Inspiration

Some Free Critique Advice

I’m in several critique groups and I try to really provide useful, actionable feedback for my partners. I thought you might like to read some useful, actionable feedback that YOU can use on your story. Yes, these comments are for other writers writing other books, but if you think about them in general terms you… Read more »

Some Advice for Writers from Birders

I’m both a birder and a writer. When I bird, I’m often out there enjoying whatever birds come my way. But sometimes, I’m looking for a specific bird. I have a goal. It can be frustrating when I can’t find it, and even more frustrating when others can. When I’m writing, I’m often creating a… Read more »

Tips for Travel to UK and Ireland

Our family recently traveled to the UK and Ireland. It was a trip we planned back in 2019 to see family and some soccer (football) destinations, but we had to delay it because of COVID, of course. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and visit some amazing places – but it has been… Read more »

This is why I write books for young readers.

My new book Animal Allies: 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research came out on May 17, 2022 and the next day I read the tweet embedded below. This is why I write for young readers! My friend wrote about her 9yo: This book was released today and she’s half way through the 200 pages. “I… Read more »

Celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthday!

On April 15, we can say Happy Birthday to Leonardo da Vinci! Let’s celebrate by being curious. One option, if you live in Pittsburgh, is to stop by Riverstone Bookstore in McCandless for a Think Like Leo challenge!   If you can’t get to Pittsburgh, then get a copy of the book and try out… Read more »

Tech Tricks for Writers: Apple Maps Update

Here’s another tech tip for writers! Setting is so important to story. Are you writing a book set in a place far from home? Are you not sure what monuments or buildings look like as your character walks down the street? Apple Maps has a new update that gives you a 3D look at places, mostly… Read more »

What Would You Name Our Owl?

We first noticed our new neighbor in January. I mentioned it in my First Birds of 2022 post. We weren’t sure it would stay, but it seems to love the owl box we hung for it. We’ve seen it all through February! So, now that it has stuck around, we think it’s time to name… Read more »

Tech Tricks for Writers: VRBO

Time for another tech trick for writers. Where does your character live? What does their house, apartment, or room look like? There are lots of ways to get interior design ideas from Pinterest or Wayfair or Houzz. But what about VRBO? VRBO is an app that lets you look at the interior of a house… Read more »