Hello! I’ve been keeping up a blog + newsletter for a number of years, but I’ve decided to simplify by moving over to Substack. So if you would like (infrequent) newsletters sent directly to your inbox, please subscribe! It’s completely free, and I provide fun book updates, travel tips, art by others & artwork I… Read more »
Hello, everyone! I hope you’ve had a safe and fun summer. I’m going to delve into a tricky topic (rejection), but first, some housekeeping items. NOVEMBER EVENT Save the Date! Saturday, November 22, 2025 A Celebration of Authors & Zines – Los Angeles Public Library – Central Branch – 630 W. 5th Street, L.A. 1… Read more »
Hello! It’s been a long minute, and I have some cool updates! I’ll start with some book-related news, then I’ve got some very intriguing learnings about publishing. And finally, I’ll end with some travel tips for Mexico City & Manzanillo. BOOK UPDATES Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor I am SO happy and grateful that I’m a… Read more »
Hello, hello! I’ve been absent for a few months because SOOO much has been going on. I’ve definitely been spending a lot of time processing all the latest developments in the country and in the world. I hope you’re staying safe, healthy and sane through all the ups and downs. First, I’m posting an image… Read more »
Hello, and how are you these days? (If you want to skip down to the Reading Guide & Activity, scroll past the photos of my backyard below.) I hope you’re staying safe and healthy, and also staying sane. I know it’s really hard to remain cool and calm when the news is full of awful… Read more »
The industry reviews are starting to roll in for The Paper Kingdom, and I’m so overjoyed that Kirkus gave the book a starred review (like a critic’s pick)!! Kirkus called it, “A beautiful, must-read tribute to hardworking families and the magic they create.” Per my editor at Penguin Random House, “Starred reviews are rare, and… Read more »
I can’t believe we’re in the last stretch of summer. I’m still getting mosquito bites and craving ice-cold lemonade, so it doesn’t feel like summer’s over. Say it ain’t so!! A few months ago, my publisher sent me some Folded & Gathered (F&G) copies of my upcoming book, THE PAPER KINGDOM. Subscribers to my website… Read more »
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “Where do you find inspiration?” My usual response involves a nod to nature, travel, friends, family…. What I rarely respond with (for fear of boring the inquirer) is this: poetry. I’ve always found inspiration in poetry. I love how closely poets look at our world…. Read more »
My latest article for the SCBWI is up! Check out the Seven Things I Learned After Publishing My First Book. I had to respect the word-count limit for the article. Otherwise, I would’ve written about a hundred things I learned!
Warning #1: This is a long post. Warning #2: Unless you want to be traditionally published, this post may be immensely boring to you. You’ve been warned. Okay, why did I write this post? Because I wanted to do something to help aspiring authors who land on my website. Here are my answers to some… Read more »