Meeting Margaret McMullan

This past Saturday I met Margaret McMullan at her book signing, where I picked up a copy of her latest YA novel, Cashay. Margaret was charming, and the book, which I have recently finished, was wonderful. As it is not the type of book I normally read, I wasn't sure what I would think, but it was great. She really captured Cashay's voice and pain, yet the book was never depressing and blah. It was very hopeful, and I really enjoyed it.

I also flew through Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and am currently reading Jonathon Stroud's Heroes of the Valley.

I have also been busy getting a few poems and queries ready to send out this week, and I wrote a new poem, which I haven't done in a while! That was fun.

Congrats to Kristi Valiant!

Congratulations to Kristi Valiant, whose first trade picture book is due in stores this month!! Kristi beautifully illustrated Cora Cooks Pancit, as everyone will soon see! I can't wait to show it off to everyone.

I am working on final edits for an article on USI grad student Kristi Scott and will be sending that to the editor later this week. Kristi was very sweet to interview. Though she was full of cutting-edge thoughts on technology and society, she was very down-to-earth and easy to talk to.

I am also working on editing my book's first 50 pages to get sent off this week for an Indiana SCBWI conference critique.

During my moments of relaxation, I am rapidly devouring the fourth book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Unfortunately, that will mean I'm caught up and anxiously-awaiting publication of the fifth!