Christine Derr
Hey, y’all! I’m an adventurous wanderer who put down roots here in East Tennessee back in 2014. My little family moved here from the wilds of suburban Alaska in 2014. We love exploring Knoxville and the surrounding areas, especially the Smoky Mountains.
I’m a freelance writer and teacher who loves looking at the mountains when my nose isn’t in a book. I’m a mom to two bookish kids, a wildly clingy dog, two cats, and a fish I’d be in trouble for not mentioning. Since becoming a mom, I’ve been able to add Lincoln Log architect, LEGO contractor, and mediator to my resume. I’ve always been a bit of a jack of all trades, as I’ve been a tutor, teacher, circus instructor, bookseller, amateur baker and, of course, writer. I remind myself of this as I tell my kid not to sit on my other kid’s head while stopping the dog from chasing the cat and the other cat from jumping on top of the fish tank.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and am currently pursing my Master of Fine Arts while keeping all these creatures who live in my house alive. I survive on coffee, writing fiction, reading, Disney, and snuggles. You can read more of my work at www.pawprintsinthesink.com.
Summer Reading Recommendations And Rewards
Somehow, summer is just around the corner. Reading is a wonderful way to maintain those hard-earned skills developed during the school year, all while encouraging imagination and building empathy at the same time. But...
Helping Kids With Test Anxiety
Stomachaches. Headaches. Not wanting to go to school. These are all possible ways that test anxiety is rearing its head in your child's life. With TCAPS right around the corner in April, it's natural...
You’re More Than Just Your Gift
Like much of the population, I've been constantly listening to (and absently singing) songs from Encanto since I first saw it. I'm just as obsessed with it as my kids, and yes, I still...
Giftable Kids’ Books
Holiday shopping is officially underway, as kids of all ages write their hopeful letters to Santa. Shopping for young readers can be tough, as you might not know what they've read, what genres they...
Helping Children Grieve a Pet
In the last year and a half, two of our dogs passed away. These were beloved pets that our children had always known; at 12- and 13-years-old, both dogs were older than our children....
Low Stress Ways to Save Money While Shopping
I love saving while shopping, but if it's a time investment of more than 10 minutes, there's a decent chance I won't keep up with it. Grocery shopping especially is difficult enough; even when...
Summer Reading Recommendations From a Book Blogger
Ah, summer. Days full of sunshine, the ground warm under your feet, fireflies dancing at night and the time of year when list after list of the best books to read during these beautiful...