Best Announcement. Of my life.

So here it is:

My book is going to be published!

Oh, you guys, you don't know how long I've been wanting to say this! If you want to get right down to it, I've been waiting for 17 years, ever since I started writing fan-fiction in preschool--when I first dreamed of becoming a real, honest-to-goodness, it-has-an-ISBN, published author.

Anyway, I can only say this: Two weeks ago, I accepted a two-book offer from a really, REALLY great publishing house in NY.

Unfortunately, I can't say who that publisher is, or what the title of the book is (for those of you who think you know, it has changed). I will definitely be back with more details in the next month or two, so please stay tuned!

It's been the most surreal, indescribably wonderful two weeks of my life! All I can do now is give thanks to God for giving me this phenomenal opportunity, for a network of supportive friends and family, and for a truly outstanding agent (I'm still not convinced she's not superhuman; seriously, you guys, she moves at a speed that leaves light standing still).

Fun Fact: When I got the news, I was in the middle of an eye exam. I heard my phone ring, saw it was my agent, and asked in a tiny, apologetic voice if my optometrist would terribly mind if I picked up. He was exceedingly gracious and sat by whilst I shrieked, then hyperventilated, then got all teary-eyed (that last bit was partially due to the fact he'd just been shining what must have been million-watt bulbs on my corneas, you should know). Needless to say, it was the best eye exam I've ever had, and that includes the one in sixth grade when I finally got to trade in my specky-specs for contact lenses.

Y'all stay tuned, now! Soon as I get the green light, I'll pepper you with proper nouns!

This about sums up how I feel:

Character Bloghop!

Hey! Here's my cast list for my YA sci-fi novel (title under construction at the moment--but if you know me from AQCon or QueryTracker, it used to be Perfectly Pia!)

Pia is immortal, thanks to years of genetic engineering and the influence of a rare flower. She has lived her entire life inside a research compound (called Little Cam) hidden in the Amazon rainforest...until the day she turns 17, and discovers a way out.

 Eio is the boy Pia meets in the jungle. He's half Ai'oan Indian, half Spanish, and lives with his tribe in a village near Little Cam. Strong, fierce, and loyal, Eio soon comes to love Pia--and will do whatever it takes to prove it to her.

 Dr. Harriet Fields is a brilliant English zoologist and new arrival to Little Cam. She and Pia don't see eye to eye at first, but as they come to know each other, Harriet soon becomes Pia's closest friend and ally. Harriet is highly opinionated and sarcastic, but deeply sensitive as well.

Uncle Antonio, like Pia, was born and raised in the care of the scientists of Little Cam. He is Pia's tutor and friend, and soon catches the eye of Harriet Fields. Uncle Antonio is kind and honest, but he has secrets of his own.

Ami is Eio's little adopted sister, and soon finds a special place in Pia's heart. With boundless energy and vivacity, Ami opens Pia's eyes to the wonders--and dangers--of the Amazon jungle.

Dr. Paolo Alvez is the director of Little Cam, and oversees the genetic program of which Pia is a part. Paolo's goal is to create a race of immortal human beings, and will do whatever is necessary to accomplish this--no matter the lives he has to destroy.

This has been so much fun! Took me HOURS to find the perfect pictures for each of my characters. These ones come really close to my mental images, but, well, y'all know how it is... no picture could ever truly capture what's in our crazy heads! :) Anyway, thanks to Carrie, Melodie, and Lisa  for hosting this bloghop! (If you're interested in signing up before the week is out, hop over to Carrie's blog!)


Want to see more characters? Check out these fantabulous blogs!