Holiday Blues

I missed a month of posting because of this! Right hand fingers are a little more mobile now, so here goes nothing...

I mentioned the SCBWI bookshop promo and my appearance at Bookies bookstore in my last post. Today I want to say thank you to the folks who arranged the Bookies event for 35+ local Colorado children's authors, and to those who came to visit. If you missed it, but you still need holiday gifts, I highly recommend their new location for its space and cozy vibe, not to mention their support of us locals.

I remember from before I became an author, the thrill of meeting book authors in person. It was as close as I got to a celebrity. From the other side of the table, celebrity is the last thing on my mind. It's all about the readers. The most fun  part of events like that is meeting readers, chatting, and especially seeing their eyes widen when I give them my elevator pitch. That's the one or two sentences I recite that sum up my books. 

Don't get me wrong, this was no lining up for hours, the line going around the block, for a chance to get the latest Harry Potter book. Instead it was tables spread out around the store, each shared by two authors, waiting to meet and chat with anyone who wandered by. Opportunities like that are rare for authors. The low key, no pressure set up meant everyone was relaxed. How fun it was to discuss the state of YA publishing with a fellow writer who came to shop, who happened to be an editor and writer herself! These were my grateful Thanksgiving thoughts, which I couldn't share in November.

With my wrist in a removable brace, and finger movement improving daily, I am not looking forward to the holidays as I usually do. No baking or knitting for me for a while. I'm trying not to feel sorry for myself, because I did get to help decorate a tree with two of my favorite little boys, and I will have family surrounding me for the next few weeks. I am one of the lucky ones. I hope you find yourself in a good place, good frame of mind, and good health. Happy Holidays!