This past weekend I was named the Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award Winner by the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The prize? A year-long mentorship. WITH JENNIFER ZIEGLER.

How Jordan Peele’s take on playing your instrument (not a double entendre) and the deeper meaning of Harold Ramis’ Groundhog Day can transform your work.

When Trey Stone and Matt Parker are cited by multiple faculty members, you know children’s literature is in good hands. Seriously.

What stuck with you this week?

Whether you write for tv, film, advertising, books, traditional or digital media, the rules of strong writing apply.

I want to thank author Rebekah Manley for a provocative end-of-year question.

What I learned conducting crisis communications for the world's largest independent E&P when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston.

From helping kids and animals to farmers and the displaced - there's much you can do right now wherever you are.

When you hear poetry on the radio. And then you find out who wrote it...

Who knew that the entire process of inventing a magic trick is, quite simply, the process of absolutely unforgiving storytelling? Penn and Teller's Teller, for one.

The Rolling Stones' most compelling story isn't told through lyrics or on stages around the world - it's the story of men who built their lives around each other and a love for music. That story came through loud and clear. 

Science shows people with self-awareness make better decisions and are happier, more confident, more successful and more fulfilled - but how do we move from self-absorbed to self-aware?

Creativity from a choreographer.

Using where you struggle to challenge yourself to grow as an artist. 

'Tis the season for bowl games. 41 if you're keeping count. And while the various plays have begun to dissolve into a barely remembered collision of  motion and noise, one very quiet tv spot stands out.