September just screams apples to me. As soon as the temperature drops low enough for crisp mornings and pumpkin-spiced-anything, I’m ready to head to the nearest orchard for some classic fall fun!

If you’re anything like me, you’re really in it for the baked goods. (Apple cider donuts anyone?) But for those more inclined to actually take some apples home, read on for some fall food science tips to preserve and prepare your prized pickings. Keep Reading!

Hello, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve posted about food science, but I’ve recently resurrected my manuscript and wanted to re-introduce you to the inspiration behind the story: my sister Jane, The Science Chef! Keep Reading!

Like all of you, I’ve been spending a lot of time at home recently. This unexpected “new normal” has been (at times) awesome and (at other times) challenging. Caroline has charged head-first into Toddlerhood and all of its trappings. She’s got a lot of energy (like, a LOT) and so I’ve had to get creative with activities. Bath toys! Playdough! Puzzles! Oh, my!

Thankfully, this time at home has also given me the opportunity to work on my latest Science Chefs manuscript (albeit in short nap-time increments). (For you newbies, Science Chefs is about four friends who use everyday food science to help them solve creative culinary questions. It’s inspired by the original science chef in my life, my sister Jane.) I’ve been testing a lot of cool food science experiments for my characters to perform in the book. The experiments are all hands-on, easy to do at home, and kid-friendly. Turns out, they’re just the quarantine creative outlet I needed! Keep Reading!

Every once in awhile, you have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. When that moment comes along, jump on board and give it your all. It’s the best feeling in the world. I recently had such an opportunity – a chance to give back to a cause close to my heart. I knew the experience would be meaningful. But I had no idea it would be so magical. Keep Reading!

Craving a flavorful and frosty treat during these Dog Days? Revisit my dairy farm adventure and scoop up the #1 food science tip for making homemade ice cream! Keep Reading!

Friends! I have a confession to make. There is a book that I want to write, need to write, but have been pushing aside slowly and steadily over the past few months with nudges of procrastination, excuses, and, to be harshly honest, a little bit of fear. Keep Reading!

Don’t tell anyone, but illustrations might actually be my favorite part of books. (Says the Word Nerd!) There’s something about beautiful visual images that still holds a magical power over me. The vibrant colors! The glossy pages! The creative designs! I could spend hours losing myself in the picture book section of any bookstore or library, and have admittedly purchased my fair share of stories based simply on their stunning illustrations.

As an author, seeing my characters come to life on the page has absolutely been the coolest part of the publication process. I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with two fabulously talented artists. You all know Tim Heitz from Game Face fame. Now, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant illustrator behind the whimsical Odd Job images, Elena Napoli! Keep Reading!

I still cannot believe I actually get to say it, but here I go. Allow me to introduce my second Kid Lit series, Odd Jobs!

These spook-tacular ghost stories feature Ella, recently orphaned and sent to live with her old Aunt Raven in the creepy town of Windy Hollow. Not much for family affection, Aunt Raven sends Ella off each day on random odd jobs throughout town. Stock a shelf here, fold some laundry there – the tasks are trivial and boring … until they’re not. With ghoulish guests and paranormal plots, Ella’s jobs quickly transform from odd to oooddddd. (I couldn’t resist. Word Nerd.) Keep Reading!

Tim Heitz, Game Face Illustrator

Now that you’ve had some time to get to know the Game Face girls, I thought you should meet another critical character in this whirlwind adventure – the artist who brought them to life! Allow me to introduce illustrator extraordinaire (drumroll please) … Tim Heitz! Keep Reading!

“‘If you ask a hundred different authors how they got published, you’ll get a hundred different stories’…Former Back Mountain resident, Brigitte Henry Cooper, has her own story of how she became a published Kid Lit author. One of the best parts of her story…she’s one of our own.” – Clare Parkhurst Keep Reading!