by T. A. Barron | Mar 12, 2024 | Blog, Merlin
Merlin’s Secret Sauce Let’s celebrate Merlin. The original wizard is one of the most beloved characters of all time, someone who has inspired tales for centuries around the globe. Taken together, those tales weave a glorious tapestry of myth and magic. But there is a...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 4, 2024 | Articles, Conservation, Featured, In the Media, Inspiration, Nature
Sacred Play by T. A. Barron Orion Magazine Spring 2024 Original Article Nature has always soaked me in waterfalls of wonder. In a redwood forest, when I crawled into the hollow of an ancient tree and listened to its centuries of stories. By a lake, as I watched...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 29, 2024 | Blog
Join Me for a Website Tour I have loaded my website full of all kinds of goodies. You’ll, of course, find information about all of my books, catch up on my blogs, connect to my podcast, and read a large selection of my articles and interviews. But I’ve also included...
by T. A. Barron | Jan 31, 2024 | Blog, Inspiration, Podcast
How Living with Purpose Radiates Light in the World In the complex fabric of life, each of us holds a thread — a precious gift — fleeting in its brevity. It’s a concept that has resonated with me throughout my journey as an author, prompting exploration of life’s...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 1, 2023 | Blog, For Nature Lovers, Nature, On Nature & the Environment, Podcast
Rivers of Life: The Crucial Role of Rivers in Our Ecosystems In the midst of nature, I often find peace beside a gently flowing river. The sounds of the water lapping on the shore, the brilliant reflection of light in the ripples made by various creatures… It’s in...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 14, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, Inspiration, On Reading, On Writing, Podcast
Voices that Resonate: The Role of Audiobook Narrators in Storytelling Audiobook narration stands out as a unique art form in the enchanting world of storytelling. As a writer, I have always been captivated by the exceptional skill of audiobook narrators. They possess...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 9, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing, Podcast
A Conversation About Crafting Unforgettable Characters As I reflect upon the art of storytelling, I am continually awed by the extraordinary characters that authors can bring to life. These characters have the power to captivate our hearts, allowing us to live...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 1, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing, Podcast
Discover the Beating Heart of Your Story In the captivating world of storytelling, where words create magic and characters come alive, there is a powerful truth: every story has a beating heart and an essence that pulses with authenticity and depth. As a storyteller,...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 28, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing, Podcast
Unveiling the Transformative Magic of Authenticity in Storytelling As I dive into the enchanting realm of storytelling, I often find myself in awe of its profound metamorphic potential. Stories, whether they unfurl under a starlit sky by a crackling campfire, are...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 3, 2023 | Blog, For Nature Lovers, Heroes, Inspiration, Nature, On Nature & the Environment, Podcast
Planting Seeds of Hope: Cultivating Positive Change in Environmental Conservation As the wind whispers through the trees and the sun casts its golden glow upon the earth, I can’t help but reflect on the beauty of Mother Earth and the extraordinary efforts to protect...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 19, 2023 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, News
Celebrating Young Heroes: Announcing the 2023 Barron Prize Winners In a world where youth often inspire hope and change, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes has been recognizing and celebrating remarkable young people since its establishment in 2001. This...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2023 | Blog, News, Podcast
Introducing Season 2 of Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron Podcast Lifting our hearts, one story at a time — Inspiration from nature, heroes, and creativity Once again, I am beyond thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all. The time has come to...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2023 | In the Media, Podcast, Press Release
Bestselling Author & Conservationist T. A. Barron Announces Season 2 of Podcast Boulder, CO September 12, 2023 PDF T. A. Barron, the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Merlin Saga, today announced that season 2 of Magic & Mountains:...
by T. A. Barron | Aug 18, 2023 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes
Becoming Your Own Hero: Encouragement for Young Change-Makers “Weeeee!” shrieked my five-year-old niece, nearly jumping out of her sneakers. Her excitement was palpable as she clung to her rescued hamster, whom I’d just helped narrowly escape from the clutches of a...
by T. A. Barron | Jul 19, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Fantasy, Inspiration, On Reading
Unveiling the Extraordinary Fantasy Characters of My Worlds In my journey as a writer, I have come to understand that fantasy is not merely an escape from reality, but a powerful vehicle for introspection, empathy, and personal growth. Through weaving tales of...
