A Poetry Contest and Other Goodies

I love the idea of a Poem Drive, and YARN (YA Review Net) is hosting one this year for sweet-Halloween-treat-themed poems. Those of you who write poetry (AHEM, Ms. T) should go check out the 3rd Annual Fall Treats Poetry Drive and Contest (now through Oct. 28) and enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate to the local, preferably independent bookstore of your choice. And, of course, YARN is open to all sorts of YA-friendly submissions year-round (and I'm glad they reminded me of that fact...I've got a story I need to work on!)

October's Bullying Awareness Month, too, and Open Road Media has an anti-bullying video to share, including Newbery-winning author Patricia MacLachlan.

Author/illustrator Aaron Zenz's wife is recovering from brain surgery and their family could use your help--the Kidlitosphere's own Julie Danielson of the 7-Imps has helped set up a site where you can donate to the cause.

There are some really awesome interviews on GraphicNovelReporter.com right now, according to their latest newsletter: an interview with Diana Thung about her upcoming August Moon, which looks fantastic; an interview with Ben Hatke, author of 2011 Cybils winner Zita the Spacegirl; and an interview with Raina Telgemeier on her new book, Drama, which was yesterday's featured review on the Cybils blog.

And--AND--just a tiny personal plug--yesterday I officially revealed the cover for my next book, due out in June!! Yahoo! Check it out and let me know what you think.