T. A. BARRON’S BLOG
-
March 26, 2025Let’s always remember the brevity of life. Sure, that awareness is enough to make us sad… but it also reminds...
-
March 20, 2025Through stories, we connect with each other, explore universal truths, and, most importantly, expand our imaginations.
-
March 12, 2025Merlin’s advice for a couple just beginning their journey together — a letter filled with hopes, magic, and heartfelt wishes.
-
February 26, 2025Stories are the truest way to convey resilience — binding us across time, cultures, and worlds. Discover their power to...
-
February 20, 2025A young writer's journey reminds me of the power of encouragement — two decades after I wrote him a letter,...
-
February 12, 2025The librarians at the Harvard Public Library invited me to come and speak to anyone who might be interested. They...
-
January 29, 2025Wizards abound in literature and legend, but I would argue that Merlin is the greatest wizard of them all.
-
January 21, 2025There is a particular kind of quiet you can only find in the wilderness. It isn’t silence exactly — it’s...
-
December 30, 2024All of us — and students, in particular — need our heroes, and today more than ever. They give us...
-
December 19, 2024The closest I will ever get to giving birth, I often feel, is in delivering a new novel.
-
December 4, 2024The world is full of heroes. Not celebrities, but heroes. And we need those heroes — today more than ever....
-
November 21, 2024Once, when I was small, my dad led me down to the tumbling stream that flowed through our Colorado ranch....
-
November 13, 2024Writing is a journey — one full of discovery, resilience… and maybe just a touch of magic.
-
November 4, 2024The closest I will ever get to giving birth, I often feel, is in delivering a new novel.
-
October 28, 2024Alaska — land of immensity. Both in its realities and its possibilities, Alaska can stir our hearts and minds like...
-
October 23, 2024What advice would a tree offer if it could speak? Would it whisper words of patience and wisdom gained through...
-
October 10, 2024In this essay from 1995, originally written for Children's Book Review magazine, I explored what it means for a story...
-
September 19, 2024It’s my honor to introduce the winners and finalists of the 2024 Barron Prize, a spectacular group of incredible young...
-
August 13, 2024The hero’s journey, whether through the enchanting realms of Avalon and Atlantis or the real-world paths traversed by inspiring young...
-
July 19, 2024Creativity is like a magical spark that brightens the hearts and minds of everyone it touches. It’s a force that...
-
June 28, 2024In the heart of the enchanting world of the Merlin Saga, nature is more than a mere backdrop; it is...
-
May 22, 2024As an author who loves crafting stories for young readers, I see the writing journey as a bit like painting...
-
April 19, 2024Recently, I had an uplifting conversation with Kate Williams, the visionary CEO of 1% for the Planet, and our discussion...
-
March 21, 2024Leadership, to me, is an ever-evolving symphony made up of a multitude of instruments. Each leader brings their own special...
-
March 12, 2024Let’s celebrate Merlin. The original wizard is one of the most beloved characters of all time, someone who has inspired...
-
February 29, 2024I recently made a few changes, so I thought it would be a good time to take you on a...
-
January 31, 2024As Buddha wisely said, "Make of your life a light." These words hold profound meaning, inspiring us to shine brightly...
-
December 1, 2023In the midst of nature, I often find peace beside a gently flowing river. The sounds of the water lapping...
-
November 14, 2023When you listen to an audiobook, you are not just hearing a story; you are experiencing it, feeling the characters...
-
November 9, 2023At the heart of every remarkable narrative, there lies an essential truth — characters breathe life into the story.
-
November 1, 2023In the captivating world of storytelling, where words create magic and characters come alive, there is a powerful truth: every...
-
October 28, 2023Stories, whether they unfurl under a starlit sky by a crackling campfire, are bound within the weathered pages of a...
-
October 3, 2023The world around us is a forest growing from seeds of nature's resilience, human intellect, and the courageous spirit that...
-
September 19, 2023The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes award annually honors 25 outstanding leaders, between the ages of 8 and 18.
-
September 12, 2023I invite you to join me on October 2nd for season 2 of Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron...
-
August 18, 2023Together, we can create a world where heroism is not confined to fiction but becomes a reality in the lives...
-
July 19, 2023To me, creating relatable fantasy characters is of paramount importance. Regardless of the realms they inhabit, characters must possess a...
