Six Trait Gurus

My Kirkus interview based on No Ordinary Cat goes live today. And Book 2 of this series, Finding Waihona, is scheduled for release soon!

Kirkus Interview Posted! Thanks to Alana Joli Abbott for a recent interview just out today: I so appreciated the chance to tell a little of the back story of No Ordinary Cat–especially with the sequel about to come o…

by Vicki Spandel The first reviews for No Ordinary Cat are in—and they’re extraordinary. Which is to say, positive, gratifying, and revealing. When readers love a book, it leaves a writer walking on air. I’m thrilled to have received so many warm responses to a book into which I poured my heart. Noticing the Little Things In addition, it’s fascinating to see what readers notice—and some readers notice little things I didn’t even know would capture anyone’s attention. [ 545 more words ]

Great Early Reviews! The first reviews for No Ordinary Cat are in–and they’re extraordinary!

What to Say When You Want to Write a Book Reviewand Don’t Know What to Say I jokingly said to a friend the other day that the first step in writing a book review is to pour yourself a cup of coffee. I was only kidding, of course. The coffee comes later. The first step in writing a good review is to read the book. [ 4,095 more words ]

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Check out Leslie Roessing's new book on book clubs!

Talking Texts, a review by Vicki Spandel Want to give your students a deep understanding of literature plus a love of reading? Check out Talking Texts, a new book by Lesley Roessing. You will love it!

by Vicki Spandel Introduction For most of my life, I’ve written educational materials and journalistic stories. Then one day I took a break to look out my office window and there, staring up at me, was the most beautiful cat I’d ever seen. Incredibly heavy long-haired coat, green eyes, and a stare that wouldn’t let you go. Where had he (or she) come from? [ 5,145 more words ]

9 Revision Tips–for Writing In or Out of the Classroom by Vicki Spandel Introduction For most of my life, I’ve written educational materials and journalistic stories. Then one day I took a break to look out my office window and there, staring up at me,…

One of the finest books you'll read this year--from one of our best authors, the award winning Sy Montgomery.

How to Be a Good Creature, a review by Vicki Spandel   How to Be a Good Creature, A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery. 2018. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Genre: Nonfiction memoir—but really, this book transcends genre Levels: A b…