A big benchmark reached this past

5/25/07 -- A big benchmark reached this past Tuesday: I am now done with author visits for the 2006-2007 school year. It all ended at Hayden Meadows Elementary in North Idaho, a wonderful school full of enthusiastic teachers and young writers. (Any surprise that one leads to the other?) They even had their own hardbound book of kid-written stories for sale in the front hallway. Business appeared to be booming. I was once again reminded how much difference a caring adult can make in a kid's life.

Next year it looks like I'll be speaking in Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and at the International School of Bangladesh. Other inquiries are coming in fast, but I've still got some dates left on my calendar. Get in touch if you're interested in having me visit your school, library, or conference.

In the meantime, I'll be working full time on STORM MOUNTAIN. It's progressing well, and I look forward to lots of writing time this summer. I'll keep you posted through this journal as I find my way to the end of the story. Kind of like climbing a mountain -- the way is not always clear, but given enough time and perseverance, it's doable.