I have trouble finishing my stories, so how can I finish?
—Lily, age 11
The Art of Silliness
Carla Sonheim is a fantastic online art teacher who knows how to make art delightfully non-intimidating for all ages.
Read moreA Playful Podcast Episode
I recently had a delightful chat with my friend Jonathan Rogers for his podcast "The Habit."
Read moreGet Creative: Random Word Doodles
A friend just told me about this app recently because it reminded her of my writing workshops, and I love it!
Read moreGet Creative: Just So Stories
Last week I wrapped up a year-long local writing class, and as I was thinking back over all the stories the kids wrote for me this past year, the ones that stood out the most were their Just So stories
Read moreLeroy Ninker Saddles Up
Everyone who knows me knows that Kate DiCamillo is my favorite writer, but I'm usually talking about her many wonderful middle-grade novels, like Because of Winn-Dixie or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Read moreQ & A: Writing and Marriage
"I've been reading Fiddler's Green and it makes me wonder if you and your husband 'help' each other in your writing.
Read moreGet Creative: Characters and Perspectives
Are you reading aloud as a family? This week, as you're reading, each person should choose one of the minor characters in the book (not the main character) …
Read moreQ & A: Encouraging Kids' Creative Gifts
As a child, were your gifts always celebrated? And if not, how did you overcome or what did you hold onto when it wasn't easy? —Ambre, parent
Read moreGet Creative: Playful Poetry
Here's a playful poetry prompt for you this week:
1. Pick the book nearest to you, turn to page 27, and write down the third word on the page (not counting the, a, an, and, or but).