I have been invited to speak at the next Central Coast Authors Association meeting. The organization, which has nearly 100 members will be meeting at the Pinos Grill Restaurant, overlooking the scenic Pacific Grove Links golf course. I will be talking to them about my career as a writer, some do's-and-don'ts of manuscript submission and the challenges of writing for young people in the "digital" age. It should be a fun and exciting event!

Here is an article which appeared in the April 5 issue of THE CEDAR STREET TIMES, the local newspaper for the city of Pacific Grove, California:

ALISON JACKSON NAMED NEW CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN:  Popular author Alison Jackson is the new children's librarian at the Pacific Grove Public Library. Ms. Jackson comes to our library with more than 20 years of experience as a children's librarian, both in Southern California and Orlando, Florida. Her many published books for children appeal to young readers in pre-school, elementary, and middle school. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie (Viking Penguin) is a favorite Thanksgiving story among teachers and librarians nationwide. The Ballad of Valentine (Viking Penguin) appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and If The Shoe Fits (Henry Holt, Inc.) was awarded the Parents' Choice Award and appeared on the American Library Association's list of Best Books of 2002. In addition, she has published novels for upper grade and middle school readers. Her thirteenth book, When the Wind Blew (Henry Holt) is due out in the spring of 2014. Alison has been with the library since January. "I don't think I can possibly improve upon the level of service or the incomparable book collection Lisa Maddalena has developed during her 30-year tenure. However, I hope to continue strengthening the collection and perhaps add some programming for 'tweens,' since the library already offers programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and teens."  You can reach Alison at the Pacific Grove Public Library 831-648-5760.
 

The city of Pacific Grove is hosting a fun event this weekend. "The Good Old Days" celebrates the history and traditions of the city, with booths, entertainment, food, crafts, and historical tours of the museum and library. Admission is free, and the festivities last from 7:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. There's something for people of all ages, so if you are within driving distance of Monterey Bay, it's a fun way to spend the day!

Just got back from New Orleans where I had an author presentation and book signing. I also visited the lovely public library there. It is housed in a converted mansion in the garden district and is absolutely beautiful. Plus they have five of my books in their collection!

I recently attended a wonderful three-day workshop in Asilomar, which is in the Monterey Bay Area. The Society of Children's Bookwriters held its annual conference for children's book writers and illustrators in Northern California March 1-3. There were many fellow writers in attendance, along with editors and agents. The keynote speaker was Lemony Snicket, and he was very informative and entertaining!

Here is the cover of my book WHEN THE WIND BLEW, due out in 2014. It is a companion piece to IF THE SHOE FITS, published by Henry Holt, Inc. in 2001. The illustrator is not the same, but I think she did a wonderful job complementing the original!

I had a wonderful time signing books at the Huntington Beach Author Festival. It is an annual event, featuring many children's authors, who visit schools in the morning and then meet for a book signing event at the Huntington Beach Public Library during the afternoon.