Elizabeth Atkinson's Blog, page 5
August 25, 2016
If I didn’t live here…
If I didn’t live here in New England, I know exactly where my husband and I would have settled with our kids.
More than three decades ago, after graduating from the same college, my boyfriend moved to one of his favorite places on earth – a charming corner of the world where he spent summer vacations with his paternal grandparents, and where his older brother had put down roots.
About a year later, he convinced me to join him… and I’m so glad I did.
It’s true what they say about Minnesotans – they are kind and gentle people. And that sweet nature is reflected everywhere: from their beautiful, lush neighborhoods to the friendly corner shops to the patient way they drive. (They actually stop for pedestrians and say hello to strangers!)
After 5 wonderful years out there, we were now married with our first child on the way, and I was terribly homesick… so we moved back to the East Coast where we’ve lived (more or less) for the past 30 years. But I’ve never stopped thinking about Minnesota, and what life might have been like had we stayed.
This past weekend our oldest nephew married his college sweetheart in Minnesota
All the cousins — who flew in from New York, Maine, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, and North Carolina — had a blast together! And, of course, we had to take our two kids down memory lane…
To our first home where they almost grew up,
To the lakes where they would have swam,
To the Mississippi River where they could have kayaked,
To the parks where they might have biked,
To the city where they would have lived and grown and flourished.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s more than a coincidence that the publisher of 3 of my 4 novels is headquartered in Minnesota… It was great to catch up with my editor, Amy Fitzgerald, in person at Lerner Books!
I love my New England life, and wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else… but a big piece of my heart will always be in L’Étoile du Nord — the Star of the North — my home away from home.
So where would YOU live if you didn’t live where you live now?
More than three decades ago, after graduating from the same college, my boyfriend moved to one of his favorite places on earth – a charming corner of the world where he spent summer vacations with his paternal grandparents, and where his older brother had put down roots.
About a year later, he convinced me to join him… and I’m so glad I did.
It’s true what they say about Minnesotans – they are kind and gentle people. And that sweet nature is reflected everywhere: from their beautiful, lush neighborhoods to the friendly corner shops to the patient way they drive. (They actually stop for pedestrians and say hello to strangers!)
After 5 wonderful years out there, we were now married with our first child on the way, and I was terribly homesick… so we moved back to the East Coast where we’ve lived (more or less) for the past 30 years. But I’ve never stopped thinking about Minnesota, and what life might have been like had we stayed.
This past weekend our oldest nephew married his college sweetheart in Minnesota
All the cousins — who flew in from New York, Maine, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, and North Carolina — had a blast together! And, of course, we had to take our two kids down memory lane…To our first home where they almost grew up,
To the lakes where they would have swam,
To the Mississippi River where they could have kayaked,
To the parks where they might have biked,
To the city where they would have lived and grown and flourished.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s more than a coincidence that the publisher of 3 of my 4 novels is headquartered in Minnesota… It was great to catch up with my editor, Amy Fitzgerald, in person at Lerner Books!
I love my New England life, and wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else… but a big piece of my heart will always be in L’Étoile du Nord — the Star of the North — my home away from home.
So where would YOU live if you didn’t live where you live now?
August 11, 2016
Between the Folds
I have a confession to make: Winning is not in my nature.
That may sound strange, even un-American, but it’s always been true.
Ever since I can remember I’ve never expected to win anything. I just didn’t think it was possible. To be honest, I’ve never felt like a winner. I don’t feel like a loser either… just somewhere comfortably in between.
Little successes — accomplishments — please me quite a bit. However, a major success — VICTORY! — makes me strangely uneasy and embarrassed.
My earliest memory of ever winning anything worthy of a trophy took place in the sixth grade.
We were studying “flight” in science class and our teacher, Mr. H, announced there would be a paper airplane flying contest at the end of the unit.
Even though Mr. H was a gifted teacher, and able to pique even my interest in science class, like every other competition in my life, I immediately disregarded the challenge. Because I knew I would be eliminated in the first round.
