I used to keep a whole bunch of writer-related links here. But it was all too much. So I've weeded and pruned, and now my garden is tidy. The paths featured here will lead you to favorite children's book websites, dear friends, people I've met in the industry, and others who have impressed me from afar. This is, in no way, a comprehensive collection. I hope you enjoy your stroll.

Judy Blume - Her books are embedded in my adolescence. Peter Hatcher. Sally J. Freedman. Sheila Tubman. Margaret Simon. They feel like old friends.

Susan Taylor Brown - Susan's one of the first writers I met online. We lost touch for years, until she dropped by my LiveJournal in June 2005 and left me a lovely note. She has a fabulously snazzy website, a stimulating blog, and an insightful LiveJournal. Here's a compass to begin exploring.

Toni Buzzeo - Toni is one of the first writers I met online and in real life. She, Nancy Werlin, and I attended several conferences together.

Paula Cardinal - Paula is one of the classiest, most intelligent people I know. I first met her when she was a children's librarian here in my hometown. Then, in 1998, she founded a writers group and invited me to join (this is where Kay Life and I became friends, too). Paula lives in another part of the state now, and I miss her dearly. Thank goodness for the Internet!

The Children's Book Council - A panorama of the children's book industry.

Debbi Michiko Florence - My outlet shopping buddy and "soul sister," Debbi's the one who nudged me to start a blog (she started hers the same week). Debbi's website offers author interviews, book reviews, reading lists, and children's book industry buzz. Oh, and we both love Keanu ;)

Bettina Grahek - Bettina has dedicated her professional life to inspiring and enlightening children and their educators. She has been actively supportive of me and my books throughout the years. I am humbled and honored to know this extraordinary woman.

Jackie French Koller - We live in the same city, and have gotten together for lunch on occasion. Not only is Jackie a prolific, talented author, but she's an amazing painter, too! A dear, lovely person who's been wonderfully supportive of me and my books.

Jane Kurtz - She inspired me so when I met her. She generously shared ideas and tips on speaking/presenting at schools and conferences.

Cynthia Leitich Smith - I adore her. She's one of the most beautiful people in the world. And she's married to the hunkiest children's author in the world. Hers is my favorite author website. She has a terrific blog, too.

Greg Leitich Smith - The aforementioned "hunkiest children's author in the world" (and husband of the exquisite Cynthia Leitich Smith). Catch up with Greg on his blog.

Kay Life - I have the pleasure of seeing Kay nearly every day (her friendly bichon, Jean-Claude, too - they're neighbors). Kay's art is featured in The Little Black Dog Gallery - owned by the multi-talented Jackie French Koller!

Sharyn November - I don't know her personally. I've had her website bookmarked, though, ever since I stumbled onto it (sometime around the turn of the century, I think). Witty. Rich in a pure way. Breath of fresh air.

Kristine O'Connell George - She offered lots of good advice on getting my own domain. Her poetry enchants kids of all ages.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi - One of the first people I met online, Debbie is a trailblazer for the Internet writing community. She is the artist who created the cartoon version of me you see throughout this site.

Mary E. Pearson - Mary is a good friend of Jill Rubalcaba, who introduced us online some years ago. I lost touch with Mary until she stumbled onto my LiveJournal and waved hello. Speaking of which, be sure to check out Mary's very cool LiveJournal.

Pamela Ross - Pamela and I met online in the mid-'90s. We reconnected a decade later when Pamela stumbled onto my LiveJournal, and I learned that she has one, too. Amazing and gratifying, how blogs pave new paths to old friends!

Jill Rubalcaba - Jill is one of the most gorgeous people I know, inside and out. She is a dear friend, and a phenomenal mom and woman who has inspired me more than I can say. She and her family gave us our cat Ramona.

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) - I'm a member, and this is one of four websites I recommend to aspiring children's writers who ask me, "How can I get started?" The others are Harold Underdown's The Purple Crayon, The Children's Book Council, and Cynthia Leitich Smith's Writing Books for Children and Teenagers.

Chris K. Soentpiet - the stunningly talented illustrator of Peacebound Trains and many other beautiful picture books. He brought Tae to life, too, on the Tae's Sonata bookcover.

Anastasia Suen - I honestly can't remember how Anastasia and I met. We exchanged holiday cards (and our children's photos) for years, though, and she's always been lovely and gracious to me. Be sure to check out her blogs.

Harold Underdown - Before I met this generous editor online, I'd compiled a small collection of thoughtfully written rejection letters from him. His suggestions for Peacebound Trains helped the manuscript get noticed by Clarion Books.

Nancy Werlin - She floors me with her intelligence. A powerhouse of an author. I've loved the times we've gotten together in person.

Lois June Wickstrom - I can't remember exactly how Lois and I met (in late 1994 or early 1995), but I'll always be thankful that we did. She's the one who nudged me into building my very first web page (we were GeoCities Athens neighbors). Over the years, Lois has been a fountain of sound and sage advice.

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