Friday, February 25, 2011

Website additions

I added a new feature to my blog. Links to my writing friends' blogs can be found on the right side of my page. Check them out to see what my fellow writers are working on. Here is a little bit about each of the links you'll visit.

John Robert McFarland and I met in 2008 (has it been three years already?!) at the Midwest Writers Retreat, after both of our novels were selected for fellowship positions. We worked together in a group on revising our novels, and I felt an instant connection to John and his work. He is an exquisite writer. His use of words draws the reader in instantly and his novel has stayed with me all these years. Check out Periwinkle Chronicles at http://periwinklechronicles.blogspot.com/

Peggy Reiff Miller is a fellow Indiana writer. We belong to a writing group that meets every other month in Michigan City. Peggy saved a piece of history when she created A Tribute to the Seagoing Cowboys, a DVD documentary, which took her many years to research and compile. Her YA novel, on the same subject, has turned into quite a masterpiece. Every time she sends me chapters for revision, I cannot wait to read more. Her story is powerfully captivating and hopeful. Visit Peggy's site at http://www.peggyreiffmiller.com/index.html

Peggy Archer, another fellow writer from my Michigan City group, is an established picture book author and has made the New York Times bestseller list, among many other accomplishments. Peggy's use of words and rhyme always makes me smile. My daughter is crazy about her books, and has Name that Dog! and Turkey Surprise memorized!! Learn more about Peggy A. and her work at http://www.peggyarcher.com/

As I add more links, I'll post a little info about my writing friend and the work he/she does.
Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Back to blogging

Wowie wow wow! I haven't blogged in forever. Good excuse this time, my daughter's teacher had surgery and I took over the class for awhile. My schedule was a little wacko, working the teaching job by day and my editing job in the early morning and late night hours. Things are back to normal (whatever that is) for the moment.

Going back to the classroom reminded me of several things. First, kids are full of great ideas and they are such an inspiration to a writer. I don't care if it's a first grade or a fifth grade classroom, kids are funny and clever and smart. This latest teaching gig turned up at the right time to renew my writing spirit.

Second, I am reminded that classrooms are full of germs! Again, doesn't matter what the age (although younger students tend to hug and touch more), the sneezing, coughing, nose picking, etc. leads to lots of sickness. I felt like I was back in my first year of teaching after all the colds/flu I brought home.

It's good to be back blogging. Thanks for stopping by,
Katie