-
June 23, 2023As an author who has dedicated himself to crafting stories that ignite the imagination, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative...
-
May 19, 2023I’ve long been inspired by nature, and I believe that there is much to be learned from the natural world....
-
April 19, 2023As a storyteller, I believe that tales possess an uncanny ability to stir the soul and inspire within us the...
-
March 10, 2023It seems natural that since I’ve written many books about Merlin, you all have many questions for me about Merlin...
-
February 28, 2023I invited my readers to imagine stories of untold beginnings of the characters from my books — here are some...
-
February 14, 2023With a little effort and creativity, you can help your kids fall in love with reading and set them on...
-
January 12, 2023The life and world of Merlin have been magical and inspiring. Merlin’s wisdom and faith have taught many valuable lessons....
-
December 28, 2022I invited readers to share their own stories of times when nature inspired them. These are their experiences.
-
December 7, 2022Young children often mistake celebrity for heroism, but true heroism is different. Every hero discovers that they have something deep...
-
November 11, 2022Today I’m inviting you to see your life as a story!
-
October 28, 2022I think about stories I'm working on as little boats that I'm spending time crafting until they are finally shipworthy...
-
October 13, 2022My journey with Merlin began with a dream. And I knew from that moment I had been given a story...
-
September 29, 2022Each year, the Barron Prize awards outstanding young people whose actions serve as an inspirational example of the power we...
-
September 12, 2022I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new podcast—exploring topics of storytelling, nature, true heroes, and the...
-
August 25, 2022No matter what your goals are, here are the things you can do to stay focused and achieve dreams.
-
August 17, 2022How can we empower young people? Young minds are impressionable and can be empowered through these simple methods.
-
July 17, 2022Aspiring storytellers often ask me writing questions and for writing advice. I've compiled some of the best questions, and my...
-
June 30, 2022As an environmentalist, I encourage everyone to do what they can to help protect our planet, and ourselves.
-
May 24, 2022Making characters come alive is one of the trickiest, but most important elements of writing.
-
April 22, 2022Nature and the environment are hugely important as inspiration to me. Not just in my writing, but also within my...
-
March 15, 2022Literacy goes beyond simply being able to read — it's about the connection forged between storyteller and reader!
-
February 18, 2022Genuine, heartfelt kindness creates a type of magic that is never-ending — a kind that multiplies with every person it...
-
January 20, 2022Just as I believe in the magic of this world, I also believe in creatures that we may never have...
-
December 29, 2021This holiday season, I hope that I can inspire you to be generous with your gifts. Not from your pocket,...
-
December 9, 2021Embark in this quest to learn about food insecurity and how you can join the fight to help stop world...
-
October 20, 2021In honor of this magical opening to a story that means so much to me, I’ll be participating in a...
-
October 1, 2021Introducing a brand new series on the website, Quests, with my first Quest: Sustainability.
-
October 1, 2021Heroes are important because they show that every person — young or old, black or white, rich or poor —...
-
September 20, 2021I invite you to take a moment to read through this year’s list of marvelous, accomplished young people, to visit...
-
July 28, 2021The power of stories resides in the communicating core values and principles through shared words and experiences.
-
-
May 25, 2021If you can imagine your goals, your future, and your path to making a better world — all that remains...
-
April 27, 2021Encouraging young people to harness their energy in the form of volunteering is one of the most valuable actions you...
-
March 19, 2021The Butterfly Effect is a theory of causality in physics which states that everything in the universe is connected —...
-
March 2, 2021The natural world is not merely a setting, a backdrop for my stories — but a full-blown character.
-
January 14, 2021It takes a community to make a difference. I am pleased to announce the winners of the Giving Hope for...
-
December 18, 2020I believe passionately in the power that young people have to change the narrative of the future, and the most...
-
November 17, 2020Gratitude — one of Merlin’s seven most magical words — is not just an emotion, it's also an action.
-
October 20, 2020Get into the spirit of the spooky season and consider some of the ways villains can improve your writing!
-
September 22, 2020I believe that kindness is an altogether different entity from being nice. The sad truth is that you can be...
-
September 14, 2020Meet the 2020 Barron Prize winners. Their stories and service work act as an example of the power we...
-
September 9, 2020What does it mean to be kind? Is it simply about minding your manners and going through the motions?
