Lots of people have asked me recently how I’m doing writing the sequel to The Academie and writing about Mr. Fritz, my beloved (currently only by me and those I’ve shared the story’s plot with, sorry) mid-grade novel. Well…unfortunately my brain works in weird ways. I’ve been making progress on both novels, yes. Meanwhile, I’ve also come up with ideas for a dozen or more new books, including lots of toddler books.

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to write picture books for kids. And now my soon-to-be two-year-old nephew is about 2,000 miles away, and I’m missing him like crazy and thinking about toddlers a lot. So this is where my mind is now: on toddler books.

Does this mean The Academie II won’t be written? Certainly not. Allie and her friends are roaming around in my head all the time (and I’m sorry to say that at the moment, Allie’s in a very dark place indeed. If you like dystopia, I think you will be pleased). I still plan to get the first draft together by the end of summer and the final draft in the hands of readers by the end of the year. As Mr. Fritz, he is out flying as we speak.

But meanwhile, I’m turning my thoughts to lighter things: simple pictures of fruits and veggies to inspire my little nephew to eat healthy and a Recipe for Happiness (all books coming in the upcoming months).