When Short is Long
April 1, 2025
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My own definition of a novella is that it is a novel that you can read — in its entirety — in three or four hours.
Blog
Fossil Phrases
March 25, 2025
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Our language is full of what I call “fossil phrases,” terms we still use that are based on things or acts from the past. After reading, reader, you are invited to add your own fossil phrase in the blog comments.
Options
March 18, 2025
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Over the years, a number of my books have been optioned for movies. What does “optioned” mean?
Story behind the Story #74: Lost in the Empire City
March 11, 2025
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In all the current political debates about immigration, it is sometimes forgotten, that unless you are connected to Native People, we are ALL immigrants or descended from immigrants, people in search of a better life.
Blurbs
March 4, 2025
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BLURB: “A short laudatory phrase — or even a word — that praises a piece of creative work.”
When Nominated for an Edgar Award
February 25, 2025
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In 1975, to my great surprise, No More Magic was nominated for the “Best Juvenile Mystery of the Year,” by the Mystery Writers of America. Back then, new to the world of children’s books, I had never heard of the award or the organization.
Revisions: AI or Not?
February 18, 2025
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If I have learned anything in my career it is that nobody — nobody — writes anything very well in one go.
Tales of Wonder
February 11, 2025
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To my eyes, Tales of Wonder by James Gilroy is a wonderful work of art, brilliantly animated with life. In the style of the time, it contains a wealth of information — almost a narrative.
The Untold Story of Books
February 4, 2025
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If anyone is interested in the world of writing and publishing, let me highly recommend, indeed urge upon you, The Untold Story of Books, by Michael Castleman.
Memories
January 28, 2025
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One of the key tools a writer has is memory. In particular, it’s not unusual for those who write for young people to have engaging — and meaningful — memories of their own childhood.