Anatomy of a Successful Library

I’ve been to a few interesting library spaces before. These included buildings with cute aquariums and puppet show theaters for kids. The other day, I got invited to do an authors lunch (along with Dr. David Unger) at the Huntington Beach Public Library. This was at their central library; I really loved spending time there, and I appreciated how they created a successful library space. Firstly, they offered a great physical environment. There’s actually a drop-off zone right next to the … [Read more...]

Bouchercon, Here I Come!

I was excited to attend my first Bouchercon, a huge conference for mystery lovers, this year. It would've been held in my state (Sacramento, CA) this upcoming weekend. Thankfully, it didn't get canceled. Like many other conventions, though, it's turned virtual. Now I can be there from the comfort of my own home. Not only do I get a chance to listen to great authors, but I'm actually on a panel! I'll be on the Our Furry Friends panel on Friday, Oct. 16th at 3pm with Lane Stone, Jackie Layton, … [Read more...]

Crystal Cave

"A much needed vacation will bring a great deal of enjoyment." We wanted to cool down for the summer. What better way to do that than to go caving? Crystal Cave is a marble cavern located in the Sequoia National Park. It's a guided tour, and there's a half-mile trail down to the cave entrance. The walk is beautiful, though, and there are a number of trees and even some water trickles to admire along the way. Near the cave entrance, there's a nice waterfall area. It's like a two-for-one … [Read more...]

Disneyland

"A lifetime of happiness lies ahead of you." School's out...and I'm going to Disneyland! ("The Happiest Place on Earth.") It's been about 15 years since I last visited The Magic Kingdom. I got a twofer deal and saw both Disneyland and California Adventure. Since I have an amazing friend who works at Disney, not only did I go in on a discount, but the day was efficiently packed with rides. What spots did we hit? Here's a breakdown: Disneyland Finding Nemo Space Mountain Star Tours Buzz … [Read more...]