P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 43
August 25, 2011
FEATURING COURTNEY COLE!
I just adore the new authors I am meeting, and I'm thrilled to introduce you guys to Courtney Cole!
Okay, here is my favorite thing about Courtney. SHE LOVES SMURFS. And I don't think she's one of these new "movie" Smurf fans. I think she is a die-hard vintage Smurf lover like me. This puts her into the "worth checking out" category if you ask me.
****
Thank you so much for being here, Courtney!
PJH: I love the story idea of The Bloodstone Saga! The books sound like a must-read! What made you decide to indie-publish?
CC: Thanks, PJ. I wasn't thinking of doing the indie thing in the beginning, I'll admit. But only because I didn't really know it existed- at least not in the way that it truly is now. In my head, I had poo-poo'ed the idea of self-publishing, because of the stigma. But my good friend, Wren Emerson, changed my mind. I was querying agents and Wren was like…"Why are you doing that? Being an indie rocks- take your own future in your hands". And of course, that last phrase pushed my buttons, because I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I loved the idea of being in control of my own destiny. Maybe I'm a bit of a control freak…
PJH: What has been the funnest thing about having your books out in the world?
CC: Oh, definitely having people read it and then take the time to email me and tell me how much they loved it- or that they were up reading it all night because they couldn't put it down. Music. To. My. Ears!
PJH: How about the most challenging? Or has it all been sunshine and lollipops?
CC: Um, I went into it with my eyes open. I had done my research (because I'm a researcher by nature) so I knew how much work it was. Because I was aware of that, I've never felt overwhelmed. I love a good challenge!
PJH: What's the funnest part of marketing for you? Least fun?
CC: My background is in business/marketing, so it's fairly second nature to me. I love interacting with my audience—and that's pretty much marketing in a nutshell. Finding ways to get in front of your audience. And I'm from Kansas—I 'm a born-talker.
PJH: If you had to give five reasons why someone should read The Bloodstone Saga books, what would they be?
CC:
Because it rocks. Literally, the bloodstone is a rock. A blood red bloodstone. Because it's different. That's something I hear a lot—"I loved your book because it is unique." Because I like to write twists. I like to keep readers guessing and thinking that they are on one path and then shaking it up and putting them on a different path altogether.Because there are no vampires in it. (Although, to be honest, I like vampire stories just as much as the next guy…)Because my books contain fun elements of mythology and history--- I take real events or myths and twist them for my purposes. It's pretty fun.
PJH: Okay, for fun...
PJH: Favorite myth?
CC: The story of Andromeda and Perseus… because I'm a sucker for happy endings.
PJH: Favorite wonder of the world (ancient wonders count, too)?
CC: When I was researching for Every Last Kiss, I was elbow deep in research for ancient Alexandria. The lighthouse there, the Pharos, was an ancient wonder of the world. I would say that that is my new favorite, based on the incredible descriptions of it—I am constantly astounded at how advanced the ancient Egyptians were in so many things.
PJH: Fantasy Island or Love Boat?
CC: Oh, Fantasy Island for sure. Anything could happen there.
PJH: Scooby Doo character you are most like?
CC: Well… I'd love to say Daphne because she is so glamorous and beautiful. But, I'm probably more like Velma. Except I'm 5'10. So, I'm a tall Velma- because I'm a planner. If I were in the gang, I'd be the one on the computer researching our next step. But I wouldn't wear the orange sweater.
CC: Thanks for having me, PJ. It's been fun!!
PJH: Thank you for being here, Courtney!
*****
BIO:
Courtney Cole is a 30-something YA novelist who loves thunderstorms, Harry Potter movies and double-chocolate ice cream. And coffee—lots of coffee. Although she has written a contemporary YA novel, Princess, she tends to hang out in paranormal worlds as evidenced by her Bloodstone Saga. To learn more about Courtney, visit her at www.courtneycolewrites.com
Okay, here is my favorite thing about Courtney. SHE LOVES SMURFS. And I don't think she's one of these new "movie" Smurf fans. I think she is a die-hard vintage Smurf lover like me. This puts her into the "worth checking out" category if you ask me.
