A Skyping I'll Be!

I'm now available to do Skype visits! If you're a teacher or librarian and would like to arrange for such a visit, just give a shout. Did I mention the FREE (not fee)? Yup, free for my first ten visits!

Hope to see you soon!

My Book Baby Turns One!

On January 6th, my book turns one! *THROWS CONFETTI* They grow so fast! I'd like to celebrate this milestone but I'm not sure how. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them. And, if I choose yours, I'll send you (or your school or library) a signed copy along with bookmarks.

Let the brainstorming begin!

Spike Lee's New Joint Coming 2012

Coming in 2012: Red Hook Summer by Spike Lee. As a Red Hook girl born and raised, I cannot wait to see this! http://www.40acres.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1758:behind-the-scenesred-hook-summer-wall&catid=42:blog&Itemid=245

Hope you all had a peaceful Thanksgiving. Remember to be Thankful all year long!

Columbia University & Me

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of reading from The Trouble with Half a Moon at Columbia University as part of their Let's Read program. It was terrific! I had such a good time. Lamar Lovelace, from the Office of Community Outreach, is an awesomely funny and friendly guy. I also met author, Michael Buckley, of the Sisters Grimm and the N.E.R.D. book series. What a cool and generous dude! My daughter was starstruck and whipped out her phone to tweet about it-- all while being very covert about it of course.

As always, it was fun hanging out with Torrey Maldonado. Once again, he mesmerized the audience with a reading from his book, Secret Saturdays!

Me just before starting

Torrey doing his thang

Signing! Yay! Isn't that room amazing? 

Me & Torrey hamming it up afterward

Me Hokey???

Just read something somewhere by someone who thought my name was a pen name-- even thought it was hokey.  Welp ... it's my real name. First name is for my grandfather, Daniel. Last name taken on when I got married.

I might have to spell out my first name almost every time I meet someone new or over the phone ... "D" as in David etc., and sales people may smile or giggle when they see Vigilante, but it's all good. Wouldn't change my name for nuthin' or nobody. Me hokey? Nah, don't be silly.

Here's to a great weekend everyone!

Wha???

Don't have a clue why the last post looks like that! Can't get it right for some reason. Sorry...

Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays? What have you got to lose?

Oops! I meant, on SUNDAY, October 16th. *SNORT* Gas up the car, replenish your MetroCard or just tie up your laces because I’ll be reading from The Trouble with Half a Moon at Columbia University’s Low Library, located at 535 West 116^th Street between Amsterdam and Broadway. And, I wanna see you there!

Check eeet out! I’m so excited!

1:00pm	Performance by The Harlem Chamber Players
1:15pm	Welcome Remarks: Marcia Sells, Associate Dean, Office of Community Outreach, Columbia University School of the Arts & Associate Dean, Office of Government and Community Affairs, Columbia University
1:20pm	Welcome Remarks: Amanda McGee, Trade Book Manager, Columbia University Bookstore
1:25pm	Author:  Steven Savage	Book:  “Where’s Walrus?”
1:40pm	Author:  Jenny Ofill & Nancy Carpenter	Book:   “11 Experiments That Failed”
1:55pm	Author:  E.D. Baker	Book:   Frog Princess Series and “Wings”
2:10pm	Author: Torrey Maldonado	Book:  “Secret Saturdays”
2:25pm	Author: Danette Vigilante	Book: “The Trouble with Half a Moon”
2:40pm	Author: Michael Buckley	Book:  Sister’s Grimm Series and “Nerds”
3:00pm	Performance by Notes and Keys (TBD)

The Red Hook Star Revue

Ya know, I never mentioned (at least I don't think I have) that I write a monthly article for my hometown paper, The Red Hook Revue. You can check it out here if you'd like (I'm on page two): http://www.redhookstar.com/

A Day with the Animals

Spent today doing the Safari thing at Six Flags. It. Was. So. Much. Fun! This guy is my new best friend.

 His Friend wanted in on the action. "Hey save some for me!"

 This Emu was so silly.

 "Who you calling silly, silly?"

 This black bear is on his way to take a BITE out of my Brother-in-Law's car bumper! Left teeth marks. For realsies!

Then we came home to the most savage beast of all ... My Noodle!!!

What the Wha ...??

An earthquake and a hurricane in one week? This has been one strange (and FAST) summer. I admit I’m looking forward to being stuck in the house with my family this weekend as we wait out the storm. We’re not in an evacuation zone so that’s a big plus. I’ve got a pot of soup cooking on the stove and cornbread in the oven. We’ve got movies on an iPad and my nook is fully charged. And, board games are more fun when played by candlelight, don’t you think?

