November 2010 – Alison McGhee

November 17, 2010

One-day workshop on picture book writing, this Saturday, November 20

Do any of you local Twin Citians harbor a secret desire to write a picture book? I’m teaching a one-day workshop on “The Puzzle of Picture Books” this Saturday, November 20, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the beautiful Loft in downtown Minneapolis. Picture books are usually written with children in mind, but not always – for … Continue reading One-day workshop on picture book writing, this Saturday, November 20

November 14, 2010

Is This Where We Are?

Until about half an hour ago I would have responded, had you asked me if I kept a journal, “No. I don’t keep a journal.” Because I don’t. If you had persisted, and asked me, “Did you ever keep a journal?” I would have said, “Yeah, when I was in fifth grade. It was one … Continue reading Is This Where We Are?

November 6, 2010

Let Us Begin with Coffee

Do you like coffee? Excellent. We have French Roast available for your drinking pleasure. Should you prefer add-ons, we have heavy cream, half ‘n half, and 2% milk in the refrigerator to your left. Sugar can be found in the baking supplies cupboard directly above the counter where I am carefully pouring boiling water through … Continue reading Let Us Begin with Coffee

November 3, 2010

Why I Started Writing for Children (instead of just grownups)

When I first moved to Minneapolis, I took a job teaching Chinese at a big public city school. I was new to teaching, and teaching–especially grades K-12– is wonderful but exhausting. I would power-teach three to four days a week and then ease into the weekend by reading aloud to my students for the last … Continue reading Why I Started Writing for Children (instead of just grownups)