I'm thrilled to post this cover and pre-order info for BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE, my book with R. Gregory Christie about the late Delta bluesman CeDell Davis and his remarkable life and music. 

Check out the book and pre-order if you can - releasing 9/8/26!

It was an honor to write about a zydeco bass legend and someone I was fortunate enough to call a friend - Lee Allen Zeno. This article was published just a few days before Mr. Lee Allen went into hospice care, and he passed away a week later on May 3rd. 

Knowing this was coming made the interviews I did with him, his students, friends, and fellow musicians all the more meaningful to me, and I hope that comes through.

I met Mr. Lee while writing an article last year for The Current about an organization near and dear to his heart: The Blue Monday Mission. I'd been watching him play bass for a while before that, and through the article we were able to connect and share music - and he encouraged me daily and inspired me always.

Lee Allen was one of those rare souls who made you feel like the most important person in the world - and want to make others feel that same way. 

Like so many others, I will miss him but hope to share his legacy - a legacy of love (and groove!).

Article link: Lee Allen Zeno: Creating a Legacy of Groove

 It was an incredible honor to write about The Blue Monday Mission for The Current -- spending time and speaking with incredible musicians and people is always a treat, and this was above and beyond.

• Check out the article here: https://thecurrentla.com/2025/blue-monday-a-multi-generational-musical-mission/

• Find out more about the Blue Monday Mission: https://www.loveofpeople.org/blue-monday-mission

I've just started contributing to the From the Mixed Up Files blog, having been a long-time reader while writing my own middle grade novels and stories. 

The site is such a great resource for writers, readers, librarians, and teachers - I'm thrilled to be a part of it. 

Check out my inaugural post, focusing on a few favorite MG anthologies: 

Short Story Collections Selection: 5 Must-Read MG Anthologies

Looking forward to posting more in the new year!

About the Mixed-Up Files

From the Mixed-Up Files … of Middle-Grade Authors is a team of writers and readers of middle-grade books, and our goal is to celebrate and generate enthusiasm about books for 8-12 year olds.

I was thrilled to get the chance to write about the incredible, local Blue Monday concert series in my home of Lafayette for the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Living Blues magazine.

I'd love to write a longer piece about this concert series and all the good it's done for musicians in the area, and I'm grateful to Living Blues for giving me the opportunity to write this.

Be sure to check out Living Blues - and check out a Blue Monday show if you can!