Gratitude

We’ve been focused on crafting useful posts, and the weeks keep flying by, but I’m taking a minute to push the pause button to reflect on where we’ve been.  Katie McGarry started the YA Fusion group blog in the spring of 2011 as a debut author.  Fast forward to today, and Katie’s debut novel, Pushing the Limits, was just selected as a YALSA 2013 Teens' Top Ten, her second novel, Dare You To, has been nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award, and her third novel, Crash Into You, is about to be released!

Congrats, Katie, and thank you for pulling all of us together into this supportive blog team!  

Over the past two years, we’ve grown to a team of 13 and celebrated more book birthdays and good news.  Some members have needed to pull back as they juggle work and family responsibilities, and we’re excited to welcome two new contributors, Shari Becker and Amber Hart.

Shari's YA debut, The Stellow Project, is scheduled for spring 2015 from Skyscape (Amazon's YA imprint).  Amber's YA novel, Before You, will be published by Kensington in spring 2014.  Shari and Amber will start with guest posts and join our regular schedule as they find a balance with all of their author responsibilities. 

Halloween fun is behind us, and I’m looking forward to the winter holidays.  It’s easy to get swept along in the rush of the season, but I’m going to try to slow down and make time to express gratitude.  My yoga teacher ends each class by asking us to think of something we are grateful for.  I love the website www.dailygood.org for their articles such as, The Neuroscience of Why Gratitude Makes Us Healthier.  You can sign up for inspiration and a 21 Day Gratitude challenge here: http://www.kindspring.org/21day/

To express our gratitude to our readers, YA Fusion will have a December giveaway of some of our favorite books and new releases.  Until then, here's a sneak peak:

Have a great week and good luck to everyone participating in NaNoWriMo!

Namaste,
Kristin Lenz