Friend Friday

My memory of meeting Jennifer Richard Jacobson involves nearly throwing myself at her in the exhibit hall at an ALA conference; I love her work so much! Luckily for me, she has a high tolerance for fangirling. She still speaks to me! And in fact, we had a lovely chat last night for my Write… Read more »

Friend Friday

What a way to kick off a new month: a joint Friend Friday post from two gifted creatives, Liz Garton Scanlon and Kevan Atteberry. Liz reminds us that the creative work we do depends on play and Kevan reminds us that our play can have its ups and downs. If you want to hear even… Read more »

Friend Friday

Sometimes you just got to go for it! And that’s what I did when I summoned my courage to email a literary hero of mine, Lynne Rae Perkins to invite her to be a guest on Friend Friday. Her novel, Criss Cross, changed my thinking about what novels can be AND contains one of my… Read more »

Friend Friday

I first met Michaela MacColl through her writing; I believe it was Always Emily. I have since had the pleasure of meeting her in person and while we talked historical fiction, I had no idea she had a family story that wanted telling. It is one thing to write about a family member who is… Read more »

Friend Friday

I love Aimée Bisonette‘s essay below because it taps on something creatives worry about incessantly: am I doing it right? Her insights are as refreshing as an icy cold glass of hibiscus tea on a hot day. And Aimée provides a great reminder that getting our butts OUT of the chair every once in awhile… Read more »

Friend Friday

It takes tremendous courage to face the blank page. I am not quite certain, however, what it’s called to willingly face the blank page, having tossed out a sweated-over, completed novel. I suspect it’s called being the person the story needs you to be. Alysa Wishingrad certainly stepped up to such a challenge and we,… Read more »

Friend Friday

I still remember my first experience reading When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt. I’m pretty sure that’s when a Larson family un-favorite recipe, Burned Broccoli, was invented. Who could blame me for completely forgetting the vegetable steamer was on the stove when I’d been utterly transported to Antler, Texas? Kimberly graciously… Read more »

Friend Friday

In this dark and cold (and for some people, incredibly snowy!) time, it’s such a treat to host Amalia Hoffman, who brings vibrancy and color to the world through her books. It’s a pleasure to host Amalia today, in celebration of her newest picture book, My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo Press). My inspiration for My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo… Read more »

Friend Friday

I clearly remember meeting Jennifer Jacobson on a crowded exhibition hall floor during a conference. I think we literally bumped into each other! Within minutes, I was privileged to get a sneak peek at the F&Gs of her then-forthcoming picture book, This is My Room (No Tigers Allowed) (she was my Friend Friday for that;… Read more »

Friend Friday

What a treat it is to be part of Josh Funk’s Short & Sweet/Long & Savory blog tour! In fact, we’re the final stop; check the calendar at the end of this post if you want to see other blogs Josh has visited. As you can tell by his books, Josh is a very funny… Read more »