I’ve got a special announcement today. Perhaps not as special for you as it is me, but hopefully you’ll find it interesting enough to read onward. You see, one of my good friends—and former students—is releasing a book tomorrow. Her name is Janci Patterson, and the book is called CHASING THE SKIP.

Many of you know I now teach a class at BYU that I took when I was a student there. (And the lectures from last year are online here.) This class was instrumental in getting me published, and I didn’t want it to die, so I took it over when the previous teacher left.

Janci took that class the first year I taught it. I wasn’t sure what I was doing that year—and I can’t even remember if my advice was any good. Janci didn’t really need it. She’s one of the most talented writers I know, and I’ve been thrilled to read her books along the way to her getting published.

CHASING THE SKIP is not fantasy or science fiction. It’s an awesome story about what it’s like to live as the daughter of a real-world bounty hunter. (Not the glorious type from fiction.) It’s a YA book with excellent writing and compelling characters, and I found it a lot of fun to read.

So far as I know, this is the first of my students to actually have something come out from a major publisher. Some others have sold books, and a number have agents. (Maybe I’ll blog about them someday.) I’m thrilled for Janci, who really deserves it, and if you are a fan of this style of book, I suggest you check it out. She also has a launch party here in Utah tomorrow.

What: CHASING THE SKIP Launch Party with Janci Patterson signing
When: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
Where: The King’s English, 1511 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City