Check out the news so new it hasn't happened yet (at right) for upcoming readings and events.
Book News: December 2011
Store Readings
I had a lovely time hanging around local bookstores before Christmas this year. Thanks to the staff and patrons of Ottawa's Collected Works Independent Bookstore, which hosted a signing by three local children's authors. Somehow I slipped in behind the table with a couple of awesome Governor General's Award winners, Rachna Gilmore and Caroline Pignat. (Many thanks to CW's Chris for organizing the event, and to Victoria for being so wonderful throughout.)
Thanks to the staff and patrons of Aylmer's Michabou Bilingual Bookstore, where I signed books with Aylmer's urban fantasy author Linda Poitevin. (Special thanks to Margaret Little for sweetness and support, and for sending signed copies of All Good Children off to Scotland.)
Fall Book Tour 2011
I took my fall releases on a virtual tour this past November/December. The trip must have exhausted my virtual energies because I missed a full month of online activity, blogging and website updates afterward. But it was GREAT to meet so many smart and committed book bloggers and their readers. To check out the roster of stops, interviews, and guest posts, visit my Fall 2011 Blog Tour page.
Book News: November 2011
I HAZ A TRAILER!
Check out my first and most AWESOME book trailer, created by airbookvideos. Just be prepared to absolutely need to read All Good Children by the end of it. (I will figure out how to put this massive file up on my website soon. Right now it's a youtube link. What are you waiting for? Check it out. Then come back here and read the rest of my news.)
First Chapters Online Now
Check out my Fun Stuff Page to access first chapter downloads for all my novels.
November Guest Blogs and Author Interviews
So far this month, I've been a guest on a great assortment of book blogs, including Cubicle Blindness, Bookworm Lisa, the O.W.L., Tina's Book Reviews, and Just Deb. Thanks to Krista, Lisa, Jill, Tina, and Deb for hosting me, asking me intriguing questions, and introducing me to their readers.
Walking Backward's Excellent Inclusion
The Canadian Children's Book Centre compiled a list of Great Reads for the Holidays 2011 and those discriminating book-lovers included Walking Backward among a dozen other recommended novels for the 9-13 age group. I am so thankful to have my first book in such fine company. Be sure to check out all the CCBC recommendations.
More Fun on the Website!!!
I have posted some survival tips for readers of 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6 and anyone in general who may one day find themselves battling tornadoes, deserts, winter wildernesses, or zombies. These are life-saving tips I'm talking about. Check them out.
Ego-boosting Reviews
All Good Children has been earning fresh praise that has prompted me to get my sadly out-of-date Reviews page in order. The latest ego-boosters come from Resource Links ("In its use of race, gender, social class and technology, All Good Children can stand with the best of the [dystopian] genre.") and Booklist ("Austen writes with cinematic definition, driving the action with taut dialogue and unremitting menace....Action packed, terrifying, and believable, this entertaining novel will provoke important discussions about subservience, resistance, and individual freedom." (I haven't actually seen these reviews but they're up on Orca's website, so they're probably legit.)
Three Lucky Winners in my Goodreads Giveaway
A whopping 663 people entered the Goodreads Giveaway to win a copy of 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6. Three lucky Goodreaders will soon be receiving their copies in the mail. Thanks to everyone who entered.
Book News: October 2011
Upcoming Events
Check out the news so new it hasn't happened yet (at right) for upcoming readings and launches.
October 30th: Book Launch
I launched my Fall 2011 releases, All Good Children and 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6, at the Lucy Faris Library in Aylmer (Gatineau), Quebec, on Sunday, October 30th. Thanks to all the friends, neighbours, writers and readers who came out to hear a reading, enjoy live music, make a craft, scribble on a graffiti wall, eat good snacks, and buy a book or two.
October 14th: SCBWI Book Bash
To kick off the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Canada East conference, member authors presented our newest titles at Collected Works independent bookstore in Ottawa on October 14th. I gave my first reading from my middle-grade comedy, 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6, and discovered my dramatic side. It was great fun mingling with readers and other mostly-local authors and illustrators including Rachna Gilmore, Caroline Pignat, Ben Hodson, Alma Fullerton, Lizann Flatt, Marsha Skrypuch, Kate Jaimet, and R.J. Anderson.
October's Excellent Reviews
CM Magazine highly recommends All Good Children as "a classic, dytopian novel." The Star Phoenix calls it an "edgy saga." The Montreal Review of Books calls it "a wonderful read" in a sparkling review that ends with the words, "Great literature is never limited by its genre." And the October issue of Quill & Quire describes it as "a smart, polished novel peopled with realistic characters in a well-developed, futuristic world" and "a slow-building tension that rewards the reader both rationally and emotionally." That's a lot of good things for just the first half of October!
October 6th: Goodreads Giveaway
Enter the Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of my latest middle-grade novel, 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6. The contest will last one month, so enter soon.
Book News: September 2011
September 25th: Word on the Street
I was thrilled to present my first novel for teens, All Good Children, at the Word on the Street in Toronto. I spoke at "This is Not the Shakespeare Stage," a new tent for YA authors and audiences. The crowd was big, keen, and kind - perfect for my first talk beyond my home range. I'll put the gist of my talk, Writing and Reading Dystopian YA Fiction, on this site soon.
September 21st: First Reviews of Fall Releases
Reviews are starting to arrive for All Good Children, and they are looking good. Publisher's Weekly calls it "an entertaining and creepy story" and Kirkus calls it "a shaded morality tale about individuality." Early readers have good things to say on Goodreads, too.
September 15th: Book Release
It's official: 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6 is in the world, available for purchase and reading. I received my author copies today - awesome!!!
Book News: August 2011
August 31st: Website Revamp
I updated my website at last! But since you're reading this, you already know that. So onto other news...
August 15th: Goodreads Giveaway Ends
The All Good Children Goodreads Giveaway was a smashing success. A whopping 679 people entered to win one of 2 Advance Reading Copies. True, 600 of those people enter every giveaway - because why not? - but 78 actually wanted my book. (Plus one reader pressed "enter" by mistake.) Thanks to everyone who entered. The winners' ARCs are on their way. Once the book is published, I'll give away a few more copies.
August 10th: My Word on the Street
I've been asked to speak at Toronto's Word on the Street Festival on September 25th. I'll be in the "This is not the Shakespeare Tent" (a new tent with a YA focus) speaking on "Writing and Reading Dystopian Fiction." (All Good Children falls into that genre.) When I'm not speaking, I'll be visiting some of the other fascintating tents and topics going on all day.
August 1st: Fall Catalogues are Out
My two forthcoming books are available for pre-order! Check out the Formac/Lorimer Fall 2011 Catalogue and the Orca Fall 2011 Catalogue. Or just go straight to my book pages on the publisher's websites for 26 Tips for Surviving Grade 6 (coming September 2011 from James Lorimer & Company) and All Good Children (coming October 2011 from Orca Book Publishers).
In Case You Missed It
Walking Backward was a starred selection in the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens 2011. It's also a nominated title for Saskatchewan's 2011 Diamond Willow Awards and British Columbia's 2012 Red Cedar Awards.
