Book launches, radio shows, and interviews. Oh my!

Yep, I’m way behind on my blog. But what a whirlwind year—and boy oh boy, has it been fun! Coming up, I’ll be a panelist at the 2023 Central Coast Writers Conference next weekend. Going back to September, I was interviewed by Editor Sangeeta Mehta for her quarterly newsletter.  In March, I had a blast as a guest on the Dave Congalton radio show discussing the book launch of DEETJEN’S CLOSET published by Coalesce Press. It’s the first book in the SARA AND THE GHOST CLOSTHES series. Stay tuned for the release date in Spring 2024 of the second book, MCMENAMIN’S CLOSET (Coalesce Press). The complete manuscript is currently being edited and the cover art is looking great!

Signing books at my book launch!

And since I posted last (I know, I’ll try to do better), I’ve written nine articles for Estero Bay News. In the April 21, 2022 issue, I wrote “Permaculture…What’s That?” about the burgeoning concept of permaculture—how to work with nature to maximize agricultural quality and production by observing Mother Nature’s proven processes. I had the good fortune to co-write the article with my son, David Black, a mechanical engineer and permaculture designer who schooled me on the virtues of permaculture and basically converted me to a “permie.”

david’s permaculture diagram

In the June 16, 2022 issue of EBN, I launched my series “RV Camping in Your Own Backyard” where I extoll the many benefits of camping close to home. Husband Garth and I have traveled far and wide for 20 years in our little 24’ motorhome and golden retrievers. This series shares our favorite campgrounds plus gear and gadgets we have discovered, camp recipes, secret hikes, things to do, and things to avoid. The full, unabridged articles can be found on my website by clicking on the RV CAMPING tab.

The August 11, 2022 issue covered “Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground” which is one of our local favorites. That was followed by my article on October 6, 2022 about “Morro Bay State Park Campground.” At this point, I was receiving a lot of positive responses from readers and I was delighted that there were so many folks out there who shared our passion for camping. Many asked for my Campsite Rating Map for each campground. Every time we camp, we walk around with a map and rate each campsite per our personal criteria. We do get some questioning looks and are often asked what we’re doing. But once I explain that it helps when you’re back home trying to reserve a campsite and you can’t remember which are good sites and which are bad ones, then people are convinced we’re not nuts, and want to get copies! We rate every campground and offer it to readers with a little hesitation, only because it’s like sharing your list of good babysitters! (Moms will understand that reference). All you have to do to get a copy is contact me at debbie@debbienobleblack.com and let me know which campground(s) you’d like. (I do NOT share your email address. That’s between you and me!)

Moving along, the next article in the December 1, 2022 issue covered “El Chorro Campground” which is a hidden gem in our county. And my February 9, 2023 article was dedicated to “Family Reunions” in a camping setting. We call them Campfests! We’ve had several of these--creating priceless and precious memories for family members from three generations and both of our families.

our campfest family photo

In the April 6, 2023 issue, I featured “El Capitan State Beach Campground” where we spend most of our local camping days, and for good reason. You’ll have to read the article to understand why! Because this wonderful campground will be closed for about a year for some construction (sniff!), I wrote a follow-up article in the June 1, 2023 issue that showcased two superb campground alternatives in the same area as El Cap. The article was so cleverly titled “El Cap Alternatives.”

El Capitan

The July 27, 2023 issue brought a switch-up for me. Garth and I have amassed a lot of information to share about the hacks, tricks, and gadgets that we’ve learned in our years of RV camping. We wanted to share what we’ve learned through trial and error, and also the clever solutions or equipment that other campers have shown us. Thus the article “Gadgets & Gizmos Part 1” because there would, of course, be Part 2, Part 3, etc.

And now we’re up to date with my latest article, “Plaskett Creek Campground” in the September 21, 2023 issue where I describe the absolutely beautiful setting of this iconic Big Sur campground.

Plaskett Creek

Next up in the November 16 issue will be “Gadgets & Gizmos Part 2” to wrap up the year. The full, unabridged articles can always be found on my website by clicking the RV CAMPING tab.

The rest of 2023 promises some fun times and exciting events. Right now, I’m counting the days (only 20!) until my writing group has our 6-day retreat in Los Olivos. That’s six glorious days of writing, writing, writing in a beautiful setting with my writing peeps.  Doesn’t get much better than that. Additionally, Garth and I have a couple camping trips planned, and I’m also excited to get the MCMENAMIN’S CLOSET manuscript buttoned up and ready for publication. Good times ahead.

I’ll keep you posted—I promise! (Or at least, I’ll try…).