Blame it on Chris

Welcome to my blog. I actually started it a few days ago, but upon registering for the service and setting up my files, I realized that I didn’t have anything of importance to say.

It’s not my fault. Really. I blame everything on Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, Don Tate, and Chris Barton. Especially Chris Barton. Over lunch a few days ago, he mentioned that he started a blog. After reading through his, and subsequently reading through other blogs from local SCBWI members (What’s SCBWI? – More on that later), I was hooked.

So here I am a few days later with a brand new blog. And while I still don’t have anything of importance to say, I’m writing nevertheless.

I’ve been pretty busy gearing up for the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is just that – an organization of writers, illustrators, editors, agents and anyone else dedicated to writing or illustrating Children’s Lit. Anyway, this will be my third conference, and this year, I am determined to be more sociable. (I’m usually the quiet guy that sits waaaay in the back of the room). I am participating in the VIP Wine and Cheese Reception, and to be honest, I am terrified of speaking to people about my new novel.

Oh, yeah, and if I didn’t mention, my first book is coming out in November (I know, I know…I should have stated this at the beginning. I guess I’m not made for journalism). Anyway, I’ve been scrambling over the past few months updating my website, getting promotional materials, and finalizing the novel. These are definitely exciting times. Check out my website (www.varianjohnson.com) and let me know what you think.

Anyway, more about me, my novel, the writing process, and life in general will come later.

And remember, if you don’t like anything I have to say, blame it on Chris.