Category: About Reading & Writing
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Judging a Book by its Cover
This post first appeared on Paper Lantern Writers’ blog May 4, 2021 The English idiom “don’t judge a book by its cover” is a metaphor. It means one should not judge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. The phrase goes back to at least the mid-19th century where it shows…
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What I Miss
When my previous books were published, I did readings and signings at bookstores, coffee shops, and literary events. Beforehand, I was always a bit nervous making sure I had books, bookmarks, credit card payment stuff, signage, and a pen. Once I was there, though, I was in my element. I love the contact with readers,…
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Emotion in Narrative
For 22 years, when I taught fifth or sixth grade, I began the year teaching Personal Narrative. Students who are reluctant writers always did well in this unit because Everyone Has a Story. They learned how to take a memory with impact and turn it into a story that can impact a reader. To begin,…
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A Year of Writing in Lockdown
(This post first appeared on PaperLanternWriters.com) Last St. Patrick’s Day, my city went on lockdown due to the pandemic. A book talk I had scheduled for that month was cancelled, as was a retreat planned by my publisher. Cancellations also affected one son’s schooling, the other son’s job, my nephew’s wedding, and my niece’s wedding.…
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Why Should We Read Fantasy?
My first love is historical fiction, but my first three novels were historical fantasy. I love fantasy and read all types. Today, though, many schools are moving toward curriculums that emphasize reading nonfiction. While I agree that puzzling meaning out of text is a critical skill for students, I bemoan the loss of time reading…