Inspiration

Inspiration can come in all forms. Maybe a quote from a book, a kind word from a family member or friend, an award or a small success. I've been lacking in the inspiration department lately, until I met with my writing group yesterday. Thanks, writing friends. You are just the inspiration I needed!

Speaking of needing things, I need to get busy revising my novel this morning.
Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Surprise, Surprise!

Imagine my surprise yesterday when I checked the mail and found a contributor copy of Scholastic Instructor with one of my ideas in the Idea Swap section! What a great surprise!

I also had BackHome magazine accept an article I wrote. I signed the contract last week, but I'm not sure when the publication date will be. Another good thing to look forward too!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Great Halloween Children's Books

I love children's books. (That probably goes without saying!) I recently wrote an article on some of my favorite children's books. You can read it here. Not all of the books on the list are 'Halloween-themed', but some are especially spooky and great for reading during October. When I taught fifth grade, my favorite book to read during October was The House on Hackman's Hill. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger and every child in the class couldn't wait to read more. I originally heard about that book from Mrs. Brock, one of my co-workers at Knapp, and I have to say a huge thanks to her for introducing that story to me. It is one of my favorites ever!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Exercise

If you want to read an interesting article on transitioning from walking to running, go here. I wrote it for Associated Content, but to be completely honest, even though I can run just as easily as walk, sometimes I'd rather just walk. Especially when I'm surrounded by the colorful scenery of fall. Anyhow, the article is there for you to check out.

I'm off to type. Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Online Articles and Queries

I titled my post Online Articles and Queries, because that's all I've been doing lately for writing. I can't submit manuscripts via hard copy, because my printer broke. Died. Kaput. One minute it was happy, the next minute it was not so happy. Since that is the case, I've written a few more articles for Associated Content. You can find one on Low Maintanence Landscaping, one about Fall Decorating & Color Choices, and one on The Benefits of Morning Workouts.

If you live in my neck of the woods, enjoy this cooler weather!
Katie

Child-Friendly Gardening

I recently wrote an article that you can view here on child-friendly gardening. I discuss garden designs for gardening with children and safe alternatives to using insecticides when kids are around.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Ground Cover

Are you interested in learning about good ground covers for your yard? If so, go here and read an article I wrote. I listed five of my favorite ground covers I use in my yard and different facts about each one.

Yesterday I was all set to send out two packets to publishers. I had everything typed up and ready print when... the printer dies. Frustrating... so frustrating I felt like throwing the thing out my computer room window. But I restrained myself and today I'll have to figure out what exactly I'm going to do about this problem.

Happy Thursday,
Katie

Mulch, Aphids, and Home Improvement

You probably thought by the title that all of those were on one subject. But they are not. Here's a run-down:

If you've just been dying to know the pros and cons of bark versus stone mulch, look no further. I have an article here that will tell you all about it.

And, if you're interested in eco-friendly gardening tips, you could stop here. I try not to use any pesticides or insecticides in my garden, so everything in that article has been tested and works for me.

Last but not least, if you are looking for home improvement projects to do this winter, check this out.

Thanks for visiting,
Katie

Labor Day Fun

The end of summer is officially here. Labor Day is just around the corner. Which actually doesn't bother me, because I love fall the best of all the seasons. Nonetheless, if you look here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/948849/fun_ideas_for_your_labor_day_weekend.html?cat=11

you can check out an article I wrote on Labor Day Fun. It includes games, food, etc. for end-of-the-summer parties.


Also, if you look here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/957147/front_steps_landing_adding_curb_appeal.html

you can read an article about adding curb appeal to your front steps and landing. Or, better yet, maybe your Labor Day fun could be when you spend the weekend adding curb appeal to your house! That seems to be our version of fun... working on the house. Anyway, if you get time, check out an article or two.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

October Garden To-Do List

If you're looking for a comprehensive list of chores to get your vegetable and flower garden ready for fall, look no further! I've got an article out at this link:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/954689/october_garden_todo_list.html?cat=32

Check it out if you have some spare time (which I know none of us do these days).

