I had an amazing time in Anaheim, California, at the NCTE National Convention. I had the pleasure of being on two super-star-packed panels: "Book Banning and Erasure of the Whole Child" and "Underrepresented Authors on Diversity in STEM/STEAM Fiction and Nonfiction." It was a real treat to see old … [Read more...]
VCFA WCYA Alumnx Mini-Residency!
I had a fantastic time at the Vermont College of the Fine Arts' WCYA Alumnx Mini-Residency. I was honored to be the Guest Author at this four-day conference, and it was fun spending time with agents, editors, VCFA faculty, and alumni. We gave and listened to lectures, chatted about craft and the … [Read more...]
Boston Book Festival!
Perfect fall weather provided a lovely backdrop for the Boston Book Festival on October 29, 2022! I loved talking about verse novels and poetry with awesome authors Rebecca Caprara and Kip Wilson, and I got to reconnect with many other kidlit authors! … [Read more...]
The Adirondack Family Book Festival!
I had such a fabulous time at the first annual Adirondack Family Book Festival on August 20,2022! The festival happened at the John Brown Farm Historic Site in beautiful Lake Placid, NY where I got to participate in panels, sign books, and hang out with award-winning authors and illustrators: Kate … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Cape Cod Conference!
I had such a fantastic time as a faculty member at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency's Big Sur on Cape Cod conference! I got to spend time with friends and run two fabulous critique groups full of talented writers as well as enjoy the glorious Falmouth beach and sun! … [Read more...]
A Glorious Time at SCBWI Florida!
I was honored to be a faculty member at the SCBWI Florida Conference 2022! The theme was "Reunited, and It Feels So Good!" It certainly felt fantastic to hang out with writers, illustrators, and fellow faculty members, including: Teaching a Novel Intensive with agent Saritza Hernandez and … [Read more...]
My Webinar on Writing Picture Books with the Highlights Foundation!
I was honored to give a free webinar through the Highlights Foundation on writing picture books—a topic that is very near and dear to my heart! I hope to inspire both new and experienced picture book writers with my presentation, "So You Want to Write a Picture Book?" You can watch the whole … [Read more...]
School Visit at Indian Springs School!
I had the wonderful privilege of visiting with 150+ 4th and 5th graders at Indian Springs Elementary School in Columbus, OH! After an "assembly-style" large presentation and Q & A, I got to run two writing workshops with smaller groups of students! This school is filled with book … [Read more...]
“Leap Into Publishing” with SCBWI Central-South Ohio!
I was honored to be asked by SCBWI Central-South Ohio to be faculty for their day-long workshop, "Leap Into Publishing," at the Columbus Main Public Library on February 29, 2020! I was joined by my fantastic agent, Brent Taylor, and another client of his, L. Philips. Brent gave an informative … [Read more...]
Farewell 2019, Hello 2020!
Last year, I chose a theme word for 2019 using this word generator and got "savor," which felt perfect for me and my baking-themed debut novel. Here's what I said looking ahead to 2019: 2019 is going to be full of exciting moments, and I'm going to try to savor them, to slow down and revel a bit … [Read more...]
Picture Book Boot Camp with Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple at The Highlights Foundation!
I was absolutely overjoyed to attend the 7th (!) annual Picture Book Boot Camp with Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple! It took place at the always-welcoming, always-inspiring Highlights Foundation, where twenty-four lucky picture book authors got to learn from Jane and Heidi and from each other. We also … [Read more...]
LoonSong 2019
This September I returned for the second time to beautiful Elbow Lake Lodge in Cook, MN to gather with other writers for an incredible retreat called LoonSong. Created by Debby Dahl Edwardson, this retreat was nourishing for both the mind and spirit. The faculty this year included Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Mayhem on Cape Cod!
I went to Cape Cod for TWO fantastic MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM events in the same evening! First, I visited the picture-perfect Eight Cousins Books with fellow MG authors Susan Tan and Jennifer Blecher, where we had a lively discussion and played my new favorite game, "That's My Book!" where the lovely … [Read more...]
nErDCamp NC 2019!!
I had an absolutely fantastic time in Charlotte, NC at nErDCamp NC!! I loved connecting with educators and other authors alike, and learning from and participating in some fantastic discussions! … [Read more...]
nErDCamp SoCal!!
In the final leg of my summer west coast tour, I met up with incredible kids, educators and authors in Torrance, CA at the inaugural nErDCamp SoCal! On the first day, July 18, many authors did workshops with kids at Camp Nerdling! The second day was the nErDCamp, where authors and educators shared … [Read more...]