I just finished a great science fiction book for kids entitled THE RUDEST ALIEN ON THE PLANET by Jane Leslie Conley. It's the story of a headstrong (and sometimes rude) girl from another planet who is sent to planet Earth in a variety of life forms as punishment for her rudeness. While here she learns a lot about herself and about people in general. A fun fast read!

Just joined a great new organization: SPLAMBA! It's the School and Public Librarians Association of the Monterey Bay Area, and the group consists of local children's librarians who are interested in promoting and continuing excellent library service to children and young adults. As a representative of the Pacific Grove Public Library, I am proud to be a member!

For anyone living in the Monterey Bay area...author Bruce Coville (JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER and MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN) will be speaking at California State University, Monterey Bay on Thursday evening, July 18 at 8:00 pm. I have heard him speak before, and he is a very entertaining and informative speaker!

A quick correction! The paperback edition of EGGS OVER EVIE will be available in June of 2014, and not 2013. WHEN THE WIND BLEW is still scheduled for publication in early 2014 as well. So, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming year. I am still writing the sequel to EGGS OVER EVIE and I am still looking for good recipes to include. If you would like to contribute, simply send your recipe to pieauthor@aol.com and I will give you credit in the book. You will be a published author!

Local Speaking engagement

Last week I addressed a group of local writers in the California Central Writers Group. I spoke about my writing career, focusing on the changes which have taken place in publishing during the past twenty years. The event was followed by a dinner and book signing at the Pinot Grill, overlooking the Pacific Grove Golf Course.