several VERY fun things

The first fun thing is this video (and song) above, DESERT SYMPHONY, by Shaye Scott/The Piano Guys. My sister Elaine sent me this and said, "This makes me think of CROSSED" and then I watched the video and boy, does it ever. I cried about ten times while I was watching it. I think we have a new addition to the CROSSED playlist! And please, if you love this song, purchase it to support the artists.

Second, some have been asking if I have any signings scheduled. I've just added one on December 17th at the Orem Public Library at 2:00 p.m. (for more info, click the Events page). This will definitely be my last signing of 2011 and I'm not sure when I'll have one in 2012, so I'd love to see you! And I will just be one of many authors there (Brandon Mull, Bree Despain, Robison Wells, more TBA)…so it's going to be a lot of fun.

Third, I found out that CROSSED was chosen as a pick for the Winter 2011-2012 Kids' Indie Next List. This list is complied by independent booksellers across the country and it is SUCH an honor to be selected. Many, many thanks!

Fourth, we've had some great industry reviews (from Publisher's Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal) coming in for CROSSED. I've (finally) added CROSSED to the Reviews page and so I've added some of the details there.

And, last of all, I have some reallyreally awesome news. MATCHED is now a #1 New York Times Bestseller! We hit #1 on the paperback list for children's chapter books, and CROSSED is holding strong at #5 over on the hardcover list. This is the kind of thing that does not happen without you the readers (obviously!). I am deeply grateful to you for caring about this story. To all of you who have taken the time to post positive reviews, to share the book with a friend, to e-mail me, etc.–THANK YOU.

Next week I'll be back with my annual post about all the books I'm giving for Christmas. I can't wait!