This Fall, I was struck by a bout of writer’s block. I should point out that my writer’s block does not start with the blinking
Author: Alison Potoma
Alison Potoma writes quirky sci fi, fantasy and lgbtq+ books for readers of all ages. She is a middle school art teacher and drama director, amateur gardener and card game enthusiast. Alison lives in Derry, NH with her wife, son, and husky dog Koda.
How to Host a Book Swap
Last year a pair of second graders, Cianna and Laura, came to me with a proposal. “Ms. Potoma, we would like to have a book
What’s in a Character’s Name? Part 2
What’s in a Character’s Name? Part 1 focused on the etymology and origins of names. In Part 2, let’s consider 5 things to think about
What’s in a Character’s Name? Part 1
The etymology of names is something that has always interested me. When I was in high school, writing plays, I went to the local book
5 Places Writers Can Find Inspiration
I have been a bit busy this summer, traveling and purchasing a new house, and have not been able to write as much as I’d
The Future of eBooks and Interactive Textbooks
I recently completed an online professional development class for art teachers called Tech Ready Teacher. Each week we explored another online resource that art teachers
Audiobook Review: Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan Ballantine Books, January 2014, 496 pages Adult Historical Fiction about the author of Treasure Island and
The Best Kind of Fan Mail
The second grade students at my school were required to do a book report on any fiction book of their choice. I was elated to
Confidence Is the Key
I feel it is not an exaggeration to say that many writers are what you would call introverts. The first time I went to my critique
Kids can read, yes they can! But where is their attention span?
As part of my library curriculum, March is “Spotlight on an Author” month. In the past I have read aloud many of the works of
Writing on Vacation
I am sitting in a busy ski lodge on Attitash Mountain in New Hampshire. The White Mountains are a beautiful place to visit for February
Creating Active Characters
Good character development is essential for a story to work. The more complex a character is, the more we want to spend time with the
How to Write Successful Dialogue
One of the best presents I ever received from Santa Claus was a brown paper bag filled to the brim with paperbacks. It had a
Chapter Book Blueprints
I didn’t have much experience dissecting chapter books until I started writing them. I’m not sure if any other authors go through the same process when
WRITERS' RUMPUS 