DonSense: Many congratulations to Dad
14 hours ago
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Somebody's Watching Me
Once again my son Chan is at it, directing film with his brother and his friends.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Did You See Oprah?
The Herrin twins and The Osmonds were on the same episode of Oprah on Friday. It was this surreal moment for me, seeing two separate parts of my life converge on the TV screen.
Many of you may not know this, but I've worked for Alan Osmond on one project or another since 1983 when I first moved to Utah from Indiana. I used to go places to take photos of his sons for him when The Osmond Boys were just starting to sing. Then in 1988, I began working on the staff of Stadium of Fire, eventually working my way to Associate Producer. I also became the promotions director for 2nd G, writing newsletters and magazine articles, developing merchandise, and sometimes going on the road to sell it. Even now I am the editor of the Osmond Family blog, help with both Nathan and David's blogs, and I'm working on a biography with Alan.
Of course, my assocation with the Herrin family is much more recent. Two years ago I heard Erin Herrin, the twins' mother, pitch the idea of a book about her girls. At the time I thought, "Wow! I'd love to write that book," but they already had someone else in line to write the book. As fate would have it, several months later I was approached to see if I'd be interested in helping Erin tell her story. The rest, as they say, is history.
The next book I'm working on is a biography with Rob Joseph. He's already been on Dr. Phil, but now I wonder if his next stop could also be Oprah. . .
Many of you may not know this, but I've worked for Alan Osmond on one project or another since 1983 when I first moved to Utah from Indiana. I used to go places to take photos of his sons for him when The Osmond Boys were just starting to sing. Then in 1988, I began working on the staff of Stadium of Fire, eventually working my way to Associate Producer. I also became the promotions director for 2nd G, writing newsletters and magazine articles, developing merchandise, and sometimes going on the road to sell it. Even now I am the editor of the Osmond Family blog, help with both Nathan and David's blogs, and I'm working on a biography with Alan.
Of course, my assocation with the Herrin family is much more recent. Two years ago I heard Erin Herrin, the twins' mother, pitch the idea of a book about her girls. At the time I thought, "Wow! I'd love to write that book," but they already had someone else in line to write the book. As fate would have it, several months later I was approached to see if I'd be interested in helping Erin tell her story. The rest, as they say, is history.
The next book I'm working on is a biography with Rob Joseph. He's already been on Dr. Phil, but now I wonder if his next stop could also be Oprah. . .
Friday, October 02, 2009
Oprah and Famous Family Nights
I just found out late last night that the Herrin twins (When Hearts Conjoin) will be on Oprah this afternoon as one of Oprah's Favorite Families. Check out the show, then if you want to know more about the family, I hope you'll buy a copy of the book.
Also, we heard yesterday that Famous Family Nights (I'm a contributor) is #1 in the Family home Evening category at DeseretBook.com. You can buy a copy at their site, or get one here from Amazon.com:
I'll be posting a few photos from my son's wedding on the blog very soon. Thanks for all of you who sent your well-wishes to the new couple.
Also, we heard yesterday that Famous Family Nights (I'm a contributor) is #1 in the Family home Evening category at DeseretBook.com. You can buy a copy at their site, or get one here from Amazon.com:
I'll be posting a few photos from my son's wedding on the blog very soon. Thanks for all of you who sent your well-wishes to the new couple.
Monday, September 07, 2009
World-Wide Distribution!
The other night I was checking my online ordering cart for the direct sales of When Hearts Conjoin. Imagine my surprise when I noticed that the most recent sale was sending a copy of the book to Russia! A quick scan of addresses let me know that copies of the book had already been sent to Canada, England, and Australia, as well as to many states across the U.S.
Wow! Sometimes I think we as authors tend to forget that our books can speak to the hearts of people all the way around the world. It's amazing to me to think that someone sitting in a state or a country where I've never been is reading the very words I typed into my computer at home.
Because of the internet, I've also come to see that I have readers for my newspaper and magazine articles from all corners of the world. It's awe-inspiring to consider. What a responsibility that places on me to always put my best work out for others to read.
Of course, this has also made me appreciate more the work of others who I enjoy reading. What if JK Rowling hadn't continued to write despite all those rejections? Or if Laura Hillenbrand hadn't researched, written and submitted her book despite the agorophobia she suffered from? What if no one had ever thought to trasnlate Cornilia Funke's books from German to English? My reading work would have been a much different place.
