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