Animals make excellent symbols in writing and my children love books and stories about animals. One of their favorite stories is a little one I tell them about my guardian hawk. The hawk lives in the small copse, or group of trees, that borders our property. There are lots of tasty rodents for the hawk… Read more »
General writing
New Secret Tip for Picky Eaters
I’ve collected lots of tips for helping parents work with their picky eaters and get more fruits and vegetables into their diet. But new research shows that one of kids’ favorite things – recess – could be a huge help! Schools in a Utah school district switched their schedules so that recess happened before lunch… Read more »
New Ebook Released: “Thanks! 100 Wonderful Ways to Appreciate Volunteers”
I’m so pleased to announce that the new version of Thanks: 100 Wonderful Ways to Appreciate Volunteers is now available on Amazon. This ebook is a handbook full of concrete suggestions for any volunteer manager or leader who needs creative, thoughtful ways to show their gratitude for the hard work volunteers provide. I’ve been on both sides… Read more »
Pinterest Helps Writers
I have often wondered if Pinterest helps authors. As a self-published author, I do use Pinterest to promote my three books. But is it more of a distraction or an inspiration? I wrote an article for the Children’s Writer newsletter called “Turn Procrastination to Productivity” that explores this idea. After some careful thought, I think… Read more »
NaNoWriMo 2014
Five tips for picky eaters
Dealing with picky eaters is one of the most frustrating experiences for parents or any caregiver. So whenever I present My Food Notebook at parenting conferences or schools, I make sure I let the audience know my hidden secret: I have a picky eater, too. Sometimes, all three of my children are picky eaters! But… Read more »
Picture Book Workshop and Manuscript Submission
In June, I attended a picture book workshop hosted by my local SCBWI chapter and led by editors Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson. In addition to the picture book workshop, Harold and Eileen provided manuscript critiques and tips on revision. I submitted my story Mission: Compostable! for critique. Harold gave generally positive critique and suggested I… Read more »
Tomboys or Sissies: Which do you want?
“I’m pretty sure my daughter will be a tomboy,” my friend, father of a nine-month old girl, proudly announced. I automatically smiled, because I think my friends would describe me as more tomboy than girly-girl. My sons are often surprised when I wear a dress. Because girly-girls wear dresses, right? But then I started thinking… Read more »
Characters are Fictional
I just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars. I’m sure you’ve read it, I think everyone has. I really enjoyed the book, I almost loved it. I wanted to love it. But here’s what stopped me. At the very, very beginning of the book John Green asks us to remember the characters are fictional… Read more »
What’s Wrong with Cookies?
Have I gone too far? What’s wrong with cookies? Every Friday, our daycare hosts Cookie Friday. Kids who are old enough to eat and enjoy cookies know all about it and rush into the atrium to grab a cookie and munch it down on the way home. Sometimes they grab two cookies. Or three. Every… Read more »