News!

I always love hearing from readers, and getting photos is even better!  In August I had the pleasure of visiting the Fox Valley Writing Project's Young Writers Camps in Neenah and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

That afternoon I met a group of American Girl fans at the Neenah Public Library, including Madalyn, Laurel & Maddie.  They're big historical fiction fans!  Thanks to Janet Wanamaker for taking and sending the photo.

I attended three great conferences in October, each very different.  Whenever I wonder aloud if my interests are too scattered, my husband tells me it's a good thing that I'm not "chained by a genre."  Isn't that sweet?  I think he's right.  It's fun to stretch in different directions.

I attended my first Bouchercon in Chicago over Labor Day weekend.  This is billed as a world mystery convention, and it is huge!  In fact, I didn't even see a couple of acquaintances I knew were in attendance.  I enjoyed the energy of such a huge gathering of mystery readers and writers, but was disappointed that none of the panels were geared toward children's mysteries.  Next year Bouchercon will be held right here in Madison, and I hope to help bring more children's writers and readers to the table.

In early October I attended the Wisconsin chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI-WI) met at the Siena Center in Racine, on the shore of Lake Michigan.  It's always fun to catch up with friends I only see at such gatherings, and I always learn something new.  If you're interested in writing for children, I encourage you to join SCBWI.

Donna Druchunas took this photo of children's authors Nancy Oswald (L) and Melanie Chrismer, dressed in their finest at the WWW Conference.

I'm teaching Advanced Creative Writing this semester at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee.  I'm also going to teach a workshop in Historical Fiction at AllWriters Workplace & Workshop in Waukesha on January 21.  If you're thinking of trying your hand at writing historical fiction, come on out!

I re-read two favorites as part of the writing class, Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman and A Northern Light by Jennifer Donneley.  Seedfolks is about a diverse community coming together while turning a vacant lot into a garden.  My students enjoyed meeting the large cast of characters.  I recommend this book for kids and adults.

Every time I read A Northern Light I discover something new.  This is a wonderful work of historical fiction for teens and adults, with many layers, lots to think about, and gorgeous writing.  One of my favorites!

While commuting to Milwaukee lately, I've been listening to Barbara Kingsolver's beautiful Small Wonders.  She narrates this collection of essays herself, and it's like having a wise and well-spoken friend along in the car.

Due to teaching this semester, and publishing deadlines, I'm still keeping my schedule of author visits minimal this year.  This fall I started on a new book, and must keep an eye on deadlines!  This one is set in the mountains of Kentucky, and I'm always glad for an excuse to visit the southern Appalachians.  I spent a wonderful week in early November visiting historic sites, wandering the landscape, and listening to oral history interviews in the Kentucky Historical Society archives.

As always, my husband Scott and I enjoyed working in our growing prairie gardens as long as the weather permitted!  I took this photo at the end of summer, and I like to think that somewhere in Mexico is a butterfly who ate its first meal in our yard.

Autumn is my favorite time of year, though, and we have enjoyed lots of sunny days here in Wisconsin.  The sugar maple tree we planted two years ago flamed crimson before dropping her leaves.  Now my favorite hickory tree is still glowing yellow in the sun.  These days remind me to savor every minute!

I hope your autumn glows as well, and that you find time to savor lots of good books.  Happy reading!