We are only 12 days from the launch of The Eleventh Trade. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, PEOPLE. On September 18th, my book baby will be on the shelves. For anyone to see. And read.
So what does the life of an about-to-debut author person look like? Well…
Busy Busy Busy
The next month or two promises to be very exciting! And also very crazy!
Next week, I’ll be presenting a talk about Creative Writing and Research with my lovely Sarah Driver at Christopher Newport University.
The following Tuesday, September 18th, is launch day (!!!!). The launch party will be held at BBGB in Richmond at 7PM. You’re welcome to come if you are in the area! There will be snacks, a Q&A, a reading, and books + swag!
Then on September 23rd, I’ll be speaking on a panel with Katherine Marsh (author of Nowhere Boy) and Andrea Davis Pinkney (author of The Red Pencil) at Books of Wonder in NYC.
Thennn on October 3rd, I’m off to Atlanta! I’ll be speaking at Berry College on the 4th, and there will be another reading and signing there. Come on out if you’re in the area!
Theennnn the next day I am leaving for the United Kingdom. I’ll have a brief rest in Wales before I run off to Bath (for more book parties and university talks), and then hang out around London doing many school visits. When I return, it’s time for school visits in Virginia!
Further ahead, in November, I have a few speaking engagements and librarian events. But honestly I’m focusing on surviving September and October first!
Character Portraits
My marvelously talented sister, Laura Hollingsworth, put together some gorgeous character artwork for The Eleventh Trade. I’ll be giving these out as postcards at signings and school events. But I want to share them with you here, too!
Aren’t they beautiful??? Leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite!
Awesome Reviews
Reviews have started coming in, and they’re all so kind I want to pinch myself! Here are some highlights:
A heartwarming story of life as a refugee, about friendship, overcoming tragedy, and an exciting quest. A classic book relevant to the events in the world today.
Jess Butterworth, author of Running on the Roof of the World
[The Eleveth Trade] sensitively portrays the contemporary challenges faced by refugees plagued by impossibly difficult experiences to work through and the ways friends can help them find a new home. BCCB, Starred Review
A moving debut about music and the power of community.
Booklist Online
Sami’s story sheds light on the special challenges, determination, faith, resilience, and post-traumatic stress that impact and shape the lives of many refugees.
School Library Journal
[The Eleventh Trade] pulls readers into Sami’s quest to regain stability in his new life, making it impossible for readers not to empathize with his longing for a home. Both a quest story and a friendship story, this book brings to life the traumatic reality refugee children experience in a world filled with borders and walls. Kirkus
School Resources
As publication draws near, both my publishers and I have been working frantically to get school materials together.
Piccadilly Press has developed Teachers’ Notes (PDF), which are full of fun activities that draw on themes and scenes in The Eleventh Trade. Though it’s specifically for KS2/3 teachers in the UK, it can also be helpful for US teachers (and homeschool peeps, amirite?).
Meanwhile, I have put together an extensive collection of presentation options for school visits. I’m very pleased with the optional topics, which include: Introduction to Afghanistan, Writing and Publishing, and Trauma and Healing. (You can see more about all this on my Press Kit page.)
These are my two favorite slides from the presentation:
The pug looks like a sad Jedi. I can’t get over it.
There you have it: A brief glimpse into my crazy life! But it’s such an exciting time and so surreal to finally be in this place. I wish I could teleport my 8 year old self to the launch party to watch her flip the heck out. I guess I’ll just have to freak out enough for the both of us.
