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Ha!

Look What Arrived!

The Rule of Mirror arrives!

The Rule of Mirrors arrives!

My editor sent me copies of The Rule of Mirrors!  I have the actual book in my hands. It’s a thrill to see this novel in its final stage after all these months of labor and conniving. Thank you to my lovely editor, Kate Jacobs, for helping me all along the way!  

My brother Tomy O’Brien was visiting when I opened the package, and he snapped this happy photo. It was great to have him here to help celebrate. He even read… Continue reading

Why Do We Stay Up Late Reading?

To sleep or read, that is the question.

To sleep or read, that is the question.

The other night, I was reading Andy Weir’s The Martian, and once I hit midnight, I deliberately quit checking my watch because I didn’t want to stop reading. When I finally stumbled to bed around 2 a.m., with half the book still to go, I was exhausted but gleeful. Stealing time from my sleep is frankly irresponsible, but that doesn’t stop me. In a way, it adds to my pleasure because it’s a minor rebellion.  

Loving a book enough… Continue reading

A Long-Distance Visit to Topeka

Seaman High School Library Book Club

Seaman High School Library Book Club

A Skype visit took me to the Seaman High School Library in Topeka where I had a chance to talk with Marian Sweany’s most excellent book group this morning.  The seven lively students were full of insights and questions about the Birthmarked series.  It was cool to hear their observations about the reversal of the power dynamics between men and women in the first two books, and they seemed to think a fourth book is in order so they can see… Continue reading

That Happy Song

Tulsa Opera Debutante Ball, March 8, 2014

Tulsa Opera Debutante Ball, March 8, 2014

You know the one. “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Happy-y-y-y!” This is the most absurd, happy lyric I’ve heard in a long time, and whenever I hear it, I have to smile. No choice. I picture a room without a roof and see blue sky above four generic walls and the goofiness of that visual trick delights me, too, like the top of my head has been lifted off. I feel it in my hair follicles. How’s… Continue reading

Take a Peek at The Vault of Dreamers!

Starting today, readers can get an exclusive first look at The Vault of Dreamers!  This is the first time any of my novel has been available publicly, and I’m psyched it’s reaching this exciting step.  Macmillan is sending a peek directly to readers who sign up for email updates.

To read the peek, simply sign up here, and the excerpt will arrive in your email box!

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Ballard Puppets and Art Spiegelman, Coming Soon

Spiegelman Comes to the Jorgensen, March 3, 2014

Spiegelman Comes to the Jorgensen, March 24, 2014* note changed date!

*Spiegelman’s lecture has been postponed to Monday, March 24, 2014.

Two upcoming events I’m excited about are the opening of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at Storrs Center this Saturday, March 1st and Art Spiegelman’s talk “What the %@&*! Happened to Comics?” at the Jorgensen Monday, March 24th.  Both events are free and open to the public, and I can’t wait.

Naturally, I’m a little scared of traditional puppets, but I love how weird… Continue reading