In 2012, I read 130 books. I also started a dozen or so that I gave up on. Here are my favourite fifteen of 2012. What are yours? In a random order: Not Much Just Chillin’: The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers Perlstein, Linda Seriously…I’m Kidding DeGeneres, Ellen Marcelo in the Real World Stork, Francisco [...]
I like this picture because I’m basking in the winter sunshine…a rare thing in these parts. It reminds me to live in the moment. You might not actually see me online much in the coming year. As far as I know, I don’t have a book coming out in 2013, so I’m not sure what [...]
Yes, it’s true. Santa brought me a rock. No, not a pet rock, a garlic rock. Carefully selected from the beach, this rock will sit in my kitchen, handy for pounding garlic. Thanks, Santa, you rock! As for Marley, she’s happy with the wrapping paper. Sophie? Did you get catnip in your stocking?
My husband’s childhood tree that his parents used to set up in his bedroom. And the lovely ornament my dear friend Alexa gave me in 2010. Happy Holidays to all!
…or possibly reading. Could be napping. But let’s go with “writer at work.”
Congratulations to my lovely friend, the wonderful writer, Eileen Cook on the release of her latest fabulous YA novel, The Almost Truth. I have read them all, and this is her best one yet, so make sure you get your copy ASAP. You’ll love it. And don’t just take my word for it, listen to [...]
When I was in Cincinnati last October for the Teen on the Same Page Festival which featured my first book, Restoring Harmony, we made some videos. I’m very excited to share them with you here. In addition to the web, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Libraries are making them available to teachers to share in the [...]
I’ve been offline for a month except for the occasional blog post (no Twitter/FB). But I decided to allow myself a splurge over American Thankgiving weekend and have been tweeting to all my writer pals that I’ve missed. Also, because I wanted to post some thank yous here! Thank you so much to Deb Marshall [...]
Even though I’m technically on a blogging break, it’s the weekend, and I wanted to share, so here I am. I just had to tell you some book related things that have made me happy lately. Last week, I started my Writer in Residency at the school. I was terribly excited to see so many of [...]
I’m still “gone writing” and staying dark in regards to the internet and social networking, and it’s great! However, I did want to share this link from one of the schools I visited in Ohio. Thanks for a great visit, Delhi Middle School!
I’m taking some time away from the distractions of the web and social media to clear my head like this room and hopefully let my new book take root. And then I intend to write it. I may be gone a few months, or it may be a year. Only time will tell (and the [...]
I learned today that it’s personal choice whether you spell it Cinci or Cincy. Two librarians told me, so I’m sure it’s factual! Check out my library event! Can you believe those hoards of teens showed up to hear me read and have me sign their books? Hahahahahaha! Just kidding! I arrived in Cincinnati last night [...]
I’m still enjoying my vacation, but I did want to share with you some exciting news, with more to follow, probably next week. Here’s this week’s though. I am thrilled to say that I will be returning to Portland’s premier literary festival, Wordstock, this October. Not only will I be doing a presentation/reading about my [...]
My new favourite book!
Last week, I finished up a new book. It took me about 11.5 months from conception to a nice, clean draft to give to my agent. All day yesterday, I kept trying to think of some sort of celebration that an accomplishment like that calls for and what I came up with is fried food. [...]
Sometime last year, an editor tweeted about an episode of This American Life. It was about middle school. I listened to the show and was immediately hooked on the program. I eagerly await the podcast each week, and consider it one of the highlights of my listening week. It’s an amazingly inventive, creative, entertaining program [...]
It’s my first attempt at a lattice topped pie. Not bad, thanks to Youtube! It’s a cherry rhubarb pie, super easy, super yummy and sugar-free! I used the honey version of this recipe. The crust is vegan, made with my own recipe and easy to work with, plus light and tasty. I used the leftover [...]
You have to write and create like it doesn’t matter. - Mark Pett, cartoonist From Sara Zarr’s podcast – This Creative Life
I don’t put all my friends’ birthdays on my blog, but my critique group members get special shouts out on their birthdays because without them, I’d be lost – both in writing, and in friendship – they are stars! And today is Alexa’s birthday. She has an excellent blog here, if you want to check [...]
Tonight, the last show will be played at The Roxy Theatre. To the world, it’s just a small, fifty-seat theatre, on a tiny island, in the middle of nowhere, but for islanders, it has been a hub of music, laughter, film, family, culture, live talks, performance art, romance, birthday parties, hockey finals, fundraising, and community [...]
Five years ago today, I packed up the rental car and drove from my parents’ house in Portland, OR to the Canadian border. When I got to the crossing, I went inside the little building and said, “I’m here to land.” Half an hour later, the border guard said, “Welcome to Canada.” and I was [...]
Those of you who know me, or follow this blog, know that one of my best friends, Kelly, died last August. Today, she would’ve been twenty-four, and while she’s always on my mind, on her birthday, she is with me stronger than ever. Without sharing too much personal information, I’ll just say Kelly died suddenly, [...]
I love a good series. Who doesn’t, really? Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace, Harry Potter, Ally Carter’s novels, Louise Rennison’s hilarious Georgia Nicolson’s books…. And I have always been intrigued by how a series is put together. Much has been made of J.K. Rowling knowing from the beginning exactly how all seven HP books played [...]
I loved camp as a kid. Frankly, I’d still go if they let me. By the time I was in high school, I was volunteering to wash dishes for two weeks each summer so I could earn a free week, and then my parents paid for a week, so I got to spend 28 blissful [...]
130! Joelle I don’t know how you do it. I thought 67 was pretty good.
I loved Liar and Spy too and I must read The Hero’s Guide and The MIseducation of Cameron Post.