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Member Good News

Congratulations to Our SoCal SCBWI members!

If you are a SoCal member who has good news to share - we'd like to celebrate you by announcing it on social media and our website. You must be a SCBWI SoCal member and you must "follow" our region on SCBWI.org. To share, please complete this form.

If you'd also like to announce your good news or book birthday, you can submit to Kite Tales, a blog that serves SCBWI's tri-regions: LA, CenCal and SoCal.

Winter/Spring 2024

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Kathleen Troy

Kathleen Troy has two books out now! Book 5, DYLAN'S NOSE KNOWS, from her middle grade Mystery Detective series, DYLAN’S DOG SQUAD, is available now. And NEVER BELIEVE A CON ARTIST TWICE, book 2 from her Young Adult Mystery series, will be published on May 7, 2024. Get your copies today: LINKS [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1959215191 https://www.amazon.com/Dylans-Nose-Knows-Kathleen-Troy/dp/1959215175 ] IG: @kathleentroyauthor Email:kathleen@kathleentroy.com Website: www.kathleentroy.com

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Jess Shea

Jess Shea's book, PUPPY, KITTY, BUNNY, MONSTER!, has been published! Get your copy today: LINK [https://threedotspress.com/] IG: @Threedotspress Email-threedotpress@gmail.com Website: https://threedotspress.com/

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Laura Stegman

Laura Stegman’s THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS, the third book of her Summer of L.U.C.K. middle grade trilogy, will be published by Young Dragons Press on April 30, 2024. Pre-order your copy today: LINK [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-chambered-nautilus-laura-segal-stegman/21352044] X/Twitter: @LauraStegman Instagram: @laura_stegman Threads: @laura_stegman BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/laurastegman.bsky.social Facebook: LauraSegalStegmanAuthor Website: https://www.laurastegman.com

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Joy Hwang Ruiz

Joy Hwang Ruiz has a new picture book! TREASURE OF MEASURES is available now. Get your copy today: LINK [https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/treasure-of-measures ] Facebook & Instagram: @momisdrawing Website: www.momisdrawing.com

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Erin Lagerberg

Erin Lagerberg's short story, “Miniwashitu,” will be featured in the HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA anthology. This publication, a collaboration between SCBWI and Godwin Books, includes 52 authors and will be out on July 9th, 2024. Order your copy today: LINK [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250819413/thehauntedstatesofamerica]

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Ashli St. Armant

Ashli St. Armant’s third mystery from her best-selling Audible Original series, VIVA DURANT, is out now! Order today: LINK [https://www.audible.com/series/Viva-Durant-Audiobooks/B09JS4PXPL] IG: @ashlistarmant email: ashlistarmant@gmail.com Website: www.ashlistarmant.com

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Nydia Armendia-Sanchez

Nydia Armendia-Sanchez’ debut picture book, NOT FAR FROM HERE, is set to published by Candlewick Press on October 1st, 2024. Pre-Order it today: LINK [https://www.frugalfrigate.com/book/9781536227062 ] IG: @author.nydia.armendia TikTok: @author.nydia.armendia Website: www.nydiaarmendia.com

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Tim Burke

Tim Burke’s story “STRAYS” is out now in the latest issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine March/April 2024. Get your copy today: LINK [https://www.alfredhitchcockmysterymagazine.com]

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Carlene Griffith

Carlene Griffith is excited to announce that her book, ROSE MAIDELAIDEN: THE UNOFFICIAL TALE OF HOW THE LILY GOT ITS NAME, previously published on Kindle Villa, is now available on paperback. Get your copy today: LINK [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV62JCJ5/ref=sr_1_2?crid=36ZYNFQ4EE4BS&keywords=Rose+Maidelaiden&qid=1707335599&sprefix=rose+maidelaiden%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-2] Facebook: @carlene.fieldgriffith Twitter: @authorCgriffith Instagram: @cmgriffith123 Website: www.carlenegriffith.com

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Kim Davis

Kim Davis just published her first middle-grade fantasy novel: THE SECRET OF SWEET TREATS KINGDOM. Order your copy today: LINK [https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Sweet-Treats-Kingdom-Chronicles-eb ook/dp/B0CSHZFMJF] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimDavisAuthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kookiesandbooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimdavishb/ Website: https://kimdavisauthor.com/

