Look. Life is weird. It’s complicated and difficult and beautiful. Today I’m going to recap my recent travels, but I want to preface by letting you know that I’m also doing a book giveaway in this newsletter. Why? Because I feel like it. It’s something easy that might brighten your day. So bear with me and details for that will be down below.
If this newsletter is too long to read in email, you can read the full post here.
I’m just back from a trip to NYC and Austin that I very nearly canceled due to some difficult family news, but it worked out to go, and despite some challenges, I’m glad I did. In NYC, I attended the reception for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, where I’m lucky enough to have a piece hanging, and it was such a pleasure to see people I admire and work with in real life.
I suggest you go see the show if you are in NYC while it is up. If you’re like me you’ll get angry at the Sydney Smith originals and weep over Cozbi Cabrera’s.
I parted ways with my family and went on to Austin for the Texas Book Festival where I got to see some more friends and then slept through opportunities to meet new ones (it had been a long week and I was doing my best), but most importantly, I got to meet Meghan Browne and her beautiful children in person, and we presented together at the festival.
One of my favorite parts of the day was when we were introduced by two elementary school students. They had done great research, they gave clues and used humor, they turned it into a suspenseful guessing game- it was truly the best introduction I’ve ever had!
Before I left, I stopped in at Book People, where I signed some stock. If you order a copy of The Bees of Notre Dame from them soon, maybe you’ll even get one that is signed by BOTH Meghan and me ❤︎
Ok let’s do this. I’m going to give away 2 books! Two people, one book each. If you get chosen, you get to pick from this selection:
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, I’ll accept an email too, if you don’t have the substack app. Brownie points if you spread the word. I’ll choose 2 random winners on Friday, November 17th.
Peace. Thank you for reading XO
In an age where I spend far too much time unsubscribing from emails, signing up for your newsletter is the best thing that has happened to my inbox all year. It’s always interesting and brightens my day, just like your books! Thank you!
Congratulations on being featured in NYC show. I remember you working on the 3D rendering of “Good Night Little Bookstore.” I’m glad more people will be exposed to your talent.