The StorySki in yesterday's Wenatchee World.

This just in: Some excellent coverage of the StorySki in the Wenatchee World!

StorySki - Part III

This past Sunday was my final guided StorySki of the winter. Not that we are wrapping up the season anytime soon, but thank you so much to everyone that has been out on the trails (with me or otherwise) enjoying Polar Opposites with family and friends.

I've received many positive comments about the idea, but it wouldn't exist at all without the inspiration and financing of MVSTA and all that they do to support winter recreation here in the valley. A big thank you as well to my daughter for her own unique assistance with the event - and to Trail's End Bookstore for stocking signed copies of the book AND hosting the cookies and cocoa book signing on Sunday afternoon!

If you liked the StorySki, I'm excited to say that we'll be producing a StoryHike in similar fashion sometime this summer. I'll keep the book a secret for now, but stay tuned for additional info when the snow finally melts. Until then, ski on!

Twisp Library Commission

One of my small local libraries just completed a successful grassroots fund raising and expansion effort. I had the great pleasure of creating this commemorative piece for all of the children who made a contribution. A big thank you to the Twisp Library Friends, and to all the many donors kid and not-kid alike!

Click the image for a closer look. Donor names are collaged onto various books throughout the piece.

Happy Valentines Day!

Last year, on the heels of an excellent Christmas card printmaking venture, I asked my daughter if she'd like to make her own Valentine's Day cards as well. As of last night, we have a tradition in the making :)



I was more of a printer's assistant this time around, but its really cool to see her wanting to do all of the designing, carving, inking, and printing. I hope that you're sharing time (and something fun) with your loved ones today as well. Happy Valentines!

PS See a few more images from the Valentine card factory is you're a fan on Facebook.

Harts Pass : New York City

A little cross-platform posting here, so my apologies to the fans of Harts Pass that might be seeing this twice. Thor and I, along with a several new story ideas and a shiny illustration portfolio made the long winter trip to New York City several days ago. Being hearty mountain folk, we were stoked by the 10+ inches of snow that fell on Wednesday night, and shocked many a city visitor by eschewing the fine hotel treadmill in favor of slush puddle-snowbank hopping for our daily constitutional.

"Home again, home again", I'm still riding high from excellent meetings at Sterling and Henry Holt, not to mention the words of numerous speakers at SCBWI's mid-winter Conference. The task now is to translate momentum into work. A few highlights: Sara Zarr (gave the best talk of the conference!), Rubin Pfeffer (an astute and savvy new agent - with LOTS of real-world publishing experience - now working with East West Literary Agency), and some excellent "getting to know my peers" down time with the good folks from SCWBI WWA, John Deininger, and Mainers, Russ Cox, Josh Alves, and Hazel Mitchell, and finally, SCBWI Germany representatives, Daniel Jennewien (with a nice looking new book out with Balzer & Bray) and Kristen Carlson.

Thanks to all and now back to work. GRRR!

Literary Lions!

Bring together talented authors and devoted readers with the opportunity to dine and celebrate in the library and you have the premier Northwest event: the KCLS Foundation’s Literary Lions Gala.

The Gala is a literary feast where you’ll meet a bounty of talented writers, celebrate the joy of reading, toast new and favorite authors and help raise funds for literacy and lifelong learning programs.

Author Vince Flynn will keynote the 2011 event. Nancy Pearl will emcee the program and sign her new book: Book Lust To Go.

(Plus I'll be there with Polar Opposites & Cat Diaries. Fun stuff!)

The Bellevue Library on Saturday, March 5, 2011 is the perfect setting for you to discover and meet authors, buy their books and enjoy a unique literary-themed silent auction. Invitations will be in the mail soon.

For more information on sponsorships or to reserve your tickets, contact Claire Wilkinson, cwilkins@kcls.org, 425.369.3448.

SCBWI Western Washington: Spring Conference!

Fresh off of the New York SCBWI mid-winter shindig? Want to keep that positive vibe flowin', ditch the black pea coat-scarf-wearing attire, AND take a visit to the land of moisturizer free springtime weather? Sign up today for the Western Washington Regional Conference. Truly, this is one of the best regional affairs in the country. Plus, I would bet real money that Dan Santat's presence alone will be worth it.

Sign on before its gone!