The Trip of Trips is the newest and last book in the Josephine Stuart Mystery Series.  This one answers  all the questions you may have had about Josephine's love live etc. It's a boot-kick'n hoot all the way from the California Central Coast to the mighty Arizona Desert.

           "Beyond the Seize"     Books and Kindle now available 

Coming Soon!

 

 

 Coming SOON!  Number 14 in the Josephine Stuart mystery series,  "Beyond The Seize" 

Might be out as soon as March or April 2024

And no, Bobby Daren isn't in this story--maybe next time. I actually have a true family story with Bobby in it. Stay tuned!

 Dear Josephine Stuart Mystery fans, now you can read about Josephine in Hollister, a baby raccoon and a trip to Colorado. I'm not giving anything away--you've got to read it to know what's in it!

                                                                            

Big Jim Williams

has a new book out that will 

leave grit in your teeth and dust 

on your saddle. Quite a story!

 Dear friends, I'd like to bring you up to present times and my newest mystery, "Lost & Bound."

This one takes place in Felton, California where a woman falls out of a train on Halloween night. It's a Roaring Camp train and she didn't go willingly. But that's just the beginning. Her brother is missing and her sister has run into some very heavy trouble. Have faith--Josephine will be investigating.

Something new is in the making--an audio version of Lost & Bound. Stay tuned!

The newest books in the Josephine Stuart Mystery Series

Dear friends, I'm so so late doing this (my mind is in quarantine 

and my mental clock has stalled). Enough with the excuses

--here is my newest book, "Dead On A Rifle" published in 2019. 

Most of it takes place in Aptos California--all parts of Aptos--

even some places nobody knows about but me. 

Hope you enjoy the ride!

My next Josephine Stuart mystery, Lost & Bound, is coming out 

sometime this month. I can't wait to see what the cover will look like.

Author Big Jim Williams' New Book

If you like westerns--or even if you don't, Jim will have you
feeling the dust in your mouth and excitement on every page.

What is your view of America today?
Is it anything close to the America you grew up in?
Do you think it is better or worse than it was ten years ago?
I don't think there is a yes or no answer to any of this.
My feelings bounce from happy to sad and back again.
I love the way we are more open about things like discrimination.
I feel sad that it has turned into a tool used to attack other people.
I love the way we have cleaned up the air and chemical messes.
I feel sad when people are told that the planet will burn up in their lifetime.
I feel proud when I see beautiful buildings, bridges and statues.
I want to cry when fellow Americans burn them down.
I feel secure when I see police doing their difficult jobs.
I feel sad when our wonderful police force is abused.
My heart skips a beat when I see the American flag.
And I gag on my tears when I see it disgraced and ignored.
I will always vote for what makes me happy and proud.
Joyce Oroz

                               Fancy Steelhead Seen Crossing Aromas Bridge

"Muraling for Fun and Profit" I am especially proud of this book (recently published) because it contains pictures of many of my murals. Tomi Edmiston did a wonderful job putting the book together for me. If you have ever considered painting a mural, this book will walk you through it. Happy muraling!

 

Great news! I have another published book, "Sena's Light,"

a collaboration really, with Asenath Knornschild--Singer, entertainer, teacher, adventurer, mother and friend. This is the story of her life. She is now 98 years old and clearly

remembers everything.

Annie Gets Her Bounce has become the first book in a series due to the publishing of Annie Gets A Brother.

New Books

Hello, my name is Joyce Oroz and I'm writing my eleventh book in the Josephine Stuart Mystery series. In this book I'm talking about a Honda Civic with dark tinted windows, big exhaust pipes and it's painted mettalic purple. What is the modern slang for this car? If you can help with this question, please contact me at joyceoroz@sbcglobal.net

thanks for listening!

New Books published in 2018

September--Annie Gets Her Bounce--children's book written and illustrated by Joyce Oroz

October--Hill Street Clues--a Josephine Stuart Mystery by Joyce Oroz

November--Muraling for Fun and Profit--written and illustrated by Joyce Oroz

Yes, I've been busy. Now I have three more books I'm working on. 

