Blessings: Thursday, November 21st, 2013

I live a charmed life.

Well, not really.  I have my ups and downs like everybody else, and I've had to climb over many hurdles on my road to publication.

But right now, in this moment, I have everything I could possibly want, or need.

Right now, I'm sitting at my kitchen table while my daughter sings and dances in a circle, waving a blue crayon around.  One of my cats is perched next to my computer and when I reach out to pat him, his soft fur warms my hand.  My fridge is full with delicious food just waiting to be made into a meal.  My husband will be home from work soon, and we'll snuggle on the couch and watch Parks and Recreation.

I spent half of today with a dear friend who just had a baby, after struggling with infertility for the last few years.  And tomorrow I'll go to yoga in the morning and then camp out at my favorite coffeeshop to write.  This weekend I'll see another dear friend in a play at a theatre that she's worked for years to get cast at.

My life is full and rich with my family and their many blessings, with my friends who bring me so much joy, and my work to fulfill two multi-book contracts with two different publishers - a goal I've worked for for years.

I lost my mom when I was a young teenager, an event that reverberates in every aspect of my life.  And while I miss my mom every day, I also feel very strongly that she is always looking out for me.  I even think that she put those hurdles in my way, so that when I got over them I would know what accomplishment feels like.  Suffering that huge of a loss at such a young age made me realize very early on how important it is to appreciate what I have.  How important it is to stop and look around on an ordinary Thursday evening, see the blessings in every little moment, and say thank you.

The Class of 2k14

I'M BACK!!!!
Yes, it's been almost a year since I've blogged.  I'll catch ya'll up over the next couple of weeks.  Today, I'm here to talk about the launch of the Class of 2k14!

The Class of 2k14 is a group of diverse YA and MG authors who have banded together to support and promote each other's books over the next year and a half.  I'm thrilled and honored to be part of this group.  And today is the launch of our shiny, brand-new website.  We're celebrating with a giveaway - you could win a $100 gift certificate to the bookseller of your choice!

The Class of 2k groups were started in 2007 by Greg Fishbone as a way to connect authors with booksellers, librarians, teachers, and readers.  All of the previous Classes have webpages that list their authors.  The Class of 2k13 is active right now and I encourage you to check out their website and attend any events in your area!

But first, check out the upcoming Class of 2k14 and get to know us.  Enter our giveaway and follow us throughout 2014 as our books debut.  Follow us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Goodreads.  There will be lots more giveaways over the coming months so be sure to keep checking in!

Here's to The Class of 2k14!  Long may we reign.