Have you heard of the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge? It's a humor writing contest hosted by #KrisDeCaro, @aprilberrybooks.bsky.social, @juliehauswirth.bsky.social, & @brilawyer.bsky.social. Submissions are open Sept. 14-16th, and you can win great prizes (like my book)! (Details at AprilBerryBooks.com)

While traveling, I chatted with a stranger, & when she found out I was an author, she asked THE question: Would I know any of your books? Friends, I showed her my covers, & she actually DID KNOW (& thankfully loved) one of them! BRAVER THAN BRAVE. Amazing! Checking it off my author bucket list! 😂😁

So excited for this book!!

The first Salt Lake City protest at U of U. Had a great turnout. Peaceful camaraderie, united in our anger and frustrations. So glad I could be there!

A 3-part story in pictures:

Hey!! That’s me! 😍 My first chapter book is coming Fall 2026! 😁

Taking a stand here in small town Logan, UT! #HandsOff

Such an honor to be part of the Troybery blitz today! ❤️

Just warching history being made. 😭❤️ www.youtube.com/live/Ej6locU...

Did you know that a world famous art heist was part of the inspiration for The Winterton Deception 2: FAULT LINES? I talk about it with @deborahkalb.bsky.social on her blog. Check it out! deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/03/q-wi...

Alison is an amazing editor! If you are on the fence, go for it. You won’t regret it!

It has been a stressful weekend of news, and posting has been last on my mind. But we need to hear and celebrate the good, so . . . excited to learn FINAL WORD is up for the 2025-26 SC Book Awards! It’s an honor to be among so many amazing books. Thank you South Carolina!

I loved chatting with Karen Reeder on the BookHuddle podcast. All things Winterton Deception, from mystery, to kid appeal in books, to titles, themes, and my skill level in spelling! Check it out!

In 2023, I made the goal of putting myself out there more. In 2024, I lived out the results of that. I’m now entering 2025 EXHAUSTED, but grateful for all the new connections I’ve made. But perhaps I can take things down a notch this coming year. 😂 😬🤪 How about you?

What an amazing program! Thrilled that FINAL WORD is part of it this year. 🥰😁

So excited that I’ll be presenting at StoryCon February 21-22– a writing conference for kids w/classes for educators and general admission for parents or anyone who’d like to attend. Getting kids exciting about writing is the best! #StoryCon2025 #WritersCommunity #AmWriting

Going to conferences with friends is the best! I loved capturing som e fun shots for @sylviaichen.bsky.social while she signed at Simon & Schuster’s booth! (Also, she is so fun, and her book is wonderful! Check it out! (TRICKY CHOPSTICKS).

Such a fun book launch last night!!

So excited to be attending NCTE! I’ll be on two Kidlit panels: 1) Fri. PM w/ @carriefinison.bsky.social @sylviaichen.bsky.social, & #AndrewHackett 2) Sat. AM w/ @ernestocisneros.bsky.social @triciaspringstubb.bsky.social, @elisastoneleahy.bsky.social, & @buffalojenn.bsky.social Hope to meet you!!

It’s cover reveal day for my upcoming middle grade!! Head over to The Mixed-Up Files for a peak at The Winterton Deception2: FAULT LINES! (Art by Francisco Fonseca!)

What an amazing idea! Hey, authors with books coming out!! Check this out! (And be sure to read the full thread).

World Read Aloud Day was so much fun! ❤️

NOT MY CIRCUS got its first trade review from School Library Journal & it’s a good one! If you like humor & animals, you'll love this. Olivia was supposed to buy eggs, but she came home with a circus instead. 😳 Available wherever books are sold or you can request it from your library!

I’m celebrating the release of NOT MY CIRCUS (illustrated by Patrick Corrigan and pub’d by Capstone) with a virtual book launch via Zoom! My amazing CPs will be interviewing me about secret behind-the-scenes info! Hope you can join us! Link to register: forms.gle/TPRA5EDi6dZg...

Thanks so much, 12x12!! ❤️ Grateful to be part of your community. 😊

Let the silliness ensue!! NOT MY CIRCUS is out today!! Written by me, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, and published by Capstone! Can’t wait for you all to read it!!

A little over one day left to enter the Goodreads giveaway of THE WINTERTON DECEPTION 1: FINAL WORD!

Still over here squealing that @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social's THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD is a Kirkus Best Middle Grade of the Year! www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/b...

I am so honored to find THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD on the Kirkus’s list of “Best Middle Grade Fiction of 2023!” I wrote this book for me when I really needed to rekindle the joy of writing, so it means a lot to see others connecting with it. 😍 www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/b...

Teachers & librarians! My December newsletter goes out at noon & includes this year's list of authors & illustrators available for free virtual visits on World Read Aloud Day. Spread the word! If you're not already a subscriber, you can sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

Friends!! If you're on Goodreads, my publisher (@CapstonePub) is hosting a Goodreads giveaway for my next picture book, NOT MY CIRCUS. Ten copies are up for grabs! This book makes me so happy. I can’t wait for you all to read it!! www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...

Ya’ll, living in construction (bathroom remodel) saps creativity. 🫠 It’s been two months, and it’ll be one more before everything is done. I know, first world problem, but I have decision fatigue to the point choosing pajamas is hard. 😂😭 Any suggestions for surviving this next month?

A huge thanks to @debbieohi.bsky.social for highlighting books as they come out! ❤️

Look what FINALLY landed in my mailbox!! Jenn Bishop (@buffalojenn.bsky.social) has been one of my favorite authors since I read her debut. She captures the middle grade feel with uncanny skill. So I’m beyond excited to read FREE THROWS, FRIENDSHIP, AND OTHER THINGS WE FOULED UP!

It’s my book birthday!! 🥳🥳🥳 Today, THE WINTERTON DECEPTION 1: FINAL WORD is finally out in the world! Ms. Renaissance Daphne kindly agreed to pose with my book, since Scooby and the gang get a mention or two. 😁 #bookbirthday

Other favorite (semi-recent) comfort books: BRAVER THAN BRAVE by @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social & Eunji Jung, MY BIG DUMB INVISIBLE DRAGON by @angielucas.bsky.social & Birgitta Sif, AFTER THE FALL by @dansantat.bsky.social, & GRANDPA'S WINDOW by Laura Gehl & Udayana Lugo

Book mail! So excited to read both of these!! THE PROMISE by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams, illustrated by Cinzia Battestel feels all-too needed. And anything by Jennifer A. Nielsen promises a captivating read. 😍📚

Ya’ll, I got my author copies!! They are so beautiful. 😍

The incredible @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social is now here, and you should follow her! Also, preorder the 3-star reviewed THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD out in a month! My finished copy came last night! 😱