Last year, I received this birthday card from my special friend and writing buddy, Linda Phillips: Friends as Blessings Writers know that the road to publication is long. Along the way we connect with fellow writers who encourage us to persevere as we draft, revise, and seek publication. Linda's stedfast encouragement, prayers, and wisdom are… Continue reading Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings
Now that I have published my first YA novel, my friends (and my brother!) ask me this question. Of course, it's very subjective. Every writer's definition will vary. Some might think it's numbers of books sold, or the amount of money earned. Others might say it's getting an agent or publishing with one of the… Continue reading How Does a Writer Define Success?
Every author can't wait until they can reveal the cover of their forthcoming book. In the past, I have shared several of my friends covers: Linda Phillips' new cover for CRAZY, Stacey Bartlett's FREE SINGS THE SEA, and Vivian Elbee's I WANT MY BOOK BACK to name just three. NOW, IT'S MY TURN But first,… Continue reading YOU CAN SEE IT HERE FIRST!
Kathleen Burkinshaw is not only a dear friend of mine, but no stranger to this blog. I've shared her story of writing and publishing her debut middle grade historical novel in three different blogs: I interviewed her about how the book was built on her mother's experience in Hiroshima, reviewed the book, and then checked in… Continue reading THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM–Big News from Kathleen Burkinshaw and an Audiobook Giveaway!
Like me, you might never have heard of Rare Disease Day. The following three authors have intimate acquaintance with rare diseases. Giveaway details below. Linda Phillips Linda Phillips Skyping with a class in International School of Nanshan Shenzhen, P.R. China (Hong Kong) Linda is no stranger to my blog. Here is her story: My involvement with rare disease began during my teaching… Continue reading Rare Disease Day and SIX Giveaways!
Today I have a special post as part of the Writers Persevere event that authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are running for the next few days to celebrate their newest book, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Psychological Trauma. This book looks at the difficult experiences embedded in our character’s backstory which… Continue reading The Emotional Wound Thesaurus + Three Stories of Perseverance
Congratulations to Connie Saunders who won Sheri Levy's Starting Over ARC. ******** Teresa Fannin and Bonnie Adamson, the SCBWI-Carolinas Regional Advisors, co-ordinated another great annual conference. For those of you who were unable to attend, here are some of my takeaways: From two time Newberry Honor award winner Gary Schmidt's breakout session on Narrator and POV: Make… Continue reading TAKEAWAYS from SCBWI-CAROLINAS 2017
Congratulations to Linda Andersen for winning Kathy Wiechman's ARC of NOT ON FIFTH STREET. ****** It is my pleasure to host Kathleen Burkinshaw on her TLCB Blooming Anniversary Tour. What has life been like for you since The Last Cherry Blossom was published? This past year has had wonderful, surreal moments as well as frenzied,… Continue reading Life After Publication: A Conversation with Kathleen Burkinshaw and a Great Giveaway!
Next week I'll return to my posts on Highlights Summer Camp, but today I wanted to share an intriguing marketing initiative. You may have seen #MGGetsReal floating around the Internet this past month. And you may know that it involves five dynamite middle grade authors: Shannon Wiersbitzky, Shannon Hitchcock, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, Kathleen Burkinshaw, and Kerry… Continue reading #MGGetsReal: Behind the Scenes with Joyce Hostetter
As many of you know, I love sharing my fellow writers' good news. Here is an interview with Kathleen Burkinshaw, author of the debut middle grade historical novel, The Last Cherry Blossom. Next week I will post my review. I hope this will get your interest aroused and you'll leave a comment to win my ARC! *********… Continue reading Meet Kathleen Burkinshaw–Debut Middle Grade Author