I'm always open to invitations, either from SF conventions or elementary schools. Feel free to e-mail me, and we'll chat.

Godzilla Gets Down!

I visited Mrs. Cooper-Dixon's fourth grade class at Longfellow Elementary School in November of 2006. We talked about the writing life and how commas really make a difference, plus I read from my juvenile short stories and answered questions.

Then we did a story-creation exercise. The kids gave me a random character, setting and story problem. Their choices: Godzilla… the forest… wants to dance.  We worked together to outline what events could occur when a gigantic radioactive reptile tries to dance in the woods. Afterward, the kids each wrote their own version of the tale, most of which were very funny. A fine time was had by all, especially Godzilla!

School Visits and SF Conventions

August 1-3, 2008. Spokane has a SF convention again, and you can bet I'll be there. Click here to find out more about SpoCon.

I have no school visits planned. What did you expect -- it's summer! But my calender is open, so contact me if you're interested.

SCBWI Inland Empire Region

Regional Conference
September 13, 2008

"Just the Facts: Writing for Children." That's the theme of our regional conference. Featured speakers are Tanya Dean of Darby Creek Publishing; Jamie Weiss Chilton, associate agent with Andrea Brown Literary; nonfiction writer Cherie Winner; fiction writer Claire Rudolf Murphy; and artist representative Liz Sanders. It's an all day event that includes workshops, critiquing and a raffle. We'll be at Westminster Congregational Church, corner of Fourth and Washington, in Spokane. Click here for a brochure and full details. 

You don't have to belong to SCBWI to attend.