Category: STEM/STEAM

Behind the Scenes: “Listening for the Music in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE” by Jason Peterson

September 18, 2026

Here’s a terrific post from author Jason Peterson on finding the balance between details of a life and “the feel” of that life in the world in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE: THE UNSTOPPABLE MUSIC OF CEDELL DAVIS. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to get in on the giveaway for a copy of BLUES WITH … More Behind the Scenes: “Listening for the Music in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE” by Jason Peterson

My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

September 11, 2026

In this year of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s truly an honor to share a little-known piece of history in THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, releasing 9/29/26. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of the writing and how I wrestled with TOO MUCH INFORMATION—an … More My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

Mining for Heart: “How a Patchwork Quilt Reflects a Patchwork World” by Ann McCallum Staats

August 28, 2026

Just as perspective led to Karen Nyberg’s global quilt project from space, author Ann McCallum Staats found the heart of A QUILT OF STARS: ASTRONAUT KAREN NYBERG STITCHES A DREAM by exploring perspective. In this fascinating story, a bit of tradition and old-fashioned skills find their place in space! GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for … More Mining for Heart: “How a Patchwork Quilt Reflects a Patchwork World” by Ann McCallum Staats

Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison

July 17, 2026

This post from author Darcy Pattison is a perfect sequel to Colleen Paeff’s post last week. Both authors experienced the power of place as they approached a story. A trip to Poland helped Darcy visualize the life of Copernicus so very long ago to create NIGHT: HOW COPERNICUS MADE THE SUN STAND STILL AND THE … More Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison

Mining for Heart: “Finding a Story’s Heart in the Place Where it Happened (and How to Get There Without Leaving Home)” by Colleen Paeff

July 10, 2026

Visiting a place is magical, but authors can’t always do that to research a story. Here’s a fantastic post from author Colleen Paeff on how she landed on the heart of her puffling rescue story in Iceland, along with some tips for how to get a sense of place, people, and the heart of a … More Mining for Heart: “Finding a Story’s Heart in the Place Where it Happened (and How to Get There Without Leaving Home)” by Colleen Paeff

Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor

June 19, 2026

The pandemic a few years ago put us all in the throes of history and pushed thinking in many ways, not only medically, but also regarding human connections. And here we have a children’s book by Zewlan Moor impacted by creative greetings that widened the scope of greetings in the animal world. Giveaway!! Leave a … More Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor

Behind the Scenes: “Deconstructing Debug This Book” by Omar Abed

June 5, 2026

What a treat to share this post from author Omar Abed about the beginning of DEBUG THIS BOOK, a creative story, illustrated by one of my critique partners, the uber creative Julie Rowan Zoch! It was a long time coming, but it’s out in the world June 30! Like Omar did, we all hope that … More Behind the Scenes: “Deconstructing Debug This Book” by Omar Abed

Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch

May 15, 2026

Any kids who fill their pockets with rocks definitely need this book! In this post, Melissa Koch shares the spark that started STONE BY STONE: A ROCK’S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME and how she revised for the heart in this engaging approach. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of STONE … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch

Especially for Educators: “What To Do When the Information Keeps Changing” by Elaine Kachala

April 24, 2026

Writing about current technology presents the challenge of how to keep up with ever-changing information. In this post, author Elaine Kachala puts the future in the hands of students with capable imaginations and critical thinking skills. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of BUILDING HOMES FOR ALL by Elaine … More Especially for Educators: “What To Do When the Information Keeps Changing” by Elaine Kachala

Behind the Scenes: “What Are You Willing to Change?” by Jilanne Hoffmann

March 13, 2026

In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the submission process for THE OCEAN’S HEART: THE TINY CREATURES ESSENTIAL TO LIFE and the question of what she was willing to change to get this book published. GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win a copy of THE OCEAN’S HEART, leave a comment below after the … More Behind the Scenes: “What Are You Willing to Change?” by Jilanne Hoffmann