Jessica Vitalis

Award-Winning Author, Developmental Editor, & Public Speaker

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9780062672704

September 8, 2020 / Jessica Vitalis

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Writing friends! I'm delighted to share that I've joined the Round Table Mentor team for the 2026-27 season! Those of you who have read COYOTE QUEEN know that domestic violence is a topic that is deeply personal to me. You may not know that I'm a volunteer for Shelter Movers, an organization that provides free moving and storage services to women and children fleeing domestic violence. We're always looking for volunteers and support, and it was an honor yesterday to appear on The Ben Mulroney Show with the 10th anniversary gala organizer Shantelle Bisson to help raise awareness for this organization. My first book published five years ago today! While it turns out that publishing a book narrated by death during a global pandemic wasn't exactly terrific timing, I remain extraordinarily proud of this story. Not only was it the culmination of thirteen years of writing various manuscripts to improve my craft, but it was also the most fun that I've ever had writing a story. The wolf's voice came to me on the very first page, and I had a blast letting her carry me on a journey that explored not only death and grief but also friendship and the importance of community. I'm feeling both nostalgic and grateful as I think back on everybody who played a role in getting this book out into the world. A special shoutout to my agent @saracrowelit for taking a chance on a debut author, to @marthamihalick for falling in love with sweet Gauge and helping bring his story to readers, and to @balbusso_twins for creating what must surely be one of the most beautiful book covers in existence. ❤️ Joined 1700 fans to kick off the launch of John Green’s new book Hollywood Ending! Thank you to @johngreenwritesbooks @anotherstorybookshop @viccollege and @penguinrandomca for making the event possible! Out supporting survivors of domestic violence and recruiting volunteers for #sheltermovers, an organization that provides free moving services for survivors. I'm excited to be part of the inaugural Outside the Lines community arts celebration! One of the things I love most about the middle grade writing community is how we all try to lift each other up. I was delighted to have the chance to do that recently by providing a blurb for Jenny Mattern's upcoming release, Where the Light Shines In, which is clever and full of heart. If you haven't placed your preorder, there is still time! Beautiful day on Lake Ontario…even with a very sleepy crew! Last week, my #authorcade pal @alyssabcolman tagged me to play #FirstLineFriday, so here is a first line from one of my books and two first lines I love from other authors. In case you can't tell, I'm all about voice when it comes to first lines, and both Mid-Air by @authoraliciadwilliams and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by @dangemeinhart are perfect examples. Have you read either of them? What are your favorite first lines?
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