But then I happened to mention the little tournament to my older brother, who happened to claim that he knew the very best paper airplane design ever invented.
Up until this point in my life I had never folded a paper airplane, because I had about zero interest in knowing something like that. But after only a few tries, my brother managed to teach me how to fold and throw his personal model of choice . . . repeatedly emphasizing the importance of very sharp creases.
As it turned out, he was right! Every time we launched our planes off the breezeway of our house, they flew clear across the meadow and out of sight.
The day of the contest, we 11 year-olds lined up and wiggled our way down the long hallways to the school auditorium. (It’s always fun to escape from the classroom even if you know potential humiliation lies at the other end.)
We each had our rectangular piece of paper which we either folded during class or down at the auditorium – I can’t remember the order of protocol, but I do recall no pre-folded planes permitted to prevent any funny business.
Our planes were judged by the distance they flew combined with the number of seconds they managed to stay in flight.
Each time I climbed the steps to stand in the middle of the stage, I assumed it would be my last. But to my astonishment, my aerodynamic-supersonic flying machine floated steadily and gracefully, over the endless lines of wooden chairs, all the way to the very back wall of the auditorium every single round. No nose dive into the third row for me.
In fact, no matter how badly I threw it, that plane would right itself and soar perfectly to the finish line.
The only people more shocked than I were all of my classmates, especially those boys who later became engineers and/or computer geeks and accused me of somehow cheating. And then, of course, there was Mr. H himself. I don’t think I’d ever achieved anything higher than a B- in his class. I wouldn’t be surprised if he questioned whether or not I was even in his class.
Was I in his class? Did I somehow manage to cheat? How did I win this thing again? I couldn’t help wondering and worrying and doubting myself!
That night, I remember the victory — and all its ensuing responsibility — still swirled in my head as I tried to fall asleep. I folded my sheet back perfectly, turned over on my side, creased my worries as sharply as possible, and tucked them into the back of my brain… and then I vowed to never tell my brother about another school contest ever again.
That may sound strange, even un-American, but it’s always been true.
Ever since I can remember I’ve never expected to win anything. I just didn’t think it was possible. To be honest, I’ve never felt like a winner. I don’t feel like a loser either… just somewhere comfortably in between.
Little successes — accomplishments — please me quite a bit. However, a major success — VICTORY! — makes me strangely uneasy and embarrassed.
My earliest memory of ever winning anything worthy of a trophy took place in the sixth grade.
We were studying “flight” in science class and our teacher, Mr. H, announced there would be a paper airplane flying contest at the end of the unit.
Even though Mr. H was a gifted teacher, and able to pique even my interest in science class, like every other competition in my life, I immediately disregarded the challenge. Because I knew I would be eliminated in the first round.
But then I happened to mention the little tournament to my older brother, who happened to claim that he knew the very best paper airplane design ever invented.
Up until this point in my life I had never folded a paper airplane, because I had about zero interest in knowing something like that. But after only a few tries, my brother managed to teach me how to fold and throw his personal model of choice . . . repeatedly emphasizing the importance of very sharp creases.
As it turned out, he was right! Every time we launched our planes off the breezeway of our house, they flew clear across the meadow and out of sight.
The day of the contest, we 11 year-olds lined up and wiggled our way down the long hallways to the school auditorium. (It’s always fun to escape from the classroom even if you know potential humiliation lies at the other end.)
We each had our rectangular piece of paper which we either folded during class or down at the auditorium – I can’t remember the order of protocol, but I do recall no pre-folded planes permitted to prevent any funny business.
Our planes were judged by the distance they flew combined with the number of seconds they managed to stay in flight.
Each time I climbed the steps to stand in the middle of the stage, I assumed it would be my last. But to my astonishment, my aerodynamic-supersonic flying machine floated steadily and gracefully, over the endless lines of wooden chairs, all the way to the very back wall of the auditorium every single round. No nose dive into the third row for me.
In fact, no matter how badly I threw it, that plane would right itself and soar perfectly to the finish line.
