The trick to long-lasting success: Go slow to go fast
Schwipp schwipp schwipp schwipp schwipp bang! That seems to be all I hear in the early mornings anymore. Either that or talk about solving times, brands of cubes, or Max Park’s new 3x3x3 record of 3.13 seconds. I have a son who is currently obsessed with Rubik’s...
Collecting ideas part 2: Cultivating what’s inside you
Part of collecting ideas includes not just searching outside yourself but also searching inside. I suppose this could also be a step in the process of developing ideas. We all have unique experiences and backgrounds that have shaped us into unique people....
History, friends, and an inspiring show on longevity
Here are five things worth sharing this week: 1. Reading: I recently finished Freewater, by Amina Luqman-Dawson, a historical middle grade novel about a boy, his sister, and the free community they find after running away from Southerland Plantation, where they work...
The hope we find in humor
On my journey to becoming a novelist, I spent a large chunk of time writing humor essays on parenting for online publications like Huff Post, Yahoo Parenting, and Babble. I loved writing those essays and continued doing so even after Babble disappeared, Yahoo...
Where do you get your ideas? Part 1
Ideas are all around us. The problem is, sometimes we’re so focused on other things, our eyes fixed on just about everything else, that we miss them. When I visit schools or I do author panels or interviews, I’m frequently asked where I get my ideas. My answer is...
Delightful young adult reads, a sweet MG and interview television
Here are five things worth sharing this month: 1. Reading: I recently finished the middle grade historical novel, Brother’s Keeper, by Julie Lee. It’s about two North Korean kids who flee their part of the country for Busan in South Korea to escape the war...
How to be your magnificent self
Be your magnificent self. That’s the tagline I chose for my newest middle grade book, The First Magnificent Summer, which releases this month. Be your magnificent self. It’s a great message, isn’t it? Especially for kids. I hope every kid in the universe knows...
How many drafts do you need to write a story?
One of the most frequent questions I get from young writers and even seasoned writers is: How many drafts do you need to write a story? I have a super helpful answer: It depends. Let me explain. Some of my books only took four or so drafts. (Even saying “only four”...
Funny MG, immersive YA, and Ted Lasso
Here are six things worth sharing this week: 1. Reading: Have you read Rob Harrell’s book, Wink? It’s SO GOOD! Harrell is the author of the Life of Zarf series, which I have not read. But I picked up his book, Wink, because someone mentioned it to me as a great...
Think you have to be a loud leader? Think again
When I was a kid, I enjoyed being a leader. What that meant at the time was that teachers looked to me to be an example for other students. Friends came to me for advice, because they (mistakenly) believed I had some inner wisdom they didn’t have (I had strong...
