June Author Quest Approaches!
Hello Everyone!
According to the calendar, the “unofficial” start of summer is here . . . but you wouldn’t know it when you walk outside in northern Michigan! We’ve had a couple of warm days, but, for the most part, the weather has been cloudy and very cool. Temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day, when they should be up in the 70s.
Still, it’s been warm enough to take Lily Munster, Scooby-Boo, and Spooky Dude to the lake to jump off the dock and retrieve their water toys. Spooky Dude gets cold easily, so we don’t stay for more than 30 minutes or so. They sure love their time in the water! We’ll be able to spend more time in the lake when the weather turns warmer.
I had an incredibly busy fall 2012/spring 2013. Traveled all across the country and even visited Europe in October, when I spoke at some schools in Frankfurt, Germany. That was a blast! I returned from my travels last week, and now I am home for the summer, ready for Author Quest.
Speaking of which: although both June and August camps have been filled to capacity for several months, we’ve had a couple of recent cancellations last week. This happens occasionally, but not very often. If you’d like to attend, contact camp director Ann Rowland as soon as possible. (authorquest@americanchillers.com). And the dates for our December Author Quest have been announced on the main page. Details for that camp, including an application, can be found by clicking on the Author Quest tab above. The application includes dates for the 2014 June and August camps; it’s not too early to apply for those, as they will fill up quickly, just like this year.
As I’m sure you’ve seen on the main page, I’ll be at Chillermania this Sunday, June 9, from noon until four. If you’re out and about in northern Michigan this weekend, I’d love to meet you! Bring any books you’d like me to sign, and I’d be happy to do that.
Several new books on the way, including American Chillers #38: The Wicked Waterpark of Wyoming, American Chillers #39: Angry Army Ants Ambush Alabama, Michigan Chillers #16: Catastrophe in Caseville and Freddie Fernortner, Fearless First Grader, Book #12: Frankenfreddie. I know that I’ve been telling people that I’ve put the Michigan Chillers series “on hold,” at least until I finish the American Chillers series. So, why book 16? Here’s what happened:
A few months ago, I awoke in the middle of the night with a really cool idea for a story based in Caseville, Michigan. I think this probably had something to do with looking at pictures from their 2012 cheeseburger festival, which draws thousands and thousands of people each year. Anyway, I jotted down some notes. That very same morning, I called Dwayne Harris, my American and Michigan Chillers illustrator in Kalispell, Montana. I told him all about the story that I wanted to write, and asked if he could create a cover even before the story was done. He did, and it turned out awesome! The book is complete and will be released in July, just in time for the 2013 Cheeseburger in Caseville festival that takes place in August.
And I’m thrilled that the new Freddie Fernortner book will be available soon. That was another project that I had to sideline, simply because of so many other things going on. Writing, traveling, speaking at several different locations a day . . . There’s only so many things you can do in 24 hours and still manage to get some sleep!
We’re all really looking forward to this year’s Author Quest camps, and I know that those attending are really excited, too! I’m sure that the weather will be warmer in a couple of weeks when our June camp begins. But if you’re attending camp, be sure to bring a sweatshirt.
I have some really big news that I’m going to be sharing in the next week or two. Something REALLY exciting has been in the works for nearly a year, and I can’t wait to give you all the details. The only thing I will say is this: if you are anywhere near Lapeer, Michigan, keep your calendar open the last week of September. Something’s going to happen that you won’t want to miss!
Thanks for checking in!
Best wishes and happy reading,
Johnathan Rand