On Monday, I had the pleasure of a trip to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO. I talked to the undergrads there, many of whom are education majors, about my experiences as a writer and a reader (and also as a father to emerging readers). I also got to talk to the students of Canton R-V [...]
I’ve just returned from a few weeks in England–it was my first trip across the Pond in two years–and I’m still buzzing with Olympic fever. True, this is largely because the BBC coverage allowed viewers to watch any event at any time, all with expert commentary by former Olympians in that discipline. It was, quite [...]
I was asked to write about what inspired me to set my new fantasy trilogy, ELEMENTAL, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As you’ll see (if you follow this link), the answer is that I simply had to set it there. By the way, the link includes a giveaway of a signed ARC of [...]
Ashley at Basically Amazing Books was kind enough to interview me as part of her Just Contemporary series. So did Candace at Candace’s Book Blog. They’re both awesome bloggers, extremely thoughtful and articulate reviewers, and their series of posts this month has been stellar. And they have books to give away! Ashley is giving away signed [...]
While I was chatting with the wonderful and inspiring Sara Zarr the other day — that’s us with William Shatner, who was one of the more interesting cardboard cutouts I’ve ever spoken to — I made a confession: I don’t celebrate release days. I know I’m supposed to, but by the time the book comes [...]
Last week I was in beautiful Eau Claire, Wisconsin for the Chippewa Valley Book Festival. It was the best-run festival I’ve ever attended, with lots happening, but not so much overlap that you end up missing half the events. There was also plenty of time to hang out with fellow authors, audience members, readers, etc. [...]
Hard to believe, but FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB is all grown up already. A week from today, it’ll be released in paperback, along with some extras: a never-before-seen playlist, and the first chapter of my new novel, THOU SHALT NOT ROAD TRIP, thrown in for good measure. The folks at Speak/Penguin have done a really [...]
I’ve said before that there are a lot of “hidden” perks of being an author. A few months ago I singled out the joy of having a top-notch copyeditor, Regina Castillo, to make me look far more literate than I actually am. Getting packages of books from my editor, Liz Waniewski, ranks up there too! [...]
The Missouri State Teachers Association has asked me to lead a Creative Writing Retreat. It should be lots of fun, and there are still a couple spots open, apparently. So if you fancy a weekend of writing and thoughtful exchange, this could be for you! Here are the details . . . Creative Retreat for [...]
Although no one will ever mistake me for a good cook, the lovely folks at Pots & Pens invited me over for an interview. There’s some new stuff there (for anyone who is wondering what I’m up to at the moment), and even a bonus soup recipe. And it’s so easy, even I can’t screw [...]
