(or the Writing Resume I Wear on My Wrist)
As a child, I had a charm bracelet with charms that marked the places I visited and the important events in my life. As a grownup, I started a new charm bracelet – with each charm representing a part of my writing life. I call it “my writing resume on my wrist.” Instead of a traditional bio, I offer this…
The Queen Mary Ship
This charm represents my first historical picture book, WELCOME TO AMERICA, CHAMP! which takes place on the ship the Queen Mary. I conducted a book signing and was a guest at the WWII War Brides Reunion on this amazing ship, permanently docked now in Long Beach, CA.
Candy Cane
Wrote two Holiday feature articles in Woman’s Day Magazine. As a freelance magazine writer, I published 25+ how-to, craft & feature articles in Woman’s Day Magazine.
Newspaper
Served as a newspaper columnist for 8 years for The Schaumburg Review newspaper. Also published articles in The Chicago Sun-Times, the San Antonio Express-News and other newspapers.
Teapot
Published my first poem titled “When Jean Forgot to Say When,” a wild tea party tale-in-verse, in Highlights magazine.
Bug
Published three bug books, BUGS IN MY HAIR?!, BARNABY THE BEDBUG DETECTIVE, and WHAT’S BUGGING NURSE PENNY.
The White House
Published three presidential/election books, IF I WERE PRESIDENT, IF I RAN FOR PRESIDENT and TODAY ON ELECTION DAY. The White House Historical Association featured IF I WERE PRESIDENT in their gift shop.
Heart
For two short story romances in Woman’s World magazine.
Hawaiian Quilt
Wrote a Hawaiian crafts feature and other articles for Children’s Playmate and Child Life magazines.
Book
For my first novel, THE TERRIBLE SECRETS OF THE TELL-ALL CLUB.
Ship’s Wheel
For a sea shanties article in Highlights magazine. I published 25+ stories, articles and crafts in Highlights magazine (by the way, sea shanties are songs sailors sang as they worked).
Mount Rushmore
For a book signing at Mount Rushmore. The sculpture also appears in the books IF I WERE PRESIDENT and IF I RAN FOR PRESIDENT.
Statue of Liberty
Wrote a family travel cover article for Woman’s Day magazine. That issue featured a photo of my kids in front of Lady Liberty.
Roadrunner
Mascot of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I conducted research on children’s literature and authored/co-authored 3 academic articles on children’s picture books during the completion of a Master’s Degree in Reading & Literacy.