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”
Tag Archives: Jody Sparks
Self-Deprecating Sunday (19)
Which delights in YA authors sharing the great and awkward of being a teenager. Today I give you myself and my sister on Easter, circa 1992-ish. Nothing in the Nineties said “Easter” like perms and white panty hose. Oh, wait! Yes, there is one more thing: shoulder pads! I think this was the first yearContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (19)”
Sea Stories
Yesterday I promised part II of Uncle Chuck’s JAG stories and other Navy shenanigans, very appropriate for April-time tomfoolery. So, here we go! Uncle Chuck says, “Remember, a sea story always starts: ‘No shit, this is the truth!’” Part II From Chuck: One of my collateral duties in Pensacola was to be the legal officerContinue reading “Sea Stories”
Stories From Those Who Serve (5)
April is “The Month of the Military Child.” The perfect time for another interview with a soldier. Chuck Ritz and his wife, Sue, had their first daughter during Chuck’s service in the Navy. I would grow up to be good friends with her. My parents were (and still are) great friends with Chuck and Sue.Continue reading “Stories From Those Who Serve (5)”
Mystery Reader
Sometimes the kids play on my computer and I end up finding photos that they took of themselves. This is one Magnolia took about two years ago. She is the sunshine in the family, so it was lovely to find it on the computer. I had a chance to read to her class this pastContinue reading “Mystery Reader”
Guest Blogger: Josh Mugele (The husband), on Books
Jody asked me to write a post as a guest blogger for her blog this morning because she’s feeling down having to think about the prospect of moving and looking for a new job but still likes seeing people visit her blog. Apparently the uptick on her traffic meter makes her happy. I asked herContinue reading “Guest Blogger: Josh Mugele (The husband), on Books”
Matched and Still Married
Being matched is a good feeling. I don’t talk about my marriage much on my blog, but I think today I will. I’m not a believer in destiny or “the one I am meant to be with.” I just knew Josh was interesting and I wanted to be around him forever. This is how heContinue reading “Matched and Still Married”
I Need a Chair or a Flashlight
Josh is on this weird rotation where he works early, so he goes to bed early, and for the last week I’ve been the only one up past 9:30. What’s weird is that I haven’t wanted to write–normally a signal all is not well. But it’s okay. I’ve been preoccupied. Not unmotivated. Be proud ofContinue reading “I Need a Chair or a Flashlight”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (18)
In which the YA Author showcases The Great and Awkward of being a teenager. This Sunday I give geometry class 1990. Proof, if you will, that I should’ve paid more attention to how I dressed. For instance, not wearing my grandfather’s shorts. (Hey, they’re geometrical.) Yes, I really did steal my granddad’s shorts. That isContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (18)”
My Missing Piece
Or, what I learned about YA from my big sister. I’ve been giving some thought to why I write YA literature. The simplest answer is one I got from Andrew Karre at a conference. Basically, in writing, teenagers are the easiest to get into trouble. You barely breathe on teenage character and oopsie they’re inContinue reading “My Missing Piece”
Jody Sparks Mugele 