Book Tour Off With a Bang

I'm in my hometown of Austin, TX this weekend, doing a whirlwind opening tour for "The Lost Children." It's day 3 of my 4 day stay and it's been a real mind bender of an experience already.

Check out my name on the marquee above! I felt like a movie star.

Today at my BookPeople signing I saw my 5th grade teacher Mr. Pruneda, who I hadn't seen in (ahem) 27 years. Whoa. So amazing he came. I have such fond memories of his classroom and how incredible to have a reason to see him again.

Friday I was at my Alma Mater, St. Stephen's Episcopal School (right), talking to the Middle Schoolers about being a writer (although they were much more interested in hearing about which movie stars I had run into in Hollywood than about books - the boys were overly impressed that I'd met Megan Fox but I assured the girls she was short with bad skin.)

It was surreal to be back on campus, but very fun to talk to the kids about the book. They asked great questions, like, "Do you feel comfortable writing from a young person's perspective?" Translation: do you really feel like you know how I feel? And the honest answer is, not all the time. I told this perceptive girl that I would feel more uncomfortable writing about being 60, because I have never been 60, but I have been 12, and that I always try to show rough drafts of my work to young readers to make sure the voices are honest and authentic. Plus, I am not writing about contemporary kids. I would not be brave enough to tackle cell phones and Xboxes :)


Yesterday I did a signing at the Shoal Creek Gallery and here is my favorite picture:

This is Samuel 

and as soon as he bought the 

book he found the nearest 

corner and started reading.

Today I also met a young poet (left in the headband and cute plaid skirt) who inspired me to ask readers to submit poetry to the website. I have already asked for artwork, but if you feel more in the mood to write than draw, then send me a story or a poem inspired by The Lost Children and I'll post it on the Fan Page!