Published Writings
The story is dedicated to my granddaughter who was the inspiration for the story as I always thought about all those wonderful activities we would do together someday whenever I would go visit.
Having an essay in a Chicken Soup means I share space with other talented writers who also offer inspiration. My essay “A Piece of Quiet” is written under “C. Muse,” which caused some consternation among friends and family who were looking for my name. I thought Cricket Muse was my name…
A few samples of published writing.
My story “The Potter and the Washerman” appeared in the June 1998 issue of Highlights. Interestingly, this story appears in many different reading tests. I was surprised when I did an internet search all the different places I found the story.
My other Highlights stories are also found in separate Boyds Mills Press anthologies. Marvin Composes a Tea is the title of one one of the anthologies, and what is extra special is that is my first published story. Highlights for Children bought the story and as a bonus I was awarded their Author of the Month for it. I thought, “Wow! Published author, my story is the title/lead of an anthology, and a writing award! I’m going to hit the New York Times Bestseller list next month.” Well, that didn’t happen, but I am merrily publishing my writing, which is what is important to me.
Boys’ Life/August 2009
The article about Brett Smrz is on page 14. He is an amazing young man who overcame what could have been a tragic setback to his young life. He is a great guy and an absolute inspiration when it comes to overcoming adversity and pursuing goals in life.
The Writer/July 2009
“The Benefits of a Professional Critique”
One of the best ways to get ahead with publishing your writing is to attend conferences. It’s all about hobnobbing with editors, agents, and other writers. Networking, that’s what I’m talking about. A very beneficial part of the conference is signing up for a professional critique. My article addresses how to prepare for that fast ten minutes
September 2009 : “Sophomore Boys and Poetry”
As an English teacher one of my goals is have my students walk out of my classroom liking English. I tend to be unconventional in my approaches to enlivening my lesson plans. I know I have challenges. Poetry often produces groans from my sophomores, particularly the guys. I set out to shift their paradigm concerning poetry and my article “Sophomore Boys and Poetry” regales the time I spent second quarter focusing on meter, alliteration, and imagery. NOTE: my suggested first title “Naked Pink Ponies and Boys” didn’t go over with the editors. Granted, it did sound a little racy; however, the title did have relevance to the article’s content. Hmmm, maybe I will just have save it as my book title when I get around to writing about that book about teaching teens poetry in the classroom.
“Writer Teacher” (One of several articles written for the SCBWI Bulletin over the years)
It’s lovely having a job where I work with words all day. It’s even better when I can take those skills as a teacher and make a bit of money on the side by teaching a writing class. This article for the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators Bulletin gives some pointers on how to go about teaching others how to write. BtW, the SCBWI is the most amazing organization. They are wonderfully supportive and informative. If you are a children’s writer or illustrator you really should join up. Here’s their site: www.scbwi.org.
Memberships/Affiliations:
Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators
AP Literature and Composition
AP Language and Composition
Supporter:
PBS
Folger Shakespeare Library
Local Library (and libraries in general)
Pam Webb 
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You’ve written some great stories!
Hello fellow SCBWI member. It is a great organisation. And many congrats on your published stories, also for helping teens to enjoy books. I have written a couple of quick reads for unkeen teen readers – Ransom Publishing, Shades series. It’s a UK company and the Shades series has just been re-published by them in both paperback and ebook format – probably not quite hitting the internet yet, but should do shortly. I also write for the African children’s literature market – like you hoping to enthuse kids with a love of the English language. Keep up the good work. It is alarming to think how many people never ever read.
Cool beans!
Very impressed, Pam. And Boy’s Life?! That is brilliant. I love it.
Thanks, Tref!
Just saw on Susanna Leonard Hill’s Tuesday Debut your book’s been released…CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you! I appreciate your support.