Free alert: The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike

Get The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike FREE now. 

Here are some review snippets from this romance:

• "The story keeps you entertained as the plot jumps between an event that happens in high school and the present day. It will make you laugh and make you cry, and realize the importance off friends and family - and how a secret can change your life. Can't wait for the next book to come out!"

• "I was sucked into the story from line one and loved the whole book."

• "The characters are believable and poignant. They make tough decisions, grapple with regret and try to make the most of their situations."

• "Awesome book! This is a quick read and is hard to put down once you start."

• "I give huge kudos to this author for having the courage and will to write about such a complex topic. Making the characters come to life on page and making them all relatable in some way. For making us, the reader, feel the emotions, the anger, the hurt, the loneliness of these characters was brilliant."

• "This is a great story about the vagaries of life, but also about the redemptive and healing power of love."

Tea at The Yorktowne Hotel a success

I really enjoyed the author tea I did at The Yorktowne Hotel. It was great to see family and friends and meet some of my readers. We had a great time discussing The Moment Keeper. A big thank you to everyone who came. We hope to do it again around Christmas, focusing on The Christmas Violin. 

'Freaky Frank' cover revealed

I love the cover of my upcoming middle-grade novel from MuseItUp Publishing, "Freaky Frank." Here's the skinny.

In many ways, Frank Fratello is a typical teen. He plays baseball, hangs out with his friends at the mall and gets in trouble at home. But there’s something very different about this sixth-grader—he can read minds. And reading minds can cause problems. Like when Frank says what someone is thinking before they say it. Or answers a question before they ask it.

Despite being telepathic, Frank must deal with everyday middle school life, which includes battling a bully who hates him. Nasty Nate and his flunkies live to get others in trouble—especially Frank.

 But Frank and his friends aren’t giving up. There has to be some way to bring Nasty Nate down. They just have to find it.

...........

Stay tuned for release date and other deets. In the meantime, catch up on reading my other books:

The Lion Awakens

The Christmas Violin

The Moment Keeper

The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike

The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom 

Pulitzer Prizes announced

I was super excited to find out who won the Pulitzer Prizes this year. Why? Because I had the honor of being a juror for this year's Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing.

I gathered at Columbia University in late February to judge the entries with an esteemed group of colleagues. We judged an outstanding body of work and everyone who entered should be proud.

The prizes are given in 14 categories of journalism as well as drama, music, poetry and books.

I was also happy I had the opportunity to work with Sig Gissler, who is retiring as administrator this summer. Those familiar with Sig know how much he helped the Pulitzer Prizes move into the digital age. Prior to becoming the Pulitzer administrator, Sig was editor of The Milwaukee Journal.

From left: Joyce Terhaar, Mark Lorando, Carolyn Murray,
Jill Williams, me, and George Getschow. Missing: Bill Church

Stephen King talking about books

poll by twiigs.com

David and Goliath in 'The Lion Awakens'

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I’ve always loved the story of David and Goliath. I suppose it’s because I’ve always rooted for the underdogs, believed in them even when they failed to believe in themselves.

Here was a shepherd boy who took on the champion of the Philistines. Who would have believed David even had a chance. After all, Goliath was stronger, bigger. He had everything going for him. Or did he?

David, armed with a bag of stones and a sling, defeated the mighty warrior.  He might not have matched Goliath's stature or strength, but he out matched him in ways that mattered.   

I’m sure King Saul, after watching David remove the armor he had dressed him in, doubted the young boy had a chance. But David used the talents given to him to achieve great things.

When I began writing “The Lion Awakens,” I wanted to tell the story of David and Goliath with a twist (or two, or three). I knew that Gabriel would be the messenger and that Peter would provide the foundation Annie and David would need to build a new world. 

I incorporated a lot of religious imagery in the book, from crosses to a crown of thorns. And of course, the lion.

The book involves a parallel universe, mean girls who will make your blood boil, and loyal friends who you can’t help but love.While this book is aimed at the young adult market, I think people of all ages will enjoy it.

And the ending? Let’s just say it will make your jaw drop! 

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