Photo Key in descending order:Cheryl KleinCarmen Oliver, Jane Peddicord, Mark G. MitchellCarmen Oliver, Donna Bowman Bratton, Jane PeddicordShana Burg, Bethany Hegedus, Sean PetrieGreg Leitich Smith, Julie Lake, Brian Yansky, Frances YanskyWhat was left of the breakfast buffet before the first breakTim Crow’s welcoming addressCarmen Oliver working the kitchenRock stars from left to right: Jacqueline Kelly,… Read more »
Sorry for the wacky image placements, folks. I can’t seem to get them lined up neatly. 2010 has already been a banner year for Austin area children’s authors. What are the odds of so many accolades landing in one metropolitan area? For those of us in this blessed writing community, it doesn’t matter. We’re just… Read more »
Just for fun…
Boy, has time flown by. I’m so far behind on my blogging that it feels overwhelming to catch up. In my next post, I’ll add my congratulations to the recent ALA awards presented to local Texas authors as well as recap the best SCBWI conference to ever hit the planet. For now, I’d like to… Read more »
The holidays are such reflective times. Many of us feel vulnerable. Mixed with all the jolliness, emotions are raw. Regrets may surface. Old wounds may be opened. Families are either missed or have stayed a tad too long. If we’re lucky, gratitude springs forward and small miracles reveal themselves. Under our Christmas tree this year… Read more »
The adults in my life don’t want any more “stuff” for Christmas. Frankly, neither do I. So, I’m giving different kinds of gifts this year. It turns out there’s a charity that matches every interest. At 73, my mother still dotes on five horses aged 13 to 32. We watched all but the eldest be… Read more »
I was fortunate to attend the Highlights Founder’s workshop on Nonfiction Storytelling Nov. 4-8 in Boyds Mills, PA. As a bonus, my BFF and critique partner, Carmen Oliver attended as well. It was so great to share the experience with a friend and so valuable to share it with a colleague. Though our particular workshop… Read more »
Son and I had the pleasure to meet Kate DiCamillo at her recent book signing in our home town. Kate was funny, charming, and so very willing to take a few minutes to answer my burning questions: *No, she doesn’t outline her novels before she writes. She just lets her muse guide her. She calls… Read more »
All we wanted was for my son to have a ninth birthday party to remember. That should be simple enough, right? As the mother of two, I’m an experienced birthday party planner and I have a reputation for over-the-top birthday parties. But, this one “takes the cake.” We debated what kind of party to have…. Read more »
The amazingly talented maven of children’s literature and generous supporter of all writers, Cynthia Leitich-Smith, has put together a fabulous list of books published by Austin area authors and posted it on Indiebound.org. You’ve really got to peruse the list. Apparently, there’s something in the local water system. It’s called talent! Quote for the day:… Read more »
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