Hi lovely readers! I hope you are doing well. I've got some news for you!
As sometimes happens in publishing, the initial plans for a cover have been changed. The awesome Madeline Smoot designed the new cover. I've been told that Shortcuts will be available in certain Barnes and Nobles stores in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. So look for those after release day, April 9th! You are the first readers to see the new cover--it's not even up online yet! Here it is---drum roll..... TA DAH!
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What do you think? The initial cover was great, but I think this one will better reach the older tweens and young teens that best suit the book.
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Advanced Reader Copies are almost available!
If you are a book reviewer (librarian, blogger, reading teacher) and you'd like a chance to get a copy of Shortcuts for review, please email my publisher at madeline@cbaybooks.com or me at amybearceauthor@gmail.com. Within the next few weeks, now that the cover is decided, paperback ARCs should be ready to send, and we'd love to get one to you! All we ask is that you leave an honest review on your platform, as well as Goodreads after you finish reading, and on Amazon once the book is released. Reviews really help a book succeed, and you'd be an important part of the Shortcuts team!
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Thank you for the reviews!
Welcome to new subscribers! I'm so thrilled that my trilogy has received some lovely reviews, and I know that's thanks to y'all, sharing your experiences. Thanks so much for spending time with my characters. Reviews help a book in so many ways, and each of you who have shared have helped these books reach new people. Thank you!
To read or leave reviews »
By the way, one of these days in the not-so-distant-future, I hope to have a short story for newsletter subscribers that follows up on our heroes a few years down the road...
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At the Schertz Author Fair
I was honored to participate in the annual Schertz author fair this year. (I'll be ordering a new poster to go along with the new cover now! :) )
On November 14th, I'm going to be on a panel for PBS's Digital Innovator's Virtual Professional Learning Series! Topic: helping students find & read books they love!
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Other new: I recently became the Assistant Regional Advisor to the Southwest Texas chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.) That's a lot of words to mean that I'm helping out with my local SCBWI region's online web and social media stuff, which has been fun. If you are interested in writing for children or teens, your best step will be to connect with your local chapter of SCBWI. Hands down, best step. I've been a member for ten years, and I wouldn't be a published author without their support. Check it out here.
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Personally, things have been busy but good. I'm working on two new stories and querying another. I've been subbing in school libraries now and then, which has been fun to keep my hand in. I've got a freshman in high school this year (not sure how that's possible) and a 7th grader. Their homework is keeping me on my toes, I can tell you that! My freshman's aging out on what I can help her with in math! I'm blogging more on my website, or trying to, so if you ever want to check up on me between newsletters, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my website at www.amybearce.com/blog. I have several book suggestions up.
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Book Recommendation! If you know someone who is intimidated by long stories, this is a fast, fabulous read! It's a great example of narrative-in-verse. It also is a Bluebonnet Award winner for this school year.
From the book: Garvey’s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey’s life changes.
Through short and deceptively simple poems, Grimes shares a heartfelt story, and leaves us feeling great in the end.
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Thank you for being with me through this journey! I'm so glad you are here! Take care and keep in touch!
-- Amy
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