What About 3.5? Where is Birthmarked 4?
I’ve been asked quite a bit if I plan to write a story for “Birthmarked 3.5” or another novel for Birthmarked 4. The truth is, I’ve given the possibility considerable thought. My editor at Square Fish, Lauren Burniac, invited me to create new content for the extra bonus material that goes in the back matter of the paperback, due out in September, 2013, and kicking around the idea of another story definitely came up.
The problem is, I like where the trilogy ends with Promised… Continue reading
All the More Reason
When my heart’s aching for Boston, and every connection to the outside world reminds me of the confusion, heroism, and pain there, I find it hard to concentrate on writing a children’s book. Then I realize it’s more important than ever to carry on and do what I’m supposed to do. I don’t write fiction by ignoring the latest shocking proof of evil in our world, and I don’t do it out of angry righteousness. I keep working simply because it is a gift to be able… Continue reading
Other Lands
I’m back from other lands, in this case, Italy. It was a well-needed break from a stretch of driven writing, and a chance to ponder views out new windows. The green, rolling hillsides of springtime Tuscany gave me a sense of wonder. Trying always to translate Italian felt like a puzzle that never stopped, until my brain was fried by the end of each day. I relished the intense flavors of cheese, chickpea soup, and a cone of coconut and chocolate gelato. Relaxing one afternoon, I… Continue reading
Der Weg der gefallenen Sterne
The third book in the Birthmarked trilogy, Promised, is being released today, April 1st, in Germany as Der Weg der gefallen Sterne (The Path of the Fallen Star).
Book 3 in Germany comes out April 1, 2013.
Naturally, I’m thrilled about this. Oliver Plaschka has doubtless done a fantastic job with the translation, though regrettably I can’t tell for myself since I know only the most paltry German. (“Wo ist der bus für Igles?”) I find it very cool that Oliver is the… Continue reading
Silliness
Smurf
Oh, my gosh. Do you remember how much of life used to be devoted to combating silliness? I can still hear the multitude of grownups minding us to sit still, quit that giggling, mind yer manners, or cut that out, and in every case I nearly keeled over from laughing inside. School, church, the dinner table, grocery store aisles, and the back of the car were all prime for silliness and the squelching of it.
Then I had kids of my own, and silliness abounded again.… Continue reading
An Irish Tune
I had two Irish grandfathers, Walsh and O’Brien, who both died before I was born. They’ve been strong presences in my life, nonetheless, since their songs and stories, colored by longing, have come down to me through my parents.
Legend has it that “The Rose of Tralee” was a song my grandfather Walsh sang by campfire light in the evenings when he worked for the railroad. Other workers would throw him a few coins, which he saved up and sent back to his mother, asking her to keep… Continue reading
Ari & Milo, my serial novel, is now up on Wattpad! I drew illustrations to go with each chapter, and best of all, it’s free! Because of problematic themes, this novel is for mature readers age 17+.
Book Trailer for Promised