whale!”

“Reel it in!” both Mark and his Grandpa hollered.

“I’m trying!” Walker said, barely able to keep the reel turning.

"Got the Guts"

An inspirational fiction story running approximately 1,000 words, about a young girl’s attempt to reach for her dreams regardless of her popularity.

“Heeeelllllloooooooo,” Angela huffed. “Have you heard anything I’ve said?”

Slinging the bag over one shoulder, Lindsay slammed her locker shut and grumbled, “Yes! Thank you very much for your words of wisdom, Angela, but I’m going through with this. And it’s not because I want to compete against the two most popular girls in school.” Looking dreamily down the hall, Lindsay sighed, “It’s because I love to sing.”

"Cameron Shaw's Summer in Oz"

This fiction chapter book is for kids age 7-to-11-years old.

Cameron Shaw has been in trouble all school year. It really isn't his fault he has been in trouble. After all, it was his parents divorce that caused him and mother to have to move in with their Uncle. Well, things keep getting worse for Cameron when Shane Roberts brings a paintball gun into detention and things get out of hand. After being sent to the local Juvenile Facility, Cameron finally gets a break when Lieutenant Jones believes the young teen is innocent, and does his best to clear his name. The good Lieutenant makes a deal with Cameron to get him out of the Juvenile facility, but is the alternative that much better? Things heat up when Shane Roberts finds out where Cameron isn't... JUVI. Will Cameron be doomed to take the wrap for all of Shane does? Will Cameron ever get out of Oz?

"A Cat and Three Dogs"

This rhyming story is for kids age 4-to-8-year-olds running approximately 500 words.

A cat living with three dogs can be pretty comical at times. Especially when the cat thinks she's getting the best of those drooling, beasts. When the dogs turn the tables on the cat, she finds out first hand, that dogs aren't so stupid afterall!

"Curiosity Killed the Cat... and Quickies!"

This humorous story for ADULTS runs approximately 750 words, and is about the difficulty of finding time for intimacy when you have children.

"A Monster In My Toybox"

This rhyming story is for kids age 4-to-8-year-olds running approximately 500 words.

Most little kids are scared of monsters when they go to bed, and it's usually their vivid imagination that turns a shadow into a hairy, drooling monster. As the main character's imagination runs out of control, the little boy becomes more and more frightened until finally leaping from the bed, right into the monster's arms!

"The Nursing Home Chronicles"

This story is for kids age 6-to-11-years-old. The story is told in the voice of an elderly man that lives in a nursing home. The highlight of his week is a visit, every Wednesday, from a little girl on her way home from school. Of course, the nurses hate it when the little girl visits because she creates all kinds of havoc including having wheelchair races and dying everyones hair green. When she does something so bad that the head nurse banishes her from the nursing home forever, it's up to the elderly folks to get the little girl back.

"Big Beak Tommy"

A children's story about a nosey crow named Tommy.

Tommy is so nosey, he is known by all the crows as "Big Beak Tommy". His nosing around gets him into all kinds of trouble. Will the other crows help him out of a sticky situation, or let him suffer for all of his nosiness from the past? And will Tommy ever learn his lesson?