About

My home is in the San Francisco Bay Area. I grew up in Sacramento, California, but also spent four years of my childhood in England where I discovered a love of reading and writing. I’ve been writing poetry and stories ever since.

My debut novel: Whistle: A Daughter’s Journey of Heartbreak, Adventure, and Self-discovery will be published by She Writes Press in October, 2025.

In 2024, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Creative Arts Contest awarded me First Place for my short story “Rain.” My short fiction has appeared in Grigg’s Anthology: Joe Bellino’s Thighs, Grigg’s Anthology: Daylight Song, and Alamo Women’s Club The Leaf. Running Deer Press of Santa Cruz and the Danville Area Cultural Alliance Society of Poets have published my poetry. I also post to a blog at https:// https://tess-perk-o.blog/.

In 2006, I received a Master’s in English Literature and Composition from California State University, East Bay. I have worked as a journalist for the Contra Costa Times and as an English professor for fifteen years.

When I’m not writing, I raise money for scholarships for college and vocational students, teach essay and journaling workshops to emancipated foster youth, study Spanish, and enjoy growing roses.

Featured Work

Learning to Whistle: A Novel

Coming April, 2026
Learning to Whistle

Readers who enjoyed Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees and Joyce Maynard’s The Bird Hotel will be drawn to this thought-provoking novel that captivates, compels, and captures the heart as it evokes a grieving daughter’s remarkable journey to healing and self-discovery.

When she is supposed to be having the time of her life in college in California, Leonie loses her mother to breast cancer. After taking her last college course in Buenos Aires, she cashes in her return flight ticket and refuses to go home, erroneously believing that her grief will subside if she avoids her family. Narrating in her own grief-stricken voice, Leonie travels across Argentina, makes friends, and falls in love. She discovers her vulnerability and strength while working at a winery in Mendoza, riding over the treacherous Andes Mountains, and hiking the ancient pilgrimage to Machu Picchu—and, in doing so, slowly begins to heal.

Vividly rendered and full of heart, Learning to Whistle will resonate with every person who has ever been forced to venture into the world when they didn’t feel ready for it—with or without the guidance of a parent.

Other Works

  • Short story, "Rain"

    2024

  • Poem: "Not Wanted," In Our Gardens: Flora and Fauna

    1999

  • Poem: "Chamomile Tea," Membership Exhibit & Elegant English Tea

    1999

  • Short story: "Bluebells," Griggs Anthology: Daylight Song

    1996

  • Short story: "Taunting Mr. Kingsley," Griggs Anthology: Daylight Song

    1996

  • Poem: "Cocoon," Griggs Anthology: Daylight Song

    1996

  • Poem: "Blood Sisters," Writing for Our Lives

    1995

Awards and Recognition

  • 1st Place for Literature: "Rain." Federation of Women