Mount Mary College now offers a master of arts in English with an emphasis in writing. I teach Novel Writing, Writing and Teaching the Memoir, Research and Workshop in Short Fiction, and (my favorite topic) Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Author Presentations Middle school, high school, book festival, writing conference, reading conference ... I always enjoy meeting and talking with students, readers, and writers. Inquire with Winding Oak, my booking agents, for presentations, fees, and availability.

An Author Visit by Skype Please contact Winding Oak if you'd like to organize a Skype visit with me for your classroom, library, or conference. They'll fill you in on the details.

Memories from the National Book Foundation Summer Writing Program One of my favorite writing places is Bennington, Vermont, where I've been a writer/counselor at the National Book Foundation Writing Camp the past few years. I'm center/front in this 2004 group picture. Writers in residence include poets Cornelius Eady and Kimiko Hahn, and writers Norma Fox Mazer and Jacqueline Woodson. Additional faculty included writer/counselors pictured above right Robin Caudell, next to me in the photo, Meg Kearney the director, Paulette Beete and Lenard Moore. This was Meg's final year as camp director.

While working one-on-one with students was great, we also offered workshops during the ten-day program (right). Sadly, this camp has been put on hold because of a lack of funding. But to learnabout other foundation programs, visit The National Book Foundation.