In the past eight months or so, I’ve finished three books. The Lost Kingdom (which comes out later this year on September 1st), Cave of Wonders, my installment in the Infinity Ring series (which also comes out on September 1st), and the first book in my Quantum League series (which won’t come out till next spring). This is not a pace I think I could keep up long-term, but it’s been so fun to work on each of the projects. Now I’m working on the first book in my science fiction series with HarperCollins, and it’s a blast, too.
I’ve also done a few events recently. I did a wonderful visit at Saint James School in Montgomery, Alabama (thanks, Benji!), participated in the Children’s Literature Festival at Truman State University, and presented at the conference of the International Reading Association in San Antonio with Matt de la Peña. I’d never been to San Antonio before. Can someone explain the river thing? I mean, was it a real river at some point?
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I also got some new author photos taken. The result of which was this:
And this:
Many thanks to the talented Naomi Leu, who took the photos. If you live in the Salt Lake area and you’re looking for a photographer for yourself, your wedding, or another event, I highly recommend her. (You can find more about her here.)
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I’ll be teaching at a few upcoming workshops.
The first will be the midyear workshop of the Florida regional chapter of the SCBWI. You can find out more about that here.
The next will be my Advanced Novel class at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers workshop. I’ve mentioned that conference many times here before. It’s the place where I met my agent and got my start. If you’d like to register for my class, or the classes of any of the other amazing faculty members, check it out here.
Rounding out the month of June will be the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. To register and find out more, go here.
2 responses to “So, it’s been a while since I blogged…”
September seems so far away, but at least it’s a long time to be excited 🙂 I love the pictures.
I am Matthew’s little sister Amy. His “Short, short bio” is keeping me up at night because it’s so BORING! I decided to take the initiative and re-write it for him, because I’m just that kind of person, and he’s busy being a famous author (“double book launch” and all that).
It should go something like this… Matthew’s ears must have magical powers because he always rubs them for inspiration (and distraction). His childhood was just as rich as any young adult work of fiction. He got spectacular gold rimmed glasses in 6th Grade and compensated in coolness (for the unwelcome addition) by smacking his gum extra loud. Matthew almost became proficient at the piano, but shocked everyone at his last recital (age 14) as he stood up mid-sonata and announced that “he quit.” In spite of that very unexpected drama, he has an amazing ear for music and a decent baritone. He sings loudly in the car, but not in the shower. During his younger days, Matthew’s summers were filled with scout camps, catching fire flies, building forts in the front yard, collecting Batman cards, organizing The Monopoly Clue Club, swimming at the lake, and playing “Adventure Games” in the woods behind his house. He carried a long bow with him in those days, and made trouble using a small cannon equipped with real gun powder and fuses given to him by his Uncle.
Above all, Matthew plays well with others. He is way too charming for his own good. During his adolescence, he dabbled in the fine arts with dreams of becoming a comic book artist or a film director. He enjoys staying up way too late playing computer games with his brother (when he should be writing). He can’t say no to grape Hi Chews, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Grandma Sycamore’s white bread, and maple bars with bacon bits (gross!). His mind is like a magnet for fascinating information, unappreciated by most, but necessary for his craft. Much to the credit and appreciation of his younger sisters, Matthew is extremely well versed in classical romance movies such as (but not limited to) Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and Random Harvest. He is loved by his nieces and nephews. And has a kind perceptive heart, brilliant mind and ever-growing imagination. Icefall is my favorite book. If you haven’t read it, you should. If you have read it, read it again!