Lots of cool stuff went on this week, and there's still more to look forward to...

1. Maya Angelou rocked my world. Monday night's event at Salem State was mobbed--there wasn't a single seat available in the gym. Dr. Angelou sat on a tall chair in the center of the stage (she has bad knees) and captivated the audience for nearly an hour and a half. ( Read more... )

Okay, it's not my imagination. I went through my blog archives, and I may as well call October "Too Busy to Blog" Month. In 2005 I posted four times in October, '06 had a whopping nine posts, and this year was a steady seven. But oh, the guilt.

Anyway, now that November's here I should be back on track, if previous years are any indication. ( Read more... )

My latest Bread and Circus piece is live! With the school year under way, my deadline snuck up on me and I had no ideas. Desperate to figure out what to write about, I pillaged my blog. I wrote an entry in January 2006 on revision and my favorite reality TV show. After revising that, I came up with this. Enjoy!

What Not to Write:
Stacy, Clinton, and ( Read more... )

1. Madeline L'Engle has died. She was 88 years old. Creator of Meg and Charles Wallace Murray, Mrs. Whatsit, and It. Her books have brought joy to readers for over 40 years. A Wrinkle In Time was published in 1962, and continues to be one of my favorite books EVER. Meg acts bravely to save those she loves, even though she's afraid and flawed. L' ( Read more... )

I've been experiencing a lot of what I call "literary snobbery" lately when I tell people that I write for young readers (you know, the 'anybody can write a kid's book'-type of comments). So when it came time for me to write a new Bread and Circus article, the topic was a no-brainer.

Here's a taste of the piece...

Leave the Kids (Writers) Alone ( Read more... )