About Me

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After retirement, for two summers I worked as a tour guide at the Umpqua River Lighthouse in Oregon. This opportunity enabled me to learn more about that lighthouse than any of the others I've seen. Although I have personally visited and photographed over 300 lighthouses in the United States and three Provinces in Canada, the Umpqua River Lighthouse has special meaning for me. That Lighthouse inspired me to write two fictional books with the characters working, living, and enduring the challenges of lighthouse keeping. All pictures posted in this blog were taken by myself, unless noted otherwise.

Book Info.

I hope you will find time to enjoy my books. Preview the book covers below at the right side of page.

Book #1: "The Wickie and the Umpqua Lighthouse." Detail: "The Wickie and the Umpqua Lighthouse" is an 1860's story about the lighthouse keepers and their families at the Umpqua River Lighthouse. It will stir your emotions and warm your heart. Discover the challenges they met but never expected, and their determination to maintain navigational aid to mariners on the Oregon coast. (Wickie is a nickname used by the early lighthouse keepers at the Umpqua River Lighthouse in OR.)

Book #2: "Spirit of The Lighthouse" is a sequel to The Wickie. Detail: Jesse Fayette, assistant keeper at the Umpqua River Lighthouse, finds himself alone to operate and maintain an Oregon lighthouse after the accidental death of his head keeper. After notifying the Lighthouse Board and requesting help, he is surprised but must deal with an acquaintance, Red Saunders, who believes the lighthouse is haunted.

Book #3: "Unexpected Moments" has a different theme than those of Book #1 and #2. Detail: Dan and Megan, as well as their old friends Jim and Anna, experience unexpected moments of hardships and tragedies in Arizona and California. Will they survive these unexpected moments and find any hope for their futures?

All of my books are available on Amazon.

First Book Launch

                Some of my Grand Children assisted in sign-in of guests.


                       Signing Books, assisted by my wife, Linda.



                     Cake made with picture of my book cover on top.


       Sugar cookies made by my wife, Linda, in the shape of a lighthouse.


                     Guests waiting to purchase book and have it signed.


                                            Guest registering.


                                        Signing book for a guest.


                             My guests excited about the new book.


                            My guests enjoying each others company.


                       Maybe their talking about the good refreshments.


           John Mills preparing to do an impromptu reading from my book.


                        A guest reading along in my book with John Mills.


                                    A guest previewing my book.


                            Looks like a few people bought a book.


It was a great book signing / launch, and an opportunity to meet an old friend I had not seen for years.


Thank you all for making it an exciting time in my life. Hope you enjoy reading "The Wickie."  If so, tell a friend.



                     Book signing at Weiderstein School. 
                        Literacy night, 10 Oct 2013.

                                           Students liked the hat.


       Table arrangement for book signing at Weiderstein School. Students also liked the lighthouse and enjoyed the candy.


My wife, Linda, assisted me with the book signing. Each student who chose to come to the Author's Table had to have their card punched to verify they had been there. Throughout the evening, each student had to visit a minimum of eight different tables to qualify for drawings held at the end of the nights activities. Students whose names were drawn received books from the school as a bonus to their nights activities.


The students cheerfully welcomed Linda and I. They seemed to have a great time at the Author's Table, and several presented their hand to shake mine. Some said: "Can I shake your hand." or  "I want to be an author." or "I like to write."  and other heart warming comments. This was a great experience, and I believe I met some future Author's.
















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