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Marie Chan

Marie Chan’s picture book biography, MAMIE TAKES A STAND: THE TRUE STORY OF MAMIE TAPE, A CHINESE AMERICAN GIRL’S FIGHT FOR SCHOOL RIGHTS, illustrated by Sian James will be released on September 3, 2024.Pre-Order it today: LINK [https://a.co/d/8TaMcV3, https://mariechan.com/books/ ] Facebook: @mariechanbook Twitter: @mariechanbooks Instagram: @mariechanbooks Website: https://mariechan.com/

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Stacie Cooper

Stacie Cooper’s second book of her picture book series: TRASH TRUCK DAY: HOORAY HOORAY! comes out on March 4th. The book encourages kids to go outside and be active. - Order it today: https://a.co/d/5DCoMFS Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stacie.l.cooper Instagram:@StacieLCooper LinkedIn:@Stacie Cooper Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/staciecooper

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Russ Thompson

Russ Thompson has a new book out, CANS. It tells the story of a high-school senior who dreams of attending college but must fight to overcome the effects of poverty. This is his tenth hi-low novel for reluctant teen readers. Website: www.findingforwardbooks.com Email: russthompson95@gmail.com

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Susie Yi

Susie Yi signed a 3-Book deal with HarperAlley! The CAT & CAT ADVENTURE series continues with three more books, starting with book 4, titled THE STAFF OF KNOWLEDGE, coming out in summer 2024. Pre-Order it today! https://www.harpercollins.com/products/cat-cat-adventures-the-staff-of-knowledge-susie-yi?variant=41228204802082 Instagram: @soojimoo and @catandcatcomics Website: www.susieyi.com

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Moni Ritchie Hadley

Moni Ritchie Hadley’s picture book, MISO MAGIC, will be released in September of this year. It is illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa. Pre-order it now! [Embedded Link: https://bit.ly/3SgrP8D ] Social: @bookthreader on all platforms Website: https://www.moniritchie.com

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Judy Campbell-Smith

Judy Campbell-Smith’s book, ICE CREAM EVERYWHERE: SWEET STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, illustrated by Lucy Semple, will be published by Sleeping Bear Press on March 15, 2024. You can pre-order your copy today: https://judycampbellsmith.com/books/ice-cream-everywhere/ Contact: info@judycampbellsmith.com Website: https://judycampbellsmith.com/

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Katrina Tangen

Katrina Tangen’s picture book, COPY THAT, COPY CAT was recently recognized with multiple awards: CYBILS Award Finalist Bookstagang Best Board Book of 2023 Named on two of Betsy Bird’s year end lists COPY THAT, COPY CAT!: Inventions Inspired by Animals is a STEM nonfiction book with riddles about biomimicry, was illustrated by Giulia Orecchia, and was published by Barefoot Books in Fall 2023. Instagram: @katrinatangen Website: https://katrinatangen.com/

Fall 2023

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Susan Cortz

Susan Cortz published her first book, ALPACA POE, which is the first in the Adventures of Alpaca Poe series, a collection of tales that aims to foster kindness, character, and individuality in young readers.Buy it now! Instagram: @hummingoaks Website: www.hummingoakspress.com Email: admin@hummingoakspress.com

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Cynthia Baseman

Cynthia Baseman wrote and Victoria Greenwood Illustrated LIP MONSTERS: MOMO MOTORMOUTH. The series is a kindness campaign, and copies are available today. All proceeds from the launch benefit Best Buddies 501c. Join them for storytime and cookies on December 2nd at Milk Jar Cookies on Wilshire. On December 10th, enjoy cookies, storytime, and face painting at Village Well Books in Culver City on December 10th. Website: https://www.lipmonsters.com/ IG: @lipmonsters and @cynthia_d_baseman

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Kimberly Tso

Kimberly Tso is excited to announce that she has signed with agent Savannah Brooks of KT Literary, who was one of the faculty at the Fall Conference. IG: @kimberlytso

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Jennifer Olson

Jennifer Olson’s book PARTY POOPER just released on November 7, 2023. PARTY POOPER is a hilarious, yet tender and sincere picture book about making mistakes, owning up to them, and asking forgiveness. PARTY POOPER is written and illustrated by Jennifer Gray Olson and published by Roaring Brook Press. IG:@jgrayolson TikTok: @jennifergrayolson Twitter: @jgrayolson Website: www.jennifergrayolson.com

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Megan Morales

Megan Morales has a new book, called THE TALENTED PRETZEL, coming out in December 2023. Website: www.meganmorales.com

