AMERICAN BUSINES WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

On June 18th, my friend Charlotte Brafford invited me to speak at the Geneva chapter of the American Business Women's Association. What a great reception I had! All of these women were eager to hear my story and share the book with family and friends. Thank you for your support ladies!

HOLLY BLACK'S LETTER

O.K, so the author of The Spiderwick Chronicles actually responded to me with a handwritten note of thanks and encouragement! I sent off a book as a gift back in March, not really expecting anything. She seems like a really hilarious and refreshing person, and I hope she does actually read my book and love it. Then, in my craziest imaginings, she will introduce me to an agent who will get me an awesome 6-figure international deal. Hey, someone's dreams have to come true.

CONNEAUT STOCK CLUB AND WESTLAKE BORDERS

On June 3rd, I was welcomed by Conneaut's stock club at the Conneaut Library. Look at all my new readers! And good luck Stella on the baby due this week. (Can you even tell who is pregnant? She looks that good).

Yesterday, June 7th I ventured back to CrockerPark in Westlake to do a signing at the Borders there. It was a great success. Thanks Mark and Milo.

Well, I'm working on closing in on 1,000 books everyone! I'll let you know when I hit the mark. My next signing will be June 27th from 7-8 at The Learned Owl in Hudson. I'll see you there!

VILLA AT THE LAKE IN CONNEAUT

I have to say I was welcomed with open arms by Sue and Julie when I was in Conneaut for a signing on Saturday May 24th. While the residents (it's an assisted living home) ditched me for Bingo, I had a great time talking with people who came in and bought the book knowing I would be there. Thank you to Julie Germovsek and her mother Sue for all the great chat while sipping lemonade and eating crudities.

My next public appearance will be at the Borders at CrockerPark in Westlake on Saturday, June 7th from 1-3pm. I encourage anyone on that side of the big city to come by and say hello. Maybe some of the Harrison Elementary kids in Lakewood might stop by?? Happy Reading everyone!

CROOKED RIVER BOOKSTORE -GALLERIA

This past wednesday, May 21, I was in downtown Cleveland at the Crooked River Reading Club bookstore. I met a lot of great people (and saw many I already know!) Here I am with my #1 groupie girl - niece Anna. I also met Tim - the Nairobi hat man. Here we are (with his infamous hat) after he bought a book. Thank you, Cleveland (and Gale of Crooked River).

SPENCER ELEMENTARY - CAREER DAY

I was lucky to visit four classes at Spencer Elementary on friday, May 16th for Career Day (Mrs. Ward - Gr. 2, Mrs. Ellis - Gr. 2, Mrs. Webb - Gr. 1, Mrs. Austin - Gr. 3). All the students were excellent audiences and very excited about the book. Thank you Jennifer Pruden for all your encouraging e-mails!

MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

On thursday, May 15th I was able to visit Madison High. The writing classes of Ms. Vacca were a wonderful audience. They asked intelligent questions about writing and publishing. Julie Vacca's class were working on the theme of following your dream. Here I am with the teacher and a soon-to-be-published student writer. Can you guess who is who? They both look professional to me.