Welcome!

As I branch out on my writing tree, I thought it was time I began a blog for my YA/middle reader markets. Here I will post samples of my stories and accept your positive remarks. Thanks for finding me!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Santa Spy Wins Award



Talk about surprises!

I didn't even know The Santa Spy was under consideration. It was and it received a Gold Medallion for Best Holiday Book. So thanks to Jerusha for publishing it, Brie for editing it, and Kimberly for those uncanny illustrations many of you have pointed out look a lot like a young me.

And many thanks to the Literary Classics International Committee for the wonderful recognition!

A complete list of recipients can be found by clicking here.

Friday, May 16, 2014

RUNNING RED


Rebellious teen Robin "Robbie" Willette thinks her life sucks. 

Her grades aren't the greatest. Her dad hates her "older" boyfriend. And her mom keeps Robbie on a short leash after her straight A, perfect, older sister gets pregnant and has a baby. As the tension builds in her family, Robbie runs away with her boyfriend Lane only to wind up sleeping on the sofa of her ostracized sister. 

But it's not all that bad. Robbie has a taste of independence. She's working on getting her diploma through night school. She has a job--not a great one but it's legit. And she's finally beginning to figure out that her relationship with Lane is a dead end. For the first time in a long time, Robbie Willette is getting her life together. 

Just as her life is improving, the world around her begins to crumble. Literally. A plague crawls over the planet, mutating humans into blood-lusting zombies that help spread a deadly fungus. It isn't long before society collapses. In fact, in less than a year, all of society’s norms are gone. Robbie quickly finds herself separated not only from her family, but from all humanity. Hoping to reunite with her sister and niece, Robbie sets off with the most loyal companion she's ever had: a yellow Labrador she names Yuki. 

The road she travels is not easy. She must confront personal fears, untrustworthy humans, and aggressive mutants. Will Robbie fulfill her dream of finding her family, or is the world just too dangerous a place to discover what she needs most--hope?

(The Open Book Society has given Running Red a five star review!)



The Santa Spy

It's been a while but in December of 2013, Character Publishing released THE SANTA SPY, a picture book with pictures. 

The Santa Spy is about a brilliant boy named Darren who decides to find out once and for all if Santa really exists. He uses spy equipment, a computer, and a motion-sensitive Halloween decoration to video record the events of Christmas Eve night under his tree. The end will leave readers wondering just what Darren saw in file number 1224. This book includes parent/teacher supplementary material, a glossary, and author/illustrator biographies.

To check it out, click this link: Santa!