Where I've Been & Where I'm Going(!)

It's been a busy couple of weeks for me. I've been preparing to go on a bit of an exciting adventure (more about that in a bit). Plus, last week I got the chance to see not one, not two, but THREE writer friends at their book signings. Talk about inspiring! (Not to mention fun!)

First up was Maggie Stiefvater and Tessa Gratton at the Borders in Novi on July 18th. This signing was bittersweet since July 18th was also the day that Borders announced they would be closing all of their stores. Still, it was exciting; the turnout was massive. Over 200 people crammed into the seating area to hear Maggie talk. I got to see Maggie and Tess for the first time since we were all stranded in Branson this past winter, and I got to meet several other Michigan and midwest YA Authors! I failed to take a pic so I'm pointing you to this post on Tessa Gratton's blog where she has a group photo of Scott Tracey, Leah Clifford, Courtney Allison Moulton, Aimee Carter, and little 'ol me.

Here's the pics I did take though:

Me and Maggie

Me and Tess

Then on Saturday I was back in Ann Arbor for Carrie Harris' BAD TASTE IN BOYS Launch Party! We started the day with several of us writer and blogger types meeting up with Carrie and her Ninja husband for lunch. There was much laughter. And again, I was total picture fail so you'll just have to take my word for it. Carrie read a hilarious excerpt from her book - you might remember I shot a trailer for it -



She also answered questions, signed books, and served up lots of delicious homemade goodies! (Also, Carrie just might have the most adorable and well-mannered children I have ever seen.)

Me and Carrie

I also might just have a signed UK copy of BLOOD MAGIC to give away!

And now onto my big adventure! On Tuesday I'm going off to this beautiful place:

AMSTERDAM! For a WHOLE MONTH! Ever since Stephanie Perkins went to Paris to write, I've had this idea burning in the back of my mind, and finally I decided to take the plunge and GO FOR IT. So for the next month, my posts might be scarce... um, er. But hopefully that will be because I'm too busy writing and being inspired and wandering the beautiful streets of Amsterdam. I am SO excited, you have no idea. All these book signings really reinvigorated my drive to get a book out into the world. I can't wait to spend some time writing in such an awesome place. Wish me luck!

Three Things On A Thursday

First majorly AWESOME news! My crit partner and fellow Sister in Scribe Lacey has signed with an agent! Get all the details HERE including how you can win some awesome books too!

That's two of my cps getting signed in the last month! (You may remember the equally awesome Natalie C Parker signed with Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary and did a massive crit giveaway in celebration.)

Second there's a very cool book tour with some of my favorite YA writers happening soon and for once, it just may be coming to YOUR hometown. (But not mine, alas.) Myra McEntire, Victoria Schwab, and Beth Revis are doing an Asheville to Nashville Book Tour this August! And, even if you can't attend the tour, you can still win a ton of awesome books just by spreading the word. Head on over to the Ashville to Nashville Blog for details!

And finally, have you been watching The Nine Lives of Chloe King? It's just getting started but already SO MUCH has happened. Get caught up on the show with this video recap!