The only people more shocked than I were all of my classmates, especially those boys who later became engineers and/or computer geeks and accused me of somehow cheating. And then, of course, there was Mr. H himself. I don’t think I’d ever achieved anything higher than a B- in his class. I wouldn’t be surprised if he questioned whether or not I was even in his class.
Was I in his class? Did I somehow manage to cheat? How did I win this thing again? I couldn’t help wondering and worrying and doubting myself!
That night, I remember the victory — and all its ensuing responsibility — still swirled in my head as I tried to fall asleep. I folded my sheet back perfectly, turned over on my side, creased my worries as sharply as possible, and tucked them into the back of my brain… and then I vowed to never tell my brother about another school contest ever again.
July 27, 2016
Living Outside the Box
It’s been a little more than a year since we sold our house in Massachusetts, where our two kids and two dogs grew up, where we forged lifelong friendships and memories.
Even though we’ve moved just one town over, and rent an adorable teeny-tiny cottage on the harbor, we still haven’t found that special rectangular place to call home.
The funny thing is, every time I take a walk in the woods I see exactly what I’m looking for hiding in the trees. I don’t mean a tree house. I mean the perfect…
Ranch house
A-frame
Condo
Contemporary
Fixer-Upper
McMansion
and Duplex
with a double garage in back.
If only we lived in California…
Even though we’ve moved just one town over, and rent an adorable teeny-tiny cottage on the harbor, we still haven’t found that special rectangular place to call home.
The funny thing is, every time I take a walk in the woods I see exactly what I’m looking for hiding in the trees. I don’t mean a tree house. I mean the perfect…
Ranch house
A-frame
Condo
Contemporary
Fixer-Upper
McMansion
and Duplex
with a double garage in back.
If only we lived in California…
July 11, 2016
Waiting for the perfect moment?
People often ask where I get my ideas to write stories. Ideas are the easy part. Everyone (and I mean everyone) has an idea for a book, a movie, an invention, a company…
Where one finds the inspiration to start and finish the idea is the million dollar question. And believe me, if you’re just hoping and waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re wasting your time.
The hard truth is no one call tell you how to find inspiration. No magic button. No secret formula. You have to figure out how to inspire yourself. Your raison d’etre. And that’s why it’s so difficult to start a company, patent an invention, make a movie, or write a book.
in·spi·ra·tion
ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Anyone who follows my ramblings (or has listened to me babble in person) knows I find much of my inspiration outdoors in the mild wild of the north.
Lately I’ve had a couple major creative setbacks, so finding inspiration to forge on artistically has been more challenging than usual. Luckily, this past week was filled with inspiring moments:
Bickford Slides,
Mt Washington summit,
(and the veranda below)
Kayaking the Saco River,
Sunsets on the lake,
Cold brooks in the woods, and
Rainy evenings on the porch…
…with the three people I love the most.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” Zoey Sayward
Where do you find inspiration?
Where one finds the inspiration to start and finish the idea is the million dollar question. And believe me, if you’re just hoping and waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re wasting your time.
The hard truth is no one call tell you how to find inspiration. No magic button. No secret formula. You have to figure out how to inspire yourself. Your raison d’etre. And that’s why it’s so difficult to start a company, patent an invention, make a movie, or write a book.
in·spi·ra·tion
ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Anyone who follows my ramblings (or has listened to me babble in person) knows I find much of my inspiration outdoors in the mild wild of the north.
Lately I’ve had a couple major creative setbacks, so finding inspiration to forge on artistically has been more challenging than usual. Luckily, this past week was filled with inspiring moments:
Bickford Slides,
Mt Washington summit,
(and the veranda below)
Kayaking the Saco River,
Sunsets on the lake,
Cold brooks in the woods, and
Rainy evenings on the porch…
…with the three people I love the most.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” Zoey Sayward
Where do you find inspiration?
