More About Millie Anne…

So often these days there is not enough time to share something about ourselves at the first meeting that might lengthen a friendship. We are always busy and have to rush off to pick up our kids from school, or to get back to a writing deadline. So, besides the bio that’s posted in the sidebar, I’m sharing more about me, hoping that you will find things in common with me and share similar experiences.

I am a native Californian raised in San Francisco in the 1950s. I write stories about my life growing up in North Beach and San Francisco’s Chinatown. When I had my fill of office politics I went on the road, worked a variety of different jobs, and met many interesting people. From ski bumming in Squaw Valley to working on a dude ranch in Tumacacori, Arizona, my memories delight me and I want to share them with my family and friends.

My writing ambitions started when I read books by John Steinbeck in Junior High School. I loved his details, the way he described people, and their relationships. My biggest kick came one day while driving down Cannery Row in my little red Sunbeam Alpine with the top down. Goosebumps raised on my arms. “Wow, there’s the Chinese grocery, and there’s the fish cannery to the right. It’s all just like Steinbeck described!”

When the time came to make a decision about what to do with my life, I could not think of a more exciting thing to do than to head out onto the road in my ’69 Camaro.

Regret has never come to haunt me for leaving the city where I grew up, to search for new adventure, and to find more of what I might eventually desire to do for the rest of my life.

Currently I am busy writing life stories and having fun. It only takes one word from a conversation, a lecture, or from reading, or listening to tapes of stories by Mark Twain. I am inspired to write a tidbit, and sometimes, much longer stories about a personal experience. While listening to Roughing It, by this humorist, he spoke of coyotes, and my mind zoomed to the day I got lost in the Arizona desert as I was looking for a church graveyard. I had stopped my dusty gold Camaro for a scrawny dog. I almost got out of my car to check it out but froze when I realized it was a coyote. I still wonder if he would’ve attacked me.

After a few other adventures like working on a dude ranch, going to college, and working other odd jobs, I found a mentor to help me develop my writing skills. Dawn Thurston (memoirmentor.com) taught me how to write well about a difficult times growing up in a culture not my own (LITTLE GIRL LOST, a work in progress). Most uniquely, Dawn has been expert in guiding me back to memories I had filed away… painful memories meant to be a secrets forever. Rediscovering these types of memories, and writing about them, has bought me a better understanding of difficult people and given me an insight to their reasoning.

Now I write fiction and memoirs using my past experiences to hopefully inspire and encourage others to persevere.

The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 47

Copyright 2018 MillieAnne Lowe, Oceanside, California

Johnny had seen men in an alley beat up and old man before but he had not ever been so close to the danger of a possible murder. When he saw his new friend crash through the apartment door, a strong chill passed through his body. This feels like the night my father died. Death is near. Continue reading “The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 47”

The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 46

Copyright 2018 MillieAnne Lowe, Oceanside, California

Brian’s fear raced through his mind as he ran down the hall. How could I leave Marilyn alone tonight, especially after how she had been so nervous running into that guy down at the Buena Vista Cafe? Then he heard her scream as he was inches away. He slammed through the apartment’s frosted glass door and found her bloodied body slumped in a heap at the end of the couch by the window. He knelt by her side. “Marilyn!” Continue reading “The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 46”

The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 44

Copyright 2017 MillieAnne Lowe, Oceanside, California

The fresh night air in the neighborhood pressed against Brian’s face. The muffled noise of police radios and men murmuring from the direction of the Murder Building caught his attention. “God, what else can be happening at that building? Have they found more bodies?” Continue reading “The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 44”

The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 41

Copyright 2017 MillieAnne Lowe, Oceanside, California

Amy sat at the square kitchen table next to the window. The usual chatter from families all around the central air well had quieted. It was late and they were scared. Looking out into the semi-lit air well Amy counted only three windows open and saw the neighbor across from her shut her window with a snap when she spotted Amy looking her way. A man’s hand pulled the light beige blind down right after. It seems everyone has the sense to be careful except me. Continue reading “The Serial Killer of Bush Street Part 41”