A Thing or Two I Love

This is the time to make vows for next year, to write thank-you notes, to appreciate so much in our rich lives.

Inspired by an excellent piece on "how to support an author's new book," it occurred to me that having a book appear around the hectic holidays has both challenges and advantages. 

So I want to send a special thank you to the teachers who've had time not only to read THE WAY TO STAY IN DESTINY during your busy, busy holiday break, but also to share that you've read it and even to beautifully and thoughtfully recommend it to others.

Like Holly:
"This is a story of family, home, and identity - all of which the characters need to define for themselves. Glory Be was a big hit in my classroom, and The Way to Stay in Destiny is destined to be, also, in 2015!"

And Terry:
"...the way that music plays a role has this musician singing its praises."

Enjoy the rest of your break, teacher and librarian friends. Here's hoping it's filled with good books, long walks, warm fires, and true friends. 

(Oh, and if you happen to sneak over to Goodreads this week, Scholastic is giving away Advanced Reader Copies of my book. Drawing ends on December 31st. )

And if you live in Florida or other warm climes, here's that fire to warm you as you read your favorite book!
Enjoy!

What I've Learned

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My debut middle-grade novel, GLORY BE, turned one year old in January. Along with toasting the year's awesomeness, I pondered what I've learned. Miraculously, somebody asked me to write about it.

Thank you, Chuck Sambuchino and Writers Digest, for giving me an opportunity to share. 

Because what good is learning something if you keep it to yourself?

CLICK HERE if you'd like to read 

SEVEN THINGS I'VE LEARNED SO FAR

Any other tips from fellow debut authors about navigating your first year? Or those of you who remember your own very first book?