Last weekend was the Decatur Book Festival in the lovely state of Georgia.  As a girl with Southern roots, I LOVE the South.  The architecture, the graveyards, the people, and the PIE are all great inspiration for writing.  So here’s a day (and half) in the life when I can’t stay in my pajamas all day….

The first night I arrived, Decatur was already setting up.

Nancy Holder (Wolf Springs Chronicles), Me & Dan Krokos (FALSE MEMORY) at the Children’s Author Party at Little Shop of Stories

Parties are tons of fun, but they also equal buying lots of books I don’t have room for in my suitcase & eating lots of sweets. In this case, mini brownies, Twinkies & Rice Krispies Treats.

Messy bed

After spending exactly one hour in my house, I have already made a huge mess of my room.

Photo of Flannery O’Connor’s House

Saturday — Standing next to a picture of Flannery O’Conner’s house.

Giant funnel cake swimming in powdered sugar.

Funnel cake is the perfect lunch for any author (especially me).

The Decatur Festival Program – I had to grab one for my mom.

David Levithan discussing his new book, EVERY DAY, on the Teen Stage.

Listening to David Levithan talk about his new novel, EVERY DAY.  One of the coolest things about festivals and events is listening to your favorite authors/friends talk about their books.

Maddie the moderator, Margie and I on the Teen Stage.

Talking about BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION with Margie & our moderator, Maddie, on the Teen Stage.  Speaking in front of a crowd is always nerve-wracking and generally, I end up sounding crazy.

Signing books for readers.

Signing is actually really fun.  I love meeting readers, but sometimes I write my name on the personalization instead of the reader’s.

With Margie at the signing table.

Back at the hotel. A writer’s work is never done.

After the signing, I had to get back to my room because my knees were killing me & I’m finishing line edits on UNBREAKABLE.

More mess.

Homeward bound

This is what I look like at 9:30 in the morning after 4 hours of sleep.

Cheese Box = Sad Dinner

Now that airlines don’t provide food, this my sad dinner.

Next up is the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour in Las Vegas!

Check out all my upcoming events on my Facebook page.