Back from Neverland...and Beyond

I'm back from the journey of a lifetime, and am still finding fairy dust in my hair. I began directing our community/children's theater production of Peter Pan in February, and it was a delightfully epic adventure, as you can see.

Before that and for awhile into the rehearsal process, I was writing a novel under a pseudonym. That humorous middle-grade book will be hitting a bookstore near you in February of next year, which is all I can say about it for now. :) I've put away my director's chair (I don't really have one, but play along with me) and have planted myself firmly at my writing desk, where I'm halfway through a new short story. Ah, it feels so nice to be back! Neverland is a nice spot to visit now and again, but there's no place like home.

A Winner and A Little Otter

First of all, CONGRATS to Jenni B on winning D IS FOR DRAMA! I hope you and your daughter enjoy the book!

And now this little fella is here to announce my latest short story publication:

My story, Let's Slide! is in the back-to-school edition of Stories for Children magazine. It's the tale of Otter, who wants to go sliding, but all his buddies are too busy. Guess who he finally finds to slide with him?

I'm a fan of otters, aren't you?

D is for Drama Giveaway!

Well, friends, it's closing in on Narnia production time, and I'm up to my eyeballs in furry and fantastical critters. But not so long ago, it was audition time, and this was the hardest show to cast... so much talent, so few good female roles! That's not typical of children's theater, but when you adapt a book...

Speaking of auditions and books: I'm giving away a copy of Jo Whittemore's new release, D IS FOR DRAMA. It's one of those novels I wish I'd thought of myself. All you have to do to enter is comment on your favorite play or musical, or any theater experience you've had yourself (good, bad, or ugly.) ;)
I'll pick a random winner about Wednesday of next week!

From the author's website:
Sunny Kim is done with one-line roles at Carnegie Arts Academy, but even with an acting coach, she doesn’t snag the lead in Mary Poppins. Desperate for a solution, Sunny convinces the school to let her produce a one-woman show…which other rejected kids soon beg to join. Before long, Sunny is knee-deep in curtains and catfights as her one-woman show turns into the hit musical Wicked. Can the show come together in time for opening night? 

Doesn't this sound awesome? So tell me, ever been bitten by the theater bug?

Look Out for Flying Flapjacks!

FLIP AND THE FLAPJACK has been released! Go here to see how this exciting book ends!

(That's my husband, Bob narrating!)

FLIP AND THE FLAPJACK

FLIP AND THE FLAPJACK is finished, and will be available soon on an iPad or iPhone near you! I will definitely let you know when it launches, but in the meanwhile, isn't the art work amazing?! Thank you, TONI PAWLOWSKY!

In other happy news, last month my story, HADDIE AND THE HOPPERS was given the Editor's Choice Award at knowonder! And I became a grandma. Yes, yes, I did. I now have this insatiable urge to brag and shove little Beau's pictures in everyone's faces. But I'll limit myself to one.

ISN'T HE JUST CUTE AS A BUTTON?

One more reason to write kids' books!

COSMIC CAVERN

It's a 106 blistering degrees in my neck of Kansas today. Is it hot where you are? Cool off with a little underground adventure and stop by knowonder! for an exciting read. Nothing like an underground birthday party, especially when you're afraid of the dark . . . and BATS!

Isn't "spelunking" just the best word? Ever been spelunking? What scares you? How hot is it in your neighborhood? Speaking of that, prayers for all of you in Colorado. I have a couple of writing friends that live in that area. Extra prayers for them!

Please be sure to rate (use the stars at the bottom of the story) and check out the other great reads!

Steampunk . . . Fairytale?

Hop on over to knowonder! and read and rate my story, WARTY'S WISH! It's a steam punk nod to the Princess and the Frog and Wind in the Willows. I had a lot of fun writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Tell me: do you have any unfulfilled wishes? I want to visit the UK, take up Irish step dancing again, and learn to play the piano better. My biggest longing is to take art lessons again. What about you?