Because I often get new ideas when I'm supposed to be committed to one WIP, I use the following process to 'capture' new ideas, establish some kind of file, and have something to start with when I pick up the project. 1. For each new project I start a notebook - usually just a simple 72-page Hilroy exercise book.    This is where I record plot notes, reference materials, passing ideas,

A Victorian-era street from Spitalfields LifeIf a plot is, as someone said, `Just one thing after another,` research could be defined as following one lead that leads to the next that leads to the next... Here's a list of a few of the books and websites I've been immersed in lately as I explore Victorian-era London. You can probably deduce from this list that it's working class and poor

The mudlark, generally restricted to Australia and New Zealand It never fails that when I'm working on one story (right now a YA historical novel called THE ROUGH DRESS) I get ideas for another. So I thought that it might be interesting to use my blog as a way to record the process, and pin some of the thoughts and ideas on the page without/before actually committing to writing what might become

To launch my newsletter, I offered a contest in which anyone who commented on the first issue would have their name entered for a book prize. And dozens of entries later, the winners are: Madison Garbish, who wins a copy of SILVER RAIN. Anne McDowell who wins a copy of THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES McGRAW for her two sons. Peyton Lohnes who also wins a copy of THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES McGRAW And for

Perhaps because of my ten-year+ experience in fundraising, I'm often asked for advice on how to market/fund production of cause-related books. These are books, often on medical topics, that are designed to help children understand and cope with new situations in their lives - diabetes, autism, hospital visits, loss of a family member or pet...And many people wanting to produce these books

I enjoyed a whistle stop visit to Jessie Lee Elementary School in Surrey today to deliver a load of books donated by Vancouver-area writer Julie Burtinshaw. These were titles on the longlist of the Red Cedar Awards, of which she is a judge, and she was looking for a good home for them after her judging duties were over.I didn't have time to stop and visit with librarian Dawne Murray. When I

School and Library visits, Part OneThe end of the school year is as good a time as any to review what I have learned over the past two+ years of author visits (and 30 years of storytelling, library programs and school tours.)Here are a few things that have worked for me, followed by a few additional resources for those just getting into it.Develop an idea of the central intent of

And what better day to blog, after not having done so for too long. The world of children's books changed for me in 2007 when I started writing them. But I grew up in a family where books were important, was read to from a very early age, and found refuge in them in my years at boarding school.Later I started working in libraries (Battersea Park Library, London, England in the late-60s, and

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I was thrilled today to learn that my first book MEETING MISS 405 is included on the Canadian Children's Book Centre's list of recommended books to celebrate Family Literacy Day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------....which gets me thinking

It's been a long few months of very little reading, not enough writing, and too much work.And with a move pending, things won't change for a while. But the to-read pile beside my bed (the only place I read these days) is slowly diminishing, and here are a few of what I've been dipping into lately.By Nightfall by Michael CunninghamI admit to being baffled by this one. I loved The Hours, but this

Christmas ContestIf you'd like to win a copy of the limited edition A STAR IN THE WATER - the sequel to MEETING MISS 405 - or SILVER RAIN, it's as easy as 1-2-3.1. Send me an email to [email protected]. Tell me which book you'd hope to receive. Include your mailing address so I can send you the book if your name is drawn as the winner.3. Hit Send and keep your fingers crossed.To hedge

To use a totally inappropritae metaphor, SILVER RAIN was launched yesterday on a tide of good wishes from friends, work colleagues, writing peers, readers, longstanding friends and new and walk-in vistors. Now we'll see how well the winds carry it from booksellers' hands to readers.The lovely venue of the White Rock Arthur Murray Dance studio awaits the audience.Grant O'Kane was very generous in

View of The Needles from Tennyson Down headland, Isle of Wight (IOW) The south coast between Freshwater and Ventnor 68 miles of coastal paths, more than 500 public footpaths all over the 150+-square mile Island - a walker's paradise.Life, work, travels, family.... how they do cut into the time a person could spend blogging.Very busy times right now with final edits on my spring 2011 book (BEYOND

Suitcases feature in my novel SILVER RAIN. Who knows if Father took one when he left the family. But Elsie sees mother pack hers and is deeply suspicious of what goes inside it. And she and Scoop carry Mother's suitcase and Uncle Dannell's duffel home as the story ends.

So when I went looking for something to carry books and notebooks and bandannas and bookmarks and jacks, etc. in for school and library visits, I went looking for a suitcase.



Not sure of the era of the one I did find, but it met several criteria. It is leather covered. It has intact handles and clasps that work. And it doesn't smell.



So I brought it home and fixed it up with a facsimile luggage label with my name, etc., copies of the covers of my three kids' books - with SILVER RAIN taking up much of the lid - and a smattering of dimes.

I filled it with books, bookmarks, little cowboy notebooks (KNUCKLES), bandannas (KNUCKLES), jacks (SILVER RAIN). All I need now are a few rolls of gum drops, a calligraphy pad and some pens (MEETING MISS 405) and I'm all set for a visit to a summer day camp program tomorrow, and other school and library visits.