The Haunted States of America

In July, a middle grade anthology will be published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, with a scary story from each state. Included inside is “The Michigan Triangle,” my story about Lake Michigan, lighthouses, ghosts, and sinking ships. Thank you to Kort Nash, editor, for working with me on this, and to SCBWI for choosing my story to represent Michigan.

The cover and illustrations within were done by Solomon Hughes.

It’s available for preorder! Click on the cover image above to buy it from Bookshop, or search for it wherever you buy books. Here’s the publisher description:

Fifty two different stories. Fifty two different Authors. Endless fright for all ages.

From the Jersey Devil to La Llorona, each story included introduces a new chill inducing, stomach churning monster, spectre, or poltergeist certain to keep you up at night. A broad ranging collection of authors have united to unearth the scariest lore from each state in the US, as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico. Make sure to strap in for this spooky cross country tour, but be extra careful not to let any of these terrors follow you home.

Godwin Books/Henry Holt

Ameliorate & Reverse Cancer

Two poems of mine are now up at About Place Journal in their May issue, Navigations: A Place for Peace. Thank you to Allison Adelle Hedge Coke and the team at About Place for selecting and presenting this work so beautifully.

Ode to Olympe de Gouges

Thank you to Kayla King for including my poem “Ode to Olympe de Gouges” in The Elpis Pages: A Collective. All proceeds from this collective will go to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Chicago Review Press Acquires Ripple Grove Press

Well, a little news on the picture book front: Chicago Review Press has acquired Ripple Grove Press, meaning Salad Pie has a new home. Ripple Grove Press was started by Rob and Amanda Broder, and Salad Pie was the fourth title they published. They’ve made some beautiful books, and it’s sad to see them close their doors. By selling RGP to CRP, the books get to remain on the shelves.

Short Story in The Emerson Review

Today I have a short story up, just over 1000 words, so some might call it flash fiction, some might not. Either way, “8:46 on a Wednesday” is in vol. 48 of The Emerson Review. You can read it online here:

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Since I also write for children, I thought it might be helpful to mention this story is geared to the adult reader.

Emrys Journal Online

Here’s a humor piece I wrote, published by Emrys Journal Online via Medium, about over-the-top writer guidelines. If you write and submit to literary journals, this one is for you. Or if you like to laugh about the plight of writers, this one is for you. Or if you just really want to know all about the much-coveted writing life, click below.

Extremely Honest Guidelines for Specialty Niche Local Literary Quarterly Review Journal

Extremely Honest Guidelines for Specialty Niche Local Literary Quarterly Review Journal

Upcoming Books by Michigan Authors

Many, many people I meet tell me about their dreams to write a book, and if it's a book for children, I always refer them to SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), an organization I've been a part of for several years. SCBWI is a global nonprofit organization, with local chapters, that encourages both professional and aspiring writers and illustrators to be informed, focus on craft, and find a critique group. Besides offering conferences and networking with people in the children's book industry, SCBWI also celebrates the books written and/or illustrated by its members.

SCBWI-Michigan, my local chapter, has many upcoming books to celebrate. Take a look at these books coming out this summer and fall. Thanks to Jodi McKay for the image.