Read

My novel, Putting Makeup on Dead People (Disney Hyperion 2011)

"A book that looks at death and reveals much about life." — Kirkus Reviews

  • 2011 Blue Ribbon Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

  • Shortlisted for the 2011 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award

  • Finalist for the 2012 Oregon Book Award

  • Shortlisted for the Oregon Spirit Book Award

"A natural discussion starter, this will be an obvious choice for book clubs; many readers will be moved by the poignant examination of the passages in and from life, and they'll be glad of the Donnas who step up to guide us through them."

— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

More recognition for Putting Makeup on Dead People

Books are available from:

Purchase a copy directly from me here.

E-books and other copies available through:  Barnes & Noble and elsewhere.

Always, please support your local booksellers!

Other places that feature my writing:

Initiation Station:  I'll treat you to piping hot writing, glimpses of my memoir-in-progress, and all kinds of other word magic, and you get to patronize me, if you know what I mean. 

Visit the archives of my blog, Litany to Wonder, here.

“She’s Really Let Herself Go” in Nailed Magazine

“Salvation” in Fwriction Review

Essays & Writing for  Sweatpants & Coffee (2014-2019), including a selection of essays & my column: For Here, Please

"I Love Myself in Pieces" in Annapurna Living 

“How to Feed a Writer” in Burlesque Press

"How Death Got His Groove Back" in Burlesque Press

Me reading my article “Networking Schmetworking,” networking tips for genuine connection

For your listening pleasure, podcast conversations I’m grateful to have had:

Chat with Elemental Writing facilitator Jen Violi with Kerry & Brian Kijewski of Outlook Radio

From Decay to Creation: Decomposing through Writing with Jen Violi on La Befana’s Table with Dina Gregory

Grieving Hands with Jen Violi on Coffee, Grief, & Gratitude with Anne Gudger & Maria Gibson

Dirt on Our Skin and in the Cracks of Our Hearts: A Conversation About Embodied Writing on Woman Who Rubs the Mountain with Kendra Ward

“Using the 5 Elements of Mother Nature to Expand Your Writing with Jen Violi” on Everyday Enchantment with Stacey Andon

Passion & Purpose with Jen Violi on Recover Your Joy with Nancy Nance

“Grief is a Path to Joy, with Jen Violi” on From the Hip with Adrianne Gunn