General writing

Every winter, I work with students at a local elementary school in an after school writing club. For six weeks we meet, discuss writing, share ideas, learn how to critique, and work towards a finished version of a two page short story. Then I gather up the stories and publish them in a book. (“It’s… Read more »

We are stuck at home. There are a lot of resources being shared for children. But there are many online resources for children’s writers and illustrators. SCBWI is offering many webinars. Some are members-only benefits, some are available to all. Make sure you check out the webinars being offered by regions around the globe. www.scbwi.org… Read more »

But For Now Not so long ago, things were one way. For now, they are different.  Before, we pumped our swings as high as the clouds. Soon, we’ll slide so fast our hair stands up.  But for now we’ll play in other ways. (On couch cushion obstacle courses.) We used to sprint and shout “Tag,… Read more »

My creative well is feeling a little empty. Maybe yours is, too. Here’s a peaceful waterfall to help you refill.

Take a look at the income survey results from Authors Guild. https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/authors-guild-survey-shows-drastic-42-percent-decline-in-authors-earnings-in-last-decade/ Authors don’t make a lot of money writing books. We usually juggle lots of different types of work. At the same time I was writing my seven recent projects I was teaching two different writing classes. I was also doing marketing for school… Read more »

I’m so excited to share my new story in Highlights for Children! (March 2020)

I joined Nonfiction Fest this month, and I’m already learning a lot. Nonfiction Fest is organized by a great group of nonfiction writers that call themselves the Nonfiction Chicks. Basically, I read a post a day to learn something incredible. There’s also an activity grid with helpful tasks to keep us nonfiction writers working. Here’s… Read more »

Now available!   Does your young reader love non-fiction? Are they an inventor? A doctor? A kid with big ideas? Looking for books that encourage a growth mindset? The “Learning from Bad Ideas” series is for anyone who wants to know what worked, what didn’t, and why. Medical Mishaps: Learning from Bad Ideas. Captsone, 2020…. Read more »

I’m so excited to share that I’ve joined STEAM Team 2020! This is a group of writers who have STEAM books for kids coming out in 2020. STEAM is science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Social Media Follow STEAM Team on Twitter and Instagram to learn about an amazing collection of STEAM books! Also, use… Read more »