I was recently reading an article in the New Yorker by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s entitled “Creation Myth,” and while much of it is focused on Xerox PARC, Steve Jobs, and the personal computer, it also included a broader discussion of creative people and their ideas. Gladwell discusses the work of psychologist Dean Simonton. He says: […]Read more "The Creative Process"

If you’re reading this blog, chances are that books have had a major influence on your life. The ways that books have influenced me are countless, but one example particularly stands out in my mind. When I was in elementary school, I was enamored of—nay, obsessed with!—The Baby-Sitters Club (or the BSC, as we true […]Read more "Inspired by the BSC"

We had a sales conference today, so when the Intertubes dropped this in my lap, I didn’t question; I reblogged: …. So turning 13 and beyond was both terrible and wonderful but the fact remains that all these ideas recoiled when I tried to address them in relation to my son’s 13th birthday. And it’s […]Read more "The Block"

There’s no such thing as a bad good review, right? That is to say, when you get a good review, it’s a gift horse and you shouldn’t spend too much time inspecting its dental work. I’ve found that too many kid’s lit reviews, especially the positive ones, sound like sounds bites or back cover copy. […]Read more "Good Reviews For Kids"

I invited designer Danielle Carnito to write a little something for TFCB Tuesday. Here are her thoughts about projects she’s designed for the TFCB imprint. Something struck me like a killer rock from outer space the other day. I was looking back on single titles I’ve designed for TFCB in the past few years. Here’s […]Read more "Danielle’s “Realm of Darkness”"

Summer is birthday season in my family. As soon as we’ve purchased a card or gift for one member of the family, it’s time to think about what to get someone else. Thank goodness we have a bookish family. Books are my favorite gifts to give. A very important boy turned 8 last week. He’s […]Read more "Books for a Birthday Boy"

[I asked production editor Julie Harman to blog this week. Here’s her report of a very exciting camping trip!] I am afraid of bears. On the wall behind my desk hangs a helpful brochure on coexisting safely with black bears (unusual office decor, I know, but I find it reassuring). Therefore, on a camping trip […]Read more "Lions and Tigers and . . . Moose? Oh My!"

I seem to be on a roll these days with posts about fashion and/or former Lerner colleagues. Today is no exception; in fact, it’s a combination of both fashion and a former Lerner colleague! Sally McGraw (left), former Lerner production editor extraordinaire, has gotten some buzz lately for her popular fashion blog Already Pretty. The […]Read more "Sally’s Success"

It’s only July so we still have plenty of time for fun in the sun, but if it happens to be a rainy day in your neighborhood make sure to check out www.mallorymcdonald.com and www.brianpcleary.com to get a sneak peek at a few of our new books for Fall 2011!At www.mallorymcdonald.com , Mallory tells readers […]Read more "Getting Ready for Fall!"