The News Tribune: Ivan the gorilla dies at Zoo Atlanta

When I speak to audiences about great reads/about MUST reads, The One and Only Ivan always comes up. Friends, if you've not read it, treat yourself and those you love:

The News Tribune: Ivan the gorilla dies at Zoo Atlanta: News, weather, traffic, events and photos from the City Desk at The Seattle Times.

Summer report

For a touring author, summer is...???...hot especially when you choose to go to Florida in the month of July! Our family spent the first part of the summer in Orlando,Florida at Harry Potter World.

Victoria turned 14 this summer and that was her request. It was a wonderful/memorable holiday. We came home to focus on my father who at 94 is having some up and downs. Mom passed away in December and it's been hard on dad. Nevertheless, he's been amazing and... Vicki and Victoria also planned my birthday a little early as I'll be in the NWTerritories on the 13th of September. Their gift was to fly our cousin and very close friend Garry Stockdill to Victoria.

Garry lives in Yorkshire and getting him here without my knowing it was a challenge. I was sitting in front of the Olympics texting Garry (I thought). I looked up and there he was, standing on my terrace looking in at me?!? I have to admit, the feeling was almost sinister? What? How? When and where? Having Garry here with me for ten days was simply the best! Now, it's back to work. I have two new releases to share: Beneath Raven Moon and Rainbow Crow. They are both spectacular pieces of work for which I owe thanks to so many! I am very anxious to share them. And I'm working on three other exciting titles: Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers; The Great Peace and The First Flute. In the world of a writer, we strike when the iron is hot and hope to hit the mark.