Working with a workplace writing coach
An energizing week with young readers
The everyday practice of plain language
At the beginning of plain language workshops for workplace writers, I like to show a photo of an outdoor water feature located near a busy retail corner in Vancouver. In particular, I want people to see the sign on the…
Let’s celebrate plain language
Plain language week—October 11–15—is approaching and it’s time to celebrate. In the past, festivities have included public demonstrations, conferences, and art and music exhibitions of plain language. Sadly, there is no special feast or street party celebrating plain language this…
The Bake Sale, Book 3 in the Meg and Greg series, is now available!
Congratulations are in order for partner Rowena Rae and her sister, Elspeth Rae! Rowena and Elspeth have just published The Bake Sale, Book 3 in the Meg and Greg series. The Meg and Greg books are geared toward emergent readers,…
In praise of the silent e
Have you ever thought of what we owe To the humble silent e? At the ends of words it curls itself Always so ... silently. You’d mistake a moose for the cow’s friendly moos Without the silent e. You’d…
Upcoming presentation: Writing and Publishing Children’s Books for a Niche Audience
Words and play
When I was a kid, I was certain I’d be a writer. I wrote constantly: poems, stories, plays, cartoons, newspapers, magazines (including the cover and fake ads), and novel beginnings—many, many beginnings. I didn’t care about quality or completion. I…
Changing hats
Although I’ve been a writer and editor for almost 30 years, most of my work has been outside the book publishing world, and I’ve never worked in-house. So when I pitched a children’s book idea to Orca Book Publishers a…