Tag Archives: Montsegur

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

If you follow my blogs, Facebook, or Twitter feeds, I’m sure it looks like I’m not doing a whole lot. But since being back in country (since late Oct.) things have been very busy. Personal challenges continue— my mother died in April and the house hunt continues.

Timeless Tulips, Dark Diamonds, my new book was released this spring. Since the publisher does not have ebook rights, I’ll be releasing an ebook this fall. It will be an expanded version of the print book with additional material. My goal is to release this in time for Halloween since it’s a ghost story. Stay tuned for more on that.

The most coveted tulip during Tulipmania: Semper Augustus- could sell for as much as a grand canal house!

Additionally, I’m working on a new novel that’s about three quarters complete. No title yet. This has been a fun book to work on. It’s required some research into the history of Colorado’s start and the history of tuberculosis (the White Plague). The book is a visionary tale about girl who grows up in a 19th century, Colorado town known for its dry climate and healing waters. With a father in the mortuary business, Tallulah has always been around TB and death. Tally’s mother died when she was born, and she longs to know more about the woman who should have raised her. Two peculiar town residents, who Tally is warned to give wide berth, sisters Dottie and Lottie (rumor has it) can speak to the dead. Can Tally persuade them to help her? I’m hoping to finish this by the end of the year. Add your title ideas in the comments section. PLEASE!!

TB sufferers taking the open air cure.

Another manuscript I’ve been sitting on for a while, I think I’m going to self-publish soon. The Greening of the Laurel is a visionary, YA book in thriller mode.  Ryan’s junior year is turned upside down by a series of bizarre visions and freaky encounters with fire. Eventually, Ryan ends up in the ER. He finally comes face to face with the man who claims to have all the answers. But how can quantum physics and timeless spiritual mysteries be colliding with Ryan at the center of it all? Can he really believe he had a past as a medieval heretic where he hid what has become known as the lost Cathar treasure, a manuscript containing the hidden truth underlying the universe? Can he trust a secret society that claims to need his help if science is to move forward?

photo: Kaktus
(Montsegur- Cathar stronghold until the final battle of 1244)

Not at first, but as events threaten his family, Ryan returns to southern France to find the document he once allegedly hid. In 1244, he watched two hundred of his countrymen burn as he and two others slipped away in the night carrying a manuscript the world desperately needs. Surrounding Ryan are members of the Green Laurel, back to ensure his safety. Also, back are the dark forces of the Church who want nothing more than to exterminate the remnants of the Cathars and the truth the future requires. Without the manuscript, science cannot advance. A single unified theory will never be found and, all along, Ryan’s very existence remains in peril.      

And although I’ve never had any luck with picture books, I’m currently circulating a manuscript with agents starring Mona Lisa. A cute story, but no bites yet!  

Click below to find my published books.

https://amzn.to/30oq1NL

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TIBETAN UPRISING ANNIVERSARY & MONTSEGUR 1244

I’m working on a new novel that will highlight what happened at a remote fortress in southern France in 1244. A group known today as Cathars, the most successful of the heretical sects of the Middle Ages, had spent a year under siege by Catholic forces. Eventually the Cathars surrendered and, after refusing to renounce their faith, 220 people were burned at the foot of Montsegur. Fire exterminated dissent.

The 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising is fast approaching (March 10, 1959). 2011 was witness to a transfer of power from His Holiness Dalai Lama to secular political rule. At the same time, the harsh crackdowns of 2008 continue within Tibet. Increasingly we are seeing more and more incidents of self immolation being reported. Here fire is a symbol of protest and individual sacrifice. Since 2009, 27 Tibetans have killed themselves in this manner. In a culture known for non-violence and compassion, no suicide bombers have emerged. But there is a growing sense that things are changing and the old ways aren’t working. Young Tibetans may push for more radical protests and, if Beijing continues to respond in the same old ways, things may continue to escalate. Of course, even in dire circumstances there is a chance that leaders on both sides will see the need to change direction and find a way toward compromise. Perhaps the new leadership in China will see that now is the time to embrace the Dalai Lama and use this opportunity to ensure peace.

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