Journeys

For those of you following since the beginning, the most common theme I've posted about is JOURNEYS. 

I began blogging (originally at The Poet's Fire) during my term at Oxford, a period that inspired my first book, and eventually my entire author career. That focus on journeys carried through, as my writing career took a number of twists and turns, and my personal life became a broader journey as well, when my family moved to the Mediterranean and began our worldschooling adventures. 

Pictured above is Riviera Beach and Ghajn Tuffieha (Apple's Eye) Bay, one of the most scenic and visited beaches on the island. We hadn't actually been until this weekend, when Rachel and I spent a relaxed day there to unwind without the kids. This is about 30 minutes from our house, but people come from all over the world for this destination. The entire bay is very shallow, and the water in August is warmer than a bath. It's part of daily life we sort of took for granted, as we sometimes forget to acknowledge where we are in our own journey. 

And now, two exciting NEW journeys are taking off.   

Next week, for the first time in many years, I am releasing a full novel. And not just any book: Starkeeper is one of the best books I've written. A feel-good adventure written as a middle grade fantasy, but enjoyable by ANY age. Jaq is an aspiring poet who doesn't want to go into the family business. He reluctantly walks the sky, hanging the stars each night. Yet, he's tricked by the Man in the Moon, who is jealous of his sister the Woman in the Sun. When the stars all shatter, Jaq discovers he is only the one who can re-forge them. 

But Jaq's journey isn't the only one! When I was young, I had many pen pals. Yes, actual contacts using letters. In the mail. Then, as a teacher, my classes were connected with another class virtually through the Peace Corps and a program championed by Michelle Obama to connect girls and education. In that same spirit of connection, I'm launching a virtual pen pal program for teachers. A normal classroom virtual author visit is one thing, but this is a month-long cultural exchange that can connect kids to an American in Malta. Learn what makes life here so very different. Like sweeping up volcanic ash (from Etna) and desert sand (Saharan) yesterday morning. Or living near the second-oldest free-standing human structures (neolithic temples) on Earth. This is an exciting new program, and if you're an elementary or middle school teacher or librarian, I encourage you to check it out, and bring your students on a very new and exciting journey of their own. Guest appearances from my own kids for their viewpoint might happen too!