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 »
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 »
If a heart had fingerprints, you would find evidence of Kim Baker’s huge one all over her newest book. (spoiler alert: I’m a huge fan.) While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Newt Gomez on my first read, after reading Kim’s essay below, I plan to go back and re-read The Water Bears (Wendy Lamb… Read more »
Kjersten Hayes is the kind of person you can count on for a smile or a sunny perspective on a not-so-sunny situation. While I am crushed for her that someone gave her a “stinging” critique, I am completely inspired by how she chose to respond to it. And I am not surprised– being creative is… Read more »
Three of my all-time favorite books have been written by one author: Susan Hill Long. I first met Sue through her historical novel, Whistle in the Dark, which I devoured on a train trip home from Portland, Oregon and which I thought was nearly brilliant. Then I read her Magic Mirror which was brilliant. We… Read more »
It is a complete delight to host local author, Sara Nickerson, today to celebrate her newest novel, Last Meeting of the Gorilla Club (Dutton Children’s Books). Her character driven stories are brimming with heart and wonderful writing; if you don’t know her work, you’ll want to get reading right away! And Sara is making that… Read more »
It’s not often that I can say of a Friend Friday that I’ve known them since they were in grade school — but I can absolutely say that about Erin Lorence! Her mother, Diane Yancey, and I had met at a writing conference eons ago and, despite living many miles from one another, committed to… Read more »
Nancy Furstinger is a very patient person. In January 2019, I invited her to be a Friend Friday guest to celebrate her then-forthcoming picture book. The catch was that I wouldn’t have an opening until November 15! Lucky for us, Nancy agreed to wait and I think you will enjoy her story behind the story… Read more »
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 »
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 »