The older I get, the smaller the world seems to become, and as a writer, I'm glad that people can find me, just like I've found so many of them and made their work a part of my life. I hope I'll someday hear from my worldwide fans, and I'm hear to say, my book publication career has just begun.
If you'd like to purchase one of my books, I'm excited to announce that they are now available at Amazon.com
When Hearts Conjoin, the true story of the Herrin family, including conjoined twins Kendra and Maliyah can be purchased at the following link:
am also a contributor in Famous Family Nights, a collection of essays by ninety-one well-known members of the LDS church about how to make your family nights more meaningful. Also included in this volume are stories from Alan Osmond, as well as many LDS writers my readers probably already know.
Also, used copies are still available of Teaching Ideas for 7-12 English Language Arts: What Really Works. I was a guest contributor with the chapter Recipe for the Reluctant Reader: Add Young Adult Literature and Stir. My chapter includes much of the information I present when I speak at educator conferences.
Wow! Sometimes I think we as authors tend to forget that our books can speak to the hearts of people all the way around the world. It's amazing to me to think that someone sitting in a state or a country where I've never been is reading the very words I typed into my computer at home.
Because of the internet, I've also come to see that I have readers for my newspaper and magazine articles from all corners of the world. It's awe-inspiring to consider. What a responsibility that places on me to always put my best work out for others to read.
Of course, this has also made me appreciate more the work of others who I enjoy reading. What if JK Rowling hadn't continued to write despite all those rejections? Or if Laura Hillenbrand hadn't researched, written and submitted her book despite the agorophobia she suffered from? What if no one had ever thought to trasnlate Cornilia Funke's books from German to English? My reading work would have been a much different place.
The older I get, the smaller the world seems to become, and as a writer, I'm glad that people can find me, just like I've found so many of them and made their work a part of my life. I hope I'll someday hear from my worldwide fans, and I'm hear to say, my book publication career has just begun.
If you'd like to purchase one of my books, I'm excited to announce that they are now available at Amazon.com
When Hearts Conjoin, the true story of the Herrin family, including conjoined twins Kendra and Maliyah can be purchased at the following link:
am also a contributor in Famous Family Nights, a collection of essays by ninety-one well-known members of the LDS church about how to make your family nights more meaningful. Also included in this volume are stories from Alan Osmond, as well as many LDS writers my readers probably already know.
Also, used copies are still available of Teaching Ideas for 7-12 English Language Arts: What Really Works. I was a guest contributor with the chapter Recipe for the Reluctant Reader: Add Young Adult Literature and Stir. My chapter includes much of the information I present when I speak at educator conferences.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thanks for the Nod, Annette
As I sit in my classroom, watching my 7th grade students devouring books, I marvel at the belief that kids no longer like to read. I have long known this to be a fallacy. Kids DO like to read, but only when they are given books that speak to them.
Sure, kids spend time with video games, athletics, and even texting their friends, but kids who are given choice and quiet time will also spend quality hours reading, IF they have had positive experiences at some times with books.
One of the first activities I do in my English classes is a presentation I call "Important Books." I spend a class period talking with my students about books that have played an important role in my life. I talk about those warm fuzzy moments of childhood when my mother read to me; I talk about my favorite books of childhood; I tell them about books which inspired me to action, taught me a lesson, and changed my way of thinking--all positive memories about books, something kids would expect me to do because I'm an English teacher.
But then I do something kids don't expect. I tell them about books I hated, books I abandoned, books I had never read yet still wrote reports about. I share my absolute worst reading experiences, reasons why I was frustrated with either the book or the teacher.
I have a really good reason to let them see this negative side to reading--kids who are reluctant readers have the mistaken impression that kids who like to read like to read--EVERYTHING! They believe all reading is created equal, and that the reader loves it all the same--textbooks and novels alike. Since the reluctant reader once found something they didn't like to read, that must mean they don't like reading--PERIOD.
But the next day in my class, we discover this isn't true. That's when they become the teacher by bringing in a list of 3-10 books they have read or had read to them that were important in each of their lives. The kids are anxious to stand in front of the class and share their reading experiences. They often discover they were not the only one to feel a certain way about a particular book. They hear about other books they might also like to read, and they find out which books to avoid.