-
August 10, 2020Here are a few custom backgrounds for fans of my books to help give your video calls a new look!
-
July 27, 2020Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that we are surrounded by heroes? Everyday people all around us...
-
-
June 23, 2020Now, more than ever, there is a desperate need to be kind, seek positivity, focus on personal growth, and appreciation...
-
May 4, 2020Has the COVID-19 pandemic lead you to discover a new appreciation for teachers and educators? Here are 10 ways to...
-
April 28, 2020Download free activity sheets you can pair with a read-along of the book from author T. A. Barron.
-
April 9, 2020Although the 50th anniversary of Earth Day will find most of us at home, there are still ways we can...
-
March 26, 2020With so many of us now finding ourselves unexpectedly at home with a bit of time to tackle some of...
-
February 18, 2020Witnessing a random act of kindness can inspire others, giving them a gentle nudge in their own hearts and minds...
-
December 21, 2019Every one of Merlin’s 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life relies on Love to strengthen it and fill it with significance....
-
November 28, 2019I believe that to be wholly alive is to be grateful—for every breath we take, every song we sing, every...
-
October 23, 2019Generosity is not giving others what they want. Rather, it's giving away what you yourself want.
-
September 16, 2019Each year, The Barron Prize celebrates outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference...
-
September 12, 2019Merlin has been a part of my life for more than 20 years. Though he may be but a mythical...
-
August 27, 2019Belief, one of Merlin’s seven most magical words in the universe, can give us comfort in times of chaos, strength in...
-
July 31, 2019Darkness, despair, anger, destruction—the images of these things feature daily in our media. No matter where we look, we’re met...
-
June 20, 2019Knowledge, one of Merlin's magical words, is so much more than just the things you learn by sitting in a...
-
May 21, 2019There is intentionality in Wonder, though it is not something you seek. It calls you to question, to explore, to...
-
September 17, 2018Congratulations to the 2018 Barron Prize winners! This national award is meant to highlight the idea that every single one...
-
July 30, 2018T. A. Barron blogs about the Summer Sparks program, with activity ideas, summer printables, and introduces guest bloggers.
-
April 15, 2018Peter Cook uses his ASL skills to bring the words of Kate and her adventures to life. His artistry truly...
-
April 11, 2018In 2017, I wrote this poem to celebrate winter in Colorado. In sharing it with you here, I hope to...
-
February 2, 2018Each of us has that power. Even if we don’t remember that, it’s true. Our daily choices matter; our actions...
-
September 25, 2017Introducing the outstanding winners of the 2017 Barron Prize.
-
June 22, 2017If you folks like a good story, as I do – then try this: Think of your life as a...
-
May 18, 2017Villains are hugely important in a compelling story. Too often they're painted in quick brush strokes, making shallow, uninteresting characters.
-
April 27, 2017I remember the very first time I saw the stars on a high mountain ridge in Colorado. It was a...
-
February 24, 2017In my last blog entry I shared a few of the entries from my recent Origin Story contest. The competition...
-
February 21, 2017I recently invited fans of my books to dig deep into their imaginations and write their own origin stories for...
-
January 19, 2017I’ve often thought that bringing a new story into the world is a lot like bringing a new child into...
-
December 12, 2016All of us have hidden struggles - and hidden potential. And all of us, like the great wizard Merlin, have...
-
December 7, 2016Last weekend, after an amazing Thanksgiving with family and friends, I joined readers and friends at two local bookstores to...
-
November 14, 2016I'm more than halfway through the book tour for Atlantis Lost - and what an adventure it has been! I've...
-
October 24, 2016I'm very happy to share that the third book in my Atlantis Saga, Atlantis Lost, is coming to bookstores everywhere...
-
September 28, 2016Nature and young people are my most powerful sources of inspiration. Both share that wondrous ability to transform—both as individuals...
-
September 19, 2016The Barron Prize is about celebrating some of those real heroes in our communities: young people with deeply valuable inner...
-
September 7, 2016Each year, our selection committee includes youth and young adults who, once upon a time, submitted their own applications, and...
-
August 11, 2016I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many amazing places over the years, from exotic and remote countries around the...
-
June 22, 2016Commencement speakers always advise graduates to follow their dreams—and you should. But I want to offer you some practical advice...
