Weekly Note: Around here lately
Plus what first graders think, writing to authors, and book recs
Happy spring! Around here it’s been another couple of weeks filled with lots of fun, family, and exploring but not much writing. There’s been no shortage of inspiration and it’s been good to take a break, but I do feel like something’s missing when I’m not writing. So I’m looking forward to getting back on a schedule next week and tackling my book revision.
Have you ever written to a favorite author or illustrator? I got a lovely email today that made my day (week, month, maybe even year!). It was from a mom of a 5th grader who has been enthralled by Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist and is carrying out her own research into her life for a school project. She’s now interested in uncovering more stories about women like Evelyn and even wants her own insect collection. There’s really nothing better than hearing stories like this about the books we’ve written. It’s truly a highlight of my career! So if a book has particularly spoken to you or your kids, reach out and let the creator know. It means so much! (and thank you to K if you’re reading this for taking the time to email me!)
I think spring in California is my favorite time of year. Lots of opportunities for outside time but it’s not too hot (yet!).
p.s. If you’re reading this as an email pop over to Substack where you can leave a comment or a ❤️.
p.p.s. some of the links below are bookshop.org affiliate links so I might earn a small commission if you buy from them, but as always I encourage you to visit your local independent bookstore instead. This month I’ll be donating any affiliate earnings to Doggie Protective Services (the rescue where we adopted May).
On Kidlit Survival Guide recently we talked about our approach to critiquing and Vicky gave us a behind the scenes look at how she created her novelty book, Alphabot.
What’s inside the mind of a first grader?
gathered some questions from a recent school visit and shared them in this post on .Loving this behind the scenes look at Bluey from the art director who worked on the show at the very beginning of it all. Lots of great tidbits that apply to any creative career as well as being completely fascinating. (side note: I now really want to go to Brisbane!)
“I truly realised that if you create what YOU want to create, the jobs and opportunities that will creatively satisfy you the most will come out of exuding that energy into the world.” - Catriona Drummond (
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I have loved a couple of books recently. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and Heartwood by Amity Grace. I would classify them both as literary thrillers and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what happened. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view in both books, too.
That’s all for this week, see you next week!
With love,
Christine xo
Buy my books from your favorite local independent bookstore, my local indie Linden Tree Books, Bookshop.org, or other online retailers.