Author, Jenny Goebel, will tell you she’s led a charmed life. But when you get to know her, you quickly understand her life has little to do with luck and everything to do with Jenny. She’s sweet, kind, caring and – most of all – talented. Today she’s talking about world building and her latest… Read more »
The Writing Process
Appearances 2016
1/22/16 John F. Kennedy Elementary, South Plainfield, NJ, Skype School Visit 1/28/16 Palencia Elementary School, St. Augustine, FL, Skype School Visit 1/29/16 Abilene Elementary, Valley Center, KS, Skype School Visit 2/3-6/16 Colorado… Read more »
Laurie Ann Thompson: Why dogs – and simple stories – are the best!
When I first heard about Laurie Ann Thompson’s latest picture book My Dog is the Best, I thought, “Brilliant! Simply brilliant!” – emphasis on the word “simply.” And the reviewers agree. “This simple, quiet story conveys the enduring bond between child and dog, with the added appeal of a joke that younger children just beginning… Read more »
Robots and Rust Monsters: Anna Staniszewski on Developing a Picture Book Idea
In the world of picture book writing, much attention is given to idea generation. But so little is said about the actual process of writing the book. Today, friend and fellow author, Anna Staniszewski, shares her journey from a nugget of an idea – a brilliant one at that – and the dreaming, building and… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: “TOO” Cool Copycat Writing
Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it’s also a darn good writing tool. I call it “copycat” writing. Educators call it using a “mentor text.” If you’ve read my book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, you realize that it was patterned after the classic THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. The structure of the… Read more »
When Writers Write Together – Guest Post by Claudia Mills
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 »
3 Critique Questions with Author Parker Peevyhouse
Recently, on the SCBWI Forum, a new children’s writer posted her doubts about her ability to critique manuscripts. My agancy-mate and fellow author Parker Peevyhouse offered her wise advice, which spoke to me as a critiquer and a writer. So I invited her to expand on her thoughts for my blog. I hope it speaks to… Read more »
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 »
Novel Epiphanies Part 2
After I put the word out that I needed help with my novel’s epiphany, I continued to research the topic in craft books and online. Below I’ll share with you some notable quotes and the resources that helped most. But before I do, here’s how I ended up revising my epiphany and related chapters. First,… Read more »
My Books
