I have had a fun, yet busy couple of months since I've been on here. I was busy editing the final touches for the second book of The Secrets of Shadow Hill series, The Prophecy, and working closely with my Third Grade class in writing their own stories. It is always an exhilarating feeling hitting the last period of a novel, but I have to say this time, getting my final edits done was the icing on the cake for me. I know it's my own book, so of course I should love it, but I am beyond excited for everyone to read the second book of
the series...I just love it and know you will too.
The Prophecy picks up a year after the battle with the Sabatino coven, with Ava, Hannah, and the rest of their close knit group returning to New Jersey for the first time since they were abruptly taken to Shadow Hill. I think that most of the readers will be surprised with the direction this book has taken, and be as addicted to reading it as I was to writing it. This book was easy to write for me because I am just so in love with each character. I can hardly wait for the Fall when you can all have the chance to read it too!
Now I am back to writing the third book of the series, and am about a quarter of the way in. I had taken a break for a month from writing to read some great books, both YA fantasy and some best sellers. I read all of Cassandra Clare's books in a month (yes, all of them) and fell in love with her writing style....she has definitely
become one of my inspirations in this genre along with Elisabeth Naughton. This entire process of being a newly published writer, and connecting with other authors has been an experience I will treasure forever.
Another exciting time for me over these past couple months is guiding my Third Graders in writing short, five chapter books for an Author's Tea we do every year. It is always my favorite time of the school year because I get to work closely with each student, helping them develop their ideas, and teach them about the writing process. It was especially fun this year being that I now have a published book out there and experience to derive first hand knowledge from. I love teaching, but this is my favorite part of it. I can honestly say that each of my students turned about amazing stories, all at different levels of writing, but all ended the project with a sense of pride. And that's what it is all about....giving these kids the confidence to believe in themselves. I have no doubt that we will all be reading books from a few of these kids one day in the future. They truly are my inspiration. I feel blessed every day to have to opportunity to teach and write.
I would love to hear from any of you about some great books or writing experiences you have had too! Please feel free to share!
the series...I just love it and know you will too.
The Prophecy picks up a year after the battle with the Sabatino coven, with Ava, Hannah, and the rest of their close knit group returning to New Jersey for the first time since they were abruptly taken to Shadow Hill. I think that most of the readers will be surprised with the direction this book has taken, and be as addicted to reading it as I was to writing it. This book was easy to write for me because I am just so in love with each character. I can hardly wait for the Fall when you can all have the chance to read it too!
Now I am back to writing the third book of the series, and am about a quarter of the way in. I had taken a break for a month from writing to read some great books, both YA fantasy and some best sellers. I read all of Cassandra Clare's books in a month (yes, all of them) and fell in love with her writing style....she has definitely
become one of my inspirations in this genre along with Elisabeth Naughton. This entire process of being a newly published writer, and connecting with other authors has been an experience I will treasure forever.
Another exciting time for me over these past couple months is guiding my Third Graders in writing short, five chapter books for an Author's Tea we do every year. It is always my favorite time of the school year because I get to work closely with each student, helping them develop their ideas, and teach them about the writing process. It was especially fun this year being that I now have a published book out there and experience to derive first hand knowledge from. I love teaching, but this is my favorite part of it. I can honestly say that each of my students turned about amazing stories, all at different levels of writing, but all ended the project with a sense of pride. And that's what it is all about....giving these kids the confidence to believe in themselves. I have no doubt that we will all be reading books from a few of these kids one day in the future. They truly are my inspiration. I feel blessed every day to have to opportunity to teach and write.
I would love to hear from any of you about some great books or writing experiences you have had too! Please feel free to share!