by T. A. Barron | Jun 23, 2023 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, On Reading
How Fantasy Books Inspire Young Minds Welcome, fellow adventurers! Today, I want to share with you the enchanting world of fantasy books and the incredible power they hold over young minds. As an author who has dedicated himself to crafting stories that ignite the...
by T. A. Barron | May 19, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, For Nature Lovers, Inspiration, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
Finding Inspiration in Nature As the world begins to thaw and the days grow longer, there’s no denying the sense of hope and renewal that comes with the arrival of spring. The landscape around us is transformed as buds burst into bloom, birdsong fills the air,...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 20, 2023 | Conservation, Featured, Heroes, In the Media, Interviews, Nature, On Nature, Young Heroes
The Power of Youth and the Power of Stories Outdoor America Interview The Izaak Walton League of America 2023 Issue 1 Original Interview | PDF As the Izaak Walton League begins its second century, Outdoor America is asking people about the coming challenges and...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 19, 2023 | Articles, Creativity, Featured, For Educators, In the Media, Inspiration, On Writing
T. A. Barron, award-winning author, shares ideas with young writers by Carlene Phillips The Harvard Press April 14, 2023 PDF It’s close to 4 p.m. on April 4, and 10 or so fourth- through sixth-graders are lined up in chairs in the small room off the...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 19, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, For Nature Lovers, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
How I Use Storytelling to Build Environmental Awareness As a storyteller, I believe that tales possess an uncanny ability to stir the soul and inspire within us the drive to make positive changes in our lives. I find this to be particularly true when it comes to...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 10, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, Fantasy, Merlin, On Reading
Questions from Readers About Merlin When I began my magical journey with Merlin many years ago, I had no way of knowing that the world would be as intrigued and enthralled by his origin story as I was. I hoped, of course, that it would resonate with readers and draw...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 28, 2023 | Blog, Books, Creativity, On Writing
Magical Origin Stories, Written by Readers Exploring stories of untold beginnings has always appealed to me as a writer. The Merlin Saga began after I wondered about the early life of the man who became the wise and powerful old wizard we know so well from the tales...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 14, 2023 | Blog, Creativity, For Educators, Inspiration, On Reading
Tips to Get Kids to Fall in Love with Reading I’ve always been enamored with the power of reading. Ever since I was a young boy, books have been a constant source of wonder and adventure for me. I would lose myself in their pages, imagining myself as the hero and...
by T. A. Barron | Jan 12, 2023 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, Merlin, On Reading
Lessons I Learned from Merlin I have spent many, many years immersed in the life and world of Merlin. It is a magical, beautiful place, but it is also a place that has taught me a myriad of lessons about life, love, and humanity within our own world. Merlin has been a...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, For Nature Lovers, Inspiration, Nature
How Nature Inspires Us: A Collection of Blogs from Readers While hiking in California some years ago, I found the most magnificent tree I’d ever seen—a redwood of such grandeur that I nearly fell over backward trying to see its highest boughs. As I came closer, the...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 7, 2022 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes
Heroes All Around Us As all of my readers can attest, young heroes play an important role in my stories – fiction and nonfiction alike. I am often asked why this is — what is my fascination with young heroes — and the answer is quite simple: young heroes play an...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 11, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, Inspiration, Podcast
You Are the Author of Your Own Story Today I’m inviting you to see your life as a story! Episode 6 Excerpt by T. A. Barron | Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron Podcast https://tabarron.com/wp-content/uploads/Life-as-a-Story-Quotes.mp3 As we journey through life,...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 28, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing, Podcast
Keeping Your Story Boat Afloat Did you know that before my first manuscript was published, I received 32 rejections? Thirty-two “no thank you”s. Thirty-two “we’ll pass.” Thirty-two “thanks, but no thanks.” That, friends, is A LOT of nos. But fortunately, not enough...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 13, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, Inspiration, Merlin
