Wanna Write for Kids?

Then you need the best reference/guide/handbook/resource available. Yes, the 2012 Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market is out! Besides the indispensible sections about publishers and what they're looking for, CWIM also includes nuts-and-bolts info about genres, formats, submission, rights, and other basics of writing for kids. In addition, the book is stuffed with fascinating interviews with editors and writers as well as informative and inspiring articles. (And I'm not just saying that because I'm one of the contributors!) Get it on Amazon or at the Writer's Digest Shop!

Get your hands on this great new blog!

Now that school has started, I wanted to spread the word about a new blog called HANDS-ON-BOOKS. It's written by three award-winning writers of nonfiction for kids -- Mary Kay Carson, Kerrie Hollihan, and Brandon Marie Miller. These ladies have written some wonderful books -- and now they have a great blog about fun and educational science and social studies activities that could be used with or without their books. Recent posts include fascinating information about various subjects (Thomas Jefferson, writing process, tornadoes, etc.) and hands-on activities like making a barometer, roasting a marshmallow with a solar oven, and making paper. This is a helpful and practical blog for homeschoolers, school teachers, and parents!

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!

Is she here? Is she here?

Jackson has the most over-protective mother on the planet. He can't do anything without her hovering around! When she won't give him any freedom, he decides to take it. But is sneaking out to a party the right way to handle a stalker mom?

The humorous script described above is part of Stalker Mom and Other Plays, my collection of funny plays for teens available from Baker's Plays. Please check it out! Though BP is a traditional royalities-for-performances theatrical publisher, you can get single copies of the book here.

Also in the collection:

Sorry! Jessie struggles to run a club while coping with one member's sorry attitude

Girl in a Whirl Everyone takes advantage of Abbie, but she's too nice to stand up for herself.

The Grudge Laird thinks of himself as too easy-going to hold a grudge, but something's growing inside of him!

Thanks for your support!

Family Matters!

It certainly does! And Family Matters - Thirteen Short Stories, the new story collection from Pauline Books and Media, is all about families and how they matter to each other. Kids aged 8-12 will enjoy these fun-to-read stories, and teachers will appreciate the thought-provoking questions that follow each story. The book includes twelve stories by some fantastic kids' authors and one story of mine!

Ohioana!

The Ohioana Book Festival was fun! I talked to lots of nice people, met many of my fellow authors, and attended a lovely reception at the governor's mansion. Here are some photos!

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!