#MyrtleMondays: Back to School

Oh, dear. Are there any more depressing words in the English language? I haven’t been in school for decades now, but contemplating the end of summer vacation is still like fingernails on… well, you know. This year, returning to school is fraught with even more anxieties and uncertainties than ever. Let’s have a look at what this annual ordeal was like for Victorian schoolchildren in England. (more…)

#Myrtle Mondays: A Conversation with Myrtle & Friends

Recently, I had the chance to speak with the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association, along with fellow Alqonquin Young Readers authors Amy Timberlake and Yamile Saied Méndez.

Our panel, part of MPIBA’s Summer Camp series, was recorded, and now it’s available live for anyone who’d like to see us chat up some fun fall releases!

Amy Timberlake discusses the inspiration behind her charming and quirky new readaloud, Skunk & Badger, illustrated by Jon Klassen. (My mother-in-law gives Skunk & Badger rave reviews! And I don’t share just any old book with Judy.)

author photo ©Phil Timberlake

Yamile Saied Méndez talks about her fantastic YA debut, Furiafull of fierce girls, futbol, and romance. Furia will transport you right to Rosario, Argentina with its rich sense of place!

And I share some behind-the-scenes secrets of the creation of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries.

A big thanks to our marvelous moderator, Megan Harley of Algonquin Young Readers, and to the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association for this fantastic panel. Furia and Skunk & Badger are coming September 15, and Premeditated Myrtle and How to Get Away with Myrtle will be here October 6!

We have even more Big Bookseller News coming very soon, so stay tuned!

#Myrtle Mondays: Announcing Book 3!

I have some big (big!!) Premeditated Myrtle news coming soon, but today’s post is all about Book 3! As keen readers might have deduced from last week’s post, Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #3 features an Exceptionally Victorian Christmas, along with murder, misadventure, and a cold case!

And, naturally, Peony the Cat.

Cold-Blooded Myrtle will be at booksellers everywhere Fall 2021!