Using Mythology to Write Fantasy: Creating the Merlin Saga Children and young adults understand both the fun and the power of a good story. What could be more exciting than traveling without limits to other times, other value systems, and other universes? Creating...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 11, 2022 | Creativity, Featured, In the Media, Inspiration, Interviews, Merlin, Podcast
Myths, Magic, and Podcasting: A T. A. Barron Interview by Betsy Bird School Library Journal October 11, 2022 Original Interview | PDF Folks, I’ve been around a while. Met a lot of folks. And about nine years ago I did something I’d never done before: I finally visited...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 29, 2022 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, News
Congratulations to 2022’s Barron Prize Winners Each year, the Barron Prize awards outstanding young people whose actions serve as an inspirational example of the power we all have to make a difference in the world. Over the past two decades, the Barron Prize has...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2022 | Creativity, Featured, Heroes, In the Media, Interviews, Merlin, Nature, Podcast
New Podcast Explores the Magic, Folklore and Inspiration Found in the Mountains by Teague Bohlen Westword September 12,2022 Original Interview | PDF The connection between fantasy and the natural world has long informed T. A. Barron’s writing and environmental...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2022 | Blog, News, Podcast
Introducing Magic & Mountains “All we have, truly, all we have, is our time and our souls.” – T. A. Barron I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new podcast, Magic & Mountains! This is a project that I have been eager to share for so long...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2022 | In the Media, Podcast, Press Release
Bestselling Author & ConservationistT. A. Barron Announces New Podcast Boulder, CO September 12, 2022 PDF T. A. Barron, the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Merlin Saga, is thrilled to announce his new podcast called Magic &...
by T. A. Barron | Aug 25, 2022 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
Dream Chasers: 5 Things Done By People Who Achieve Their Dreams I’ve always loved a good story. Growing up in Colorado, I always dreamed of becoming a writer. To live in a mountain cabin, writing books. I dreamed up stories and poems, sometimes to avoid doing...
by T. A. Barron | Aug 17, 2022 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
Equality in Education: How to Empower Young People I have always been a firm believer in the idea that young people are capable of great things. Since 2000, when I launched the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, I have had the unique honor of seeing firsthand the...
by T. A. Barron | Jul 17, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing
All Your Writing Questions, Answered! Other writers often ask me questions about how I started writing and for advice on their writing. I try answering your emails and Facebook posts and responding to as many writing questions as possible, but sometimes I can’t get to...
by T. A. Barron | Jun 30, 2022 | Blog, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
5 Unique Ways You Can Help the Environment, Every Day! Protecting the environment and saving our remaining wilderness should be a bipartisan, patriotic duty that benefits all Americans, now and forever. There is hope to save our planet from the forces of greed and...
by T. A. Barron | May 24, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, For Writers, On Writing
Bringing a Character to Life Making characters come alive is one of the trickiest, but most important elements of writing. When you see how they look in your mind — and can hear their voice echoing — then you’ve begun to know who they are. But it’s not...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 22, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, For Nature Lovers, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
A Magical World Nature and the environment are hugely important as inspiration to me. Not just in my writing, but also within my own personal life. While doing book events in Marin County, California (home of the wondrous Muir Woods), my host commented on the...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 18, 2022 | Books, Creativity, Featured, For Educators, In the Media, Interviews, Merlin, On Writing, The Atlantis Saga
Romanian Children’s Book Festival Interview with Andrei Ciobanu Romanian Children’s Book Festival March 2022 PDF What inspires your stories? 1) Writing is the hardest work I’ve ever done – and also the most meaningful work I’ve ever done. 2) The best part of...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 15, 2022 | Blog, Creativity, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, On Reading, Quests
The Importance of Literacy (Plus a New Quest for Young Heroes!) I may be a little biased, but I believe that storytelling is one of the single most consequential talents we humans have — something unique that sets us apart from all the other creatures of this world,...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 18, 2022 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
The Art of Kindness There is magic in kindness. Not rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic, but the true life-changing stuff of miracles. Genuine, heartfelt kindness creates a type of magic that is never-ending — a kind that multiplies with every person it touches. I’ve come to...
