I recently did an interview with WritingWorkshops.com, where I talked about some of my favorite writing resources, the best writing advice I ever got, and what picture book writers can expect from my upcoming online Picture Book Revision workshop.
Meet the Teaching Artist: Picture Book Revision with Kathy MacMillan
Picture Book Revision Workshop (3-week online workshop)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that doing laundry is not fun – unless you have a little one around to make it into a game, or really cool tools to make it easier. I have long been a fan of the SmartKlean Laundry Ball, a mineral-based cleaner that effectively washes 365 loads of fabrics without harsh chemicals, soap or detergent. So I was delighted when SmartKlean invited me to take over their Instagram feed for a storytime celebrating laundry fun with The Runaway Shirt! Join me on Thursday, September 10 at 11 AM Eastern for a Laundry Love Storytime!
What a wild October it’s been so far! My house has been on the market for nearly a year, and it finally sold – with less than 2 weeks to pack everything up and move out! I am so grateful to the friends and family members who have rallied behind me to help pack everything up, move it out, and offered soft places to land while we wait to get into our new place.
Suffice it to say, last weekend looked a lot like this:
I just finished up the fourth and last book in the Chronicles of Cavallon series (publishing in German as Clans von Cavallon under the pen name Kim Forester). Working on this series has been a wonderful experience, and I will miss my centaur, unicorn, pegasus, and kelpie friends. The first two books are out now.
I’ve also decided to hang up my shingle to offer query letter, synopsis, and manuscript critiques. Check out my critiques page for more information and rates.
The Great ASL Mystery
Where did American Sign Language come from? Flex your fingers and join in the hunt for clues as sign language detective Kathy MacMillan leads silly stories, songs, and more. Kathy is the author of Nita’s First Signs and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together. More info at https://library.loudoun.gov
The SIGN-a-Long Sing-a-long
Teach your fingers how to sing as we explore American Sign Language through music and stories! Bring the whole family for the hands-on fun as signing (and singing) storyteller Kathy MacMillan, author of Nita’s First Signs and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together teaches you to sign some of your favorite songs.
Today’s the day! She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World releases today! Co-authored with my dear friend Manuela Bernardi and illustrated by Kathrin Honesta, this book is one I am so excited to share with readers of all ages!
This unique nonfiction picture book highlights 14 women who raised their voices and changed the world! Learn about heroes such as Dolores Huerta, Dr. Maya Angelou, Suzan Shown Harjo, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Malala Yousafzai – and hear their inspiring words in their own voices at the touch of a button.
“A chorus of voices for justice and change, diverse alike of identity and cause.” –Kirkus Reviews
Purchase by March 31, 2019 and get a free prize pack! Click here to claim yours!
Purchase links:
Order signed copies and support Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program!
Order from IndieBound.com and support your local independent bookseller!
Today’s the day! Dagger and Coin, the companion novel to Sword and Verse, is available NOW in hardcover and e-book. I like to think of this book as the rage feminism fantasy epic that we all need right now, featuring Soraya Gamo, the sharp, ambitious would-be queen who must learn to work with her former enemies to rebuild a broken society.
Order now at: harpercollins.com | IndieBound | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com
Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl from Everywhere says “Rich in politics, intrigue, and betrayal, Dagger and Coin is a complex feminist fantasy featuring a tough and prickly ex-princess that I couldn’t help but adore.”
Kirkus says: “Soraya’s compelling narration makes the minutiae of management as thrilling as the betrayals, murders, and desperate gambits propelling the plot…A fine balance of political intrigue, relationship drama, and thoughtful characterization.”
School Library Journal says: “MacMillan has created a complex, nuanced world. Strong female characters taking the lead in a fast-paced plot will appeal to fans of fantasy, mythology, and works by Kristin Cashore…Those who haven’t read the first title in the series will not be disappointed or confused. A good choice for fantasy shelves.”
Wednesday, October 10 at 1:30 PM: “The Heroine’s Journey” at Fall for the Book (Fairfax, VA)
I’ll be discussing feminism and fantasy with Deborah Schaumberg, author of The Tombs, at Fall for the Book.
Saturday, October 13 and Sunday October 14, 11 am-5 PM, Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, MD)
I’m thrilled to be launching Dagger and Coin at Page After Page Bookstore at the Maryland Renaissance Festival! Join me to get your signed copy, learn how to write your name in the language of the gods, and collect some groovy swag!
Sunday, October 21, 5-7 PM: Choices and Consequences – Writing Workshop at The Ivy Bookshop (Baltimore, MD)
Geared to Grades 7-9. $30 registration fee includes a signed copy of Dagger and Coin and an Ivy Journal. Grades 7-9. RSVP to 410-377-2966 or MarthaAtTheIvy@gmail.com by October 14. Learn how to analyze your story through the lens of choices and consequences to create coherent plots, compelling characters, and satisfying endings. Click here for more information.
Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27: West Virginia Book Festival
Saturday, November 10, 11AM-1PM: Read Local Kick-Off Party at Winchester Book Gallery (Winchester, VA)
Come help us kick off the Maryland/Virginia/Delaware/Washington D.C. Read Local Challenge! Join us for an all-ages storytime at 11 am, featuring American Sign Language stories and songs, followed by games and crafts featuring the 42 books in the Read Local Challenge and a book signing for both Nita’s First Signs and Dagger and Coin. You can win great prizes just by participating! Find out more about the Read Local Challenge here.
Check out the complete calendar of upcoming appearances for more information!
I’m on the Reading with Your Kids podcast today talking about writing in multiple genres, ambitious female characters, and addressing the political through fantasy in Dagger and Coin. Click here to listen for free!
Stories By Hand with Kathy MacMillan 