Adventures in New Jersey and New York

When Arthur Levine invited me to speak at the BK Book Festival in Montclair, NJ, I couldn't have imagined what a fun time I was in for.

The adventure began with a visit to speak to the 5^th and 6^th grade students at HBW Middle School in Verona, NJ.

This school is interesting because the front has a stately, traditional look and the back is completely modern.

Uber-librarian, Jen Kleinknecht, hosted my visit. She is TERRIFIC!

Then it was off to Watchung Booksellers, a small, warm independent bookstore. After buying a few books, I had the great pleasure of meeting, Margot, the owner.

Then it was off to Brookdale Park to crunch through leaves. Do you know how many years it’s been since I crunched through leaves?

I guarantee I looked like a little kid tromping through that beautiful park!

The next day, I was off to speak to the 7^th grade students at West Essex Middle School. They certainly made me feel welcome!

Unlike in FL, where we have cafetoriums (cafeteria/auditoriums), there was a gorgeous auditorium with stadium seating.

After my talk, it was time to run a writing workshop in the media center with 25 enthusiastic students. We had sooooo much fun! The kids came up with funny, sad, touching writing to share. And the coolest thing was that the amazing librarian, Catherine Spinella, created recipes from the back of each of my books.

I will never admit to how many slices of Jewish apple cake and lemon squares I consumed. But I will admit to having a FANTASTIC time! Thank you, West Essex Middle School!

Saturday, my buddy Elysa, met me in NYC, as did my agent and her new baby and my editor and her new baby.

After a scrumptious lunch at the Theatre Row Diner, made special by the scrumptious babies I held and cuddled, Elysa and I took in a Broadway Show – my first. Next to Normal was fantabulous and got a much-deserved standing ovation.

Elysa and I also saw St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, part of Central Park and Rockefeller Center. We wondered why they cleared the ice at the rink, except for one couple. Suddenly, the man dropped to one knee and put a ring on the young woman’s finger in front of hundreds of people. They skated a victory lap to a love song by Elton John. What a great day!

The next morning, I spoke at the B'nai Keshet Synagogue for the BK Book Festival in Montclair, NJ. A great group of kids and adults filled the seats. It was fun chatting with everyone after the event. One man had gone to the same elementary, middle and high school that I had.

I can’t thank Arthur Levine enough for inviting me to be part of the festival. And Margot, owner of Watchung Booksellers, for providing books, support and good cheer.

Arthur Levine, Margot Sage-EL, Donna Gephart

When it was over, I got into my rental car with my best friend – Lola – my GPS, and she got me back to the airport.

I had a wonderful time in New Jersey and New York and made some amazing new friends, but it was great to get home to my guys, my dogs, my cat and this . . .

TEXAS-SIZED GOOD NEWS

My heart's still hammering. My thoughts are still racing. My face hurts from smiling so much.

Yesterday, this e-mail appeared in my in-box:

Donna,
It is with great pleasure that I write to let you know that your book, How to Survive Middle School, has been selected for the 2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List. The committee considered many books and felt that yours was exceptional and would be perfect for the list.
Congratulations!

This is the first time a book of mine will be on a state list. And Texas is one big state! (You can read the complete list on this blog.)

Thank you to Lori Loranger, Committee Chair, and to the entire Texas Lone Star Reading List Committee for this great honor. I am beyond thrilled!

Texas has been very good to us this year. It was only two months ago that Hubby and I had the time of our lives in Austin, TX because of a trip we won from Whole Foods Market.

In other state news -- Good citizens of New Jersey: Lock your windows and bolt your doors.

I'm coming to town. Consider yourselves duly warned.

During my visit, I look forward to meeting students and staff at a couple middle schools, where I'll be presenting and giving a writing workshop.

Then, I'll be speaking, reading and signing books at the BK BOOK FESTIVAL at Bnai Keshet Synagogue in Montclair, NJ, Nov. 21st at 10:45 a.m. This book festival benefits the Bnai Keshet Synagogue and indie bookstore, Watchung Booksellers. If you're in the area, please stop by and say howdy.

If you can't make it to the event and want to support Watchung Booksellers, please call 973.744.7177 to order a book. Or support YOUR local indie bookseller by ordering your holiday books from them. Check out Indiebound to find the one closest to you.

Thanks so much!

Donna