Exciting news: The Disaster Days is now available across platforms as an audiobook, from Tantor Audio!
I love how actress and voiceover artist Jennifer Sun Bell has told Hannah’s story–and I hope listeners will, too.
This is the very first audio edition I’ve gotten for one of my books, so I’m eagerly checking that off my author bucket list!
I came home to a fun surprise on Tuesday: paperback author copies. The first thing I did with them? Build a White House.
As of today, When Audrey Met Alice paperbacks are now in stores! I stopped by Barnes & Noble to sign a few. It’s fun to see both editions together on the shelf.
On my way home from a morning bookstore trip, I stopped for a couple of celebratory breakfast, of course!
Because happy publishing days pair well with doughnuts. Specifically, Nutella-banana and blueberry-lime. Yum.
My mom sent me this photo over the weekend of When Audrey Met Alice still on a B&N shelf,
and I realized that it was a year ago that I first saw my book in a store. Today’s the actual anniversary of my pub date, 2/4/2014. It’s been a whole year! And if I had to sum it up in a word, it would be grateful.
There is a learning curve to being a published author. Some parts I prepared for: ordering stickery swag; creating what I hope are fun, educational, and inspiring presentations for kids; figuring out my elevator pitch to tell people about my book. Other things I learned along the way: Like, always bring your own cords to a school visit, and have your presentation backed up on a flash drive just in case your own cords still don’t work with the AV equipment. (Because where there is technology, there are snafus.) Also, there is a real art to talking while signing books, without misspelling your own name.
But I don’t know that anything prepared me for how truly meaningful it is share your stories with young readers. I visited The Young Women’s Leadership School in East Harlem last week, and we had a great discussion about writing. I came home to three notes from readers, in the form of a Facebook message, an email, and snail mail (thanks, Onata, Olivia, and Grace!). The road to publication got a little bumpier for me in the past few weeks, but that day was a reminder that I’ve already been given such a wonderful gift in this opportunity to connect with other readers and storytellers. So, to everyone who has supported me and my book over the past year–especially the educators and booksellers who have welcomed me into their classrooms, libraries, and stores–thank you!
Last Friday, I did a young writers’ workshop at the New York Society Library, a beautiful and historic library that also happens to be my revising home-away-from-home.
(Here’s a presidential-history tidbit about the NYSL: Our Founding Father George Washington was a patron, but he didn’t return one of the books he checked out. When his Mount Vernon estate replaced the copy 221 years later, the library waived his overdue fines.)
Back to my workshop: Twenty creative and talented young writers came to hear me talk about writing fascinating people (like Alice Roosevelt) and famous places (like the White House). I showed them some research pictures, we played some writing games like Historical Figure Hotseat to get in the zone, and then we wrote scenes set in historic places, events, or periods, using lots of sensory details and cool facts.
I am always really excited when I get to talk about Alice.
Looking at pictures of the Roosevelt kids and their White House pets
Busy writing about Jane Goodall and Achilles
Working on an Amelia Earhart story and another set in 1800s Sweden
Even more writing! We had Napoleon at this table.
Signing books and sharing “WWAD?” bracelets at the end
One of my favorite parts of being an author is getting to talk with kids about books and storytelling. I always go home inspired by the curiosity and creativity of young writers. And I learn new things, too–about what kids love to read, and even about history. (Thanks to the great story one attendee wrote, I’ve been inspired to learn more about Deborah Sampson.)
Thanks to Carrie Silberman, Randi Levy, Susan Vincent, and everyone at the NYSL for having me–and most of all to the kids who came to write with me!
ALA Annual was amazing! It was fun, surreal, and humbling to be around so many wonderful readers, librarians, authors, and publishing professionals.
Here are some of the highlights (at least the ones for which I have photo documentation):
So I learned what “but it’s a dry heat” means.
AKA, still hot, but pleasantly so. Unless you get kind of lost on the way back to your hotel and have to circle a massive casino a few times to find the entrance . . .
Anyway, shortly after I got to the conference on Saturday, after a very early but thankfully uneventful flight, I got to meet fellow debut author Jessica Love!
Who is just as lovely in person as I knew she’d be. And I now have a signed copy of Push Girl. 🙂
I also got to meet fellow Sourcebooks author Nancy Cavanaugh! Very serendipitously, as I was getting to the conference just as she was leaving.
I headed over to the Sourcebooks booth to finally meet (and thank!) the wonderful marketing and S&L team. And I saw my poster in person!
I stopped by the Egmont booth to say hi and also meet author Len Vlahos, who was about to do the coolest author event, in which he played songs from his book on the PopTop Stage. Then I went back to the hotel with my ALA roommate, Lauren Magaziner, and crashed until it was time for the Class of 2K14 dinner. (Sadly, I didn’t think to take any pictures at that!)
The next morning, we were up bright and early for the MG vs. YA Trivia Showdown, hosted by the charming and talented duo of Jay Asher and Josephine Angelini.
We had so much fun playing trivia and sharing our first lines. The librarians, no surprise, impressed us all with their knowledge!
Later on Sunday, I signed When Audrey Met Alice in the Sourcebooks booth.
I had so much fun meeting librarians and talking about my book. And we actually ran out of copies by the end of the line! I was so touched by the enthusiasm of everyone who came by–it was a dream experience. And author Marissa Moss stopped by–I am a huge fan of her work, and I was so excited to meet her!
I had another fangirl moment when I got to meet Ann M. Martin.
I have been dying to read Rain Reign, and now I will always treasure this signed ARC. I kind of wish I could travel back in time to tell little Rebecca that someday, she’d be at ALA meeting the authors she loved.
After the conference wrapped up on Sunday, some of the Class of 2K14 members who were still around went out on the town to celebrate.
We did find the most amazing doughnut soap while wandering around.
Truth: I went into the store after seeing that in the window and thinking I could eat it.
And then bright and early the next morning, I was on my way back, jet-lagged and happy and grateful. I didn’t win any money, but I did carry home a suitcase bursting with books.
The When Audrey Met Alice blog tour is wrapping up. It’s been so great to hop around the Internet with guest posts and interviews! Here’s the second batch of posts, including an ongoing giveaway!
Middle Grade March: Guest Post about one of my middle-grade memories
March MG Madness: Interview, review, and a giveaway (running through 4/6!)
Spirit of Children’s Literature: Interview and Review
Teen Reads: Guest post about my favorite scene to write
Leisure Reads: Character profile for Audrey
The Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia: Guest post on historical women I find fascinating, and a giveaway (running through 3/31!)
Diamond & Coal Book Review: Guest post on my interest in First Daughters
Tressa’s Wishful Endings: Guest post on ten things Audrey found out about Alice
Zee Monodee – Author’s Corner: Guest post on First Daughters as celebrities
The Chicago Moms blog: Guest post on more historical women I find fascinating
Literature & Laura: Interview
Caroline Starr Rose’s Classroom Connections
A huge thank-you to the bloggers who have hosted and interviewed me!
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. 🙂
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!
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:
(I freaked out a little when I got there and saw the sign–but in a good way.)
(Pretty books!)
(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.)
(Mingling before the reading. Books of Wonder has the most amazing children’s literature art collection!)
(Fellow debut authors Michelle Schusterman, Lauren Magaziner, Emery Lord, and Kim Liggett helping me share a Top Ten list of First Kid hijinks)
(Getting used to signing)
(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!
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 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.
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