
Glimpses: Behind the Scenes
SD Voyager Interview
Discover Deborah Rudell's inspiring writing journey in her latest interview with SDVoyager Magazine. Explore her reflections on storytelling, growth, and the publishing process. Read more!
Cooked My First Turkey, Christmas 1989
From vegetarian roots to hosting a traditional turkey dinner, this heartwarming tale reflects on the joy of adaptability, gratitude, and the special connections formed through sharing meals with family. A lesson in hospitality, flexibility, and the meaning of giving during the holidays.
School in the Boatyard
Discover the unique homeschooling journey of a 10-year-old in 1987 Hawaii, navigating distance learning through mailed assignments, library explorations, and life lessons in a boatyard.
Sorting Sails
Follow our journey of restoring the schooner Elixir on Kauai, starting with gathering scattered parts, tackling piles of sails, and using ingenuity (and a Canadian dime) to piece together a vision of the ship’s rigging. A story of determination, discovery, and diving into the world of boat restoration.
Tarps & Project Logistics
Dive into the challenges of restoring Elixir, from evolving workshop setups with tarps and tools to tackling unexpected rot and redesigning the deck layout. Discover how a simple plan grew into a four-year journey of creative problem-solving and synchronized steps—all before the days of digital project management!
Secret Beach
Explore the magic of Sundays spent on Kauai's Secret Beach in the 1980s, accessible only by a jungle trek through guava-slick trails. Discover the joy of swimming with playful dolphins in the bay, a breathtaking experience of connection with nature.
Cliff House
Daily swims in Nawiliwili Bay, near the Jurassic Park breakwater, and life in a stunning cliffside rental overlooking Kauai Lagoons Golf Course made for unforgettable moments—including the time I unknowingly asked a celebrity golfer to move his car!
Jackhammer In the Bilge
Discover the challenges of removing cement ballast from a boat’s bilge during a restoration project. Learn how we tackled tight quarters, a jackhammer, and embedded debris like engine parts and steel shot while preserving balance and addressing structural rot.

Contact Deborah
deborahrudellauthor@gmail.com
10601 Tierrasanta Blvd. #138
San Diego, CA 92124