Well, wow! I just had another amazing week, so full of cool stuff I don’t know where to begin! So, how about… a list!

I do love my lists.

The 5 Coolest Things About Being an Author This Week

1. Fan Mail

I got my very first piece of real live fan mail this week, from a girl named Seeley, who called my book “extravagant” and who “instantly fell in love with it.” Best part of the fan letter? The different colored inks and the artwork. I have this letter taped up on my writing desk now, to keep me inspired through my next round of revisions. 🙂

2. Fan Fiction

No, not the Twilight kind. THIS kind:

A fan letter... and a fan's story. WRITTEN FOR ME!

I don’t know about you, but I think “Best Friend Magic” has Newbery written all over it.Thanks, Emma!

3. Fan Art

I was a featured author today for the H-E-B Read 3 early literacy program. I went to San Marcos, Texas to read, sign, and OH MY GOSH is that my cover done in dry-erase marker on a white board???

This made my heart so happy. I am also very glad I didn’t have to be there for The Erasing. That would have made me cry.

4. Fan Paparazzi Pics

Check out my amazing readers! Are they not talented, gorgeous, suave, sophisticated, and brilliant? Yes, they are.

Our very best sides.

One of these girls whispered "You're my favorite author" right before this pic. I am trying not to cry in it.

You are never too old or too awesome for middle grade fiction. Some of my favorite people in the world!

This is me with Rockstar Librarian Priscilla Delgado. Oh, and some guy who I think might be the Mayor of San Marcos. (Daniel Guerrero!)

5. Gift Baskets Full of Chocolate

You people know how I feel about chocolate. Well, apparently, the folks at H-E-B (Paul Mejia, in particular, the mastermind behind this AMAZING event), know as well. So they sent me home with this:

YES! Revision supplies! I am saved!

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the people who put on this event, or the reason for it – to get books into the hands of disadvantaged kids, and to encourage parents to read with their kids three times a week – or more. 

Thank you to H-E-B, Paul Mejia, Helia, and all the friends and San Marcos ISD folks who came out!