An Author Breathes
What I'm up to between projects!
In July, I will be launching my 20th book! I also recently finished final art for my 23rd book (releasing in 2027.) This means I’ve completed all of my book work under contract for the first time in years—which is both exciting and terrifying. I find myself in the unusual position of having free time. So, this month’s newsletter is a quick peek at my author life and what I’ve been up to!
Preparing for Launch
Even though One Mad Cat and the Missing Book doesn’t launch until July 7, I’ve been preparing by making pre-order goodies, talking to my publicists about booking events, and working on some secret things! I JUST received a preview copy of the book and I’m so excited at how it’s turned out:
Doing Author Visits
I’ve been having a lot of fun doing author visits! I virtually visited seven U.S. schools for World Read Aloud Day to share a sneak preview of One Mad Cat and draw some emotional cats with them:
I did my first in-person visit at a Canadian school (thank you, Highlands Elementary! 🇨🇦) And I was lucky enough to be in Boston to sign a slew of Ava Lin books at Newtonville Books to be shipped to a school in New Hampshire for an upcoming virtual visit:
Connecting with the Writing Community
I took some time for myself to connect with other authors and illustrators at Kindling Words East this year (hence why I was in Boston)… but what happens at Kindling Words stays at Kindling Words! Suffice it to say, it re-energized me creatively, which was exactly what I needed. Thanks to my thoughtful, fun, kind, and talented kidlit friends! ❤️
Preparing for Boyd Mills
Things are really shaping up for our Boyd Mills’ retreat for Early Readers and Chapter Books. I’ve been working with Kaz Windness and Anne Appert on our program and it’s looking great. Registration is open if you’d like to join us!
Hanging Out with My Family
I’ve been having fun exploring the Vancouver area with my family. We drove up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway, wandered around the forests of Lynn Valley Canyon in the rain, visited the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and my kid made himself into a cardboard box. (Yes, this is the kid that inspired Ava Lin. 😉)
Writing the Next Book
And of course… I’m writing the next book! I have several projects that I’ve been working on, from picture books up to middle grade. It’s been exciting, scary, fun, frustrating, and fulfilling to be working on the next thing. Fingers crossed that I write some great stories and find great homes for them!
I share a lot about my process on the Kidlit Survival Guide Substack that I write with Christine Evans, so you can always follow along there…
Giveaway
Since I’m on a little bit of a book breather, let’s do something different! Like and comment (or respond) if you’d like a 20-minute AMA with me. I’ll pick one winner at random and we can chat about whatever you’d like! I’d love to connect.
Until Next Month!
I hope you’re getting some time to take care of yourselves… and to read some great books!
One Mad Cat looks amazing. The school visits look so fun 😊 I can't wait for the workshop in October. Thanks so much for sharing about your life and writing.
One Mad Cat looks brilliant. 20 books! That is such an achievement! Congratulations, Vicky!