#sljst

[harmonyinkpress]

SummerTeen welcome video bloopers!

Come check out the main event on July 24 and meet several Harmony Ink Authors! It's free!

Register here

[altzbreview]

The Librarian Returns!

Hey guys, remember me? Sorry it's been a hop and a skip since I've stopped by for a chat, but let's just say the summer has been interesting.

I hope y'all have been having fun and taking part in Summer Reading activities ... I've seen some great reviews turned in as entries in the big summer-long giveaway, so I know y'all are reading good stuff this summer. As things start to wind down and wrap up, Dave and I are starting to figure out what we liked/didn't like, what worked/didn't work, and what we want to do next year -- let us know what YOU think! Trust me, we want to know! Drop us an email, a comment here, something in the Ask box, write a letter, just let us know what you're thinking. :o)

Now then ... Here's a little peek at what I've been doing ...

Last week, The School Library Journal and a over a dozen publishers had a big online conference for teen librarians, featuring panels and chats with hot YA authors, so we could learn more about current trends and upcoming releases. It was so much fun!

Here's a shot of my set-up during the keynote address by Tamora Pierce, long-time favorite author of the first fantasy I read and loved. (If you haven't read her "Protector of the Small" Quartet, I strongly recommend it ... I may, or may not, have a poster of that series behind me in my office. I admit nothing). Through this event, I discovered some new authors (with great senses of humor!), and have a nice little list of titles I want to purchase for the Library. My personal To Read list may have expanded too -- just another job hazard.

Speaking of expanding To Read lists, these little beauties just arrived, courtesy of Disney Hyperion:

I am beyond excited about scoring the ARC of These Broken Stars, and Beta looks pretty cool too. I think y'all will like them too, from a quick glance-through.

In other realms ... I'm reading a lot, ordering new stuff (new Archdale YA will have purple dots on the spines! Consider it a scavenger hunt, of sorts), making lists and plans and "in my wildest dreams I wish this could happen"-brainstorms ... Did I mention the reading?

What's new with y'all? What are you reading? Have you done everything you wanted to this summer? What will you carry into the fall?

[schoollibraryjournal]

Today, I participated in the online School Library Journal SummerTeen event, which I would describe as an outstanding, informative, dynamic, interactive event with live web broadcasts, panel discussions, chats with authors, publishers, a film director & fellow YA enthusiasts-teachers, librarians, writers. Besides the online site through SLJ, we used the hashtag #SLJST to connect with others. It was a productive time and I found myself glued to the computer and actively participating and listening. It took me over an hour to prepare the omelet I made for lunch because I kept turning back to my computer.

Liza Wiemer, "Highlights from the School Library Journal #TeenSummer Online Event #SLJST"

[schoollibraryjournal]

"I wrote what I wanted to read, and what I wanted to read was girls kicking butt."

Tamora Pierce

[sdiaz101]

Excited to be moderating the "Embracing Diversity" panel on July 24th for SLJ's SummerTeen #SLJST.