on the radio...

So, I was on NEPR (New England Public Radio) yesterday as a commentator. No, not about the election, silly! About, well, I'll just let you listen (it's only two minutes):

Hope you liked it!

star, star, star!

Reviews are finally starting to trickle in for my new novel and I am so, so, so thankful to say that the first three have been starred!! Yes, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and School Library Journal each gave When the Sea Turned to Silver  a starred review!

*"While many things are not what they seem, everything amazingly connects in the surprising finale, when Pinmei finds her voice. The meticulous craft delivers what Lin's fans have come to expect….This beautifully told companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009) and Starry River of the Sky (2012) offers lyrical storytelling, bringing 'us to places we have never dreamed of.'” —Kirkus

*"Lin’s evocative language sweeps readers away, and the stories within the story are juicy and delicious. To be illustrated with Lin’s lovely full-color paintings, this is a worthy companion to her Newbery Honor book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009) and Starry River of the Sky (2012).”—Booklist

*"A stunning addition to a deservedly beloved set of novels; recommended for all middle grade collections.” —SLJ    

I hope this bodes well for when the "real people" (YOU, the readers) actually read it!  Remember  if you  pre-order yours  from my launch party bookstore, you'll get some great goodies And don't forget to come to the party, too!

on my desk monday

all the type is "for placement only"

I'm making a book dummy (a mock-up of a book so you can get an idea of the flow of the word a pictures)! Like I said, it's been a while since I've made one of these. I am remembering the magic of double-sided tape.

The in-progress title of the new picturebook is "Little Star and the Big Mooncake"! It's going to be a bit different from my other work, you might be a little surprised when you see it but I'm excited...

on my desk monday

It's summertime! Even though I am very happy to be working in the studio, sometimes I feel like I should be outside to soaking in the sun. So, I  brought some sun inside:

just as good, methinks!

Today at the office

Rain Dragon: Mama, what are you doing?

Me: Drawing. Do you like my picture?

Rain Dragon: Not bad. But it needs a duck.

Me: It needs a duck? Where?

Rain Dragon: I'll show you.

She might be right....

duck days

Yes, Pato the duck even has to take a bath with her. Ducks get dirty, too!

but in his own bathtub

on my desk monday

Hey, lookie what I have! Advanced reading copies of Flying Lessons & Other Stories. It's the WNDB's short story anthology! Amazing authors like Jacqueline Woodson and Matt de la Pena are alongside yours truly (hoping they make me look good)--each writing an original short story to benefit WNDB. The collection is super awesome!

Are you a teacher or librarian and want a peek at it? E-mail me at gracelin.manager at gmail.com and I'll send you one of my ARC's! I have a limited supply, so contact me quick! You don't want to miss this book!  Sorry, I'm all out now! Thanks for your interest--please get the real book when it comes out in Jan 2017!

On my desk Monday

School visits are over and I can finally start concentrating on my next book....a picture book!

Yes, it's been a long time! I've been pretty consumed with novels and early readers--the last picture book I did was over six years ago. So long ago that most people have forgotten that I am even an illustrator, most people now know me as author.

first steps

Which is probably why I've actually been sitting on this project for a while. Not because I don't love it...in fact, quite the opposite. It's because I love it so much I've been afraid to start. Am I still an illustrator? I have spent so much time focusing on improving my writing...has my art skill stagnated? Or worse, has it decayed and disappeared?

Well, I guess there is only one way to find out! Wish me luck!

duck days

Pato the duck, put in a new outfit and ready for a new adventure:

I know it looks like he is being held captive but  she says he is wearing his "beautiful decorations"

On my desk monday

On my desk are some of the goodies I got while at the ALA convention in Florida:

Notice that beautiful thing on top? It's not a book, it's the program from the Newbery/Caldecott/Wilder Banquet that I was lucky to attend (did you miss Newbery winner Matt de la Pena's amazing speech? Go read it NOW.)

The program was created by the Caldecott winner, Sophie Blackall:

 

Isn't it gorgeous? I admit I was particularly thrilled when she won this year because I actually have a Sophie Blackall original.  Back in 20014, she participated in Robert's Snow and I bought her snowflake:

I think I made a good investment, don't you?