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Jodi Rizzotto

Jodi Rizzotto is excited to announce that she recently signed with literary agent Tia Mele from Tia Rose Mele Literary Agency to represent her MG Contemporary Fantasy book HARMONY AND HER BIG GHOST BROTHER. Facebook: author Jodi Rizzotto Website: www.jrizzotto.com

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Tim Burke

Tim Burke has sold his third short story, “STRAYS,” to one of the two national adult crime fiction magazines, ALFRED HITCHCOCK MYSTERY MAGAZINE. Contact: tim@timburketales.com Website: www.timburketales.com

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Russ Thompson

Russ Thompson has a new book out: LETTERZ. It tells the story of a teen with dyslexia who struggles and finds a way to succeed. It's a hi-low novel for reluctant and struggling teen readers. Visit his website to get your copy today. Contact: russthompson95@gmail.com Website: www.findingforwardbooks.com

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Shiho Pate

Shiho Pate is thrilled to be working on a new picture book: BABY STEPS, written by Kimberly Derting and published by Abrams Appleseed. This is a picture book about the complexity of welcoming a new baby home for a slightly older sibling, and it illustrates the sweet burgeoning relationship between siblings. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024. @shihopate on IG, Twitter, Threads and Bluesky

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Debra Green

Debra Green co-authored a middle grade novel that was purchased by Ben Publishing. The book is titled RULES FOR LIARS, and it's co-written with April Patten. website: www.DebraLGreen.com

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Susi Schaefer

Susi Schaefer has illustrated a picture book titled GOOD MORNING, I LOVE YOU, VIOLET! written by Shauna Shapiro. By saying "Good morning, I love you" to herself each day, a young girl changes her negative self-talk and embraces happiness. The book will hit the shelves on October 23rd. Pre-order it today: https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-morning-i-love-you-violet-jennifer-adams/19540534?ean=9781649630315 IG: @susischaeferart Website: https://www.susischaefer.com/

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Shiho Pate

Shiho Pate is illustrating THE RESCUES, written by Tommy Greenwald and Charlie Greenwald. These easy-to-read chapter books highlight the humor and love in a found family of rescue pets. Red Comet Press has bought world rights to THE RESCUES in a two-book deal. The first book is slated for fall 2023. Instagram: @shihopate Twitter: @shihopate

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Susie Yi

Susi Yi wrote and illustrated her debut MG graphic novel, A SKY OF PAPER STARS. This story is of a Korean-American girl who is turning into paper after a wish goes awry, followed by the death of her grandmother. Published by Roaring Book Press. Release date is September 26, 2023. Order it here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250843890/papergirl, Instagram: @soojimoo and @catandcatcomics Website: www.susieyi.com

Summer 2023

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Chuck Grieb

Chuck Grieb’s illustrated novel, The Goblin Twins, has been published! Running for their lives from an evil shaman, The Goblin Twins, Bela and Vuto, flee to the far side of the enchanted Thicket. But the shaman has not given up, and the Goblin Twins’ escape to the Faerie Garden Clans sparks a confrontation, which could lead to a Goblin-Faerie war. Readers aged 10 years to 100 would enjoy this book. Including over 100 illustrations, many in full color, The Goblin Twins is 166 pages long and printed on high quality paper with a foil stamped hardcover and dust jacket. The first edition of the book is limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies. Order your copy today! https://artofchuckgrieb.bigcartel.com/product/the-goblin-twins-a-garden-clan-tale Instagram and Twitter: @chuck_grieb

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Cynthia DeLaTorre

Author/Illustrator Cynthia De La Torre is thrilled to share that her book deal with HarperCollins/Quill Tree just was announced for Letters from Tia Luz Maria. IG: @CynthiaGDeLaTorre Twitter: @CynthiaDLT11 Website: cynthiadelatorre.com

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Maryna Doughty

Maryna Doughty is excited to announce the cover design for her middle grade novel, Sincerely, Diary, is out. IG: marynas_kidlit_corner Twitter: @MarynaDoughty Website: www.marynadoughty.com/books

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Erin Clark

After connecting at the SCBWI SoCal May Retreat, Erin Clark is excited to share that she has signed with agent Bibi Lewis at the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency to represent her for her YA speculative thriller Broken Moon. Twitter: @erinclarkwrites IG: @erinclarkwrites

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Russ Thompson

Russ Thompson’s latest book, Blue Wall, is out now. It's a hi-low novel for reluctant readers about a depressed kid with low self-esteem who finds his way through it and becomes successful. You can order it on Amazon. www.findingforwardbooks.com Email: russthompson95@gmail.com

