October/November Wrap-Up
Book News/Progress:
Guys, THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN got chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!! This means the book will go out to quite a few libraries.
- I found out that TSoOG is getting an audiobook!!! This is really exciting because I definitely wasn’t sure it was going to happen. It feels like every book has an audiobook, but that’s definitely not true, especially with middle grade and especially with verse novels. Considering that three out of the five members of my immediate family (I’m including my mom in that) basically only consume books in audio form, I was pretty disappointed when I thought I might not get one. (And I know the importance of them for accessibility, just based on my own family!!)
- I made a trailer for TSoOG! I wasn’t at all sure about my ability to make one, but I’m actually really happy with how it turned out. And here’s the amazing thing – my friend Deanna at work actually wrote (and played) this song for me based on the little tune I included on the bookplate for the pre-order campaign! How amazing is that?!! And, no, this was not me hiring her to do this (though I did offer to pay her for her time), she just saw my bookplate and took it upon herself to turn it into a full-on song! I will forever adore her for this!!!
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Speaking of the pre-order campaign… - My preorder campaign is live!! Well, sort of. This is actually the very first place I’m posting about it, but it’s up and I will post on socials tomorrow. So, you guys get the first look!!! You can find out the details on my author website! (Click the link to be brought directly to the preorder page.)
- I know some of you already preordered (thank you!!!), and I have a list going to contact people if I need to, but it would make things easier if you please go ahead and fill out the form.
- But NOTE: If I know you, don’t worry about finding your preorder receipt to upload; just upload a Word doc that says hi or a picture of yourself or anything else you want to upload. LOL! I only included the upload so I don’t get a bunch of spam responses, but if I know you, I obviously trust that you ordered.
- The preorder campaign also works for library requests, so if you can’t afford to order the book, feel free to request it at your local library!! (Heck, even if you have ordered the book, I’d love it if you requested it at your local library – it’s a great way to get the book out to more readers and helps authors a lot!!)
- If you haven’t preordered yet and you want a signed/personalized copy, you can call Barnes & Noble Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills, IL to order one. It will automatically come with the pre-order goodies. (If you already ordered, we’ll just have to meet up sometime IRL so I can sign and personalize yours. What a shame!)
As a reminder, the book is available on both Edelweiss and NetGalley. Go forth and read! 🙂 (And if you do, I’d appreciate it if you leave a review!) Also, you can read about my inspiration for the book here.
What I Read:
- I listened to A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll. I always try to read all the books on the Rebecca Caudill list (which is the IL state award for 4th-6th grade) so I can recommend them at work, and this is on the list this year. Loved it! It’s a fantastic read that’s a great mirror/window for autism.
- Then I listened to Stronger at the Seams by Shannon Stocker. This YA novel puts a spotlight on having a mis-diagnosed illness, an occurrence that is far too common.
- Next was How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby (another one on the Caudill list), which deals with depression in a really realistic way. One of the few MG books where the MC themselves is struggling with depression.
- And, finally, I listened to Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, which I wanted to read before I watch the movie on Disney+.
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