UP!–A BRILLiant Book on BULLYING & BRAVERY

Posted on March 4, 2020 by writersideup

If there’s one thing I feel very strongly about—it’s bullying. I hated it when I was a kid, even more when my son was in school (I wrote a poem inspired by an incident that involved his friend), and I witness it on a daily basis, especially now. Bullying takes forms in countless ways, and not just by kids or on school playgrounds, that’s for sure.

Unfortunately, we live at a time when this abhorrent behavior is actually encouraged by some, so it’s that much more important to address the subject in ways that have the best chance to have positive impact. That’s why I was thrilled about Darlene Beck Jacobson’s middle grade novel in verse Wishes, Dares & How to Stand Up to a Bully. Continue reading →

UP!–WINNER of “WAY PAST MAD” Giveaway! :D

Posted on March 1, 2020 by writersideup

I tell ya — giveaways are always exciting 😄😃😎 It’s be great if EVERYone could win, but…well, you know.🙄 One thing I can say is, if you didn’t win this time around, actually buying Hallee and Sandra’s WONderful book Way Past Mad, or requesting it from your library 📚 is a winning move! 👍🏆🤩 Continue reading →

UP!–My Contest Entry: Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy!

Posted on October 10, 2019 by writersideup

Well, Happy Readers, I’m happy to report this post is more in line with what I typically put on my blog 🤗. (Yes, the Princeton Book Festival post is still coming! Was going to do the Glen Rock Festival, but most of my photos were useless 😣🙄)

Two days ago, when I was able to catch one of my beloved Twitter chats #kidlitchat, talented author Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez popped in and let us know about her aMAZing contest: the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. I still can’t get over how generous all the prize donors are. I mean really — 51 prizes that include picture book critiques, first chapter MG/YA critiques, signed books, and more! (Pssst…I’ve got my eye Continue reading →

UP!–Q&A with Peter H. Reynolds

Posted on September 10, 2018 by writersideup

A “Lighter Side Up”

Q & A with

Peter Reynolds

Confident that someone wouldn’t have to be unusually perceptive, it’s not a stretch to assume you’ve gotten just a bit of a hint that I am somewhat OVER-THE-MOON, JUMPING-OUT-OF-MY-SKIN EXCITED about the Reynolds brothers visiting my blogs for a “chat” in celebration of International Dot Day 😁😍👍👏😎❣💥!!!!!!!

No “Dynamic Duo” is complete when you have one of a pair. Last week I had the pleasure of one cape-donning superhero dropping by: the amazing Paul Reynolds. This week none other than the pencil-and-brush-wielding Peter Reynolds is here. Needless to say, very much in “Lois Lane” fashion, I’ve been swept off my feet to circle the stars by their gracious presence and certainly their incredibly thoughtful, moving and inspirational responses to my questions. I’m betting you enjoyed Paul’s and are about to enjoy Peter’s too 😀 😎 (also posted on “Creativity” Cookbook) Continue reading →

UP!–Q&A with Paul A. Reynolds

Posted on September 2, 2018 by writersideup

A “Lighter Side Up”

Q & A with

Paul Reynolds

For those of you who’ve been following my blog since its launch, you may recall that at that time it had been planned to do Q&As with the Reynolds brothers, but due to life’s demands the posts had to be postponed. These are two busy guys. After all, what else would you expect from superheroes?! Well, I can tell you—they were worth the wait. When you read their sensitive, wise, affecting responses to my questions, their superpowers are crystal clear: words and actions that stem from passionate, sincere hearts. I’m SO honored to be hosting them as part of International Dot Day 2018 (just 2 weeks away, having been inspired by Peter’s book, The Dot!). This year, rather than creating my own little Dot, I think this is a MUCH better way to celebrate 🙂 ❤ Continue reading →