My the time I turn them over to independent reading time, even my most reluctant readers are ready to give the experience one more try. I do everything I can to help them find the right book, the right mode (audio books are a great way to hook reluctant readers), or the right place to read (kids love the couch in my back room). I teach them to abandon a book early if it's not interesting, skip words they don't know, and always have a book handy to read when there's a free moment of time. And If they need help finding just the right book, I always have about a hundred suggestions in mind to give them. I don't ever let them STOP the process of reading, because as soon as they do, they STOP reading.
And as Annette Lyon mentioned in her blog today, using these strategies has helped me change the mindset of many a non-reader in a short period of time. If you've got a reluctant reader at your house, try talking with him or her about your important books and see what they come up with about themselves. You may learn a lot about why they stopped reading in the first place, and lead them to discover a new joy for reading that will last them their whole life long.
(Lu Ann Staheli was named Utah's Best of State Educator 2008, Nebo Reading Council Teacher of the Year 2007, Utah's English Language Arts Teacher of the Year 2000, and Utah's Christa McAuliffe Fellow in 1999 for her project on Literacy)
Sure, kids spend time with video games, athletics, and even texting their friends, but kids who are given choice and quiet time will also spend quality hours reading, IF they have had positive experiences at some times with books.
One of the first activities I do in my English classes is a presentation I call "Important Books." I spend a class period talking with my students about books that have played an important role in my life. I talk about those warm fuzzy moments of childhood when my mother read to me; I talk about my favorite books of childhood; I tell them about books which inspired me to action, taught me a lesson, and changed my way of thinking--all positive memories about books, something kids would expect me to do because I'm an English teacher.
But then I do something kids don't expect. I tell them about books I hated, books I abandoned, books I had never read yet still wrote reports about. I share my absolute worst reading experiences, reasons why I was frustrated with either the book or the teacher.
I have a really good reason to let them see this negative side to reading--kids who are reluctant readers have the mistaken impression that kids who like to read like to read--EVERYTHING! They believe all reading is created equal, and that the reader loves it all the same--textbooks and novels alike. Since the reluctant reader once found something they didn't like to read, that must mean they don't like reading--PERIOD.
But the next day in my class, we discover this isn't true. That's when they become the teacher by bringing in a list of 3-10 books they have read or had read to them that were important in each of their lives. The kids are anxious to stand in front of the class and share their reading experiences. They often discover they were not the only one to feel a certain way about a particular book. They hear about other books they might also like to read, and they find out which books to avoid.
My the time I turn them over to independent reading time, even my most reluctant readers are ready to give the experience one more try. I do everything I can to help them find the right book, the right mode (audio books are a great way to hook reluctant readers), or the right place to read (kids love the couch in my back room). I teach them to abandon a book early if it's not interesting, skip words they don't know, and always have a book handy to read when there's a free moment of time. And If they need help finding just the right book, I always have about a hundred suggestions in mind to give them. I don't ever let them STOP the process of reading, because as soon as they do, they STOP reading.
And as Annette Lyon mentioned in her blog today, using these strategies has helped me change the mindset of many a non-reader in a short period of time. If you've got a reluctant reader at your house, try talking with him or her about your important books and see what they come up with about themselves. You may learn a lot about why they stopped reading in the first place, and lead them to discover a new joy for reading that will last them their whole life long.
(Lu Ann Staheli was named Utah's Best of State Educator 2008, Nebo Reading Council Teacher of the Year 2007, Utah's English Language Arts Teacher of the Year 2000, and Utah's Christa McAuliffe Fellow in 1999 for her project on Literacy)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Two Days Down and Counting
Yesterday was the first day of school--and what a day it was.
Less than ten seconds after the tardy bell rang to start the school day, the fire alarm went off. No kidding! Kids had hardly made into into their seats before they were filing out again. New teachers and interns were at a loss as to where to go and what to do once they got there. Of course, none of the teachers knew the names of their students to call roll and most of the kids didn't know what their teachers looked to find them once everyone assembled in the right place anyway.
I didn't have a class first period, and I've been here long enough to know there likely wasn't a fire anyway. Instead, anytime the water pressure drops either at the school building or in Payson's south end, the fire alarm goes off in our building. But no announcements had been made so I began to wonder. At last, one of the counselors--and Payson's former Fire Chief--told a few teachers to stay in the building and ignore the alarm. Someone figured out how to silence the obnoxious sound that accompanies the flashing strobe light signal.
