So I’m just about as excited as I could possibly be.

Why? Because in a little over a week I’m heading to the French Quarter in New Orleans for the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival!

Here are the things that I’m the most excited about:

1.) Exploring the French Quarter with my son. Matthias has always had a fascination with New Orleans and he just happens to graduate with his Master’s Degree three days before our trip so we are combining my work with a little quality mom-son time! I can almost hear that jazz music and taste that Creole cooking now! Matthias and I are planning on making the most of this rare and precious time together.

2.) Meeting my Bold Strokes Books Buds! That’s right! BSB has a huge presence at The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival. I’m especially looking forward to meeting Ruth Sternglantz, one of my BSB editors. We’re going out for beignets, a real New Orleans treat that Ruth promises me is unforgettable, at the Cafe du Monde. I’m also going to get to meet Greg Herran, Len Barot (I believe and hope!), David-Matthew Barnes, Melissa Brayden, Joel Gomez-Dossi, and many other amazing authors! I’m even going to get to meet Christopher Rice!

3.) Reading from Caught in the Crossfire and presenting on “The Kids are Alright” panel. It’s such an honor to be able to share my work and sit on a panel with Greg Herren, J. Leigh Bailey, and S. Chris Shirley to be moderated by Ruth Sternglantz. Here’s a description of the panel:

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Whether it’s a dystopian world ruled by oligarchs, a tender romance between two teenaged girls just beginning to understand their sexuality, or covering important issues like date rape, bullying, and hate crimes—today’s young adult writers are tackling complex topics far more layered and complicated than “Will Bill ask me to prom?” or the pain of not making the cheerleading squad. Four authors of some of today’s most compelling young adult fiction discuss the genre and how to write for today’s teens.

Doesn’t that just sound like a blast? I CANNOT WAIT.

4.) Hanging around with my bud, J. Leigh Bailey. Jennifer Bailey and I have a special connection. Like conjoined twins who were separated at birth or something and I can’t wait to see her again. Her debut book, Guyliner, will be coming out in 2015 with Spencer Hill Press so keep your eye out for that one! It’s amazing!

5.) Seeing Saritza Hernandez, my agent, and many of my other agency buddies, who will be rocking it across the street at the RT Booklovers Convention.

6.) Staying at The Olivier House Hotel. It’s supposed to be one of the most atmospheric (read: haunted) places in all of New Orleans, and Matthias and I are SO ready to experience it. The hotel has a long and rich history that is fascinating and we can’t wait to stay there.

Now, I just have to figure out what I’m going to wear at the conference, how to cram all the shoes into my suitcase that I want to bring, how many of my new business cards and updated bookmarks and copies of Caught in the Crossfire I should pack, and …and…yeah, you get it.

I’m going to be a nut job between now and May 14th when Matthias and I fly out. Definitely a nut job, but a happy one.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about our adventure once we arrive in the French Quarter of New Orleans!

Peace,