Review: THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE

I recently finished reading the debut novel by Texas author Jacqueline Kelly, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Sadly, I missed meeting Ms. Kelly at her book signing this week at Book People. I hope for another opportunity in the near future. Before I continue, I must admit that it took me a while to get… Read more »

Happy Mother’s Day

We mothers need a sense of humor, don’t we? Even if you’re not a mom, you’ll giggle at this video clip of “The Mom Song” set to the music of William Tell’s Overture. Happy Mother’s Day Y’all! Quote for the Day: “There are times when parenthood seems nothing but feeding the mouth that bites you.”… Read more »

7 Picture Books in 7 Days- A CHALLENGE

From the website of Paula Yoo comes the ultimate picture book challenge. Write seven picture book manuscripts in seven days. See www.paulayoo.com The following information is provided by Paula Yoo NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK (”NaPiBoWriWee”)7 Picture Books in 7 Days! In the spirit of National Novel Writing Month (“NaNoWriMo”) where people across the country… Read more »

The 10,000 Hour Secret To Success

I’m so glad that I haven’t punched a time clock to record the hours, months, years I have planted my caboose in a chair in front of a keyboard or notebook. Frankly, I’m afraid such knowledge would depress me today. What I know is that I’ve written until my hands ached and read until my… Read more »

I’ts All About the Climb

I heard this song today on the radio and, I swear, I didn’t have a clue who the artist was. I rushed home to google the song title. Imagine my surprise when I found that Miley Cyrus was the voice behind these amazing lyrics. If you are a writer still climbing toward that elusive first… Read more »

Nature Deficit Disorder – This Mama’s Fighting Back

My second-grader and I just returned from a cub scout camping trip. You read correctly; just the two of us. Dad, who is no fan of camping, was conveniently out of town for this foray. Son and I didn’t mind. Many women are overwhelmed by the idea of commanding such an outdoorsy expedition, which explains… Read more »

Never Dismiss a Dreamer

Yes, this post is a bit off the topic of writing. But, it’s right on target when talking about living a dream. For anybody who has ever been dismissed, ridiculed, or simply overlooked. For you who have shared your deepest wishes only to have the bubble burst by someone who thinks you’re not _____(fill in… Read more »

Cynthia Leitich Smith and Kathi Appelt book signing

(photos- lovely lady in silver/white shawl is Cynthia Leitich Smith. Next to her is Kathi Appelt. I am standing between them like a groupie. The blonde in pink is my buddy, author Carmen Oliver- www.carmenoliver.com) Scheduling a book signing for a holiday weekend is a risky proposition. Unless Cynthia Leitich Smith and Kathi Appelt are… Read more »

Landscaping as metaphor for story

My last post hinted at a landscape project my family embarked on last weekend. In the days that have passed, I have admired the fruits of our labor. So have our neighbors. We accomplished our goal with one minor exception. In other words, it remains a work-in-progress. Monday morning, while still aching from the labor,… Read more »