The volunteer fire department was already of their way, but they knew enough to bring a small crew just in case it was yet another false alarm. Maintenance people from the district office drove in from Spanish Fork and lots of adults stood around, staring at the gages and saying, "Yep, I think it's the water pressure."
Eventually someone realized half the school was standing around outside, waiting for the all-clear to come back and start school. Several announcements later, and teachers from inside the building going to open doors for interns and new teachers who didn't think to take their keys who were locked outside, and soon everyone was back inside with five minutes left to take role before it was time to move to second period classes.
Of course, by then, the bells had topped ringing loud enough for anyone to hear them. That's okay though. They had been set to the wrong times anyway, and no one had informed the new teachers that second lunch gets out at the third bell instead of the second one. Another round of announcements finally got kids back into class in enough time to get let out for the real start of second lunch.
We made it through to the end of an early day. Wednesdays are early-out because of teacher collaboration in Nebo school district.
Day two brought excitement all its own. Today was PICTURE DAY!
Our principal likes to do pictures right away so the kids get student ID cards and so the administration has current photos of all the little darlings in case they need to locate a person who breaks a rule. ( I threatened to take a phone away from a cute little 7th grade girl already.)
So, through most of the morning, classes were interrupted with more announcements--"Would all students with last names beginning with the letters A through B, please come to the cafeteria to have your picture taken?" Why is it that these announcements go on forever, yet in the end, we still have students--and teachers--who suddenly realize while the photographer is packing up that they forgot to go down and get their picture taken for the yearbook?
But the over-riding question is, after two days of chaos like this, will we be able to make it through the next 178, or will they be more of the same.
Less than ten seconds after the tardy bell rang to start the school day, the fire alarm went off. No kidding! Kids had hardly made into into their seats before they were filing out again. New teachers and interns were at a loss as to where to go and what to do once they got there. Of course, none of the teachers knew the names of their students to call roll and most of the kids didn't know what their teachers looked to find them once everyone assembled in the right place anyway.
I didn't have a class first period, and I've been here long enough to know there likely wasn't a fire anyway. Instead, anytime the water pressure drops either at the school building or in Payson's south end, the fire alarm goes off in our building. But no announcements had been made so I began to wonder. At last, one of the counselors--and Payson's former Fire Chief--told a few teachers to stay in the building and ignore the alarm. Someone figured out how to silence the obnoxious sound that accompanies the flashing strobe light signal.
The volunteer fire department was already of their way, but they knew enough to bring a small crew just in case it was yet another false alarm. Maintenance people from the district office drove in from Spanish Fork and lots of adults stood around, staring at the gages and saying, "Yep, I think it's the water pressure."
Eventually someone realized half the school was standing around outside, waiting for the all-clear to come back and start school. Several announcements later, and teachers from inside the building going to open doors for interns and new teachers who didn't think to take their keys who were locked outside, and soon everyone was back inside with five minutes left to take role before it was time to move to second period classes.
Of course, by then, the bells had topped ringing loud enough for anyone to hear them. That's okay though. They had been set to the wrong times anyway, and no one had informed the new teachers that second lunch gets out at the third bell instead of the second one. Another round of announcements finally got kids back into class in enough time to get let out for the real start of second lunch.
We made it through to the end of an early day. Wednesdays are early-out because of teacher collaboration in Nebo school district.
Day two brought excitement all its own. Today was PICTURE DAY!
Our principal likes to do pictures right away so the kids get student ID cards and so the administration has current photos of all the little darlings in case they need to locate a person who breaks a rule. ( I threatened to take a phone away from a cute little 7th grade girl already.)
So, through most of the morning, classes were interrupted with more announcements--"Would all students with last names beginning with the letters A through B, please come to the cafeteria to have your picture taken?" Why is it that these announcements go on forever, yet in the end, we still have students--and teachers--who suddenly realize while the photographer is packing up that they forgot to go down and get their picture taken for the yearbook?
But the over-riding question is, after two days of chaos like this, will we be able to make it through the next 178, or will they be more of the same.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Back to the Torture Chamber
Like most kids, I couldn't wait to graduate from high school, finish college, and get on with my life. Although high school wasn't too bad,and elementary school had been tolerable, junior high was the worst torture I could ever imagine for someone. I wouldn't have wished my junior high school experience on my own worst enemy (I had a few whom I've since forgiven for making my life so miserable.)
So here I am, an adult, spending year 31 in (where else?) a junior high school classroom! What am I thinking?
