It’s been almost a year since I last posted, and what a year it’s been!
The Circus Mirandus paperback is out, and it spent some dizzy and thrilling weeks on the NYT Bestseller list. There was a lot of happy dancing over here. Being a published author is a dream come true for me. And knowing there are readers out there for my books–it’s magic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I’ve seen a lot of foreign editions published, too. They are lovely in every way, and each one has its own specialness, whether it’s 
new interiors or chapter illustrations or brand new covers. A post (and a giveaway!) for some of those soon. I’ve started to receive fan letters from readers on the other side of the globe, which is something I never thought to dream of.
Speaking of fans–I’ve met so many amazing ones! I haven’t kept track of the number of schools I’ve visited over the past year, but it was A LOT. And, at every school, I’ve met kids who are excited about books. My books. Other author’s books. Books they have inside of their heads and hearts, just waiting to burst free. I’ve got a list of book recs longer than my arm from kids who’ve sent me emails insisting that I have to read their favorite story. And I’m going to do exactly that. 🙂
One of my favorite stories came out in October. My little sister’s first novel, Gertie’s Leap to Greatness, is a hilarious and heartfelt middle grade about a girl who’s determined to be the best fifth grader in the world. But how can she when the new girl at school seems to be better at everything? I’ve been reading this story for years (Kate and I write together and critique each other), and I’ve never stopped loving it. I’m so excited for her!
Recently, I’ve gotten ARCs for my next book, Tumble & Blue. It’s a story about two kids on a mission to change their fates. It’s got adventure and friendship and heroism and family. It will be out in August! And I love it. More on that in another post. For now, let me just say that I thought I would be an old hand at this by now, but I’m not. I’m every bit as giddy and delighted as I was before Circus Mirandus came out.
I suspect I’ll never lose that feeling. I’m glad for that. And for so many things that have happened lately.
Dear Ms. Beasley, We are the third grade book club from NSU University School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We read your book with our media specialist as part of the Sunsine State awards. This book should get six out of fuve stars. We all loved it so much! It was magical! An original! Thank you for writing this awesome book. We look forward to reading Tumble and Blue. Sincerely, Emma, Sydney, Kirsten, Eitan, Noah, and Mrs. Cantor PEACE, LOVE, BOOKS (our library’s theme for the year)
Oh! I missed this comment when it first appeared. Emma, Sydney, Kirsten, Eitan, Noah, and Mrs. Cantor — y’all are awesome! Thank you so much for reading Circus Mirandus. Tumble & Blue will be out soon! I hope your summer is filled with stories. The kind you read and the kind you discover yourselves. 🙂
CommentWe are from Lake Bluff Elementary School. We are reading Tumble and Blue for a book club group. We are almost done with the book. We were wondering were you got the idea to write this book, and if it is based off a semi realistic story. Is the setting a real place?
Hi, Lake Bluff Students!
Thank you for taking the time to send questions. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re reading Tumble & Blue. The idea for Tumble & Blue came from a lot of different places. The Okefenokee Swamp is a real place, so that was definitely one of them! Murky Branch, the town itself, is fictional.
A lot of my ideas are just things I dreamed up, but some of them come from the strangest little moments. For example, I came up with Munch’s character after I found a golden alligator bracelet at a gift shop.
Happy reading!
Cassie
We are from Lake Bluff Elementary School. We are reading Tumble and Blue for a book club group. We were wondering were you got the idea to write this book, and if it is based off a semi realistic story. Is the setting a real place?
Sorry for the double reply!!
🙂
Sorry for the double reply!!!
🙂