June 22, 2016
When I Stopped Counting
When I was in first grade, the second graders terrified me. Every day they strolled into the cafeteria just as we 6 year olds were leaving, and they looked gigantic. (Very scary)
When I was in 4th grade, I couldn’t imagine how I would survive crossing the street over to the middle school the following year for 5th grade. (Too risky)
When I was 14, I was surprised a 16 year old boy liked me. (So old)
When I was a freshman in college I went to a party in my hometown on winter break and was shocked to see a 26 year old at the same party. (What was he thinking?)
When I was in in my late 20’s, married with a baby, I was invited to a friend’s birthday bash, having no idea he was turning 34. (Yikes!)
When I was 35, I moved to the town where my kids grew up. The couple who sold us the house were in their 60’s. (Ancient)
When I was 42, my mother turned 70 which sounded elderly to me… but she didn’t look the least bit elderly. (Huh?)
When I was 48, my 85 year old aunt still enjoyed cross country skiing in the winter in Maine. (Hmm…)
When I turned 50, I no longer measured other people’s ages against mine, and decided to stop counting my own years.
Now I celebrate the changing of the seasons, the only milestone that keeps me grounded as the earth continues to spin and spin and spin…
(Happy Summer)
When I was in 4th grade, I couldn’t imagine how I would survive crossing the street over to the middle school the following year for 5th grade. (Too risky)
When I was 14, I was surprised a 16 year old boy liked me. (So old)
When I was a freshman in college I went to a party in my hometown on winter break and was shocked to see a 26 year old at the same party. (What was he thinking?)
When I was in in my late 20’s, married with a baby, I was invited to a friend’s birthday bash, having no idea he was turning 34. (Yikes!)
When I was 35, I moved to the town where my kids grew up. The couple who sold us the house were in their 60’s. (Ancient)
When I was 42, my mother turned 70 which sounded elderly to me… but she didn’t look the least bit elderly. (Huh?)
When I was 48, my 85 year old aunt still enjoyed cross country skiing in the winter in Maine. (Hmm…)
When I turned 50, I no longer measured other people’s ages against mine, and decided to stop counting my own years.
Now I celebrate the changing of the seasons, the only milestone that keeps me grounded as the earth continues to spin and spin and spin…
(Happy Summer)
June 7, 2016
Accidental Adventure
It was one of those states I had driven through all my life — but with the exception of a few college visits, it had never been a destination.
I wanted to visit my son, who lives in Astoria NY, but wasn’t crazy about driving into Queens just for a weekend. Plus, I knew he missed the quiet, green countryside. So I suggested we meet in between.
“Where can we hike and explore in Connecticut?” I asked several friends.
“Um?” and “Hmm…” and “Not sure,” were the only answers I got.
It seems everyone I know has a friend or a relative who lives in the Nutmeg State, but no one could tell me what to do there.
So I picked up my son at the train station and we drove 15 minutes inland where we stayed in an eclectically rehabbed barn on a small hobby farm.
Home to chickens, rescue dogs, peacocks, a grumpy pig we never met, and some friendly Icelandic sheep we met several times.
The next day we spent hours at the sublime Weir National Historic Site,
the only national park in the country dedicated to an artist…
where they lend free watercolor kits for painting en plein air.
We also stumbled upon the south end of the Mianus River Gorge
and then decided to drive to the other end and hike the north side —
and everywhere we drove, we ogled those famous Connecticut homes
along those wonderful winding roads.
In fact, the more we explored, the more we discovered how much there is to see.
Which is true about most places, especially the ones we forget to stop and visit . . as we drive through, from here to there.
I wanted to visit my son, who lives in Astoria NY, but wasn’t crazy about driving into Queens just for a weekend. Plus, I knew he missed the quiet, green countryside. So I suggested we meet in between.
“Where can we hike and explore in Connecticut?” I asked several friends.
“Um?” and “Hmm…” and “Not sure,” were the only answers I got.
It seems everyone I know has a friend or a relative who lives in the Nutmeg State, but no one could tell me what to do there.
