The Learning Loop

Joy all around

Like many others, I’ve found myself discouraged by the online book-marketing world. Instagram and TikTok might make sense for ebook romance or fantasy series, but it’s not where people shopping for middle-grade fiction hang out.

So, I thought, why not get offline? Instead of shouting into the wind on social media, I would focus on human connection and local events. Attend book fairs and writer gatherings. Follow up on opportunities by email or (egad) phone. Go where my readers are - or at least their parents and teachers and librarians.

It’s only been a few weeks, but the difference has buoyed me beyond expectations. In that time, I arranged (with the help of my sister-in-law) two school visits and a bookstore signing, and I approached two bookstores about carrying my books. In Chicago, I attended a small-group “write-in” for children’s book writers, donated books to two silent auctions for local charities, gave a teacher friend a book because it was relevant to her classroom work, set up a summer book talk at my local library, and registered for a book fair in November.

Right away, the teacher friend invited me to present at her school’s career week. That means about 400 more people will see my name and books in a newsletter. Not random online strangers, but people who are in the market for children’s books. Their children will meet me (a real live author! in person!) and (with luck) get excited about time travel. That’s the kind of “going viral” that makes the most sense for me.

At the school visits, I

• got a huge kick out of listening to the children’s thoughts about time travel,

• was blown away by the organization and advance work of the librarians and teachers,

• forgot to research school etiquette, but probably didn’t do anything too awful,

• sold and signed a bunch of books, and

• did a follow-up interview with the local newspaper.

Favorite comment, from a 3rd grader: “If I was going to time travel, I would have a condition. I would say that nobody who’s annoying could come with me.”

At Wordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg, IL, I was prepared to sit at a lonely table trying to make eye contact with people who just wanted to be left alone to browse, but instead I chatted with a string of interesting people and sold 8 books!

At the local “write-in,” an author more experienced in school visits offered to help me get gigs in the Chicago suburbs.

I’m sticking with this new life! I feel like a real writer again.

Confession

That brings me to a confession. In my last post - way back in January - I was in a slump partway into drafting book 3 of The Time-Jinx Twins trilogy. I publicly challenged myself to write 10,000 words before my next newsletter. I meant that to be a month later. But here we are three months later, which is how long it took me to write 10,000 words. It’s the longest break I’ve taken from blogging/posting since I started in 2009.

I don’t like to think I was “blocked.” I had already done a ton of research, outlining, and brainstorming. All that grist just needed to settle. At some point my brain said, “OK, let’s go!” and I started writing. It feels great.

Trilogy News

• Earlier this month, The Time-Jinx Twins was named a finalist for the Society of Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction. It didn’t end up winning an honor, but I was tremendously encouraged by the recognition.

• Book 2, The Missing Magician, will be published on October 15, 2026! Darcy Day Zoells once again provided the perfect cover art. Although The Time-Jinx Twins series is a trilogy, each book may also be read as a standalone.

Read more about The Missing Magician.

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