Books are crucial in Secret of the Shadow Beasts. They provide an essential escape for Nora and the Order of the Hawk whilst they’re on duty, but also during training. Library time is an important part of every day, and Nora often uses this time to read up on her new world and try to learn. Midway… Read more »
Secret of the Shadow Beasts
Outtake 1: Secret of the Shadow Beast
“Everyone talks about my first battle when I became a Legendary. I was only seventeen, but no one got bit. I was so used to fighting out there with them as their senior knight, and then there I was, sitting in the car, telling them how to manage, but not out there with them, which…” [long… Read more »
Coming Event: The Bath Book Bash!
On Saturday, September 17, 2022, I and other New England authors will be appearing in person at the Bath Book Bash at the Patten Free Library in Bath, Maine. From 11 am to 4 pm, this will be a fabulous day with authors and illustrations giving talks and presenting on panels, as well as signing… Read more »
Secret of the Shadow Beasts: Teachers’ Guide!
On this busy weekend, I’ve been getting a lot done. As well as the trailer for Secret of the Shadow Beasts (see this post), I’ve finally managed to finish up my Teachers’ Guide for the book: I decided to do something a bit different this time around. Secret of the Shadow Beasts is packed with themes—so… Read more »
Secret of the Shadow Beasts Trailer
I never got around to pulling a trailer together before Secret of the Shadow Beasts was out (too much going on in all parts of my life!), but at last I had a free morning (and afternoon) where I could work for five hours straight on this! These vids certainly take some time. But I’m… Read more »
Secret of the Shadow Beasts Launch Events!
I can hardly believe that my third book is about to come out, but in just three weeks, it will be here! To celebrate in this time of the pandemic, I’m holding just two launch events: one Zoom, and one in-person but outside (during which I’ll be masked anytime I’m remotely near anyone). Expect to… Read more »
Spinning the Yarn of Action, Depth, and Meaning
I’ve always loved layering timely topics in the action of my fast-past novels. For the last four years or so, however, I’ve been thinking about how to do even more. Not just weave one timely topic into a story, but many; or to weave one in are a very deep core. I like the analogy… Read more »
Do Strong Fictional Kids Need Help? Maybe.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we children’s authors depict the children in our books: almost always capable and independent (a combination that prepares them for the adventures we throw at them). For instance, the kids in Secret of the Shadow Beasts are especially capable, and the adults put a lot on their… Read more »
Cover Reveal: Secret of the Shadow Beasts!!
I’ve already revealed Secret of the Shadow Beasts‘s cover on Twitter and the wonderful MG Book Village, but what kind of author would I be if I didn’t reveal it here as well? Here it is, with art by the incredible Vivienne To: For fans of Dragon Pearl and the Lockwood & Co. series comes a swift-moving contemporary… Read more »
Announcing…My Newest Book! (and its street team)
I’ve been waiting to announce my upcoming book for a while, in part not to jinx anything, but also because things can change so quickly in the publishing world. But now (knock on wood), all seems to be progressing as planned. Which means that I can finally share a little about my third book. First,… Read more »
These lilacs have the most glorious scent, but are pretty modest in their way. The former colleague I lost over the weekend to cancer would have liked them for both those reasons.
#flowers #grief #lilacs
It’s been a tough week. A moment with a few flowers can make a difference.
#flowers #azalea #springflowers