Connecticut Tourist Map
So I picked up my son at the train station and we drove 15 minutes inland where we stayed in an eclectically rehabbed barn on a small hobby farm.
Home to chickens, rescue dogs, peacocks, a grumpy pig we never met, and some friendly Icelandic sheep we met several times.
The next day we spent hours at the sublime Weir National Historic Site,
the only national park in the country dedicated to an artist…
where they lend free watercolor kits for painting en plein air.
We also stumbled upon the south end of the Mianus River Gorge
and then decided to drive to the other end and hike the north side —
and everywhere we drove, we ogled those famous Connecticut homes
along those wonderful winding roads.
In fact, the more we explored, the more we discovered how much there is to see.
Which is true about most places, especially the ones we forget to stop and visit . . as we drive through, from here to there.
May 19, 2016
Look Out the Window!
The more I travel, the more obsolete I feel.
Last week, I popped out to Chicago to attend BookExpo America where I signed copies of The Island of Beyond
and met with the wonderful people at the Lerner Publishing booth
and tootled around that heck of a town!
Like many US cities, Chicago traffic jams are legendary, so I decided to take the L back to the airport to save money and time.
I rarely take the rapid transit system anymore, and was shocked to see – not some or half – but nearly every pair of eyes & ears plugged into a device. With the exception of an elderly woman in an elegant sari, I was the only person looking out the window. (The neighborhoods were fascinating!)
Once on the plane, I sat next to a fortyish mom who immediately powered up her Ipad and stuffed in the ear buds… not even a simple Hello, fellow human as I climbed over her legs and claimed my window seat.
I immediately arranged my unread (three-dimensional) New Yorker magazines in chronological order in the chair pocket – along with a bottle of water and special travel snacks – then dimmed the TV set to get a better view.
A few minutes after the plane took off, I marveled at the earth below – a sight that never ceases to astonish me. Glancing around to see who else was checking out downtown Chicago dramatically illuminated beneath us (is that the Sears Tower?) . . .
my spirits sank as I saw every single head tilted downward staring at their electronic laps. Most disappointing of all was my seatmate, who was “virtually coloring” in her “virtual coloring book” on her Ipad. UGH.
I have to say, the adult coloring craze completely baffles me, as I’ve resisted staying inside the lines ever since I could hold a crayon. Why a grown-up would want to color in a coloring book is perplexing (and a bit worrisome). However, at least a paper coloring book has texture and nuance and layered sensations… but a digital coloring book offers what?? I just don’t get it. And even more confounding, my seatmate used only two colors to fill in her entire digital design… double UGH.
It took everything inside of me to keep from standing up and hollering:
“Look out the window!”
Last week, I popped out to Chicago to attend BookExpo America where I signed copies of The Island of Beyond
and met with the wonderful people at the Lerner Publishing booth
and tootled around that heck of a town!
Like many US cities, Chicago traffic jams are legendary, so I decided to take the L back to the airport to save money and time.
I rarely take the rapid transit system anymore, and was shocked to see – not some or half – but nearly every pair of eyes & ears plugged into a device. With the exception of an elderly woman in an elegant sari, I was the only person looking out the window. (The neighborhoods were fascinating!)
Once on the plane, I sat next to a fortyish mom who immediately powered up her Ipad and stuffed in the ear buds… not even a simple Hello, fellow human as I climbed over her legs and claimed my window seat.
I immediately arranged my unread (three-dimensional) New Yorker magazines in chronological order in the chair pocket – along with a bottle of water and special travel snacks – then dimmed the TV set to get a better view.
A few minutes after the plane took off, I marveled at the earth below – a sight that never ceases to astonish me. Glancing around to see who else was checking out downtown Chicago dramatically illuminated beneath us (is that the Sears Tower?) . . .
my spirits sank as I saw every single head tilted downward staring at their electronic laps. Most disappointing of all was my seatmate, who was “virtually coloring” in her “virtual coloring book” on her Ipad. UGH.
