Janet Fox

This blog post will stray a little bit from usual subjects and into current events but bear with me. Or don’t. That’s okay, too. As an author of books for children – and as a mother, and a former teacher – I feel a particular responsibility toward representing ethical and moral behaviors. When I write… Read more »

I’ve known Debbie Gonzales since we overlapped – ten years ago – at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She’s a talented lady. She built each of my curriculum guides, which are stellar. Now she’s launching a new venture designed to help you with your book publicity. I’m happy to have Deb on the blog this… Read more »

Existential crisis: a time when one questions whether their life has value, and whether that value transcends life itself. About six weeks ago I contracted a bacterial infection that landed me in the hospital for eight days with another five weeks of serious follow-up. During the early, medically-induced-spacy hours of this trial, I honestly thought… Read more »

If you know me at all well, you already know that I’m an avowed pantser. (If you don’t know me, or don’t know what a pantser is, it’s a writer who “writes by the seat of her pants”, i.e., organically.) I hate outlines and I love spontaneity. I love the open-ended response to “what if…?”… Read more »

Once again, it’s that time! Calling all ghosts and goblins! Especially those who love to read, and who have enough candy to last a lifetime. Curious City is once again hosting TrickorReaters for Halloween, and THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE is participating. And don’t forget how easy it is for moms and dads and… Read more »

You’re invited to come to Montana for our Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators “Writing Forward Progress” Conference on October 13 – 15 in Billings, Montana! It’s a beautiful time of year here in the mountains – October is my favorite month. Billings is a short drive away from Yellowstone Park, and the airport has great… Read more »

The amazing Kate Messner has once again launched KidLitCares, in order to benefit those who have suffered through Hurricane Harvey along the Gulf Coast. A huge number of authors and illustrators and their agents and editors  – almost 200 total! – have offered services to those who make a tax-deductible donation to the American Red… Read more »

After publishing five books with varying but largely good success I’m under contract for my sixth, my fifth novel. This is an enviable position to be in, but for the first time I’m struggling through the edits, trying to get it right. This is a book that began life several years back (and actually the… Read more »

My very first published book, GET ORGANIZED WITHOUT LOSING IT, came out from Free Spirit Publishing in 2006. Happily, this little study skills and organization tool for middle graders has done extremely well, with more than 60,000 copies in print and editions in seven languages. Free Spirit felt it was time to update the book… Read more »

This excellent post from Nerdy Book Club reminds me once again of the importance of author school visits. The post is written by a teacher, describing the enormous impact an author can have on a school – teachers discussing the presentation, students lining up to read, and students determined to write and illustrate their own… Read more »