It was Jack London’s fault. 

I was in fifth grade, reading his short story “To Build a Fire,” set in the Arctic.  I began shivering uncontrollably, in a kind of fugue state, right in my suburban bedroom.  Because of words!  Whatever London had done, I wanted to do that when I grew up.  And I’ve been trying ever since.

Here are some examples of my middle-grade writing: The Sword Thief and The Viper’s Nest, two books in the New York Times–bestselling multiplatform adventure series The 39 Clues; the action and secret code–laden Spy X series; the epic two-volume adventure, Antarctica; and the cutting-edge science fiction Watchers series.  A little something for everyone!  Please click on any of the images to the right to learn more about the books.

I’ve retained a strong connection to the time I was first inspired to write.  Each year I visit quite a few schools to talk about writing and the life of an author.  Please see my author visits page for more information.