Meeting Authors

When I was a Girl Scout our troop once visited the home of a local author, Josephine Blackstock, who showed us the galley proofs of her newest book and told us about her job. That was an unforgettable experience and encouraged me become an author myself when I grew up.

After many years of doing other things I finally became a professional writer and now I truly am the author of children's books.

Today I'm at a writer's conference as a workshop leader and I've attended and spoken at many others. But it's still always a thrill for me to meet and connect with other authors, especially those who write the kind of books I enjoy reading.

And when I meet kids who enjoy books at school visits and other places I always hope some of them will be inspired to become writers themselves someday. Then perhaps they will pass the torch on to generations even farther in the future.

By the way, Blackstock is the author of a biography of John Newbery, and the most prestigious medal for the best children's books published each year is named after him. Now that's a positive influence!

Amazing Award!

Guess what! I just won a Newberry Award.

Before you get excited, let me explain that it's not the Newbery Medal for the year's best books for children. (Oh, how I'd love to get one of those.)

When the authors and illustrators with Guardian Angel Publishing who live near the West Coast of the US met in Oregon last week we had a tour of the Newberry Volcanic Monument. Just for fun our publisher, Lynda Burch, agreed to create the Newberry Award for those of us who were on that tour. Here it is: