Author of award-winning, adventurous realistic and historical fiction

audrey and alice

WI Whirlwind

Mar 7, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

I had the best time in Wisconsin last week, talking to friends and family, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and readers about WHEN AUDREY MET ALICE. Some highlights of my whirlwind trip:

–Meeting the great readers at EAGLE School in Fitchburg. My very first school visit was a success! I really enjoyed talking books with Ellen Bunn, the library/media specialist and a fellow historical-fiction fan. Thanks to Ellen and Mr. Gallo for hosting me, and thanks to the students at EAGLE for being such an enthusiastic and smart audience!

–And speaking with the great readers at Elm Lawn Elementary in Middleton. I spoke to about 200 fourth- and fifth-graders, and I was blown away by their great questions. My favorite part? When I told them a little bit about my book-in-progress, which tells about what might’ve really happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. It turns out the kids at Elm Lawn are writing fiction right now about . . . the Lost Colony of Roanoke! What a cool coincidence, and it was so memorable to have that connection with young writers. Thanks to Joan Anderson and the fourth- and fifth-grade teachers for hosting me!

–Seeing so many friends and family at the Barnes & Noble in Madison, including my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Gerlach. Yes, I did tear up when I saw her smiling face–I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. G’s class, and I credit her with sparking and encouraging my love of historical fiction. I also got to see my high-school art teacher, Mr. McConnell–it was his class that actually inspired the first manuscript I wrote. Books connect people in many ways, but I’m especially grateful that my book event led to some happy reunions.

–Meeting author friends in person for the first time. Wendy McClure, Gayle Rosengren, and I spoke on a historical MG panel at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee on Sunday. It was fun to share about our books and have a discussion about writing and reading MG. And two of Gayle and my Class of 2K14 classmates came to see us: Amy Zhang and Liz Czukas!

Hopefully I’ll get some pictures of the visit on my Facebook page soon. In the meantime, I’m already making plans for the next one. 🙂

Hello, Wisconsin!

Feb 27, 2014 | , , , , ,

I’m so excited to head back to my hometown tonight for a few book events.

If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be doing my first two school visits tomorrow. I’ve got my powerpoint and my stickers ready. 🙂

Then, on Saturday at 1:00 pm, I’ll be signing books at the Barnes and Noble at West Towne in Madison. Event details here: B&N Author Events: When Audrey Met Alice

On Sunday at 3:00 pm, I’ll be part of a fun historical MG panel with fellow Class of 2K14 author Gayle Rosengren and Wendy McClure at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee. More info about that is here: Boswell Book Company: Upcoming Events

Hope to see you there!

Launch Party!

Feb 25, 2014 | , , , , , , , ,

I had so much fun at the launch party for When Audrey Met Alice last Thursday at Books of Wonder in NYC! Here are some of the highlights:

 

IMG_4423(I freaked out a little when I got there and saw the sign–but in a good way.)

IMG_4428(Pretty books!)

IMG_4433(Drinks and snacks, featuring “WH Chef Debra’s” chocolate-chip cookies, petits fours, fake champagne [Alice would not approve] and gift bags–each with an Emily Spinach inside.)

AUDREYParty1(Mingling before the reading. Books of Wonder has the most amazing children’s literature art collection!)

IMG_4471(Fellow debut authors Michelle Schusterman, Lauren Magaziner, Emery Lord, and Kim Liggett helping me share a Top Ten list of First Kid hijinks)

photo-6(Getting used to signing)

AUDREYParty3

(Chatting with Write Nite friends Kathryn, Kristi, Bess, and Gina! And thanks to Jodi for taking this picture)

There are a lot more photos on my Facebook page here.

Thanks to everyone who came out to hear about First Kids, eat some cookies and petits fours, and make my launch party such a memorable–and fun!–experience!

When Audrey Met Alice in the news!

Feb 24, 2014 | , , ,

I’m thrilled that When Audrey Met Alice has been featured in two newspapers since it’s release:

Sarah Harrison Smith from the New York Times reviewed it on Wednesday, February 12:

“. . . When Audrey Met Alice may pique middle-grade readers’ interest in Teddy Roosevelt’s tenure as president, as well as in the dramatic improvements to women’s rights over the course of the 20th century. Behrens includes a bibliography that can get young researchers off to a good start. But that laudable end, which should please teachers and librarians . . . shouldn’t dissuade those who are looking for nothing more than an entertaining middle-grade romp—albeit one set at America’s most famous address.”

The full review is here!

And my hometown paper, the Wisconsin State Journal, ran an interview with me in this past Sunday’s edition. I had a great time talking to Jeanne Kolker about my book, and it was such an honor and a thrill to be in the pages of the paper I grew up reading. The interview is available online here: “Historical Friction.”

