
At least that’s what her parents say.
Her cousins, Sanjay and Anand, just say she’s bossy.
Last summer, I fell in love with middle grade novels. First it was The Penderwicks series. Then Harriet the Spy. Then Charlotte’s Web, then The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, then Harry Potter. And on and on.
When I fall in love, I fall hard. And when I fall in love with books, I want to write.
So.
Over a week long vacation in August, I pounded out a draft of my own novel for ages 8-12. That’s right, I wrote 25,000 words in nine days.
And I couldn’t have done it without Nora. She was my tiny project manager. I’d write a few hundred words and read it back to her. “That’s so great, Mommy! Write some more!”
Did I mention one of my main characters is a ten-year-old girl with, ahem, leadership skills?
All these years I’ve tried to find time for writing while parenting. Turns out all I needed to do was write something my daughter wanted to read!
Now it’s seven months and many revisions later. The novel is in its final draft (I hope).
I’m querying agents. I’ve had two nibbles so far. Exciting!
While I wait, I thought I’d give you guys a peek at it and the chance to get an email notification when it’s published.
Click here to get a taste of the book, tentatively titled Martha and the Boys. If it sounds like something you and your kids would like to read, enter your email address to read the entire first chapter and get notified when it’s published.