Take your pajamas to work day
Okay, I hear you saying, rub it in. Writers get to work in their pajamas if they want, because all they have to do is roll out of bed and fire up the computer. It’s true, but usually I’ll get dressed anyway.

Recently, I was speaking at five different schools in the Phoenix area. That Friday was Pajama Day, so I was invited to come to school dressed in my pajamas.

You don’t have to ask me twice. I like dressing up. Over the years, I have been the Cat in the Hat, the Hungry Caterpillar, Max the Bunny, Daisy the Duck, and Corduroy Bear at MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS family literacy events. Any costume I can squeeze myself into, I’ll wear, but because I’m tall, they don’t all fit. For instance, I will never *sniff* get to be Curious George.

But I could wear my pajamas to school.

One thing, though. I had never checked out of a hotel before in my pajamas. The staff were well-trained, but I sensed they were trying hard not to crack up at my outfit: red flannel decorated with white snowflakes.

Outside, the construction crew had no inhibitions.

“Nice outfit.”

“Did you forget to put your clothes on, lady?”

Please imagine sound effects.

Yes, those would be whistles.

There are times when it is important to imitate the Queen of England and ignore the little people.

Earlier in the week I had lent my suitcase to my illustrator friend Amanda Shepherd because her suitcase wouldn’t fit everything she needed to take to Alaska to see the Iditarod. This meant I had to walk past the hard-hatted guys three times as I loaded my car.

You must not be afraid to make a fool of yourself if you write for children.