****
Thank you so much for being here, Courtney!
PJH: I love the story idea of The Bloodstone Saga! The books sound like a must-read! What made you decide to indie-publish?
CC: Thanks, PJ. I wasn't thinking of doing the indie thing in the beginning, I'll admit. But only because I didn't really know it existed- at least not in the way that it truly is now. In my head, I had poo-poo'ed the idea of self-publishing, because of the stigma. But my good friend, Wren Emerson, changed my mind. I was querying agents and Wren was like…"Why are you doing that? Being an indie rocks- take your own future in your hands". And of course, that last phrase pushed my buttons, because I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I loved the idea of being in control of my own destiny. Maybe I'm a bit of a control freak…
PJH: What has been the funnest thing about having your books out in the world?
CC: Oh, definitely having people read it and then take the time to email me and tell me how much they loved it- or that they were up reading it all night because they couldn't put it down. Music. To. My. Ears!
PJH: How about the most challenging? Or has it all been sunshine and lollipops?
CC: Um, I went into it with my eyes open. I had done my research (because I'm a researcher by nature) so I knew how much work it was. Because I was aware of that, I've never felt overwhelmed. I love a good challenge!
PJH: What's the funnest part of marketing for you? Least fun?
CC: My background is in business/marketing, so it's fairly second nature to me. I love interacting with my audience—and that's pretty much marketing in a nutshell. Finding ways to get in front of your audience. And I'm from Kansas—I 'm a born-talker.
PJH: If you had to give five reasons why someone should read The Bloodstone Saga books, what would they be?
CC:
Because it rocks. Literally, the bloodstone is a rock. A blood red bloodstone. Because it's different. That's something I hear a lot—"I loved your book because it is unique." Because I like to write twists. I like to keep readers guessing and thinking that they are on one path and then shaking it up and putting them on a different path altogether.Because there are no vampires in it. (Although, to be honest, I like vampire stories just as much as the next guy…)Because my books contain fun elements of mythology and history--- I take real events or myths and twist them for my purposes. It's pretty fun.
PJH: Okay, for fun...
PJH: Favorite myth?
CC: The story of Andromeda and Perseus… because I'm a sucker for happy endings.
PJH: Favorite wonder of the world (ancient wonders count, too)?
CC: When I was researching for Every Last Kiss, I was elbow deep in research for ancient Alexandria. The lighthouse there, the Pharos, was an ancient wonder of the world. I would say that that is my new favorite, based on the incredible descriptions of it—I am constantly astounded at how advanced the ancient Egyptians were in so many things.
PJH: Fantasy Island or Love Boat?
CC: Oh, Fantasy Island for sure. Anything could happen there.
PJH: Scooby Doo character you are most like?
CC: Well… I'd love to say Daphne because she is so glamorous and beautiful. But, I'm probably more like Velma. Except I'm 5'10. So, I'm a tall Velma- because I'm a planner. If I were in the gang, I'd be the one on the computer researching our next step. But I wouldn't wear the orange sweater.
CC: Thanks for having me, PJ. It's been fun!!
PJH: Thank you for being here, Courtney!
*****
BIO:
Courtney Cole is a 30-something YA novelist who loves thunderstorms, Harry Potter movies and double-chocolate ice cream. And coffee—lots of coffee. Although she has written a contemporary YA novel, Princess, she tends to hang out in paranormal worlds as evidenced by her Bloodstone Saga. To learn more about Courtney, visit her at www.courtneycolewrites.com
August 23, 2011
FOREVER and THE SCORPIO RACES Giveaway!
I'm so excited to offer up for giveaway this two pack of ARCs from my agent-sister Maggie Stiefvater.
FOREVER (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 3) by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic, July 12, 2011)
THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic, October 18, 2011)
[image error]
The book trailers Maggie makes are wonderful, so I'm including them both below.
