My early books included "To Conserve a Heritage" (published by the Alberta Fish & Game Association in 1978) documenting the history of the conservation movement in Alberta and
"You're All Grown Up, Vancouver" (Hancock House, 1987) which looked at the early history of Vancouver, British Columbia, through the eyes of a child.
In 1999 I wrote "Zoofolk", a guidebook for the Greater Vancouver Zoo which documented all the species on exhibit at the Zoo. The book won the Outstanding Achievement Award presented to the Zoo by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2000.
I have several books in progress including a non-fiction book on climate change and a mystery novel. Two of my books in circulation are Heart of a Hoofbeat on horses' natural behaviour and Get It Write!, an e-book to help writers with their writing projects. An ebook version of Heart of a Hoofbeat is in progress.
Heart of a Hoofbeat
(Earthways Media Ltd., 2008)
Why do horses band together?
Do they have a leader, play, make friends and watch out for each other?
What is a bachelor band?
Are they smart, can they solve problems and remember tasks?
The book answers these and so many other fascinating questions about the natural behavior of domestic horses and how they are still connected to their ancestral past. Through a blend of anecdotal stories, personal observation and research of equine science, the book explores how domestic horses interact not only among themselves but with their environment.
Judge's commentary - Writer's Digest Self-Publishing Competition 2013:
"This is a fine book that thoroughly explores the natural instincts and behaviour of the domestic horse and how this behaviour compares to wild horses. Impressive research, aided by often charming and amusing anecdotal stories and personal observation, provide a revealing glimpse at how horses communicate and socialize through body language and sounds and move in hierarchical bands. Insightful examples of their innate intelligence fill the pages along with how horses can contribute to the health of environments and natural habitats.
Among the many equine questions answered are why and how horses, historically, were domesticated; why they associate with each other in a unit; how they learn from elders and the extent of their ability to solve problems and remember tasks; how their bodies permit a wide range of movements including dancing; and how they play, compete and mate. One can also learn what is a bachelor band and dominant mare.
The lucid and highly readable text is complemented by many photos that illustrate the range and capabilities of horses. There are also photos of cousins to the horse as well as predators. The cover design, featuring a horse reflected in an eye's retina, is extraordinarily eye-catching. The title is very effective."
Price: $15.95