In all honestly, I'm thinking, "Okay, another year. So what?" My lessons are planned for the week. Handouts for are copied and ready. I've made two slide presentations to accompany my lessons. I've even cleaned out my desk drawers.
Today was 7th grade orientation. My classroom was filled with students and parents for most of the morning. They seem like a pretty good group of kids. Tomorrow I'll really find out. I'll be teaching two 7th Honors English pods and two 9th grade English classes. I'm excited to have the 9th graders again. I've taught 9th grade for 29 years, so not having them last year felt really strange.
I know--some of you are thinking I'm strange. Despite the fact my own junior high experience was crummy, I still sort of like these guys and this age group. The idea of being in an elementary school and coming home with little hand-prints all over me is creepy (not to mention the number of germs those little kids spread around!) I taught Seniors once and they might as well have been AWOL from school since their brains were already of graduation the first day of school.
Junior high kids are great. Still trusting enough to be interested in what you're saying, independent enough that I don't have to wipe their noses, and becoming savvy enough about the world in general that you can talk with them like they might possibly understand what you're saying.
Torture chamber or not, I'm back. Now if I could only find where I put that switch to the electric chair . . .
So here I am, an adult, spending year 31 in (where else?) a junior high school classroom! What am I thinking?
In all honestly, I'm thinking, "Okay, another year. So what?" My lessons are planned for the week. Handouts for are copied and ready. I've made two slide presentations to accompany my lessons. I've even cleaned out my desk drawers.
Today was 7th grade orientation. My classroom was filled with students and parents for most of the morning. They seem like a pretty good group of kids. Tomorrow I'll really find out. I'll be teaching two 7th Honors English pods and two 9th grade English classes. I'm excited to have the 9th graders again. I've taught 9th grade for 29 years, so not having them last year felt really strange.
I know--some of you are thinking I'm strange. Despite the fact my own junior high experience was crummy, I still sort of like these guys and this age group. The idea of being in an elementary school and coming home with little hand-prints all over me is creepy (not to mention the number of germs those little kids spread around!) I taught Seniors once and they might as well have been AWOL from school since their brains were already of graduation the first day of school.
Junior high kids are great. Still trusting enough to be interested in what you're saying, independent enough that I don't have to wipe their noses, and becoming savvy enough about the world in general that you can talk with them like they might possibly understand what you're saying.
Torture chamber or not, I'm back. Now if I could only find where I put that switch to the electric chair . . .
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Turning the Page Interview for Cenfetti Antiques
I had a great time last Monday at Confetti Antiques and Books on Main Street in Spanish Fork. Owner Donnie Morris interviewed me for his show, "Turning the Page" that runs on Spanish Fork Cable. I saw the episode last night, and it looked great. I know SFCN will run the episode again, but I don't yet know the times, etc.As you can see, Confetti Antiques has my book on the shelf, so people can buy it now, or they can come down on Monday, July 20th from noon to 4:00 p.m. to meet me, buy a book, and have it signed. You can also pre-order books that are "autographed" by the Herrin twins.
This is a great little shop--all sorts of cool things to look at inside--and a wide selection of hard-to-find LDS books in the adjoining bookstore. I'm going to have to look around the place more carefully while I'm there.
Of course, I'm also going to stop in on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday to purchase books by some of my friends to have them sign!
If you're into antiques, there are lots of great items upstairs as well as those trinkets on the first floor.If you can't make it to the store, but you still want to buy a copy of the book, they are available both at ConfettiAntiques.com and UtahTwins.com.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Conjoined Twins: Sister Bond
TV-PGKendra and Maliyah Herrin were born conjoined, attached at the abdomen and pelvis. Doctors embarked on a groundbreaking surgical procedure to separate the girls. How will they learn to cope with life as two independent people?
TLC listings indicate the following airtimes (which may be Eastern)Sunday July 12 9:00 p.m.
Monday July 13 12:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 15 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 15 11:00 p.m.
Our first big TV show since the book was published!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Indiana Jones and the Golden Idol
My son Chan has always wanted to be an actor, director, and producer. He also has loved Indiana Jones and Star Wars since he was a child. At least, he's combined all of his passions. Here is a glimpse at his film debut.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett
Two icons from my youth, have both died today.
