Book Research and Batten Disease

by | Jun 30, 2014 | Blog, Writing

On both March 24 and April 26, 2014 I wrote about Batten disease, because it figures heavily in my WIP. I’m returning to it today as the release time for CRAZY fast approaches (Oct. 20), and I become increasingly aware that the proverbial second book is not...

A Review of A Kiss of Broken Glass

by | Jun 23, 2014 | Blog, Mental health, Writing

  Back in January I featured Madeleine Kuderick, using the who, what, where, when, why format to talk about her forthcoming YA novel, Kiss of Broken Glass (HarperTeen, Sept. 2014).  Since then I have had the privilege of reading the ARC on the OneFourKidLit tour, and...

YA FICTION: Are You Adult Enough to Read It?

by | Jun 9, 2014 | Blog, Writing

Congratulations to  Debbie Causevic, winner of the drawing for a signed copy of Jaye Robin Brown’s ARC, No Place to Fall.  Thanks to all who participated in this drawing.     My ARC (CRAZY) has been out less than a month, and I’m already bracing myself for the...

Featuring NO PLACE TO FALL and a giveaway!

by | Jun 2, 2014 | Blog, Writing

It’s been too long since I featured a fellow debut author, so I am excited to welcome Jaye Robin Brown today, to talk about her upcoming book,  No Place To Fall, being released by Harper Teen on December 9, 2014. LEAVE A COMMENT TO ENTER A DRAWING TO WIN AN ARC...

FIRST SCHOOL VISIT

by | May 26, 2014 | Blog, Mental health, Writing

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of giving my first school presentation at the John Crosland School, where some of my former students are now in upper school.  It was fun to see how those students have grown, both physically and academically, and to remember that...

A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY

by | May 19, 2014 | Blog, Uncategorized

On the Italian Riviera My husband and I just returned from three weeks in Italy, and while jet lag has disappeared, my night dreams and daydreams continue to be dominated by the magnificent art and architecture I have been exposed to.  I don’t usually do travelogues...

RADICAL INDIVIDUALISM

by | May 12, 2014 | Blog

I love to think about, read about, write about all types of people, especially those who are different.  I guess that’s why I wrote my debut book, CRAZY (I know, I know, why don’t I shut up about it already, right?).  Last week I talked about Cynthia...

A Book of Rules Worth Following

by | May 5, 2014 | Blog

I recently finished (devoured) Cynthia Lord’s award winning (Newbery Honor and Schneider Family Book Award, among others) Middle Grade book called RULES.  I loved this determined, mind-of-her-own protagonist, Catherine, who has been expected all of her young...

Running to Beat Batten Disease

by | Apr 28, 2014 | Blog

On Saturday, April 12, my regular walking buddy, Carol Baldwin, and I got up a little earlier than usual for our walk.  We got in the car for this one, and drove to Harris Road Middle School in Concord, where we were just in time to pick up and change into our blue...