About Me

I am a composer of classical music and an author of mysteries, poems and short stories. I have found that the creative process is a never-ending opportunity for deep satisfaction, profound despair, and everything in between. My work is influenced by my life experience in general, and by training and education, family and community specifically.

Of great interest to me is the interplay of words and music which is why most of my music works have been settings of poems and/or texts including works for solo voice and for choir. I’ve written music all of my life beginning at an early age. My works, both sacred and secular, are published by ECS Publishing https://www.morningstarmusic.com/composers/d/anna-de-foe.html,  National Music Publishing, St. James Press, and JRD Publishing. I currently have several works in progress including a mass setting, a piano solo based on a Scottish island (Kyle of Lochalsh), and settings of works of local poets. I am always looking for inspiring texts to set to music.

My first novel, Last Communion, a mystery, was initially written three decades ago and was written for fun. I put it away without seeking publication until 2018 when I brought it out of storage, worked with an editor, Judith Jones of Pilgrim Spirit Communications (www.pilgrimspirit.com), and published the final version. Shortly after, I began my present WIP (work in progress), Last Rehearsal, the second in the series with George and Katherine Ellerton. (link to excerpt here). In this novel the connection between music and story is apparent.

As most writers will tell you, we are frequently asked where our ideas come from. Each writer must tell their own story, of course, but for me the driving force has always been the characters. I have to get to know these folks, and they take me through scenes step by step. I really can’t explain it any other way. The characters are vital to moving the story along.