This past Saturday I was at the Barnes and Noble in Montclair, California for another book signing. I had a fun time talking to friends, family, and some new friends I made during my time there. One young girl named Angelica originally thought the author of the Junie B. Jones books was coming in. Although a bit disappointed, she really liked my book and ended up buying one. She was so excited to have me sign her new book, that she even had my young daughter sign it, too!

Another young lady by the name of Sophia enjoyed looking at the pictures while her father read a few pages.

Plans are in the works for me to return to this store in September, but I will update when I have a confirmed time and date.

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I just received a packet of fan mail from some of the students at Lankershim Elementary, where I spoke last week. Most were a few sentences, thanking me for coming to speak about being an author. They even drew pictures of me at the bottom of their pages. One little girl added a cute note: “I liked your shoes.” I had to laugh at that one.  

These were my very first fan letters. I will cherish them always because they will remind me of the fun I had speaking to the kids and answering their multitude of questions. Such minds! Such imaginations! I just hope that I was and will always be an inspiration to others.

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I don’t know about you, but if I find a good series book, I tend to devour it. My reading speed increases rapidly, and when I’m done with one book, I want to dive into the next one right away.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could write as fast as we can read?

It would be wonderful to sit down and just pound those keys with no hesitation, having complete control over characterization, plot, theme, and setting. But unfortunately, our work takes a bit more finesse. We need to plan out our stories, making sure that there is flow in both dialogue and story lines so confusion does not take seed.

Yes, it  would be nice if we could generate stories that fast; but I’m not willing to sacrifice quality for quantity.

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This morning I had a wonderful time at Lankershim Elementary in Highland, California. I was participating in their Career Awareness Week Program, and I was a guest author. I spoke for about 35 minutes or so to a group of 1st and 2nd graders, telling them about my writing journey and encouraging them to do well in school no matter what career path they choose.

Afterward I answered their many questions, which included, “Do you write the Scooby Doo books?” (Answer: Unfortunately, no.) And, “Do you write with famous people?” (Answer: Not that I know of, but you never know).

I was even presented a certificate of appreciation for coming.

Thanks to the wonderful Career Awareness coordinator Gail Shaw and to the terrific students at Lankershim Elementary!

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This week is career week at a school district some distance from my home, and today is my day to speak about writing. I will share with the young students about my writing career and what needs to be done to become a writer, but I’ll also be handing out some freebies such as one of my bookmarks and some past issues of magazines I’ve written for.

Freebies are great for both the kids and for me. With issues of magazines, not only am I sharing my stories, but I’m advertising the magazine. If the magazine keeps publishing, I may keep being one of the writers. With my bookmark, the kids have a fun and colorful reminder to read my new book. I also have my website and email address listed on the bookmark so kids can download my color pages or write me a note.

On other occasions I have passed out little Betsy Ross flag pins, and I hope to pass out a copy or two of the Declaration of Independence at another speaking engagement.

It’s important to draw interest to you and your book. Sometimes freebies are a fun way to go.

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One of the great things I love about being a writer is that I can write from anywhere. As long as I have a pen or pencil (and even a crayon), paper, and/or laptop, I can write from any location I want. If it’s too noisy in the living room where my main computer is, I can grab my laptop and head to my bedroom or sit out on a folding chair on my back porch.

If I happen to have an idea while I’m out and about, I can grab my notebook, or a piece of paper, or even a napkin (which I have been known to do!) and jot down some notes. I don’t have to lug a desk with me. I am my own portable work station.

I don’t meet in an office. I don’t have to worry about traffic or bad weather. I don’t have to worry about wardrobe details (unless I’m off to a school visit or book signing), and if I get restless where I’m writing at, I can always move to another location where the ambiance and view are better.

Yes, writing is a wonderful occupation, especially if you like being mobile.

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