Ever since I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to become an author. That dream came true. My book WELCOME TO THE FUTURE (2021) explores ten technologies that may change the world, including robots, virtual reality, and fusion energy. STRANGE BUT TRUE (2019) explains the science and history of ghosts, UFOs, psychics, and other paranormal mysteries.
I began my career with an adventure. I served two years in the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, where I taught English and lived without the internet. When I returned home, I began writing for children’s magazines and educational publishers.
I have published numerous educational books for kids with ABDO, Capstone, Cavendish Square, National Geographic Kids, and more. My books cover a wide variety of topics including robots, video games, artificial intelligence, energy technology, and dinosaurs. I am a contributing editor at Muse magazine with a monthly technology column and regular feature articles. I also write news and features for Science News Explores and the Chinese language kids’ magazine Front Vision.
I love getting to speak to scientists in many different fields and learn about their research. Once I spoke with an expert on parallel universes while he was shoveling snow from his driveway! Another time I spoke with a biologist while he was out in the field watching a herd of elephants. I feel that the trick in writing about science for kids is in understanding the concept completely myself first, then figuring out what will make it interesting and relevant. In my experience, kids can easily understand even the most complex concepts – the trick is to keep their attention.
In addition to writing, I am a speaker who loves to engage with audiences of all ages. I’ve taught workshops to students and adults on science communication, interviewing techniques, and the nonfiction write-for-hire market. I was invited to the American Physical Society’s Department of Plasma Physics conference in 2021 as part of their education and outreach program and in 2022 I gave a talk at MIT about science communication. In 2011 and 2012, I co-directed the New England SCBWI regional conference and now I regularly present workshops for writers there.
I write for children because I decided at the age of ten that ten was the perfect age to be, and some part of me listened well and never got any older. I love magical fiction — anything that sparkles and makes me say “wow!” Favorites include Stardust by Neil Gaiman and The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy. I am also inspired by Roald Dahl and Ray Bradbury. I also love any nonfiction that makes me see the world in a new way, especially Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter and A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg.
When I’m not writing or spending time with my family, I’m exploring the outdoors, caring for my numerous houseplants, painting, running and listening to audiobooks, or practicing the languages I learned in the Peace Corps (Kyrgyz and Russian).
I am represented by Kayla Lightner at Ayesha Pande Literary Agency.