Author Archives: jrizzotto0808

About jrizzotto0808

My day job as an elementary school teacher in Southern California supports my writing and Harley riding habits. My YA fantasy novel The College of the Crones, recently won an Honorable Mention Award at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Southern California 2017 Spring Retreat. My Harley stories have been published in Cold Noon Travel Diaries, Courtship of Winds, Blacktop Passages, Fresh Ink, and The Handlebar Star. When I'm not hitting the keys on my computer, you can find me camping at the beach with my husband, Frank, or holding onto him as we roar down the road on our Harley touring motorcycle.

Calla Lily

Posted on September 18, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

“Don’t doubt your value. Don’t run from who you are.” Aslan   Another boring day in front of my screen. I seriously think my history teacher runs searches for “most boring details from early American history” before making her lessons. … Continue reading →

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A Pandemic, Distance Learning, Natural Disasters, and Stories

Posted on August 27, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

  If you’re a writer and having a hard time focusing on your story, it’s not surprising. As hard as I try to impose order on my daily life, personal plot twists keep popping up to thwart my efforts. But … Continue reading →

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Ride Without Hugs

Posted on July 14, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

The only thing missing from our first official HOG day ride since the pandemic was hugs. Some riders gave “air hugs” and fist bumps. Most riders stood apart and greeted each other with a nod, grateful to see friends in … Continue reading →

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The Locked Room

Posted on April 10, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

Who knows how long I’ve sat here in this room. The door beckons me, but I know it’s locked. My current situation can’t be easily explained. But for the sake of my sanity, I will attempt to retrace my steps. … Continue reading →

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Walking with Cuddles

Posted on March 26, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

  “Come on, Cuddles, let’s go for a walk!” I brace myself as he runs into me full force, almost knocking me through the door. Got to read that obedience book again. Not controlling him always leads to disaster. “Cuddles, … Continue reading →

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When Magic Fails

Posted on March 19, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

    All I wanted was to ride as fast as I could to the edge of the world and drop off. Earlier this same day, I had not suspected anything would go wrong. I got up, drank my elixir, … Continue reading →

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Long Comeback

Posted on February 21, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

Tugging on my cold weather gear after a few months’ break was awkward. The last time Frank and I rode with the HOGs in the dog days of summer, we barely wore jackets. Then my husband’s autoimmune disease kicked into … Continue reading →

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Blustery Day

Posted on February 4, 2020 by jrizzotto0808

  Contrary to popular thought that California has perfect winters, we have wind. Not gentle ocean breezes. Rip your table umbrellas out and deposit them in your neighbor’s yard wind. Destructive and bone chilling, these winds blow into town and … Continue reading →

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After the Fight is Over

Posted on December 4, 2019 by jrizzotto0808

  It’s done. I wrote 50,000 words for #NaNoWriMo2019. Funny thing though. I still want to get up at 5:00 a.m. and write. Instead of creating a new book, I’m working on the HOG newsletter and typing this blog. After … Continue reading →

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Almost there

Posted on November 29, 2019 by jrizzotto0808

I had been doing so well. Cranking out 1,500 words a day for #NaNoWriMo2019 like I knew what I was doing, when suddenly I ran out of story. Just like a car, a writer can run out of fuel, in … Continue reading →

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