Welcome to my online literary studio!

At Once Upon a Pen, I offer a little bit of everything having to do with the literary arts--with a special emphasis on resources just for homeschoolers.  Here you will find lists of literature and language arts programs (including my own!), links to book review websites and great bookstores, gift ideas for booklovers, and anything else I can think of to help your family explore and enjoy the literary arts.  It is also the home of my author page, if you'd like to learn more about me and what I do.  And if you have an idea that help me make this an even better resource, please share!
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Fall 2021 News

Registration is now open for spring semester with 6 seats available!  I will be teaching Before Great Books Comes Ground Work beginning January 7.  Read about the course here!  http://www.onceuponapen.studio/before-great-books-comes-groundwork.html

Next, I'm excited to introduce two new books this fall!  This October I released a personal pet project on Amazon, a middle-grade novel for girls that I decided to self-publish due to market changes for this age group.  After working on it off and on for 20 years, it is finally finished-- The Secret Side of Fairy Dust.  Enjoy!

Next, my second book with Ignatius Press will be released in November-- Maria von Trapp and Her Musical Family.  Part of the long-running Vision Book series, this novelized, middle-grade biography tells the incredible, little-known, true story of the world-famous Trapp Family Singers of The Sound of Music fame!

Please visit my "Books and Resources" page for more information!

Summer 2021 News

Updates are underway to Once Upon a Pen, and I am taking registrations for my tutoring courses!  Please visit my "Learn" pages, if you are interested in writing, grammar, or literature instruction for your student!
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Spring 2021 News 

Big changes are in the air!  Stay tuned for updates at Once Upon a Pen, including a brand-new, online, live class for those interested in Before Papers Come Paragraphs!  

ALSO...

This season I am thrilled to announce the publication of my new book, a reference resource and educational resource for all literature lovers and educators:

Before Austen Comes Aesop: 
The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them
(Ignatius Press)

See my "Books and Resources" page for more information!

Winter 2021 News

Wow, what a crazy year we just went through!  What was that??  Of course, the craziness has continued throughout the world, but here at Once Upon a Pen literature and language are still as beautiful as ever.  I don't have much to share in this winter update.  The February doldrums are no different from usual.  There is one exciting tidbit I can trumpet to the world, though!  If all goes well in the land of books, my first traditionally published book will be released in March!!  Until I have a firm date, I'm still keeping it under wraps, but it will be an exciting, unique addition to the homeschool market that I can't wait to introduce.  If you love classic children's literature and want your children to experience its many treasures, stay tuned!

What I offer at Once Upon a Pen...
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Author Page                             My Books  

The Denim Beret                         Literature Course

   YA Literature Guide                 Mentoring & Tutoring

        Grammar Matters                               Experience...