I am not really breaking up with writing, but taking a short break for the month of August. It is no secret that writing is hard work and writers need and should take a break. Every writer needs time to rest, relax and regroup. I am calling it my summer writing break. Burnout When you’re … Read more
Let’s be honest, picture book critiques are hard. Whether you are giving the critique or receiving a critique. Over the last few years I have participated in several critique groups. Some groups were a good match and others, not so much. The critiques however, were always respectful and useful. I have just joined a new … Read more
April 10th is Encourage a Young Writer Day. This national event gives teachers and parents an opportunity to support young writers to use their ideas to create a story. Most children are natural storytellers. Their imagination and creativity allows them to come up with some of the best stories. Reading cultivates imagination, vocabulary, and basic writing skills. … Read more
Writing coaches help individuals improve their writing skills and achieve their writing goals by providing guidance, feedback, and accountability throughout the writing process. I recently hired a writing coach to help me with a chapter book I am writing. Her knowledge and expertise was extremely helpful and my story is so much stronger thanks to her … Read more
National Storytelling Week (February 1-9, 2025) is an annual event that celebrates the art of storytelling. I come from a long line of storytellers. For as long as I can remember, my Irish grandmother would share stories about her childhood. One of my favorite stories was about her “bellyflopping” in the snow on Halloween! I loved listening … Read more
Reviewing 2024 is an opportunity for this author to look back at her writing life for the past year. A look back at what I have accomplished, big or small, helps me to plan next steps for the new year. It is important to focus on the positives – what you were able to do … Read more
November is for writing and it is not too late to start. Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer. But you have been thinking about giving writing a try. Here’s the good news. You do not need a college degree to be a writer and author. What you do need is to write. … Read more
November 15th is I Love to Write Day and I love to write. It is a day for people of all ages spend time writing. You can write a poem, a love letter, a greeting card, an essay, a short story, start a novel, finish a novel … the possibilities are endless. John Riddle, started … Read more
One of my author friends, recently shared she has an author coach to help her with her books. I mistakenly thought an author coach was the same as a writing coach. But there are slight differences. Which coaching is right for you? Author or Writing? Only you can decide. Author Coach An Author Coach coaches you through … Read more
As a former teacher, I believe that there is a lesson in most things. The lessons I have learned from writing Gertie Saves the Day and Two Wins for Wiley could fill a notebook or two. It has been just over two years now since my books were published. My life changed for the better and I … Read more
