SCBWI Summer Spectacular

This weekend is the SCBWI Summer Spectacular conference, usually a weeklong gathering of writers and illustrators in California. This year, it’s all virtual, but that means I can actually attend! The keynotes and panels will be recorded, so I can go back and watch any that I miss for the whole month of August. Not…Continue reading SCBWI Summer Spectacular

Solo retreat, 2020 style

In the middle of July, I took a 3-day solo writing retreat. I love the Mississippi state park cabins because they’re cheap, air-conditioned, and secluded. I’m more interested in glamping than roughing it, especially when I’m tackling a difficult revision, and this was perfect. After wiping all surfaces with disinfectant and rewashing the dishes and…Continue reading Solo retreat, 2020 style

Finding the words

At this moment in history, my sincere hope is that 2020 will someday reflect a shift in our country toward recognizing what’s important: Life. Health. Family. Community. Sanity. There are three words that say more right now that any I can come up with: Black Lives Matter. For the time being, I am spending my…Continue reading Finding the words

Odd comforts

After being hit hard with coronavirus, New Orleans is slowly reopening. I am not. I’m still in hunker-down mode, which includes comforting my family and myself through a myriad of feelings and situations that exacerbate those feelings. We’re doing fine, and I’m cautiously optimistic about the future, but I function best when I take things…Continue reading Odd comforts

Festing At Home

With Jazz Fest canceled this year, I’m joining the rest of New Orleans (and outta town Jazz Fest fans) with WWOZ’s JazzFesting at Home. I’ve got the radio going, made a batch of Rosemint iced tea, and am planning/hoping to make some Jama Jama and plantains like the ones from Bennachin. Maybe even to find…Continue reading Festing At Home