A lot has been happening in the universe where I exist as Jennifer-the-author-lady.   Here’s a recap:

In late October, I was a featured author at the Spring ISD Book Festival in Houston.  I was extremely impressed with the district.  Not only do they celebrate books and reading, but they also provide real-world job training through their career academy at Wunsche High School, where the festival was located.  Loud shout-outs go to Joni Scheller, Patti Eskew, Ron Brown and all the other hardworking librarians, teachers, and volunteers.  They did an amazing job!

At the festival I had the honor of meeting the beautiful and talented April Lurie and the accomplished and hilarious Gary Soto.  If you haven’t read any of their works, do.  Now.  I consider myself among their legions of fans and hope our paths cross again very soon.

Last weekend I was at the Texas Book Festival.  If you’ve attended this annual event in and around the capitol in Austin, you know that it is a combination mega-book fair, outdoor concert, literary expo, and athletic workout.  (Walk way over here!  Now walk waaaaay over here!)  I didn’t get to play tourist much, but I did get to see Rick Riordan (whom I briefly met at TLA in April), and almost ran into (literally) Linda Sue Park.  Thankfully, I didn’t embarrass myself by saying something like, “Hey.  You’re Linda Sue Park!” --which is what was going through my mind.

As a finalist for the Teddy Award, I took part in a panel discussion located within the bowels of the capitol building.  When I saw “Room 2.030” on the schedule, I assumed second floor.  Uh uh.  The “2.” rooms are in the underground extension, so you have to walk through granite and marble catacombs to get there.  Thank the great Is that Hubby was there with me.  He has a great sense of direction whereas I tend to get lost in shopping malls.

I arrived in time and all went well.  The panel was really fun.  I was fascinated to hear the other authors speak – especially the poets and nonfiction honorees, who answered questions I’ve had about such writing.  And it was great to finally meet Amanda King and Kristi Bordine, the hardworking staff of the Writers League of Texas.  They are a fun bunch.

After the panel we traipsed over to the Brown Bar and enjoyed drinks and munchies.  I was very much in my element.  Scarfing down stuffed mushrooms and sipping scotch while chatting with Helen Hemphill, Varian Johnson, Mark Mitchell, and my good friend Julie Lake – what could be better?  Meanwhile Hubby got to watch the Longhorns’ come-from-behind win on the big screen.  A perfect time was had by all.

In addition to the traveling and speaking, I’ve also been taking this break between projects to create business cards, stationery, and other things necessary when one wants to appear all serious and professional-like.  Here is a sample of “my card” (assume high-class accent here, so that it sounds something like “cahd”):

And … (drum roll) … you are all invited to a housewarming party at my new piece of virtual real estate …  my brand spankin’ new author site …

www.jenniferziegler.net is up and running!  (Sound effects of a cork popping and people cheering)

Please do come check out my pad.  Bring a digital plant if you like.  We’re open 24/7.

[BIG kudos to my extremely gifted and hardworking (and, I swear, psychic) designer Lisa Firke from www.hitthosekeys.com.]