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Fingerprints of You

AppearancesThe Writing Life
September 9, 2016

YA Lit Virginia style in RVA and DC

Nice press in Richmond Family Magazine I'm taking to the road with Hannah Barnaby and Kristen Paige Madonia, two fellow Virginia YA authors next week. If you're close to Richmond, stop in at Fountain Bookstore on Tuesday, Sept 13, 6:30 PM. We'll be talking about what's happening in YA lit these days, from our own perspectives.  After, we'll be driving up the I-95 corridor to Politics & Prose on Thursday, September 15, 7 pm for our Washington friends. Lovely KP I love both these authors for the top-notch work they're producing. (Both are previous Girls of Summer guest authors, with Wonder Show and Fingerprints of You, respectively.) Their newer works:  Some of the Parts and Invisible Fault Lines are fantastic follow-ups. But these women also bring a sensitivity that I like when we talk about YA. Hannah is a former editor, and KP teaches Creative Writing at JMU and UVA.  So, I always feel like the conversation they bring about Young Adult lit is deeper than just a review of storyline or  process, etc. In fact, I feel like I learn something new from them every time we're together. Hannah signing books at Girls of Summer 2015 Anyway, I know the fall is a busy time, but if you can squeeze in some book and author love, come on out!
AppearancesThe Writing Life
March 24, 2014

Legends, Hashtags &Wisdom: VA Festival of the Book

Okay, a very quick post because I am on deadline! I spent three glorious days with my friends Kristen Swenson and A. B. Westrick in the mountains of Virginia at the 20th anniversary of the Festival of the Book. Some highlights in pictures: My school visit at Jackson-Via Elementary. Best question from a second grader: Do you make more than $30 a day? Great panel about author platforms with Jane Friedman, author Gigi Amateau, and "The Book Maven" Bethanne Patrick who is behind #Friday Reads. They gave lots of definitions and practical advice on creating your overall reputation. Favorite take-away from Jane:  Building your platform takes patience and consistency. It should outlast any single book or project that you do. Talking YA books for adults with old friend K.P. Madonia (Fingerprints of You) and new friend Andrew Auseon (Freak Magnet and others) at the Village School. Great reads. Put them on your list. Spending time with Sonia Manzano, the 2013 Pura Belpré Honor winner for The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. (You probably know her as Maria from Sesame Street.)  What an honor to meet her and to be able to talk, even for a little while, about our books and next projects. Practicing the use of hashtags with children's lit legend Louis Lowry, Kathy Erskine and Jennifer Elvgren. I didn't see that one coming, but you know, we're all racing to understand this stuff! #YA, #kidlit, #canyoubelievethis? Jennifer, Ms. Lowry, and me Top pick of all: The joyous "homecoming panel" at the Paramount Theater on Saturday night. We…
Appearances
May 2, 2013

Notes from the road

by Dave at Takoma Park Library I've been in the MidAtlantic states these days - a beautiful time to talk books and  take in the azaleas and dogwoods almost everywhere you go. I'm not sure I love driving in DC during the morning rush, but other than that, a great trip. A quick round up... A lovely children's and teens bookshop in Old Town Alexandria, VA Thanks to: Erika Denn at Candlewick Press for all her planning and last minute reshuffling Trish Brown and Ellen Klein (Hooray for Books) for a terrific YA panel with Adina Gewirtz and KP Madonia on girls, messy lives, and books. If you don't have The Zebra Forest and Fingerprints of You on your reading list, please add these terrific titles. Karen MacPherson (Takoma Park Library) and Kerri Poore (Politics & Prose) for a lovely evening talking about books and compassion Dara LaPorte (The Open Book Foundation) for providing my author visit and copies of YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS to about 150 8th graders at (Hardy MS). Shout outs to Perinne Punwami (a really exciting teacher at Hardy); my sister-in-law Laura Quigley; and author-pal Wendy Shang for being part of all the fun, too. L-R: Trish Brown(co-owner Hooray for Books), me, Adina Gewirtz, KP Madonia, Ellen Klein (co-owner) Rose Hardy Middle School in DC a present from one of the 8th graders! Very cool! The restored interior of Hardy MS. Gorgeous!