As a writer of middle-grade fantasy as well as a life-long reader, I have long been conflicted over the use of magic in Christian stories. Sunlight breaks through a forest As believers and writers, we have no need to employ an external force in order to create the supernatural. We need only use our God-given…
Galloping Away
Thirteen-year-old Alex is determined to rise above her mistakes and prove that she can train her very own horse. Galloping Away Full of sweet moments and heart-pounding action, Galloping Away by Robin Kolb is the latest book from middle-grade publisher Chicken Scratch Books. You can purchase Galloping Away from Chicken Scratch Books and all other…
The Gatekeeper’s Daughter: edit update
I’m starting on the last round of edits now for my middle grade fantasy novel The Gatekeeper’s Daughter with Chicken Scratch Books. Every round focuses more and more on finer details and this one, the copy edit round, is the most detailed yet. It is finicky work at times but I want to make this…
For what we are about to receive
Suppertime at home always started with this prayer and even though our parents are gone now, we still gathered at their home for Christmas this year. For what we are about to receive, May the Lord make us truly grateful, And ever mindful of the needs of others. In Christ’s name, Amen
A new title with Chicken Scratch Books!
I am excited to announce I have signed with Chicken Scratch Books for my middle grade contemporary novel to be released in 2025. Chicken Scratch Books is a traditional middle grade publisher. They publish great kids books with traditional values. My first novel with them, a middle grade undersea fantasy, is scheduled for release on…
The Gatekeeper’s Daughter: an update
If you’ve been following along, you will know that my seventh book, The Gatekeeper’s Daughter, is currently in revision. What that really means is I am currently spending every day working through my manuscript chapter by chapter and line by line. The big picture, developmental edit is done. Now for a closer look. Characterization, plot…
Guest post: Tory Christie
Tory Christie is an earth scientist and the author of several books on science and nature. Her middle-grade novel, A Touch of Blue, is a story of friendship and sacrifice told through the vivid lens of nature and 1970s film photography. Growing up, I loved chasing through wooded trails, swimming in the lake, climbing trees,…
The Select Few
When I began writing my first book, I was thrown into a new world, the world of marketing. I am a writer, not a marketer, and yet it seemed marketing was to be as big a part of my new calling as the actual writing was. I took in as much advice as possible, implemented…
Guest Post: Author Susan Phelan
Susan Phelan is an author of children's fiction. Her middle grade book Miss Classified, published by Chicken Scratch Books, explores the world through the eyes of a child with ADHD. "I see life through the lens of story. As a little girl my mom would get me to finish dinner by telling me to eat…
Author spotlight: Elizabeth Raum
Elizabeth Raum is a prolific writer of history in both fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent title, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776, is available from Chicken Scratch Books. Q: Where did you get the idea for your most recent book, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776? A: I've always been fascinated with our country's history. I…
