I haven't posted any new material on the site other than devotions or blog entries since November.  For awhile I was just busy with the holidays and other things going on in my life, but there's actually another reason, and it's a good one...

I am preparing my book for publication!!  I've been working nonstop on Ms. Powell's Complete Guide to Classroom Management (at least, that's the working title).  The format and content of the book is very similar to what I outlined on the "My Book" page in 2004, when I first got the vision for what I wanted to do- it’s still on the site if you want to see it.

A lot of the book will be based on information from the website, but the organizational structure will be easier to follow.  I’m also going into a LOT more detail about classroom management.  I’ve written a ton of new, more specific information about how to design, introduce, and maintain procedures and routines.  I’m trying to cover every elementary school scenario, from pencil sharpening to getting drinks to teaching kids not to follow you around the classroom waving a paper in your face and saying, “Is this good?! Did I do it right?!”. 

There will be lots of classroom photos, of course, and the relevant forms, signs, and other documents will be available right in the book so all you have to do is photocopy them. 

I went through most of the website pages that I plan to use a portion of in the book and did some editing and revision, so if you see a ‘Last Updated’ notice with a March date, that’s what was happening.   I have to admit I was totally appalled by the number of spelling errors and other typos on the website- I need to do a LOT more proofreading before I upload anything else!  Hopefully I caught most of errors on the pages that indicate they were recently updated.  I then copied and pasted the info into a Word document and began rearranging, editing for content, and adding new ideas. 

I’ve decided to self-publish so that I can format the book the way I want it.  The tone is just like that of the website- it’s me speaking directly to you about what I know works in the classroom based on my own experience.  I have signed a publishing agreement with a Christian company called Xulon Press, and I am working feverishly to get the book on store shelves by late June/ early July.  It will be available through my website, Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles, Borders, and all the other major bookstores, so keep an eye out for it!

That’s the only thing that’s new with me.  Everything is still fabulous at work and beautiful in my personal life, which means I can focus totally on writing.  I will keep you all updated on my progress.  Thanks once again for all of your encouragement, prayers, and support!

 Angela

Angela,

That's AWESOME news!! :) I have been checking your site at least weekly, hoping for an update. This is the best update that I could have read! Congratulations! I'll keep you in my prayers as you go through this process. WOW! :o

Wow, I can't wait to get a copy of the book - your suggestions on the website are really amazing... I can't wait to put them into practice next fall! :)

I will be checking back, I think your ideas are very useful and am looking forward to this soon. Keep up the hard work!!!

I am so thrilled for you about your book! I have often thought of doing the same thing myself, but I'm too chicken! Congratulations on your publishing deal! I can't wait to finally see the book. I visit your site so often for ideas. Best wishes!!:)