The wonderful thing about being part of a critique group is the chance to grow with other writers. I’ve enjoyed working with many critique partners over the years, and though some of us are scattered across the United States and only meet face to face on ZOOM, several have become my very dear friends. EachContinue reading “An Author Celebration!”
Tag Archives: books
Fall Writing Frenzy
Every year, my critique partners and I look forward to participating in the annual Fall Writing Frenzy contest hosted by literary agent Kaitlyn Sanchez and author Lydia Lukidis. This year, the guest judge will be writer-illustrator Aixa Perez-Prado. Between October 1 and 3, writers are to submit a 200-word (or less) Fall-themed story for childrenContinue reading “Fall Writing Frenzy”
Simple Yet Profound
You would think that having 30 or so days each month would make it easy to come up with topics to write about for this blog. But that is often not the case for me. As a friend of mine once said, “Sometimes life gets too Lifey.” In other words, we get so busy inContinue reading “Simple Yet Profound”
Writing Contests: A Rite of Spring for Children’s Authors
So many of my blog posts revolve around the inspiration I get from family, childhood memories, and my time in nature. These are the things that motivate me to write children’s books. But I am also greatly encouraged by all those wonderful people who have been in the same difficult writing trenches and have climbedContinue reading “Writing Contests: A Rite of Spring for Children’s Authors”
Finding Hope in Hard Times
Illness, home repairs, and despair over America’s current political antics descended on me like a heavy grey cloud this month. So, I missed the boat in posting a Valentine’s Day-related essay. Thankfully, I’m back in writing mode now, and the slightly longer days of sunlight and the first spring songs of birds have had aContinue reading “Finding Hope in Hard Times”
A Year of Firsts
One year ago, on January 15th, during a nasty winter storm, my sweet little grandson, Owen, came into the world. I remember the anxiety I felt because, for days, heavy snow and ice were forecast. My daughter and her husband lived in the country and had a 30-minute drive to the hospital for the baby’sContinue reading “A Year of Firsts”
Without Words
I had just been looking at photos of my beautiful grandchildren on the Frameo that my daughter and son-in-law gave us for Christmas a couple of years ago. It’s a bittersweet gift for which I’m grateful. Sweet –because I love having photos to glance at every day, making me feel like my family is near. Continue reading “Without Words”
My Favorite Time of Year
Autumn has always been my very favorite time of year. The colorful foliage and cooler temperatures energize me and stimulate my creative impulses. Over the last four years, I’ve particularly enjoyed participating in some fall writing contests for children’s picture book authors. One is the Fall Writing Frenzy Contest hosted by author Lydia Lukidis andContinue reading “My Favorite Time of Year”
From the Mouths of Babes
This month, I had the great pleasure of attending my first SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference. It was a regional meeting for the Midwest held in Davenport, Iowa – a 3-day affair featuring presentations by outstanding published children’s authors, literary agents, and publishers. Attending all the informative sessions made me feelContinue reading “From the Mouths of Babes”
Little Seeds Read 