Live From World Fantasy!

I'm here! Was a long day yesterday, and the flight over was pretty bumpy, but I'm ready to hit the convention and have some fun. I've already passed by some great authors in the hall, and everywhere you look, people are curled up with a book or gathered together talking about books. It's awesome.

They also gave us a bag o'swag upon check-in.

Free books!

About 13 books, a bunch of magazines and a calendar. You can't go wrong there. One is even the second book of a series I just bought, so that'll save me a trip t the bookstore. (Okay, who am I kidding? Me, skip a chance to go to a bookstore? Never.)

More photos and tales throughout the weekend!

Taking Over the World

Okay, not really, but I will be at World Fantasy this weekend (just attending, not presenting or anything). They have some amazing authors there this year, like Garth Nix, Carol Berg, Sharon Shin, Patricia McKillip, and lots more. I'm looking forward to sitting back and soaking up all the creative energy and advice.

They'll be a Halloween party Saturday night, and I have the coolest ghost costume all ready. Don't you just love the wispyness of the cape?

(Not me, just the model from the catalog)

I'll take pictures while I'm there and tell you all about it when I get back. Until then, have a Happy Halloween everyone!

Oh, hey, for funsies, post your favorite Halloween candy. Let's see how they stack up, shall we?

My favorite: those orange and black red hots in the tiny little packages. They taste better than any other red hot you can get at any other time.

Going Back to School, Part Two

I spent a few days this week at Otwell Middle School (go Dawgs). I got to talk with several hundred students over the course of the day, toss out some very cool color shifting pencils (jealous, aren't you?) and answer some excellent questions about writing and publishing. (this was a savvy bunch, let me tell you).

So a big thanks to all the Dawgs for giving me such a warm, welcome, and an extra dose of thanks to Media Director, Lisa Perkins, for inviting me and putting the whole shebang together. It was my first school visit and I couldn't have asked for a better group to use as guinea pigs. I may have even had more fun than they did.

Me and Lisa

I did a two-day visit this time, and came back back the next day to sign books. I noticed there was a remarkably high number of J-names at Otwell, which I highly approved of. J-named folks are awesome. (okay, everyone there was awesome, but I can have some letter pride once in a while, right?)


I'll be at a bunch more schools over the next few months and can't wait! I'm definitely going to have to stick up on more pencils though.

This Author Thing is Fun

It was a very busy week last week, with The Shifter release and two book signing events. A ton of fun though, and I got to meet so any great folks who love books and writing as much as I do.

Last Wednesday, I did my very first book store signing at the Alpharetta, GA Barnes & Noble, and it went great. B&N folks Suzanne and Keith were so nice and helpful, and really made me feel welcome. I'll admit, I was pretty nervous at first, but with so many friends and smiling faces looking back at me, it was hard to stay nervous for long.

Then on Saturday, I zipped down to Fox Tale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA for a young writer's workshop. Owners Ellen and Karen were great (Didn't get to meet Jackey) and the store is adorable (so is Woodstock). I got to do a writer's workshop this event and work with teens and tweens this time around (and a few adults who snuck in), and it was fun helping them develop their stories and answer questions about writing and publishing. I hope you'll see me back there before too long.

I've got a week or so off before I'm back at the next event, an all-day school visit at Otwell Middle School. I'm really looking forward to it!

I'll continue to keep you posted on what's going on, even if I have to stop and catch my breath first!

Let's Meet on Saturday

I'll be over at FoxTale Book Shoppe on Saturday chatting with folks, signing books and doing a little writing workshop. If you're in the area, stop and by!

Saturday, October 10, 2009, 1pm
FoxTale Book Shoppe
105 E. Main Street, #138
Woodstock, GA


PS. Last night's event was a blast, and I'll have the rundown on that later!

Happy Release Day!!!!

The Shifter comes out today! The Shifter comes out today!

-happy dance, followed by squeals of joy, followed by more happy dancing-

I won't get all mushy on you guys, but this is a great day for me. A lifelong dream has come true, and it's cool that I get to share it with so many wonderful folks. (Okay, I got a little mushy).

Also, a reminder that I'll be at the Alpharetta, GA Barnes & Noble tomorrow at 7pm. I'll also be at Fox Tale Books in Woodtsock, GA on Saturday, the 10th, at 1pm, doing a young writers workshop. Come on by, because if no one shows up, I'll be really bored. (to say nothing of the embarrassment!)

And now for some shameless self serving requests...

If ya'll are so inclined, please tell folks about the book (and the book signings). Blogs, lunchtime chat, office gossip, twitter, anything to get the word out there. I'd really appreciate it.

Let the celebrating begin!

Is Wednesday Good for You?

Just a reminder that I'll be visiting the Alpharetta Barnes & Noble this Wednesday. I've been to several of their signings, and they put on a great event. Come on out and say hello!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 7pm
Barnes & Noble
7660 Northpoint Parkway #200
Alpharetta, GA

Look for Me in Gainesville

Just added another book signing to the lot, so if you live in the Gainesville, GA area, drop on by Hall Book Exchange and say hello!

Saturday, November 14, 2009, 1-3pm
Hall Book Exchange
1854 Thompson Bridge Rd.
Gainesville,GA 30501

And We're Off! (If You Live in th UK)

Today is the official release date for the UK version, known across the pond as The Pain Merchants. As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited and will be for the next week as books start popping up in bookstores on two continents. (That's so much fun to say!)

Although the official release date for The Shifter isn't until the 6th, a friend did spot it on the shelf at her local bookstore, so you might find it if you happen to be near a bookstore.

I just want to run from bookstore to bookstore to see them.