Welcome to my Blog!
This is where I put my musings that don’t make it into my paper journal. I try to write about things that might interest other writers and readers, including reviews of MG books I’ve been reading.
Rubbing Elbows with Other Authors Always Energizing
Two weekends ago I helped host Ruth Spiro at the Champaign Barnes and Noble. Ruth is the author of Baby Loves Quarks and Baby Loves Astrophysics. These board books are so clever that I want to give...
Improvements in Kids Non-Fiction Corresponds to Changes in Museums
When I grew up in Bethesda, MD, it was a sleepy suburb of Washington, DC. So it was easy to take school field trips to the Smithsonian and we did frequently. Although I have mostly good memories of...
This Blog Post Really Resonated With Me
I read Cal Newport's blog, Study Hacks, regularly. While I don't always always agree with his view, this post really resonated with me....
Why Rachel Alexandra?
Alexandra the Great: The Story of the Record-Breaking Filly Who Ruled the Racetrack represents the first book I wrote from an idea I had and pursued. I had had several other ideas or topics that...
Publicity for Rachel Alexandra Begins!
I am proud to announce my first author presentation, which will take in place November in Farmer City, IL. My good friend, Debbie Yeagle, invited me to speak to the Shakespeare club. And, get this,...
Continuing the Theme of Loving Non-fiction…
Here's a link to yet another story about the growth in non-fiction. I'm going to re-read this every time I feel bad about loving non-fiction. Why do I feel guilty about it? Somehow in my mind (my...
What Can Be Used As An Aphrodisiac?
In my research for my latest manuscript, which is about a rhino sanctuary in Kenya, I have been studying the alleged use of rhino horn as an aphrodisiac. In many places I have read that that...
How to Encourage Females into Science
This article popped up on my facebook feed (thank you Angie Isaacs). This feels like Shannon Palus really hit the nail on the head. These are systemic, cultural problems that can only be fixed by...
Kids LOVE Non-Fiction
I found this article very heartening. Sometimes I feel bad that I am drawn to writing non fiction. It seems to me that fiction writers are far more creative and, ergo, superior human beings. But...
Day Trip to Chicago For Non-Fiction Panel
Well, now that sailing season is essentially over, my weekends stretch unendingly before me. So this past weekend I decided to drive up to Chicago to attend an SCBWI-sponsored panel discussion about...
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