What’s Up Wednesday, 2/19

Feb 19, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

WUW7

What I’m Reading 
I sped through the great historical-fiction middle grade Esperanza Rising and lingered in Alice Munro’s Dear Life. Her stories are fantastic–sharp and poignant. Now I’m starting Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior. I love her books so much, and so far this one is no exception.

What I’m Writing   
I’m taking a break from revising while I keep working on guest posts (here are some of the ones I’ve done so far: WAMA blog tour) and get ready for my launch party (this Thursday! At Books of Wonder, if you’re in NYC) and a few fun upcoming events. I miss writing/revising–but I’ll be back to it soon, and reenergized thanks to this time away.

What Inspires Me Right Now

The enthusiastic and enriching writing community; the readers and bloggers I’ve had a chance to meet the past few weeks; my insanely supportive friends and family.

What Else I’ve Been Up To 
Baking a ton (I almost mean that literally) of cookies for my launch party; practicing reading my book out loud (not the world’s easiest task for an introvert like me); binge-watching House of Cards–seriously, how did I not watch this show until now? I’m 6 episodes into Season 1 and I’m pretty obsessed.

So what have you been up to lately?

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. You can find the link widget (and cute buttons!) on Jaime’s and Erin’s blog posts.

Thanks, and the WAMA blog tour

Feb 7, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

I had so much fun watching When Audrey Met Alice head off to “eat up the world” this week! Thanks to everyone who congratulated, shared, tweeted, and cheered me, Audrey, and Alice on.

And a huge thanks to the bloggers who’ve generously hosted me on their sites as part of the blog tour. Here are the places you can find me talking about When Audrey Met Alice so far:

Mundie Moms: Interview

A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust: Guest post on where Alice Roosevelt would hang out in DC today

Smack Dab in the Middle: “Middleview” Interview

Musings of a YA Reader: Guest post on who inspired me as a tween

The Compulsive Reader: Guest post on fascinating First Daughters

Books for Kids: Guest post on what Alice would do if she were a First Daughter in the 21st century

Bookshelf Fantasies: Guest post on what Alice would find confusing about the 21st century

Sharp Read: 5,4,3,2,1 Interview

Nerdy Book Club: Guest post “From Reader to Writer”

The Class of 2k14 blog: Book Birthday Interview

Fearless Fifteeners: All Four Kids Interview

Jessica Spotswood’s blog: Thrice Interview (enter the giveaway!)

Heidi Schulz’s blog: In the Middle Interview

Readerly Musings: Guest post on historical women I find fascinating

 

On Pub Day

Feb 4, 2014 | , , , , , , ,

This is a really hard post to write and a really easy one, too. It’s hard because I’ve thought about this day for so long–in terms of when I started writing for publication, five years; and in terms of how long I’ve secretly dreamed of being an author, probably my whole life. It’s easy because the only thing I really want to say is this: Thank You.

Writing isn’t easy, and neither is publishing. There are ups and downs and of course I’ve had plenty of both along the way. But one thing I’ve never lacked is enthusiastic support: from my friends and family, from my agency and publisher, from my delightful and inspiring coworkers, from the other writers and bloggers I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know in the kid-lit community. The only thing that doesn’t feel surreal today is a deep sense of gratitude–that I get to share my words with the world, and that I get to have so many wonderful people cheering me on as I do.

 

Finished copies!

Jan 30, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

Last night, I got home to a big box on my doorstep. Sent from Sourcebooks c/o RR Donnelly, so I had an inkling what was inside.IMG_2132

(Photo taken after I’d gone inside and grabbed a camera, and almost locked myself out in my excitement.)

IMG_2136

(Please ignore the other boxes in the background. What? You seem to remember that I moved almost a year ago? Uh . . . let’s move on, shall we?)

IMG_2152

What was inside was pretty freaking exciting.

IMG_2142

And it made for a pretty awesome night.

IMG_2153

Reviews!

Dec 17, 2013 | , , ,

In the December 15th issue, Kirkus reviewed When Audrey Met Alice–and they liked it!

“This charming debut brings Alice Roosevelt to life when 13-year-old ‘first daughter’ Audrey finds Alice’s century-old diary and turns to it for advice . . .  Behrens invents a fictional Alice, as she reveals in her author’s note, and writes the diary entries in credible period prose that’s still accessible to modern readers. Audrey knows that she’s just a normal girl for all that she lives in the White House, making Audrey and the story nicely accessible.

An appealing journey and a fascinating life.”