I’m still making my way through SAVING BABY DOE edits. It sure is s l o w going but I’m going. I can’t wait to hit the point where I can print and read it out loud.

Hope you’ve had a great summer!

AARP Rocks!

And I'm a part of it! Oh yeah, I always wanted to rock something other than ... a boat? Errr ... okay, so I'm still wearing my life jacket. Land Hooooo ...

Anyway.

A few months ago, I was approached by the really cool and awesome Erasmo Guerra about doing an interview on what it's like being a Latina children's author. Of course I was honored (like, whoohoo-for realsies? me?-get out! kind of honored) and agreed. My fellow Red Hooker, Torrey Maldonado, is also included. It's really a wonderful article. Check it out if you get the chance.

http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/info-08-2011/young-adult-books-for-latinos.html

What is your VIV moment?

Your VIV moment is that moment when everything *clicks* for you. VIV Magazine contacted me a while ago and wanted to include my moment in the July/August issue and I couldn't be happier. The magazine is pretty awesome and I'm honored to be a part of it.

If you'd like to check it out, here's the link: http://www.zinio.com/pages/VIVmag/Jul-Aug-11/416176471/pg-150


In other news ... I'm hacking my way through Baby Doe edits. Some days my machete is dull and other days it's a sharp little thing. Oh, I likey the sharp days.

Also, am I the only one who doesn't like fireworks?

Reading, Friends & Fun

Had a great time with my buddies, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of 8th Grade Super Zero and Torrey Maldonado, author of Secret Saturdays at our book signing at B & N in Brooklyn. I heart them both!

The next day I visited my childhood library-- The Red Hook Library in Brooklyn. I can't tell you how happy I was to be there. As a kid, I spent a lot of time there sniffing in that gorgeous book smell and peeking underneath the plastic book covers to see what the 'real' covers looked like. AND now, my book sits on those same shelves! A big thank you to Donna and the staff for inviting me!

Can you tell how much fun I had?

Oh, the places I'll be ...

This Thursday, June 9th at 7pm, I'll be at Barnes & Noble located on 7th Avenue & 6th Street in Brooklyn. And, guess what? I won't be alone! Yay! I'll be with two of my writing friends--  Olugbemisola Amusashonubi-Perkovich, author of Eighth Grade Superzero and fellow Red Hooker, Torrey Maldonado, author of Secret Saturday's. There's also a chance for you to win a $30 B & N gift card!

The very next day, I'll be at  the Red Hook Library (the place where I learned to love reading) located at 7 Wolcott Street (between Lorraine and Otsego Streets), also in Brooklyn.

On the writing end, I just received my second editorial letter for Finding Baby Doe so that's what I'll be working on this summer (with a small break for going on a much-needed-pre-planned-oh-thank-goodness-vacation). Send me some good vibes when you get the chance, okay? I'll be your best frienddddd ...

I hope to see you soon! :)

Stop, Look & Listen ...

This is the best speech I HAVE ever heard. It's worth watching and absorbing-- trust me. JK Rowling: The fringe benefits of failure Video on TED.com

Puppies, Visits & Spring

So yeah, house training Luna could be going better. I thought she’d pick it up from Noodle, my Yorkie, right away but … I’m not that lucky. Noodle is so good too! He NEVER goes in the house. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t do regular dog stuff. No eating shoes, carpets, couches, NOTHING. He is a scratch hog though. If he’s near you and your hands aren’t busy doing something, he insists you scratch him. I’m hoping Luna will learn soon. I am loving her to pieces anyway.


Last Friday, I visited with the students at Notre Dame Academy. First with grades 4 - 6, then with the 8th graders who have read TROUBLE as assigned reading and who are doing research on Red Hook Brooklyn, my hometown; the place where I imagine TROUBLE to take place. All of the students were just awesome! They asked great questions which made it more of a conversation. I laughed so much, especially with the 8th graders. One of the girls—and this just warms my heart beyond belief—is going to use one of Miss Shirley’s quotes for her contribution to the year book! It just happens to be one of my favorites too. We both love Miss Shirley! Here’s the quote:

“Never minus good deeds from yourself, there are plenty of people in this world who will do that for you.”

