Writing for Highlights for Children!

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I’m always excited to receive a large envelope from Highlights for Children because it means a new story of mine is out in the world!

“The Challenge Game” appears in the September 2020 issue of Highlights for Children magazine. It was inspired by a drill at one of my youngest son’s soccer practices.

The message of this story is “don’t be afraid to shoot and miss.” Personally, I needed a reminder of that this year.

So don’t be afraid to shoot, friends. You might miss, but you might also score a goal.

Book Release Delayed

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If you’re a writer right now, you know things are changing. I just learned that my new book, The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci, won’t be released until May 2021. It’s a little frustrating, but I know when the book comes out, readers will have such a great time trying all of the hands-on experiments. Stay tuned to find out about virtual bookstore visits and more!

Being a Citizen Scientist – Firefly Count

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I love being a citizen scientist. I participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. I submit eBird checklists!

I signed up to learn how to count pollinators for Project BeeWatch, but my schedule didn’t work for the training.

Last week I started a new citizen science project: Firefly Count. It’s so simple. On lovely summer nights I sit in my backyard and count firefly flashes. I never knew there were so many species of fireflies! Learn more about how to join Firefly Count from Massachusetts Audubon! 

Researching for a Story

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I’m doing some research for a story. My story involves baking. I’ve had some delicious success with pizzelles.

I’ve had some terrible failure with bagels.

 

burnt bagels

It’s ok. I’m not that upset about the bagels. Because sometimes things in our stories work, and sometimes they don’t. But we learn every time!

ONLINE – Summer Story Camp – Pictures and Words

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Summer Story Camp 

Pictures and Words

**Online!**
  • Summer Story Camp – Pictures and Words is for creative kids grades 3 and up. 
  • Each camp is limited to 10 campers. 
  • All meetings will happen over Zoom.
  • Each day we will learn about a different kind of picture book.
  • Campers will create their own book (or “dummy”) each day.
Date: June 22 – June 26, 2020
Times: 9:30 – 10:30 am 
Cost: $75

REGISTER HERE!

After your registration is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with the supplies list, mentor book list, and Zoom links.
Summer Story Camp – Pictures and Words is different from RossWriting Club. If you or your child has questions about Summer Story Camp, please contact me anytime!

ONLINE – Summer Story Camp – Big Ideas

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Summer Story Camp 

Big Ideas

**Online!**
  • Summer Story Camp – Big Ideas is best for creative kids grades entering 5-8. (Younger campers can check out Summer Story Camp – Pictures and Words
  • Each camp is limited to 10 campers.
  • All meetings will happen on Zoom.
  • We will brainstorm and create new elements of stories each day. Activities might include:
    • Brainstorming with Story Cubes
    • Heroes v. Villains (backstories and conflict)
    • World Building (maps, languages, flags, more)
    • Game Design (using characters and goals)
    • Sharing our creations, giving critique
Date: June 15 – June 19, 2020
Times: 10:00 – 11:00 am 
Cost: $75

REGISTER HERE!

After your registration is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with supplies list and Zoom links.
Summer Story Camp – Big Ideas is different from Ross Writing Club. If you or your child has questions about Summer Story Camp, please contact me anytime!