Upcoming Events

I’m excited to be appearing at these upcoming events. You are cordially invited to every single one! (* Starred events are private or subject to registration.)

Tuesday, June 8: nErDcampKS

I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampKS!

Saturday, June 12: nErDcampCT

I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampCT!

Tuesday, June 22: ARROW is out!

Submit your preorder here to get Thank You Gifts and a new tree planted in your honor.

Wednesday, June 23, 6pm: ARROW Virtual Book Launch Party with BookPeople

Join me online with wonderful bookstore BookPeople to celebrate the release of my new middle-grade novel ARROW! I’ll be joined by Austin non-profit Tree Folks to talk about trees and do fun tree activities. All BookPeople orders of ARROW up to and during the launch party will get Thank You Gifts AND qualify for a grand prize! Plus I’ll be donating to Tree Folks so they will plant a new tree for Every Bookpeople preorder. Preorders made outside of BookPeople get Thank You Gifts too, and I’ll be donating to One Tree Planted to plant trees everywhere on behalf of those orders. Get full details here.

Thursday, July 15: nErDcampPA

I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampPA!

Want me to speak at your event? Contact me with the details.

 

Past Events

Saturday, April 24, 12:00pm CT: Texas Library Association Virtual Conference – Reading and Q&A at the Follett booth

I’m excited to do a reading from my upcoming middle-grade novel ARROW as well as answering questions about the book, writing and more.

Saturday, April 24, 10:15am CT: Texas Library Association Virtual Conference – Author’s Life at the Texas SCBWI booth

Come hear about the author’s life and my books, including THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST, ARROW and AMERICAN HORSE TALES: HOLLYWOOD.

Friday, April 23, 1pm CT: Texas Library Association Virtual Conference – Author Chat at the Simon & Schuster booth

If you’re attending TLA, join me to talk about my upcoming middle-grade novel ARROW!

Friday, April 23, 10am CT: Texas Library Association Virtual Conference – Austin SCBWI Chat at the Texas SCBWI booth

Are you curious about writing or illustrating children’s books? The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators can help! Join me to find out how SCBWI can help you build a children’s book career.

Saturday, March 20, 10am to 1pm: Throw More Stones: How to Build Character Through Conflict workshop with Writers League of Texas

I’m teaching a class for writers of all fiction on how to conflict in stories helps us to build well developed, three-dimensional characters. Register here.

Aug. 12, 1pm CT: SimonKids Facebook Live Snack & Read

I’ll be reading from THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST. sharing a snack and demonstrating a fun craft.

June 27: Writers League of Texas Unconference

Speaking on a Middle Grade panel with Jennifer Ziegler

May 2-3, 2020: Austin SCBWI 2020 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference*

Austin, TX, Holiday Inn Austin Midtown

Saturday, May 2: I’ll be on a panel, critiquing manuscripts, and signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST

Feb 1-2, 9 am – 2pm: Wildflower Center Book Fair

Austin, TX, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

2019

Sunday, Dec. 1, 1 pm – 3 pm: Empowering Kids One Book at a Time

Books of Wonder, 18 West 18th Street, New York, NY

Join me in conversation with authors K.A. Reynolds (SPINNER OF DREAMS) and Melissa Sarno (A SWIRL OF OCEAN) as we discuss how books can help kids feel empowered.

Saturday, Nov. 30, 1 pm – 3 pm: Empowering Kids One Book at a Time

Books of Wonder, 217 West 84th Street, New York, NY

Join me in conversation with authors K.A. Reynolds (SPINNER OF DREAMS), Donna Gephart (THE PARIS PROJECT), and Saadia Faruqi (MEET YASMIN) as we discuss how books can help kids feel empowered.