If that wasn’t enough, yesterday I received individual fan mail from the students. Each one gave me goose-bumps and some even made me tear up. One girl didn’t like to read. In her words, she thought reading was for nerds. BUT NOW, since reading my book and not being able to put it down, she loves reading! THAT’S what it’s all about. Yeah, I’m doing the Hokey Pokey and I am shaking it all about! Okay, not really but I should!

By the way, I am loving, loving, loving, the trees in bloom. One is prettier than the next. They just make me so happy. I am looking at the buds on the tree right outside my window and they have literally burst overnight. They’re bright green and when the sun is setting, they glow. I could watch them for hours.

Dear Spring, you make my heart & soul sing …

If You Need Some Inspiration ...

I have some for you. I've already decided to watch it at least once a day. We all need a daily vitamin, right?
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkrYX9EGUpM

A New Love and a Book Festival

We've added a new addition to our family and we didn't have to wait nine months to meet her. Here'sssss Luna!

Isn't she just ... so darn cute? She's part Lhasa Apso and part Poodle= a Lhasa Poo. And, she's just two pounds! I think Noodle, our Yorkie, is like, "Yeah, yeah, she's cute and all but when is she leaving?" And Daisy, our grumpy cat, is saying "Excuse me, but I just know you don't think she's staying here!"
On the book side, I'm participating in the 2011 Teen Author Festival along with some mighty-fine author's! Hope to see you there. Here's the line up:


Monday, March 14 (Chatham Square Branch of the NYPL, 33 E Broadway., 6-8):

Finding Voice, Giving Voice: Speaking Up for Characters

Authors:

Cathleen Bell

Jen Calonita

Cecil Castellucci

Brent Crawford

Elizabeth Eulberg

Brian James

Kekla Magoon

Melina Marchetta

Marie Rutkoski



Moderator: David Levithan


Tuesday, March 15 (B&N Union Square, 7-8:30):

YA Reader’s Theater



Authors:

Holly Black

Judy Blundell

Gayle Forman

Eliot Schrefer (aka E. Archer)



Host: David Levithan


Wednesday. March 16 (South Court, 6-8):

YA Rocks, featuring Tiger Beat!



Tiger Beat:

Libba Bray

Daniel Ehrenhaft

Barnabas Miller

Natalie Standiford


With music-related readings from:

Philana Marie Boles

Libba Bray

Barnabas Miller

Jon Skovron

Jeri Smith-Ready

Rita Williams-Garcia



Host: Jack Martin / Chris Shoemaker



Thursday, March 17 (Five Borough Read, 10-12):


Manhattan:


Seward Park Branch, 192 E Broadway, Manhattan, 10am

Alma Alexander

Philana Marie Boles

Leanna Renee Hieber

Lena Roy

Mark Shulman



96th Street Branch, 228 E 96th St, Manhattan, 10am

Violet Haberdasher

Kimberly Marcus

Micol Ostow

Eliot Schrefer

Natalie Standiford



Washington Irving H.S (in conjunction with Mulberry St Branch) - 40 Irving Place, 10am.

Eireann Corrigan

Jocelyn Davies

Anne Heltzel

Matt de la Pena

Patrick Ryan

Leila Sales



Muhlenburg Branch, NYPL, 209 W 23rd St

Alexandra Bullen

Helen Ellis

Sarah Mlynowski

Matthue Roth

Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Robin Wasserman


Brooklyn

Central Branch, Brooklyn Public Library, Dweck Auditorim, 10 Grand Army Plaza



Cathleen Bell

Gayle Forman

Christopher Grant

Melissa Kantor

Jeri Smith-Ready

Melissa Walker

Bronx:

Bronx Library Center, 310 E Kingsbridge Road, Bronx



Margie Gelbwasser

Sarah Darer Littman

Arlaina Tibensky

Maryrose Wood


Queens:

Library TK



Brent Crawford

Barry Lyga

Melina Marchetta

Neesha Meminger


Staten Island:

St George Branch, 5 Central Ave, Staten Island, 10am


Elizabeth Eulberg

David Levithan

Michael Northrup

Danette Vigilante


Friday, March 18th, morning (Scholastic, 557 Broadway), 10am

Scholastic Event



Reading/Signing:

Alexandra Bullen

Judy Blundell

Libba Bray

Elizabeth Eulberg

Kim Harrington

Sarah Darer Littman

Michael Northrup

Patrick Ryan

Eliot Schrefer

Maggie Stiefvater



Signing only:

Eireann Corrigan

Aimee Friedman

Barry Lyga

Michael Northrop

Matthue Roth

Lisa Sandell

Samantha Schutz

Natalie Standiford

Suzanne Weyn


Friday March 18th, Symposium (South Court, 42nd Street, 2-6)


