My first grade teacher, Aunt Trudy, passed away this week. Aunt Trudy was an amazing person. She was generous and quick-witted, warm, kind, clever, and all the things you dream of having for a teacher when you are any age, … Continue reading →

This isn’t a blog post, exactly, but an attempt to get in touch with the lovely young reader who has sent multiple emails to me, sharing thoughts on Wish Girl and asking all sorts of questions. I got those emails, … Continue reading →

I’m back from the desert, with a laptop full of new words, a head full of wonderful memories, and a whole lot of photos to share. AROHO stands for “A room of her own,” a concept first introduced in an … Continue reading →

Wow. This summer has been one for the books, pun intended. Not only did I take my family on a trip to British Columbia and Washington State… … but while I was away, the Writer’s League of Texas notified me … Continue reading →

Wow! I may be the luckiest author in the world. Well, okay, in MY neck of the woods, anyway. But I couldn’t believe how wonderful last week in Edmond and Oklahoma City was. I took a ton of pictures at … Continue reading →

On the inside door of my writing desk, I have an assortment of pictures, drawings, lists, and poetry. Each item taped on the door, as well as those items in the cabinets by my head, has a special meaning. But … Continue reading →

Howdy, friends! The past few weeks have been amazing. Nightingale’s Nest won the Texas Institute of Letters award (I already bookmarked the award money for new bookshelves, yippee!), I went to the huge AWP conference in Minneapolis to serve on … Continue reading →

One of my favorite things about being an author is the chance to meet (even if it’s only online) some of the world’s nicest, smartest, and most generous writers. Today, I have the great pleasure to be the guest post-er … Continue reading →

Hi, writer friends! I am delighted to announce that the lovely Lynne Kelly and I will be guest teaching authors at a week-long writing residency program this fall at The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas. And Nova Ren Suma, who … Continue reading →

Wow! I’m just getting caught up on my blog posts about last week’s Oklahoma wonderment! I have to admit, I have more fun in Oklahoma than anywhere else these days. Possibly because the librarians are so passionate and engaged with … Continue reading →