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I talked too much. I talked about my own book in a way that was divisive and tone deaf. I asked questions that were uncomfortable—not just for my fellow panelists but for the audience as well. I messed up, plain and simple, and I am sorry.

I have always valued openness, in my work and in my conversations, and I am learning that this openness, when combined with an incomplete understanding of the experiences and perspective of the listener, can morph into something painful.

I am late to understand this, and am sorry my education came at the expense of others.

I believe that the books my fellow panelists—Angie, Bill, George, Jennifer, and Natasha-- have written are part of a great opening of our industry and literature to long underrepresented voices. Their work is thrilling and courageous and vital.

In positioning my book next to theirs, I implied that it was filling a need as big—or bigger–than theirs. I don’t believe this.

I was trying—and failing—to say that there aren’t many current coming of age stories that help cishet white teen boys examine their flawed ideas of masculinity and the damage it causes others and themselves.

Damage that sometimes, in the case of my protagonist, comes in the devastating form of opioid addiction. I fumbled my words but I have to accept that the impression they made was reinforced by some of my subsequent questions.

I have apologized to my fellow panelists. I have read your tweets and posts and reflected and listened. I am still reflecting and listening, and will be for a long time. It is work I want to do.

In support of this, I am donating 25 copies of each of my fellow panelists recent books to my local Fort Collins, CO, public library system.

I know this donation and apology do not fix things. I offer them anyway in the hopes that they will mitigate some of the pain and disappointment I have caused to a community I care about very much.

I apologize to all of you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️💛🧡🖤🤎💙💚💜

So. Many. Skunks. And cranberries! Random? Yes! But if you read it, it’ll make sense!

We all know librarians make the world go round, and this is my new favorite podcast. Smart, kind and insightful - plus BOOK RECS. I’m officially addicted. (Shirley!! Oh, my heart!!! Having a teenage son - I’m right there with you!!)

New fave podcast! (Check it out, Susan Van Metre !)

Hi hivepeople! I just learned about the #Nytspellingbee app and am now addicted. Got my genius for the day, but have yet to ever make it to 👸. #hivemind

This, from Girls Like Us Podcast on ttfn: “Boys, when you’re in high school, bring two very toxic things into your life: marijuana and art criticism.” I cannot even. Perfect summary of high school, life, ttfn and everything. Y’all amaze! Susan Van Metre

Lauren Myracle former CSU Ram and 7th grade math teacher in FoCo! Any chance you could help a fellow Ram 🐏out and share my classroom wishlist? School starts in 2 weeks! 💛💚 #clearthelist2022 Link: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls…

Thank you, Sara Hudson ♥️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 !!! We had a blast!

Years ago we had an absolute blast at a Scholastic outing with Sarah Mlynowski, E. Lockhart, & Lauren Myracle celebrating their Upside-Down Magic series - and last night Steph💛 got to see Sarah again at an event with Christina Soontornvat - Updates only, Katie Reilley, & Jen Rusin! So much fun! 🥰📘

Feast your eyes on the stunning cover of my adult debut!!!!! Big love to First Clue for the amazing shoutout and review! BlackstonePublishing