Sketches

Today was one of those days as an author when you get a little present which makes you realize why you write. What was that present? The first sketches for the counting book arrived today and they are wonderful. Laura's critters are perfect - exactly how I imagined them to be! They have so much character and each is perfect for his/her role in the story. I am so thankful to be teamed with such a talented illustrator who shares the same vision as I do for our book.

I also began volunteering today in Mrs. Michaud's second grade class at Dike Newell School in Bath, ME. I will be helping during reading time twice a week. I want to stay in touch with children and with teachers to hopefully better understand how to write for both. It is quite amazing what they already know and yet are still so innocent in other ways. I believe I will be the one being educated!

I hope everyone is warm out there. After 18 inches of snow last weekend and a return to single digit temperatures coming this weekend, I think we are all ready to shed some layers and head for warmer places. But since that isn't possible, let's just enjoy the beautiful snowscapes, the birds at the feeders and the sea smoke rising over the river.

Don't forget to ask your favorite teacher about a school visit this spring - we still have some open dates.

Too Long!

Happy New Year! Well, this was definitely way too long between postings. I'm not sure where December went, but it was certainly busy with writing, quilting and family. January started with a bout of sickness, but I am now getting back on schedule.

I spoke on the phone with Laura Knorr, the illustrator for A Isn't for Fox and for the new book which we think will be released in about one year. We got to know each other a little bit and had fun discussing and deciding on the basic ideas for the new book. I have never had the opportunity to be part of the illutration process this early in a book's production. It was fun and very educational to learn the issues the illustrator must think about when conceiving a book's look. I can't wait to see the early sketches.

My new publicist, Audrey Mitnick, has been busy working on a signing at L.L. Bean's flagship store in Freeport. I will be there during school vacation week, on February 19th at 10:30 am. There will be authors in the store most days that week and many activities going on for the family. If you aren't jetting off to Florida, stop in for a visit.

I have been sending out manuscripts and have others in the hands of my reader/reviewers for comments. I am also doing research for a middle grade novel set during the Revolutionary War and working on a book to follow up the new one that is in production. There are not enough hours in the day - if I just didn't have to sleep!!!

There are still dates available for school visits. My fee is reasonable and can often be covered by the school's parent group. As spring begins to arrive, it is always good to break up the long routine of winter with a visiting author or other type of guest. Education comes in many forms and fashions, and visitors help keep the students engaged and interested.

Take care, be careful in the snow and enjoy the beauty of winter.

Portland and Jay

Despite the rain, we had a nice time at the Holiday Book Fair in Portland. It is always good to spend time with other writers, to compare notes and talk about our writing experiences. A Isn't for Fox was well received and will be under several trees on Christmas morning.

I just returned from spending the day with the third and fourth graders at Jay Elementary. It is a joy to visit in a school with great teachers and wonderful students. The kids asked great questions, were very observant and had a great time with our Lego activity. The children attending Jay Elementary are lucky students, indeed!

I find that the more I do school visits the more I love doing them. So it is hard hearing that budgets are already frozen for the year and that there are more cuts coming from the state. This means no more new books for the library and in some cases, no more librarians. Please consider volunteering at your child's or grandchild's school or asking if there is anything you can do to help a classroom.
Our children's education is too important to ignore - adopt a classroom, you'll get as much out of it as the kids.

Have a great Holiday Season.

Holiday Book Fair and Back to Jay

The winter wind is blowing outside, holiday baking has just come out of the oven and homemade gifts are in progress. It is a busy season, but one of my favorites. This Friday, November 28th, I am excited to be part of the Holiday Book Fair and Signing at the Portland Public Library. This annual event is sponsored by Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and features over 20 authors on hand to sign your holiday gift book purchases. There is no better gift for a child than a book and one personalized just for them makes that gift even more precious. The signing event runs from 3 - 5 pm and then you can join the crowd in Monument Square for music by Rick Charette and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. This is a great way to begin the holiday season with your family.

On Monday, December 1st, I am pleased to be returning to Jay Elementary School to work with the 3rd and 4th grades. I had a great visit there in early November with the younger students and I am eager to work now with the older ones. Let's hope the weather cooperates!

I had two turtles with purple bow ties waiting for me when I returned home yesterday. I am so happy to have a piece of the original art work from A Isn't for Fox and can't wait to have it framed and hung on the wall. Thanks, Laura!

Hope to see you in Portland - Happy Thanksgiving!

Jay Elementary School

A big thank you to Shannon Cuthbertson, second grade teacher at Jay Elementary, for a well organized school visit. The students - Pre K to 2nd grade - were very well mannered and asked wonderful questions. I always enjoy learning new names when I am at schools or doing signings. You never know when one of those names will be the perfect name for a book character. Some names from Jay: Camden, Kamden, Evony and Lyric.Thanks for a great day!

I had forgotten the beautiful lakes and hills in that part of Maine. I used to make regular trips to Farmington - for four years,actually - and it was refreshing to come 'round a bend and be suddenly surrounded by a beautiful lake or see tree covered
hills in the distance. It is another beautiful part of Maine.

We were happy to learn that Laura Knorr - illustrator for "Isn't" - will be the illustrator for the counting book. Yipee! This makes me very, very happy!!!

Remember, "A Isn't for Fox" is a great holiday gift for any young child. If you are close to Bath, Maine, bring your copy to Mariner's Compass Quilt Shop and get it personalized and signed. The Bath Book Shoppe carries it and any book store can order it.

Remember to read and write a bit each day!

Fun in NH, Off to Augusta

I had a beautiful day to drive to Manchester on Saturday - the leaves were fabulous! What fun to arrive at B&N to a reserved parking space - made me laugh - great cookies and lemonade. The author's panel was very interesting and I learned much about how other books are used in schools. A big thank you to Karen Creed whose hard work in preparing the event was quite evident and appreciated.

This Friday(10/17) I will be at the Barnes and Noble in Augusta. I will be there from 5 - 7pm, signing books and reading during the 6pm pajama storytime. No, I'm not wearing my PJs. If you are in the area, come and join us for some fun. The folks at B&N Augusta are great.

Read and write a bit each day.

Manchester, NH

This Saturday (10/11) I will be joining three other authors for a celebration of educators at the Barnes and Noble in Manchester, NH. There will be an author panel presentation from 1-3pm, with each author sharing their book and demonstrating its use in the classroom. Following the panel presentation there will be a meet and greet with the authors as well as book signing opportunities. If you are a New Hampshire educator, please come join us for a fun afternoon filled with useful information and great deals for educators. Hope to see you there!