In Taylor Before and After, When Taylor opens the school bully’s locker, she’s surprised by what she finds. The inside appears opposite of the life Brielle shows other people she’s living. When I wrote this scene, I thought about who we are when no one is looking. An open door is a peek into someone’s…
Little Fur Family In this sweet picture-book read-aloud, I share Margaret Wise Brown and Garth Williams’ story about the curious creature who plays outside until bedtime. I read this to young viewers the way my mom read it to me. My favorite part has always been when the little fur child finds the teeny version…
RE’VISION—Taking Another Look At Writing Most authors spend far more time revising a story than on crafting the first draft. What does ‘RE-vision’ mean? This short segment inspires writers to be brave in taking a second (even third) look at writing. Whether we love or hate revision, it’s a huge part of the process. Giggle…
In the garden Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in May, I read a piece toward the end of Taylor Before and After. From my recycled garden a couple months into the pandemic, I share the scene of Taylor waking up in Manoa, with the sounds that welcome a new day. For the research on this…
The 3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became An Author Take edits; Use those edits to survive competition in the industry; Be patient while you wait, because things take a long time; Find your people; And know that someday, someone will tell you your words changed her forever. My YouTube Channel
The Villain! For World Read Aloud Day A story’s villain is smart and complicated. She is powerful (even subtly), manipulative, and driven by a motive. She also has her own vulnerabilities. In this segment, I read from page 47 of Taylor Before and After, in which the villain Brielle persuades Taylor to do something out…
Love of Place It’s February in Oregon, and I read a Taylor Before and After scene set on Oahu’s Sunset Beach. Sure, we love our people and our pets, but there are also places we love. Alone on the beach, Taylor reflects on the waves her brother and his friends surfed before things fell apart….
Check out my YouTube Channel Story, setting, character– In short clips, I explore elements of the writing process, and expand on certain scenes. I talk about what isn’t visible, and lead viewers to their own connections and predictions. My YouTube Channel
Thanks to mgbookvillage.com for the great interview! It’s May– Mental Health Awareness Month– and I’m thinking about the beautiful cover of Taylor Before and After, illustrated by Rachel Suggs, on which there’s a break in the clouds above Taylor. In this intimate, honest interview, I discuss depression, desperation, empowerment, hope, and what matters more than…
