Archive for November, 2011

Thankful

29
November
2011

There are many, many people, experiences and things I am thankful for, but I will limit myself to three for the purposes of this post: one personal, one writerly, and one silly (hopefully it will be obvious which is which).

I am thankful for the woods and the skies and the smell of earth, and for the many beautiful green spaces near my home, where I can go and remember that the world is beautiful no matter what big or small pains are in my heart.

I am thankful for the people I have met through love of writing and reading: the bloggers who have led me to so many wonderful new books, the fellow writers who understand the agonies and delights of striving to create stories, and especially those who have become real, dear friends.

I am thankful for Biscoff spread. (Seriously, if you have a sweet tooth you must try it. Brown sugary spicy cookies in spreadable form. I melt a spoonful in my oatmeal every morning. Yum!)

And one other thing I am thankful for: the wonderfully supportive and awesome worldwide community of writers and artists.

Beloved editor, artist and writer Terri Windling is in need and the artistic and writing community has gathered its considerable forces to help her with an auction. Check out the bewildering list of items for auction to raise money for Terri here. Items from Charles de Lint, Patricia McKillip, Brian and Wendy Froud, Neil Gaiman, George R R Martin, and more are up now or on the way. There’s even a lunch with Tamora Pierce (!!!). Please check it out and spread the word!

I’ve known Terri Windling’s name ever since picking up one of the anthologies she edited with Ellen Datlow, but it was only in the last year or so I started reading her blog. And I seriously feel like my soul expands a little bit every time I read one of her thought-provoking posts on art, myth, nature, music (I’ll admit it helps that she has a cute dog too).

Circus Galacticus is OUT!

15
November
2011

Whee! Today is the official release day for Circus Galacticus!

I am so excited that Trix and the gang are finally flying out into the world! I really tried to push myself with this book, trying new things. I think it’s got a bigger and more epic scope than my first two books, and a more complex range of supporting characters. And it was just so much fun to write! So I really hope that you all will enjoy it!

But Circus Galacticus would never have been written without a lot of help and inspiration from:

  • The X-Men and New Mutants, which I fell in love with as a kid, who showed me that being different is okay, and that freaks can be superheroes. And that they can come in all colors…
  • The science fiction tv shows, movies and books that made my younger self dream of exploring the universe: Earthseed by Pamela Sargent, Star Wars, Star Trek (especially the novels starring Uhura), EarthStar Voyager (does anyone else remember that one?), and most of all, Doctor Who!
  • The Cirque du Soleil, for thrilling and daring feats of acrobatics and aesthetics!
  • All the generous folks who read portions of the manuscript, including Karen Jordan Allen, R. J. Anderson, Geoff Bottone, Melissa Caruso, Megan Crewe, Erin Dionne, Robert Dunham, Megan Frazer, Robin Merrow MacCready, Patty Murray, Cindy Pon, Jon Skovron and Luanne Wrenn
  • My amazing editor Reka Simonsen, and also Sarah Dotts Barley and Su Box, who both assisted in the production of the manuscript!
  • The team at Harcourt, who put together such a lovely cover and have worked so hard to get the book out into the world
  • Authors Lisa Mantchev and Elizabeth C. Bunce, who graciously provided blurbs!
  • Amanda Coppedge, who put together the fabulous list of Discussion Guide
  • My wonderful family and friends, who have given so much support through the ups and downs of publishing
  • Everyone who has read my earlier books and been so enthusiastic! A writer is only providing part of the story: the reader brings the rest! Thank you to all my readers, and to the booksellers and librarians and teachers who have helped them connect with books!

And lastly, I’ll repeat a bit from the acknowledgements:

I wrote this book in an attempt to capture some of the wonder and awe I feel every time I look up at the stars. I would like to express my deepest thanks to the scientists, astronauts, and all the other men and women who have worked over the years to understand and explore our universe. I’d particularly like to thank (and recommend!) the folks behind www.astronomycast.com, who provide a wealth of fascinating, inspiring, and accessible information about all sorts of topics related to astronomy.

If you are interested in buying a copy of Circus Galacticus, I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore, if you have one! And remember, if you want to read it but can’t afford to buy a copy, you can always check with your local library and ask them to consider ordering a copy.

If you’re in the US or Canada, you can comment to try to win a copy here at First Page Panda (through Nov 30th).

Or if you want to get a signed copy in person, I will be joining fellow middle-grade authors A. J. Paquette and Anna Staniszewski at a book event on Sunday December 4th at the Wellesley Booksmith in MA, from 12 to 2. There will be craft projects for kids!

There’s a theme here…

01
November
2011

I am wishing two fabulous authors a very happy release day! Elizabeth C. Bunce’s Liar’s Moon and Anna Staniszewski’s My Very UnFairy Tale Life are both officially out now! (And what a great release date too, right? 11-1-11!)

Liar’s Moon is the sequel to one of my favorite reads last year, the YA fantasy Star Crossed, and I am so very eager to see what new trouble Digger has gotten herself into. If you are in the mood for intrigue and adventure in a wonderfully detailed fantasy world, find yourself a copy too! I think it would be especially appealing to readers who enjoyed Tamora Pierce’s Beka Cooper books, or Sherwood Smith’s Crown Duel and Court Duel.

And if you need extra convincing, check out the book trailer!

My Very UnFairy Tale Life is a younger middle grade fantasy, perfect for readers who enjoy whimsy and wacky humor and girl heroes who get to rescue the prince. And evil clowns! I think this one would appeal to readers who enjoyed Patricia Wrede’s Dealing with Dragons and Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted, among others.

There’s a book trailer for this one too!

I’m very excited because I am actually going to be joining Anna, and A. J. Paquette, author of Nowhere Girl, for a book event on Sunday December 3rd at the Wellesley Booksmith. I don’t have the time yet, but I’ll certainly post it here once things are settled. But we’re going to have craft projects and other fun activities on hand for anyone who joins us! I’ve been plotting and scheming to come up with something appropriately science-fictional for mine, involving coin batteries and many-colored LED lights!

So what’s the theme I alluded to in the blog post title?

Well, all these folks are associated with the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. And so am I! I’m now represented by the wise and brilliant Erin Murphy, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The past year and a half has had a lot of ups and downs, and I am so grateful to have found a wonderful home at EMLA.