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Tim Burke

Tim Burke is excited to announce that he has signed with agent Jennie Kendrick of Red Fox Literary to represent him for his MG novel Troll Tails. Twitter: @Frankenstrat88

Spring 2023

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Shiho Pate

Shiho Pate did the artwork for Chi-Chi And Pey-Pey Cupcake Catastrophe, and the release date is August 29th, 2023. It is written by Jennifer Fosberry and published by Simon and Schuster. Best friends Chi-Chi the chicken and Pey-Pey the penguin both want the same cupcake in the second book in this sweet Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics series about celebrating differences! Pre-order today! @shihopate for Instagram, Twitter and TikTok

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Shiho Pate

Shiho Pate illustrated Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey School Day Drama, and the release date is June 27th, 2023. Written by Jennifer Fosberry. A chicken and penguin with seemingly nothing in common see if they can be birds of a feather in the first book in this sweet new Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics series about celebrating differences! @shihopate for Instagram, Twitter and TikTok

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Jude Atwood

Jude Atwood is excited to announce that his debut novel, MAYBE THERE ARE WITCHES, will be published June 13, 2023 by Fitzroy Books. Twitter: @JudeAtwood Instagram: @JudeAtwoodSketches Facebook: @JudeAtwoodSketches Click below for Website.

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Lily Sparks

The third book of Lily Sparks’ YA series, TEEN KILLERS AT LARGE, will be published by Crooked Lane Books on October 10th, 2023. This thriller trilogy, which centers on the ethics of AI profiling, has garnered a Kirkus starred review, a nomination for best YA Debut by ITW, was a JLG selection and a Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers by YALSA! Website: sparkslily.com IG: @sparks_lily_rose Twitter: @lilyroro

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Nazli Tahvili - NOT A MEMBER

Nazli Tahvili illustrated CANTAN LAS FORMAS CANTAN, a poetic book to think about geometric space and to exercise the senses. You can find it here: https://www.elsotano.com/libro/cantan-las-formas-cantan_10643615.

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Samantha Winkler

Samantha Winkler illustrated SISTER, which came out May 23rd. Order at the link below! Sjwinklerart.com @sjwinklerart

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Christine Alemshah

Christine Alemshah is excited to announce that she has signed with a literary agent, Vicky Weber of The Purcell Agency. Twitter: C_Alemshah Website: Christine alemshah.com

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Kathleen Troy

Kathleen Troy now has four books published from the DYLAN’S DOG SQUAD series, and all are available at the Placentia Library, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon—wherever books are sold. Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn: @kathleentroyauthor

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Bronwen Newcott

Bronwen Newcott is thrilled to announce her debut MG novel, RACE TO THE GREAT INVENTION was released on May 4th. It is a magical adventure of 12-year-old Tessa and Gus and is now available on Amazon! Instagram: @bronwenbutternewcott linktr.ee/bronwenbutternewcott

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Judy Campbell-Smith

Judy Campbell-Smith is releasing a Spanish translation of her book, AJ’S NEIGHBORHOOD! It is called EL VECINDARIO DE AJ, and it will come out in the Spring 2023! Twitter: @j_campbellsmith Instagram: @jcampbellsmith

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Ellie Huynh - NOT A MEMBER

Ellie Huynh’s picture book A DIVE INTO THE BLUE, illustrated by Bao Luu, will be celebrating its book birthday on May 23rd, 2023! She will have a book signing at The Frugal Frigate in Redlands on June 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. elliehuynh.com FB: Ellie Huynh

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Susie Yi

Susie Yi is thrilled to announce the third book in her Cat & Cat Adventures series, titled JOURNEY INTO UNIBEAR CITY. Release date: May, 2023. You can order it here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/cat-cat-adventures-journey-into-unibear-city-susie-yi?variant=40651165237282, Instagram: @soojimoo, and @catandcatcomics, Website: www.susieyi.com

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Susi Schaefer

Susi Schaefer‘s third picture book, THE GLOW SHOW, will lighten up the deep on May 2, 2023! Twitter and Instagram: @susischaeferart Website: www.susischaefer.com

LOOKING BACK

Winter 2022- 23

E.L. Tenenbaum’s New book, SHADOW & CROWN, the first of the ROYAL & PIPER Trilogy, was released this week! February 21st. @ELTenenbaum on Instagram/Twitter

