A few years ago, when I was going through the process of looking for an agent and then an editor, I started noticing some names popping up over and over again on the websites and twitter feeds I haunted. (I’m … Continue reading →

Wow. I just finished my copy edits for Nightingale’s Nest (which will come out on February 20, 2014), and I am minutes away from beginning  a new project. I LOVE this part of writing. I also get lost in it, … Continue reading →

As promised, I’ve saved some of the very best from my author visits in Japan for last. When I arrived at Yokota West Elementary School, I knew something was up. The kids who saw me in the parking lot started … Continue reading →

There are moments on a writer’s journey when you wonder why anyone would want this crazy, rejection-filled life. If you’re in that spot, I’ve been there. I just want you to know, if you keep at it, and work hard, … Continue reading →

Welcome back, friends! Ready to see what happened on my first day of author visits on Yokota Air Base in Japan? Pretty much all awesomeness, with a little bit of charred author flesh for dinner. (Not really. But it was … Continue reading →

Finally! Thanks to Dr. Nancy Roser of UT Austin and my tech-support guru/husband Dave Wilson, I have a Discussion Guide for you! FOR FREE! I know, I know. Deep breaths, deep breaths. Try not to faint from the joy. 🙂 … Continue reading →

Wow! I’ve been a little absent here, but it’s only because I’ve been so busy in my real life! Okay, so first I had the flu. Ick. But then I got better! And I jumped right back into school visits. … Continue reading →

In my writing life, I sort of expected to get the chance to speak with kids about my books. Because, you know, they’re FOR kids and all. But life has a way of surprising and delighting, and this week I … Continue reading →

As promised, I have pictures from the Montgomery County Book Festival I attended in The Woodlands, Texas last weekend. Wow, those festival organizers sure knew how to treat writers well! The food was great, there were parties and amazing teen … Continue reading →

What an amazing Friday I just had! I had the wonderful good fortune to be invited to Bauerschlag Elementary in League City, Texas for an Author Visit with their fourth and fifth grade classes, and two small-group writing workshops immediately … Continue reading →