It’s short story time. This one is an origin story about a character in the middle grade novel I’m currently working on. I hope you enjoy it. On the fringes of a small village in Scotland, on the downward slope … Continue reading →
• Lemon custard ice cream in a sugar cone • Walks without jackets • Kites on the beach • Squeals of laughter in the surf • Bicycles with baskets carrying picnics—or puppies • Twilight at 9 pm • Planning get … Continue reading →
It’s Independence Day! Hello! Hope you’re having a safe and sane holiday. I want to acknowledge the day but with a nod to the “independence” part. Have you noticed how pretty much every main character in a middle grade novel … Continue reading →
With summer here, the kids are home, safe under your roof, and all yours for at least a couple of months. When my kids were little, I loved having them to myself for the summer. No school schedules, no book … Continue reading →
Plaude couldn’t be bothered unfolding her gossamer fairy wings. The heavy sky threatened rain. Of course, it did. “One shade darker today, as expected,” Plaude noted. She walked in her satin slippers, sinking into mud. “Ugh. I just don’t … Continue reading →
Back in the day—even way before my day—bakers made hand pies with savory meat or vegetable fillings or with sweet jammy fruit fillings. The whole purpose of a hand pie is to allow someone to shovel food into his or … Continue reading →
Good books are a balm to a troubled soul. I’ve been reading a lot lately. Today’s book review is of a middle-grade fiction novel called Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor. (There’s an interview with her, too!) Ms. O’Connor has a long … Continue reading →
I had a different post for today. It was all set and ready to go. And then the Uvalde, Texas, shooting happened. Innocent children, innocent adults who were living their lives, learning and teaching in school. They’re just gone. And … Continue reading →
A Short Story by Gail L. Fontana My sister’s birthday is next week. Well, it would be. If she were alive. I guess it’s still her birthday. Holly would have been 13. It’s been three years since she died, and … Continue reading →
Make a Cool Million with This Million Dollar Cookies Recipe! Food pops up a lot in the middle grade books I read. From Love Sugar Magic by Anna Meriano (cookies! cakes! bread!) and The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate … Continue reading →