Nov. 21-24: NCTE 2019 Annual Convention*

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2:45 pm – 4 pm – Presenting “Creative Ways to Develop Language Skills Through Fiction: How the Right Book Can Build Students’ Inquiry For Learning Everything From Grammar to Advanced Writing Techniques” with authors Patti Kim, Victoria Piontek and Mae Respicio

Friday, Nov. 22, 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm – Speaking on panel “Scaring Students Into Reading: How Spooky Books Can Be Gateways To a Long-Term Love of Reading” with authors Sarah Cannon, S.A. Larsen, David Neilsen, Kim Ventrella and Karen Strong

Saturday, Nov. 23, 5:30 pm – 6 pm – Signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Simon & Schuster booth #1031, Level 100, Exhibit Halls E&F

Nov. 21, 7 pm: “Invasion of the Spooky Middle Grade Authors”

Greedy Reads, 320 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211

I’ll be speaking on a panel with authors Josh Allen, Sarah Cannon, S.A. Larsen, David Neilsen and Kim Ventrella, answering reader questions. We’ll be signing copies of our books after the discussion.

Nov. 12, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm: Writers League of Texas Class – Throw More Stones: How to Build Your Character Through Conflict*

ONLINE

I’m teaching a class for writers of all fiction on how to conflict in stories helps us to build well developed, three-dimensional characters. Register here.

Oct. 31, School Literacy Day*

Georgetown, TX

Oct. 26-27: Texas Book Festival

Austin, TX

Saturday, Oct. 26, noon – 1 pm: Signing copies of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Austin SCBWI booth, #214 in Exhibitor Tent 2.

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 pm – 3 pm: Signing copies of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Austin SCBWI booth, #214 in Exhibitor Tent 2.

Sunday, Oct. 27, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Moderating the “Tales of Magic and Adventure” panel with authors Daniel José Older (DACTYL HILL SQUAD: FREEDOM FIRE), Lisa McMann (DRAGON’S CURSE: THE UNWANTEDS QUEST #4) and J.C. Cervantes (THE FIRE KEEPER: A STORM RUNNER NOVEL, BOOK 2) at the Next Chapter Tent

Oct. 25, 4:15pm: IBBY Regional Conference Author Showcase*

Austin, TX, AT&T Conference & Hotel Center

I’ll be presenting about THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST.

Oct. 5, 10am to 1pm: Writers League of Texas Class – Throw More Stones: How to Build Your Character Through Conflict*

Austin, TX, St. Edward’s University

I’m teaching a class for writers of all fiction on how to conflict in stories helps us to build well developed, three-dimensional characters.

Sept. 19, 7pm: Writers League of Texas Third Thursday

Austin, TX, BookPeople

I’m speaking on a panel on “Learning to Write By Watching TV?” with authors Wendi Aarons, Eugene Fischer and Scott Von Doviak

Sept. 14, 10am: Austin SCBWI Crystal Kite Award presentation

Austin, TX, BookPeople

I’ll be receiving my Crystal Kite Award for THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST!!! The presentation will be immediately after the Austin SCBWI monthly meeting, where author Christina Soontornvat will talk about writing chapter books. Hope to see you there!

Sept. 7, 2pm: THE KEY OF LOST THINGS by Sean Easley book launch

Dallas, TX, Interabang Books

I’m excited to interview wonderful author Sean Easley about his fantastic book series.

Aug. 31: Austin SCBWI Marketing & Career Boot Camp*

Austin, TX

I’m teaching a session on pitching proposals to conferences.

Aug. 4, 1 pm: Middle Grade Mayhem with authors Erin Latimer Jordan Stratford, and Angela Ahn

Vancouver, BC, Indigo Robson Bookstore

Aug. 3, 6 pm: Middle Grade Mayhem with authors Erin Latimer and Jordan Stratford

Seattle, WA, Third Place Books Lake Forest Park

July 20, 10 am: Wildflower Center Book Fair

Austin, TX, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

July 13: Austin SCBWI Monthly Meeting

Austin, TX, BookPeople

10 am – “What I Learned From My Debut Year” with authors Cate Berry and Kendra Fortmeyer and author/illustrator Vanessa Roeder

July 12: Camp Spitfire: Creative Writing Summer Camp for Kids*

Austin, TX, The Writing Barn

Speaking to the Spitfire kids at The Writing Barn’s summer camp.

