I love to read. I love to write. I love to learn. It is my mission to do all of these every day. Look around to discover my favorite books, what is inspiring my writing, and to share and discuss stories!
About Me
I write children’s books.
When I’m not writing, I teach fourth grade, take care of my own personal zoo, learn about computer science, run, rock climb, paint, and spend time with family.
Truly these activities are research and inspiration for whatever I will write next.
I have lived all over the United States. As a baby I survived Nor’Easters in Buffalo, New York, as a child I took cover from tornadoes in St. Louis, Missouri, and as a teenager I felt the earth tremor and quake in San Diego, California. I settled in my favorite place in 2013 and live with my husband, my daughter, a son on the way, and dozens of fury and scaly pets just north of Boston, Massachusetts.
Books I wish I wrote…
Have you ever read a book that spoke of something you’ve always felt, but never been able to put into words?
Have you ever read a book that you’ve enjoyed so thoroughly that you wish you thought to create it?
This is my “I wish I wrote that…” book list. These books make me laugh. They make me cry. (In no particular order)
Read them. Enjoy them. Share them.
- I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell
- Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
- What To Do With a Box by Jane Yolen
- Dear Dragon by Josh Funk
- Go, Dog, Go! by P. D. Eastman
- We Eat Dinner in the Bathtub by Angela Shelf Medearis
- Worm Loves Worm by J. J. Aistrian
- I Don’t Like Koala by Sean Ferrell and illustrated by Charles Santoso
- The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington
- Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang
- Dragons in a bag by Zetta Elliot
Blog
Spring Fling Contest 2022
Well, it’s a year of contests for me. They’re keeping me writing and just like last year, the visual to inspire the story was so much fun! After I wrote it, I actually wanted a different gif, but I couldn’t find one that existed and I didn’t want to dive into making one… although I …
The 1st Annual Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing
It took me a while to figure out which piece of writing to submit to this contest. I played around with a picture book submission, but the story really needs the pictures to make sense and I was nervous that it would fall flat without it, which indicates that I need to strengthen my writing… …
Continue reading “The 1st Annual Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing”
Spring Fling Kidlit Contest 2021
Ciara O’Neal, writer (with many other hats), is hosting the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest for the third year in a row, but this is my first year participating! I am so grateful for the opportunity to play with words and connect with other writers in the kidlit community. I hope you enjoy my submission! Spring’s …
Contact
I love hearing from readers! Ask me questions, share your writing, tell me about your favorite books! I pinky-promise to write you back!