The full Kirkus review is here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rebecca-behrens/when-audrey-met-alice/

And Publishers Weekly called When Audrey Met Alice an “entertaining debut” and said, “Alice’s (invented) journal entries appear throughout and offer a window into the life of this fearless historical figure though, as Behrens notes, ‘when it came to good fiction versus factual accuracy, fiction won.’ Details of life in the White House, combined with Audrey’s more ordinary struggles (including the potential for a first boyfriend), will keep readers hooked.” The full PW review is here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4022-8642-1.

It’s pretty surreal to see my book in Kirkus and PW, and I couldn’t be happier with what the reviewers have said. 🙂

What’s Up Wednesday 10/16

Oct 16, 2013 | , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

WUWAutumn

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. If you’d like to join in, you can find the link widget on Jaime’s and Erin’s blog posts. I love this idea because it gives a structured, easy way for me to keep up with blogging. Also, the buttons are cute. Thanks for the idea, Jaime and Erin!

What I’m Reading 
Last week I read Just One Year in just one day. I loved getting to see the other side of the story; I’ll say nothing else because I don’t want to spoil anything. Then I lucked into an ARC of Nikki Loftin’s Nightingale’s Nest. It’s beautiful and unique and haunting, and I’m savoring every word.

What I’m Writing   
Still doing odds and ends for the business side of writing. When I’m not doing that, I am playing around with a new idea. This is a project I’d maybe like to work on for NaNo in some form. I guess for now I’m treating it more like a writing exercise and less like a WIP, if that makes sense. Sometimes you need space to play with words in order to work with them.

What Inspires Me Right Now   
I had the day off on Monday, so I went up to the Bronx Zoo. A lot of little kids were running around in their adorable Halloween costumes.  Dime-store capes and some face paint are all it takes to let them create adventures for themselves.  It’s always fun to see children being imaginative and playful, and I find the creativity surrounding Halloween really inspiring–that’s probably why it’s one of my favorite holidays. (Also the candy. Mmm, candy. I think I might actually get trick-or-treaters this year, so I have an excuse to stock up.)

What Else I’ve Been Up To
Last Friday I went to Alison Cherry’s launch party for her debut, Red! It was at the lovely BookCourt in Brooklyn, and it was a fabulous time.

And in other news, there’s a Goodreads ARC giveaway for When Audrey Met Alice going on right now. You can sign up here!

So what have you been up to lately?

 

What’s Up Wednesday, 10/9

Oct 9, 2013 | , , , , , ,

WUWAutumn

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. If you’d like to join in, you can find the link widget on Jaime’s and Erin’s blog posts. I love this idea because it gives a structured, easy way for me to keep up with blogging. Also, the buttons are cute. Thanks for the idea, Jaime and Erin!

What I’m Reading 
I’m still reading The Weird Sisters. I’m kind of lingering in the story, which is nice. I tend to read quickly, and sometimes I forget how satisfying it can be to take more time with a book.

What I’m Writing   
When Audrey Met Alice odds and ends, which are writing-related.  I’ve come to the realization that some of my writing time, going forward, needs to be allotted to the business-y side of publishing. And that’s okay! Otherwise, I’m still on a bit of a writing break. I did open a planning document on Sunday night and had fun brainstorming for an old new idea. I’m toying with the idea of doing a NaNo-inspired November writing marathon.

What Inspires Me Right Now   
I’m going to repeat last week’s inspiration: great weather and great books. I’ll also add the camaraderie and kindness in the kid lit writing and publishing community (see below).

What Else I’ve Been Up To
Revealing this new blog, and revealing the cover for When Audrey Met Alice! It was so fun to get to share the cover on Monday, and I am really grateful for the enthusiastic responses to it. (Mundie Kids is helping me give away an ARC, if you’d like to enter to win it!)

IRL: Making progress toward winning the title of Clumsiest Ever–I fractured my toe. By walking into my bathtub. But at least it’s an excuse to sit around and read, right?

So what have you been up to lately?

Cover Reveal!

Oct 7, 2013 | , , , , , , , , , ,

That’s right, When Audrey Met Alice has a cover!

You can head over to Mundie Kids and check it out. We’re also sharing the ARC cover and details about the process behind creating the perfect cover for Audrey and Alice’s story.

Here’s the link: http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2013/10/when-audrey-met-alice-by-rebecca.html

Elizabeth Connor, the incredibly talented designer, and the whole Sourcebooks team created what I think is the perfect image for this story. It’s an understatement to say that I’m thrilled with it.

Thanks to Katie at Mundie Kids for her help and enthusiasm with my reveal! It’s so fun to get to share this.

Archives