It's January again and time for the winter residency of the Hamline MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. I always look forward to this winter "writers' camp," where we talk about writing from breakfast until dinner--and after, with lectures, workshops, readings, and old-fashioned conversation. This winter I … [Read more...] about When an Idea Knocks…
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Whittling
It's all about process, whether it's story building or housebuilding. That's why I love this story about a man who loves wood and has spent thirty years whittling his own house. He's not done, but he loves the process. … [Read more...] about Whittling
Exploring the Spaces of Our Lives
It’s one of those days, one of those lovely fall days, today. When Rich and I were out at the Pal this morning I was reminded of E.B. White’s response to someone who asked what the message was in Charlotte’s Web. He said, “All I wanted to say, all I ever want to say is that I love the world.” It’s one of those … [Read more...] about Exploring the Spaces of Our Lives
Monsieur Marceau: A Silent Performer, Captured in Words
I love stories about events that really happened and people who really lived--and kids do, too. And today I am especially pleased to share the biography of the famous mime Marcel Marceau--Monsieur Marceau--written by my friend Leda Schubert, illustrated by Gerard DuBois, and just published by Roaring Brook. Leda opens … [Read more...] about Monsieur Marceau: A Silent Performer, Captured in Words
Looking at Re-Entry
It seems about a year ago that I wrote of the tree falling on our house. It's long gone, now we have seedling grass growing, and thoughts of what kind of new tree. And in the meantime, we've been to Maine laughed and hugged and cried with family--and eaten my brother David's blueberry pie, been to Madison laughed and … [Read more...] about Looking at Re-Entry
Not Thinking About the Plaster
Really! That tree, in saying its crashing farewell left all that plaster in the closet. And all those piles of old clothes, damp books, and stuff saved, stuff that once had life but life has moved on. Really it is time to sort it and pass it along to someone for whom it will be almost as good as new. But I don't want to … [Read more...] about Not Thinking About the Plaster