June 28-30: Writers League of Texas 2019 Agents & Editors Conference*

Austin, TX, Hyatt

Saturday, June 29, 2 pm – Speaking on panel “Writing the Quiet Moments Between Plot Points” with authors Serene Hakim, Sara Kocek, Mary Helen Specht

Saturday, June 29, 4 pm – Moderating panel “Inside a Publishing House: How Decisions are Made” with Michael Barron, Sara Goodman, Monique Patterson

June 22, 2pm to 5pm: Your Words, Your Voice: How Language Builds Character and Story to Breathe Life Into Your Book*

Teaching this online workshop for The Writing Barn

April 27, 9 am to 2 pm: Austin Central Library’s Kids Block Party

Austin, TX, Central Library

1:15 pm – On a panel with author/illustrators Don Tate and Emma Virján and author Jessica Lee Anderson

April 15-18: TLA Annual Conference 2019

Austin, TX, Austin Convention Center

      Tuesday, April 16, 12 pm – 1 pm – At the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Texas Chapters booth #2530

      Tuesday, April 16, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Speed Dating: “Texas Authors and Illustrators Meet and Greet” in 13AB, level 4

      Wednesday, April 17, 9 am – 9:30 am – Signing copies of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST in Signing Aisle 8

      Wednesday, April 17, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Panel: “What’s New With Texas Middle-Grade and YA Authors” in 16AB, level 4

      Wednesday, April 17, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Panel: “Tough Issues – Big Impact: How Darker Middle Grade Books Empower Kids and Inspire Empathy” in 18AB, level 4

      Wednesday, April 17, 4 pm – 5 pm – At the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Texas Chapters booth #2530

March 1, 9 am to 10 am: Reading to Fort Worth school for Read Across America

Skype visit

2018

Dec. 8: Humanities Texas‘s 2018 Holiday Book Fair

Byrne-Reed House, Austin TX

10 am-1pm: Come meet me and other authors at this book fair. All proceeds benefits Texas libraries. Get the details on the Facebook event page.

Dec. 2: Author Signing at Barnes & Noble Arboretum

Barnes & Noble Arboretum, Austin TX

12pm-3pm: I’ll be signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST, along with authors Jo Whittemore and Mari Mancusi–the perfect opportunity for parents to get signed books for their kids for Christmas.

Nov. 19: In Conversation with 4 MG Debuts

BookPeople, Austin TX

6:30pm: I’ll be on a panel with fellow 2018 middle-grade debut authors Rebecca Caprara (THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHID), Sean Easley (THE HOTEL BETWEEN) and Ginger Johnson (THE SPLINTERED LIGHT).

Nov. 15-18: NCTE 2018 Annual Convention

Houston TX

Friday, Nov. 16, 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm: Panel – The Serious Side of Magic: How Fantasy and Magical Realism Novels Can Be Used To Understand and Create Change in the Real World with authors Christina Soontornvat, Cory Putman Oakes, Anna Meriano and David Bowles, moderated by librarian Rita Painter, Room 330B

Friday, Nov. 16, 2:30-3 pm: Signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Simon & Schuster booth #608

Nov. 11: Two MG Authors: Conversation with Jennifer Ziegler and Samantha M Clark

The Twig Book Shop, San Antonio TX

12-2pm: Jennifer Ziegler and I will talk about middle-grade books, including THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST and her Brewster Triplets series.

Oct. 27-28: Texas Book Festival

Austin, TX, Capitol Grounds, Next Chapter Tent

Sunday, Oct. 28, 12 pm – 12:45 pm: “What If?” panel with authors Bill Cotter and Jo Whittemore. Book sales at the Texas Book Festival benefit the Reading Rockstars and Library Grants programs. Pre-order books here.