Entering is super easy!
1) In the spirit of book trailers, vote for my book trailer for SOLSTICE in the book trailer contest on You Gotta Read Videos. SOLSTICE is entry #15! Click this link to go to the voting page.
2) Leave a comment on this post letting me know you voted.
The contest is international and will run for a short 4 days only through Friday, August 26th at midnight! So enter now!
Good luck!
FOREVER (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 3) by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic, July 12, 2011)
THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic, October 18, 2011)
[image error]
The book trailers Maggie makes are wonderful, so I'm including them both below.
Entering is super easy!
1) In the spirit of book trailers, vote for my book trailer for SOLSTICE in the book trailer contest on You Gotta Read Videos. SOLSTICE is entry #15! Click this link to go to the voting page.
2) Leave a comment on this post letting me know you voted.
The contest is international and will run for a short 4 days only through Friday, August 26th at midnight! So enter now!
Good luck!
August 22, 2011
A SHAMELESS REQUEST
Hey, everyone! Thank you so much for being awesome blog followers!
Okay, I have a totally shameless request. My book trailer for SOLSTICE is in a contest, but it needs your vote!
Please head over to You Gotta Read Videos and vote for the book trailer for SOLSTICE.
It's entry number 15.
CLICK HERE TO GO VOTE!!!!!
And thank you!
Okay, I have a totally shameless request. My book trailer for SOLSTICE is in a contest, but it needs your vote!
Please head over to You Gotta Read Videos and vote for the book trailer for SOLSTICE.
It's entry number 15.
CLICK HERE TO GO VOTE!!!!!
And thank you!
ASHES by Ilsa Bick Winner!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered to win. If you didn't win, seriously buy this book because it is that awesome!
The winner of ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
is...
AMANDA!
*****
And don't forget I'm also giving away this set of three amazing books:
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
An ARC of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, September 2011)
A hardcover of BORDER CROSSING by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, October 2009)
A hardcover of TRUDY by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, 2005)
The winner of ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
is...
AMANDA!
*****
And don't forget I'm also giving away this set of three amazing books:
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
An ARC of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, September 2011)
A hardcover of BORDER CROSSING by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, October 2009)
A hardcover of TRUDY by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, 2005)
August 19, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: INSPIRATION FOR WRITING
It's time again for the YA Indie Carnival, an awesome group of weekly bloggers blogging about the same topic! Wait, you haven't heard of the YA Indie Carnival? You're totally missing out. But no longer!
Okay, here's the deal! Each Friday, because Friday is awesome, we all blog about the same topic. This week's topic?
WHERE DO I FIND INSPIRATION?
This question is one I attempt to answer in school and author visits that I do, and it's always fun to talk about what things have inspired me along the way.
I'll give you five. Here we go. I find inspiration in:
1) STAR TREK
I could stop here, but I'll continue on because lists are fun.
2) MUSIC
Something about the whole combination of rhythm and words evokes such emotions.
3) MYTHOLOGY
Including The Hero's Journey (thank you, Joseph Campbell)
4) LIVING
By living and traveling and enjoying life, inspiration comes. Like crossing the Red River. Looks like a river in Hell to me (read SOLSTICE to figure out which one).
5) THE UNKNOWN
Because from the unknown comes speculative fiction. If we don't know the answer to something, we can always ask "what if," and from this question come so many possibilities.
You can check out all the amazing Indie Carnival author/bloggers below:
Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews
Patti Larsen (The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Diamond City Trilogy)
Courtney Cole (Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian)
Wren Emerson (I Wish)
Laura Elliott (Winnemucca)
Nichole A. Williams (Eternal Eden, and the upcoming Fallen Eden)
Fisher Amelie (The Understorey)
Amy Maurer Jones (The Soul Quest Trilogy)
Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer (Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms)
T. R. Graves (Warriors of the Cross)
Cyndi Tefft (Between)
P.J. Hoover (Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis)
Alicia McCalla (Breaking Free)
Heather Cashman (Perception)
Also, a huge congratulations to Rachel Coles! Her story ORPHANS OF LETHE has just come out in in the horror anthology WHAT FEARS BECOME. You can read all about it here!