I loved Michael's music, and Charlie's Angels was one of my favorite shows of all-time. May they both rest in peace.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Feels Like Heaven
Long before the Herrin family entered my life, there were The Osmonds. Nathan Osmond is debuting his new CD this weekend in Salt Lake, and he was nice enough to list my name in the credits. Thanks, Nate! I always wish the best for you.
If any of you would like to hear Nathan sings live this weekend, here's a press release about his concert on Friday.
Cottonwood Heights Relay for Life Will “Feel Like Heaven”
Osmonds 2nd Generation member to debut solo album at charity event
(Salt Lake City, Utah) June 16, 2009 -- As part of the Cottonwood Heights Relay for Life 2009, benefiting the America Cancer Society, Nathan Osmond will debut and release his first solo album, Feels Like Heaven, this Friday, June 19th.
“It just feels like an appropriate time to share my new album with the world,” Nathan said. “I hope Feels Like Heaven inspires people to show up and contribute to the cause.”
Participants in the Relay for Life attend for various reasons—from honoring cancer survivors, to paying tribute to those lost to the disease. The Salt Lake Relay is a fundraiser for cancer research and is one of many similar events across the country. Teams participating in the relay camp overnight at Butler Park and have at least one member walking or running from 6:00pm Friday, until 7:00 the following morning when the event officially ends.
Relay for Life events kick off with a survivor’s reception at 5:00 pm at 7500 South 2700 East (Butler Park - behind Butler Middle School) in Cottonwood Heights.
The Relay and Entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm. Nathan will perform pieces from his new album along with other music. He will also be there to meet fans and participants. Feels Like Heaven will be available for purchase with a portion of proceeds going to The American Cancer Society.
Additional activities will include a silent auction, dunk tank, inflatable slides and bounce houses, food, special appearances and more music. Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices. The ACS works to eliminate cancer through research, education, patient services and advocacy. Learn more about ACS, what they do, and their plans for the future at www.cancer.org.
Nathan Osmond is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, motivational speaker and has shared the stage with some of the industry’s biggest names. He is the son of 70’s pop star Alan Osmond. Nathan has appeared on MTV, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, CNN and other major shows and networks.
For additional information:
Machelle Lake
801-635-9558
machlake@gmail.com
Friday, June 05, 2009
Literacy Night: In the World, Not of the World
I'm officially part of the group! We found this listing online for the upcoming Literacy Night where members of my writer's critique group will be speaking at the end of the month. This is the first time I've ever been included because my book just came out.
My question is, how does J. Scott Savage fits into the Relief Society? Did someone find out about his impersonation of Stephenie Meyer at the LDS Storymakers conference?
To further the cause of literacy in our homes and communities
Eaglecrest 1st Ward~~Enrichment Night
June 30, 2009
650 W. 2600 North
Lehi, UT
Come and hear from LDS authors who share the concern of literacy in our homes and communities. It will be an evening of fun and learning. There will even be a book drawing at the end! To find out more about these authors, you are welcome visit their respective websites.
Annette Lyon (www.annettelyon.com) Annette is the author of the “temple” series—a set of historical romances set around the building of the Logan, St. George, Salt Lake City, and Manti temples. Spires of Stone was awarded Best of State in Fiction for 2007 and was a 2007 Whitney Award finalist. Her latest book, Tower of Strength, came out April 2009. Annette is a former co-producer of the Utah Chocolate Show. She and her husband live in American Fork with their four children.
Heather Moore: (www.hbmoore.com) Heather is the author of the four-volume Out of Jerusalem series—historical fiction on the Book of Mormon. Her latest book is called Abinadi, winner of the 2008 Whitney Award for Best Historical and was recently named as 2009 Best of State in Literary Arts for Historical Fiction. Her next book, Alma the Elder, will be out Fall 2009. Heather lives in Lehi with her husband and four children.
J. Scott Savage: (www.readfarworld.com) J. Scott is the best-selling author of the YA fantasy series Far World, published by Shadow Mountain (imprint of Deseret Book). Far World: Book 2 will be out September 2009. J. Scott also writes the Shandra Covington mystery series, under his “other” name: Jeffrey Savage. He and his wife and their four children live in Spanish Fork.
Julie Wright: (www.juliewright.com) Julie is the author of several books, including romance, young adult and non-fiction. She is best known for her YA novel My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life. Her newest book, Eyes Like Mine, hits shelves June 2009. Julie lives in Oak City with her husband and three children. When she’s not busy writing she manages a store with her husband and works for Ebay.