by T. A. Barron | Jan 20, 2022 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Free Downloads, Heroes, Nature, Quests
The Disappearance of Dragons (Plus a New Quest) Just as I believe in the magic of this world, I also believe in creatures that we may never have the chance to meet. Take dragons for instance. A question that comes up frequently in my letters is whether I would like to...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 29, 2021 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Heroes
Give Back Generously This Holiday Season Generosity, one of Merlin’s seven magical words, is a word that holds magic in itself. You see, generosity is not simply about giving a tangible gift to another person. Instead, it’s the magic of giving freely of...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 9, 2021 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Free Downloads, Heroes, Quests
A New Quest for Young Heroes: Solving World Hunger In a time usually known as a time of abundance, we often forget about the problems that so many of our fellow humans face: food insecurity. Imagine having to make a choice between food or life-saving medicine,...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 28, 2021 | Books, Creativity, Featured, For Educators, In the Media, Inspiration, Interviews, Merlin
T.A. Barron: From Colorado to Camelot by Teague Bohlen Westword October 28, 2021 Original Article...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 28, 2021 | Creativity, Featured, For Educators, Heroes, In the Media, Interviews, Merlin, Nature, On Nature, Young Heroes
A Giant Interview with T. A. Barron by Elizabeth Bird A Fuse #8 Production An SLJ.com Blog October 28, 2021 Original Article | PDF Years and years ago, a fine fellow by the name of Tom (or T. A.) Barron took me to the Bemelman’s Bar in the Carlyle Hotel in New York...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 28, 2021 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
GIANT EXCERPT BIG FEET “Seventeen boulders!” crowed the midwife Gargolyn. Though she herself was a giant, she strained to lift the squirming baby in her hands. “That’s a hefty weight for a newlyborn, even for a giant.” Turning slowly in the sunlight, Gargolyn observed...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 26, 2021 | In the Media, Merlin, Press Release
The long-awaited prequel to the bestselling saga is here… Boulder, CO October 26, 2021 PDF ★ “Shim is a wonderfully relatable character imparting a message of empathy that should resonate long after the last page turns. Simply delightful.” – Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 20, 2021 | Blog, Books, Creativity, Merlin, On Reading
GIANT Virtual Book Tour I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book, GIANT: The Unlikely Origins of Shim, a prequel to The Merlin Saga featuring Shim, is coming to bookstores everywhere on October 26th. In honor of this magical opening to a story that means so...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 12, 2021 | In the Media, Merlin, Press Release
T. A. Barron Unveils Redesigned, Interactive Website Boulder, COOctober 12, 2021PDF NEW WEBSITE FOR BESTSELLING AUTHOR & CONSERVATIONIST OFFERS ELEMENTS FOR READERS, EDUCATORS AND NATURE LOVERS ALIKE T. A. Barron, the award-winning and New York Times bestselling...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 1, 2021 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Free Downloads, Heroes, Inspiration, Quests
Introducing Quests for Young Heroes Nature is my great friend, wise teacher, and true healer, as well as my enduring inspiration. That is why I am thrilled to announce a brand new series on the website: Quests. It is my hope that by embarking upon these quests, young...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 1, 2021 | Blog, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
Tapping Into the Heroic Potential of Every Child I’m often asked why I chose to write about the early years of the great wizard, Merlin. What really made me fall in love with stories of young Merlin was the realization that Merlin, the original wizard and the...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 20, 2021 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, News
Congratulations to the 2021 Barron Prize Winners! Each year, the Barron Prize awards outstanding young people whose personal stories and service work act as inspiring examples of the power we all have to make the world better. During a most difficult time in our...
by T. A. Barron | Jul 28, 2021 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, Inspiration, On Reading, On Writing
The Power of Stories Writers have a special power — the power of stories. Authors, at their very core, are storytellers. When we publish a book, we invite readers into a different world and tell them about what they’ll find there. Storytelling is an art form...
by T. A. Barron | Jun 21, 2021 | Blog, Fantasy, Inspiration, On Reading
The Magic of Reading What makes a book ‘worth reading’, to me? I read everything that interests me … which is quite a lot! Of course, I’m extremely fond of great nature writing, but I have long loved biographies of amazing people, and...
by T. A. Barron | May 25, 2021 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, Inspiration
One Step Closer to Your Dream “A life — whether seamstress or poet, farmer or king — is measured not by its length, but by the worth of its deeds, and the power of its dreams.” — MERLIN: The Mirror of Fate To be a writer has always been my dream. My first creations,...
