Author Archives: jody sparks

How To Plot A Novel

When I started writing young adult books, I found this information over at CJ Omololu’s blog, and put it into the form of a chart. It helps me visually see how elements in each box should connect. This is very basically how I plot a novel. And the only kind of outline I’ve ever used.Continue reading “How To Plot A Novel”

Must Be Santa

I found this a few days ago, hanging out in my desk. It’s from 2002. Magnolia is two yrs old. Eleanor is almost five. You can see they pretty much came out of the womb celebrating reality. What I remember from this day was that we went with some friends whose kids were of similarContinue reading “Must Be Santa”

Why I Chose Public Schools

A little while back I had a conference with Magnolia’s principal and teacher. We got to talking about the ways in which her school program was a “magnet.” I was new to the area and new to the concept of Magnet Schools. If you are unfamiliar, I’ll give my perception but it’s not the officialContinue reading “Why I Chose Public Schools”

A Visitor Among Residents

I feel thoughtful and a little reactionary, which probably means this post will come off as self-indulgent and uninteresting. I blame HR. Just kidding, Tracy. Sort of. When I hired in, there was no HR department. The company I work for is growing rapidly; we recently hired eight more people for the department in whichContinue reading “A Visitor Among Residents”

Of Grinches and Pink Christmases

Upon moving into our house and seeing the wonder that was a vaulted ceiling, Magnolia said, “Wow, we can get a really BIG Christmas tree!” So of course I’ve been not-so-secretly looking forward to seeing her little face light up when we picked out a big one. Maggie Pie has a special relationship with ChristmasContinue reading “Of Grinches and Pink Christmases”

Book Review: Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour

I’m not a huge fan of books that are paced as slowly as this. There was nothing wrong with its pace, so the fact that I wished it would hurry along a little has virtually nothing to do with the book’s quality. I also kept thinking, I bet Morgan Matson is a fan of SarahContinue reading “Book Review: Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour”

A World Made of Pink Bubble Gum

When I was a little girl I would use my birthday wishes to try and turn the world into a place where everything was made of pink bubble gum. If it eventually happens, you know who to blame. I’m not too worried though. But, I was thinking about that and comparing it to how myContinue reading “A World Made of Pink Bubble Gum”