Non-fiction Writing
For non-fiction writing, I followed my own advice and have focused on a very small, specific niche: families who are or soon will be homeschooling college-bound teens. I’ve been writing and speaking to this audience since the late 1980’s. My husband and I home-educated our four sons from preschool into college, and are very familiar with the issues and concerns that come with such a big undertaking. Focusing on this familiar niche allows me to speak and write with very personal understanding and empathy, and to address a lot of insider questions that come up. My books and magazine articles have been very well received, and are an ongoing source of relatively passive income.
Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler’s Guide to High School PaperworkThis is the third edition of my first book, and it remains my best-seller. It was originally written to accompany a workshop, but it evolved into a comprehensive record-keeping guide for homeschoolers, with detailed information about what records to keep and why, and reproducible forms that make it simple.132 pages. 8.5 x 11″ perfect bound. Everyday Education 2007.
Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for TeensThis book was inspired by a workshop I give at our local community college and homeschool conventions. I’ve had a lot of very positive feedback from people, both adults and teens, who have used it to earn college credits non-traditionally. One woman who used it for her homeschooled teens told me that “the ideas in Jump Start saved [their] family thousands of dollars.”80 pages. 8.5 x 11″ perfect bound. Everyday Education 2007.
Excellence in Literature Series
Levels 1, 3, and 4 are completed and published; levels 2 and 5 will follow in mid-2009 if all goes well. These challenging, self-directed courses introduce students to full-length great literature in its historical context, while developing skills in writing and literary analysis. English I and II provide foundational skills; English III and IV offer a chronological survey of American and British literature, and English V focuses on European literature.
- Introduction to Literature (English I) Everyday Education 2008
- Literature and Composition (English II)
- American Literature (English III) Institute for Excellence in Writing/Everyday Education 2009
- British Literature (English IV) Institute for Excellence in Writing/Everyday Education 2009
- World Literature (English V)
Read a recent review from The Old Schoolhouse magazine. (Link will open in a new window.)
Evaluate Writing the Easy Way
This user-friendly little book is designed to help parents work with their children’s writing. Many people aren’t aware of the difference between editing and proofreading, and consequently fail to provide helpful feedback on content, ideas, organization, voice, or other elements.32 pages. 8.5 x 5.5 saddle-stitched. Everyday Education 2008
