Teen and Tween Blog Post This fall come check out some new attractions like Legoland’s newest rides and get your parents to go with you! A big part of making the most of every day is finding new ways to have fun. Sometimes your parents need more fun, too! We’ve got two great ideas in California and Kentucky, and I’ll bet there are great places where you live as well. New rides at Legoland, and a visit to Star Wars Miniland. My son Joey takes you to see the newest Ninjago rides and his favorite places in Miniland. I…
Never Let Go Of Magic with Author Shannon Messenger
Recently I met Shannon Messenger, author of the middle grade Keeper of the Lost Cities series and the Sky Fall series for young adults. Shannon is a delight and her stories are so wonderful. It was a genuine pleasure to meet her and hear about her books for both groups. Shannon is an accomplished artist and really helps us to never let go of our love for magical things in life. Her characters learn that belonging isn’t as important as being genuine and realizing their true value. Shannon gave me great swag (photo below) for two lucky winners of…
Great things and Giveaways, Author Interviews in September
Here’s a quick video update about wonderful things coming, starting TOMORROW! With Shannon Messenger’s interview about Keeper of the Lost Cities Series for middle grade and her young adult series as well. Later this month we’ll see Sara Ella and learn more about having a creative life with Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart’s new book, Life Creative. We’ll dive deep with updates about bullying and what you can do to not feel so helpless if it happens, how to diagnose it with young ones too. Sign up for the blog and my first giveaway, wonderful swag from Shannon Messenger and…
Writers, Television, Podcast, and more! Summer Recap
This summer was extraordinary for Thorn & Vine, and with its launch came many opportunities to nurture the writing side of things, and also start spreading the word about resources for teens, tweens, and adults for more resilience in life. Daytime at Nine I was honored to share a snapshot of our experience as wildfire survivors as well as tips to thrive in times of adversity on Fox News San Antonio. Here’s the interview! http://foxsanantonio.com/daytime-at-9/hope-can-come-after-a-tragedy One of the special connections I made was with author Pam Vredevelt who helps people find a path from losing children. She is such a…
Get Ready For A Sparkling September
September is our kick-off month for three blog themes to encourage, embolden, and inspire you, and some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the end of their 60th Anniversary Diamond Days celebration. Late August Note: As a gemologist, I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful to see. Pictured above is some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the 60th anniversary is over on September 5, 2016. Make sure to stop by The Disney Gallery right as you enter Disneyland to view this spectacular castle and some other gorgeous gems with Swarovski crystals. There are also fascinating paintings…
Finding Your Greatest Adventure
I’m often asked this question: “I want to try new things but am afraid others will laugh. How do I begin?” What if the best way to uncover your own dreams in life, your deeper sense of adventure, could be held in your very hands? What if, like a magic potion or Jeanie’s wish, you could fly with airplanes in a dogfight, or search undersea for forgotten lands, or hike high mountain ranges without ever leaving your house. “Oh, wait a minute, I know what she’s about to say,” you think. “Books? What?” Yes, I’m encouraging you to read. Not…
Top 10 Favorite Tween Fantasy Books
Elizabeth Van Tassel, resilience expert and fantasy writer, in her snowiest setting of white backdrop in honor of those snowed in this week, walks you through some favorites stories for boys and girls ages ten and up, and younger ones that read above their grades. From gripping plots and great locations with S.E. Grove, amazing magic from Lissa Evans, and unbelievable dragons with Gail Carson Levine these books have many hours of fun to offer. And there’s a few you may not know yet, too. Hope you enjoy this video blog (VLOG) and let me know what books you enjoy…
Enjoy Some Wonder This May
Photo: Charlotte Bird With May just around the corner, I thought it was time for some wonder on display! Faeries remind me of the simplicity of childhood, and also keeping open to wonder in life. I was a lot like this little girl growing up, looking for the stars winking in the sky, waiting for something amazing to happen, or wishing all my stuffed animals would come alive at night. One May tradition I want to try this year is leaving flower bouquets on neighbors or friends’ doors. Precious! Photo: lfvaustin.blogspot.com Host a Faerie party! Some gardens and locations have…
Join The Emissaries, More Than A Fan Club
A Facebook Group, And A Movement I’ve been teaching about writing in elementary classes recently and sharing some of my early chapters in my manuscript. The kids got so excited they asked me to help start a fan club and way for them to connect now. Hence, the Emissaries! A bit about them: Emissaries are secret agents charged with a special mission. Yes, they look like gnomes, or tomtar (in Swedish) but that’s only to fool you, to let down your guard. These Emissaries are on the roof, ready to spot trends, and find avenues for fun. I’m recruiting support…
What is a Teen Book Festival?
Last week I attended my first Teen Book Festival in Ontario, CA and I was so very impressed, I’ve created a VLOG (short video blog) for you! It was thrilling to hear from and meet amazing authors like Jay Asher, Marissa Meyer, Nicole Maggi, Andrew Smith, and Jessica Brody. I got to see San Diego author Stephanie Diaz again and loved her comments, too. And my friend Mary Weber was there and I finally have a wonderful signed set of her Storm Siren Trilogy to keep me company when I’m writing. If you’ve ever considered going, I highly recommend it….
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