Back to school, back to work

Happy September! Okay, I realize I'm two weeks late, but it took me a while to get all my kids settled into their respective schools and for it to feel like September was actually here. To me, September means back to work. Productive writing time. A fresh, clean start. I'm ready to sink my teeth into my work-in-progress. This fall I plan to finish my first draft of this novel, plus I've got some fun school visits lined up, and I'm continuing to facilitate the writing workshop at North Shore Writers Studio with Jenny Meyerhoff. All good things!

Oh, and here are two links from The Prairie Wind (SCBWI Illinois' e-newsletter):

This one is my latest Book Look Column. Ever struggle with first person, past tense? I examined Gary Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars to see how a master handles it.

And this is a fabulous column from Carol Grannick, the irrepressible writer. She writes about dealing with self-doubt and negative emotions and being open to surprises in hard times.

Here's to a productive fall!

Exciting News!

I'm so psyched! I just found out Tedd Arnold will be illustrating my picture book, The Yuckiest, Stinkiest Best Valentine's Day Ever!
I love Tedd Arnold. If you're not familiar with his work, he wrote and illustrated the Parts books, the Fly Guy books, and more. His artwork is wacky and sweet and loved by kids and adults alike.

How lucky am I??

This picture book journey of mine has been a lesson in patience, good things coming to those who wait, and the power of revision.
I wrote the first draft of this book when my twins were in 2nd grade. I revised it for five years. I sold it when they were in 7th grade. They're freshmen now. And they will be seniors in high school when it comes out! (And that's if everything goes according to plan.)
It's a crazy business, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!