Welcome to my world of writing, empowering women, and herbal medicine!

 

I am the author of 6 works of nonfiction in three languages, with my most recent book Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns, and Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales and Film (foreword by Dr. Jack Zipes) 

 

I teach and inspire writers to develop a strong Setting or Sense of Place. My book is the landmark text on Mythic Settings for writers, and I teach Essential Settings and Mythic Settings for fiction and screenplay writers to enrich character development and plot. My goal is to get writers --and their characters -- off the couch and into transformative places.

 

I am a celebrator of Women and The Feminine. My book Women Healers of the World was awarded the Thomas DiBaggio Book of the Year by the International Herb Association, and my essay "Darkness and the Divine Feminine" appeared in Parabola along with dozens of articles in Taproot and international magazines and journals. Interested in women's achievements? You're in the right place. My six books span a wide range of categories: from philosophy, to the craft of writing, to gardening, herbal medicine, to women's empowerment. I value curiosity about the human experience and I encourage you to ask, pry, learn, and teach.

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For 30+ years, I've been an herbalist teaching how herbs can contribute to a healthy brain and mental resilience. My online and accredited courses are for beginners through clinicians -- the herb school is proud to support all learners interested in natural health.

 

Finally, I am an international speaker. I have taught workshops and/or given keynote lectures for universities, conferences and associations in England, Costa Rica, Canada, Italy, Greece (2026), and all across the United States. Reach out to book me as a speaker for your event.