by T. A. Barron | May 20, 2021 | Book Excerpt, Nature Book Excerpts
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK EXCERPT The Gift of Enos Mills By T. A. Barron Downloadable PDF When Enos Mills returned to his homestead cabin one day in the late nineteenth century, he sat on his porch and gazed across the valley at the towering ridges of Mount Meeker...
by T. A. Barron | May 20, 2021 | Book Excerpt, Nature Book Excerpts
TO WALK IN WILDERNESS EXCERPT From Day 3 Rain, relentless rain. The downpour at Little Gem Lake continues unabated all through the night and well into the next day. At times fog rolls in, so thick that the ground a few feet outside our sopping tent becomes nothing...
by T. A. Barron | May 13, 2021 | Book Excerpt
THE WISDOM OF MERLIN EXCERPT Courage Courage is essential. How else can we dream of who we can become and what we want for the world? And it also takes courage to turn those dreams into reality. You see, life can have great meaning—but only if we discover that meaning...
by T. A. Barron | May 6, 2021 | Adventures of Kate Excerpts, Book Excerpt
THE MERLIN EFFECT EXCERPT Farther from shore, nearer to death. With every pull of her paddle, Kate recalled the much-repeated warning about these waters. Yet today felt different. Today the sea looked tranquil, even inviting. Her arms, brown after almost a month in...
by T. A. Barron | May 6, 2021 | Adventures of Kate Excerpts, Book Excerpt
HEARTLIGHT EXCERPT Kate spun around when she heard the crash. “Cumberland!” The golden retriever had Grandfather pinned on the kitchen floor. She dashed over and pulled the dog away, but not before he gave his victim one last slobbery kiss....
by T. A. Barron | May 5, 2021 | Book Excerpt, The Atlantis Saga Excerpts
ATLANTIS LOST EXCERPT 1 A Gentle Wing Music had always filled her thoughts—even before she was born. During all her months in her mother’s womb, Omarya heard music everywhere. Songs hummed in her still-forming ears, danced to the cadence of her mother’s heartbeat, and...
by T. A. Barron | May 5, 2021 | Book Excerpt, The Atlantis Saga Excerpts
ATLANTIS IN PERIL EXCERPT 1 Revenge Far, far away from the isle of Atlantis . . . something stirred in a place where no creature had ever stirred before. That place, in the most remote reaches of the spirit realm, was a bottomless pit darker than the darkest void....
by T. A. Barron | May 5, 2021 | Book Excerpt, The Atlantis Saga Excerpts
ATLANTIS RISING EXCERPT A Distant Melody That morning, you had no idea of all the momentous changes to come. Very soon, you learned. And then you traded your life and everything you ever loved for that little bit of magic—a truly terrible price. And I am to blame for...
by T. A. Barron | May 5, 2021 | Adventures of Kate Excerpts, Book Excerpt
THE ANCIENT ONE EXCERPT First, God created Rain. Then Drizzle. Then Mist, then Fog. And then: More Rain. Kate smiled soggily at her own adaptation of the story of creation, Oregon style. Her sneakers were wet enough that they squelched like sponges as she walked. She...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 27, 2021 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
Volunteering with Children: 10 Ways to Encourage Kids to Give Back The ability of young people to help change the world for the better has been a source of joy and hope for me for many years. If you’ve ever been a reader of my blog or a follower of my work, you know...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 19, 2021 | Blog, For Nature Lovers, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
How a Butterfly Can Change the World The Butterfly Effect is one of my favorite concepts. In fact, I’ve even written about the power of a butterfly’s wings in my novel, Heartlight. If you’re unfamiliar with the Butterfly Effect, it is a theory of causality...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 2, 2021 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Nature Lovers, For Writers, Nature, On Nature & the Environment, On Writing
Nature as a Character Making characters come alive is one of the trickiest but most important elements of writing. Before I start to write, I usually take extensive notes about each character. I then expand that description even further as I get to know them better...
