Morris Winner

Congratulations to L.K. Madigan, author of Flash Burnout and winner of the 2010 Morris Award. I highly recommend this book. It is the story of a teenage boy, Blake, who loves one girl, but discovers a strong sense of commitment to a friend in great need. He isn't quite mature enough to handle the difficulties such a situation presents to him, and struggles to make the right choices, then struggles to deal with the fallout from some of his wrong choices. This book has a wonderful message for teenagers, and the content is dealt with honestly and in a true teen voice. Blake's family members (a hospital pastor mother who suddenly throws off her shirt during hotflashes, a medical examiner father, a brother who doesn't quite know when and how to be a mentor to Blake) make an excellent and fun supporting cast. The story is original and the characterization, for the characters who ultimately matter, is excellent.

A Book Trailer for the Yalsa Contest

YALSA did me the extreme honor of nominating The Everafter for the Morris Award (which is given to a previously unpublished author). I am, of course, excited that tomorrow morning the winner will be announced. All the books on the short list are so good and well written that I'm incredibly grateful to be on the short list no matter who wins.

Meanwhile, YALSA also decided to have a trailer contest. Readers could make a trailer for one of the five nominees. 0Talie0 made this trailer for The Everafter. It's so fun to see what one reader thinks of my book as it's rendered into this new form. Thanks for making this.