The Yellow Bird

Margaret’s short story, The Yellow Bird was made into a “short” by Smiling Toad Productions in Canada and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. That was Something!

The film has traveled the world, screening at film festivals in Italy, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as well as at the Vancouver International Film Festival. 

The film received the Golden Sheaf Award for Best Art Direction, in Canada, a “Golden Monkey,” award for Best Cinematography in Leicester, England, an Audience Choice for The Best International Film in Cologne, Germany and a Remi Award in Houston’s “Worldfest.”

I don’t need pretty in my reading, I need honesty. When I write, I try to crawl up on the razor-sharp back of honesty. From there, I can see the world and myself better.

I and my fourteen siblings, (yes fourteen) grew up on a busy, crazy farm in Nebraska where I milked cows, slopped pigs, killed chickens, and hung laundry on the clothesline in freezing temperatures. I was raised in cold winters, watched animals sent to slaughter and farm wives worked like mules.

I started a master’s program in writing at age 54! It’s true, one is never too old to chase their dreams. For over a decade, I’ve taught writing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Along with my novels, I’ve written numerous articles and short stories. I love reading quirky books and books with magic realism, Native American myths, and strong women.

Bold and fearless books that make me say, ‘Yes. That’s how it really is.” Give me grit.