Someone Arrives, Someone Leaves: The Inciting Incident
A discussion of the inciting incident in fiction and how it sets the story in motion.
Large Countries and the Value of Life
In the wake of a tragic assassination, a discussion of whether a country can be too large and populous for its own good.
The Grief Narrative in Books for Young Readers
Advice for writers of grief narratives for young readers, and broadening the definition of the genre.
Religion, Historical Fiction, and the American Pope
Portraying Catholic characters and the Catholic Church in my historical fiction in the context of the American prelate Leo XIV's election as the new pope.
A Creative Crisis
Deciding to write a different kind of historical novel in the face of a more repressive environment, but not giving up my commitment to social justice.
Giving Characters Agency in Restricted Spaces
How writers can give their protagonists agency even if the characters are very young or live in very restricted environments.
Audiobook News!
Announcement of the audiobook edition of Eyes Open and physical CDs of Torch, with thoughts on my audiobook experiences.
Seen in the Wild
Some photos of my books, spotted in bookstores, libraries, clothing stores, and with very good dogs on the internet.
Guest Speaker
Being the guest speaker at the VCFA winter residency and how my experience there as a student influenced my writing of Torch.
World Read Aloud Day 2024: Not a Rookie
Offering free Zoom visits to schools at all levels for World Read Aloud Day on February 7, 2024.