Seattle HOST: Rebecca Stead!

Before anything else, I just have to say: WAY TO GO, SEATTLE! The turnout to see and hear Rebecca Stead tonight was absolutely amazing. So many people, so many young readers, so many great questions.

Dear Rest of the Country: KEEP IT UP!

I had a feeling Rebecca would be an amazing speaker, and I was not disappointed. Wow, is she.

First, she read a couple of bits from WHEN YOU REACH ME. Then, she had what was basically an in-depth conversation with a roomful of people.

We got to hear about Rebecca's writing process (solitary, then with feedback from trusted friends and lots of hard work), her childhood encounter with Madeleine L'Engle (a shy hello and a signed book that she still has!), her favorite thing about WHEN YOU REACH ME (the freedom to explore Miranda's weird inner world), how difficult it is to learn about time travel (very!), and lots of other stuff. The night basically felt like having coffee with a very talented writer, without the coffee but with plenty of excitement buzzing in the air. I left more inspired to write, and I know other people did, too . . .

. . . like all of the other middle grade and YA authors who showed up!

Thatcher Heldring and Suzanne Selfors

Linda Johns, Sundee Frazier, Sundee's adorable baby

Heather Davis, aspiring writer Emily of Damsels in Regress, me, Jen Bradbury

The traditional Liz with Author photo was difficult to get because of the looooooooooooong line of people waiting to get their books signed (keepsakes just like Rebecca's signed book from Madeleine L'Engle!), but I did my best.

Definitely catch Rebecca if she's touring near you. Here's the whole list of cities she'll be visiting this time around.

See you soon!