Hello! I’ve missed posting here for a while, so please forgive all the catching up I’ll have to do today! At first, I was absent for good/great reasons… A trip to Paris with my niece! School visits! Library visits! End … Continue reading →

Oh. My. Goodness. I just had one of the most amazing school author visits in the history of school, authors, or visits. I was invited last year to come to Galindo Elementary in Austin, by the amazing uber-librarian, Diane Collier. … Continue reading →

Last year I participated for the first time in Kate Messner‘s author sign-up for World Read-Aloud Day. I had so much fun, I couldn’t wait for it to come back around – and here it is! Happy World Read-Aloud Day, … Continue reading →

One of my favorite parts of being a mom is reading aloud to my kids. Even on the worst days, a good bedtime story (or lunchtime story, whatever) makes everything sparkly and wonderful. And you know what one of my … Continue reading →

I’m sorry, dear blog readers. I have neglected you for an entire month! I had a lot going on this month, including company from overseas and cookie recipes to perfect for the Exquisite Long-Awaited Season of Baking that’s just ahead. … Continue reading →

So far in my writing career, I’ve discovered a lot of things about myself, my work, and my audience of middle grade readers. But this week, I discovered something about my home state. It all started when I was invited … Continue reading →

Hiya! I’m back, just to show a couple of pictures from recent events, and share a couple of things I read that I thought were amazing. First, I’ve been having fun – writing, yes, but also doing some short talks, … 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 →

I just spent a week in Wonderland! Well, Japan, actually – but I happened to arrive at the height of cherry blossom (sakura) season, and I’m pretty sure Wonderland has nothing on trees that snow pink blossoms, leaving a carpet … Continue reading →