Bully

When I dropped my first grader off at school this morning, I noticed a poster hanging on the classroom wall. The message was straightforward and succinct. Bullying hurts. At the reminder, I felt that clutch of fear all parents do, knowing that bullying is something my children--all children--will face. And then I felt grateful that my kids' teachers are doing something to educate their classes about it. Finally, it made me stop and evaluate my own behavior. Have I ever said something hurtful about another person? What am I going to do to make sure it doesn't happen again?

Here's what the poster said:

A BULLY...

• Leaves someone out on purpose
• Wants to hurt someone's feelings
• Says or writes unkind things about someone
• Says or writes untrue things about someone

WAYS TO STOP A BULLY...

• Ignore them
• Make a new friend
• Say something kind about someone 
• Tell a teacher, friend, or parent

Unfortunately, bullying isn't something only first graders have to face. It exists in every stage of life. Recongizing it is part of the equation. But having the courage to stand up to it is vital. Courage never hurts anyone. Courage never makes you a smaller person.

Bullying hurts...

But it can be stopped. 

US Fans - Enter to Win a T-Shirt & Poster!

Simon & Schuster (Becca's publisher) is hosting an AMAZING giveaway!  Enter here for a chance to win an exclusive limited edition Patch t-shirt and FINALE poster!! Contest ends on August 24th and is open to US mailing addresses only. 

Links

Happy Saturday!

A few of you have asked (mostly on Twitter) about my triathlon. I'll post pics as soon as my little sister (and cheerleader) sends them my way. But for now, I will say I survived (obviously!) and I'm really happy I did it. My time was average, but my fun-factor was excellent. Too bad they don't measure the fun-factor. I think I would have won!

Last night was boys' night out at our home (laser tag, fast food, and Ice Age), so I was left to my own devices. I did a little writing on a new project not related to the HUSH, HUSH series, bought some adorable Betsy Johnson frog earrings, started season six of GILMORE GIRLS, and did some Internet reading. I came across a couple interesting and writing-related things, and thought I'd share.

First, if you are a mother and a writer and constantly asking yourself, "How will I ever be able to do this?" I'd really recommend you check this out. I'd loved these women's books when I was younger, and I love their advice now that I'm older.

And Janet Reid on A New Rule for Authors: Be Positive. Chin up!

Finally, these are the frog earrings!! Are they not the cutest? I pierced my ears for the first time eight weeks ago, and I'm having a little too much fun accessorizing my ears. So far I have lady bugs, giraffes, and now frogs. Just what I would have bought had a pierced my ears at eight, like every other girl in the world.

Books And Tours and Stuff, Oh My!

Hey guys!

A couple first-y things:

1. I am so thrilled and honored and humbled that HUSH, HUSH has made NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels. So many of my favorite childhood books are on the list, including ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE OUTSIDERS, LORD OF THE FLIES, and THE LAST UNICORN. It feels incredible to be included with books that meant so much to me then, that mean so much to me now. Here's a link to the full list.

2. Speaking of awesome awards, HUSH, HUSH won the North Carolina Young Adult Book Award! Thank you, thank you to the teens from N.C. who voted for HUSH, HUSH. Awards like this--where teens are the judges!--mean the world to me. It's so cool knowing the book resonates with you.

3. Today my editor shared with me the initial script for the FINALE book trailer. You guys. It is so cool. There are so many juicy clues about the storyline and, in a way, I think the trailer is going to be a mini movie in itself! I can't wait to see it. I can't wait to share it!

4. A little more FINALE news. My ed sent over posters yesterday that I'll be giving away on tour at my events. The posters are so glam! And sexy. And dark. And, yes, those famous black jeans of Patch's are on it...

Okay, now...tour news! U.S. tour news to be exact. I mentioned a while ago that this year's tour would be shorter (I was gone 29 straight days last year!) and I apologize in advance if I'm not visiting your state. If you're close to any of my tour stops, I hope you'll come out and see me. I promise we're going to have lots of fun and I'm so very excited to meet you, answer your questions, and sign your books! One more thing to keep in mind - my publisher decides which cities and stores I visit, NOT me. If I had infinite time, I would visit you all!

The LOVE HAS NO FINALE Tour...

October 23 – Provo City Library (Provo, UT)

October 24 – Changing Hands (Tempe, AZ)

October 25 – Portland B&N (Portland, OR)

October 26 – Blue Willow Bookstore (Houston, TX)

October 27 – 28 – Texas Book Festival (Austin, TX)
October 29 - Books Inc (San Francisco, CA) 

As details become more cemented, I'll be sure to post store names, addresses, and event times. Also, I'm going on tour with other authors (love!) so I'll be posting that info too. It is going to be GOOD TIMES.  

Becca