This weekend, I am headed down to Los Angeles for the annual conference of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Hundreds of fellow authors will be there, along with publishers and agents. I especially look forward to meeting Arthur Levine, who is the editor of all the books in the HARRY POTTER series. Hopefully, I will come back to Monterey with lots of fresh ideas and inspiration! 

More good news! SCHOOL SPIRIT has received two FIVE-STAR reviews on Amazon.com. The book is only available to read on a Kindle, but you can also download it to your iphone or ipad for only $1.99.  Check it out on the Amazon website. There are some fun extras provided by Shelfari.com, including some character descriptions and a "ridiculously simplified synopsis." You can also check out my new author page on Amazon while you're there!

Exciting news!  EGGS OVER EVIE has been nominated for the 2012-2013 Young Hoosier Book Award in Indiana. Students throughout the state will be voting on all the nominated titles during the upcoming school year. The title which receives the most votes will receive an award, and the author will be recognized at Indiana's annual state library convention next year. So...if you live in Indiana, ask your teacher or media specialist for a ballot and make sure to vote for EGGS OVER EVIE!

Congratulations! We have a winner of the Trivia Contest from EGGS OVER EVIE. Her name is Firinne McIntyre, and she lives in Ireland! I will not post her answer, as we can still have more winners. The question again: What is Mrs. Hamilton's first name? You can send your answer to my email pieauthor@aol.com. Also, if you send a recipe I will include it in my sequel to EGGS OVER EVIE. It is entitled NEW YEAR'S EVIE. Good luck!

I can't believe it's July already!  And in honor of the 4th, I am hosting another contest. Just send a great 4th of July recipe to me at pieauthor@aol.com, along with your name and address. The winner will receive an autographed copy of  I KNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A PIE. (Your recipe does not have to be a pie recipe, however). Bon appetit!