Author Archives: jody sparks

Ode To Awkward Family Photos

I can’t believe I let someone talk me into allowing this photo to be taken. I’m the turkey that’s being held up if anyone was uncertain. Please note the ridiculous arm shelf and pegged jeans. Oh, and Brooke Shields called; she wants her eyebrows back. I could have saved this for Sunday since this is,Continue reading “Ode To Awkward Family Photos”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (3)

Welcome back to the third edition of Self-Deprecating Sunday, where young adult authors come to celebrate their young adulthood. Today I showcase my eighth grade year when I was cheerleader. You gotta appreciate the socks and shoes coordination. I’d bet my fingernails were painted orange and blue, too. Wait…is that the school fight song comingContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (3)”

Another Tradition Continues

Sometimes family traditions are born out of moments which are not fond memories. Tonight we partake in a tradition created during a time that was pretty dark; but this is not a hopeless blog post. The 11-year-old tradition itself is actually a delicious one for our family: we are eating chocolate cake for dinner! TonightContinue reading “Another Tradition Continues”

Who Would Play You In A Movie? (3)

Casting continues for the movie of my life. I realize I keep casting Josh’s family; I don’t know why they are so much easier to cast than my family and I promise I’ll cast my friends (Amythst Romero,  you’re next.) and possibly my bosses. But today belongs to Josh’s other sister, Heidi. The family isContinue reading “Who Would Play You In A Movie? (3)”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (2)

If you missed the first installment of Self-Deprecating Sunday, then you need to start with this lovely post where I explain that I was basically pretty wackadoo in high school. It’s possibly not surprising I love to write for teens? Today I feature what I think is my junior year. Yes, when I was seventeenContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (2)”

Residency Update

Josh has now received two invites for residency interviews. 1. Lexington Kentucky 2. Ann Arbor Michigan It’s still quite early in the process and some (most?) programs don’t begin invites until after November 1. So, this is a good start it seems to me. Also, I’m still taking suggestions for nicknames to bestow on theContinue reading “Residency Update”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (1)

I didn’t mention this new feature in my last blog post because I just decided to do this after a telephone conversation with my sister. It started so simply with me asking if she had any photos of me in my ROTC uniform. (She did. Those will come later.) But while rummaging around for those,Continue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (1)”

Heading North

I’m heading north to my parents lakehouse this weekend for some thinking/writing time. I’m sad to be missing this year’s SCBWI conference. I always have an incredibly inspiring time; and it was a year ago that I met my agent at our SCBWI Michigan fall conference. For all of you attending, have a great time!Continue reading “Heading North”

Who Would Play You In A Movie? (2)

Last week I decided to cast the roles of my friends and family in case Hollywood comes a callin’; I mean, they would totally want my opinion on who to cast, right? I started with my adorable husband. Today I’m casting his sister, Kari. Unlike Josh, whose role took me years to cast, his sisterContinue reading “Who Would Play You In A Movie? (2)”