Nonfiction

Photo by John B. Ashbaugh   “Why did they crucify Jesus?” The question came from a boy, probably nine years old, one of the fourth grade students in the group…

Photo courtesy Shakespeare and Company   In preparing for a recent trip to Paris, my first ever, I had my “to do” list pretty well mapped out. Drink Champagne at…

These are my parents, Robert Wilson Gregory and Patricia Margaret Keefe Gregory. They lived then in Taft, where I was born. But I remember that painting of the Monterey cypress…

Photo by Efe Kekikciler   There are mornings when I wake and notice the light before I move—steady, ordinary light, unchanged, but for the way I see it. I am…

My longstanding love-hate relationship with tribute bands and nostalgia acts is certainly no secret to loyal readers and friends alike. But there’s a new, somewhat unlikely thing that evokes strong…

The entire audience rises to applaud as the cast members take their final bow of the night. Behind me, I hear two girls quietly weeping with amazement, as I feel…

I love that Arroyo Grande—especially Branch Street Arroyo Grande—has an independent bookstore. My ego is happy because Monarch Books carries my books. We were waiting for a table to open…

A program priced at just $75 for teens interesting in writing is scheduled Friday, September 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. on the first day of the 2025 Central Coast…

Memorial scholarships honor Linna Thomas, Anna Unkovich, and Paul Alan Fahey.   Thanks to generous sponsors, the Central Coast Writers’ Conference at Cuesta College is offering scholarships to help cover…

Photo by Element5 Digital   What a wonderful time it was! After six years of teaching in South Central Los Angeles, experiencing life through the eyes and minds of my…