Hello, I hope you’re doing well! I just love this time of year, when the colder weather gives me a good excuse to guzzle giant mugs of hot cocoa with homemade whipped cream…YUM. Before I get to the main topic of this post (“How Do Bestsellers Happen?!”), here are some very cool updates. GOLDEN POPPY… Read more »
Hello! I hope this finds you well. This post will cover the taboo topic of money – in fact, I’ll go on at length towards the bottom. But first, let’s start with some fun updates. THANKS TO YOU My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who bought a copy of Rosa’s Song or borrowed the… Read more »
Hello, friends! I have some great news and not-so-great news. Does this feel like déjà vu? That’s because IT IS!! I wrote a similar thing with the release of The Paper Kingdom two years ago… *sigh* Let’s begin with the not-so-great news… The pandemic impacts yet another book launch! Due to supply chain and shipping… Read more »
Hello! How are you? I truly hope you’re well and staying safe. I haven’t blogged in a while, and the reason for my extended absence is simple: I like to keep things cheerful and lighthearted here, but because of everything going on in the world of late, I haven’t felt cheerful or lighthearted at all…. Read more »
Hello! I hope you’re staying safe, strong, and sane during this time of continued uncertainty. Is it crazy hot where you are? We’ve been having some blistering days (and wildfires) in California. What a nutty summer (and a nutty year). UPDATES These past few months of lockdown have been some of the busiest months in… Read more »
Hello, hello! I’ve been absent for a few months because SOOO much has been going on. I’ve definitely been spending a lot of time processing all the latest developments in the country and in the world. I hope you’re staying safe, healthy and sane through all the ups and downs. First, I’m posting an image… Read more »
The industry reviews are starting to roll in for The Paper Kingdom, and I’m so overjoyed that Kirkus gave the book a starred review (like a critic’s pick)!! Kirkus called it, “A beautiful, must-read tribute to hardworking families and the magic they create.” Per my editor at Penguin Random House, “Starred reviews are rare, and… Read more »
I can’t believe we’re in the last stretch of summer. I’m still getting mosquito bites and craving ice-cold lemonade, so it doesn’t feel like summer’s over. Say it ain’t so!! A few months ago, my publisher sent me some Folded & Gathered (F&G) copies of my upcoming book, THE PAPER KINGDOM. Subscribers to my website… Read more »
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “Where do you find inspiration?” My usual response involves a nod to nature, travel, friends, family…. What I rarely respond with (for fear of boring the inquirer) is this: poetry. I’ve always found inspiration in poetry. I love how closely poets look at our world…. Read more »
My latest article for the SCBWI is up! Check out the Seven Things I Learned After Publishing My First Book. I had to respect the word-count limit for the article. Otherwise, I would’ve written about a hundred things I learned!
I love @villagebookbuilders ❤️ They build libraries in rural communities & villages across the world, and they invited me to do an inaugural virtual visit to the Gram Sewa Library in Nepal! It was so cool to meet the students, and to hear about their hopes and dreams 🙌🌏
(Visit villagebookbuilders.org if you’d like to donate or get involved in their amazing projects.)
#villagebookbuilders #nepal #picturebooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #virtualvisit #bookworm
I’m so thrilled to reveal my next book, Sora’s Seashells!🎉 The launch date is May 9, but it can be pre-ordered now 😊You’ll see luminous watercolors by @stellalim_art & @ji_hyukkim — each page is truly a work of art! 🙌The story is about a girl who learns the meaning of her unique name and gains the courage to deal with school bullies, thanks to her grandmother. The team @candlewickpress put together a gorgeous book, and I’m so grateful for all the incredible attention & care.
For signed/personalized copies, please order through @cbwchildrensbooks — they’ll also host a launch event on Sat, May 13th at noon. Join me for a fun chat + some surprises! More details at the link in my bio. Thank you, all!! ❤️
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#coverreveal #bookstagram #picturebooks #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #bookworm #booklover #childrensliterature #kidlit #watercolor #watercolorart #illustration #picturebook #authorsofinstagram #booklaunch
Thinking of our friends in Turkey 🇹🇷 I actually can’t believe we were there just a few months ago (photos taken in late Oct 2022). Beautiful country, lovely people. ❤️ I hope they heal soon from the devastating earthquake — it’s after terrible events like this when I’m in awe of the brave people who are helping on the ground, like the @white.helmets 🙌
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#turkey🇹🇷 #whitehelmets #whitehelmetsturkey #turkiye
One of my favorite things: morning coffee in the front yard with a good book & Sherwin saying hello to all the neighbors + their pups. This gorgeous book of photos, recipes & essays is by photographer extraordinaire @jamiebeck.co ❤️ Makes me reeeeally want to go back to Provence! 🌻
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#anamericaninprovence #provence #photography #lazyweekends #bookstagram #book #bookrecommendations
(Video taken from our hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise - a few months ago in Oct 2022)
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#happynewyear #2023 #cappadocia #turkiye #hotairballoon #turkey🇹🇷 #authorlife #research
