What an honor to host H.M. Bouwman today! Her book, A Crack in the Sea, (G.P. Putnam and Sons Books for Young Readers) just came out on Tuesday, and it is such a terrific and thought-provoking read. But I’m going to step aside and let her talk about it! The value of slash-and-burn revision I… Read more »
I’m doing something a tiny bit different for the next few weeks; instead of shining the spotlight on friends’ new books, I’m going to shine a spotlight on readers. (If that’s not your thing, be sure to come back Friday, December 30 for a guest post written by the amazing Nikki Grimes!). A dad in… Read more »
I am so very lucky to count among my friends some of the most talented, generous and kind people in the kidlit world. In the past month or so, I have been celebrating a very special set of friendships. A few years back, I invited Barbara O’Connor, Augusta Scattergood and Susan Hill Long to our… Read more »
It is such an honor for me to host Sharon Mentyka. I first met Sharon through the (sadly now-defunct) Whidbey Island Writers MFA program. Her first book was B in the World, a sweet story of a gender non-conforming child; her newest is Chasing at the Surface (WestWinds Press), just out last week. Welcome, Sharon!… Read more »
If you ever hesitate about writing an author a fan letter, don’t. That’s how my friendship with the inimitable Barbara O’Connor began! And what a friendship it’s been. From late night encouraging phone calls, to writing retreats, to surviving fires in restaurants — it’s been a wonderful ride so far. I consider Barbara the Betsy… Read more »
Generally on Fridays, I introduce you to new books and the writers behind them. I guess the birth of my fourth grandchild this week has made me nostalgic. Today, I’m thinking of the writers who blazed the trail for us, and for me in particular. As a newbie writer, I first fell in love with middle… Read more »
I had the pleasure of meeting the kind, warm and talented Leslie Connor at the Tucson Festival of the Books. Sadly, we only had a brief time together but it sure made me wish I could call her up and take her out to coffee on a regular basis. I am delighted to host her today… Read more »
I am always amazed at the generosity of my writing friends, both with their willingness to share thoughts here on my blog, and with making a difference in the larger community. Nanci Turner Steveson is one of those folks, having launched The Literacy for Hope Project, dedicated to getting books to the homeless. Today, however, she is… Read more »
Please welcome the prolific (nineteen novels!) Karen Rivers to my blog today to celebrate her newest book, The Girl in the Well is Me (Algonquin Books for Young Readers) which School Library Journal called “compulsively readable) and which has its book birthday on March 15. People often ask me where I get my ideas and… Read more »
I have a special spot in my heart for fellow historical fiction writers; we’re a rare and odd breed. There aren’t too many other people you can talk to about archives and primary sources and Sanford maps (I’m getting giddy just typing those words!). That is why it is a double delight to host Carole… Read more »