And Now, Today

As life takes twists and turns, things change. Last time I posted here, I was a recent empty nester. Now I'm fully fledged! My kids are all building their own roots in California, Michigan, Utah, and Arizona. 

I couldn't say no to a request to jump back into public school teaching - this time in a tiny, two room schoolhouse where I taught all grades K-8 in a multi-grade classroom. I did this for two years, and absolutely loved this form of teaching. 

We finished building our house. We got another puppy. 

And the biggest news of all - I'm working on a dream I've had for many, many years. I've started my own children's book publishing company. It's called Chicken Scratch Books, and we specialize in new traditional middle grade novels. Good literature is our only agenda. 

With Chicken Scratch Books, I'm sending out weekly writing instruction emails, weekly gatekeeper training emails, twice monthly blog posts, a steadily growing collection of free and paid online writing and reading courses, and any other outreach I can do to spread the word about what we are doing. 

This may be the last time I post here. This blog has become - even before today - somewhat obsolete. My writing has taken a different shift. My teaching has taken a new direction. And can I tell you - I'm loving every minute of it! This is a dream I've had for decades, and the realization of it is very exciting! 

Please come to Chicken Scratch Books. It's my new world! 

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