There's nothing like....

....getting your author copies! It's so exciting to see Tackling Tough Topics with Faith and Fiction in print. Thanks so much to everybody at Pauline Books and Media for making it happen!

Coming Soon!

My new book, Tackling Tough Topics with Faith and Fiction will be out soon! I wrote this resource for teachers, catechists, parents, homeschoolers, and anybody else who wants help talking about difficult topics with kids 11 to 14 years old. Each chapter uses a reproducible story, discussion questions, activities, scripture references, and other material to show the value of faith in difficult times and sensitive situations. The topics covered are: pornography, cyberbullying modesty, family, body image, materialism, dishonesty, substance abuse,stress to overachieve, and depression. More news later!

Blog Hop!

 

Last week my writer friend Peggy Archer invited me to participate in a blog hop interview. She sent me some interview questions to answer (see below). Then I'm supposed to tag three other writers to answer questions, too. Check out Peggy's answers to the questions on her blog, posted  July 2. Feel free to leave her a comment, and tell her I sent you!

Here are my answers:

What are you working on right now?

I'm finishing up Tackling Tough Topics with Faith and Fiction, a unique resource book for adults who work with young teens. The book is designed to help teachers and parents introduce sensitive topics and guide kids in using their faith when facing tough challenges. (The topics really are tough to talk about: pornography, modesty, substance abuse, cyberbullying, materialism, dishonesty, etc.) Each chapter includes a relatable story about the topic as well as helpful material like background information, a suggested activity, discussion questions, and scripture references. Pauline Books and Media will be releasing the book next spring. 

Why do you write what you do?

I was a teacher for many years, and I look at writing for kids as another way to teach. I particularly like writing fiction because it doesn't just tell young readers what they should do. Stories draw kids in and show them how to apply values to "real life."

How does your writing process work?

Very slowly! I decide where I'm going – what the main character's journey is – but it takes me a good while and a lot of rewriting to figure out how he/she is getting there.

What is the hardest part about writing?

Rewriting and rewriting and rewriting on and on and on until the story is the best I can make it. (See above.) If I'm not sick of a story, then I haven't worked on it enough! It's tough, but when a story is finished…aah! What a great feeling!
Thanks for the tag, Peggy! Check out Peggy's answers on her blog.
Now I'm tagging the following three children's authors. Be sure to check out their blog posts on these dates:
Posting on Monday, July 15: Virginia Wright
Posting on Wednesday, July 17: Donna Shepherd
Posting on Friday, July 19: Sherry Ellis

Goodness Graces!

Here's a new review of my book Goodness Graces - Ten Short Stories about the Sacraments:

A Sacrament Book That Kids Can Relate To

By

Sherry Ellis

Goodness Graces is a collection of short stories that takes a look at the sacraments in a way that's relevant to kids. Read more....

Thanks, Sherry!

Catholic Mom Interview

Many thanks to Lisa Hendey for interviewing me for her wonderful blog -- Catholic Mom. Read the interview here. And be sure to check out the rest of Lisa's blog, too. You'll find all kinds of inspiring and interesting posts!

Great New Blog!

The kids' team at my publisher, Pauline Books and Media, has launched a great new blog for parents and teachers. They're posting ideas for using their books with kids as well as reflections, behind-the-scenes information, and more! Check it out and look for activities you can use with my book The Stepping Stones Comic Collection!

Ohioana News

The Stepping Stones Journals will be my featured book at the Ohioana Book Festival on Saturday, May 7, in Columbus, Ohio. SSJ, an easy-to-read middle grade novel written in journal form, tells the story of four friends dealing with the ups and downs of life. Find out more about the book at Pauline Books and Media -- or stop by my table at Ohiana!

My Book by the Banks

My featured book at the Books by the Banks Book Festival is Stepping Stones - The Comic Collection from Pauline Books and Media. This comic book treasury contains the complete “Stepping Stones” series which originally appeared in My Friend: the Catholic Magazine for Kids. Readers can join in the adventures of Denver, Chantal, Suki, and Alberto as they journey, step by step, along the path toward God. The friends deal with everyday concerns such as peer pressure, bullying, community service projects, family relationships, and more. It's a fun read -- and the artwork by Chris Sabatino is great!

RBTE

Here are some pictures of my visit to the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit. I had a wonderful time meeting the Pauline sisters, visiting the various displays, and signing books! That's a big stack of The Stepping Stones Journals on the table, my latest book from www.pauline.org.

Click here to view these pictures larger

It's here!

I just got my copies of The Stepping Stones Journals, and they look great! Chris Sabatino did a fantastic job on the cover! This book is a novel in journal form that's about the kids from the Stepping Stones comics. I'll post more on this later, but for now you can go to the Pauline website for information.

New on the Web

This has been a fun week for me thanks to Pauline Books and Media, the publisher of several of my books. First, an interview with me was posted on their website. I had a great time talking to Sister Christine about writing for kids, and it's exciting to see the interview in print. You can check it out here.

Next, a video about one of my books appeared on Pauline's youtube page. How cool is that? It's cute, colorful, and peppy! (Thanks, Sally!) View the video here.

Happy holidays, everyone, and thanks for all your support!