Jill meets Authors in Salt Spring

We recently returned from our favorite island in B.C., Salt Spring Island. We go there every year to sea kayak and relax in the peace and beauty of a Canadian island. We've made many friends over the years! This year, I had the pleasure of meeting two remarkable authors: Margriet Ruurs has written 28 children's books and owns a bed and breakfast which is a book lovers' paradise. We had a cup of tea one afternoon and shared our mutual love of writing for kids. We also enjoy teaching children the process of writing a book. Recently, she traveled to South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Mongolia. She even took a journey into the heart of the Gobi Desert--sounded amazing!

I also got to meet Wendy Orr, a wonderful author who has written numerous books including Nim's Island which was made into a movie. She was on Salt Spring staying with her parents so after we got in touch, I went over to her mom's beautiful home overlooking the western part of the island. It was a lovely visit--her mom talked all about living on Salt Spring for 30 years!! She also told me about their many adventures sailing! We didn't have a ton of time to discuss books but it was great finally connecting.

Salt Spring is a small island and yet has numerous independent bookstores (thank goodness) which I find so wonderful and exciting. Personally, I spend hours in Volume 11 where yearly, Betty gives me great suggestions that I love and pass onto my book club.

School Visits In Sandpoint, Idaho

In May, I traveled to Sandpoint, Idaho and visited two schools-- Washington Elementary and Koontenai Elementary Schools. I felt so welcomed and couldn't believe the enthusiasm from both the students and from the faculty. In the photo is one of the winners from the button contest at Washington Elementary School. The students all drew pictures from my Fraser the Yellow Dog books. The two winning artists got their images printed on buttons that all of us wore at "Authors, Arts and Us" day.

Kootenai School had a similar contest but instead of buttons, they had stickers made. These future artists will take on the world!!

I will post some of the amazing artwork in future blogs.

I love to visit schools and pass on my joy of writing.

Jill

Fraser the Yellow Dog visits Sandpoint, Idaho!

Here I am with my best buddy from 25 years ago, Shari French who lived in
Aspen. She now lives up in Sandpoint, Idaho. I'm up here visiting, enjoying the gorgeous weather, playing on the calm water... OK, so I arrived on May 11th and it was 70 degrees here in Idaho and Aspen received over a foot of snow. Yahoo. While here, I did two school visits: Kootenai School one day and then Washington School the next. Both days, I was lucky to be the featured author and to teach the students how a book is made. At Washington School, they have an annual author day which is so wonderful: they really go all out with parent participation, amazing meals, and the annual "button contest" where each student draws a prespective button to go along with my Fraser books. The students' artwork was incredible and the winners' art goes on the actual buttons. I will be featuring their art work and photos soon. Check back!

Jill visits Graland School

I'm going to Denver on Sunday with Maggie, the yellow dog and visiting Graland School on Monday, October 12 to read to the students and talk to them about books. We'll be on hand to sign books at their annual Book Fair. Hope to see you there! Jill

Jill's cookbooks

For anyone's information, Jill started her writing career by writing and publishing three cookbooks before writing her series of children's books about her rescue dog, Fraser. Jill used to and still takes part in the annual Food and Wine Classic put on by Food and Wine magazine. Years ago, Julia Childs used to come to Aspen and Jill and Julia met and signed their cookbooks side by side. 

Fraser's Books Go To Denver

Jill will be going to Graland School to talk to the students about her Fraser books and about writing and publishing. She will speak to the older students about her newest book, The Blue Bottle.

Jill would love to hear from her fans anytime.

Fall in Aspen

Jill and her dog Maggie spent a beautiful Saturday at the Aspen Farmer's Market selling her books. Thanks to all our fans for a wonderful summer. Jill and Maggie