3 books in one!

Over ten years ago, I wrote a book that has become one of the most popular books I've written: IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES. I didn't start out thinking I'd write two more companion books, but lots of kids wrote to me with questions after they finished the first and so, because of those emails and letters, I wrote a second book and then a third.

And now - something really fun is happening with those books.

Simon and Schuster is releasing a paperback bind-up of all three books for one very inexpensive price.

I love the cover so much. The artist took details from each of the three books and put them in the cover art. SO fun!

Available May 24, 2022. Happy reading!

New YA novel coming March, 2022!

Exciting news!

I sold a YA novel in March to a fairly new line at Penguin Random House called Underlined. It focuses on page-turning reads for teens and publishes most in paperback, so they are more affordable. I just love that! I haven't had a young adult novel published for over five years, so I'm excited to be back in that space again. But that's not all - it's my first mystery, a murder mystery to be exact. When I wrote this book, I was substituting in libraries and when I would work in middle and high school libraries, just about every other student that came in asked for a mystery. I thought, "Maybe I should write one." So I did. 

We have worked hard and quickly to get it ready for publication for spring of 2022!! And the REALLY good news is that it is already up for pre-order on many sites. Pre-orders help authors so much because it lets the publisher know there is interest which may cause them to put a bit more into marketing and promotion.

The premise: When a boy finds a girl's body in the ditch on prom night, he becomes the primary suspect in her murder. 

Here's the cover:

Follow this LINK to see all the places it's available to order. I appreciate your support so much!

What will I remember about 2020?

Sometimes I wonder what I'll remember about 2020. Most likely I will remember the anger and grief I felt on a regular basis. The stark realization that far too many people don't have the compassion and empathy for our fellow human beings in order to have the kind of society I long to live in. The truth laid bare during a once-in-a-lifetime national crisis that far too many politicians value power and wealth over all else.

But I believe (and hope) I will remember so much more. The music that lifted me and/or comforted me. The shows that made me happy and felt like a giant hug at a time when I really needed them, like Ted Lasso and Soul. The books and shows that lifted me up and took me to faraway places, like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and The Mandalorian. The love and admiration for my family and friends that has only grown during this difficult year. Those joyful moments of dog walks, bike rides, and spontaneous day trips to soak up the great outdoors, because through the darkness, those light-filled moments feel infinitely more special.

I hope I remember that in the midst of it all, I was able to do that which I love to do -- write. What a treat to spend time with characters I grew to love, but in order to find them, I had to begin, and what an important lesson that is for me. I hope I remember how hard I tried to bring kindness and light to others. I probably didn't always succeed, but I tried and in the trying, I myself found light and joy. I am fortunate in that I have not struggled the way many have struggled. I give thanks for that fact every day. But we have all experienced loss this year, in some form or another. Still, because of scientists, medical professionals, bright minds, creative souls, artists, musicians, storytellers, dreamers, loving hearts, comforting paws, and my own sheer determination and resilience, I made it through. And if you're reading this, you did too. And I hope I remember the immense gratitude I feel for that.

(: me, on one of our daily dog walks)

Book trailer for Don't Judge Me

Last week I participated in a chat on twitter with teachers and librarians and many said they like to have a book trailer to show kids when they are talking up a book. So, with my limited iMovie skills, I made one! Feel free to use it at your school, and thanks for your interest!

Thursday thoughts with Lisa - dealing with your internal critic

Figuring out how to deal with the negative voice inside your head so you can get your writing down on paper is something *every* writer has to figure out. Knowing that it's there and isn't necessarily something you should listen to is half the battle! But there are some other things you can do too. 

In case you want an easy link to the Annie Bloom's pre-order going on, you can go HERE.

Here's a little sample from my upcoming novel, DON'T JUDGE ME!

DON'T JUDGE ME comes out in less than two months, on November 10th. This novel is about a 6th grader named Hazel who finds a notebook that rates girls on their looks. She knows she has to do something, and she can't do it alone. The wave she'll be making might turn into a tsunami, but if Hazel can find the courage to speak up, she just might change everything.

The first professional review is in and it's a nice one!

Pre-order at www.annieblooms.com and get a signed, personalized copy plus free gifts!

This week's video offers a tiny taste - watch as I read aloud!

Thursday thoughts with Lisa - the #1 thing you can do to improve your writing

I'm having a lot of eye pain this week for some reason so I'm not looking very well in this video, hopefully you will forgive me for that! But today I wanted to share what advice I give the most to kids who write to me and ask me what they can do to become a good writer. Can you guess what it is??? Find out in the video!