I have to say, the adult coloring craze completely baffles me, as I’ve resisted staying inside the lines ever since I could hold a crayon. Why a grown-up would want to color in a coloring book is perplexing (and a bit worrisome). However, at least a paper coloring book has texture and nuance and layered sensations… but a digital coloring book offers what?? I just don’t get it. And even more confounding, my seatmate used only two colors to fill in her entire digital design… double UGH.
It took everything inside of me to keep from standing up and hollering:
“Look out the window!”
(Photos Credits: A few personal, but mostly Google Images)
May 4, 2016
Truth is…
Would I prefer to hide away in Maine to write, read, and hang out with friends, family, and Obi everyday?
Would I prefer to sit around gabbing with other writers over cappuccino in chic little cafes debating the merits of the latest Booker Prize winner or Newbery shortlist?
Would I prefer to attend a luxurious writing retreat in the canyons and caverns of New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment?
Of course I would!
But that’s not reality… The truth is, I have to spend most of my work day promoting myself in various virtual and public forums (and levels of pushiness).
In fact, authors are expected to spend about 80% of their time plugging books and just 20% writing them.
So my CALENDAR includes Book Conferences and Festivals…
and interviews…
(Check out my mini interview on LITPICK today!)
and Skyping…
and panels with the Nevertheless Writers…
and Writing Workshops…
& School Visits…
. . . . . and next week I’m flying to Chicago to give away signed copies of The Island of Beyond at BOOK EXPO AMERICA!
(Please stop by if you’re there!)
Promoting may sound fun and even exciting, but much of it is exhausting and embarrassing and emotionally draining for those of us who feel overwhelmed by crowds and the perceived constant judgment — in other words, I’d rather be home writing
So if you like or love an author (and, more importantly, their work) you can help a ton without leaving your comfy couch!
How?
1) Nominate our books you deem worthy for awards, especially for a State Award in your state!
2) Write a quick review (or just rate our books) on Amazon and Goodreads – and any other review sites!
3) Email a librarian and/or teacher to recommend our books and awesome Author Visits!
5) Follow us on TWITTER and other (self-promoting) channels!
“I can’t write without a reader. It’s precisely like a kiss—you can’t do it alone.”
Would I prefer to sit around gabbing with other writers over cappuccino in chic little cafes debating the merits of the latest Booker Prize winner or Newbery shortlist?
Would I prefer to attend a luxurious writing retreat in the canyons and caverns of New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment?
Of course I would!
But that’s not reality… The truth is, I have to spend most of my work day promoting myself in various virtual and public forums (and levels of pushiness).
In fact, authors are expected to spend about 80% of their time plugging books and just 20% writing them.
So my CALENDAR includes Book Conferences and Festivals…
and interviews…
(Check out my mini interview on LITPICK today!)
and Skyping…
and panels with the Nevertheless Writers…
and Writing Workshops…
& School Visits…
. . . . . and next week I’m flying to Chicago to give away signed copies of The Island of Beyond at BOOK EXPO AMERICA!
(Please stop by if you’re there!)
Promoting may sound fun and even exciting, but much of it is exhausting and embarrassing and emotionally draining for those of us who feel overwhelmed by crowds and the perceived constant judgment — in other words, I’d rather be home writing
So if you like or love an author (and, more importantly, their work) you can help a ton without leaving your comfy couch!
How?
1) Nominate our books you deem worthy for awards, especially for a State Award in your state!
2) Write a quick review (or just rate our books) on Amazon and Goodreads – and any other review sites!
3) Email a librarian and/or teacher to recommend our books and awesome Author Visits!
5) Follow us on TWITTER and other (self-promoting) channels!
“I can’t write without a reader. It’s precisely like a kiss—you can’t do it alone.”
(John Cheever)
April 20, 2016
those 3 little words
One of the many tendencies I’ve inherited from my mother – and my mother’s mother and probably her mother back in Brittany in the late 1800s – involves the irrepressible curiosity (more like a compulsion) to swerve off the beaten path and explore out-of-the-way roads and trails.
