Celebrating Friends

There is nothing I enjoy more than cheering for the lovely work of friends in the writing community. This month my fangirl meter is in the red. 

Here are some shiny new releases I triple dog dare you not to ADORE. I'm going alphabetically by author because I could NEVER choose a fave among these kickin' stories.

Future Shock by Elizabeth Briggs is a nail biting sci-fi adventure that will make you run into the garage and burn your time machine. 

Fight the future. Face the inevitable. 

South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf is an endearing and courageous LGBT love story set against the backdrop of often narrow-minded southern mentality. 

In a town like Sunshine, Kaycee knows better than to fall for a girl.

Soul Conquered by Lisa Gail Green is the culmination of her OF ANGELS AND DEMONS trilogy. I never thought I'd cheer for a demon, but this story deftly blurs the lines between good and evil. 

What do you do when following your heart could lead to the apocalypse?

In Real Life by Jessica Love makes me want to repair the time machine I destroyed after reading FUTURE SHOCK and go back in time to encourage my teen self to be truthful about my affections. AND IT'S SET IN VEGAS! 

This is the moment that launched a thousand daydreams.

Bravo ladies for your wonderful work.

A Summer of Conferences - Part 1 ALA

Just when you thought I'd never post again - 

-fooled you!

I definitely lived out of a suitcase this summer, 

but it was well worth it.

JUNE: American Library Association Conference in Las Vegas. 

I was a first timer at this conference and only did the exhibit floor for the bargain price of $35. It was amazing. I left with a tub full of ARC's, hard bound and paperback books, and literary posters for my school's library

All free!

The real gem of ALA, besides the freebies, is the chance to celebrate accomplishments with friends.

I had the honor of whooping it up with the wonderful Martina Boone over the upcoming release of her novel COMPULSION. 

This novel is going to make you remember why you love disappearing into a story.

I had the thrill of jumping up and down and clapping when I saw Sarah Skilton's books BRUISED and HIGH AND DRY on the Abrams/Amulet Shelf. If you haven't read Sarah's books, it's time to treat yourself.

Hooray for Jessica Love who was there signing her new release PUSH GIRL. It was such a rush seeing the long line waiting to meet her. 

I indulged my inner fangirl, okay it's not so inner, over Laini Taylor, Matt DeLa Pena, and Neal Shusterman who added pizazz to the exhibit floor.

Did I mention it was in Las Vegas? Here are Lisa Gail Green, Katharyn Sinelli, and I hitting The Hard Rock Cafe. The Mon Ami Gabi Steakhouse in the Paris Casino and Sprinkles Cupcakes also yummed up the weekend.  Someone - (Lisa) even managed to win some impressive jackpots on video poker. 

Next up: JULY - Comic Con

Any ALA stories out there to share?