My Next Book…

My next book features a teenager named Addie Queen. Addie is struggling – her dad is in jail for a white-collar crime, her boyfriend is acting weird, her mom is stressed out, everyone at youth group seems to be fake and her few times of peace are while practicing her violin or with her little…

A Launch in Photos

This is how my book launch party felt… Wrapped in love. (With my longtime friend and co-worker Cat Gates.) Surrounded by family. (With my aunt Mary Margaret aka Mimi.) Signing books. (With Stella Comparato – I copied her hairstyle.) Laughing with longtime friends. (With the Potwin Elementary crew – Beth, Nina, Kelly & Alexa) Attempting new…

Pay What?

My semester teaching has started at The Lawrence Arts Center and lucky me – what a great group of students! Fourteen of us come together on Friday mornings to read, write and talk about the power of our stories. These are some of my favorite things! The authenticity and energy of everyone is infectious. I…

Families of Topeka & Book Launch

I went to an interesting event last night at the Lawrence Arts Center in anticipation of the upcoming documentary ‘Not My Father’s Child’. It features the stories of Nate, Mark and Dortha Phelps, their escape from abuse and how they learned to love those whom they were taught to hate. Readers from Kansas are all…