A key characteristic of a successful writer is perseverance. Kristin L. Gray might win the prize in that department! As you will discover below, she did not quit when a perfectly brilliant idea did not gain traction. Read on for how she responded to a big obstacle in her writing path, and ended up with… Read more »
There are not many Friend Friday guests with whom I have wrestled a scorpion, but Sara Fujimura is among that select group. I met Sara in the Arizona desert some years back, when I was on the faculty of an SCBWI retreat. I was so impressed by her work ethic and and her positive demeanor… Read more »
What fascinating women Laurie Wallmark has chosen as subjects of her picture book biographies: Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr. Her newest biography also offers insight into another determined woman, Sophie Kowalevski. Laurie’s post today also offers insight into the tough decisions a writer makes in bringing complex characters to life within the tight constraint… Read more »
Mr. Rogers advised looking for the helpers in troubled times; clearly, Faith Pray is one of those helpers. Her words today seem perfectly timed and I am grateful for the seed she’s planted in my heart and mind: that we each have a brave gift to share, no matter how small and helpless we feel…. Read more »
What a genuine honor and pleasure it is to count Laurie Ann Thompson as a friend and to celebrate her newest book, Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans, illustrated by Susanna Chapman (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon Shuster). Laurie never ceases to inspire me through her personal actions as well as her wonderful books (Emmanuel’s Dream;… Read more »
Today’s post is about gifts: faithful dogs and faithful friends who walk beside us when we are hurting. Julie Paschkis and Margaret Chodos-Irvine share the poignant story behind the story of their new book together, Where Lily Isn’t, written by Julie and illustrated by Margaret. This picture book will be my new go-to book to… Read more »
I sure wish I’d had Kate O’Shaughnessy’s debut novel when I was a kid because I would’ve loved to read about a character who knew what it was like to move away from friends, as I frequently had to. But Maybelle faces challenges that I certainly never had to, as you will discover when you… Read more »
What a treat to host Robert Pizzo today in celebration of his newest books, Let’s Fix Up the House and Let’s Fix Up the Yard (Schiffer Publishing). As a grandma to a granddaughter who was obsessed with machines and tools, I think Robert is on to something here! I would’ve loved to have something so… Read more »
What fun it is to host my lovely friend Jennifer K. Man today in celebration of her newest picture book, The Camping Trip, (Candlewick Press). There is something so dear in Jennifer’s kid-friendly illustrations, which are deceptively simple. These charming drawings invite us in, and they reveal something new with each reading. And even though… Read more »
I am one lucky pup to count Leslie Connor among my friends. I so wish Leslie and I lived nearer one another (though that wouldn’t make any difference now, right?!) because we would have the best coffee conversations. Of course we would talk about books and writing. And dogs! Leslie’s love of dogs was part… Read more »