A few days ago Carolyn asked if I have something new I’m working on.  The answer is a definite kinda, maybe, sort of—given certain contingents and qualifiers.

I do have a new story that’s been percolating the last few weeks.  It’s way, way too early to reveal much about this, but I’m pretty sure it will end up being my next book for children and teens.  Here are a few teasers: its about espionage, peer influence in adolescence, and the very difficult challenges facing the American public school systems.  It has a protagonist named after a car—won’t tell which one—and I suspect it’ll irritate some straight-laced educators, especially administration.  But kids should love it, which is the whole point.  That’s about all I can say, as even I don’t  know too much more beyond this.

Doesn’t seem like much for a few weeks’ worth of work, does it.  That’s because I’ve had very few moments to address this new story.  Every other waking moment has been devoted to other duties.  Summer semester just ended at the college, and we posted the busiest summer period on record (more than double the traffic from two years ago).  Additionally, I spent more than a couple hours finishing the query package I put up for auction during Cynthia Liu’s charity drive a few weeks ago.  On top of that and all the other small things that go with writing and publishing, I’ve seriously started scheduling my school touring dates for September.  So far so good, though it’s early.  If everything goes well I’ll be visiting about 30 schools in September.  Based on those visits I”ll decide how many more to do in the next four to six months.

All added up, I’m pretty sure that I’ve found time to breathe, though I’m frequently purple faced and lightheaded while I wait for another chance to gasp.  Okay, fill the lungs, dredge deep, and get to work!