2:00 Introduction


2:10 – 3:00: Telling the Truths – Hard Topics, Illuminating Fiction


Authors:

Eireann Corrigan

Donna Freitas

Sarah Darer Littman

Kimberly Marcus

Micol Ostow



Moderator: DL

3:00 – 3:50: Debut Author Showcase

Authors:

Jocelyn Davies

Margie Gelbwasser

Christopher Grant

Anne Heltzel

Kimberly Marcus

Arlaina Tibensky



Moderator: Jack Martin / Chris Shoemaker



3:50 – 4:00: Break
4:00 - 5:00: I Think I Love You (But Maybe I Don’t?) – Writing About Teens in Love


Authors:

E. Lockhart

Terra Elan McVoy

Sarah Mylnowski

Patrick Ryan



Moderator: David Levithan



5:00 – 6:00: Under the Influences: Discussing Influences on YA Fiction


Authors:

Libba Bray

Alexandra Bullen

Susane Colasanti

Barry Lyga

Carolyn Mackler

Lena Roy

Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Maryrose Wood



Moderator: Barry Lyga

Saturday. March 19th, Symposium (South Court, 42nd Street, 1-5:30)



1:00 – Introduction



1:10 – 2:00: The Ties That Bind, Part One: The Struggle Against Darkness

Kim Harrington

Lisa McMann

Maggie Stiefvater

Robin Wasserman


Moderator: David Levithan

2:00 – 2:45: The Ties That Bind, Part Two: Family Bonds

Melissa Kantor

Melina Marchetta

Alyssa Sheinmel

Natalie Standiford

Danette Vigilante



Moderator: Jack Martin / Chris Shoemaker


2:45 – 3:30: The Ties That Bind, Part Three: Friends and Community



Matt de la Pena

Torrey Maldonado

Michael Northrop

Leila Sales



Moderator: Barry Lyga



3:30-3:40 – Break


3:40 – 4:20 – Tribute to Michael Cart



Host/Opening: Jack Martin



Speakers/Readers: David Levithan and Jacqueline Woodson



Acceptance: Michael Cart



4:20-5:30: LGBTYA: Past, Present, and Future

Nick Burd

Michael Cart

David Levithan

Martin Wilson

Jacqueline Woodson



Moderator: Jack Martin / Chris Shoemaker


Sunday afternoon:

Books of Wonder Signing (1-4)

Authors:

1-1:45

Lizabeth Zindel (A Girl, A Ghost, and the Hollywood Hills, Penguin)

Maryrose Wood (The Hidden Gallery, Harper)

Suzanne Weyn (Empty, Scholastic)

Danette Vigilante (The Trouble with Half a Moon, Penguin)

Maggie Stiefvater (Linger, Scholastic)

Natalie Standiford (Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters, Scholastic)

Mark Shulman (Scrawl, Roaring Brook)

Alyssa Sheinmel (The Beautiful Between, RH)

Kieran Scott (She’s So Dead to Us, S&S)

Leila Sales (Mostly Good Girls, S&S)

Patrick Ryan (Gemini Bites, Scholastic)



1:45-2:30

Marie Rutkoski (The Celestial Globe, FSG)

Lena Roy (Edges, FSG)

Michael Northrup (Trapped, Scholastic)

Sarah Mlynowski (Gimme a Call, RH)

Neesha Meminger (Jazz in Love, Ignite)

Terra Elan McVoy (After the Kiss, S&S)

Lisa McMann (Cryer’s Cross, S&S)

Kimberly Marcus (Exposed, RH)

Melina Marchetta (The Piper’s Son, Candlewick)

Torrey Maldonado (Secret Saturdays, Penguin)

Barry Lyga (Archvillain, Scholastic)



2:30-3:15

E. Lockhart (Real Live Boyfriends, RH)

Sarah Darer Littman (Life After, Scholastic)

David Levithan (Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, RH)

Melissa Kantor (The Darlings Are Forever, Hyperion)

Carla Jablonksi (Resistance, First Second)

Gwendolyn Heasley (Where I Belong, Harper)

Kim Harrington (Clarity, Scholastic)

Christopher Grant (Teenie, RH)

Margie Gelbwasser (Inconvenient, Flux)

Elizabeth Eulberg (Prom & Prejudice, Scholastic)

Helen Ellis (The Turning, Sourcebooks)


3:15-4

Daniel Ehrenhaft (Friend is Not a Verb, Harper)

