Hello! Welcome to my Author News, where I share the ins and outs of writing and publishing middle-grade fiction.

Before going indie, I wrote several award-winning traditionally published children’s books, fiction and nonfiction, for all ages, including Eddie’s War, The Bridge Dancers, and Maddie’s Ghost. Honors include Kirkus Best, Bank Street Best, Horn Book Recommended Verse, NCSS/CBC Notables, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, the Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction, and the Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.

For many years I also worked as an academic manuscript editor and contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style. During that time, I blogged grammar and style advice and wrote The Subversive Copy Editor.

Now I’ve found my true métier: middle-grade fiction.

My newest book is The Time-Jinx Twins (April 2025). Time travel and identical twins! Publishers Weekly Booklife calls it a “clever, captivating time-travel adventure”; Kirkus Reviews, “an endearing and engaging middle-grade adventure.”

I hope you’ll also check out my other books, including my 2023 mystery Maddie’s Ghost. Psychological suspense for ages 8-12:

Winner of the 2024 Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction.

Category Finalist, 2025 Eric Hoffer Award

“An irresistible narrative, rich with exciting clues.”—Editor’s Pick, PW Booklife

“A fine mystery with winsome characters and a complicated old house.”—Kirkus

“An exciting exploration of history, justice, and the long-lasting impact of the past.”—Readers’ Favorite