Audibly impressed

So just last night I finished (finally — juggling too many deadlines around here) listening to the amazingly talented Amy Rubinate narrate my book ABSOLUTELY TRULY. I am completely and utterly bowled over. Completely and utterly! It is perfect. In absolutely truly every way. Thank you, Amy, from the bottom of my heart. You are a ROCK STAR,

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Fan mail Friday

Wow, am I behind on answering mail again! Sorry, folks–that’s what happens when you’re a writer on deadline, and I’m juggling TWO of them… I have some great fan art to share with you this week, though. First up is a wonderful group portrait of the book club girls by Claire. (As always, if you

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Oregon Spirit Book Award

I’m thrilled to announce that my book ABSOLUTELY TRULY is the winner of this year’s Oregon Spirit Book Award in the Middle Reader category! *::* throws confetti! *::* This award is presented each year by the Oregon Council of Teachers of English (OCTE) to “the author of a distinguished contribution to children’s literature or young adult literature that

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Calling all young artists!

  Hey there Betsy-Tacy fans — I just read about this competition in the Mankato (Minnesota) Times, and since there are so many fine young artists who visit my blog, I thought I’d pass the information along!  The contest is being sponsored by the Betsy-Tacy Society and Mankato’s Carnegie Arts Center, and winners will be announced at this summer’s

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A big time in the Big Apple

A number of you have asked me about the Edgar Awards and my trip to New York last week. Here’s the full scoop, complete with about a zillion photos! It all began with this: And why was I invited to attend the Edgar Awards banquet? Because my book ABSOLUTELY TRULY was a nominee! As you may

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In the Spotlight: Leila Howland

There are few things I enjoy more than shining a spotlight on authors and books that I love. I have a treat for you all today — Leila Howland is stopping by my blog to dish about her delightful new book The Forget-Me-Not Summer. Leila Howland Isn’t she gorgeous? Talented, too. Leila is best known for her YA

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Countdown begins…

… in 48 hours, I’ll be in the Big Apple! On Tuesday night I’ll be at Books of Wonder (6-8 pm) for a pre-Edgar Awards bash & book signing with my fellow nominees. Come join us! Click here for full details. Then on Wednesday night, it’s time for the Edgar Awards — squeeeeeee! The event is black

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Saturday Story Starter

It’s SPRING! Glorious SPRING! So let’s write about … SPRING! It’s so beautiful outside here in the Pacific Northwest that I could barely pull myself back indoors to get this Saturday Story Starter going. For those of you who haven’t participated before, Saturday Story Starter is purely for fun, just a way to exercise those writing

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Fan mail Friday

It’s that time of the week again! Before I share this week’s mail with you, though, I have something exciting to announce. We finally have a title for MDBC #7!! MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOOK CAMP Fun, huh? I love it. Love it! And I’m enormously grateful to Justin Chanda, one of Simon & Schuster’s resident geniuses, for the

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