It’s not easy to learn how to write a children’s book. I teach a class on writing picture books for McDaniel College every spring, and we cram a lot into eight weeks. It’s really too short of a time to write a full developed picture book. But once the manuscript is strong and polished (after… Read more »
Big Ideas
Birding the Rachel Carson Trail in Winter!
I’m so thrilled that this winter I’ve been able to get outside and go
Book an Author Visit this year!
Gifts and Gratitude
Have you joined me on Birding the Rachel Carson Trail yet? No? Now is the perfect time. Become a subscriber at any level, or leave a tip in the tip jar, and you will receive the gift of the 2026 Bad Bird Photos Calendar! The 2026 Bad Bird Photos Calendar features absolutely awful photos of… Read more »
Join me on my “Joy Project”
You’re invited to join me on my new adventure, something I’m calling my “joy project.” It’s all about writing, birding, walking, and learning – and you can come along with me even if you’re not in Pittsburgh. Let’s go Birding the Rachel Carson Trail! Every season for a full year, I’ll walk the… Read more »
October To Do List
October used to be the eighth month in early calendars. Here are eight things to do this month. Read a banned book during Banned Book Week (and all year). Catch a lucky leaf. Go on a run and if you catch a falling leaf midair, make a wish! It’s dew season. That means it’s cool… Read more »
Three Things I Learned in Japan That Changed My Perspective
It’s a big milestone year for us – several notable birthdays, graduations, and celebrating 25 years of being married to my best friend and love of my life. When my son suggested we travel to Japan to honor such a momentous year, we said “hai!” For the next several months we planned the trip, researched… Read more »
Three Things My Kids Taught Me This Year
Things in Pittsburgh come in threes. Three rivers, three eagles on the city coat of arms, three kids in our family. Each of my kids is in a different stage of their educational journey. My oldest is midway through the traditional four year college experience. My middle just graduated high school. My youngest completed his… Read more »
Savoring Every Page
I read around 200 books a year. I read for research, especially if I’m working on a project for a client. I read many books for pleasure, and many books to learn what’s working the market this year. Most of the time, those categories overlap. I read each book thoroughly, but quickly. I need to… Read more »
Things I Learned from Running that Help Me as a Writer
I’ve been a writer for a long time. I have bags of old journals and bins of old stories. I’ve also been a runner for a long time. I’ve learned a lot from both that help me with both passions. Here are some things I’ve learned. There’s always someone faster. This is true about running,… Read more »