I’m not sure if her husband really feels like a two-month road trip will be a punishment, but Lesley Kagen suspects he might feel that way by the end of it. Last night, Lesley began her book release tour with a launch party at the Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop in Mequon. Next, the pair will hit Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.

     I had so much fun at the launch. First, it was packed with people who’ve either really enjoyed her latest book, Land of a Hundred Wonders, or were just catching on with her first, Whistling in the Dark. A very funny and emotional friend and bookseller, who’s very proud of her, introduced her, and then Lesley charged into a bit of her life story and how writing has been such a surprising and enjoyable success for her.

>     “I just did it,” she said, about writing her first novel, without regard to publication. “I didn’t think about it that much.” She’s glad she didn’t; finding an agent and navigating the publishing world can be a nightmarish proposition.

     And so she’s enjoying the reaction to her work immensely, especially talking with readers at book clubs and readings such as that.

     She read from Chapter 1, which is a wonderfully rich description of character and world, and then took questions from the audience. There was several writers in the audience, myself included. Lesley was quick to tell everyone that she doesn’t write from an outline or plan of any sort; rather lets the characters react organically with each other. Of her characters, Lesley says, “When you get enough people together, somebody’s gonna start trouble.” So she sits back to let them do that until she’s got the necessary conflict for a story.

     Where there’s less conflict for her now is in the business end of publishing. See, now that her books are selling, Lesley’s got a lot more say in the final product. Go figure.

     She introduced the rest of her family members, whom she talks about often, and gave us readers something to look forward to: news that her next book is nearly half completed. Entitled Tomorrow River, it’s about two girls in Virginia. No other hints … boo hoo …

     So a fun time had by all. Wonders is an enchanting read. I’d recommend you pick up a copy, and if you’re anywhere around her tour sites, stop by to meet her.

     Love meeting authors? The Wisconsin Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators is hosting a book signing party with Wisconsin talents. More than a dozen Wisconsin authors are scheduled to read from their new books, including award-winning picture books, middle grade, and young adult works.

     The event is being held June 21, 2008, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Martha Merrell’s Bookstore in downtown Waukesha, Wisconsin. You can find more information there.

     Happy reading!

     We’ve just learned that my husband’s work, along with the work of dozens of other illustrators, has been stolen. The art, along with many interviews painstakingly conducted by art advocate Darren Di Lieto of The Little Chimp Society, have been printed in a book, apparently out of China.

     PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. None of the creators was paid, nor did they give permissions, nor did they even know of the book’s existence before now.

     We are in the process of learning more. Darren’s blog and ours will have updates.

     There is nothing like spending time with other writers and illustrators to renew your love of books. My husband and I got to do just that Saturday, when we had the pleasure of attending the spring luncheon of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Wisconsin.

     Sarah Cloots, the featured guest and an editor with Greenwillow Books, spoke of key moments in the evolution of a book, from early manuscript to finished product. Her photos showing the inside workings at Greenwillow were a great visual accompaniment.

     Authors Eileen Lucas and Anne Bingham made wonderful dining companions, as did new writer Juliette Crane. We appreciated their insight and fun natures. It was great to finally meet Regional Advisor Pam Beres, Authors Peggy Tromblay and Lisa Albert, Illustrator Bonnie Leick, “With Wings and a Halo” Executive Director Paul Gilbertson, and a great many other established and new authors and illustrators, all friendly and willing to freely share of their knowledge.

     Congratulations to SCBWI Golden Kite Nonfiction Winner Ann Bausum and Illustration Contest Winner Deb Gross. Their awards were just two of the many happy announcements made by members.

     We greatly enjoyed ourselves and look forward to seeing these great people again at other SCBWI events.

     When you venture into something new, it’s usually pretty exciting, especially when you have some success. We here are pretty excited to announce that my husband’s first children’s book has been announced and is available for pre-order. Yeah for him!

     Although he’s been designing and creating art for many years and has already been published in many different publications and media, Jeff’s always had a desire to illustrate children’s books. I’m so happy to see his dream fulfilled. Great job, Hon!

     Here’s a look at Welcome to Monster Isle. If you’re feeling generous and want to get a fun book for a child in your life, please go ahead and pre-order. You’ll get it just in time for Halloween.