Sarah Beth Durst (Enchanted Ivy, S&S)

Matt De La Pena (I Will Save You, RH)

Brent Crawford (Carter Finally Gets It, Hyperion)

Eireann Corrigan (Accomplice, Scholastic)

Susane Colasanti (Something Like Fate, Penguin)

Marina Budhos (Tell Us We’re Home, S&S)

Kate Brian (Book of Spells, S&S)

Philana Marie Boles (Glitz, Penguin)

Judy Blundell (Strings Attached, Scholastic)

Cathleen Bell (Little Blog on the Prairie, Bloomsbury

A Heart-y Thank You to SLJ

Get it? It's Valentine's Day--- HEART-Y? Yeah, I just crack my corny-self up. On to the news of the day. I just received word of a great review from School Library Journal!

Here's a bit of it:

"Dellie’s story will speak to young people who’ve needed a little faith to get them through tough times. Interesting scenarios, like the cloaked Jamaican woman who moves in next door, provide interest to an already well-developed story."

I HEART them! *Snort*

Later this week I'll be meeting with the New York Coalition Against Hunger to discuss how I might become involved in their annual Spring event. I'm excited. It's something close to my heart ----> there's that word again ...  I'm also going to be visiting my old Junior High School! I can't even remember what it looks like inside. It's gonna be fun!

Welcome Back, Idol!

I'm tired so I'll try to make this quick. IDOL HAS REDEEMED ITSELF! Or should I say, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler did? I say yes, they did! After last season, I decided not to watch anymore. I mean Kara and Ellen really didn't cut it for me. I like Ellen but, eh? AND, Kara. Oh, Kara. After what happened with bikini girl ... um, eww. Tacky.

Enough of that.

Lots of great singers but the last guy tonight, Travis Orlando? O.M.G. Heartbreaking. Talented. Cute. Inspiring. YES, please. I hope he goes all the way. Bring it on home, papi!

Good night!

Thank You, BCCB

I am ever so grateful for the recommended review I received from The Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books. Here's some of what they said:

"... Vigilante has a nice way with subplots and solid daily-life details that bring the book particular warmth. Life in the projects, with a few criminals making things tough for the decent people, and with a vertical neighborhood of interconnected relationships created in the apartment building, is portrayed with candor and even some affection.

... the story is told with considerable appeal and accessibility, and kids won't have to lead the same life as Dellie to recognize her travai."


Thank You, BCCB! You've made my day.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.
                   
                                                                                                     - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Indies & Libraries, Oh My!

I had a wonderful day talking to indies and librarians yesterday. First, the stores themselves were just beautiful; from the selections to the décor. The people I spoke to were just really warm and welcoming. And the libraries! Big, small, new (three floors!) & old (charming—complete with creaky wood floors and big fireplaces with mantels). The librarians were, in a word, AWESOME! Not only that, but check this out people:

I almost kissed my beautiful book but I think the guy in the background (see first pic) would've really thought I was NUTS! I was already waving my arms and hopping.
I simply heart the library. After all, this writing stuff quietly began inside of one.

And the Beat Goes On

Visited five libraries today and met five awesome librarians! Thank you all for making me feel so comfortable. Tomorrow, letters go out to schools and Saturday, New Jersey indies, here I come!

Doing Right by Red Hook

Congratulations to all the writers who've made the "Quick Pick" list and especially to my friend, fellow Red Hooker/Penquin brother, Torrey maldonado!

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/quickpicks/qp2011.cfm

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Though I didn't spy The Trouble with Half a Moon sitting on a shelf, I did meet some awesome booksellers who placed orders for it! For my SI peeps: Clove Lakes Bookstore on Victory/Clove Rd. and B&N on Richmond Ave placed orders and should be getting it in, I'd say by Wednesday. For my Brooklyn peeps, B&N on Court and Atlantic, Bookcourt on Court Street, The BookMark Shoppe on 3rd Ave (I'm also having an event there in March, will keep you posted), Greenlight Book Store on Fulton Street and B&N on 7th Ave. So, go forth and read!

Hello, My Name Is:

I'm on my way out to visit some awesome indie booksellers today! Will I spy The Trouble with Half a Moon? I'll keep you posted!

The Trouble with Half a Moon Release Day

For years, I imagined the wonderful party I’d have the day my book was released; the cake with my cover on it, the music, the food, the dancing and the people. But when the time came, I wasn’t feeling a party. The only excuse I can come up with for this change of heart is that I must’ve played the party over and over in my head so much that I was partied out!