Oct. 18: School Visit: Boone Elementary School*

Austin TX, morning

Oct. 18: Writers League of Texas Third Thursday

BookPeople (Third Floor), Austin TX

7pm: On panel “The Craft of Great Mysteries and Thrillers” with authors May Cobb, Amy Gentry and Sherry Thomas

Oct. 16: School Visit: Faubion Elementary School*

Austin TX, morning

Oct. 11: School Visit: Anderson Mill Elementary School*

Austin TX, morning

Sept. 8: Two MG Authors: Conversation with Jennifer Ziegler and Samantha M Clark

Brazos Bookstore, Houston TX

3pm: Jennifer Ziegler and I will talk about middle-grade books

Aug 25: In Conversation With…

Barnes & Noble Arboretum, Austin TX

7pm: I’m chatting with YA author Vicky Skinner about her new novel HOW TO BREATHE UNDERWATER

Aug 13: In Conversation With… YA Fantasy Panel

BookPeople, Austin TX

7pm: Moderating a panel in conversation with fantasy YA authors Bree Barton, Cory Putman Oakes and Kayla Olson

Aug 4: SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER: 11 Tips to Add Magic to Your Writing. A free workshop for kids

The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles CA

10:30am: Along with authors Kim Tomsic and Henry Lien, I’ll be teaching a workshop on writing for kids and teens and signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST. Get the details and register on the Eventbrite page.

July 28: Book Launch for THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST

BookPeople, Austin TX

2pm: Launch celebration with food, drinks, prizes and more. Get the details on my Facebook event.

July 21-23: International Literacy Association Conference

Austin Convention Center, Austin TX

Saturday, July 21, 11am: Signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Publisher’s Spotlight booth

Saturday, July 21, 5pm – 6pm: Panel – The Serious Side of Magic: How Fantasy and Magical Realism Novels Can Be Used To Understand and Create Change in the Real World with authors Kim Tomsic, Cory Putman Oakes, Anna Meriano and David Bowles, moderated by librarian Rita Painter

Sunday, July 22, 9am – 10am: Panel – Authors at Work: Observing—and Joining—a Community of Children’s and Young Adult Authors as They Critique Each Other’s Work with authors Donna Janell Bowman, Cynthia Levinson, Jo Whittemore and Angie Zapata

July 20: BookPeople Kids Writing Camp

BookPeople, Austin TX

10am: Author visit

June 30-July 1: Writers League of Texas Conference

Hyatt Regency Austin, Austin TX

10:15am-11am – Moderating the “Real Talk: How Agents Spend Their Time” panel with Arielle Datz, Sarah Levitt and Eric Myers

3:15pm-4:15pm: Featured panelist on “The Agent/Author Relationship” with Rachel Orr, Amy Gentry and Sharon Pelletier, moderated by Richard Santos

June 20: Stop the Summer Slide author panel

Barnes & Noble Arboretum, Austin TX

7pm: I’ll be moderating a panel about tips to keep kids reading during the always important summer break and how books change lives, with authors Taryn Bashford, A.M. Rose, Vicky Skinner, Jo Whittemore and Don Zolidis. Get details on the Facebook event.

June 22-25: American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans LA

Saturday June 23, 11am: Signing THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Simon & Schuster booth

June 23: Stop the Summer Slide author panel

Mid-City Branch Library, New Orleans LA

3pm: I’ll be moderating a panel about tips to keep kids reading during the always important summer break and how books change lives, with authors Taryn Bashford, Tiffany Brownlee, Kim Chance, Megan England and Don Zolidis. Get details on the Facebook event.

April 3, 2018: Texas Library Association Convention

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas

2:45pm Panel – What’s New with Texas Middle Grade and Young Adult Authors

4pm Speed Dating at Texas Author and Illustrator Meet and Greet

5:30pm Signing at Author Area #8