• Books & Writing,  Parenting

    Summer Reading List for Middle Grade and Young Adult

    Summer Reading List for Middle Grade and Young Adult I’ve been so busy working on my next two books that it’s always a pleasant surprise when someone emails me and asks for an author visit for MYSTIC. I get to be surrounded by happy kids and talk about two of my favorite subjects reading and writing.  I have three visits in the next two weeks. Woohoo! I’m ready! During my author visits I always share some of my favorite books.  I tell the students that I’d love for them to enjoy, MYSTIC, but I know my story isn’t for everyone. The goal is to find what you love to read. Please feel free to leave a comment…

  • Parenting,  Teaching

    Catching Fire and Helping Children

    Catching Fire and Helping Children I was watching Catching Fire with my family.  In the scene where Katniss and Peeta are giving a speech to District 11 they’re told to read their speeches from prepared cards. Peeta looks at his card and begins to read as the crowd stands emotionless, then he puts down the card and speaks from his heart. When he does he and Katniss inspire the crowd. Sitting in the theatre it suddenly occurred to me that writing is the same. If I throw away everything that is on the surface and dig deep, connections are made. For adults it takes courage to go deep and slice through the layers…