This is the time of year when I wake up to the sound of grinding bus gears and it makes me so, so sad to think that summer’s over. Classes begin for me next Monday, and so, my rocking chair sits empty. I think I’ll wear my flip flops the first week of school though.

 Okay folks, I’m on vacation until further notice. I have a HUGE stack of books and my laptop and I’m not answering my phone. I’ll catch you later………………………………

Hi there!

Toward the end of May, I visited a class at Roosevelt School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I talked about writing, especially writing my upcoming book, Under the Influence, The Life and Times of Janis Joplin, and I talked about how much fun it was to work with other writers to create Such A Pretty Face, Short Stories About Beauty. Then I read my story, “The $5 Kiss,” aloud.

The students sent letters. Many liked seeing the manuscript I passed  around full of cross outs and writing in different colored pens to show them that I really do have to write and rewrite and rewrite again. They hadn’t realized, they said, that writing is hard work. But they also commented that I seem to love my work. I do. It’s always such a reward to see the finished work and to feel as though I can fall into the story on each page.

Here are some more comments:

From Jacob — “I think the Janis Joplin book will sell good, (ch!ching! $) and someday I hope to be a writer.” I hope it sells well, Jacob.

From Jake — “I definitely think you should be paid more for all that work.” I’d like it if we got paid more, too. But even if I didn’t get any money, I’d probably still write.

From Olivia — “Could you ask Lauren Myracle if she is going to make a 14 book because I already have 13.” — Lauren? Are you?

From Rosie – ”It was really nice to hear about the life of an author of a book as well as hearing about the personalities of others.” Oh, oh. What did I say about my writer friends? All good things!

From Sarah — “Thank you for coming and telling us stories about Mrs. Murphy and you.” I’ve known Mrs. Murphy a long time and so I told on her.

From Noah — “I liked learning about all of your books you write. I didn’t know you were that famous.” – Sorry, Noah, I’m not that famous. 

From Meredith — “I have visited your website and I noticed you have written about visiting us in your blog.” I have indeed.

From Charlie — “Thank you so much for telling us that embarassing story/personal story to us and thank you for telling us what you do for a living!” Anytime! If any of you readers want to read that embarrassing personal story, check out Such A Pretty Face at your local library or bookstore.

From Olivia O. — “I think that the intro., “The $5 Kiss,” was pretty funny. Thanks.” I think I’m lucky that I can laugh about it now.

I spent Friday afternoon in my friend Angie Murphy’s classroom. Rosie and Shawn carried my books and helped me find the room. Angie has wonderful students who asked lots of questions. I told them about doing the research for my upcoming books including Under the Influence, The Life and Times of Janis Joplin. Then I read the story of the $5 Kiss. They laughed and sighed and offered me some reading suggestions.

I forgot to mention that, on June 21, from 10 until 2:30, I’ll be at Martha Merrell’s Books with a bunch of my SCBWI friends. We’ll be part of the SUMMER READING CELEBRATION!

But before that, I’ll be spending tons of time with family. My dad and stepmom will be visiting on June 4. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. Did I mention that my dad just turned 80 and bought himself a new pair of roller blades? He did. I used to roller blade with him until I fell down and hurt my hand and my tailbone. But even before that I had trouble keeping up. My dad used to be a hockey player so I guess that accounts for his speed. His endurance is just plain old Irish tenacity.

Maybe I’ll get back on roller blades while they’re here. After all, it’s been a few years since I got hurt. You’d think I’d forget about the pain. But when you can’t sit down, it’s hard to forget.

You’re not going to be surprised to discover that my holiday wishlist is full of books. I love to get books of poetry, nonfiction, fiction, young adult books and adult books. Recently, the stories that stand out as memorable include STORY OF A GIRL, DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, TANTALIZE, EAT PRAY LOVE. I’m beginning MIDDLESEX today. 

 What are your favorites?

Listed are signings coming up over the next few months. I’d love to see you all there! 

Coming in October….

• I’ll be signing books for the Southern Booksellers conference in Nashville on Friday, October 12
• I’ll be on a panel and signing books at A Room of One’s Own as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival at noon on Sunday, October 14

Coming in November…

• I’ll be facilitating a panel at the ALAN Workshops on Monday, November 19 in New York City.

Hey, All,

 I realize it’s been awhile since I’ve written. Now I have so much news, I really don’t know where to begin. Such A Pretty Face is out and receiving outstanding reviews. You can purchase a copy of the collection from your favorite local bookstore or from Amazon or other online sites.

In other news, I have an article on Bruce Black’s online web site about process. Just click on wordswimmer on this page and you’ll find it.

Over the summer, I’ll be signing books at the Brookfield Square Barnes & Noble and, along with some of the writers, at the Flying Pig in Burlington, Vermont — that’s on July 16 at 2 pm. I’ll also be at the Vermont College Writing for Children and Young Adult’s residency. If you’re there, you’ll have a chance to meet writers from the collection including Anita Riggio, Tim Wynne-Jones, Norma Fox Mazer, J. James Keels and possibly others. My anthology editor, Susan VanMetre will also be there. She’s one incredibly wonderful person to work with — some come on out and see us! 

Thank you DSHA for allowing me to talk to your students about careers in writing. It was great to spend my morning with young women who want to talk about where our stories come from. Stories come from our experience – from what we see, hear and read. Stories, whether we borrow the idea from a news article, something we overheard or details of our day, become ours when we interpret them for the characters who play the stories out. 

If you want to write, the important thing is to write every day, write what you know, write what you don’t know. Write to find out what happens. Write to find out what you think about things. Just write!  

Hey all,

I’ll be talking about careers in writing at career day at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School on Friday, March 17. I’ve also been scheduled to sign books on Saturday March 24, at 2 pm at Borders in Fox Point. Come on out and say hi!

Announcing…… the first Such A Pretty Face radio interview! I was invited by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Lake Effect” to talk about my reasons for collecting stories on teen beauty. The host, Mitch Teich, really seemed enthusiastic about the collection. I think all the writers in the book are stars myself. If you’d like to hear the interview, go to the link below and find the title Such A Pretty Face. I love the music that leads into and out of the interview. We are so beautiful! www.wuwm.com/view_le.php?articleid=142

I also announced that I’ll be posting stories and poems of beauty on a web page devoted the the topic. For now, you can send them to me here or via my email: aangel@aol.com. I can’t wait to hear your ideas……