While I didn’t have a party, I did have a really, really nice day. In fact, it felt better than my birthday! First, a great lunch with friends and family, then later in the day, a great dinner with my parents. After dinner, I visited a couple of bookstores and introduced myself. One box store and one indie. Both were very nice and are placing orders since they didn’t have the book in stock, but the people in the indie also spoke of having an event in their store! Kewl, I say! And THANKS, too!

On another note, back in September or October (can’t remember which right now) I started writing a monthly column for, The Red Hook Star-Revue (Brooklyn, NY). Last month, they interviewed me and yesterday, they ran the article complete with a big copy of TROUBLE’S cover. I stared at it for a few seconds and once again, I was reminded of just how much I’m in love with it.

*Sigh*

Anyway, check out this awesome gift my sister-in-law/bff gave me at lunch. It’s so perfect!

Thanks, Michele!

On The Eve of Publication ...

My book, The Trouble with Half a Moon, will be released into the wild tomorrow. I wrote as hard as I could. I laughed and I cried writing and reading it. I truly feel this story is one that was meant to be told. After all, I have carried it in my heart for years and years. I hope you enjoy it. It is yours now. I hope it touches you; inspires you somehow. Do whatever it is meant to do. I believe with all that I am that it has a purpose. I hope it finds you.

Booklist

Today's good news brought to you in part by, Booklist.

... What will grab readers in this first novel is the realistic sense of the diverse neighborhood community, both rough and caring. With lots of fast, immediate dialogue, the characters’ grief, anger, and heartbreaking coming-to-terms are realistic.

Thank you, Booklist!

KIRKUS!

I just got awesome news from my awesome editor and it involves KIRKUS! Can you hear me yelling happy things into the streets?

Baby Trouble Comes Home Video

My baby arrived yesterday!

Just Asking

Is it wrong to cut a stranger’s obituary out of the paper because the person has such a sweet face you’d like one of your characters to take after her?


Errr … I didn’t say this was something I did …

This is Why I'm So Quiet

I'm busy working on edits for my second book with a little help from my cute friend. I couldn't resist buying him!

Now back to work ...

I got full Jacket!

I'm busy revising my second book but I wanted to take a minute and post my full jacket. Isn't it gorgeous?! When I was a kid, gorgeous was my favorite word. Nothing was just okay or plain old pretty. No, it was gorgeous! Just ask my oldest friend, Renee. GORGEOUS!

Disney Baby!

My younger daughter is turning sixteen next week and unlike her older sister, she decided she’d rather go to Disney than have a Sweet Sixteen party. Okay. Cool. We went. Besides me passing out for the first time in my life (dehydration even though it was evening-- no sun) and having a reoccurrence of “Alien Face” (mainly just my right eye), we had a great time. We only had two days of crazy, sweat pouring down your back kind of heat and the lines were not bad at all! Most said waiting time was five minutes but they lied. We went right in. My favorite rides were Soarin' and the new Harry Potter ride at Universal. AWESOME! My daughter wore a tiara and birthday pin the whole trip and was sung to at every restaurant we ate in. She had a whole week of Birthday! What’s better than that, my friends?


We met up with an old friend who moved out to Orlando years ago. It was so good to see him even though the last time we met, we were so much younger! A couple of days later, a man named Dave from Fort Worth Texas approached my husband and I as we stood in line to pay for a pizza (um, yeah. I was desperate, okay?! I needed a pizza fix, ANY kind of pizza! Don’t’ be sitting there judging me!) and asked if we’d mind him paying for our meal!

Huh?

He went on to explain he had the Disney meal plan and was leaving and had some meals left and he couldn’t exchange them for cash so, would we mind?

Wha?

We laughed a little then tried to say no but he insisted and was so nice (we knew we liked Texans, no offense to the other states of course. I mean, he bought me a PIZZA. Helloooo?) and had a great smile.

So …

We all shook hands and spoke a bit. Dear Dave lives in Fort Worth Texas, as I’ve mentioned, lives on ten acres of land in a Victorian house HE built. *Sigh* Whadda guy. Almost makes me cry.

Can you spot the cover for THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON?

It's a little hard to see but, yes! I was wearing a tank with the cover on it! I made up a couple of them on Cafepress.com and I love them. I put the image on the back because I thought people might feel more comfortable checking out (and taking their time) my back rather than, ya know, my front. I also made sure I wore one in the airports. I'll make up a couple of hoodies for the fall. I'll have to think of something for winter. Maybe a sandwich board! I kidd, I kidd.

