I - IV

I. Happy Father's Day! I was just remembering how, even though he doesn't like to read, my father has supported me through years of reading (which is especially significant now that I am pursuing it professionally--and it costs $$). When I was thirteen, he shared with me his first print edition of The Hobbit. One night, as I lay in bed reading, he burst into my room and proclaimed, "I am Gandalf!" And just like the unsuspecting Bilbo, I was swept up into a series of wonderful adventures that have yet to cease. So, thank you, Daddy!

I also inherited his squint-eyed smile!

II. I was recently in this place.

Be jealous.

There was much adventuring. Details to follow.


III. I spent this past week at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference, where I dined with famous authors, laughed with/at crazy authors, and workshopped with budding authors. It was the best thing I have done in my post-graduation career. The manuscript I am currently working on is getting more and more polished with every passing day. And thanks to inspiring words from Lovelies like Ann Dee Ellis and Ally Condie and Carol Lynch-Williams, I am training for a writing marathon. I'll share details later.


IV. I'm beginning my countdown for the midnight release of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 172 days. And I'm totally in love with the first trailer.