Love letters to Sanibel

I checked up on an author-friend of mine the other day to see how she was doing. Turns out she’s got a new book in the works and she’s donating proceeds from the sale of that new book, Steps to the Beach, through the end of 2022 to the Florida Disaster Fund to help people…

Ode to Misty

“Do you have the book about Misty?” I peered over the counter to find a boy about seven squeezing the stuffing out of a plush pony. “Do you know about the famous pony?” He nodded most solemnly. “My mom took me to the museum where they have pictures and stuff about the wild ponies. Now…

Ode to the farmers’ market

“Hi, Mom. What are you doing for dinner tomorrow? Maybe you and Dad would like to come over to my apartment? I just got some beautiful tomatoes and corn.” FEARLESS SUMMER—CHAPTER NINE Don’t you love farmers markets? Do you have a favorite? I do. In my new sweet romance, FEARLESS SUMMER, Charlotte meets Henry and…

Chincoteague: Where the ponies are

“ I want you to say to me, ‘Willa, I’ve decided to take your advice and go see what my sisters are cooking up.’ Visit your sisters and your parents. Hug your nephews and see the ponies.”
Charlotte’s friend paused for effect. “It can’t hurt. Can it?”
Yes, of course it could. Henry was there with what’s-her-name and their child. I’d avoided such a meeting for eight years.

FEARLESS SUMMER: My new book is out now!

When NASA’s Wallops Island with it wide open field dotted with impressive satellite dishes appeared on my left, I felt a twinge deep in my belly. It grew stronger as I started across the causeway to Chincoteague Island. That’s how Chapter Three of FEARLESS SUMMER brings Charlotte home to Chincoteague. Seeing the facility that launches…

Countdown to publication

The days just before a book launch are full of anticipation. How will readers like my book? Will they even buy it? What can I do to convince them they’ll love my aspiring teacher Charlotte, the insurance guy who used to be her boyfriend before but now is the single father of a seven-year-old sweetie…