My conversation with My Friend Amy

Amy Riley has been a force for good in my life since she mentioned my little blog on her very big blog and introduced me to her wide circle of friends.  She has known me through three books now, has generously supported each one, has taught me many things about books and life, and once I even had the chance to meet this book angel here, at the site of the first-ever Book Bloggers Convention, which she, but of course, helped organize.

A few weeks ago, Amy and I began an e-mail conversation that had me reflecting on the joys, fears, and behind-the-scene-ism of the writing life.  We talked at length about Dangerous Neighbors and about what's next and what I hope for and what I cherish.  It's all here.

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Camera Ready, Travel Prepared

I have a new camera—something sweet, small, and hot pink. Portable, plane-able, willing to travel with me. It's a Sony, because I'm loyal to Sony, and it's all charged, plugged in, and awaiting: Barnes and Noble Educator's Day, Fox Cities Book Festival, Philadelphia Book Festival, Children's Book World (thank you, Libby Mosier), Book Expo (unveiling Dangerous Neighbors!), Book Bloggers Convention (meeting so many of you), Rutgers-Camden Summer Writers' Conference (I'm teaching fiction), the ALA in Washington, DC.

I travel light. I bring my stories. I've got a camera to help me hold onto it all.

I'm not a shopper. I'm always here at my desk. Today was an adventure.

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Bookmarking Upcoming Events

I married an artist (have I mentioned this before?), and I have the privilege, on some occasions, of doing work with him.

I can also ask him, from time to time, if he can help me with little dreams of mine.

Today he fashioned a bookmark for me, featuring titles from recent years, all leading up to the Dangerous Neighbors release in August.

I'm going to print these now, and any of you who find me at Devon Barnes and Noble (April 13, 3:30), Fox Cities Book Festival (April 14th - 16th), Philly Book Festival (April 18th), Children's Book World (April 20, 7 PM), University of Pennsylvania alumni reading (May 15, 4 PM), Kelly Writers House in NYC (May 20), the Agnes Irwin workshop (May 25, all day), the BEA (May 27), the Book Bloggers Convention (May 28), or the Rutgers-Camden Writers Festival (June 25th) are welcome to one. Whew. I hope I got that list right.

In any case. I hope to see you.

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