Friday Wrap Up- Good News is Blooming in Central Texas








(why can’t I place images whereever I want? Honestly, no matter what I do, pictures always land at the head of the post. How frustrating!)

I’m looking back at my week now and feeling pretty good about how I’ve spent my time. You see, I made a New-School-Year Resolution to utilize my days more wisely. I’m working my way into a routine that includes designated times for: social networking, blogging, exercise, industry news and, most importantly, writing. My new “office hours” are paying off. This week, I’ve revised an old nonfiction manuscript that’s been vying for my attention, and I’ve done more research on two new projects that have me really exciting. All in all, it’s been a productive week and nothing crumbled around me. Yay!

A lot of good news has been blessed upon some of my writing friends. Here’s some of the latest news. My sincerest apologize for anyone I’ve missed.

Chris Barton is full of good news. His YA nonfiction book, CAN I SEE YOUR ID? is scheduled to be released in April 2011.

SHARK VS. TRAIN has spent five weeks on the NY Times Bestseller list and is being translated to Korean. Check out the book trailer

The DAY-GLO BROTHERS(a 2010 Sibert Honor book)is also being translated to Korean and is showing no signing of slowing in popularity.

The lovely Bethany Hegedus has announced that her latest MG novel, TRUTH WITH A CAPITAL T, will be released in October. And we’re all celebrating news of her latest sale, a nonfiction picture book titled GRANDFATHER GANDHI (release date TBD)

K.A. Holt‘s BRAINS FOR LUNCH is on shelves now. Check out this fun book trailer.

Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s latest picture book, HOLLER LOUDLY will be released in November 2011. Check out this adorable book trailer. Then, be sure to check out Cyn’s new website design. It’s amazing!

Brian Yansky‘s ALIEN INVASION AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES is due out in October. I have a tiny invested interest in this one, so I’m doubly anxious.

Liz Garton Scanlon‘s ALL THE WORLD has been named a PEN finalist Of course, nobody is surprised.

The Texas Book Festival
has announced it’s lineup for 2010 and boy is it a whopper! Check out the impressive author lineup. Our Austin writing community is well represented.

If you’re a writer or illustrator, you won’t want to miss the Austin SCBWI regional conference, Books, Boots, and Buckskin conference in February 20111. Registration is now open!