Today is my book's birthday, the day it officially makes its way into the world. Happy birthday 100 Things to Do in Washington DC Before You Die. May you inspire readers to discover this capital city. I'd planned to spend the day exploring the District with my family but the temperature is below freezing with an even colder wind chill. There are, of course, plenty of activities perfect for cold weather days, like exploring one of the 19 Smithsonian museums or sledding in Battery Kemble Park. Still, we're going to stay home today. So, in celebration of my book's birthday, I'm giving away a signed copy. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway … [Read more...]
VIDEO: 100 Things DC Cover Reveal
February 1, 2015 by 4 Comments
Guess what arrived at my doorstep? My author copies of 100 Things to Do in Washington DC Before You Die. {pause for happy dance} I made a short video to share the experience with you. Check it out here. Then, come on back, mkay? Stay tuned for more Washington, DC content and book updates. In the meantime, you can read more about the book here and preorder it on Amazon. It'll be available on February 15, 2015. Don't miss a post. Subscribe today. It's free! … [Read more...]
Which Is Better, the Movie or the Book? Charlie And The Chocolate Factory 50th Anniversary
July 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Roald Dahl was one of my favorite authors when I was in elementary school. I loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The B.F.G., The Witches and James and the Giant Peach (the later two not so much now that I'm an adult. I find those stories a little...weird.) When I discovered my worn and scribbled on much loved copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I delighted at the chance to share my love of Roald Dahl books with my son. We read a chapter a night, both of us engrossed in the story of Charlie Bucket and his quest for a golden ticket hidden in a chocolate bar. As we read, I was surprised at how different the book was from what I remembered and how different it was from the movie -- the original movie, not the bizarre Johnny Depp version, although I kept picturing his Willy Wonka, rather than Gene Wilder, as we read. After we finished the book, we settled in for a family movie night showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory*. I couldn't wait for my son to … [Read more...]
BIG NEWS: I’m Writing A Travel Book About Washington, D.C.
July 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm writing a travel book, 100 Things to Do in D.C. Before You Die, to be published Spring 2015 by Reedy Press. HAPPY DANCE!!! 100 Things to Do Before You Die is a book series created and published by Reedy Press. They approached me, thanks to a recommendation by my good friend, Holly, to write a book about Washington, D.C. for the series. It didn't take me long to agree to the project. :-) I'm not just writing the book. Technically, I'm co-publishing it. What does that mean? It means I'm working in partnership with Reedy Press to see this book into the world. It means that this is not a traditional publishing deal -- and that's ok. In this crazy, constantly-changing publishing world, there is more than one path to author-hood. This is mine. So, what's next on my path from writer to author? I'll be spending the next three months researching and writing the book. I'd love your help, at least with the researching part. I really want this … [Read more...]
3 Books To Read With Your Child Tonight
May 28, 2014 by 1 Comment
My son is learning to read, which is at times both thrilling and laborious to experience. My husband and I are both avid readers and have been reading to him since he was a baby. We have our favorite books, as does he. Here are three that top our list. The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton Our copy of this board book is well worn because its well read. Both of my children love the sing-song cadence of the story and enjoy the fun illustrations of the animals getting ready for bed on a boat. The plot stumps us every time, though -- why do the animals exercise after they get ready for bed? Harold the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson I love the simplicity of this book -- and all the books in this series (Harold at the North Pole is pictured above). I love how the story inspires the imagination with just simple lines drawn with a purple crayon. The books are substantial reads, too, without being too long for a bedtime story. David Goes to School by David Shannon I have a soft spot … [Read more...]
