How inspiring it was to host the prolific and talented Claudia Mills in my home for a writers’ write-in. Claudia is one focused author – let me tell you! – and able to tune-out the cackling coffee drinkers in my kitchen, a.k.a. me. But then she graced us with stories, humor and wisdom during her… Read more »
Pay it Forward Fridays
All In a Day’s Walk
One of my Top Ten Super Secret (so this one’s no longer a secret) Writing Tips that I share with students is DO NOT WRITE! As in, Step Away from the Computer, Unplug Shoot Some Hoops Take a Shower Go For a Run Get a Massage Strike a Yoga Pose Meditate Go For a Walk… Read more »
Novel Epiphanies Part 3 – From the Author of SEARCHING FOR SILVERHEELS, Jeannie Mobley
Ask and you shall receive. When I asked fellow novelists for help understanding and writing novel epiphanies, one of the first to answer my call was middle grade historical fiction novelist, Jeannie Mobley. What a gal! As a matter of fact, I was reading the ARC of her latest book SEARCHING FOR SILVERHEELS (September 2014… Read more »
Colorado Gives to Reach Out and Read!
Dear Friends, As I’m sure you know, today is Colorado Gives Day. No doubt you are receiving many emails and appeals from worthy charitable organizations throughout our great state. I hope you’ll indulge me as I ask you to join me in supporting Reach Out and Read Colorado today. Reach Out and Read Colorado… Read more »
How to Love a Squash: Pat Zietlow Miller on Finding the Universal Truth in a Picture Book
Think about your favorite picture books. Lyrical text. Gorgeous or whimsical art. Endings that make you smile, sigh or shriek with delight. And something else – satisfaction. A satisfaction that makes you want to read them again and again and again. But a brilliant rhythm won’t guarantee satisfaction. Nor will page after page of laugh-out-loud… Read more »
Why Novels Matter
“Novels offer us not just a map of the human mind but a way to understand how the individual human mind interacts with the world outside.” For your Friday enjoyment and thought. How has technology changed plot and theme? How can we have “distance and delay” in a story when we are so connected.? Chime… Read more »
Picture Book Critiques Auction for One Fund Boston
Today, I heard about a young, self-employed carpenter whose hands were incinerated in the blast at the Boston Marathon. So many lives were greatly touched by this tragedy. How can we not help? I’ve already donated to One Fund Boston. But now I’m challenging you to do the same. And as my way of saying… Read more »
Pay it Forward Friday: Terrific Teacher/Librarian Book Giveaway!
Here’s an easy way to pay it forward to your favorite teacher or librarian. Simply enter his/her name or names in the comment section below anytime from midnight to midnight (Mountain Time) on Friday March 8th and he/she will be entered to win an autographed copy of ALL THROUGH MY TOWN for a classroom or… Read more »
Pay it Forward Friday: Bridget Zinn’s POISON – Help Spread the Word!
A while back, you may remember my participation in the Bridget Zinn auction. It actually took the place of my Thanksgiving Picture Book Peek in 2010. Now I’m asking your help in an opportunity to contribute to Bridget’s beautiful legacy through her upcoming book release.Today, Bridget’s dear friend, writer and editor, Holly Westlund, is my… Read more »
Pay it Forward Friday: World Read Aloud Day
WRADvocate with Us! World Read Aloud Day is March 6, 2013. Celebrate with us to advocate for every child’s right to read. LitWorld is Going on Tour We’re taking World Read Aloud Day on the road and LitWorld’s first ever WRAD bus tour could be coming to your school! If you want a magical visit… Read more »