Do you see that? There on the ground? It’s a potato. It’s just sitting there, all by itself, on the sidewalk. How did it get there? This lost potato is the perfect writing prompt. I can think of lots of stories about how that potato ended up there. Send me your stories about the Lost… Read more »
Big Ideas
Graphic Novels About Growing Up
Graphic novels are so hot right now. When I was growing up, I only remember reading Maus, a story about mice in World War 2. But now graphic novels about growing up are all the rage. Graphic Novels We Have Loved My oldest first read a graphic novel version of The Red Pyramid, then dove… Read more »
New Publication: Highlights for Children!
I’m so excited to share that my first piece for Highlights for Children appears in their January 2017 issue. Check out the crafts section for some spinning science fun and you’ll see instructions on how to make a Super Spinner. If your child makes a Super Spinner, send me a photo on Facebook or Twitter… Read more »
Manuscript Goals
Hello, manuscript. Get ready to work. I have some serious December writing goals. Tomorrow, I will start a new post and update it daily, with notes to myself, in order to be accountable and to reach these goals. It’s not like I haven’t been writing. I did write in November, I just didn’t do NaNoWriMo. But… Read more »
Play Coin Capture!
Coin Capture Coin Capture is a fun game that can be played on a rainy day with easy to find household materials. It also gives the players a chance to do some simple math and can be played over and over again. It’s fun for adults and kids to play together. Ages: 6-adult Players: 2… Read more »
A Little Free Library – Finally!!
We finally have a Little Free Library in Tyler Park! About a year ago, I was in Minneapolis, MN, for a volunteer conference. While I was there, roaming around the very flat city, I walked by my very first Little Free Library. I had heard of these delightful book boxes, but never seen one. As… Read more »
When You Love the Story but Not the Writer
Have you ever fallen in love with a book, a movie, a song? Have you ever felt like it spoke to your soul, or resonated with you so much, you wanted to read more or listen to more by the same artist or author? And then you go and do some research on the… Read more »
Details, Details, Details – Details Matter in Novels
“Sometimes I read your stories and I like them, Mom,” said my middle son. “But sometimes, when I read some of your stories, I forget I’m reading. That’s when I know they are really good.” He’s right. And that’s all thanks to details. Everyone know the phrase ‘devil is in the details’ but I don’t… Read more »
Advice for Writers from an Agent
In May, I attended the SCBWI Western PA Agent Workshop. I learned a lot and got some excellent advice for writers on pitches, storytelling, and revision and I wanted to share it with you! Pitching Advice for Writers While they need to be short, they still need to include the main character, the obstacle and some… Read more »
Should Kids Read Books Before Watching the Movie?
Recently, I let my kids watch ALL of the Harry Potter movies before reading ALL of the books. I know some parents don’t allow this. Do you? Looking for comments on both sides of the debate!