About Me

     Native New Englander, poet, and award-winning author, I love the art of storytelling whether crafting free verse poetry or English-language haiku or touching the lives of others through children's stories, devotional meditations, or creative nonfiction. 

     A nature-lover, much of my work is centered around honoring the sacred in the everyday, appreciating the wonder and beauty in life, and offering opportunities to encourage living mindfully in the present.

     My haiku, senryu, and tanka poems have appeared in numerous print and online journals of note. Persimmon Tree, an online magazine, carries "Spa Day," a personal essay/memoir about a unique experience in Tunisia, northern Africa. A  second essay, Summer's End, focuses on a mother/daughter relationship and our walk together on Mom's journey with Alzheimer's. Flash Fiction Magazine, 101words.org, and the "Lost Paper" blog have featured my shorts. 

     My official freelance writing career started at age 16 when I pitched and wrote features for the Hingham Journal. The first article was a full-page spread which included an in-depth interview with Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Talbot, owners of the flagship Talbot retail store in Hingham, Mass., and featured my own photography.

     My 32-year career in public relations included founding and coordinating the award-winning "Wednesday's Child" television series featuring older and special needs children in need of permanent, loving families. Hosted by then news anchor Jack Williams, "Wednesday's Child" has appeared on WBZ-TV4 (Boston) for more than four decades and has resulted in placing thousands of children in permanent, loving families. This program has been replicated in major television markets across America. 

     A former Peace Corps volunteer, I served as an ESL teacher in Tunisia, northern Africa, and I was responsible for initiating a roving doctor/nurse team for all countries hosting Peace Corps members. Once back home, I enjoyed sharing my art, illustrations, and treasured Tunisian souvenirs in a one-woman exhibit. 

      My first children's book, a charming early reader entitled, Lelia's Aventura (available in English and in Spanish), is a Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner. A portion of book sales benefits The Nature Conservancy and the Environmental Defense Fund, two well-known nonprofit organizations helping fight climate change and protecting natural habitats and wildlife. 

     The GIFTS Friends Give Us, a middle-grade chapter book for youngsters ages seven through 10 years, has also won a Purple Dragonfly Book Award. A portion of book sales from GIFTS benefits MassAudubon and its Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, the setting for the story. 

     Feathered Light: The ABCs of Haiku, a haiku writing guidebook, is my newest release. This 185-page book features original avian illustrations with related haiku, along with the work of numerous contemporary haiku poets exemplifying the various elements shared about crafting this tiny form.

     Visit the Bookshelf tab for more information on each title.

     When not writing, I love quilting, photography, birdwatching, learning to play the piano, and spending time with my husband, family, friends, and beloved long-haired rescue cat, "The Git," pictured below.

     If you're interested in receiving my monthly inspirational blog, just email me at dbhenderson86@verizon.net. I'd love to hear from you.