A true peach of a place to stop

I’m not normally given to writing about specific accommodations; however, this post will be an exception. Like so many others, when we travel the highways and byways of the US and Canada, Marla and I are looking for a memorable place to eat and enjoy local ambiance. Several years ago, we discovered such a place […]

Who benefits most from scholarships?

Several years ago, Marla and I faced a decision. We felt that it was time to give something back, in return for the educations we, our daughters, and other family members have been fortunate to receive. More than any other members of the Okrant family, I was a recipient of substantial scholarship and assistantship money […]

Impressions of La-La Land

Recently, my wife and I spent ten days in the City of Angels, La-La Land, AKA Los Angeles. While large places that necessitate driving everywhere are not my cup of ube shake, LA has enough attributes to keep a visitor interested . . . for about a week. First, one cannot debate that the climate […]

A magical moment

Second only to their newborns, authors will tell you there is nothing quite so magical as holding that new book or journal article for the first time. I can tell you there is another feeling that comes close–completion of the first draft of a fledgling publication. Last night, I completed the second draft (the first was a hodgepodge […]

Should I stay, or should I go?

After nearly two decades as a mystery writer, I’m having second thoughts. I’ve spent the last two years researching and writing Whacked, a murder mystery set at the beautiful Wentworth By the Sea resort. As the fifth installment of my Kary Turnell series, Whacked is definitely the best of the lot. However, I’m thinking about sending […]