I am SO not Tyra!

My oldest daughter, who is nineteen, is the photographer in the family. She took my author photo and out of the twenty or so photos, it’s the one I hate the least. You see, the camera does not like me and I do not like it. Thinking I’m having a good hair day, good make-up day, good outfit day? Ha! All I have to do is say cheese and have a picture snapped of me. It is then that the truth will come out of its hiding place and slap me upside the head and say, “think again, my friend.”


Me: “Cheese”

Daughter: *Click*

Daughter: “Ugh, mom, smile with your eyes.”

Me: “HOW? Like this?” *Weird eye thing*

Daughter: “No mom, you look scary. Like this.” *pretty, very photogenic, smiling eye thing* “See; now you do it.”

Me, through clenched teeth: “How’s this?” *Double weird, scary eye thing*

Daughter: “Ugh, terrible and what’s with the creepy teeth thing?” *Click, *click, *click*

Me: “I love how I look in that picture Aunt Michele took of me and daddy that time. Can’t you do it like that?”

Daughter: “It’s out of focus, mom.”

Me: “Helloooo?? I know!”

It's a Small World for Real

Here is a picture of me and Torrey Maldonado, author of Secret Saturdays, taken at the Red Hook Old Timers Day. We both grew up in Red Hook but *cough* *cough* I'm *cough* older * double cough* A-hem. Anyway, one year at the Brooklyn Book Festival, (I think it was there or maybe an email. Can't remember I'm *old-er* remember?) my editor said, "Oh, I want you to meet Torrey, he's also from Red Hook." Well, when we met, we were like wait, what? Our families know each other! And not only that, but they knew each other from when they were YOUNG! What a happy surprise! He's not only my brother from the same publisher, but also my Red Hook brother! How great is that?

Secret Saturday's is an awsome look into the lives and friendships of young boys growing up in a housing project. Yes, Red Hook. If you get the chance, check it out.

Life is Weird, You Know?

Growing up or just trying like crazy to become grown sometimes gets in the way of taking notice of the things you have, like community and belonging. Today, I attended Red Hook’s Old Timer’s Day where I shared laughs, shed some happy tears with people who’ve been absent from my life for far too many years, and hugged numerous others. I came home with a heart full of love for a place that has made me, me and for the wonderful people who were there along the way. It was a good day …

Warning: Alien Face Ahead

We decided to take a few days off and enjoy the beaches at Cape May, New Jersey. I’ve always loved the beach. Mind you, I do not swim—unless you count the Doggie Paddle. I just love the smell and sounds of the ocean.


I was so involved in reading, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman, a terrific book by the way, that I got a sunburned face (this happened for the first time last year when I was reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Guess I’ll learn one of these days). Not only is my face sunburned but it’s swollen. I look like an alien. No lie. My eyes appear to be too far apart thanks to the swelling of the bridge of my nose and my eyelids are fat and heavy and squish down too far over my eyeballs leaving me in a constant squint. My older daughter actually pointed and laughed at me. Never mind that I gave birth to her and housed her for nine months. Oh no, it doesn’t matter at all. She picked up her finger and LAUGHED! My younger daughter was a little more subtle. She asked me not to look at her because she was having trouble digesting what she saw. Apparently, I’m ugly and scary. You know what’s worse? She’s right.

At least I have a new weapon. My face. “Clean your room or I’m going to look at you!” Muhwahhhaaa!

Here's what Booklist says about Saving CeeCee Honeycutt:

Momma always told CeeCee (short for Cecelia Rose) that “being in the North isn’t living—it’s absolute hell.” Of course, having to live with Momma—Camille Sugarbaker Honeycutt, that is, Vidalia Onion Queen, 1951—doesn’t make it any more heavenly, especially when Momma starts standing in the front yard blowing kisses to passersby. You know this is going to end badly, and so it does, when the erstwhile onion queen is run over by a speeding Happy Cow Ice Cream Truck. Before you can say “sweet magnolia blossoms,” 12-year-old CeeCee is sent off to Savannah to live with her elderly great aunt, Tallulah Caldwell, and her wise African American housekeeper and cook, Oletta. It being 1967, you know there will be one dark episode of racial hatred, but it’s quickly—and conveniently—resolved offstage, leaving all the characters free to continue being relentlessly eccentric, upbeat, sweet as molasses, and living, as CeeCee puts it with a straight face, “in a breezy, flower-scented fairy tale . . . a strange, perfumed world that . . . seemed to be run entirely by women.” Light as air but thoroughly pleasant reading. --Michael Cart

Time for Some ARC Love

I remember telling my editor way-back-when how I’d watch the FedEx trucks pass my house and I’d say, “One day they’re going to stop here with a package from MY publisher.” Well, today that lovely truck did stop at my house and he brought me these beautiful ARC’s! For my non-writing friends, Advanced Readers Copies. These are sent into the world of publishing/reviewers. Wish me luck, my sweet friends.

