December 13, 2020

Dragon Masters Books in Order (Complete Series Guide)

After our son finished the Magic Tree House Books series, we needed another book collection that could hold his attention. Dragon Masters by Tracey West quickly became that series. Filled with dragons, magic, teamwork, adventure, and short chapters designed for developing readers, Dragon Masters has become one of the most popular early chapter book series available today. This guide includes the complete Dragon Masters books in order, character guide, reading level, age recommendations, latest releases, and answers to the questions parents ask most often.

December 1, 2020

How to Save and Earn More Money by Asking for It

Did you know a single question can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars? Over the years, I've negotiated lower prices, higher salaries, refunded fees, insurance settlements, and even major home improvement projects. None of these wins came from special negotiation tactics. They came from one simple habit: asking. Most people accept the first price, the first offer, or the first answer they receive. But the reality is that many prices, salaries, fees, and opportunities are far more flexible than they appear. In this article, I'll show you how a simple willingness to ask has saved my family money, increased my income, and opened doors that would have remained closed otherwise.

October 25, 2020

8 Mistakes Writers Make That Hold Them Back

Most writers want better results. Better feedback. Better engagement. Better stories. Better responses from readers, agents, editors, or publishers. But improving our writing usually means confronting uncomfortable truths about the way we work. Here are 8 mistakes that quietly weaken otherwise promising writing — and what to do about them.

October 13, 2020

10 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Reader and Writer Dads

Shopping for dads can be difficult, especially when they insist they don't need anything. If the dad in your life loves reading, writing, learning, or collecting interesting ideas, the best gifts are often the ones that support those passions. Whether he's an aspiring author, lifelong reader, journal enthusiast, blogger, or simply someone who enjoys thoughtful hobbies, the right gift can encourage creativity and provide years of enjoyment. Here are ten thoughtful gift ideas for reader and writer dads that combine inspiration, practicality, and fun.

October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.

October 1, 2020

KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020My KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 Entry (And the Meaning Behind the Poem)KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020

Writing prompts have a unique ability to unlock creativity when inspiration feels out of reach. Sometimes all it takes is a single image, question, or challenge to spark an idea that otherwise might never have appeared. Writing contests can be especially valuable because they encourage us to experiment, stretch our creative muscles, and create something within a specific set of constraints. In 2020, I participated in the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, a popular children's literature writing contest that challenged participants to create original pieces inspired by visual prompts. The result was a short poem titled Underneath the Costume Veil, which explores identity, self-doubt, self-acceptance, and the masks we sometimes wear to fit in. Below, you'll find the original contest entry along with information about the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy and why writing prompts remain one of the best tools for overcoming creative blocks.

September 19, 2020

The Bear and the Piano: Reading Activities, Themes, and Theme Song Resource

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield has become one of the most beloved modern picture books for children. The story combines music, friendship, ambition, and belonging in a way that resonates with both young readers and adults. While exploring resources related to the book, I had the opportunity to learn more about a unique project created by children's songwriter Annie Lynn—a theme song inspired by The Bear and the Piano. Along the way, I also discovered how music can strengthen reading engagement, comprehension, and memory for young children. If you're a parent, teacher, librarian, homeschool educator, or simply a fan of The Bear and the Piano, this guide explores the book, the music, and why combining stories with songs can create a richer reading experience.

September 10, 2020

Easy Ways to Increase Your Social Media Engagement

Have you ever posted something you thought was insightful, funny, helpful, or meaningful only to watch it disappear without a single comment, like, or share? Most people have. Whether you're using X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, or another platform, low engagement can feel discouraging. We spend time crafting posts, sharing ideas, and putting a small piece of ourselves into the world, hoping someone will connect with it. Yet many posts receive little response while others seem to spread effortlessly. The reason is often simpler than people think. Many social media users approach posting as a form of expression, while engagement is created through interaction. Understanding the difference between expressing a thought and inviting a conversation can dramatically improve how people respond to your content. If you're looking to increase social media engagement without being fake, manipulative, or constantly chasing algorithms, these simple principles can help you create content that encourages meaningful interaction and stronger connections with your audience.