I have just finished writing the Author’s Note for Alchemy and Meggy Swann, and I am surprised by how much I have learned about alchemy by writing the book. If I am ever on Jeopardy and alchemy is a category, I am a sure winner—except I will probably forget to phrase my answer in the form of a question and

I am not ordinarily a fantasy fan, but I recently agreed to give a quote for The Farwalker’s Quest, so I spent a rainy afternoon immersed in the intriguing world Joni Sensel created. My quote read “Rich in characters, with a unique setting and surprising relevance, it’s a profound, touching, and wise tale about the important things in life: success

I have almost finished the final final final revisions for Alchemy and Meggy Swann. The book is scheduled for publication next spring, 2010, so I’d better get it finished and off. I have been having a good time. Revisions are much easier for me than getting down that first draft. I think it’s because I feel in control. When I’m

Thirty six years go today I witnessed a miracle. Philip and I watched our daughter, Leah Corinna Katie Shoshana Starshine Cushman (really!),  being born. We are here in Portland today celebrating her birthday. She is a lovely, sweet, intelligent woman and we are so lucky to have her in our lives. But I find when I look at her, it’s like wearing

I just spent a few days with a dog that has a very important job.   Siena, a Golden Retriever, is the most huggable, lovable dog I ever met. She’s also a therapy dog for a group in Tucson, Arizona, called Gabriel’s Angels. She visits children who are neglected, abused, or at risk. They sing and read to her. They brush her and take her for

If you live in or near Tucson, Arizona, come see me this weekend at the Tucson Festival of Books. Over 300 authors and illustrators will be talking, reading, and signing. After my work is done, I plan to hear Richard Peck and Gail Carson Levine as my reward. And I will be on stage with Jim Deem, who won a

Yesterday I celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a group of first, second, and third graders at Chautauqua Elementary School here on Vashon Island. I had never spoken to such young people before and I was surprised at what good readers and writers they were. Aziza, Lily, and Madeleine read me from their historical novel set in World War 1 starring

I just got the edited manuscript for Alchemy and Meggy Swann back from my editor after a three month wait. This photo shows my response upon first seeing all those green marks on my precious pages. What I have to do now is put the manuscript aside, breathe deeply, talk a walk, and then come back and read it over

On February 14, Valentine’s Day, from New England to the Pacific Northwest, children’s authors, illustrators, and the young readers who love them are coming together. It’s Kids Love Authors Day, and to show how we love them back, we’ll be reading and talking and signing books. Wherever you live, check with your local independent bookstore to see if they have