Under Sonoran Skies: Prose and Poetry from the High Desert is an anthology of fiction and nonfiction that includes poems and short stories, as well as general, historical, and reflective essays. Drawing on diverse life experiences, spanning education, engineering, ministry, law, and the performing arts, the six authors bring a complementary tone, style, and rhythm to both fiction and nonfiction in this 240-page book.
Bill Black performs as a magician, poet, storyteller and MC; he is published in regional and international magazines. Jeanne Burrows-Johnson is an internationally published wordsmith, design consultant, performance coach and public speaker. Susan Cosby-Patton is a retired language arts instructor and poet who is published regionally and nationally. Educator and psychotherapist Kay Lesh, Ph.D., authors professional articles and books and conducts seminars and workshops. Retired minister Patricia Noble is an author, educator, and speaker who has aired radio essays and published journal articles. Larry Sakin is an observational and attitudinal writer, green energy entrepreneur and political consultant.
While the authors reside in Tucson, Arizona, their body of work embraces myriad topics. In addition to predictable literary subjects like philosophy, personal relationships, war, animal companions, and phases of life, they also examine the environment, history, business, politics, and mythology. The eleven themed chapters allow readers to read the book sequentially, or select from a variety of topics:
- 1. Visioning the Craft
- 2. Places Far and Near
- 3. The Changing West
- 4. Of Men and Women
- 5. Family, Friends, and Other Loves
- 6. Health, Wealth, and Happiness
- 7. Seasons of Life
- 8. Choice and Change
- 9. Myth, Magic, and Inspiration
- 10. Business, Culture, and Society
- 11. Crafting the Vision