Okay, here's the deal! Each Friday, because Friday is awesome, we all blog about the same topic. This week's topic?
WHERE DO I FIND INSPIRATION?
This question is one I attempt to answer in school and author visits that I do, and it's always fun to talk about what things have inspired me along the way.
I'll give you five. Here we go. I find inspiration in:
1) STAR TREK
I could stop here, but I'll continue on because lists are fun.
2) MUSIC
Something about the whole combination of rhythm and words evokes such emotions.
3) MYTHOLOGY
Including The Hero's Journey (thank you, Joseph Campbell)
4) LIVING
By living and traveling and enjoying life, inspiration comes. Like crossing the Red River. Looks like a river in Hell to me (read SOLSTICE to figure out which one).
5) THE UNKNOWN
Because from the unknown comes speculative fiction. If we don't know the answer to something, we can always ask "what if," and from this question come so many possibilities.
You can check out all the amazing Indie Carnival author/bloggers below:
Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews
Patti Larsen (The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Diamond City Trilogy)
Courtney Cole (Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian)
Wren Emerson (I Wish)
Laura Elliott (Winnemucca)
Nichole A. Williams (Eternal Eden, and the upcoming Fallen Eden)
Fisher Amelie (The Understorey)
Amy Maurer Jones (The Soul Quest Trilogy)
Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer (Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms)
T. R. Graves (Warriors of the Cross)
Cyndi Tefft (Between)
P.J. Hoover (Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis)
Alicia McCalla (Breaking Free)
Heather Cashman (Perception)
Also, a huge congratulations to Rachel Coles! Her story ORPHANS OF LETHE has just come out in in the horror anthology WHAT FEARS BECOME. You can read all about it here!
August 18, 2011
TEMPEST by Julie Cross
It's always great to meet an author who is super sweet and gracious. Even better when the book she's written is kick-butt. Like...
TEMPEST by Julie Cross (St. Martin's Griffin, January 3, 2012)
I knew Julie from online, so I made a point of going by her signing at ALA for my own autographed copy of TEMPEST. What is TEMPEST? I had no clue, but I read it after ALA and loved it.
It's kind of like a TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE for teens except instead of the focus being on the romance, it's really on the main character (a guy), Jackson, searching for the truth about what he is, why he is able to time travel, and who he can trust (is his dad really in the CIA?). Julie kept the plot spinning until the very end. I had no clue who was trustworthy and who was out to get Jackson. Although TEMPEST is finished off nicely, Julie left it open for the planned trilogy.
If you're a fan of time travel, this book is definitely for you!
From Amazon:
The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he's in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it's not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there's no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it's just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he's stuck in 2007 and can't get back to the future.
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it's not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these "Enemies of Time" will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he's willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.
Source of book: From publisher at ALA
TEMPEST by Julie Cross (St. Martin's Griffin, January 3, 2012)
I knew Julie from online, so I made a point of going by her signing at ALA for my own autographed copy of TEMPEST. What is TEMPEST? I had no clue, but I read it after ALA and loved it.
It's kind of like a TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE for teens except instead of the focus being on the romance, it's really on the main character (a guy), Jackson, searching for the truth about what he is, why he is able to time travel, and who he can trust (is his dad really in the CIA?). Julie kept the plot spinning until the very end. I had no clue who was trustworthy and who was out to get Jackson. Although TEMPEST is finished off nicely, Julie left it open for the planned trilogy.
If you're a fan of time travel, this book is definitely for you!
From Amazon:
The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he's in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it's not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there's no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it's just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he's stuck in 2007 and can't get back to the future.
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it's not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these "Enemies of Time" will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he's willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.
