I’m chatting with the Meet the Expats podcast
Finding more magic in life . . . all around the world. Have you ever been surprised by meeting people like you? I remember doing this all the time as a kid. It was–and is–exciting when you go to a new school or join a club and someone likes what you like or knows what […]
How Print-on-Demand Books Are Made
Videos of Print-on-Demand Here are a few virtual tours of the print-on-demand process. It’s amazing to see how the covers and pages come together and turn into books. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/9KjPcw64Izg?feature=shared Amazon If you’ve ever wanted a tour, here’s a video of the machines and people who make the books for Amazon near Chicago. Keep reading […]
Get the illustrations for Trouble at the Valentine Factory audiobook
Trouble at the Valentine Factory Will this Valentine’s Day be the sweetest day of the year? Or the rudest? The eleven-year-old royal Saffron twins—Princess Saffy and Prince Magellan–have to save the Seven Kingdoms from the Blackfly Queen’s dangerous new magical candies! See Magellan’s score cards and maps while you listen . . . You can […]
That’s the hardest part about . . .
I wish I’d asked what was the hardest part about working with a horse: keeping the rows straight or making the turn at the end of the row? This post is a mini tour of the open-air museum in Lindlar, Germany: the LVR-Freilichtmuseum Lindlar. “That’s the hardest part of weaving. Getting the edges even.” -Weaver […]
Planting Seeds for Peace in the Ukraine
A package of seeds doesn’t cost very much . . . In the last few years, the world seems to be specializing in crises that are too big for one person or one country to solve. We could get angry or discouraged or depressed and sometimes I feel all of those things at once. Or […]
What’s the buzz about Valentine’s Day?
The sign over this archway says: Bee Market Gate This secret passageway leads to the Bee Market Gate in the medieval city of Michelstadt in Germany. Why are bees such a big deal in this city? Why are bees such a big deal in Michelstadt? Hooray for the bee! This sign says: “In memory of […]
Deleted Scenes from the new Valentine’s Day Fairy Tale
A Sneak Peek at the Cutting Floor for Trouble at the Valentine Factory None of the sketches on this page are in Trouble at the Valentine Factory, but I thought they might give you a chuckle. Want to read more? Here are all the places you can get the book (ebook, Kindle, paperback). Once you […]
Kid-powered fun and a new Valentine fairy tale for ages 9 to 12
Imagination is the best kind of kid-powered fun, even when there’s lots of legwork! The medieval Christmas Market in Siegburg, Germany has wonderful, people-powered entertainment. Check out these Viking ships and the carousel. The soundtrack is the bells from the pink tower next to the market. https://youtu.be/o2A3f41UKkE?si=quL_ziLSWI39PO3b/ Men at work This slightly blurry close-up shows […]
Buzz down to the Rhine for a new Valentine fairy tale: TROUBLE AT THE VALENTINE FACTORY
Bee friendly 🙂 And Queen Ash is nowhere in sight. A perfect celebration on the Rhine River. A new Valentine fairy tale in the imaginary world of the Seven Kingdoms inspired by the Rhine and Mosel Rivers in Germany. You’re invited to take a stroll and join the celebration for TROUBLE AT THE VALENTINE FACTORY. […]
A Valentine fairy tale visits another town with a heart for bees
Beautiful city hall on legs in Michelstadt, Germany Michelstadt, Germany is the perfect stop to “bee” inspired for a new Valentine fairy tale. The ponderous beams of the city hall built in 1484 don’t look like they need protection. If they did, what could a bee do? If the Blackfly Queen (in my new fairy […]
How a castle protects bees and a new Valentine’s Day fairy tale
The town of Mayen has made bees a priority This castle holds the answer Bees are the magic ingredient in a new Valentine’s Day fairy tale set in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. (more buzz after the bees 🙂 Trouble at the Valentine Factory would only be half a story without the bees. That’s […]
Building buzz for TROUBLE AT THE VALENTINE FACTORY in Mayen, Germany
Buzz for Trouble at the Valentine Factory In Trouble at the Valentine Factory, bees play a big role. What’s going on? The eleven-year-old Saffron twins can’t quite figure it out. The bees shouldn’t be active in the middle of winter. And what’s with the mysterious white darts popping up around the beehives? Will Valentine’s Day […]