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.

Can't believe that I just received a wonderful royalty check from Penguin for I KNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A PIE!  The book came out nearly twenty years ago and is still selling strong! Let's hope for twenty more!

I have been invited to visit Brookside Elementary School in Beaumont, California next May. While there I will speak to all of the students about the writing process, editing, illustrating, publishing, etc. Should be fun!