Wendelin Van Draanen

Hi, all. Get to meet a children’s and young adult author. Here, M Liz Boyle interviews one on her blog. Wendelin Van Draanen, author of Flipped, The Running Dream, and the Sammy Keyes books, shares stories behind her books and offers thoughtful advice for aspiring authors. Without further ado, here’s M Liz’s and Wendelin’s conversation.

My Book-in-Progress…and Dog Treats

Hi, everyone. I’m still writing my book, The Galdur Snow Dog. For those of you who are just reading this blog, it’s a middle-grade book about a special breed of dog from the fictional island Galdur. They have magical traits, such as: Sneezing colors into the snow Running across water Smelling like vanilla peppermint DidContinue reading “My Book-in-Progress…and Dog Treats”

Easter Crafts and Recipes

Getting ready for Easter? Or to be truer to why Christians celebrate, Resurrection Day? If you’re still looking for things to do that day, Clubhouse Magazine has recipe and craft ideas for you to check out. Here are a few examples: Aren’t these sock bunnies cute? This recipe for Easter Crown Bread is an EasternContinue reading “Easter Crafts and Recipes”

A Video to Make You Smile

In the spirit of my work-in-progress, The Galdur Snow Dog, here’s a video of cute husky puppies. The dogs in my book are more like Malamutes, but huskies are similar, right? The main character in my story is a magic, Malamute-like dog named Joy. She starts out as a little pup, then she grows intoContinue reading “A Video to Make You Smile”

This Wednesday is the Last Day

For all of you who have looked at my beta copy of The Galdur Snow Dog, this Wednesday is the last day to submit your input to my email. Don’t you love it when I keep reminding you? 🙂 Again, thank you for your help. You are very much appreciated.

Lou Allen Ranks Books, from Middle Grade to Adult

Which of these books do you want to read? I want to read Fortress of Snow by Melanie Dickerson, and I would try out the adventure in The Architect by Jonathan Starrett. If you’ve visited my other blog posts, you may have seen me post Allen’s review on Starrett’s story.

My Children’s Book-in-progress

Hi, all. I hope you are all enjoying 2024 so far. Throughout this year, I’m giving sneak peeks of my story-in-progress. It’s a middle grade novel called The Galdur Snow Dog, and the main character is—that’s right—a dog. Only this dog has golden sparkles in her fur, can sneeze colors into snow, and run acrossContinue reading “My Children’s Book-in-progress”

I Wrote a Novel. Looking for Beta Readers.

Hi, all. I have big news: I’ve written a novel. Well, it’s a beta read copy of my middle grade book, “The Galdur Snow Dog.” It’s a Christmas-y story about a dog named Joy with magical powers, and she and her siblings get kidnapped and sold to a family. The family is nice, but somethingContinue reading “I Wrote a Novel. Looking for Beta Readers.”

It’s Out!

Newsflash! Adare Elyse’s middle grade novel On Hidden Wings is officially out. You can order it on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle book. Why should you buy this book? Well, if you’re a fan of the following tropes, then get your copy. Here’s Adare’s official blurb: — First rule: hide your true self. Becka‘sContinue reading “It’s Out!”