Liz Garton Scanlon's release party for Noodle & Lou--a book in ode to an unlikely friendship--was fabulous. There were dirt cups, door prizes, and a full read aloud. Don't believe me? Here are the pics to prove it!
S0-SO-SOLD
Then last week there was the exciting news that Awesome Austin Cynthia Leitich Smith has a new three book deal. Go, Cyn!
- Cynthia Leitich Smith Signs Three-Book Deal with Candlewick Press Peek: "New York Times bestselling author of TANTALIZE, ETERNAL, BLESSED Cynthia Leitich Smith's YA novel SMOLDER, to Deborah Wayshak at Candlewick Press, in a three-book deal, for publication in 2013, by Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown Ltd. (world English)."
And that P. J. Hoover has a front list release going straight to e-book. Cheers for P.J. and Solstice!
This week brought a two book deal for debut author Nikki Loftin! From Publisher's Lunch:
Nikki Loftin’s debut novel THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY, pitched as Coraline meets Hansel and Gretel, about a young girl whose seemingly delightful new school hides frightening secrets, to Laura Arnold at Razorbill, in a two-book deal, for publication in Summer 2012, by Suzie Townsend at Fineprint Literary Management (World).
And, Brian Yansky just sold a follow-up novel to Alien Invasion And Other Inconveniences! From PL:
Brian Yansky's FIGHTING ALIEN NATION, the sequel to ALIEN INVASION AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES, which continues the story of the survivors of an alien invasion, again to Candlewick, with Kaylan Adair to edit, by Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger (world English).
Ah, now wonder we call Austin awesome! Cheers to the latest bunch of books that will see the shelves! But, we here in Austin know process comes first--way before celebration of product--so cheers to all the work that went into these projects and to all those who are working away on a WIP right now.
Hungry for Hunger Mountain
Right now the Hunger Mountain e-bay auction is going strong. See here for a list of Kid Lit authors and agents participating and then go bid!
What's up and coming for summer? The Various Shade of Shadows is! Check out a sneak peak and see the summer list of contributors here.
And though the summer issue line-up is full, HM is accepting pieces for the Fall 2011 issue. The Art (& Insanity) of Creativity. For more on that issue and how to submit, go here.
Dive in to Diversity!
I had a fab time participating in the #yalit chat the other night with those of us on the Diversity in YA tour. This Monday 5/9 the tour stops in Austin. Come out to BookPeople and join us for what will be a lively conversation.
A reminder--May is Mental Health Awareness Month and over at ReachOut Reads live author chats are happening each week in May! I will be moderating the 5/12 Author chat with Matthew Quick and the 5/16 chat with Joe Luniecivz. Librarians and teachers share the word with teens!
That's all--for now!
