
Jack catches a few ZZZs during the long drive. He’s just discovered J.K. Rowling, and we listened to the third volume, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Twice.

Jack catches a few ZZZs during the long drive. He’s just discovered J.K. Rowling, and we listened to the third volume, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Twice.

The Obermeier family reunion was a great place to reconnect. I just wish she and I had more time to visit.

My buddy, Eeyore. Notice on the photo how his tale is a blur. I couldn’t get him to stop wagging it.

No writer works alone. Here, Ruby helps me proofread the final edits for Celebration House. My debut novel will publish in 10 days. I’m happy and scared at the same time. Is that normal? I don’t know.

Megan and I after her commencement exercises for the University of Washington-Tacoma. Megan earned a bachelors in business management.

This photo was taken in 1993. Megan will graduate from the University of Washington next month.

From left, my sister, Barbara; my mother, Louise Obermeier Drake, and myself. This photo was taken in December, 1985. My mother passed away in September, 2002.

Kelly’s keynote speech on Sunday at the SCBWI conference just took my breath away. She was so eloquent and honest about her writing journey. Kelly writes non-fiction books about fictional things, such as Bigfoot and ghosts. She visits 60-70 schools each year. Busy lady.

Writers of kid-lit are known for their warmth. From left: Tera Stivers; Deb Marshall; Linda Duddridge; and Shannon Grogan. Yours truly stands behind them. They made the second day of the SCBWI conference sooo much better. Thanks, guys!

The group of children’s writers who welcomed me into the fold. A couple of fellow Spokane residents are pictured, including Carol Nelson, back row, far left, and Rachel Hamby, back row, third from right.