For everyone who aspires to write a book, it's true -- there is nothing more thrilling than opening that first box of hardcover books and seeing your name on the cover. Yet lately I've been struck by something more. I'm even more amazed by all the helping hands.

Promoting MY MIXED-UP BERRY BLUE SUMMER is like balancing on a log, trying to stay on top -- and every hand extended fills me with gratitude. The hands that are keeping my feet from slipping into oblivion belong to:

Writing is solitary work. It's just me and my computer (although I often talk to myself as a I puzzle out plot). Selling is social -- and I thank everyone for pitching in and helping me get across the stream!

That's how people in the publishing business talk about a book's release day. A new story has been born; my wish is that many children, teachers, and librarians discover the story of June and one summer in Vermont.

When I was 15, I wanted to be a writer. Who knew it would take this long? That's the topic of an upcoming New Voice guest interview on Cynsations.

Do you remember being a teenager? Everything is so uncertain, and yet as adults we know it gets better. To alleviate the isolation some kids feel, two writers launched a website of letters from authors to their younger selves. If only we knew! Here's my Dear Teen Me letter.  

These days, it's just as important to appear in the blogosphere as it is to do book readings. But I will be making a couple of public appearances. Check my Visits & Posts page for updates.

And let's make a wish for a berry good summer!