Last Saturday, I had my very first author event: a launch party at Barnes and Noble. This was the same Barnes and Noble where I was a bookseller many years ago, so it was especially sweet to return as an author and get to sign books and read to kids and generally have a fantastic time. The folks at Barnes and Noble were very helpful and generous; they gave away a book to the best-costumed kiddo, as well as giving away other small prizes to the other kids, and they even provided cake and cupcakes for the guests. To top off the good time, we sold out of copies of GROUNDED!
On Wednesday, one of my best friends and a phenomenal debut author, Kathy MacMillan, interviewed me for the Sweet Sixteens debut blog. She also posted an extended version of that interview here on her own blog. This interview was especially delightful for me, because Kathy and I were Sugar Quill professors together, back when we were extremely active Harry Potter obsessives (she went by the handle Elanor Gamgee), and she invited other Sugar Quill professors and dear friends (Zsenya and B Bennett) to ask questions as well.
Then, to my surprise and delight, I was tagged in a tweet that linked to this review on YA Books Central, written by reviewer Samantha Randolph, whom I want to hug. There are things, as an author, that you hope a reader will feel as they read your work, but it’s too much to hope that any reader will feel ALL the things you hoped for… right? Apparently – amazingly – not.
“The third person narrative packs all the heart, voice, and emotion that first person narratives often do and provides the reader with uncountable moments of witty, hilarious, and meaningful dialogue.”
“Rapunzel is beautifully flawed, unapologetically herself, and a character whose growth will quite possibly draw a few tears from time to time. She is a top-notch role model whose steadfast sincerity and loyalty will captivate both young and adult readers. Alongside her, Jack is absolutely adorable, a brave dreamer, and a fantastic friend whose own journey is full of meaning and maturing. Megan Morrison does a stunning job of crafting a villain for the story who draws compassion, uncertainty, and above all, complexity.”
I can’t get over this amazing response. This is everything I could have wished to accomplish.
And tomorrow I get to do something I have been dying to do ever since I first told my students that I had written a book. I get to go to the public library near my school and host a library event that is centered on my students, past and present. I get to give them cupcakes, and read to them, and hug them, and talk to their parents, and celebrate.
Life does not get better than this. I am savoring every second.
