It started with something like this. I didn’t get a photo of the mama duck so I had to take one from the Internet. (Thanks Internet!) As I approached the entrance to my three-story office building and saw a mama duck who was VERY upset. I looked down into the “terrace” (what amounts to aContinue reading “How To Rescue Baby Ducks”
Author Archives: jody sparks
Are You an Adder or Subtracter?
I’ve noticed this: whenever I find myself looking for a way to change/improve on something, I add something into my life. If I want to lose weight, I add exercise because giving up peanut butter, mint M&M’s and bacon makes me sad. If I want to be a better YA writer, I tend to addContinue reading “Are You an Adder or Subtracter?”
The Goodbyes Begin
The moving date is set. June 4th. Of course, if I get a job soon, then I’ll move down ahead of the rest of the family. But having an official date makes me nostalgic. Two Sundays ago I said goodbye to my Ann Arbor critique group. We’ve been working together for I want to sayContinue reading “The Goodbyes Begin”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (22)
In which the YA author showcases the great and awkward of the teenage years. Today I give you a photo that isn’t as self-deprecating as usual (more great than awkward), but one that is close to my heart for the date in which it represents. Never mind that I’m wearing oddly-patterned stirrup pants. (Luckily IContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (22)”
Why Don’t I Have Issues With Privacy?
I’ve been reading about some YA authors who are leaving Facebook for a variety of reasons. I’m not going to argue about why one should or shouldn’t do so. This post is not a rant (I don’t think). It seems that the new privacy changes have at least something to do with people’s decision toContinue reading “Why Don’t I Have Issues With Privacy?”
Writing Cover Letters
Trying to get a job kinda feel like this. I actually don’t mind the process so much. Mostly, I like myself and think I’m a good worker. I like people. And talking. But I haven’t done phone interviews in a while, so I forgot about the canned questions like, what are you good at andContinue reading “Writing Cover Letters”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (21) Christy Raedeke
Sometimes you get to know someone because their blog makes for excellent reading. That’s how I got to know Christy. Juvenescence is a great author blog. Before I even knew what her book, The Prophecy of Days, was about, I was like, I’m definitely reading that book. THEN one of my friends goes, “Did youContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (21) Christy Raedeke”
Let’s Talk About Sex (Ed)
I have a twleve-year-old going through Sex Ed right now at a public school. Also, I like to write books for teens, so for me, the sexual habits of teenagers are as thoroughly fascinating as they are concerning. In books for teens it’s almost unrealistic not to at least mention the subject. What’s interesting toContinue reading “Let’s Talk About Sex (Ed)”
Something to Do with Garden Gnomes
I’m not sure if “Bagni” is a village or a bathhouse or what, but I think it looks like a fun place to go. Garden gnomes are one of the oddities in life I love. What are they doing in gardens? It’s like pairing combat boots with a wedding gown. Even before I saw Amalie,Continue reading “Something to Do with Garden Gnomes”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (20) Mindi Scott
Which treats of YA authors sharing the great and awkward of their teenage years. Today, I’m honored to have a guest post by the sweet Mindi Scott, debut author of FREFALL, available October 5, 2010 from Simon Pulse. Visit her blog or website to learn more about Mindi and her book. I immediately added FREEFALLContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (20) Mindi Scott”
Jody Sparks Mugele 