-
June 21, 2016Eleven young wizards joined the camp counselors from Boulder Bookstore and Boulder Public Library for a week-long day camp full...
-
May 23, 2016In celebration of May being #GetCaughtReading month, I wanted to share a little about the ways reading has shaped my...
-
May 5, 2016I was so pleased at all the entries I received to my recent #IntoNature promotion in celebration of the re-release...
-
April 27, 2016This entry was contributed by Zanne Tarlow as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 25, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Michelle Richardson as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 22, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Lysia Gilmore as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 20, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Therese Calegari as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 19, 2016This entry was contributed by Ren Breaux as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 18, 2016This video was contributed by Meg Stansfield as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 12, 2016This entry was contributed by Terra Mcbroom as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 9, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Pam Spicer as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 6, 2016This entry was contributed by Jasmine Hinton as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 4, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Paula Hardeman as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
April 2, 2016This blog entry was contributed by Joel Hoff as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 30, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Laurie Rudolph-Francis as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 29, 2016This blog post was contributed by Rene Crook as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 25, 2016This image and caption was contributed by Helena Reznikoff as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 23, 2016This blog entry was contributed by Susan Hawthorne as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 22, 2016This image was contributed by Ro Ostawari as part of my “Into Nature” guest series.
-
March 18, 2016This blog post was contributed by Khephra Owl as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 16, 2016This image was contributed by Jerika McKeon as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 14, 2016This blog post was contributed by Roshana Ostowari as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 11, 2016The following is the introduction I wrote for the 25th-anniversary edition of my book, "The Ancient One".
-
March 11, 2016This blog post was contributed by April Steichen as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 9, 2016This photo & caption was contributed by Maryam Karim as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 7, 2016This photo & description was contributed by Kelly Cundiff as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 5, 2016This blog entry was created by Bob Meadows as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 4, 2016This photo & blog entry was created by blogger Joanne Fritz as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 3, 2016This blog entry was created by author David Wiley as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
March 1, 2016This photo & blog entry were created by Chelsey Saatkamp as part of my “Into Nature” guest blog series.
-
February 22, 2016This blog post was authored by Virginia Anagnos as part of my "Into Nature" guest blog series.
-
February 15, 2016I remember feeling an extraordinary sense of peace as I wondered what amazing stories this two-thousand-year-old tree could tell.
-
January 15, 2016The story of THE ANCIENT ONE began over 20 years ago when I was on a solo hike in the...
-
December 17, 2015In the sheer ability to surprise, one wizard outshines all the rest. He is the greatest of enchanters, the mentor...
-
September 30, 2015If you walk in the direction of your dreams, you open yourself to serendipity, and good things will happen. Maybe...
-
September 23, 2015I wanted to share some of your ideas which really captured the true essence of what it means to be...
-
September 8, 2015Beyond the initial award, being part of the Barron Prize honorees has a lasting influence for many young people.
-
July 23, 2015Wilderness has the power to reach us, stirring our souls in strong and surprising ways.
-
July 2, 2015My book, "The Wisdom Of Merlin: Seven Magical Words for a Meaningful Life" makes a marvelous gift for people beginning...
-
June 4, 2015A few weeks ago I asked my fans on Instagram to submit their most magical and compelling photos encapsulating one...
-
May 26, 2015A special THANK YOU to everyone that came out to say hello, hear me speak, and have a book signed.
-
May 9, 2015I'm wrapping up the first half of my book tour, and so far, it has been fantastic! Between school visits...
-
April 30, 2015I'm excited to announce my upcoming tour celebrating the release of my two newest books -- The Wisdom of Merlin...
-
April 14, 2015Hello again, my friends. Thanks to the great hospitality of my friend, T. A. Barron, I am once again able...
-
March 30, 2015I must tell you all that it has been truly delightful to read your many queries; some of you are...
-
March 23, 2015I'm delighted that more bloggers are sharing their thoughts on Merlin's magical words in celebration of the March 24th publication...
-
March 9, 2015My upcoming book, The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life is being released on March 24th....
-
February 25, 2015In advance of the publication of the Merlin Saga in China at the end of this month, I wrote the...
-
February 6, 2015The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from diverse backgrounds all across North America.
-
January 21, 2015I have always loved the world of stories, ever since I was a kid.
-
November 25, 2014Inspired by the many great costumes of my kids, a few weeks ago I held a Halloween Costume Contest on...
