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.
Pandemic Habits I’m Keeping
During times of struggle and grief, it can be hard to find the light. There is nothing in this post that could diminish the hurt and grief that this pandemic has caused, nor is...
Date Night at Home
When my kids were babies, they were stage five clingers. They wanted me or my husband, and only me or my husband. Add a tight budget to the mix, and date night in general...
If You Want to Stop Yelling, Sing a Song
*Fade into Infomercial*
Do you find yourself raising your voice when you'd rather not?
Do you identify with the wah-wah-wah teacher from Charlie Brown more than the other characters?
Are you invisible, without donning a cloak of...
Learning My Ancestor’s Language Changed My Life
November is Native American Heritage Month.
For as long as I can remember, my dad would reference our Cherokee heritage. From when his hair was completely black to when it was streaked with silver, he'd...
Halloween at Home: Trick or Treating Alternatives
Halloween 2020 is obviously going to look different, much like the rest of the year. From costumes to fun spooky activities, my fellow Knoxville Moms contributors have been sharing some super fun ideas. Since...
Books You’ll Enjoy Reading with Your Children
The importance of reading to our children is a well publicized fact. It helps them with phonemic awareness, exposes them to language, teaches empathy, and gives them words to help process how they're feeling....
3 Questions Book Lovers are Always Asked
I've always loved books. I don't remember learning to read, I just remember always having my nose stuck in a book. When I was in elementary school, I used to read while walking to...