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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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…