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

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

Bright spot

Look at what arrived on my porch today! Kat Pigott is a fellow member of SCBWI here in Louisiana, and last fall she showed me proofs of her new picture book. I thought it was so cute and charming. The finished product with Tami Curtis’s beautifully expressive illustrations is even more magical! My thanks to…Continue reading Bright spot

Spooooky books for kids

I LOVE Halloween! I’ve been reading spooky books all month (oh who am I kidding I read them all year) and I have a couple to recommend, organized by age group. Middle Grade: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden I may never see a scarecrow the same way again. Terrifically creepy with gorgeous writing, tangible settings,…Continue reading Spooooky books for kids

Big Chill 2019

It’s October already? Here in New Orleans, it still feels like August, temps in the 90s with 70-90% humidity. Good weather for staying inside, reading and writing. I did get away to Percy Quin State Park for a personal weekend writing retreat, where the mornings were in the 70s and the sunsets were glorious. Over…Continue reading Big Chill 2019