Writers and Illustrators and Dinosaurs: Janni Lee Simner

Janni Lee Simner is a prolific writer of short stories and novels for young readers.  She's the author of the Bones of Faerie trilogy, comprising Bones of Faerie, Faerie Winter, and the forthcoming Faerie After.

Here, Janni poses with an origami Triceratops made by her husband Larry Hammer.  She and Larry live in Tucson.
 

ETERNAL: ZACHARY'S STORY and FERAL NIGHTS Now Available!

FERAL NIGHTS:  Candlewick Press
isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763659096 / 9780763659097

When Yoshi, a sexy, free-spirited werecat, tracts his big sister, Ruby, to Austin, he discovers that she's not only MIA; she's also the key suspect in a murder investigation. Meanwhile, sarcastic werepossum Clyde and his human pal Aimee have set out to do a little detective work of their own, sworn to avenge the brutal killing of a friend.

When all three are snared in an underground kidnapping ring, they end up on a remote tropical island ruled by an unusual (even by shape-shifter standards) species. The island harbors a grim secret, and were-predator and were-prey must join forces in a fight to escape alive.

Fans of best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith's Tantalize quartet will thrill to see favorite sidekick characters-together with all-new ones-take to the fore in this wry, high-action entry in an exciting new series. 

Fans of the Tantalize quartet will thrill to see werepossum Clyde and other favorite secondary characters -- plus all-new ones -- take to the fore in book one of an all-new series.

• Kirkus Reviews: "Teens who favor humorous paranormal romance that never takes itself too seriously will enjoy dialogue that sparkles with wit, filled with both literary and pop-culture references."
• Publishers Weekly: "Smith’s fantasy smoothly switches between the three protagonists’ perspectives, while expertly blending the mythical and the modern. The story’s sharp banter and edgy plot make for an entertaining and clever story about loyalty and reconciling differences."
• Booklist:  "Smith takes readers back to the universe of the Tantalize quartet with this sexy, fast-paced new novel...[with] an ending that satisfies and should win her many new fans." 
• The Horn Book:  "Smith’s blend of supernatural suspense, campy humor, and romantic tension is addictive; allusions to both pop culture ('Thriller,' Monty Python) and literature (The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Most Dangerous Game) add to the fun. Most satisfying of all, Aimee and especially unassuming, injured Clyde leave their sidekick roles behind to come into their own."

ETERNAL: ZACHARY'S STORY: Candlewick Press

isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763651192 / 9780763651190

Reckless guardian angel Zachary has an unusual assignment. He’s meant to save the soul of Miranda, high-school theater wannabe turned glamorous royal vampire. Completely devoted to Miranda, Zachary takes his demotion to human form in stride, taking a job as the princess’s personal assistant. Of course, this means he has to balance his soul-saving efforts with planning the Master’s fast-approaching Deathday gala. Vivid illustrations by Ming Doyle elevate this darkly funny love story to a new dramatic level with bold black-and-white panels. 

Cynthia Leitich Smith’s New York Times bestseller is reimagined as a graphic novel seen through the eyes of Zachary, teenage guardian angel.

Austin SCBWI Conference 2013

The Austin SCBWI Annual Conference has come and gone and was, as usual, a great success! This year's conference focuses largely on the picture book.

Speakers included illustrators E.B. Lewis and Patrice Barton; agents John Cusick, Rubin Pfeffer, and Erszi Deak; editors Neal Porter, Kathy Landwehr, and Tamra Tuller; and authors Shutta Crum and Cynthia Levinson. 

Thanks to outgoing RA Debbie Gonzales, ARA Carmen Oliver, Illustrator Chair Mark Mitchell, and all the volunteers! Looking forward to the new administration of Shelley Ann Jackson, Sam Clark, and Amy Farrier!

Here are some pictures:

Mark Mitchell, Julie Lake, Cyn, Liz Garton Scanlon

Debbie Gonzales and me during First Impressions panel

Jessic Lee Anderson, Lindsey Lane, Betty X. Davis

Jo Whittemore, Jeff Crosby, Emily Anderson, Nikki Loftin, Me

Bethany Hegedus, Gene Brenek, Vanessa Lee, Sean Petrie

First Impressions Panel

Montgomery County Book Festival report!

