Emerging from the Mists . . .

of Crazy Land. Yeah, I have been SO scarce around here the past few weeks . . . and have really missed reading blogs, writing up clever posts ha, ha! Lots of life-threatening family emergencies, extra unexpected travel, kids' crises, book deadlines and doing way more than I probably should/need to for book launch *this* Saturday for CIRCLE OF SECRETS! Been slammed personally, emotionally, and professionally.

It's so nice to be among friends again! So. Lots of cool news and giveaways coming up. Because . . . drum roll . . . THIS is HERE!!!

Book Birthday is Saturday, October 1 - but Amazon and B&N are already shipping!!!

I also had my very first expense-paid trip as an author to a *national* event two weeks ago to Charleston for SIBA (Southern Independence Booksellers Alliance annual trade show). Yes, I was actually *invited* (did NOT have to beg, borrow or steal) and my publisher paid the flight and hotel!

I was terribly nervous, but my panel went great, signed stacks and stacks of books, got to hear some fabulous speakers like Avi and Kadir Nelson, stayed in a really nice hotel, AND got to meet my agent in person for the first time who drove down especially to meet me! A really wonderful weekend - and my panel photograph, "Hideous and Haunting" made PW's online newsletter! Scroll to the bottom!

 

Me at the Signing Table

 

 Margaret Peterson Haddix and Ellen Hopkins!

 

 The Amazing Scholastic Staff!

 Signing for darling Abby!

 

 Got to meet my incredible agent Tracey Adams

for the first time in person! She and her whole family, including Super Agent Josh Adams are WONDERFUL!!! I really love them. 

 
So now I'm chewing fingernails about Circle of Secrets out in the wilds of the world . . .