The Crimson Five series

Beyond the Storybook Path

For a long time, I introduced myself simply as a writer. And I am one, an author of whimsical middle grade and young adult stories. But that has never been the whole story. Somewhere between writing novels, wandering through Disney, collecting vintage teacups, and chasing wonder-filled moments with my family, I realized something: I didn’t… Continue reading Beyond the Storybook Path

The Crimson Five series

The Story Effect at the Olympics

There’s nothing like cheering for a team. Just ask any global citizen who loves watching the Olympic Games! The worldwide event brings out the ultimate fan in all of us. Whether we’re watching an obscure sport or a marquis event, we hold our breath through every race, dive, jump, twist, and flip. We gasp at… Continue reading The Story Effect at the Olympics

The Crimson Five series

Downloads for Goal-Focused Kids

One of the things I love about writing is that it’s a form of self-expression. When we write, we can’t help but reveal parts of ourselves to our readers. Maybe it’s not an overt reveal. In the case of fiction, it’s usually a more subtle reveal. But still, it’s there. Authors include hidden messages in… Continue reading Downloads for Goal-Focused Kids

Reading Challenge, The Crimson Five series

The Challenge of a Reading Challenge

Have you ever set a reading goal? This year is the sixth time I’ve taken on a yearly reading challenge. Of those six years, I’ve successfully reached my goal only once. Yikes! Most of the years, I set it up in January on whim and hoped for the best. I kept track of the books… Continue reading The Challenge of a Reading Challenge

Publishing, The Crimson Five series, Writing Craft

Interview: Rochester Area Children’s Writers & Illustrators

The last time I checked in with you, I promised a few bookish updates and more creative team-building tasks. The last couple of weeks have been more of a whirlwind than I expected though so those posts aren't ready yet. In the meantime, I thought I'd share an interview I recently did for the Rochester… Continue reading Interview: Rochester Area Children’s Writers & Illustrators