The Inspiration for readsouthwest.com

In 1996 I heard that Robin Williams (the writer, not the actor) was teaching Typography at the Santa Fe Community College. I was studying to become a web designer at the time and I immediately registered for her class. (As I write this, Robin is working on her 55th computer book. She is a renowned Macintosh and design expert.) Robin changed my life with her beautiful and clean sense of design and her remarkable teaching style. As brilliant as she is she never made any of us newbies feel stupid. I have since become a teacher myself and constantly hold her up as my model.

Robin suggested to me in 1998 that I design a site for local writers, which I did, calling it readsouthwest.com. Readers have been finding books and connecting with writers here ever since. I am thrilled to facilitate this connection, like an Online bridge between writers and readers, enriching the lives of both! Thank you, Robin for putting me in this direction. Someday I'll write something of my own!

One of the fascinating things about Robin is her latest obsession: the William Shakespeare Authorship Controversy. For much of her adult life Robin has been exploring the possibility that the works of William Shakespeare can be attributed to a woman by the name of Mary Sidney. It has been a huge pleasure to attend Robin's presentations and read her new book, Sweet Swan of Avon, Did a Woman Write Shakespeare? Even if you're not a Shakespeare addict I highly recommend that you read it. The purpose of the book is not to prove that Mary Sidney is the true author, but rather to present enough compelling evidence to encourage people to explore the idea further. Still, Robin presents so much overwhelming evidence that it's hard to finish the book without feeling smug, like you're in on something amazing!

Please explore the work Robin has done on the William Shakespeare Authorship Controversy, by buying and reading this book! Pass it along, and if you have any comments about it, please post them to the blog!