Winston Writes

This is my face when my writer asks my opinion about her first draft. I know honesty is the best paw-licy. But honesty may impact how many treats I get. Anyway, I’ve seen this before. Sooner or later, she’ll figure out on her own that she needs a plot.  

Friend Friday

Sometimes the stories we are meant to tell take us out of our comfort zones. That was certainly the case for Darcey Rosenblatt as she was nudged to write what became her debut novel, Lost Boys, (Henry Holt). I am proud to shine the spotlight on Darcey and her book today! Based on historical facts, my debut novel… Read more »

Friend Friday

Today’s guest is a friend from the (sadly) now-defunct Northwest Institute of Literary Arts MFA program. I was the first faculty member in the children’s literature arm of the program and Loren Cooper was a student specializing in fiction. I badgered him into participating in a student reading one night and he good-naturedly humored me,… Read more »

Friend Friday

By reading Kerri Kokias’ engaging website (check it out here), I discovered that she has held many jobs, from nanny to ice cream server to social science researcher. For the record, I am very glad she has added picture book author to that list! Join me in celebrating her debut picture book, Snow Sisters! (Knopf/Random… Read more »

Friend Friday

The kind-hearted and patient Sarah Aronson is my guest today. “Kind-hearted” is evident if you’ve spent five minutes with her or with her books; “patient” refers to the fact that I promised to host her months ago and completely spaced out on that promise! Luckily, Sarah is not only gracious but flexible and so I… Read more »

Friend Friday

Not only am I delighted to shine the spotlight on Jeannie Mobley’s new book, I am insanely jealous of its title! It cries out “read me,” so it’s moved to the top of my TBR pile. Thanks, Jeannie, for being with us today and we can’t wait to learn more about Bobby Lee Claremont and… Read more »

Friend Friday

Today’s guest is a friend by association: Janet McLaughlin is pals with my dear friend, Augusta Scattergood and when Augusta shared with me about Janet’s new book, I knew I wanted to host her here! Please join me in welcoming Janet, as she tells us about her Soul Sight mysteries, published by Absolute Love Publishing…. Read more »

Friend Friday

“Friend” doesn’t even begin to describe the dear Ann Whitford Paul. She opened her heart (and home!) to a newbie writer, eons ago, and I have adored her ever since. As far as I am concerned, she is the queen of the picture book format (make sure you check out her craft book, Writing Picture… Read more »

Friend Friday

Today’s guest, Kim Griswell, and I share a six-degrees of separation kind of thing. Though we’ve never met, she was in a critique group for years with my dear friend and writing partner, Mary Nethery. And any friend of Mary’s is a good buddy of mine. I am so delighted to host Kim to celebrate Rufus… Read more »

Friend Friday

Holly Niner and I met at the Kentucky Book Festival eons ago. We immediately bonded (I even conned her into staying over an extra night) and have rooted for each other from afar ever since. I’m so pleased to host her today in celebration of her latest books, The Day I Ran Away, and No… Read more »