Writing Over the Holidays
Holidays are great. I love the extra time with family, the colorful lights, the music, and the good food. The fun certainly involves a change in routine. Some people who have vacation over the holidays hope to work more on their novels, while conversely, people who write for a living might find their normal work time gets squeezed. In the past, I’ve had major deadlines of January 1st, and the mix of writing pressure and fear of disappointing my family has been grueling. Even without a major deadline, finding a… Continue reading
Giving Tuesday
Many non-profits invite donors to make contributions today on Giving Tuesday. The concept is a response to the commercial aspects of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and I welcome the focus on charity and generosity. What can be kinder than giving to people you don’t even know?
When many of us pitch in, donations don’t need to be big to have a huge impact. Beyond the likely recipients of former schools and holiday funds, here a few of my favorite non-profits, from far-reaching to local.
Minimal Prep for Thanksgiving
These seats look ready for a party.
When I was a kid, holidays were a big deal. Thanksgiving meant family cramming in around the tables, buffets heaped with food, a gravy boat, homemade cranberry sauce, and patent leather shoes. I loved the running around, the jolly games, the climbing under the table, the singing around the piano, and the desserts with whipped cream out of can. Sometimes, I’d get to light the candles and I’d feel magically important.
As I aged into a teenager, it was my job to help… Continue reading
Meeting Readers Near and Far
Cammie McGovern, Caragh M. O’Brien, Clifford, Carol Weston, and Eric Morse at the CT Children’s Book Fair, November 4, 2017.
Meeting readers is such a pleasure! I’ve had ample opportunities to do so lately, and I keep smiling about it. The CT Children’s Book Fair last Saturday, November 4th, was jolly and fun. I enjoyed showing drafts of the map for The Keep of Ages when little readers pointed out the changes they saw. It was also great to catch up with my friend Cammie McGovern, and meet… Continue reading
Two Book Fairs, Twice the Fun
Connecticut readers are excited for the CT Children’s Book Fair this weekend, November 4-5 in the Rome Ballroom on the UConn Storrs campus. With authors and illustrators of books from picture books to young adult novels, the fair gives readers and their parents a chance to meet the people behind their favorite reads. Marc Brown, creator of the beloved Arthur and his kid sister D.W. will be speaking on Saturday, as will Rosemary Wells of Max and Ruby fame. I’m part of Saturday’s line-up, too, with a short speaking… Continue reading
Thought Unlocked
We try to clean up and organize our thoughts when we express them so others can understand us and like us and follow our trains of thought, but in our own minds we don’t need to explain. And sometimes if we can write only purely what we’re thinking, if the mash and muddle of the confusion behind our lids could land on a page like bird bone black twigs light as pepper, they could fall into miniature runes, messages from the gods or the jungle or the fairy dust, and… 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