Bio/Media
I'm fascinated by bugs and poop and roadkill, but I wasn't always... As a child, I climbed trees and played sports but was petrified of spiders and did not like getting dirty. Now I let spiders crawl up my arm, paint my face with dirt and dig through scat (animal poop). Why am I now fascinated instead of freaked out? Knowledge.
The more you learn, the less you fear.
My Bio
My interest in nature led to a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Environmental Education. I developed and directed the McDowell Environmental Center. After leaving the center, I taught in the classroom, directed summer camps, and finally discovered writing! I've published 17 books for young people and owe much of my publishing knowledge to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, particularly the Southern Breeze Region. My work is represented by Rubin Pfeffer.
My Life
One of my favorite things is to stand knee-deep in a stream and catch bugs with kids. I still do that, occasionally, when I'm not writing, speaking to students or leading teacher workshops. I live in beautiful Alabama with my husband, four cats and a forest full of wildlife. During my free time, I climb trees, collect fossils, stand under waterfalls, nature journal, explore the Sipsey Wilderness or lay in a hammock and read a good book!
Media
Interviews
A Few Reviews
Interviews
Roadkill research interview on public radio.
Igniting a passion for inquiry podcast.
Poop science on Reading with Your Kids.
SCBWI
Writing Exercise
Interviews
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators -- the organization for kidlit professionals.
Writing Exercise
Writing Exercise
Writing Exercise
Highlights Foundation podcast about observing nature to strengthen writing.
STEMTuesday
Writing Exercise
Writing Exercise
Blog by authors STEM books. Includes searchable, themed book lists, lesson plans, writing craft exercises, and book give-aways.