December Wrap-Up
Book News/Progress:
- January 21st is less than a month away!!!! (That’s the whole update. It feels insane, though!)
- Audiobook update – I got a review copy of the completed audiobook, and I am in love!!! These narrators are fantastic. I’ve only listened to snippets so far (due to being sick and it being Christmas), but everything I’ve heard is wonderful!!
- My first conference as an author! I attended the AISLE conference, which is for IL school librarians. This is the first time I’ve officially attended a conference as an author, so it was very exciting for me!
- Audiobook is up for pre-order – I spent a few days listening to audiobook narrators last month. I don’t get final say, but I do get input on the narration, and I was happy when they were responsive to my suggestion that we use two narrators, one for Brob’s POV and one for Lyriana’s (at first they were just going to have one female narrator, but I think that would make it more confusing – especially for MG readers). I haven’t found out for sure who they’re using, but my favorite guy narrator just happened to follow me on Instagram, so that feels like a really good sign. 🙂 The audiobook is now up on Audible for pre-order! (I actually love the way the audiobook cover looks with more of winter showing.)
- Discussion Guide – I decided to commission a Discussion Guide from an educator who regularly does them, and it turned out great! I included a page I wrote listing the formal poetry forms used in the book, too. I think the guide will be a fantastic resource for educators, libraries, book clubs, etc. You can see it here if you’re interested!
- Signed Up for World Read Aloud Day – I’ll be doing free virtual visits on February 5th for World Read Aloud Day! If you’re an educator and want to sign up for a timeslot, I still have a few open (and I may decide to add a few more if these fill up.)
Other News:
ADHD diagnosis (again). So, I’m going to be real with you all a bit here. As much as this year has been a triumph because of my book publishing, it’s also been hard for me on the writing front. I’ve been struggling to finish things and to sit down and focus on specific tasks. I’ve always known this was an issue–I was actually diagnosed with ADHD many years ago and went on medication, but for some reason misguided guilt and a lack of follow-through made me quit taking it. Since then, I have considered trying to find a doctor to get back on medication many times over the years, but the thought was really overwhelming, so I just didn’t do it. Recently, I had some stark reminders of how much my ADHD makes me struggle not just in my writing but in my everyday life and I finally made an appointment (thanks to some helpful prompting from my good friend Megan Freeman). The medication is 100% helping me. If you’re struggling with ADHD symptoms, I would encourage you to talk to someone and get help!
What I Read:
- I read The Girl in the Walls by Meg Eden Kuyatt, a spooky MG verse novel that puts a spotlight on the ways people on the spectrum have historically been mistreated.
- I listened to Wolfsong by TJ Klune. I’ve loved Klune’s newer books, so I had to buy the gorgeous sprayed edge editions of these–but I hadn’t gotten around to reading them! I know, it’s ridiculous to listen to a book I already own, but I honestly do this pretty often. It’s a good feeling to “cross” a book over the virtual list in my head!
- My friend Deanna brought Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer to work so we could read it together. This one is a super cute graphic novel about letting go of perfectionism and self-pressure.
- I read As You Wish by Nashae Jones. You guys, I just love Nashae’s MG romance books! They read just like YA romances, except they don’t go beyond a quick peck. Kids who are yearning all the angst and big feelings of YA romance (or even adult romance), but aren’t ready for the “content” that goes with those will absolutely adore this contemporary fantasy that explores alternate timelines through wish-fulfillment!
- I also read The House at the End of the Sea by Victoria M. Adams, a fairy-filled mystery adventure story!
- Finally, I read Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman. This love MG verse novel comes out the same day as mine!
- I read Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drews. Many of you know CG from Paper Fury. I was so excited to read this book, and it lived up to all my expectations! I’ve been thrilled to see the book’s success – it hit the NYT Bestseller’s list!! My review is already up, so check it out for more of my thoughts on it.
- I listened to Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy. This book is this month’s B&N monthly pick for MG, and it’s wonderful and delightful!
- Next I listened to Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, B&N’s YA monthly pick. I feel like I’m the last one to read this one, but I also know there was some controversy about it having problematic Asian representation, so I was mindful of that when I listened. I can definitely see why the controversy exists, but as a white woman, I don’t feel qualified to give an opinion one way or the other that, but I will say if you choose to read it, there are lots of great books by Asian authors out there to read alongside it!
- I also listened to The Ice Monster by David Walliams. The audiobook for this one is narrated by a full cast and is great fun!!
- Then I read Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert. This middle grade hockey romance is written by a fellow 2025 debut author. I absolutely love how relatable it is. Watch for my review coming very soon!
- And I listened to Dive Smack by Demetra Brodsky. I won a copy of this book ages ago, and never got around to reading it, so I decided to go ahead and listen to it. Honestly, at least half the time lately, I listen to the books I own instead of reading them.
- Finally, I listened to James by Percival Everett, which is Barnes & Noble’s Book of the Year (and now also the National Book Award winner). It’s a fantastic book – made me want to pick up Huck Finn to read the original inspiration and compare and contrast (I don’t think I ever read it, though I did read Tom Sawyer several years back).
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