On the children's writing front, I'm starting to research publishers for a picture book I wrote about a year and a half ago. It's one of my favorites that I've done. It has a strong plot, unique characters, a bit of humor, and I think it has great illustration possibilities. I'm keeping my fingers crossed publishers think so too!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Back-to-school shopping

No, shopping is not my favorite thing. It never has been. But, I did write an article about back-to-school shopping for Associated Content. Here's the link
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/937479/backtoschool_clothes_shopping_at_goodwill.html?cat=46

When you read the article, you'll see why I wrote it. Because it involves two of my favorite places to shop when I do go shopping!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Wacky Wednesday and more...

Welcome back to my blog. I have a few exciting bits of news to share...
If you go here: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/WackyWednesday.aspx
you can read a story I wrote for children called Wacky Wednesday. It appears in Stories for Children this month.

And, if you go here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/916855/rainy_day_activities_for_toddlers.html?cat=25
you can read an article I wrote on Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers.

I met with my writing group last week and had a very informative meeting. One of my group members will be at the Indiana State Fair, showcasing her work about the Seagoing Cowboys on August 12. If anyone is there, stop by and see Peggy Reiff-Miller.

Until next time,
Katie

Lake Michigan article

Lake Michigan is one of my favorite spots. My husband grew up right by the lake and he started the addiction for me! I wrote an article for Associated Content that has a short review of the coastline, starting from Beverly Shores, Indiana and ending up at Warren Dunes. The article has tips about each beach. Take a look...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/902721/a_guide_to_lake_michigans_beaches.html?cat=16

On to children's writing news, I sent out my novel to three more editors yesterday. I have targeted them carefully and read novels that their publishing houses published, so hopefully I'll get a bite. I'm still waiting to hear from another publisher who has had the novel since last December. I'm going to status query within the week to see what's going on.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Randy Pausch died...

This post has nothing to do with my writing endeavors. I am just truly saddened by the news of Randy Pausch's death. I checked his website daily and hoped for a miracle (beyond the miracle of his living longer than he was originally told). May his wife find comfort and strength as she continues to raise their children and live without her husband. God Speed, Randy.

Gardening

When I have any spare time (which is rare these days) I spend it in my garden. Since I love to garden, I thought why not write up an article on saving my garden produce for the winter. So here it is. Check it out for tips on storing fruits and veggies. You don't need any special cooking skills or equipment. No canning knowledge necessary! Here's the link:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/874143/storing_garden_produce_for_beginners.html?cat=7

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Researching publishers

Sorry I haven't posted in almost a month. I have been researching more publishers for my novel. I'm trying to target very specific publishers, which takes a bit of time. Once I'm done and send this next batch of queries out, I'm going to get started on a non-fiction picture book. I've been thinking about the idea for months, and it's time to get it down on paper!

I'll keep you updated if any positive writing news comes my way.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

In the News

I attended a writing workshop a few months ago. The workshop was hosted by the Midwest Writers. It was a wonderful experience, quite possibly the best writing conference I've attended because of all the one-on-one attention my manuscript received. More about the conference can be found in the Angola newspaper
http://www.fwdailynews.com/articles/2008/06/23/herald_-_republican/features/life/doc485f93065b607998797046.txt

Thanks for taking a look,
Katie

Researching

Right now I am researching an appropriate magazine to send my first nonfiction piece too. It's an interesting piece, and I want to make sure I target the right mag. But I thought I'd take a break from researching to post two more Associated Content links, in case you're interested.
Potty Training Tips
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/803783/free_potty_training_tips_advice.html?cat=25


Green Money
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/801675/green_money.html?cat=3

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Patience...it's a virtue

Here I sit, like a bird in the wilderness
Bird in the wilderness, bird in the wilderness...

If you know that tune, hum along. It is so very hard to wait for 6 months on a publisher. I understand it's the name of the publishing game, but it doesn't make it any easier. I can status query in about two weeks on my middle grade novel, and then move on if need be. Of course, it would be great if I didn't need to move on.

On other exciting writing notes, you can view one of my crafts and one of my recipes this month on these two sites:

Stories for Children
http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/BananaBonanza.aspx

CraftBits
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2090

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

First Post

Here it is. My first post on 'the blog'. I've titled it Droppings, because that's what you'll find on this site. Writing-related droppings that don't seem to fit anywhere on my actual website.

My first dropping is about Fourth of July Fun & Games. I've published an article on the Associated Content website. Take a peek if you're looking for some fun backyard games for the 4th of July weekend!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/786561/fourth_of_july_fun.html

Katie