I accidentally found out that I love to multi-task--at least when writing and painting. I loved skipping back and forth from writing to illustration to writing and back to painting.

Responding to Criticism......by Rosalinda Randall

What does a writer do when she runs out of words? She borrows an intelligent article from her friend, Rosalinda, who talks sense and politeness in spite of some people's rudeness and ignorance. by Joyce Oroz   July 2016 Summer is a great time to dine outdoors, take a walk around the neighborhood, or take a day off. Whatever you do, I hope you're enjoying it. BOSS'S BEHAVIOR SPAWNS BAD BLOOD IN THE WORKPLACE We've all heard it; management sets the tone for behavior, productivity, and morale. Well then, why are there so many bad bosses out there? Why do they get away with bad behavior? Send me a note about a boss's bad behavior. In the meantime, here are the top three transgressions that are sure to cause bad blood among employees: 1) Gossip. When the boss has a loose tongue, tosses about his/her personal opinions, talks about other managers, or divulges confidential information, it is a recipe for distress, mistrust, and an easy way to create employee cliques. You can bet that no one will be running to him/her to discuss anything of a personal nature! 2) Favoritism. When the boss favors one of his/her staff members, it will place all others on alert. Whether it's meeting with them behind closed doors, whispering in the hall, or meeting outside work hours, you can bet the others are wondering if they're missing out. Will they receive the same consideration for a promotion?  Additionally, this can create bad blood between the favored employee and coworkers. 3) Misuse of position is when the boss is chronically late or takes extra long lunches, expects staff to handle personal matters, uses intimidation to "motivate" employees, asks staff to lie or falsify information for him/her. HR might begin to wonder why the mad rush on "transfer requests."   RESPONDING TO CRITICISM If the criticism is coming from your boss, take it easy before responding. Think about it. Request to meet privately. Listen. Remain open and objective. Blatant: You don't really think you have what it takes to get that job, do you? Response: You might be right, but I've decided to go for it anyway - or -   I guess I'll find out.  (You just took the ornery wind out of their sail.) Subtle:  I guess you haven't started that diet yet. Response: No, but thanks for your interest. - or -   What do you mean? (A bit cheeky; they'll back-peddle so fast. And it could be fun to watch.) The best response to criticism is a calm response.                                    ***   ***   *** Note: My advice is general and may not suit your particular situation. In addition, there is usually more than one way to handle a dilemma.   If you enjoyed reading this, please pass it on to your colleagues and friends. Thank you.  Kind regards, Rosalinda Randall Civility & Etiquette Speaker, Trainer, Media Source, Author E: rosalinda@rosalindarandall.com T: 650.871.6200

Animals and Alligators........by Joyce Oroz

Animals have it made. Their people make the rules, but if a rule is broken—such as a puddle on the floor, claw marks on the drapes or a chewed-up slipper—all is soon forgiven. After all, how much does a little dog or cat understand about the great big world?

As up-right, up-tight thumb-toting creatures, people are the only ones capable of figuring out how to survive in a complex world, and we have gobs of electronic apps to prove it. We motorize, harmonize, polarize, synchronize and subsidize. We fuss, stress and overreact on a regular basis while our pets keep a cool head.

Ironically, it’s our pets who make us smile, bring our blood pressure down and teach us the real laws of nature—respect, thankfulness, joy and peace. They have it, we want it. Just by being around our pets, we learn how to be better people. Writing them into our stories makes us all happy.

I love to write about animals. My latest book, Scent of a Swindle deals with a menagerie of animals living on the white carpets of Prunedale.

If you don’t have a pet to love, just contact your local SPCA. They have a variety of dogs and cats (skip the alligators) who are willing and able to give you their respect, gratitude and unconditional love.

