My Notebook
I carry this notebook along with a pen in my back left-hand side pocket wherever I go. That way I can jot down ideas or lyrics when they pop into my head. I pick up a new supply of these Silvine Memo Books on trips to London. No other notebook will do.
My Pen
Here it is. The pen I always use for notes and editing, the Pilot G-2 05. Black What would I do without it? I have boxes of them in my closet. It glides along the paper and leaved the perfect ink band width. Any other pen feels awkward.
My Font
Here's the font I use in all my writing. It's called Cambria. I started using it years ago, and it feels strange whenever I use anything else.
My Computer
This is the computer I use for book writing, web design, and music writing. I've always used an iMac, and this one is spanking new, a green 24" iMac.
My Writing App
I use Scrivener to write the first drafts of books and stories. I like how you can stick all images, reference material, and notes right into the file. It's also easy to compile the final draft into a Word doc that all editors want to see.
My Piano
If my house catches on fire this would be the first thing I would save. I love playing the piano. I love creating melodies. I wish I could play better. I wish I could read music.
My Music App
I use Logic Pro X. I'll never use all its potential, but I like the various instruments it creates. I create multi-track songs and upload them to this web site. I also can create orchestrations that sound OK to me. I also enjoy recording audio versions of my short stories as well.
My Web Site App
I fiddle with my web site far too much. Almost everything I create- songs, cartoons, short stories, plays, screenplays, quotes, videos—I throw on to https://www.wtmelon.com.
My Desk
Here's where I sit almost every day from 5:00 am to around 2:00 pm. It's an old wood block desk I've been using since college decades ago. The art supplies, printer, books, and microphone are within easy reach.
My Device
This Echo Dot has served me well. From the moment I sit at my desk in the early morning I'm listening to Classic FM from London through my headphones. When the sun comes out I switch to KDFC. In the late morning and all afternoon I listen to playlists on Spotify. This little thing plays all day.
The Cat Came Back
This poster hung above every blackboard, whiteboard, and smart board in every elementary school classroom in which I taught (about 20 of them). I don't remember why. Now it hangs above my writing desk.
Cartoon Above My Desk
I don't remember where this cartoon came from, but it's been hanging above my desk ever since I started writing children's books.
Drawing Above My Desk
A third-grade drawing I did of my dog, Duchess.
Picture Above My Desk
I received this If postcard long ago. It took me years to find the If wall in the Children's Corner of Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Another Picture Above My Desk
Four authors who inspire me. D.H. Lawrence, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Roald Dahl, and Jack London.
Daffodils
Whenever possible, I place a vase of daffodils on my desk.
Favorite Doodles
When I was a teacher, these were some of the doodles I drew on the whiteboard to start the day.
Do any of my students remember these?
Classroom Creature Quilt
Something I greatly value. Made by the good people of Taft, CA for an author visit.
First Publisher
Stephen Roxburgh, owner and editor at Front Street Book's, published my first book Classroom at the End of the Hall. Great imprint. The book went on to win a record reprint amount from Scholastic for a first time author. Exciting times. The story about those heady few days was bazaar. Read about it here. (pdf coming)
Yellowstone Log
my first solo trip
A journal of my first solo trip at age 16 to Yellowstone National Park. (Free download)
A journal of my first Thanksgiving away from home 
when I first saw the ocean in Oregon. (Free download coming)
