Photo by Daniel Torobekov for Pexels.com It has been a while since I last updated the progress on my middle grade novel The Gatekeeper’s Daughter. We are now in the production phase where more decisions have to be made. Things such as formatting, cover design and back cover copy. More than anything else, the cover…
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…
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,…
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…
Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents
Every time Jeff tries to make his parents happy, disaster inevitably follows so he decides to turn his life into a science experiment. The results aren’t exactly what he hopes for but along the way he learns a lot and discovers even parents sometimes make mistakes. Available now from Chicken Scratch Books, Jeff Pennant’s Field…
Coming soon: The Gatekeeper’s Daughter
Today is a very big day! I am so excited to announce that I have signed with Chicken Scratch Books to publish my middle grade fantasy The Gatekeeper’s Daughter! Look for it December 2024!
New adventures
Welcome to our new adventure! Like many folks, we have decided to leave city life and find some land in the hopes of being more self sustainable. We are not off grid; we are not those people! I have a deep admiration for anyone who is attempting to live that way but we know our…