Josi S. Kilpack: (www.josiskilpack.com) Josi has written nine novels, from contemporary romance, to women’s fiction, to suspense. Sheep’s Clothing won the 2007 Whitney Award for Best Suspense. Her most recent cozy mystery is Lemon Tart—which was the book of the month for Time Out for Women, and has been the #1 bestselling fiction title at Deseret Book for several months. Her next book, English Trifle, will be out this fall. In addition to her writing she enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her husband (and sometimes her four children) and amateur chicken farming.
Lu Ann Staheli: (http://luannstaheli.com) Lu Ann is the co-author of the When Hearts Conjoin: the story of the conjoined Herrin Twins from Utah. She teaches creative writing at Payson Jr. High and has been awarded as Utah English Language Arts Teacher of the Year and 2008 Best of State Educator for K-8. She has written a column for the Spanish Fork Press for many years on how to help your reluctant readers.
My question is, how does J. Scott Savage fits into the Relief Society? Did someone find out about his impersonation of Stephenie Meyer at the LDS Storymakers conference?
To further the cause of literacy in our homes and communities
Eaglecrest 1st Ward~~Enrichment Night
June 30, 2009
650 W. 2600 North
Lehi, UT
Come and hear from LDS authors who share the concern of literacy in our homes and communities. It will be an evening of fun and learning. There will even be a book drawing at the end! To find out more about these authors, you are welcome visit their respective websites.
Annette Lyon (www.annettelyon.com) Annette is the author of the “temple” series—a set of historical romances set around the building of the Logan, St. George, Salt Lake City, and Manti temples. Spires of Stone was awarded Best of State in Fiction for 2007 and was a 2007 Whitney Award finalist. Her latest book, Tower of Strength, came out April 2009. Annette is a former co-producer of the Utah Chocolate Show. She and her husband live in American Fork with their four children.
Heather Moore: (www.hbmoore.com) Heather is the author of the four-volume Out of Jerusalem series—historical fiction on the Book of Mormon. Her latest book is called Abinadi, winner of the 2008 Whitney Award for Best Historical and was recently named as 2009 Best of State in Literary Arts for Historical Fiction. Her next book, Alma the Elder, will be out Fall 2009. Heather lives in Lehi with her husband and four children.
J. Scott Savage: (www.readfarworld.com) J. Scott is the best-selling author of the YA fantasy series Far World, published by Shadow Mountain (imprint of Deseret Book). Far World: Book 2 will be out September 2009. J. Scott also writes the Shandra Covington mystery series, under his “other” name: Jeffrey Savage. He and his wife and their four children live in Spanish Fork.
Julie Wright: (www.juliewright.com) Julie is the author of several books, including romance, young adult and non-fiction. She is best known for her YA novel My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life. Her newest book, Eyes Like Mine, hits shelves June 2009. Julie lives in Oak City with her husband and three children. When she’s not busy writing she manages a store with her husband and works for Ebay.
Josi S. Kilpack: (www.josiskilpack.com) Josi has written nine novels, from contemporary romance, to women’s fiction, to suspense. Sheep’s Clothing won the 2007 Whitney Award for Best Suspense. Her most recent cozy mystery is Lemon Tart—which was the book of the month for Time Out for Women, and has been the #1 bestselling fiction title at Deseret Book for several months. Her next book, English Trifle, will be out this fall. In addition to her writing she enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her husband (and sometimes her four children) and amateur chicken farming.
Lu Ann Staheli: (http://luannstaheli.com) Lu Ann is the co-author of the When Hearts Conjoin: the story of the conjoined Herrin Twins from Utah. She teaches creative writing at Payson Jr. High and has been awarded as Utah English Language Arts Teacher of the Year and 2008 Best of State Educator for K-8. She has written a column for the Spanish Fork Press for many years on how to help your reluctant readers.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
League of Utah Writer's Spring Conference
My husband finally figured out my new cell phone so I could send my photos from the League of Utah Writer's Spring conference over to my computer. Here I am at the autograph table, signing copies of When Hearts Conjoin, along with my friend, critique group member, and fellow author, Annette Lyon, who was signing copies of her new book Tower of Strength. You'll also recognize New Yorks Times best-selling author Dave Wolverton (David Farland) and Jessica Day George, both of whom were also speakers at the conference. Annette and I were on a panel and served as judges for the writing contest. The event was held at Cedar Fort Publishers in Springville.
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