And the more time I have, the more I swerve.
Everyone knows I’m about to swerve the moment I utter those 3 little words: What’s down there?
Over the past few days, my daughter and I have been exploring beautiful Vermont . . .
She needed a quiet break from grad school (and full-time work) in Boston while I researched the setting of my current WIP (i.e., Work In Progress) novel set in a fictional Vermont town.
The weather was warm and dreamy.
The sky gentle and blue.
Lots of inviting roads, mountain trails, and secret alleys around every corner.
And it happened… now my daughter loves to swerve.
How can you not wonder, What’s down there?
And the more time I have, the more I swerve.
Everyone knows I’m about to swerve the moment I utter those 3 little words: What’s down there?
Over the past few days, my daughter and I have been exploring beautiful Vermont . . .
She needed a quiet break from grad school (and full-time work) in Boston while I researched the setting of my current WIP (i.e., Work In Progress) novel set in a fictional Vermont town.
The weather was warm and dreamy.
The sky gentle and blue.
Lots of inviting roads, mountain trails, and secret alleys around every corner.
And it happened… now my daughter loves to swerve.
How can you not wonder, What’s down there?
April 1, 2016
TODAY is the day!
April 1st was always celebrated gleefully in our house as our kids were growing up. The four of us couldn’t wait to outdo one another with a blocked faucet spraying at someone’s face, pepper in another’s cereal, ice packs in the sheets – my kind of holiday!
But this April 1st, I’m not fooling about the official release of my newest novel!!
Early Reviews
This “coming-of-age story is filled with quirky characters and is distinguished by a beautiful setting. And the timeless quest for love and acceptance will resonate with all readers… Quietly powerful.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“A fit for readers of coming-of-age adventures by Gary Paulsen, Scott O’Dell, or Wilson Rawls.” (Booklist)
“If you read only one middle grade novel this year, make it The Island of Beyond.” (Kid Lit Reviews)
One week from today – Friday, April 8th – please come to the double book launch at Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport! (Info HERE )
I’m celebrating book birthdays with my talented friend, EDITH MAXWELL, who is launching her latest cozy mystery series with DELIVERING THE TRUTH
Edith and I are collaborating with the PENTUCKET ARTS FOUNDATION , a wonderful grassroots organization that supports and promotes the Arts! Readings, Q&A, cool Door Prizes, delicious treats, and information about PAF’s local artists’ grants will make it a great night for readers (and writers & artists) of all ages.
My calendar is filling up with events and appearances, so keep checking back HERE to see if I’ll be in your neighborhood!
Order THE ISLAND OF BEYOND online from Indie Bound or Amazon — as well as any local bookstore — and let me know what you think!
But this April 1st, I’m not fooling about the official release of my newest novel!!
(Carolrhoda Books, LERNER PUBLISHING GROUP)
Early Reviews
This “coming-of-age story is filled with quirky characters and is distinguished by a beautiful setting. And the timeless quest for love and acceptance will resonate with all readers… Quietly powerful.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“A fit for readers of coming-of-age adventures by Gary Paulsen, Scott O’Dell, or Wilson Rawls.” (Booklist)
“If you read only one middle grade novel this year, make it The Island of Beyond.” (Kid Lit Reviews)
One week from today – Friday, April 8th – please come to the double book launch at Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport! (Info HERE )
I’m celebrating book birthdays with my talented friend, EDITH MAXWELL, who is launching her latest cozy mystery series with DELIVERING THE TRUTH
Edith and I are collaborating with the PENTUCKET ARTS FOUNDATION , a wonderful grassroots organization that supports and promotes the Arts! Readings, Q&A, cool Door Prizes, delicious treats, and information about PAF’s local artists’ grants will make it a great night for readers (and writers & artists) of all ages.
My calendar is filling up with events and appearances, so keep checking back HERE to see if I’ll be in your neighborhood!
Order THE ISLAND OF BEYOND online from Indie Bound or Amazon — as well as any local bookstore — and let me know what you think!
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