Cyn and I are just back from the Montgomery County Book Festival, where we had an amazing time!  Congrats on a terrific event and thanks for all the hard work by the organizers and volunteers!

My panel was titled "We're Not in Kansas Anymore: SciFi Reads," and included co-panelists Brian Falkner and David Macinnis Gill.  I haven't read Brian's work, but am excited to do so now; and I'm thrilled that the third book in David's BLACK HOLE SUN series is forthcoming next month.

We had a great discussion, including how science fiction reflects society and inspirations of our respective works.

Here are some pictures:

Mari Mancusi and Cory Putnam Oakes

Origami by Larry Hammer

Opening night reception

Janni Lee Simner

Me and Brian Falkner

Suzanne Crowley, Janet Fox, and me

Jenny Moss and Cyn

Lisa McMann and David Macinnis Gill

Check out Cyn's report here for more photos!

WILD BOY: THE REAL LIFE OF THE SAVAGE OF AVEYRON

WILD BOY: THE REAL LIFE OF THE SAVAGE OF AVEYRON, by Mary Losure, ill. by Timothy Basil Ering (Candlewick, March 2013)(ages 10+).  In the last years of the 18th century, a boy -- about ten or eleven years old -- was captured in rural France.  He'd been living on his own -- foraging in the forest, naked and running on all fours -- and no one knew where he came from.  Ultimately, he was taken to Paris for study, where scientists tried to "civilize" him...

WILD BOY offers a fascinating look at one boy and human nature and what it means to be civilized -- a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Book Events: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUNNY and SIRENS

This week, Cyn and I attended a couple terrific signings at BookPeople!

The first had a birthday-party theme for Liz Garton Scanlon's new picture book, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUNNY!  The second had "Roaring Twenties" theme for Janet Fox's recent release, SIRENS.

Here are some pictures:

Cyn, Lindsey Scheibe, Carmen Oliver

Liz speaks

Janet and Bethany Hegedus

Janet's books

  

Montgomery County Book Festival!

February 2, Cyn and I will be on panels at the Montgomery County Book Festival!

Here's the schedule and list of authors:

Panel Title and Author List
Get Real	Magic and Dragons and Mermaids, Oh My!
E. Kristin Anderson Bettina Restrepo Anita Bunkley Carolee Dean Moderator: Molly Harras	Sophie Jordan  Tracy Deebs Kathi Appelt Moderator: Belle Whittington
It’s the End of the World As We Know It	Make Every Day Count
Dom Testa Mike Mullin Lindsay Cummings Moderator: Jonathan Maberry	Jenny Moss Diane Kelly Jill Alexander Diana Lopez Moderator:
Books With Bite	Reality is Great But I Wouldn’t Want to Live There
Cynthia Leitich Smith CC Hunter Rachel Caine Mari Mancusi Moderator: Missy Jane	Cory Oakes Wendy Delsol Janni Lee Simner Moderator: Ledia Runnels
We’re Not in Kansas Anymore: SciFi Reads	Tweens Read Too
Brian Falkner Greg Leitich Smith David McGinnis Gill Moderator: Jim Schmidt	Jo Whittemore Bethany Hegedus Kimberley Griffiths Little Nikki Loftin Moderator: Melissa Studdard
Things That Go BUMP in the Night	Man! Those Corsets Were Tight!: Historical Reads
Mary Lindsay Victoria Scott Joy Preble Kendare Blake Lisa McMann Moderator:  Michelle Hayes Pickett	Jacqueline Kelly Suzanne Crowley Janet S. Fox Anna Myers Moderator: Lana Meyers

Festival Schedule
9:00 - 10:00 am
Registration, Book Sales and Entertainment in Commons
10:00 am
Keynote address in Theater with Jonathan Maberry
10:45 am
Session I Author Panels	Writing Workshop - Beginner
11:30 am
Author Signing Session I
Noon
Book/Concession Sales	Special Keynote Presentation with DeeAnne Gist
1:05 pm
Session II Author Panels	Writing Workshop - Intermediate
1:50 pm
Author Signing Session II
2:10 pm
Session III Author Panels	Writing Workshop—Advanced
2:55 pm
Author Signing Session III
3:15 pm
Keynote Address in Theater with Sherrilyn Kenyon
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Closing Author Signing Session

YAK Fest Report!

