Friday, I was surprised when two packages arrived in the mail – inside were Two wonderful books that I will forever cherish.
The first one I opened was from Kat Yeh and included her book THE TRUTH ABOUT TWINKIE PIE, which was named a 2014 BEA Middle Grade Buzz Book. I found I was mentioned at the back of the book with the book acknowledgments. “To Kathy Temean, who was RA of the NJSCBWI in 2011 and made the decision to place me with Alvina Ling on a hunch that it would be a good match (Trust me, writers, go join SCBWI).
Kathi Appelt (Newbery Honor-winning author of UNDERNEATH) had this to say about THE TRUTH ABOUT TWINKIE PIE, “Here’s the Truth: this book is going to make you hungry. It’s going to make you worry. It’s going to make you want to hug you family and friends. An then, it’s going to make you want to gaze up at the shooting stars and smile, so happy that there is a book in the world like this on, that lets us see that we’re all in this together. Hold on. That’s the truth.”
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Then I open the next package and STICK AND STONE by Beth Ferry smiled at me. Her note said, “Hope you enjoy the book. I’ll always be grateful to you for making the NJSCBWI a place where dreams come true!” I thought I would show the picture of Beth with her book, since I had a smile just as big as her gin when I opened her envelope.
You can check Friday’s post for Beth’s Book Launch Party and other dates on her book tour.
I have already read Beth’s book three times. Tonight, I am going to relax with a “No calorie” Twinkie Pie and find out the truth. Thank you, Kat and Beth!
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
Writing and Illustrating 
I’m reading TWINKIE PIE as we speak!! And I’m IN LOVE with Beth’s STICK AND STONE! I could NOT be happier for the two of them and yes, Kathy, you deserve SO much credit. You raised the bar on what conferences can be 🙂
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By: writersideup on April 12, 2015
at 1:14 am
I miss you.
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By: Kathy Temean on April 12, 2015
at 1:24 am
Hey, Kathy! I miss you, too and been wondering how you are 🙂 Lots going on here, driving me a bit batty! So much to catch up on, my dear. Totally looking forward to seeing you at the conference 😀
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By: writersideup on April 12, 2015
at 1:27 am
I will always be grateful to you, Kathy, and the amazing job you did making NJSCBWI the incredible gathering it is XOXOXO I hope you always know what a tremendous support you have been to so many aspiring kidlit writers and illustrators.
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By: Kat Yeh on April 12, 2015
at 9:09 am
Kat, I remember meeting you while waiting in queue for dinner and how you expressed to me how grateful you were to all the organizers of the conference, but especially Kathy, so I know how sincere you are in saying this, and your words could NOT be more true about her effect 😀 LOVING the book, btw 😀
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By: writersideup on April 12, 2015
at 12:14 pm
Donna,
I am loving the book, too. Now, we just have to spread the word, so others will discover it.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 12, 2015
at 3:44 pm
I do Twitter ’cause it’s my “thing” 🙂 LOVE sharing on Twitter!
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By: writersideup on April 12, 2015
at 9:27 pm
Kat,
Love what I am reading. Thank you so much for sending me the book.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 12, 2015
at 3:45 pm
I absolutely loved THE TRUTH ABOUT TWINKIE PIE! It made me laugh; it made me cry; it made my mouth water. And not only is she a brilliant writer, but Kat is a lovely person, too.
STICK AND STONE is also awesome. 🙂
Kat is lucky, though, to have had your insightful help in pairing her at the critique session, Kathy! If only most of us could have this… Makes me wish I lived in or near NJ! 😀
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By: Teresa Robeson on April 12, 2015
at 11:20 am
Teresa,
I’m reading Twinkie Pie, right now. Everything you say about Kat is true. I knew she was a good writer before, but the voice in this book is fantastic! Love that little girl.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 12, 2015
at 3:42 pm
Two gorgeous looking covers. Putting on ‘to read’ list right now.
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By: Kaye Baillie on April 12, 2015
at 7:37 pm
XOXOXO I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Kathy – I will always only have great things to say about you and NJSCBWI xoxo and thank you Donna and Teresa – You guys are so supportive.
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By: Kat Yeh on April 13, 2015
at 12:17 am
Easy to be when something’s so good by someone so nice 🙂
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By: writersideup on April 13, 2015
at 12:25 am
XOXOXO
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By: Kat Yeh on April 13, 2015
at 8:44 am
Kat,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your book. I dropped everything to read it because I couldn’t put it down. Great voice and great characters. Are the recipes real?
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 13, 2015
at 10:06 pm
Oh, those recipes sound amazing! 🙂
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By: writersideup on April 13, 2015
at 11:33 pm
kathy – xo thank you so much – i’m so happy you like it – you were a huge part of helping it come to life and have a chance xoxo
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By: Kat Yeh on April 14, 2015
at 1:10 pm
You got two awesome books by two of my favorite authors and writing friends. It doesn’t get much better than that.
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By: darlenebeckjacobson on April 14, 2015
at 3:51 pm
Congratulations all around!!
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By: Lauri Meyers on April 22, 2015
at 11:03 am