At the beginning of my writing workshops I challenge every student to Play Your Brave Card. Brave cards are magical moments when you use your courage to expand your comfort zone. You find the strength to speak up, to work … Continued
We all have our unique author’s voice. It’s as individual as a snowflake. It gives us our own tiny place in the universe of thought. Something profound happens when a child thoughtfully writes. It can bring reason and perspective to … Continued
There was a rambunctious third grader in one of my workshops in Mesa, Arizona who kept playing with his pencil while I was speaking. It was a huge distraction to everyone around him. I would have him put his pencil … Continued
Living an inspired life is to participate, work and contribute even when you don’t know what the results will be. It is not a magical shortcut to an easier life. It is the “runner’s high” that comes after miles of … Continued
I love words. In the right combinations these concoctions of letters give our thoughts a voice. The ah ha moment when a child discovers the power they possess when they write can be as magical as when a superhero discovers … Continued
Every moment of every day you are working out the details of your life story. Just like all great narratives your story relies on interesting and inspiring characters to move the plot along. They add drama, humor and wisdom. Some … Continued
I’ll never forget how I felt as a boy listening to my teacher Mrs.Clayville read Where the Red Fern Grows to my class. She didn’t just read Wilson Rawls’ words, she laughed with them, she cried with them, she seemed … Continued
There are some moments in our lives that end up being life markers. Times that when we look back at them we realize that we witnessed something extraordinary. As a ten year old growing up in Burley, Idaho my fifth … Continued
Nothing can improve a young author’s writing faster than finding his or her own author’s voice. In every one of my writing workshops I see students of all ages feel the inspiration that comes from using their brains and hearts … Continued
I love speaking at young author conferences and have been invited to do so many times. It was at one of these conferences that I met a ten year old writer who’s unbridled enthusiasm for life taught me to look … Continued
Teachers are my heroes. They are forever a part of their students’ life stories. It was a wonderful fourth grade teacher who inspired me to become an author. This video is a personal thank you to educators everywhere.