Cyn and I are safely back from YAK Fest!  We had a great time road-tripping with Cory Putnam Oakes and Jessica Lee Anderson, although traffic on I-35 was the worst ever. (And we didn't allow anyone in the car who doesn't have three names in their byline).

Once we arrived in Keller, we were treated to a nice reception/dinner at the awesome Book Carriage Book Store.  The next morning, Simone Elkeles delivered a rousing keynote, followed by our panels!
 
On my panel,Krissi Dallas spoke about creating worlds and names therefor; Tracy Deebs talked about apocalypses and Pandora's bad rap; and Andrea White talked about the inspiration for Surviving Antarctica.

Many thanks to all the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers!

Here are some pictures:

Jason Henderson, Lori Aurelia Williams, Cory Putnam Oakes, Jessica Lee Anderson, and Cyn and Me.

The Elvis shrine at the Waco Chuy's

Cory, Cyn, Krissi Dallas, Me

Jason Henderson and Me

Road tripping!

Traffic jam in Waco

Cory, Jessica, a Yak, Krissi, Cyn and Me

Movies 2013

In addition to the May 17 release (finally!) of Star Trek into Darkness, 2013 looks to be a good year for movies based on children's and YA books.

Coming up this year are:

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Ender's Game
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Other movies this year based on books/plays/classic tales include:

Bless Me, Ultima
Jack Ryan
Jack the Giant Slayer
Jurassic Park 3D
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Great Gatsby
World War Z
Much Ado About Nothing
Carrie
The Seventh Son

And based on comic books:

Iron Man 3
Man of Steel
The Wolverine
Thor: The Dark Worlds

YAK Fest!

On January 19, 2013, Cyn and I will be panelists at YAK Fest, the Young Adult Keller Book Festival, at Keller High School, in Keller, Texas.

Here are the details, with the complete lineup and panel breakdown:

WHEN: Saturday, January 19, 9am – 5pm
COST: FREE.
OPEN DOOR: Come when you can and stay for as long as you like.
WHERE: Keller High School, 601 N. Pate Orr Rd. Keller, TX 76248
SOCIAL MEDIA: twitter / facebook / blog
https://twitter.com/YAK_Fest  (hashtag #Yakfest13)
https://www.facebook.com/YAKbookfest
http://teacherweb.com/TX/KellerHighSchool/YAKFest/apt1.aspx
 http://campus.kellerisd.net/schools/khs-001/Pages/YAKFest.aspx


KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Simone Elkele

Panel Breakdown:

Keeping It Real – Jessica Anderson, Charles Benoit, Chris Crutcher (afternoon only), Simone Elkeles, Guadalupe Garica McCall, Jessica Warman, Lori Aurelia Williams and Shannon Greenland

This is Not Normal – Rosemary Clement Moore, Cory Oakes, Victoria Scott, Mary Lindsey and Jeff Hirsch

This is Not Normal Either – Krissi Dallas, Tracy Deebs, Greg Leitich Smith and Andrea White

Vampire Smack Down - Cynthia Leitich Smith, Rachel Caine and Jason Henderson

Poetry Workshop – Colin Gilbert

A Walk on the Weird Side – Kelley Milner Halls

Choctaw Tales – Tim Tingle

Schedule (tentative)

Time	Event	Location
9:00 - 10:00	Doors open; book sales	Commons
10:00 - 10:45	Keynote- Simone Elkeles, followed by introduction of authors	Fine Arts Center
10:55 - 11:40	select a panel or session	Lecture Hall, Band Hall, classrooms
11:40 - 12:40	Lunch - food for purchase; Book sales	Commons
12:40 - 1:20	select a panel or session	Lecture Hall, Band Hall, classrooms
1:30 - 2:10	select a panel or session	Lecture Hall, Band Hall, classrooms
2:20 - 3:00	select a panel or session	Lecture Hall, Band Hall, classrooms
3:10 - 3:40	Poetry reading	Commons
3:40 - 5:00	book sales; author signing	Commons

There will be books available for purchase from The Book Carriage, and they will be selling books all day. The Book Carriage will accept cash and credit cards. You may bring some books from home for authors to sign. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at lunch.