Front Paige Media Book Fair, Raleigh, NC Not every week was as exciting as this past week, but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what happens after you publish a book. (Hint: It's called doing your best to share your book with the world). On Saturday, March 2, a room at the Raleigh… Continue reading An Extraordinary Week in the Life of a YA Author
It's been a busy two weeks for me. My first school visit was to the 6-8th grade students at Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Texas. I tried out my new school presentation, Welcome to My World, that combines how I researched and wrote Half-Truths with fun writing activities -- and it was a blast!… Continue reading Celebrating School Visits and Literary Awards
Margriet Ruurs was the author expert in the recent issue of Talking Story on "Libraries Without Walls." She has published a plethora of nonfiction picture books so I decided to ask her a few more questions. Here are her answers as well as a chance to win one of her award-winning books, My School in the… Continue reading A CONVERSATION WITH MARGRIET RUURS and a GIVEAWAY
For over ten years Jean Matthew Hall and I have encouraged each other as writers. I was delighted when she received her first publishing contract for Bountiful Blessings Series with Little Lamb Books. I hope you take a minute to read my review of her first book in the series, The Blessings of Fall. Jean's words are… Continue reading Life as a Published Author: A Guest Post by Jean Hall
As promised last week, here is the follow-up interview with Bonnie Doerr, author of three eco-novels for middle grade students. CAROL: When you wrote Island Sting, did you have any idea that there would be two more books? BONNIE: Island Sting is a rework of Kenzie’s Key. The publisher of Kenzie's Key went out of… Continue reading Bonnie Doerr: On Book Series, School Visits, and Story Lines
For many authors getting inside schools feels as difficult as finding an agent or publisher. But according to Alan Gratz, an award-winning North Carolina author, it is not only possible, but it’s a great way to build buzz and sell your book. Alan Gratz at Hillcrest Middle School Greenville, SC 2015 One of the best… Continue reading How to Get Your Foot Inside of Schools and What to Do Once You’re There: Tips from Alan Gratz
If you are an author who is available for school visits, check out Author Visits by State written by Kim Norman. On the other hand, if you are a school administrator and want a "real, live" author to inspire your students, this is a handy tool to find those of us who love teaching young… Continue reading Author Visits by State