Words from Rosalinda.............Joyce Oroz

Confronting Criticism Subtle forms of criticism: "So, I guess you haven't started that diet you were talking about?" "Well, if you're satisfied with your job...." "Sometimes, I'm surprised we're friends; just kidding." Not-so-helpful forms of criticism: "You probably got the promotion because I didn't try for it." (Yeah, that's why.) "Why are you always so cheerful?" (And, that's a bad thing?) "People who are like fifty, shouldn't be in management ...Uh, not you; you're not "old" like them." (Nice try.) Before you respond, consider asking yourself these questions: Is it necessary to respond? What is my point? How will it help? Here are few "professional" responses: (From my book, "Don't Burp in the Boardroom") Thank you, I'll take that into consideration. (Even if you don't intend to.) Although I'm not sure that I agree with you, I appreciate your remarks. Hmm, you're the first to mention it. Thank you. I'm not sure I understand. Would you please elaborate? (Risky, you may not want to hear it.) Good to know. Thanks. I'm sorry you feel that way. Naturally, depending under what circumstances the unsolicited opinion or comment was given, and by whom, our reaction may vary. If you happen to lose it, apologize. More to consider: A negative remark can be a gift in disguise. After a cooling down period, and before you respond, ponder the remark. We don't always see what other people see in us. Note: My advice is general and may not suit your particular situation. In addition, there is usually more than one way to handle a dilemma. If you enjoyed reading this, please pass it on to your colleagues and friends. Thank you. #SpreadingCivility Kind regards, Rosalinda Randall Civility & Etiquette Trainer, Speaker, Media Source, Author E: rosalinda@rosalindarandall.com T: 650.871.6200

AHA at Open Studios

2016 Open Studios Art Tour!

Dear friends, this is a reminder for you. Please mark your calendar and come to San Benito County Arts Council’s annual Open Studios Art Tour Saturday & Sunday, April 23^rd- 24^th from 10 am- 4 pm.  Along with Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Aromas provides many fabulous artists and studios because the little town has one foot in Monterey County and the other foot in San Benito County and because the Aromas Hills Artisans love to be involved.

 

stained glass by Linda Bjornson

This year’s tour features 21 local artists and artisans and showcases works in painting, photography, pottery & ceramics, stained-glass, jewelry and more!  Open Studios is a great way for locals and out of town visitors to meet the artists, view and purchase original works of art, learn more about the processes and materials of art-making and enjoy a scenic tour throughout San Benito County, including Hollister, San Juan Bautista and the lovely hills of Aromas.

You may also enjoy a sneak peak of Open Studios at the Preview Exhibition from April 8- May 26^th at ARTspace at 240 Fifth St. in Hollister with a special Kick-Off Party from 6-8 pm on Friday April 8th! The Kick-Off Party is an opportunity for the community to view the artwork, enjoy food and drinks and celebrate this year’s group of talented, dynamic artists. These events are free and open to the public.

Christine West, paper arts

A map of the artists’ studios & the artist directory can be downloaded online at www.sanbenitoarts.org  Maps are also available at ARTspace at 240 Fifth St. in downtown Hollister or at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.  Please call 831.636.2787 or email info@sanbenitoarts.org for more information.

Here is a full list of the participating artists: Alia Outrey, Amber Henderson, Andrea McCann, Clay Peer, Eric Tapley, Frank Haseloff, Gayle Sleznick, Georgesse Gomez, Gloria Sipes, Jane 

Rekedal, Kathleen Sheridan, Kent Child, Laurie Tholen, Leslie Holtaway, Linda Bjornson, Lisa Rivaollon, Louise Roy, Robb Lee, Sally Diggory, SanDee Adams and Susan Shirley.

Open Studios is made possible by the California Arts Council, Community Foundation for San Benito County, Rotary of San Juan Bautista, San Juan Oaks, Aromas Hills Artisans, Sally Street Studios, Jane Rekedal Pottery, Gayle Sleznick and Andrea McCann.

copper jewelry by Laurie Tholen

Author Joyce Oroz: Don't Give Up..........Joyce Oroz

Author Joyce Oroz: Don't Give Up..........Joyce Oroz: Best-Sellers Initially Rejected Mural from previous life Add caption I recently came across this information and want to share ...