Happy New Year!

Over Christmas somebody said to me, “Hey, so your next book is called THIS IS ME FROM NOW ON. Is it about New Year’s resolutions?”

I was horrified.

Because I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions. My feeling is: if you really want to resolve something, you’ll do it when the time is right, not because you’ve cracked open a new Far Side calendar.

But what’s funny is, I always end up making resolutions, anyway. This time around I’m resolving to stop biting my fingernails. But I’m not waiting for January 1 to begin the New, Longer-Nailed Me—just tonight I’ve applied two coats of diamond-strength nail polish. (Diamond-strength...whoa. Strong enough to keep me from nibbling, I bet.)

So anyhow, I guess what I’ve made is an Old Year’s Resolution.

Which I’ll definitely keep. Fingernails crossed.

Happy New Year!

New York State Nominates SOLVING ZOE!

Just heard some incredible news—SOLVING ZOE was nominated for a New York State Three Apples Teen Award! Fifteen books were nominated in the Teens Category—including NEW MOON, BREAKING DAWN, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, HUNGER GAMES—and even classics like TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. And also… (*drumroll*) SOLVING ZOE!!!

I’m in total shock.

What’s especially great about this nomination is that came from readers. Kids get to nominate their favorite books, and kids get to vote on the ultimate winner. You can read a bit about the program here. (I did receive the info that all the nominees were listed and blurbed there, but when I checked on the website, it apparently hadn’t been updated. I’ll check back later and let you know.)

In the meantime, whoot!

I think this calls for a cupcake, don’t you?