by T. A. Barron | Jan 14, 2021 | Blog, Contests, For Nature Lovers, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Nature, News, On Nature & the Environment
Giving Hope and Giving Back It takes a community to make a difference. In the spirit of Merlin’s magical word, Generosity, last month I hosted the Giving Hope for the Holidays charity contest, where I encouraged my readers to share charities and organizations...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 18, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
Making a Difference in the World I believe passionately in the power that young people have to change the narrative of the future, and the most powerful step adults can make towards a better tomorrow is to foster that hope and drive in our young people. Making sure...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 17, 2020 | Blog, Inspiration, Personal Writing
Getting the Most out of Gratitude I was once asked by a reader, “If you had to choose a favorite word, which would it be?” As a lover of language, I took this question very seriously! After spending some time thinking it over, I gave my answer: If I had to...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 20, 2020 | Blog, Creativity, Encouraging Writers, For Writers, On Writing
How to Become a Better Writer Using Villains I often receive letters and messages from fans asking for writing advice, and I do my best to point them toward the many resources for writers on my website. But as we move closer to Halloween, I thought I’d offer those...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 22, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, Personal Writing
How Do You Spread Kindness? I believe that kindness is an altogether different entity from being nice. The sad truth is that you can be nice out of politeness while still thinking mean thoughts. However, to truly be kind, you must care about your fellow man (or...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 14, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, News
Congratulations to 2020’s Barron Prize Winners! Each year, the Barron Prize awards outstanding young people whose personal stories and service work act as an inspiration example of the power we all have to make the world better. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 9, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
What is Your Labor of Love? 8 Simple Ideas To Make the World Better What does it mean to be kind? Is it simply about minding your manners and going through the motions? About doing what’s expected of us, and nothing else? Is kindness merely the absence of...
by T. A. Barron | Aug 10, 2020 | Blog, Books, Creativity, Free Downloads, Inspiration, On Reading
Magical Background Images for your Video Calls Have you been using video chat applications like Zoom to talk to friends and family during this period of social distancing? Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of hosting your very own virtual book club? If so, here are a...
by T. A. Barron | Jul 27, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration
Celebrating Everyday Heroes The heroic people around us may not have super powers — at least, not the kind that allows them to read minds or leap tall buildings — but the qualities they possess and the powers they have to do good are very real. Heroes are people who...
by T. A. Barron | Jul 6, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Sweepstakes
Heroes Every Day Looking for Something? Search for: CategoriesCategories Select Category Adventures of Kate (1) Adventures of Kate Excerpts (3) Articles (9) Blog (147) Book Excerpt (22) Books (48)...
by T. A. Barron | Jun 23, 2020 | Blog, Books, For Young Heroes, Heroes, Inspiration, Merlin, Personal Writing
Merlin’s Guide to Living Your Best Life Back in 2018 I wrote a blog post which began, “These are dark times. In our country and our world, we’re surrounded by divisiveness, greed, mean-spiritedness, hatred, cynicism, fear, and rage. So much so, the darkness sometimes...
by T. A. Barron | May 4, 2020 | Blog, For Educators, Heroes
Celebrating Educators… Now, More than Ever! Each May during Teacher Appreciation Week, educators across the nation are thanked by students and parents for all the things they do to provide support and guidance within their schools and individual classrooms. And...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 28, 2020 | Blog, Books, For Nature Lovers, Free Downloads, Nature
Tree Girl Activity Sheets Dear Parents, Educators, and Caregivers, These Tree Girl activity worksheets were created as part of my Tree Girl read-along video series to be enjoyed by children of all ages. Each chapter presents something fun and new to learn about or...
by T. A. Barron | Apr 9, 2020 | Blog, For Nature Lovers, Nature, On Nature & the Environment
Seven Ways You can Participate in Earth Day 2020 from Home “Intellectually, we finally have come to understand that the wealth of this nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity. Take...
