I'll be presenting a workshop on "How Writers Create Stories for Young Readers" and moderating a panel on NC's newest children's book authors. Hope to see you media specialists at the 2017 NCSLMA conference.

I'll be on a panel discussing retellings and how I turned the traditional Pinocchio story into a Da Vinci-punk fantasy-adventure for young readers.

Alan Gratz (REFUGEE and BAN THIS BOOK)  & I will be joining forces for a fun evening talking about our latest books and possibly arm wrestling at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC.

For more information visit: Alan Gratz and John Claude Bemis at Flyleaf

Help me celebrate the release of the 2nd book in the Out of Abaton series, LORD OF MONSTERS. Music, giveaways, refreshments, entertainment, reading, and signing. Books will be for sale from Purple Crow Books or bring your own copies to get autographed.

The wait is over! The second book in the Out of Abaton series, LORD OF MONSTERS, officially comes out today in great bookstores everywhere!

Pinocchio's and Lazuli's adventures continue, this time in the fantastical realm of Abaton where more dangers, more mayhem, and a ridiculous number of monsters are waiting for them.

Pre-order your copy today!

I'm excited to be visiting Bridgeton, Creekside, Gurganus, and Edward Elementary schools in Craven County, NC.

I'm happy to visit Sylvan Elementary in Alamance County, NC.

Join me and best-selling author Megan Shepherd as we discuss our latest books. Megan's latest release THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL is a powerful and heartfelt story of a girl trying to return an injured winged horse to its world behind the mirrors of Briar Hill hospital.

It'll be a fun evening of swapping stories and talking about the magic of writing and reading!

More info at Flyleaf Books.

I'll be presenting a special workshop on EXERCISING THE IMAGINATION where we'll engage in fun and creative exercises that will lead you to unique story ideas and amazing insights into your singular imagination. Hope to see you at the Carolinas' chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators 24th Annual Fall Conference. To register, visit Carolinas SCBWI. 

I'm exciting to be joining fellow children's book authors Kathi Appelt (The Underneath), Deborah Wiiles (Countdown), and others for the Middle Grade Readers panel at The Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson, MS. 

Tune into WCOM Carrboro, North Carolina's community radio station 103.5 FM or online at WCOM to hear my interview about The Wooden Prince, what's next for the Out of Abaton series, and all things books and writerly. 

Exercising the Imagination! A writing workshop for rising 3rd - 6th graders.

Meet me at Malaprops Bookstore in downtown Asheville, NC where I'll be discussing my latest book Out of Abaton: The Wooden Prince, autographing copies, and sharing some secrets about my imaginative process. I look forward to having the chance to meet you and answer any questions you might have. Hope to see you there!

I'll be presenting a special program for teen writers and readers at the Main Library as part of the Teen Lit Festival that Durham County Library is hosting. Presentations by authors like J.J. Johnson, Nathan Kotecki, Deborah Wiles, Jen McConnel, and others going on all day. 

I'll be doing some special writing workshops with the 4th graders at Harris Creek Elementary! Get those imaginations geared up and ready for some writing fun.

Meet me at Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, NC where I'll be discussing my latest book Out of Abaton: The Wooden Prince, autographing copies, and sharing some secrets about my imaginative process. I look forward to having the chance to meet you and answer any questions you might have. Hope to see you there!

I'll be doing some special writing workshops with the 4th graders at Harris Creek Elementary! Get those imaginations geared up and ready for some writing fun.

Looking forward to visiting all the students at Greensboro Academy! We've got a fun day together.

Join me in celebrating the release of The Wooden Prince. Giveaways. Refreshments. Performances and music. And get your copy of the first book in the Out of Abaton series personalized.

I'm teaming up with Tom Angleberger for a fun-filled evening sharing about our new books, performing feats of strength and daring-do, discussing everything from Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars to Da Vinci-robots and the mysteries behind our writing processes. You and your young book nerds won't want to miss this singular evening! 

Tom is the best-selling author of the Origami Yoda series as well as the brand new illustrated novel Rocket and Groot: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall, the first in his Marvel trilogy based on Guardians of the Galaxy.

For more info on the event visit: Flyleaf Books.