Good Times

So how did 2013 rank as far as writing goes?

It was good!  

This year, I began working with a terrific agent, Liza Voges, and we’ve got great hopes for a variety of fiction and nonfiction manuscripts in the New Year. I was thrilled when we finalized some details with Bloomsbury for my picture book, Mousequerade Ball that will be illustrated by wonderful Betsy Lewin of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type fame.  Release date? 2016!

I was thrilled with the sale of Chicken Lily to Henry Holt—my first title with them! No word yet on the illustrator, but I’m eager to find out. Discovering who the illustrator will be is like opening a glorious package. Although my words are in place, it’s not complete until the illustrator brings their half of the story to the page. I’m looking forward to its 2015 release date.

In addition to my trade projects, I’ve also been blogging for Mira Reisberg’s Picture Book Academy the second Wednesday of each month. Check for my blogs there about tips and reflections on the craft of writing picture books.

Sometimes, it’s fun to let loose in other writing arenas—such as putting together a Christmas card.  Loads of fun with my cat, Max, and my son who donated his Photoshop skills for the cause. (Much obliged, son!)

This year also saw the release of Cowpoke Clyde & Dirty Dawg with Clarion--a four-year journey--so it was particularly exciting, not only to hold it in my hand, but to watch sales climb right out of the gate. Click here to see the book trailer created by the awesome illustrator, Michael Allen Austin. Our book was not only reviewed by the New York Times in September, it often hits #1 Best Seller on Amazon for children’s American historical, western fiction.

Yee-haw!!!

Here's to rip snortin' 2014!