A Moving Target: Historical Research and Gentrification
A walking tour through the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood where my main character lived 50 years ago.
Returning to Portugal and Seeing the Changes
Thoughts on returning to Portugal, seeing the changes, and researching a historical novel that takes place there in 1966.
Staying Motivated
If you knew that the best grade you could get in a course you really wanted to take was a C, would you still take the course?
My Workshop for the VCFA Young Writers Network, Part 2
Last week I reported on the first week that I led a workshop for middle school writers at New Voices School as part of the VCFA Young Writers Network. That…
My Workshop for the VCFA Young Writers Network, Part 1
The first part of my report on presenting at New Voices School in Brooklyn as part of the new VCFA Young Writers Network.
Killing Your Darlings, and Bringing Them Back to Life
My bonus content for the YA Scavenger Hunt, a deleted scene that leads to my comments on the importance of "killing your darlings" in revision.
Surviving Santiago Is Launched!
Last Thursday was my official book launch party for Surviving Santiago at the Lower East Side bookstore Bluestockings, ranked one of the top destinations in the Not For Tourists Illustrated Guide to New York City.
Collaborative Storytelling with Lego
Ten days ago I spoke to groups of sixth through eighth graders at Hommocks Middle School in Mamaroneck, New York. Sponsored by the PTA for Autism Awareness Month, I talked…
Publication Day for The World in a Second
Celebrating the publication day of The World in a Second, the picture book I translated from Portuguese.
Letting Go of the Past
The controversy surrounding Harper Lee's forthcoming novel helps me decide what to let go of in the process of moving.