-
November 6, 2014Describing characters well is a great challenge for any writer, and the truth is I use the same three-layered process...
-
September 15, 2014Every year the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes turns the spotlight on twenty-five remarkable young people: kids who have...
-
September 11, 2014For my readers who are parents, I’d love to share some of my ideas on how you can encourage your...
-
June 24, 2014The wilderness can make us feel as big as the grandest vista. On a clear Rocky Mountain night, so many...
-
April 28, 2014From time-to-time I write on this blog to answer some of your questions. This post is about how I develop...
-
April 11, 2014New and aspiring writers often ask published writers, “What's your process?” It feels a little funny to talk about the...
-
March 13, 2014I try to answer as many of your emails and Facebook posts as I can, but sometimes I can't get...
-
February 13, 2014I love answering your questions, so here are some of the best answers I can give about Merlin and my...
-
January 27, 2014But here’s the best news: There are many more heroes right around us, in everyday life. And they're not always...
-
January 14, 2014I’m excited and humbled to share with you the news that Atlantis Rising has been selected to receive two great...
-
December 27, 2013I really love answering your questions directly, as you can tell. Truth is, I feel honored that you trust me...
-
December 17, 2013Merlin’s seven magical words, and the one word which empowers them all, are the basis for a new book.
-
December 11, 2013I’m excited to share with you my latest video -- Merlin’s Guide to a Meaningful Life: The Seven Most Magical...
-
December 2, 2013My Atlantis Rising book tour has come to an end. From Seattle to New York, with 22 events (not including...
-
November 15, 2013So you might well ask: With all the magic of the natural world around me, why do I create new...
-
November 8, 2013What a wonderful time this book tour has been! I’ve met a lot of lovely families and educators and visited...
-
October 24, 2013The last few weeks have been hectic, to say the least, but I’m excited to be back in Oxford and...
-
October 10, 2013It has only been six days since my last post…but in that short time I’ve been through 8 cities in...
-
October 4, 2013Now that the book is out, the website launched, and my new Instagram, Twitter, and blog site are up and...
-
October 1, 2013I need to get three elements worked out before I can start a new book: Detailed descriptions of each new...
-
September 27, 2013Nothing is more uplifting than stories about heroic people who have truly made a difference to the world. So I'm...
-
September 26, 2013Today is a very exciting day - the launch of my latest book, Atlantis Rising. Atlantis - a name, a...
-
September 19, 2013I'm thrilled to introduce you to my newest "baby" - my book "Atlantis Rising!" This will be the first book...
-
September 13, 2013It's the question fans always ask: "How do you write your stories?" Writers say they hate this question, and probably...
-
August 11, 2013Growing Your Own Story by T. A. Barron | Aug 11, 2013 “There are three essential rules for writing. Unfortunately …...
-
December 3, 2012Good news! Warner Bros. Studio recently renewed its option to develop this film. That's a good sign of their excitement...
-
September 3, 2012Just received the first draft of the script. It's coming together nicely. Most important, it remains true to the spirit...
-
June 3, 2012Warner Bros. has just hired a new, highly acclaimed script writer, Ed Whitworth. He brings excellent writing skills, and even...
-
January 3, 2012Excellent news! Donald DeLine, a terrific producer, has just signed onto this project. He brings huge experience as a highly...
-
July 2, 2010We have reached, at long last, a crucial stage — going out to directors. We now have a short list...
-
January 30, 2009Having just returned home from a creative meeting at the Paramount studio in California (the third such meeting in three...
-
April 4, 2005What's in a blog? (Apologies to Will Shakespeare.) In the next ten blogs, I plan to argue, question, rage, reflect,...
-
May 19, 2000Surely that is how the muses of fantasy must eat, seated around their glittering table somewhere in the clouds. They...
-
February 28, 2000In 1991, I had the great honor of writing the introduction for “COLORADO: Our Wilderness Future”, a book by my...
-
August 3, 1999When I was just six years old, I met a wonderful woman in her nineties by the name of Elvira...
-
March 17, 1996In 1995, I visited Kathleen Armstrong's classroom — a space brimming with energy, creativity, and the spark of curiosity only...
-
April 7, 1995This quality of truth is as elusive as it is essential. There is no easy, sure-fire formula for creating...
