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Hello...HELLO...

Yes, it's quite dusty around here.

Fear not.

I've just been busy with finishing up edits for THE MESMERIST and doing several events.

Very soon, I will relaunch this website with a new exciting look so stay tuned.

I'll be in Orlando in a few weeks for ALA (American Library Association Annual Conference) and am really looking forward to it.

Margaret Atwood is going to be there.

MARGARET ATWOOD, PEOPLE.

I'll be back.

Hoodoo on the Book Club for Kids Podcast

Over the summer, Kitty Felde interviewed me for her Book Club for Kids Podcast.

It was a lot of fun, and now here is the episode. It was especially inspiring to hear from the kids who read the book. I am very inspired!

You can listen to the podcast here:



THE MESMERIST IS HERE!

Check out the cover for my next book:




































Here's the story:

Thirteen-year-old Jessamine Grace and her mother make a living as sham spiritualists—until they discover that Jess is a mesmerist and that she really can talk to the dead.

Soon she is plunged into the dark world of Victorian London’s supernatural underbelly and learns that the city is under attack by ghouls, monsters, and spirit summoners.

Can Jess fight these powerful forces? And will the group of strange children with mysterious powers she befriends be able to help?

As shy, proper Jess transforms into a brave warrior, she uncovers terrifying truths about the hidden battle between good and evil, about her family, and about herself.

Dickens meets Stephen King meets Ransom Riggs in this chillingly suspenseful middle grade Victorian Gothic horror novel from the award-winning author of Hoodoo.


Sounds pretty frightful, eh? The artist is Lisa K. Weber and I think she really nailed the atmosphere and spookiness of the book. I love it.

Would you like to win an advance reader's copy?

Go here

Hoodoo Wins Major Award

I got a phone call yesterday morning from Boston. I didn't answer it. Who do I know in Boston?
Uh, no one.

But when they called a third time I picked it up. I'm glad I did.

The call was from the folks at the American Library Association's Mid-Winter Conference.

Why the early-morning call?

Hoodoo won a major award!

I am honored to have received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award!


This was really exciting news. I knew they gathered every year for this, but I forgot when it took place. This convention awards the big prizes including The Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Coretta Scott King Awards and several others.

You can see the webcast here and scroll down to see all the recipients.

Suffice to say I didn't get a lot of work done yesterday!

HAPPY 2016!









Hear Ye Hear Ye

Would you like to hear the dulcet tones of yours truly reading an excerpt from Hoodoo?

Sure you would.

Check it out here.