What Are You Reading This Summer?

I love summer. It is an excuse to read in the sun. It is an excuse to read for fun more often than I normally would. I like reading books with summer themes, beaches, rivers, lakes. Anything with water. Anything Southern (makes me think of when we've traveled to southern states where our families are from).

One of my favorite authors to read in the summer is Gary Paulson. He had me hook, line, and sinker in Hatchet.

Enjoy the vacations, everyone!

Another Reader Entered the World

Yes, even babies will one day be readers of those wonderful pictures books my friends write and publish.

Our grandson was born on June 23, 2008, a strapping big boy. We are praising God that he is in good health and can hardly wait to see him in two weeks.

What? Can't this Nana gloat?

On Life & Children

Today, we await the birth of our twelfth grand baby. Twelve! In the future I hope to sit around my twelve grandchildren and read to them one of my favorite picture books. My own little audience of ears. I would feel like queen of the Nana's.

They won't care that I've published articles and short stories, or that I haven't gotten that first book contract. All they'll care about is the story, and if I implement that storyteller's voice to make it a perfect read.

Here's to new grand babies on this day all over the world.

Healing is Like a Tumbleweed Ride

I've been thinking about the healing process after losing a loved one. One day you're doing okay, maybe even great. The next thing you know, you feel you're having a panic attack all day long.

Healing is like a tumbling tumbleweed ride. First you're on the ground and then your rolling. Once on top you can breathe again. Only problem is, eating dirt is the longest part.

A New Favorite Book

Tear Soup: A Recipe For Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen and illustrated by Taylor Bills has, as of today, become my favorite picture book. I highly recommend this book for all ages in helping to deal with disappointment, loss, and/or death.

Handled delicately and creatively, this story tugged at my heart from beginning to end. Having lost loved ones, I found myself nodding at nearly every page. The authors understand loss and grieving.

Stories You'd Like To Read

Anyone want to talk about topics of books they'd like to see written for the YA or MG audience? I'm 'little peepers with big ears' (as the adults used to say about me and my eavesdropping) and willing to hear about what stories interest you.

Introducing . . .

As a writer, I hope to make a difference in the world. To make new acquaintances and new friends, and to hang on to the ones I have now.

I've worked on my current manuscript for a novel for over ten years. For a year, I've gotten nibbles of interest from editors and agents. Currently, the full manuscript is out to an agent. I'm crossing my fingers and toes the agent will love it.

My story is about a twelve-year-old girl who struggles with home life and life in general when her mother suffers with depression after childbirth. How will the young girl handle changes? Or will she? Will she run, or dig in her heels and help? That's what propels this story from page one.

My published clips for children and adults are forthcoming on another day.