Residencies, YA Cons, and pictures of cute dogs: 2019 begins

Hello again!

I’ve been away from social media since November so that I could make some headway on my next novel. Every now and then I’d peek, but I have to admit that it was restful to go quiet for a while and focus on work and home.

With Eliot Schrefer and the students we met in workshop during residency at Hamline

So, what’s 2019 been so far? 

I’m just back from my residency at Hamline University in Minnesota, where I’ve been teaching as part of the MFA in Children’s Writing program with some of my favorite people. It’s 11 days of very cold temps; yes, it was minus 2 one morning. But it was also a really beautiful experience of coming together with talented new voices and with star colleagues whose work has been shaping the kidlit landscape in ways that I love and admire. If you’ve ever thought about an MFA, especially you Latinx writers, please consider us. I promise you that a warm coat will do the trick. If you want to know more, you can message me or – if you’re going to be at SCBWI in NYC next month, I’m happy to chat with you there during one of our breaks and tell you what I know. 

To warm my bones after the big Minnesota chill, I’ve headed to the YANovCom at the Millbrae Library in San Mateo County. What can I say? California is so beautiful.  I’m not here often because I’m way on the east coast, and six hours on a plane always stinks. But it’s gorgeous here. I’ll be at three schools today, Jan 25, with my wonderful librarian escort, Armando Ramirez. (Hi Summit Everest, Hoover Middle, and Sequioa HS!) Then it’s off to the conference tomorrow to meet readers and old friends. If you’re local, I hope you’ll come.

OK – I have to dash. Here is a sweet picture of my dog and me with my daughters enjoying some time together. No reason. Just things I love. I’ll check in soon!

Hugo in his favorite spot.