⇒Kathleen Troy currently has two middle grade books available on Amazon: Dylan’s Dilemma and Dylan’s Dream. These are the stories of an American Cocker Spaniel, originally from South Korea. He is sent to live with Casey, a twelve-year-old boy in California. Of course, there are adventures and misadventures. The two of them become involved with Search and Rescue. Dylan’s Dog Squad is the next book in this series, which is coming soon. NEVER BELIEVE A LIE TWICE (YA) Sage (13) is a down-and-out con artist who is sent to live with family he never knew he had. One of them happens to be a murderer and wants him very, very dead. NEVER BELIEVE IN LUCK TWICE (See above.) This is a short story. Sage has to make a decision that will affect the rest of his life. Since he has always relied on his deck of lucky cards to make a decision for him, he cuts the deck and prays for an ace. Coming soon: NEVER BELIEVE A CON ARTIST TWICE IG: @kathleentroyauthor

A new children’s picture book for 4-9-year-olds, RASMOOSE THE CHRISTMAS MOOSE, is available this holiday season. It is written by Helle Brisson and illustrated by Helle Urban. This first book in a series tells the story of how a lost, clumsy, insecure young moose makes new friends, learns to face life’s challenges, and finds his purpose as Santa’s helper and saves Christmas. Visit our interactive website for downloadable games, the original theme song, and ordering information.  On 11/20, RASMOOSE THE CHRISTMAS MOOSE was selected as Finalist for American Writing Awards in three categories: Best Children’s-Picture Book; Best Cover Design-Fiction; Animals/Pets General. Website: www.rasmoosethemoose.com IG: @rasmoosethemoose  @hellebooksllc facebook.com/rasmoosethemoose email: helle@hellebooks.com

Fall 2022

⇒Margo Sorenson met with the adult book club at Hope Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, CA about her YA/Crossover Adult novel, SECRETS IN TRANSLATION (Fitzroy Books, 2018). The meeting was on November 22, and Margo shared the backstory of the book and her childhood in la bella Italia. Twitter: @ipapaverison IG: @margosorensonwriter FB: ItaliaYA

⇒Carlene Griffith released the 2nd book in her ROSE MAIDELAIDEN series September 1st on Kindle Vella. It’s called ROSE MAIDELAIDEN: THE UNOFFICIAL TALE OF HOW THE LILY GOT ITS NAME. After all the Episodes are published, she will compile them into a book that will be available on Amazon.com.

Three of Ilana Rogel-Wieder’s submissions were acquired by Highlights High-Five magazine, which will be published in their 2023 issues. Twitter: @IlanaRW1 IG: Ilana_rw Website: www.ilanarwieder.com 

Summer 2022

⇒Judy Campbell-Smith celebrates her reading of AJ’S NEIGHBORHOOD at the Claremont Forum Bookstore on August 14 as part of their Summer Reading Program. Located in Claremont Village: 586 W 1st St, Claremont CA. Twitter: @j_campbellsmith Website: www.JudyCampbellSmith.com

⇒Carla Mino’s first book CRYSTAL HEALING: A Guide for Writers releases on June 23, 2022. Also, on June 13, 2022, she is launching her “Write Your Bestseller Book in 90 days” Creative Coaching Program.

⇒D. K. Posner is excited that her self-published YA novel REMY (by D.K. Posner) has been released on Amazon and Bookbaby. Website: Dkposner.com

⇒Gayle Gaviola is thrilled to announce that she’s signed with Brent Taylor of Triada US for author representation, and to bring to life her first novel — a YA enemies-to-lovers romcom with a Filipina American lead inspired by her personal upbringing as a military brat. IG: @gaylegavs

Spring 2022

⇒Lauren Gallegos released two books: BAA BAA TAP SHEEP, May 15th from Sleeping Bear Press and TIME FOR SCHOOL (American Girl), May 3rd from Little Golden Books. Website: http://www.laurengallegos.com Instagram: @lauren.gallegos

⇒Gea Meijering’s middle grade graphic novel, HACKING THE CODE, is celebrating its first year anniversary this month by producing an audiobook. Instagram: @hacking.the.code website: www.icarepress.com tiktok: @hackingthecode

⇒Gayle Gaviola will be published in GROWING UP ASIAN IN AMERICA, a new book from Simon & Schuster’s MTV Books imprint, which is coming out on May 15, 2022. The personal nonfiction essay Gayle wrote inspired the YA manuscript she shared at Tahquitz. IG: @gaylegavs ⇒Lauren Gallegos released two books: BAA BAA TAP SHEEP, May 15th from Sleeping Bear Press and TIME FOR SCHOOL (American Girl), May 3rd, 2022 from Little Golden Books. www.laurengallegos.com www.laurengallegos.com  IG: @lauren.gallegos

⇒Russ Thompson received a positive review from Foreword Clarion Reviews for All Alone. It’s a high-interest novel for teens about a tenth-grader who contends with loneliness, family conflicts, and school troubles. https://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/all-alone/

The release date for Heather Buchta’s YA novel, CHASING AFTER KNIGHT, has been moved to May 10, 2022. It’s a funny, romantic novel about a girl trying to make amends with a former best friend who is now an A-list movie star.

