“Writing is really a way of thinking — not just feeling but thinking about things that are disparate, unresolved, mysterious, problematic or just sweet.” —Toni Morrison

“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.” —Isabel Allende

“A word after a word after a word is power.” —Margaret Atwood

Friend Friday

It is a sheer delight to host a longtime friend, Kaelen Felix, today, along with Allistar Banks, the author of the book Kaelen illustrated. I “met” Kaelen through email years ago, when she wrote to ask me for tips on being a children’s book creator. Not only have we kept in touch, I actually got… Read more »

Friend Friday

Katherine Marsh holds a dear spot in my heart for saying something incredibly encouraging to me, just at the time I truly needed to hear it. That she is generous and kind-hearted is not a surprise to anyone who has read her books. Once again, Katherine is being incredibly generous with Friend Friday readers. Though… Read more »

Friend Friday

Boy, howdy, am I excited about today’s Friend Friday. About twelve million years ago, I wrote a fan letter to an author whose work I truly admired. And she wrote back! To steal a line from Casablanca, that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Just because I can now count Barbara O’Connor as a… Read more »

Friend Friday

I met Miriam McNamara when I was a visiting faculty member to the Vermont Master of Fine Arts. Her energy was infectious, something I admired in that 3 degree weather (January in Vermont!). A wonderful conversation ensued when Miriam graciously drove me to the airport at the end of my stay and I knew good… Read more »

Friend Friday

I’m a huge fan of Shannon Hitchcock’s work so when our mutual friend, Augusta Scattergood, suggested I invite Shannon to be a Friend Friday, I jumped at the chance. And Shannon graciously agreed! Today we shine the spotlight on Shannon’s latest book, One True Way (Scholastic Press), especially appropriate given that this is Pride Month…. Read more »

Friend Friday

I doubt there is a book creator in the Greater Puget Sound area (and likely beyond!) who hasn’t been touched by the kind, positive and genuinely good human being, Peggy King Anderson. I can’t recall when Peggy and I met, but I treasure our friendship. And I treasure being the frequent beneficiary of that beautiful,… Read more »

Friend Friday

                  I had no idea that Duke would launch a series. It turns out if you put a dog in a book, kids will gobble it up, even [supposedly hard to sell] historical fiction! In a few short days, Code Word Courage (Scholastic), the fourth and final… Read more »