Dinner Anyone?

Imagine my delight when Ann Patchett and Elizbeth Strout reached out to me! These two best-selling gifted writers, reaching out TO ME. Glowing remarks pepper their emails about my work and my future as a writer. They are both so delighted to get to know me and more about my journey as an author. Be still my beating heart! To be clear, Ann Patchett nor Elizbeth Strout reached out to me. I will…

Future Imperfect, a fast-paced, dystopian novel by Las Vegas, N.M. author, Sharon Vander Meer, is thought-provoking and hauntingly vivid, depicting a near-future transformed by self-interest and suspicion. More than an environmental disaster, Future Imperfect delves into the conflict between good and evil after a scientific breakthrough produces catastrophic consequences. Hana Evans, wary and…

Writing a book is a significant accomplishment. Getting it into the hands of readers is a whole other ballgame, especially as an indie publisher. Traditionally published writers don’t have it easy, but they do have the advantage when it comes to marketing and shelf placement in brick-and-mortar bookstores. There are many successful indie authors with best sellers to their credit, but they didn’t…

We limped along, you and I,I so wanted you to succeed,to be entertainingand fun,not stodgythe written wordmaking smiles,informing,telling the taleof a matchless place,singular in its identity,more than the sum of its parts.It’s that kind of place,full of people with quirky ideas,ingenuity,an earthy connectionto time and place.You must be herea long timeto be one of us,unless,of course,you get it…

It’s Saturday, usually a ‘day off’ for me. Set aside writing. Set aside thinking. Set aside any type of work at all. Truth be told, in the past year or so, I’ve taken more ‘days off’ than I care to admit. That’s just not me. I miss writing. I miss thinking. Yes, that’s what I said and that’s what I mean. For me, writing is thinking and thinking for me is writing. Sometimes what I pen is good and…

FUTURE IMPERFECT is a book I wrote several years ago. It’s a dystopian novel about a near future in which the world is on the brink of collapse environmentally, politically, and in the heart of humanity. I recently republished the book, with corrections and updates. Please check out and follow the Instagram posts and Facebook posts for the book. FUTURE IMPERFECT may be purchased from Barnes and…

I am a writer. For years I have embraced the discipline and joy of putting pen to page – or fingers to computer – and creating simply because it makes me feel good. On May 30, 2024 – the day my husband passed away – the wind in my sails stopped blowing and the swirling laughing waters of inspiration went still. Oh, I didn’t stop writing immediately, but it tapered off until the only writing I did…

I just finished reading an article in AARP Magazine written by Bob Brody, an essayist and author. The article, entitled Relearning the Fine Art of Doing Nothing, reminded me that a walk around the park doesn’t have to be a race, nor should it be. Since my Bob (Robert Vander Meer) passed away May 30, 2024, I seem to be trying to outdistance my grief. Busy, busy, busy! Brody’s article has me…

Bob collected all things John Deere. He grew up on a farm, but farming was not his profession of choice. Anything would have been preferable to farming. Nevertheless, he respected those who chose to live that life and was proud of his heritage. That may be why he had such a fondness for John Deere memorabilia. For him it represented the stalwart nature of people like his dad and mom, salt of the…

Happy Fall! It’s that time of year when it’s not quite autumn but it sure feels like it. This is my favorite time of year. There is no aroma like that of chile roasting and the vibrancy of color as vegetation sheds its green and prepares for winter, at least in parts of the country and the world. I can’t imagine waking up every day to blooming flowers and greenery in abundance. I like the…

I try to write a poem a day, sometimes more than one, but mostly just one. Sometimes they follow a theme and at others the brainstorm is all over the place, kind of a reflection of what’s going on in my head or in my life. So, here’s a selection from the past week that I hope you will find interesting or entertaining or provocative, or all three. The photo, by the way, is of a recent Las Vegas,…

Good grief! It’s been too long since I posted ANYTHING on this blog. Heaven knows who might actually see this, but if you do, please know I look forward to your comments. As many of you know, my dear and amazing husband Bob Vander Meer, passed away on May 30, 2024. What follows are reflective poems honoring his memory. I confess to not paying attention to ‘poetic form’ and wrapped my heart…

To be published, first you must write. As E.B. White said: “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” The same can be said of publishing. It is work and you must work at it, whether you are going the indie (self-publishing) or traditional route. Your creative muse may not like to hear this, but taking your book to market is a business,…

Glittering with refracted lightsnow makes everything look brightand leads us all to observe with smilesthe quirkiness of nature’s wiles.In every single pristine flakedropped to earth for mother nature’s sakeit joyfully renews the earthawaiting the glories of spring’s rebirth.

GHOST(An acrostic poem) Goulies grumble,howlers mumble,other worldly sounds a jumble,sighing, crying, wailing, all aroundtalking, talking their eerie sound! BOO TO YOUHootie tunes and shrieking screamsscary thingies in your dreams.On this haunted, hunted nightwhat next on tap will give you fright?Creeping, leaping, jumping, sneakingis that a ghost at whom you’re peeking? Tiptoe back, slither…

The years of pandemic, drought, fire, and floods have not been kind to the Las Vegas Arts Council. Although the facility on Bridge Street was not damaged, much of the area served by the Council was devastated. The pain and loss carried over into the business and nonprofit communities of the Las Vegas and Mora areas. Richard Lindeborg, the current president of the organization, points out that…

Is it true, gaillardia,you amazing bit of flora,that your common namesprings from the brightand beautiful blanketsmade by Native Americans,pulling inspiration fromMother Nature’s palette?Oh! I do hope so!I’m drawn even moreto your astounding blossoms,and think of the unparalleled artistryof Native American weaversleaving threads of history and beautyin the tapestry of life. Photo – Sharon Vander…