⇒Gea Meijering’s middle grade graphic novel, Hacking the Code, is celebrating its first year anniversary this month. An audiobook is now available. Instagram: @hacking.the.code. Website: http://www.icarepress.com. TikTok: @hackingthecode

The release date for Heather Buchta’s YA novel, CHASING AFTER KNIGHT, has been moved to May 10, 2022. It’s a funny, romantic novel about a girl trying to make amends with a former best friend who is now an A-list movie star.

⇒Debra Garfinkle’s middle grade novel, VIOLET AND THE PIE OF LIFE, came out in paperback in March 2022. She also has a story in the middle grade anthology Coming of Age: 13 B’nai Mitzvah Stories, which was published on April 20, 2022. Locals Henry Herz and Stacia Deutsch also have stories in the anthology. Website: http://www.DebraLGreen.com

⇒Gayle Gaviola will be published in GROWING UP ASIAN IN AMERICA, a new book from Simon & Schuster’s MTV Books imprint, which is coming out on May 15. The personal nonfiction essay Gayle wrote inspired the YA manuscript she shared at Tahquitz. Instagram: @gaylegavs

Congratulations to Lori Polydoros. Her newest book, Quake Chasers: 15 Women Reocking Earthquake Science, has just been released by Chicago Review Press. It explores the lives of fifteen diverse, contemporary female scientists with a variety of specialties related to earthquake science. Instagram: @polydoroslori. Twitter: @lori_polydoros.

⇒Russ Thompson received a four-out-of-five rating from Foreword Clarion Reviews for All Alone, a high-interest novel for teens about a tenth-grader who contends with loneliness, family conflicts, and school troubles. See the review at https://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/all-alone/.

⇒Kathleen Troy currently has two middle grade books available on AMAZON: DYLAN’S DILEMMA and DYLAN’S DREAM. These are the stories of an American Cocker Spaniel, originally from South Korea. He is sent to live with Casey, a twelve-year-old boy in California. Of course, there are adventures and misadventures. The two of them become involved with Search and Rescue. Dylan’s Dog Squad is the next book in this series, which is coming soon.

Judy Campbell-Smith’s self-published picture book with illustrator Amanda Dowell, AJ’S NEIGHBORHOOD, is now available for pre-order. The release date is March 29. Twitter: @j_campbellsmith. Instagram: @jcampbellsmith. Website: www.judycampbellsmith.com.

Marie Chan’s picture book biography, MAMIE TAPE: A CHINESE-AMERICAN GIRL’S FIGHT TO GO TO SCHOOL, was recently acquired by Ten Peaks Press, an imprint of Harvest House Publishers. It will be released in winter 2024.  Website: mariechan.com. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @mariechanbooks.

Ernesto Cisneros, winner of the 2021 Pura Belpre Award for Efren Divided, has released a new book, FALLING SHORT, “…a hilarious and heartfelt novel about two best friends who must rely on each other in unexpected ways.” He has received starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly.

Erin Lagerberg’s short story, “Miniwashitu,” has been accepted by SCBWI for its upcoming middle-grade anthology, Haunted States of America.

Russ Thompson received a positive review in Kirkus Reviews for his third novel, Never Wanted, about a neglected and abused teen who is placed in foster care. He also received a positive review in BookLife Reviews for his most recent book, Overspray, about a teen who struggles to recover after his father dies. Website: www.bookstockpress.com.

Andy Mitchell shared a new book coming in March! Preorder The Art of Alice and Martin Provensen

Winter 2021-22

“Eyes on the Road,” by Esther Tenenbaum, was published in the January/February issue of Writer’s Digest. “Much like a cross-country road trip, writing a series can be quite the journey for both readers and writers. Here are five tips for planning and writing a series to get readers safely to the final destination and enjoy the ride along the way.” Illustrators

Chuck Grieb is featured on this month’s Imagine FX Magazine!

Heather Soodak‘s art is going to be in Centered on the Center 2022 at Huntington Beach Art center!