Join me at the Montana Branch of the Santa Monica Library on April 30 at 3:30 for a fun reading and a book giveaway. This event is free and open to the public — hope to see you there! More info is here.
Event in Santa Monica (with a book giveaway!)
The Writer’s Corner – writing/publishing advice
Warning #1: This is a long post. Warning #2: Unless you want to be traditionally published, this post may be immensely boring to you. You’ve been warned. Okay, why did I write this post? Because I wanted to do something to help aspiring authors who may land on my website. I was an aspiring author… Read more »
Publication News (Plus a Sneak Peek)
Hello, lovelies! Hope you had a chocolate-filled Valentine’s Day 🙂 I’m so happy to announce that Candlewick Press has acquired my manuscript, SORA’S SEASHELLS! The deal announcement from Publisher’s Weekly is below. I get to work with brilliant editor Kate Fletcher, who edited Meg Medina’s MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS — the 2019 Newbery Award-winning novel…. Read more »
Pascal lands a cover on The New Yorker!
Pascal Campion is the mega talented artist who is illustrating my next picture book, The Paper Kingdom. And…*drum roll*…his illustration is on the cover of The New Yorker!!! I love his nighttime scenes, and this one is so, so beautiful. Check out his interview here. What’s really amazing is that Pascal mentions Jean-Jacques Sempé as… Read more »
2019 is almost here!
I can’t believe 2018 is almost over! It was a truly memorable year, a year of firsts. First book published, first launch party in NYC, first international school visit, first time I had to decline a speaking engagement (in Paris of all places!) simply because I couldn’t make the time…the list goes on. I have… Read more »
Hotel Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali
WOW. Just wow! We had the pleasure and privilege of staying at the Four Seasons Sayan in beautiful Bali. The resort blew me away with its beauty, elegance and harmony with nature. I think it may be one of the top ten hotels I’ve ever stayed in — perhaps one of the top five. We… Read more »
L.A. Book Event – a recap!
September 8th was a great day, a day that’ll live on in my memory! So many lovely people showed up for our L.A. book event — it was standing room only! Over a hundred people were in the audience, and like during our NYC event, kids asked some of the best questions: Will the book… Read more »
Book Event – Sept 8 @2:30
Colleen and I hope to see everyone on September 8 at 2:30 pm for our book event at Children’s Book World in Los Angeles! Below is the invitation graphic. Also, click here for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Colleen’s artistic process. I’m so fortunate to have worked with such a talented artist, and you can… Read more »
How Decluttering Led to Realizing a Lifelong Dream
“IT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A DREAM COME TRUE THAT MAKES LIFE INTERESTING.” – PAULO COELHO IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM… I wanted to be a writer as soon as I was able to read at age four. I loved meeting new characters and plunging into their worlds, and I wanted to create… Read more »
A quick livestream video
Here’s a video I did during my lunch break today at Children’s Book World in L.A. Kevin Winston helps run my college alum network, and does a great job of bringing people together. He reached out to me last night to do this video, and I agreed. Kevin is a powerful influencer! He coached me… Read more »
Sherwin and his lady poodle friend Brioche haven’t been able to see much of each other during this extended lockdown period. So Brioche’s talented & hilarious human sent us a photo to express how much Brioche misses Sherwin, who apparently resembles a 1930s gangster (Edward G. Robinson) in her fantasies 😂 #batpig #sherwinthedog #frenchiesofinstagram
So grateful for clear, blue skies, esp after so many days of ash & smoke here in L.A.
I love this so much—the handsome lil’ man, his expression & hat, the lovely words that accompany the photo...everything! Thank you, @katmet33 💕 @get_repost
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He was asked to bring in his favorite book to preschool, and here it is! The Paper Kingdom is one I actually purchased for myself because I remember having to go to my mom's job at a factory after school. I also remember my first job after college at a law firm, the big conference rooms and mountains of paper. A paper kindgsom is an apt description. The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautful, and although I enjoyed the story for my own reasons, it was just as engaging for him and he excitedly tells me what is next. He asks for this book every night, and you will be happy to know that he said he would be a nice and happy king in his paper kindgom.
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#thepaperkingdom #thepaperkingdombook #pascalcampionart
My parents and I are in the New York Times today! My dad’s reaction: “Now that I’m famous, does this mean I have to behave in public?” Yes dad, watch out for the paparazzi 😂 (We’re at the top of the Tiny Love Stories column, and will be in Sunday’s print edition as well ❤️) #nytimes #dadhumor #modernlove
Here’s a PSA for #nationaldogday — Sherwin (left) is not a pug (right). On our early morning walk, a nice man (in a mask, of course) stepped into the street to let us have the sidewalk. When I nodded thanks, he nodded back and said, “Pug’s priority.” Sherwin and I let that mistake slide, but he insisted I clarify that he is a bulldog, not a pug. #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchbulldog #sherwinthedog