Animal Magic

Here’s an author who takes the reality of animal magic and weaves it into unforgettable tales.

I admire the stories of award-winning outdoor adventure author Gary Paulsen. He’s a highly honored writer of contemporary literature for young readers—and always a go-to author when looking for titles to get boys to enjoy reading.

A […]

April 12th, 2016 | Tags: , , , | Category: Recommended Books, Value of Reading | Comments are closed

Creepy and Scary

I’ve been sharing ways authors effectively create suspense—ways to keep you turning the pages of their stories. Today I bring you creepy and scary.

I’m usually not at all a fan of scary stories. I mean it. I refuse to watch scary movies, not just near bedtime, but anytime. My imagination takes scary images and […]

March 21st, 2016 | Tags: , , , | Category: Recommended Books, Value of Reading | Comments are closed

Fanciful and Fantastic

Fanciful and Fantastic!

Coming February 26, 2016

Yet another set of descriptors for ways authors engage and hold readers’ attention: fanciful and fantastic.

I’d like to think those words can be applied to my books, at least now and again. You will likely find the Joy Jumbles in Becoming Piper […]

February 15th, 2016 | Category: Recommended Books, Uncategorized, Value of Reading | Comments are closed

Weirdos Unite

In saying weirdos unite, I’m pointing out that when we become friends with another outsider, those parts of ourselves that are ostracized, can become a source of bonding.

One of the strong themes in my books is friendship and its transformational power. Friendship adds to an individual’s life in at least two […]

February 2nd, 2016 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Recommended Books, Value of Reading | Comments are closed

Connection and Conflict

I’ve been exploring the different ways authors create suspense; ways they grab a reader’s attention and hold it throughout the telling of their tale. So far I’ve brought you examples of action and adventure, mystique and intrigue—today I’ve got a beautiful example of connection and conflict.

In this case, connection and conflict […]

January 26th, 2016 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Recommended Books, Value of Reading | Comments are closed

A Tribute to Readers

Thanksgiving…

is nearly upon us—I love this holiday promoting mindful gratitude. One of the things I’m most grateful for this year is YOU. Today’s newsletter is a tribute to readers.

Of course you know that writers could not fully be writers without readers, but I want you to really soak that in. As […]

November 24th, 2015 | Tags: , , , | Category: Author Appearances, Value of Reading | 4 comments - (Comments are closed)
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