What an fun, inspiring, amazing week I just had, talking about reading, writing, Feral Nights (Book 1 in the Feral series) and Eternal: Zachary’s Story, illustrated by Ming Doyle (Tantalize series)(both Candlewick) with booksellers, writers, teachers, librarians, students and other enthusiasts in the Chicago and Madison metropolitan areas.
Huge thanks and cheers to all (including my publisher, Candlewick Press, especially Erika) who had a hand in making the tour such a success!
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| Sunny skies above Lake Shore Drive |
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| Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory in the Hancock Building on Michigan Avenue |
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| After my speech at Dominican University with Prof. Janice Del Negro (thank you, Janice!) |
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| From the Signature Room at the 95th |
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| Students writing at Carter G. Woodson Regional Library (thank you, Shannon!) |
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| The storm came, and one evening event had to be cancelled due to road conditions. |
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| At Glenbard West High School (thank you, Kathy!) |
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| At Conrad Sulzer Regional Library |
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| Thank you, Sulzer librarian Sharon Gissy! |
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| Acting out Jingle Dancer at White Cedar Room Library |
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| Jingle dancing |
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| T7 Native Sisters drum and sing |
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| Posing with the cast of the Jingle Dancer performance |
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| I’m wowed by these smart, strong, warm, sweet readers-performers! (Thank you, Debra, Josie & T7 Native Sisters!) |
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| Greg Leitich Smith soaking in the local culture in his childhood neighborhood. |
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| The Book Cellar — a quick stop for a hot cup of tea in Lincoln Square |
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| Breakfast with author Esther Hershenhorn at the Oak Tree Restaurant & Bakery |
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| With author Sarah Aronson over sushi |
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| With author Laura Ruby at The Book Stall |
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| The crowd gathers at The Book Stall (thank you, Sarah, Carolyn & Robert!) |
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| Georgia Beaverson, Judy Bryan, Pam Holz Beres, Jaqueline Houtman & Jamie Swenson at Ashman Library in Madison |
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| Librarians Toni Streckert & Val Edwards, author E.M. Kokie & Greg at Monona Grove High School |
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| E.M., Greg & Librarian Rebecca Fox-Blair at MG 21 Charter School in Monona |
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| With Georgia, Judy & E.M. at Bucky’s in Madison — thank you, ladies, especially Emily, Katie & Chewy |
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| Time to go home to Austin and get to work on that revision! |
Cynsational Stock
Look for signed copies of my books at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court and Anderson’s Bookshop in suburban Chicago as well as at A Room of One’s Own in Madison! Also available at BookPeople in Austin and The Book Spot in Round Rock, Texas!
P.S. Thank you, SCBWI-Wisconsin!
Giveaway Last Call
Enter to win:
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| Now Available! |
- one of three sets of five Feral Nights bookmarks, designed by Emma Virjan
- signed copy of Feral Nights (Book 1 in the Feral series) by Cynthia Leitich Smith (YA); eligibility: North America
- author-signed copy of Eternal: Zachary’s Story by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated
by Ming Doyle (YA GN); eligibility: North America - signed paperback of Diabolical by Cynthia Leitich Smith (YA); eligibility: North America