In regard to my website (and most of the things I write about), I come to it from a place of privilege despite being in other marginalized groups. I understand what “white passing” is, and I know that I benefit from it, and have in several ways over my lifetime. I do identify as “white” despite my Jewish heritage, both religiously and culturally. My mother often said that she had two strikes against her – being a woman and being Jewish, and when she was working full-time (most of her life), this was the case. I would deny the feminist label even though my actions fell under feminism. I readily admit that some of our parenting falls into sexist patterns for our daughter over our sons. There is a safety issue that cannot be ignored for young girls and women in this patriarchal world. As much as I want (and try to get) my writing to be completely inclusive, sometimes it falls short. This is an acknowledgment of my privilege, and my want and dedication to always strive forward and to do better when and where I can.

Another acknowledgement that I want to address is the land I travel, live, and work primarily on. It is the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee People, known colloquially in non-Native circles as the Mohawk, a part of the Iroquois Federation. This land was stolen from them (or swindled), and the reconciliation of that and the genocide committed by the ancestors of the Dominant Culture is something that needs to come out of the darkness and into the light for everyone to witness and acknowledge. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t do anything to the Native/Indigenous Peoples where you currently reside; you (and we) are still benefitting from it, and that is a burden that we all must bear.

1. Contact

To reach me, comment, message or email at kbwriting11@gmail.com. Use the subject line so I don’t delete it as spam. This is also my PayPal if you are so inclined. I also have a Payments Accepted button on the sidebar if you’re interested in supporting my writing in a financial way. I do not have a Patreon at this time. (See social media contacts below.)

2. Copyright

This is basic and I will add to it as warranted.

All content on this website is the sole property (intellectual and tangible) unless otherwise stated of kbwriting and all pseudonyms. All content is copyrighted to kbwriting, including essays, non-fiction and fiction works, fan fiction to the extent that they can be copyrighted, photographs, recipes, original artwork and any other content posted or linked to not expressly stated to be otherwise.

Any non-original artwork and photographs are either used under the Creative Commons guidelines or with permission granted from the author/artist.

The original griffin (sketch, flying version) used throughout the site and the Tree of Life on this page were both commissioned from artist, Andrew Blake, and owned by me. The current Griffin Profile is my original artwork.

All photographs and artwork not otherwise attributed are copy-written to me and my blog and may not be used without written permission and compensation or used for any monetary gain.

The downloadables posted on the Home Page and elsewhere are copywritten to me (and all pseudonyms), but permission is granted for single copies for personal use. If you need more than one copy, contact me directly. Depending on the end use, there may or may not be a nominal fee.

3. Rating

My website/blog and writing is rated Mature/Teen +/Adult and should be considered NSFW. I don’t police (or babysit) my followers on my public blogs. My writing encompasses a variety of themes that range from appropriate to share with young people to adult topics and language. Self-censor.

4. Topics

Include, but are not limited to: Writing Instruction, Mental Health, Travel, Spiritual/Religious, Memoir (ie. My Personal Journey), Fandom, Politics.

5. Actual FAQs

Some things you may come across in my writings that might need further explanation:

• Cursillo – a Catholic movement whose goal is to deepen our relationship with Jesus. More information about the movement and its charism can be found at the National Website.
• GISH – an international scavenger hunt, currently on hiatus. I participated for several years. Visit Random Acts to continue the GISH legacy.
• Fandoms – Having an overabundance of knowledge, including inside jokes and quotations from a variety of pop culture media, both in the US and abroad. Including, but not limited to: Supernatural, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, and so many back through the ages that I couldn’t possibly list them all.
• My Art – Generally, my materials used are mixed media sketchbook paper, colored pencils (primarily Prismacolor), Sharpie markers. I sketch with a Papermate mechanical pencil. I am most definitely an amateur. I like playing in that sandbox and sharing. If you’re interested in purchasing, contact me through the above email.
• Why Wales? Read my book after publication! Or search the tags for a few previews.

6. My Socials

These are my official social media/online accounts:

• Griffins and Ginger Snaps Facebook Page
• Instagram
• Spotify
• Threads

7. Me, Me, Me

I’m married for thirty years, have three children aged 19, 20, and 27. I was a teacher for a decade in the Early Childhood field. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Elementary Education, minor in political science) and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (Educational Issues, minor in Medieval Studies).

I’ve been a writer since I could pick up a pencil, and hopefully I will continue to improve as I continue to work at it.

Recently, I’ve been teaching continuing education classes locally on writing instruction.

Included in my published works: Educational Outreach, a parent-centered monthly newsletter, The Travel Organizer, a chapbook to be used for organizing a family (or single person) vacation with room for expenses and journaling, St. Vincent de Paul Society Recipe Chapbook for their Holiday Baskets, an article in a  Catholic newspaper on St. Kateri Tekakwitha and Native American Spirituality, and this site, GriffinsandGingerSnaps since 2012 (has it really been that long?!) I have also edited a fandom cookbook for a private fan group.

I am currently in the midst of writing a book about St. Kateri Tekakwitha and her shrines, and a Labyrinth Prayer Book. I have a few smaller chapbook-type book(let)s in the works also.

8. Comment Policy

Anyone may comment on any public post. I am happy to entertain discussion, disagreement, and dialogue. However, I will not abide lies and misinformation. I will not approve any comment with slurs or name-calling, comments that spout false talking points or disinformation, unsolicited advertisements, or links to other sites that I have not vetted.

9. Pronouns

Pronouns are part of the English language (all languages, really). Pronouns are not political. I use pronouns. We all do.

Mine are she/her/hers.

If I get your pronouns wrong, please correct me. If I’m writing something about trans rights, and misgender anyone or change pronouns mid-stream, please tell me so that I can correct it.

10. Disclaimer

As I work, volunteer, and do a variety of things in what could be called the public sector, I want to clearly state that my views are my own, and in no way represent any of the organizations that I work for, volunteer for, or participate with. Do not hold them accountable or responsible for my short fuse, blustery tone, or ample use of the word fuck.