Source of book: From publisher at ALA
August 15, 2011
CALLI, BORDER CROSSING, TRUDY—Three Book Giveaway from Jessica Lee Anderson
I am beyond thrilled for this week's giveaway! Today, I am fortunate to offer up three books from the amazingly talented Jessica Lee Anderson. Not only is Jessica my friend, she is a talented author who had spent time and effort developing her craft.
I was fortunate enough to blurb Jessica's most recent title CALLI, and I meant every word of what I said. CALLI is Milkweed Editions lead young adult title for fall 2011. Of CALLI, I said,
"Calli captures the moments from youth that remain in our hearts forever. Sweet hopes of family and love, betrayal by those closest to us, good intentions gone horribly wrong. Calli reaches out to readers and fills them with emotions that will leave them thinking about the characters for days to come."
So up for giveaway today are the following three books. I will get all three signed for the winner.
An ARC of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, September 2011)
A hardcover of BORDER CROSSING by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, October 2009)
A hardcover of TRUDY by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, 2005)
In addition to my blurb for CALLI, Newbery Honor author Kathi Appelt also offered up the following blurb:
"Here is a tale about telling the truth, about forgiveness, and about making things right, especially for yourself."
And from author Jenny Moss:
"Calli is a very engaging and insightful story about a teen learning to cope with friends, love, and her nontraditional family. I love this book."
From Amazon:
Fifteen-year-old Calli has just about everything she could want in life—two loving moms, a good-looking boyfriend, and a best friend who has always been there for support. An only child, Calli is excited when her parents announce that they want to be foster parents. Unfortunately, being a foster sister to Cherish is not at all what Calli expected. First Cherish steals Calli's boyfriend, then begins to pit Calli's moms against one another, and she even steals Calli's iPod. Tired of being pushed around and determined to get even, Calli steals one of Cherish's necklaces. But this plan for revenge goes horribly awry, and Cherish ends up in juvenile detention.
Isolating herself from her moms, her boyfriend, and even her best friend, Calli wrestles with her guilt and tries to figure out a way to undo the damage she's caused. When her moms are asked to take on another foster child, Calli sees an opportunity to make amends for her past mistakes.
Funny, moving, and emotionally rich, Calli is a portrait of an endearing young woman caught between adolescence and adulthood, striving to do the right thing even when all of her options seem wrong.
The contest will run through midnight on Friday, August 26th, 2011.
For your chance to win, you have to follow this blog. That gets you one entry.
+1 entry - Follow this blog Extra entries are here:
+ 1 entry - Tweet about this contest. See button at the top of post for an easy tweet!+ 1 entry - Blog about this contest. Okay, that's it! So click away on the above links, and then fill out the form below. Thank you! And good luck!
And don't forget I'm also giving away:
ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
Loading...
Good luck!
I was fortunate enough to blurb Jessica's most recent title CALLI, and I meant every word of what I said. CALLI is Milkweed Editions lead young adult title for fall 2011. Of CALLI, I said,
"Calli captures the moments from youth that remain in our hearts forever. Sweet hopes of family and love, betrayal by those closest to us, good intentions gone horribly wrong. Calli reaches out to readers and fills them with emotions that will leave them thinking about the characters for days to come."
So up for giveaway today are the following three books. I will get all three signed for the winner.
An ARC of CALLI by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, September 2011)
A hardcover of BORDER CROSSING by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, October 2009)
A hardcover of TRUDY by Jessica Lee Anderson (Milkweed Editions, 2005)
In addition to my blurb for CALLI, Newbery Honor author Kathi Appelt also offered up the following blurb:
"Here is a tale about telling the truth, about forgiveness, and about making things right, especially for yourself."
And from author Jenny Moss:
"Calli is a very engaging and insightful story about a teen learning to cope with friends, love, and her nontraditional family. I love this book."
