ABOUT

How I Got Here

I was born in the 1960s and raised in the shadow of that era’s expectations, especially regarding women. The message was clear: stay quiet, follow the rules, don’t make waves. Fear was part of my home, but so were stories. My favorites were the ones that made me jump—La Llorona, El Cucuy, El Chupacabra. They scared me, but they also provided an escape when life felt frightening.  

One of my earliest memories of falling in love with horror was watching “The Last Man on Earth” with Vincent Price. I stood behind a metal screen door, heart racing as I listened to the haunting call of “Morgan!” That mix of fear and excitement left a lasting impression on me.  

Over time, I began writing my own stories, driven by a need to understand our fears, what we carry, and what we keep quiet. Although I didn’t always share my work, I never stopped writing. 

My Work Life

I’ve spent more than 30 years in roles that required trust, detail, and structure—from a police department secretary to assisting investigators in the private sector. 

As my work evolved, I rebranded in November 2025 as Dirden Blueprint Group, providing consulting and production services in self-publishing, podcasting, graphic design, and translations.  

Podcast & Memoir

In 2024, I launched “Growing Older Together,” a podcast about fear, aging, identity, and the stories that shape us.  

My second book and first memoir, Gripped: The Weight I Refused to Carry, was released on September 30, 2025. It’s about breaking generational silence, keeping promises to myself, and finally saying what had gone unsaid for too long.

The Rest of Me

I have one son and four grandchildren. I live in California with my husband. I believe in helping others, doing my best, and knowing when to listen.

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[Listen to the Podcast] – Growing Older Together