I was recently reading books by the wonderful and prolific writer Eloise Greenfield (at least 45 children's books published). Her book Night on Neighborhood Street (illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrest) changed the way I understood what children's books can be. They don't all have to have a "story"--problem encountered, … [Read more...] about The Power of One Book
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Season of Bees
It’s the season of pulling out tomato plants and taking down bean towers. It’s the season of very few bees. And I’m wondering if the bumble bee queens in our yard have gone to their nests, tucked in for cold weather. Wherever the bees and butterflies are, I hope they are safe. I’m leaving a few flower stalks and brush … [Read more...] about Season of Bees
Begin With A Bee
Writing is most often a solitary act. We sit with paper and pencil, or computer, by ourselves, and build a story word by word, tear it down, build it again. But there is another kind of writing—collaboration—when we work with friends to create a story that is richer, more textured than what one writer alone might do. … [Read more...] about Begin With A Bee
Launch Party for Creekfinding at Prairie Lights
(NOTE: This party was held March 4, 2017). Originally published by Little Village Magazine, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Posted by Genevieve Trainor | Mar 3, 2017 | Arts & Entertainment - Article reproduced here with the permission of the editors of Little Village Magazine. Several years ago -- or, in … [Read more...] about Launch Party for Creekfinding at Prairie Lights
Come With Me
It's not that I've forgotten about this conversation, it's that I wasn't sure what to do with it. I started this blog when my mind was full of the Tibetan plains and chiru and endangered species. I'm still interested in endangered species and those who work to save such creatures, but I'm also interested in the food … [Read more...] about Come With Me
Is There a Book…
Last Sunday's New York Times "By the Book" column featured an interview with Sherman Alexie. The answer that most interests me today is the one to the following question: What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift? “The Basketball Diaries,” by Jim Carroll. My dad gave it to me for my 15th birthday. He … [Read more...] about Is There a Book…