I’m excited about a new project for 2021: Ask An Author. When I was a kid, I wrote all the time. I wrote stories in notebooks. I typed stories on my grandfather’s old typewriter. I sent letters to friends and family that were a mix of fact and fiction. I read and wrote, wrote and… Read more »
Writing
The Gift of Gratitude
What’s the best part of writing conferences? Is it the chance to pitch? Is it insider information? Is it awards or the free food? I think it’s the people. The connections. That’s what I miss most about going to conferences. The last big one I went to was the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York… Read more »
Pantser v. Plotter – Resolved
You may of heard there are two kinds of writers, pantsers, who write by the seat of their pants. They let the creativity flow and discover the story as they go. Plotters plan it all out in advance. They know the ending before they write “once upon a time.” I’ve done a bit of both…. Read more »
SteamTeamBooks for Incredible Nonfiction
I love reading nonfiction. I love writing nonfiction. And I love being a part of SteamTeam Books. This website features year long announcements and celebrations of nonfiction books for all ages. Really all ages. There are “I Can Code” books for babies up to young adult novel length books. There are all kinds of books… Read more »
The Repair Shop for Writers
Are you watching The Repair Shop? It’s a soothing, satisfying show on Netflix that features repairs of cherished family heirlooms. I love this show. It’s not without its problems, specifically that almost every single family bringing a valuable item is white. There are too many families that had their connections to their family history torn… Read more »
New Graphic Novels for Young Readers
I’m so excited to share these new graphic novels for young readers! These three new fun, fiction stories introduce readers to reading graphic novels. I adore the illustrations – they really brought each story to life. I couldn’t resist including some of my favorite topics. Anyone familiar with my instagram will recognize some baking disasters… Read more »
So You Want to be President of the United States
Need some nonfiction about the job of the President? Get your copy here!
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 »
Reading and Writing Against Bias
I’m so excited about an upcoming workshop that I’m taking through the Highlights Foundation. “DISMANTLING THE KALEIDOSCOPE: ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS IN KIDLIT, A VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM 2020” will challenge participants to “talk about misrepresentations in books” and “develop action plans for resisting them.” I’ve got all the books for the reading list. I can’t wait to learn… Read more »