Celebratory kayak rolling

In celebration of my recent signing with Andrea Brown agent CARYN WISEMAN, here is my first vlog.

I have an AGENT!!

Yes, I've been sitting on this for the eternity that it took for the contract to come all the way from California! My spectacular news -

CARYN WISEMAN

of ANDREA BROWN LITERARY AGENCY

has offered to represent me! 

*cue sun beams shining down from the heavens and warblers singing*

She read ICE DOGS, and said she loved it! I really can't believe it -

MY DREAM AGENT!

The phone call from Caryn took the shock out of turning forty last week. (as in what the... I'm FORTY? How did that happen?) and I couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate!

celebrating with Mr. Crabby is a good way to not feel forty.

We're still celebrating over here if anyone wants to come for brownies, skinny dipping and Crabby dancing. (everyone except the dog who is deathly afraid of Mr. Crabby for some reason. I have no idea why, it's not like I've chased her around the house with it or crawled to her bed and woke her up with it.)

I'm just VIBRATING with joy to be able to share this news with all my blogging friends. I may even post a vlog in the near future involving an attempt to do a celebratory roll in my kayak.

Cold querying DOES work. Yes, you too can get discovered in the slush. If I can, so can you!

Dog fun and free conference!

I interrupt my torturous waiting time to lay some funny on ya. (I'm still waiting to be able to spill my super-amazing good news!)

Also, a few sites that you MUST visit -

1. A few of my awesome peeps from The Elevensies have started an incredible FREE on-line conference for kid-lit writers! It has an AMAZING line up of agents and other personalities. The party will be held in August, but for now, go check out the site  WRITE ON CON and see for yourself!

2. From the Mixed-Up Files is another ground-breaking idea that has sprung forth lately. A whole website devoted to MIDDLE GRADE books! It's loaded with great book ideas and discussions and a gaggle of awesome middle grade authors.

Dogs that Sled

I have some fantastic news percolating in the wings. While we wait, thought you might enjoy watching this video a friend of mine sent me.