A Million Thanks

Launching a book is like some combination of giving birth, running a marathon, and taking final exams...except that (in theory) none of the above lasts three or more weeks (and if you've ever had a final exam last that long, please spill. I'll send you a box of chocolates.) I am so grateful to the many people who supported me during the last month with the launch of FORGIVEN. Here are a few folks I wish to acknowledge.

First and foremost, Gabrielle Carolina ran a "Month of Forgiveness" on her gorgeous blog, Mod Podge Bookshelf. This act of kindness came directly from her heart, and gave a place for me to launch my campaign on behalf of exploited children (see end of post for ways to help), a campaign that grew out of a subplot in FORGIVEN.

Then a passel of lovely bloggers hosted me with interviews and guest posts - thank you for your interest, support and very kind words and reviews! They are:
Rebecca's Book Blog
YA Bliss
First Page Panda
The Fourth Musketeer
Mundie Moms
The Book Butterfly
Poisoned Rationality
A Good Addiction
Confessions of a Bookaholic
My Friend Amy
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
Books Complete Me
Lost For Words
Compulsive Reader
YA Addict

I also want to thank fellow writers Joy Preble and PJ Hoover, who both hosted giveaways on their blogs.

And booksellers! The Country Bookshelf in Bozeman hosted my launch party (above.) I had wonderful book discussions and signings at Tinman Too in Spokane, and at Yellow Book Road in San Diego (at left.)

And many, many thanks to Barbara Fisch and Sarah Shealy of Blue Slip Media, and Katie Kurtzman at Penguin.

My main character in FORGIVEN, Kula Baker, uncovers a sad fact of life in San Francisco at the turn of the last century: the slavery and exploitation of mostly Chinese children. I was deeply saddened by this fact, but more deeply disturbed that this type of exploitation still exists. As a result I will donate a portion of the proceeds from FORGIVEN to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. To learn more about what you can do to help agencies that actively fight the exploitation and trafficking of children, visit the following websites:
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Unicef
Stop Child Trafficking