It was a good day. Happy sigh …


 

And They Called It Cover Love ...

I am over the half moon (Yeah, so I’m corny. That’s how I like it … a-huh-a-huh) and I don’t think I could be any happier.


Really.

Seriously.

Seeing your cover for the first time is something writer’s dream about both asleep and awake. You wonder how you’ll deal if you don’t really care for it. You prep yourself for that. You almost, almost expect not to like it so that you won’t fall so hard. After all, how could another person capture a piece of your dream and make it into something- anything?

BUT the people at Putnam somehow, some way got into my head and took a snapshot! Can you believe it? When did they come? Was I asleep? They’re awfully sneaky … AND talented!

Sooooo a big Thank You to Putnam!

Cue applause …

So Much to Tell You!

My school visit was awesome! I presented to about forty-nine students and their parents at P.S. 42. The students participated in the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Contest and let me tell you, they are a talented bunch. After Q & A, I was presented with this:

I know! I love it! I almost cried but thank goodness stopped myself.

Mr. Sharkey, the Principal, and Ms. Siblo, the Librarian, are doing a wonderful job. You can feel it the minute you step into the school. It was truly an honor to be there and I hope the students never lose sight of their dreams.

In other news, my new title is ... are you ready?

THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON

What do you think? It was weird at first, I admit. But now, I really like it. I just received 1st pass pages yesterday. WhooHoo! It's gettingggggg closer ...

And, in other other news, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of  8TH GRADE SUPERZERO (which I happened to love) blurbed my book! I may have fought off tears at P.S. 42 but they certainly won after I read her blurb. I'm gonna give her a big fat kiss when I see her at the Brooklyn Book Festival Mingle next week!

Whew! That is all. I think ...

Plan Change

So, I’m ninety-eight percent done with putting together a presentation for my school visit later this month. I thought it’d be something funny but as I worked on it, I realized I wanted it to be an inspirational presentation (well, that and I’m funnier in my head) and more on the journey of never giving up no matter what your dream may be. I’m very happy with it. Hope the kids will like it too.

Go to Sleep One Way, Wake Up Another

Because I cannot fake any kind of accent (and when I try, my kids make fun of me), I find this amazing.

http://www.aolhealth.com/2010/04/20/woman-develops-foreign-accent-after-having-severe-migraines/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl8|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2F2010%2F04%2F20%2Fwoman-develops-foreign-accent-after-having-severe-migraines%2F

Something to Think About

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”
                                                                                                                            -Gandhi

I like this quote so much I think I might pop so I thought I’d share instead since, you know, popping might be messy.

Painless

So, copyedits are done and they were painless. I owe that to my editor for doing such a great job during revisions. Next stop, typesetting!

It looks like Trouble is getting a new title. I'm not upset about it. Actually, I'm kind of glad. Whenever someone asks me the title of my book, I think they stop listening after the first two words. I still love the saying though and will always remember the rush I felt inside when I decided to use it for my title. The word trouble will always mean so much more to me.

First In Line

Trouble No Set Like Rain is up on Amazon! It doesn't have a cover yet but still. Yeah, and I just pre-ordered it. How could I not? Yee-Hahhhh!

Hellooooo!

I’ve been a lazy bum. That’s it. That’s my excuse for not blogging.


I’m waiting for copyedits and chewing my nails wondering how bad they’ll be. I’ve also booked my first author appearance at a local school! The school librarian contacted me and though I’m nervous, I’m excited too! I’m thinking about putting a humorous Power Point presentation together following my journey toward publication. I laugh thinking about it … I just hope other people will think it’s funny too. Can you imagine if no one laughs or giggles and the only thing I hear are the birds tweeting outside the window? I think I’d fake a fainting spell and only open my eyes again to peek at the audience as I’m rolled out of the school!

So, first thing on my agenda? LEARN Power Point! My kids can teach me…

Listen … can you hear it? That’s me exhaling. I turned in my revision this morning! Off to do the happy dance ... or, shop or, get a pedicure and/or a massage!