The Best Way to Start the New Year

The Best Way to Start the New Year

The best way to start the New Year is to hear from you the reader! I can’t even begin to tell you how the simplest word from someone who’s enjoyed a book I’ve written still takes my breath away. Hearing from readers and seeing them at events is such a treat. I got the most wonderful letter from a parent of a reader who struggles with dyslexia; he said I was his daughter’s hero. She finished reading Hush in two days and wants to be a...

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My Unlimited Musical Talents- Just Joking!!!

My Unlimited Musical Talents- Just Joking!!!

So our girls are home for the summer and Blakely, the eldest, went to my desk and opened the middle drawer. “Um, Mom? Why do you have a Kazoo in here?” “Well…” I replied. And proceeded to tell her this story. I bought my lovely blue and green striped Kazoo at our local toy store before my last book event, Western Washington’s spring SCBWI’s Inside Story. I knew one of my fellow presenters; an exceedingly talented author by the name...

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Sunshine and Inspiration

Sunshine and Inspiration

I have had a busy two weeks starting with a four-day sun soaked trip to Shawnigan Lake School. I love this place. While there, they actually let me teach the kids a bit about characterization. I worked with eight classes and spoke with two house groups. I think I learned more from them then they did from me though. I even got to roll out Sushi with an Economics class. I don’t think they were expecting my to pull on a pair of rubber gloves and...

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