A new book is always exciting. Opening the box for the first time and seeing all those hours of researching, writing and revising fitted between colorful covers makes a holiday. Hearing readers say they like the story is the best kind of music. And book parties are the best kinds of parties. This last weekend was a … [Read more...] about Book Parties!
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table
Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Good ideas grow like plump seeds dropped in good ground. Last weekend I had a chance to see that again. I went to an urban farm in Cedar Rapids--Matthew 25. The farm was inspired by Will Allen and has as its goal the same goal as Will Allen's Growing Power Farm-- to provide tasty, healthy food at reasonable prices to … [Read more...] about Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Announcing: Good Times
Writing is such a solitary activity that whenever we have a chance for getting together with writers, readers, and general book-lovers we know it will be a good time. Well, I am excited today to announce two such get-togethers to help launch Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table. 10:00 Saturday, October 12 New-Bo … [Read more...] about Announcing: Good Times
Unpacking from the ALA: Part One
The ALA Conference in Chicago this past week and weekend reminded me of why I feel so lucky to be part of the children's literature community. Librarians from every state stood in long lines and laughed while they waited for their favorite authors to sign personal copies. These librarians are my heroes. They are the … [Read more...] about Unpacking from the ALA: Part One
Life on the Back Porch. Life in the Street.
Regular life feels somehow frivolous, undeserved, when friends in Boston have been recently locked inside their homes, waiting for the next round of firing, when we have all witnessed via television, bombs, explosions, shootouts, lives thrown into grief and chaos. A blog about writing for kids almost feels like playing … [Read more...] about Life on the Back Porch. Life in the Street.
Wry Revision, er… Revision and Rye…Rye and Revision
Last week I was in Maine, visiting with my sisters Laura and Audrey and my mother. We had a great time cooking, sewing, laughing, remembering, listening to Team of Rivals. Part of the cooking was me making rye bread flavored with pickle juice. I'd tried it once before and found it perfectly rye and sour. And this time … [Read more...] about Wry Revision, er… Revision and Rye…Rye and Revision
