Today's Monday Writing Tip is one of my favorite revising techniques. And frankly, it doesn't only apply to picture books; it applies to all writing.⁠ ⁠ Do a quick Ctrl+F and search for the word "was." Then replace as many as possible. Of course it's okay to keep a handful or

Enjoying the first touch of fall this morning.

Wonderful night at Six Bridges Book Festival! Nerded-out to meet Louis Sachar. And loved how he described the writing life with a line from his newest book - said he shows up for his writing and finds the story “in the soil of mundane routine.” #writingcommmunity #kidlit #Holes

Officially Spooky Season on the back deck.

The Pygmy Hippo I met today had some very strong opinions.

Working on a Halloween project for the front yard. The WWI flying ace is almost ready for duty.

We attempted to make my pumpkin look like a big pumpkin for the trunk-or-treat last night.

Big thanks to the Friends of the Van Buren Public Library for including me in their local author roundtable! Great time. Great books. New friends!

Being a writer is like putting all of your eggs in one basket and putting that basket in a tiny spaceship and sending it to the moon hoping for the best.

Any of our SCBWI Oklahoma/Arkansas crew Texas Book Festival this weekend? Can’t wait to see so many of my favorite #kidlit writers, especially KazWindness, Meg Medina, Grace Lin, Peter Brown, and more. #WritingCommunity

I had THE BEST time at the Texas Book Festival today! Sometimes it is really great to meet your heroes.

So excited Brian Gehrlein 😈’s THIS IS NOT A SLEEPY BEAR BOOK is out before the holidays! I know several kiddos who are getting a copy of this for Christmas. 🤶🏻 Shhhh!

I was a writer all along! 🥹✍️🫠 #WritingCommunity #writers #authors #guiltismymiddlename

The WW1 Flying Ace searches for the Red Baron in the morning fog… #Snoopy

Currently caring for two baby squirrels. 🐿️ They finally hit the look-like-a-mini-squirrel stage and are so adorable 🥰 (and entertaining)!!

#amquerying

Why did I offer to bring all the T-Day dishes that require onions?!?🧅 Eyes burning…tears streaming…

Y’all! This is a 4-Alarm Thanksgiving emergency! 🚨 🦃 My brother’s house is down with the flu!! Now people are coming to my house in less than 24 hours!! Luckily I have some spare items to sub in to make a meal…but it’s gonna be a late night. 🧑‍🍳