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.)
I’m presenting at the Austin SCBWI monthly meeting, teaching novelists how and why they should layer themes and more into their stories.
PAST EVENTS
Nov. 11-12, Texas Book Festival
Saturday, 11am, I’ll be at the SCBWI booth
Sunday, 11am, I’ll be at the Writers League of Texas booth
Want me to speak at your event? Contact me with the details.
Nov. 4, 1pm-3pm Local Authors Day, New Braunfels, TX
I’ll be with a great lineup of authors sharing the love of reading.
Oct. 21, 3pm-4pm, Great Texas Dragon Day at Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX
Author Kacy Ritter and I will be celebrating dragons! Kacy will be sharing her middle-grade novel THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE and I’ll be sharing my GEMSTONE DRAGONS chapter books.
June 10, noon-1pm In Conversation with R.L. Toalson at BookPeople, Austin, TX
Join me for a conversation with author R.L. Toalson about her new middle-grade novel THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER.
May 20, 10am-11:30am Learning In the Park at Pease Park, Austin, TX
Join author Jessica Lee Anderson and me as we talk about snakes (featured in her NAOMI NASH chapter book series) and their fictional cousins, dragons, featured in my GEMSTONE DRAGONS chapter book series.
May 18, 10am-1pm Writers League of Texas Texas Writes day, Marble Falls, TX
I’ll present “Writing for Young Readers: How To Keep Children Turning Your Pages,” while New York Times bestselling author Amy Gentry presents “Thrill Your Darlings: Borrowing Across Genres To Strengthen Your Novel”.
April 29-30, Austin SCBWI 2023 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference*
I’ll be doing a Q&A with my agent, Rachel Orr of Prospect Agency, and teaching “How To Write a Novel and Not Get Intimidated”. Register here.
April 22, HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show, Austin, TX
I’ll be at a booth with author Jessica Lee Anderson.
April 20-21, 2023 Texas Library Association Convention at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX*
Thursday, April 20, 10am-11am What’s New with Texas MG/YA and Chapter Book Authors
Thursday, April 20, 11am-11:50am Signing at booth 1934-1936
Thursday, April 20, 4:30pm-5:30pm Howdy Partner: Texas Authors & Illustrators Meet and Greet
Friday, April 21, 9:30am-10:00am Signing paperbacks of ARROW for Simon & Schuster at Author Aisle #3
Friday, April 21, 11:30am-12:30pm Finding Unity in Middle Grade: Inclusive Stories Bring Young Readers Together
Saturday, April 8, 2pm-5pm, Writers League of Texas*
Join me for a class about Writing the MG/YA Novel. Register here.
Monday, March 27, 5pm-6:30pm Author Panel Discussion at Laura’s Library, Austin, TX
Join me and authors Evan Griffith and Jacquetta Nammar Feldman in a Q&A about writing and publishing.
Saturday, March 4, 3pm GEMSTONE DRAGONS Celebration at Brazos Bookstore in Houston, TX
Join me as I celebrate my four-book chapter book series with a reading, a craft plus GIFTS!
Saturday, Feb. 25, Austin SCBWI Marketing Boot Camp*
I’m teaching a session on Harnessing the Inbox: Best Practices for Enewsletters
Wednesday, Feb. 22, BOLT Conference*
I’m presenting “Igniting a Story Spark: Help Your Students Become Idea Generators” at this library convention
Wednesday, Feb. 1, World Read Aloud Day
I’m reading to classrooms ALL DAY! Sign up here for your spot.
Saturday, Jan. 28, 11am GEMSTONE DRAGONS signing at Lark & Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, TX
Join me as I sign copies of my newest GEMSTONE DRAGONS books and others.
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10am – 4pm 2nd Annual Southside Book Fair in San Antonio, Texas
Join me and lots of other authors to celebrate books and reading. The Twig Bookstore will be selling books.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6, Texas Book Festival in Austin, Texas
I’m moderating two panels and will be signing books at the Austin SCBWI booth.
Saturday, October 1, 6pm to 8:30pm Evening With the Authors in Lockhart, Texas*
I’ll be a featured author at this event benefiting the local Dr. Eugene Clark Library, the oldest library in Texas that is still being used as a lending library. Click to register.
Saturday, September 24, 1pm Signing and Discussion and Interabang Books in Dallas, Texas
Join me for a fun reading of the first two books in the GEMSTONE DRAGONS chapter books series.
June 24-26 The Writers League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference
I’ll be speaking at this wonderful conference
Sunday, May 1, 2:30pm – 3pm Tree Folks Keep Austin Rooted event at Live Oak Brewing Taproom and Biergarten
I’ll be reading and signing ARROW, as well as giving away seedpaper. Join us to learn about trees and help this fantastic organization.Get tickets here.
Wednesday, April 27, 10am – 11am What’s New With Texas YA and MG Authors
Wednesday, April 27, 12pm – 1pm Signing my books and giving out SWAG at SCBWI/TAIRT booth
Wednesday, April 27, 1:30pm – 3:30pm Texas Tea with Authors
April 26 – April 27 Texas Library Association Convention
Tuesday, April 26, 1:30pm Texas Authors & Illustrators Meet & Greet Speed Dating
Tuesday, April 26, 3:30pm – 4pm Signing ARROW (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster) and AMERICAN HORSE TALES: HOLLYWOOD (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House) in the Authors Area
April 23, 10am-noon Sprint Into FREADom Book Fair, Austin, Texas
I’ll be do a reading and supporting books and libraries at this event.
April 23, 7pm-10pm THE LAST MAPMAKER book launch at BookPeople, Austin, Texas
I’ll be in conversation with Newbery Honor author Christina Soontornvat about her latest middle grade novel, THE LAST MAPMAKER. RSVP here.
2021
Thursday, July 15: nErDcampPA
I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampPA!
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.
Saturday, June 12: nErDcampCT
I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampCT!
Tuesday, June 8: nErDcampKS
I’m looking forward to being a featured author at nErDcampKS!
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
