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It's one thing to shop local. You're supporting neighborhood businesses. When you buy local products, you're supporting both a business and an artisan - two entities within your community. That's why when you give a book as a gift this year, please choose to purchase one written by a Fort Collins author.

Here are some suggestions for kids and teens on your list. And if you don't have children, why not donate a book to your local public or school library, or give one to your Toys for Tots drive. They are always in need of gifts for teens.

By Colorado Book Award Winner, Laura Resau

Just finished reading Todd Mitchell's The Secret to Lying last night. It's a YA novel about a boy who goes to a boarding school and takes this opportunity to reinvent himself as a "cooler" kid. As he tries to figure himself out, he battles inner demons through his dreams (there is some very inventive imagery) and he opens up to an IM-er who calls him on his lies. Even though I knew who the mysterious ghost44 was, it was still interesting to see if James would figure it out, and for me, to see how that character would act around him in person. Todd has a great way of keeping the chapters short, tight and moving along, and ending with page turners, so it is definitely a recommended read. Even though the character is 15, I bet guys heading off to college who might be thinking that college will give them a new chance to leave their high school rep behind and start anew, would also get something out of this story.

I'm working on revisions for Hollyweird and I'm trying to work out a sticky plot point, but I haven't come up with the perfect thing yet. I know eventually I'll be zapped with an "Aha!" moment, but I hope it hurries up. LOL. I don't like feeling stuck. In the meantime I'm doing research and looking for inspiration everywhere. I want to nail this ending!

This weekend I'm going to the Colorado Teen Lit Conference and I'm really looking forward to it. I get to visit with some authors I only get to see at these events (Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Amy Kathleen Ryan) and I'm looking forward to meeting new authors Amy Efaw and Becca Fitzgerald (who I've only spoken to on email). 

I'm also really excited to FINALLY meet Ellen Hopkins. We had stories together in the anthology Breaking Up Is Hard To Do and I have an essay in the anthology about her work, Flirtin' with the Monster. Ellen and I have talked on email, and both Lynda and Nic have met her, but I've yet to have that pleasure. 

Even more fun will be having two of my creative writing club teens attend with me. :) I know the Kels(e)ys are going to have a blast! 

This conference is always a favorite of mine. And this year the weather is supposed to be much nicer than last year so attendance should be higher.  

Can't wait!