Writing

Is #PitMad Worth It?

Is #PitMad worth it? Did you have any luck at the most recent #PitMad? I think a lot of people think that unless they get a book contract sent via DM that day, they failed. But I say you need a broad definition of success.  Here’s how it worked for me, and why I think… Read more »

How to Write Nonfiction for Kids

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Highlights Foundation (@highlightsfound) I’ve attended so many excellent Highlights Foundation courses over the past several years. Each one has helped me uncover big and small ways to develop my creativity and productivity. Now I’m so thrilled to be announce I’m working with the… Read more »

Looking for excellent STEAM books?

Over the weekend, someone asked me what kind of books I write. I mentioned I write books that fit into the STEAM category. “I thought it was STEM,” this person said. “There is STEM and there is STEAM,” I explained. “The A is for arts, and it makes sense as so much of art and… Read more »

Writer Submissions Tracking – 2019 and 2020

Here are my submission, acceptance, and rejection rates for 2019 and 2020. As a reminder, I keep track in both my lucky notebook and my lucky Numbers spreadsheet. Big news of 2020 – I signed with my lovely agent Miranda Paul of Erin Murphy Literary Agency and sold my book Animal Allies to Chicago Review… Read more »

When Your Book is Published!

It never gets old – celebrating when your book is published is fantastic! I was so thrilled to visit my local bookstore (Support those independent bookstores!!) and hold these books in my hands.   You can find these books at YOUR local bookstore, too! Sweet Quest for the Unicorn’s Horn A taste for sweets (and… Read more »

Revisions

I’m chugging through revisions of The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci. This book is coming out fromNomad Press in May 2021). I really love all of the activities included in the book. I can’t wait to see readers try them and share their results! Revisions can be hard, but how often in life do… Read more »

Do You Use a Standing Desk?

Do you use a standing desk? I’m trying out a new standing desk in my office. I used to have a very tall craft desk. I thought I might stand to write, but I couldn’t stand for eight hours. I ended up buying a tall drafting chair so I could sit sometimes. Then I ended… Read more »