{

WHO
IS SHE?
MORGAN'S BIO

WHO
SAYS?
REVIEWS

WHERE
IS SHE?

Usually in her studio.
Or spending time with family.
Or any number of places.
If those have to do with writing,
they'll be listed here

For as much ink as I might have in my veins, I suspect there's an equal amount of graphite. I'll grab a pencil over a pen whenever I can get away with it, particularly if it's one of my longtime favorites: either a Pentech Rubberwriter No. 2, or a mechanical pencil with a really good feel to it.

Word derivations fascinate me. I'm by no means an etymologist, but I like to find the common denomination of various words (graph, for instance). As authors, we autograph our work. We make lines into something autonomous. It's art, in and of itself.

I love graphic design, love tinkering with it. I've had no formal training, so I'm dangerously self-taught. Fortunately, I have a friend upon whom I can call if I end up in a real bind (thanks, Mark!), but I try not to bother him. Mostly, it's trial-and-error with, hopefully, some learning along the way. For sure, it's a fun and therapeutic journey. Welcome to my playground. Well, maybe just the swing set, for now....

Below, you'll find a sample of my stuff; with notes. Also, I designed the banner for my own site by tinkering in Photoshop with an old self-portrait. I've studied Photoshop a bit more since then, and should revamp the banner. I'll add that to a long to-do list. (If you're interested in the story behind that photo, check out the link from the scrapbook layout titled "Guns and Gams," below.)

Thanks for looking,
Deb                                   

WHAT
DOES SHE WRITE?

JEFF TALBOT
ANTIQUE-LOVER'S
MYSTERY SERIES

HISTORICAL WESTERNS

MARY SHELLEY
PRIVATE EYE SERIES

WHAT
ELSE IS ON HER
WEB SITE?

HER 1937 CADDY

GRAPHIC DESIGN

This banner for the Western Writers of America 2007 convention held in the Show-Me State represents many facets of the area's history: the Civil War, bandits, livestock, music. (Springfield's just north of Branson, MO).

Okay, long way around the barn for a representation of this design. After a computer crash forced me into a new system, and my method of backing up files was the (don't laugh) zip disc, I lost my original files of this design. Therefore, what you see is a photographed-from-magazine version, with a generated web-color background. So, please, draw upon your imagination (no pun intended). Think vintage postcard.... This design was used for the 2006 WWA convention.

In 2007, I completely redesigned Loren Estleman's web site (over at www.lorenestleman.com). Since the man's so prolific--in two genres, no less--it was a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, he'd drawn the "Split Personality" years ago. If you're familiar with his work, you'll recognize mystery titles and series on the Fedora side, and western titles and series on the Stetson side.

  And, for a different kind of fun . . .

Digital scrapbooking is a fast-growing trend, so I played a bit in Photoshop with brushes, styles, etc., to see what all the fuss is about. This could be addictive...   My grandchildren, minutes after the second one arrived. Now, this is what real sunshine is about.

If I were one to pick favorites (and, being a Libra afffects my ability to do so), I'd have to say that hybrid scrapbooking is my favorite. It satisfies the digital design side of me, as well as the traditional paper side. Here are a couple of layouts I created by designing the core 8x8 in Photoshop, printing it, then completing a 12x12 layout with traditional supplies. The perfect creative balance for this Libra. These aren't great representations... scanner was coughing like Doc Holliday before giving up the ghost. Note: "Guns and Gams" isn't digital. The self-portrait is the one I cropped from for my web banner. Hope you enjoy the fun glimpse at Loren and me. If you're interested in the journaling and/or supply lists for these three layouts, CLICK HERE