From Amazon:
Fifteen-year-old Calli has just about everything she could want in life—two loving moms, a good-looking boyfriend, and a best friend who has always been there for support. An only child, Calli is excited when her parents announce that they want to be foster parents. Unfortunately, being a foster sister to Cherish is not at all what Calli expected. First Cherish steals Calli's boyfriend, then begins to pit Calli's moms against one another, and she even steals Calli's iPod. Tired of being pushed around and determined to get even, Calli steals one of Cherish's necklaces. But this plan for revenge goes horribly awry, and Cherish ends up in juvenile detention.
Isolating herself from her moms, her boyfriend, and even her best friend, Calli wrestles with her guilt and tries to figure out a way to undo the damage she's caused. When her moms are asked to take on another foster child, Calli sees an opportunity to make amends for her past mistakes.
Funny, moving, and emotionally rich, Calli is a portrait of an endearing young woman caught between adolescence and adulthood, striving to do the right thing even when all of her options seem wrong.
The contest will run through midnight on Friday, August 26th, 2011.
For your chance to win, you have to follow this blog. That gets you one entry.
+1 entry - Follow this blog Extra entries are here:
+ 1 entry - Tweet about this contest. See button at the top of post for an easy tweet!+ 1 entry - Blog about this contest. Okay, that's it! So click away on the above links, and then fill out the form below. Thank you! And good luck!
And don't forget I'm also giving away:
ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
Loading...
Good luck!
August 14, 2011
LAREDO, TEXAS First Annual Book Festival
I had a blast this past Friday and Saturday at the Laredo, Texas first annual book festival. I traveled from Austin and hung out with 27 other authors and illustrators, presented on panels to Laredo librarians on Friday, and again to the Laredo public on Saturday.
The mayor was there for the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning. I think this is the first ribbon cutting ceremony I've been a part of.
And look! I made the Laredo news. Don't my books look so pretty :)
In addition to the above news clip, I was interviewed for this news article.
Savannah from Books with Bite traveled with her family to come see all the authors and illustrators! So great to meet you, Savannah! Jessica Lee Anderson is also in the photo.
Hanging with the gals Friday night. Around the table starting with the far left: Jo Whittemore, Me, Bethany Hegedus, Jenny Ziegler, Jeanette Larson, K. A. Holt (little head poking around), and Jessica Lee Anderson.
The view of Mexico from our hotel balcony. See the Rio Grande.
Leaving the Laredo area and heading through the Interstate checkpoint.
Laredo, it was a blast! I hope I get to see you again next year! Thank you for such wonderful hospitality!
The mayor was there for the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning. I think this is the first ribbon cutting ceremony I've been a part of.And look! I made the Laredo news. Don't my books look so pretty :)
In addition to the above news clip, I was interviewed for this news article.
Savannah from Books with Bite traveled with her family to come see all the authors and illustrators! So great to meet you, Savannah! Jessica Lee Anderson is also in the photo.
Hanging with the gals Friday night. Around the table starting with the far left: Jo Whittemore, Me, Bethany Hegedus, Jenny Ziegler, Jeanette Larson, K. A. Holt (little head poking around), and Jessica Lee Anderson. 
The view of Mexico from our hotel balcony. See the Rio Grande.
Leaving the Laredo area and heading through the Interstate checkpoint.Laredo, it was a blast! I hope I get to see you again next year! Thank you for such wonderful hospitality!
CROSSED Winner!
Huge thank you to everyone who entered! I was overwhelmed with entries. I wish you all could win. But I promise I'll give away lots of good stuff in the future :)
Okay, the winner of CROSSED by Ally Condie (Dutton, November 1, 2011)
is...
NATALIE AGUIRRE!
*****
Look for more giveaways coming up, and don't forget I'm also giving away the awesome
ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
Okay, the winner of CROSSED by Ally Condie (Dutton, November 1, 2011)
is...
NATALIE AGUIRRE!
*****
Look for more giveaways coming up, and don't forget I'm also giving away the awesome
ASHES by Ilsa Bick (Egmont, September 6, 2011)
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