by T. A. Barron | Mar 26, 2020 | Blog, Books, Creativity, On Reading
10 Great Stories to Read Right Now I was in my twenties before I discovered and fell in love with J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. A little later in life than many other Tolkien fans, perhaps, but it was absolutely the right time for me — reading his richly...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 25, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
THE BOOK OF MAGIC EXCERPT Warning to the Reader Pray, take care with this book! You see, it contains the secret journal of the great wizard Merlin. Over the centuries, others contributed their share — while still others sought to capture Merlin’s magic for...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 20, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
THE ETERNAL FLAME EXCERPT The Unmaking Knife Kulwych’s chortle, while no louder than the thin stream of water trickling down the cavern wall, was unmistakably mirthful. He rubbed his pale white hands together. In the throbbing light of the crystal beside him —...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 20, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
THE DRAGON OF AVALON EXCERPT One Dark Night A flame vent erupted on the cliffs, blasting the darkness like an angry dragon. Then another. And another. All across the cliffs, among the highest in Fireroot, tongues of fire shot upward, licked the air, then vanished...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 19, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
SHADOWS ON THE STARS EXCERPT The Greatest Power Deep underground, in a cavern of dark shadows, something even darker hovered in the air. Slowly it spun — a venomous snake of smoke. As it twirled, the air around it crackled with black sparks. And wherever its tail...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 18, 2020 | Blog, Inspiration, Personal Writing
It’s Good to be Good — Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness Week, or ‘RAK Week’ for short, celebrated every February, is all about making small, intentional acts of kindness a part of your routine. But more than that, having an entire week...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 13, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
ULTIMATE MAGIC EXCERPT For a big surprise, I look for a small mystery. Basilgarrad lifted his enormous head, scanning the rolling meadows that reached to the distant trees. His dragon’s eyes glittered as his powerful shoulder muscles tensed. Both of his furled...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 13, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
DOOMRAGA’S REVENGE EXCERPT INOT SO SMALL ANYMORE Having been very small, I can truthfully tell you that size doesn’t matter at all. Except when it does. The wrathful roar exploded—so forcefully it toppled a grove of ironwood trees, emptied a flowing river,...
by T. A. Barron | Feb 12, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
THE DRAGON OF AVALON EXCERPT The Pebble Look here, I know it sounds far-fetched—impossible, even—that such a huge story could have such a tiny, unremarkable beginning. Call me a liar if you like. But that’s how it was. I know, believe me. Just as I know more...
by T. A. Barron | Jan 13, 2020 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
A WIZARD’S WINGS EXCERPT Wings, take me back! How often have I dreamed, in the centuries since that day, of returning to that place and time, of facing once again the choice that changed everything. Such longing, though, is useless. An idea this is lost may yet...
by T. A. Barron | Dec 21, 2019 | Blog, Books, Inspiration, Merlin, Personal Writing
Merlin’s Final Magical Word: Love “It’s the most magical word of all. And it’s also the most varied – simple or complex, hidden or revealed, painful or joyous… That word is love.” THE WISDOM OF MERLIN: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life Love is magical. In one or...
by T. A. Barron | Nov 28, 2019 | Blog, Books, Inspiration, Merlin, Personal Writing
Merlin’s Seven Magical Words: Gratitude At this time of year, the idea of Gratitude — one of Merlin’s most potent magical words — is never far from my mind. After all, with a holiday named “Thanksgiving”, it’s only natural that the holiday season inspires us to recall...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 23, 2019 | Blog, Books, Inspiration, Merlin, Personal Writing
Merlin’s Seven Magical Words: Generosity Generosity, as described by Merlin in The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life, is not giving others what they want. Rather, it’s giving away what you yourself want.When you think about very young children...
by T. A. Barron | Oct 16, 2019 | Book Excerpt, The Merlin Saga Excerpts
THE MIRROR OF FATE EXCERPT Many are the mirrors I have examined; many are the faces I have seen. Yet for all these years — lo, all these centuries — there is but one mirror, with one visage, I cannot forget. It has haunted me from the start, from that very first...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 16, 2019 | Blog, For Educators, For Young Heroes, Heroes, News
Congratulations to 2019’s Barron Prize Winners! Each year, The Barron Prize celebrates outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. These inspiring, public-spirited young people from across North...
by T. A. Barron | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog, Books, Heroes, Inspiration, Merlin, Personal Writing
Merlin’s Seven Magical Words: Courage Merlin has been a part of my life for more than 20 years. Though he may be but a mythical being to some, and a great character in an epic story for many more, after more than 12 books devoted to his life and the telling of...