Isn’t it amazing how some books and characters make indelible impressions on us? I can’t recall when I first met Ramona, but I will to my dying day never forget her first grade excitement as she took her seat, following the teacher’s instructions to “wait there for the present.” I would bet anyone reading this… Read more »
“I’m not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship.” Louisa May Alcott
It is my honor to host Varsha Bajaj today, as she shares about the genesis of her latest novel, Count Me In (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Group). Varsha’s essay below certainly reminded me of the opportunity a writer has to respond to and reflect upon current events. With Count Me In, Varsha is not simply… Read more »
“Above all be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Nora Ephron
All I have to do is think of Elly Swartz and I smile. She is one of those people who radiates joy. And hopefulness. And I love her even though she likes Twizzlers, when anyone knows red licorice is way, way better. Her latest book is sure to expand even the Scroogiest of hearts. And… Read more »
“ How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
I met J. Albert Mann when I was a guest lecturer at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program for Writing for Children and Young Adults. We instantly bonded over our love of historical fiction and I was delighted when she was a Friend Friday guest for What Every Girl Should Know: Margaret Sanger’s… Read more »
“ We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” Malala Yousafzai
I am a huge Deborah Heiligman fan. In fact, we “met” when I sent her a fan letter after reading Charles and Emma, a book that completely enchanted and educated me. We are now warm friends, catching up in person whenever we can (which is not often enough). One of the many things I admire… Read more »
“Better to be without logic than without feeling.” -Charlotte Bronte