Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Funeral For A Friend (in which I discuss my failed novel)

It’s a somber occasion, Esteemed Reader, so I hope you’re wearing a black tie. Today I say goodbye to a book I once loved and still have some feelings for, even if I’m the only one. Actually, my critique partners and Mrs. Ninja also have strong feelings for the book, but not positive ones:) I […]

Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Does Anybody Really Care About the Oscars?

Hello there, Esteemed Reader. Are you worn out from watching the Oscars broadcast last night? Not me. I haven’t watched the Academy Awards since they snubbed The Dark Knight. That was the year I decided it didn’t really matter what movie won Best Picture. I still haven’t seen The Artist and I’m getting by just […]

Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: The Distraction Of Reader Feedback, Accountability, and Cover Reveal

Hello there, Esteemed Reader. I hope this post finds you well. Though I’m posting this Monday, it’s a Saturday morning for me. I’ve got coffee, Bob Dylan is singing softly (imagine, an English Major who likes Bob Dylan!), and Little Ninja is cooing beside me in a way that tells me I’ve got about 30 […]

Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Conference with the Cannibals

How was your weekend, Esteemed Reader? Mine was amazing, though also exhausting. I attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Wild Wild Midwest Conference in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Typically, I like to go to these conferences alone, thereby forcing myself to meet new people and enabling me to have long conversations with faculty […]