What’s up, Blogland?
Whoops, I haven’t posted anything in a while. In my defense, my husband was out of town all week and that always sort of sets me back a bit. Anyway…
Since last we spoke, I had the pleasure of helping my friend
Kevin Emerson launch his newest book baby,
The Lost Code, into the world. (Check it out!) The party was at the amazing Secret Garden Books, where I launched Forgotten last year, and then we celebrated afterward in Ballard. I got to hang out a lot with other author buddies Heather Davis and Liz Gallagher, who are hilarious. What’s more, I met and fell in friend love with one of Kevin’s bandmates, who made me laugh super, super hard and reminded me of my childhood love of
The Electric Grandmother. (Yes, I can admit that I’m slightly creeped out when I watch that clip now.)
Last weekend, I participated in a great event at Klindt’s bookstore in The Dalles, Oregon. I drove down with my family the day before and we stayed in Portland. I haven’t spent a lot of time there but Hubby and I agreed that Portland rocks.
On Friday, I got to see a longtime and very dear friend. He and I met when we were four—we were in the sign language troupe together. You know the cute best friends in that movie My Girl? We were sort of like that, only maybe slightly weirder. Okay, a lot weirder. I hope he doesn’t mind me blogging about the fact that he’s writing a YA novel right now; I think it’s going to be amazing. Help me send him some positive writing vibes.
So, the event. Saturday morning, I drove from Portland to The Dalles by myself. (Nice Hubby braved an unknown city with two almost four-year-olds in tow by himself.) The drive was flat out amazing. I wanted to take pictures but I’m pretty sure snapping while driving is hazardous. Instead, I just listened to my of-the-moment playlist and got a little Zen.
I hadn’t been to Klindt’s, but it’s one of those indie bookstores that you never want to leave, with creaky floors and personal touches everywhere. The owners are amazing—they have quite a story about how they ended up owning the store—and the employees are the most enthusiastic, sunny bunch ever. I felt so welcomed and appreciated. (See me and Angela, the event organizer, below. I love her!)
The event was a multi author signing where I got to hang with fangirl-moment-worthy writers Gregg Olsen, Colleen Houck, Lissa Price, Kendare Blake, Bree Despain, Trent Reedy, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Inara Scott, Jen Violi and Katie Kacvinsky. We each had our own gorgeous table of books and set of sweet handlers, and there was a great turnout. The picture at the top of the post is all of us together, and be sure to check out Gregg Olsen’s
video recap of the event, which he actually made
during the event.
Back in Portland, the fam and I went to a fair and enjoyed some carnie rides, then watched a little of the Starlight Parade. Woohoo! All in all, it was a lovely weekend.
This week, I’m so happy to report that I finished prettying up my latest novel, and it is now in New York. Being read by eyeballs. Eyeballs attached to heads of people who could turn it into my spring 2014 release. Keep your fingers crossed, people. Cause guess what? I. Love. That. Book. I mean, I love all of my books, but this one holds a special place in my heart.
I can’t wait to hear the verdict.
In the meantime, I’ve got some editing to do. And more writing. And it’s the end of the school year, so I’m trying to figure out how to be productive while also ensuring that the girls have buckets of fun in the sun (whenever it decides to come out). Always the balance, people.
I’m home for a while, so drop a line and I’ll get back fast. And next week, I’ll be interviewing a special guest and giving away a signed copy of her new book. So be sure to check back.
OH! Also, for those of you who asked for a more…uh…complete “
about” section, you got it. Now there’s more info on me on that page than you could ever want to know. Enjoy!
xox
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Sounds amazing! I’m so jealous of your success but in a good way – you’re an inspiration!
Fingers crossed for the next book, I’m sure it will be a good one! x
So glad you had a great time in Portland and in The Dalles after that. The drive IS gorgeous, isn’t it? I haven’t done it for many years, but would love to do it again sometime. Happy writing!!
So happy to hear about your new books, success, and more about you. You go girl!
My girl, huh? I guess you do remind me a bit of the kid with glasses. I am not sure “slightly weirder” foes us justice, however. Seriously though, it was so great to see you. I am excited to move my story along. Thanks for all of your advice and encouragement. You are so awesome!