Just got back from a wonderful school visit. The children at Brookside elementary in Beaumont, California, were all so enthusiastic and they made the visit so enjoyable! I spoke to K-5 and was then offered a tasty lunch by the PTA. Many thanks to Debra Rappelt, the school librarian. She put together a fantastic day for me and the kids!

I have been asked to speak at the California Reading Association Conference in November. It will be held at the Convention Center in Visalia. My presentation will cover the writing process, ins and outs of publishing, and lists of books that teachers and librarians can use with their students.

Just sent PLAYING BY THE NUMBERS and EXTRA EXTRA to Bloomsbury for consideration. They worked with me on DESERT ROSE AND HER HIFALUTIN HOG, and the end product was fabulous! I am hoping for another collaboration with that wonderful house.

I have just finished a fun picture book manuscript entitled HOUSE OF CLOWNS. It is the story of a young girl who lives in a boarding house for clowns. When she discovers a stray kitten, mayhem ensues - but each of the clown's particular talents help save the day.

My agent at the Susan Schulman agency, Christine, has taken a job as an editor for a book publishing company, and will no longer be representing me. She has done a terrific job for me and I will miss her. Best of Luck, Christine!

I am beginning a new version of PLAYING BY THE NUMBERS  for my editor at Henry Holt. This rewrite will focus more on the brother's experiences as a conscientious objector in Canada than on the effect of his departure on his younger sister. The book will be aimed at a slightly older audience.

I have been invited to speak at the California Reading Association Conference in Visalia next Fall. While there, I will speak to teachers, librarians and reading specialists about the writing process and the development of ideas.