I’m thrilled to have Holly Cupala as my guest this week. Her first novel for young adults, Tell Me a Secret (HarperTeen), is scheduled for release on June 22, 2010. Holly was kind enough to send me the first two chapters. Ten seconds after I finished devouring it, I was pre-ordering the book online! Author [...]
May 12th, 2010
Story Beginnings — Part 2 (Where to Begin?)
We’ve all read them: books that stupify the senses for the first few pages or — ack! — the first few chapters. Like the literary troopers we are, we wade through those mind-dulling pages, meanwhile muttering incantations, It will get better . . . Any minute now something wonderful will happen . . .
If even [...]
April 20th, 2010
Writer Heroes of the Pacific Northwest
Maybe I’m tootin’ my own horn here, but I just have to say that the writing community here in the Pacific Northwest is pretty dang awesome. Not only are we a creative, friendly, and professional bunch, but we’re generous too.
Not long ago, I asked my local writing community for book donations to help orphans in [...]
September 2nd, 2009
I'm Home
First of all, I’m home safe and sound after being in Africa for almost five weeks — no problem (hakuna matata). Secondly, thank you to everyone who sent well wishes and prayers my way. I felt your strength and support throughout. Third, the mission trip was wildly successful, and I’m totally pumped yet again. Fourth, [...]

