Even though I'm not on the official list, or in the US, I am participating in the Teen Book Drop. If you live in Nanaimo, you might just find an ARC of Restoring harmony sitting there for the taking! And I might drop off a few other YA books and ARCs I have too. In...

Way back in 2007, Kathy Erskine was one of the first authors I interviewed. I’ve invited her back again today because she’s now got a stunning new book out that you must read! I've actually had this ARC for about six months and I was waiting to read it until now. OMG!...

Thanks to all who entered to win the Emma Beaton CD. We have a winner. Congratulations to Wanda Collins Johnson. If you didn't win, take it up with my husband who chose the winner randomly order your copy here. Thank you all for your support and for spreading the word...

As usual, I'm over at The Debs. This week we're talking about back story and boy do I know a lot about that! More than I really want to, in fact. I'm very excited to provide you with a link to Everything to do with Books where I did this guest post about what inspired...

To celebrate the release of my book trailer and new website, I decided to have a giveaway this week instead of the usual fare. A few years ago, my husband went to American Fiddle Tunes (a week-long workshop in Washington) and while he was there he met the young cello...

Hi All, If you've been here before today, you've probably noticed that I've "had a little work done" on my site! I did a bunch of the content changes myself, but honestly, none of this would've happened without the stellar friend and website helper, Bob Cook (hubby of...

I'm over at The Debs talking about my April 1st faux pas. Those of you who've been hanging around here a while might remember it. More importantly than what's going on with me is the fact that a very special someone will be celebrating a birthday this weekend! Happy...

Lisa told me, "because of the bathroom question, I'm going to make you write the introduction" which is really kind of funny because if there's one YA writer out there who needs no introduction, it's Lisa McMann. So I'm getting off easy! Okay, okay...I'll do my job,...

In the book, Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert talks about a button or badge you can buy at the gift shop of the ashram to wear when you're trying not to talk and it says, "I am in silence." Last night, my husband played and sang five songs at a benefit for Chilean...

I'm over at the Debs talking about bookstores. My computer is barely hanging in there, so if you email me and I don't answer, it's probably because it died. Send good thoughts for it to hang on a little bit longer! New one on its way. Have a great weekend!

Joni's first book, The Farwalker's Quest, was so much fun I could hardly stand it. I passed it around to many friends and I highly recommend it. What's the best part though? It's a series! And now it's time for The Timekeeper's Moon! I begged my ARC connection to get...

In case you missed this over at The Debutante Ball on Friday, I'm sharing it here today. Sarah also stars in my book trailer and she and Victor recorded several songs and tunes from Restoring Harmony (she sings too!). The tunes and trailer will be available on my...

The theme this week over at The Debutante Ball is luck and I've got a pretty amazing story to share over there. I hope you check it out. Speaking of AMAZING, I got my first trade review. This is from Kirkus, and as you can imagine, I'm pretty darn excited! PUTNAM...

The lovely writer, Kerry Madden, brought Irene Latham to my attention. I must be a little slow to have to have relied on Kerry, considering I had Leaving Gee's Bend in my box of ARCs and Irene and I have the same editor, but at least I finally clued in. So, welcome to...

Over the years, I've contemplated joining a book group, but in the end, I always decide against it. I have a few reasons. First, I don't like to feel obligated to read a book. If I get started and it doesn't speak to me, then I want to just be able to set it down....

It's debut week over at The Debutante Ball for Deb Sarah. I've set up a fun game to celebrate (well, it was fun for me to make up, not sure how fun it will be for you, but you should check it out anyway!). And don't forget to buy your copy of The Opposite of Me if you...

Quite a while ago, I was lucky enough to get my hands on Natasha Friend's new book, For Keeps. While she's written several other books, none of them had crossed my path. For Keeps was such fun that I immediately contacted Natasha and asked for an interview. For Keeps...

One of my favourite things to do while I cook is listen to BBC Radio 4 online. It started out as a simple habit that zillions of people worldwide have - listening to The Archers. If you're not familiar with The Archers, it's the longest continuous running radio serial...