R. Patrick

Great news this month! The Midwest Book Review published a 5-star review of my book! They have also forwarded it to the Thomson-Gale interactive CD-ROM series “Book Review Index”. It’s published 4 times a year for school and public library systems. I’ve included the Midwest link on the side bar.

They also put their review on amazon. Check it out on my amazon link!

Myshelf.com gives Prisoners two thumbs up! I’ve included this link as well in the side bar.

This just in! There’s a new review from Lynda Williams in the On Spec journal. She liked it!! If you want to check it out, you can go to the sidebar link on this page and click on the On Spec Book Reviews link.

Great news! PRISONERS UNDER GLASS has been nominated for the Canadian Aurora Award for Best Fantasy of 2006 (along with Margaret Atwood’s Penelopiad–intimidating? just a tad!).

Thanks Karen and Carol especially for attending the Borders reading on Santana Row. And thanks to JoJo too for orchestrating it.

Just wanted to put in a plug for my favorite independent children’s book store, Linden Tree in Los Altos. They have sold out of my book 5 times now, and Dennis Ronberg, the owner, has been so kind and gracious about displaying it “up front and center”. He’s also given me excellent advice about promoting my book, and he’s always so supportive of local authors. Thanks, Dennis!

I really enjoyed my visit to Oak School on Feb. 9. The students and staff were so friendly and attentive. I came “in character” as Lilah, all done up in my sea witch costume, blue wig and all, and talked about setting, plot, character, voice, editing, and character arc using colored slides to illustrate. It was intense but very fun and very fulfilling. I’d love to do more of these assemblies. There are so many wonderful writers out there just waiting for a little encouragement!

Great news! Borders has invited me to do a reading and book signing at their swanky Santana Row book store down at the Valley Fair/Westfield shopping mall in San Jose. The date is Saturday, March 18 at 1:00PM. Hope to see you there. I’ll be the one in the blue wig!

It’s a dark and stormy New Year’s Day here in California. But I refuse to let the weather dampen my spirits! I saw NARNIA over the break and it was wonderful. If you’ve read Joseph Campbell’s THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES, you’ll be struck, as I was, by how closely it follows the mythical paradigm that also guided me as I wrote PRISONERS UNDER GLASS.

If you have any comments or questions about my story or about writing in general, please click on that little heading that says “No comments” and then write me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Okay it’s back to work now, preparing for a presentation on writing and publishing which I’ll be giving at Oak Elementary School early in the new year. I’m very excited about it.

Happy 2006, everybody!

I had such a lovely time visiting Bullis Elementary School in Los Altos. I got to dress up in my witch outfit when it wasn’t even Hallowe’en. I’ve added a sea blue wig which I thought would be fitting for a sea witch. It was quite a kick driving to and from the school, surprising pedestrians and drivers alike. The teachers, the parents, and the kids at Bullis were all so welcoming. Thank you especially, Michele and Alexandra, for going out of your way to make me feel at home. And thanks Lexie for your terrific review!

I’m doing readings at Springer Elementary School in Mountain View this week and the kids are such a great audience. One of them told me that the message board on Neopets is abuzz with talk about my book. Thanks Neopia!

The reading at Cruz ‘N Cafe went well. Many of my friends came out. Thank you for your support! And thanks, Sydney, for the puffy chocolate chip cookies. I stuffed myself silly!

Main Street Cafe is also carrying my books now, along with Linden Tree.

I also visited Loyola Elementary School. Thank you Deb for inviting me! And I’m looking forward to visiting Bullis and Bubb in the next couple of weeks.

This weekend I’ll be doing the Christmas Fair at the Sequoia YMCA in Redwood City (Saturday November 12, 9-4). It’s a crafts fair where there will be plenty of handmade gifts for the holidays. My book is definitely handmade!

If you have time, check out the links to the Los Altos Town Crier over on the side bar of my home page. Thanks to Kathleen for covering my visit to Blach Junior High and thank you Pam for the lovely review!

Well my favorite time of year is almost upon us. I am definitely getting dressed up for my next reading/book party at Cruz ‘N Cafe this Saturday, October 29 12:30-1:30PM. You’re all invited! Not sure about tricks, but there will be treats!

What to bring? Yourselves!

What to wear? A costume if you like. You know I will!!

See you there!

What a fantastic day. I dressed up in full witchy regalia and handed out Halloween favors. Even brought Stryker along. The audience was so attentive and practically everyone left with a book. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support! And thanks to Debbie and Regina at PACE for being so gracious.

The cover of my book is up on Amazon.com now and Barnes & Noble.com. It can already be ordered, but in about five days amazon will have all my other info as well. Can hardly wait! If you’ve read and enjoyed PRISONERS UNDER GLASS,please take a moment to write a brief review on amazon saying what you liked about it and what book or books it reminded you of. You’ll make my publisher very happy!

What a great day. I visited a middle school and read scenes from my book and the classes were so enthusiastic. Thank you Blach 8th Graders! A reporter from the Los Altos Town Crier was there too, along with a photographer. One of the students who has read my book was asked what he thought about it and he said, “It rocks!” Thank you Justin!

I’m looking forward to the reading at PACE this Saturday. It’s getting to be Halloween season and my book has plenty of magic and witches in it, so… I have an irresistable urge to dress the part!

I have a reading coming up in Mountain View on Saturday, October 8, 12:30 to 1:30 PM.

It’s at PACE YOURSELF FITNESS STUDIO in Mountain View, California.

The address is: 1040 C El Monte @ El Camino Real
(Beside Noah’s Bagels).

Hope you can make it! There will be chocolate!

My next reading/signing will be at The Cruz ‘N Cafe in downtown Los Altos
on Saturday, October 29, 12:30-1:30PM.

The address is: 133 Main Street across from The Town Crier

There will be refreshments of course!

My book has just been posted on Amazon.com.
Type in PRISONERS UNDER GLASS and voila!