It's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had more than a year to plan this post and find some meaningful, articulate way to express how it feels to watch my very first book launch into the world. But... I'm not sure the words exist. Either that or my brain is just far too loopy from all the craziness surrounding release.

Seriously though, it's a bizarre mix of emotions.

There's THE HAPPY that comes with seeing my book on store shelves, surrounded by so many other amazing books that I love and admire. There's THE HOPE that it will find its way into readers hands and hearts. And of course there's THE FEAR, which I am trying not to focus on.

But I think more than anything, there's THE GRATITUDE.

Not only does this book exist because of the help and guidance of MANY people (the KEEPER acknowledgements section is epic length!). But it also wouldn't exist without all of you. This blog was where the whole "trying to get published" thing became real. In fact, you guys were some of the first people who knew I'd gone back to writing. I met my Crit Partners here. And all of you have cheered me on through all the crazy ups and downs of this journey and kept me going.

I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you've done (and will do) to support me and my writing. So I will give you the only thing I can. KEEPER isn't *mine* anymore. From today on it's yours. And I really, REALLY hope you enjoy!

(and uh.... feel free to NOT tell me if you don't) :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!! 

Since I can't hug all of you, I will hug the only thing I can!

Oh, and if you would like to read the first three chapters of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, you can do so HERE. There's also still time to pre-order the signed copies with the special swag and help support Kids Need to read by going HERE. And if you live in SoCal I hope I will be at the Oceanside B&N at 6:30 tonight for the Launch Party. There will be prizes and cupcakes and rambling--and I will probably get a bit emotional. Hope to see you there!