Look at that Shining Star!

I don't have children so I miss out on a lot of moments reserved for proud parents. But over the course of time I have become a member of a few families that have embraced me and who I have grown to love dearly. One of those families is "Team Quake." Even though I own the company, it is still heartwarming to be embraced by the authors I publish.

Right now I want to share a moment that involves a member of the "Team Quake" family. Fifteen-year-old Iris Bailey is currently the youngest author to be published by Quake. In fact, today is the release of her first short story with us--Just one of the Guys.

Not only is Iris a tremendous writer, but she is one of the most brilliant youngsters I have ever met. I can honestly say that there has been more than one occasion when I found myself floundering on my end of a conversation with her. She is just brilliant.

I am so proud to announce that on top of all of Iris's other accomplishments (and I don't even have time to go into all of them), Iris has been accepted into the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics. If you are not familiar with establishment, it is an extraordinary school for academically talented high school juniors and seniors. The positions for enrollment are limited and well-earned.

I've known Iris for several years, and have watched her grow into a beautiful and committed young woman. I hope you will take a moment to help me congratulate Iris on this accomplishment.

Iris is only one aspect of what makes Quake such a great place for you and your kids to become a part of. It is the creative and personal goals for each member of "Team Quake" to offer entertainment and encouragement for people of all ages to chase their dreams and strive for all that is important to their spirit of survival and success.

Congratulations, Iris, we are all so very proud of you and all you are sure to become.

And don't miss Iris Bailey's Debut Short Story Just One of the Guys available May 1st!

Fashion For the Ages!

Converse shoes. Nearly every teenager nowadays has a pair... or two... or three (like me!).

The great thing about these shoes is that they change with the ages. The original canvas models were made for basketball players to support their ankles on the court. Now, they come in all sorts of colors, styles, and materials: leather, canvas, suede, high-tops, low-tops, ultra high-tops, and everything in-between.

I have the misfortune of being cursed with loose joints, which has led to weak ankles. Converse high-tops have been the most stylish support solution (as compared to dull black braces in normal gym shoes). They're great for kicking back and hanging out. Another great thing: they're machine washable! Except for the leather ones...

The best part is that they have a shoe for every person, style, and outfit imaginable. Some of my friends have walked the school hallway in denim shoes, marked-up leather, purple bedazzled kicks, and even microchip/cyborg style sneakers. (I must admit to possession of black-and-red plaid textile, flower watercolor canvas, and basic black leather high-tops. I love them all!)

Not only are these shoes manufactured to be varied- but they are customizable to! Most of the shoes have a white (or other pale color) rubber toe. A creative application of ink pens and Sharpies in the back of a boring class can lead to instant artwork! Some of my friends have even used their shoes to collect phone numbers from new buds at summer camps or to write down their BFF's birthday. If you want a completely custom shoe, go to the Converse website where you can design and order your own pair. You can even get your name stitched onto the heel!

Sam, the main character in my upcoming short story, JUST ONE OF THE GUYS, loves her pink high-tops, as shown on the cover (left). They go with absolutely everything!

So what are your favorite shoes? Do you have Converse or do you prefer another brand/style? I want to know how you like to dress your feet!

Top photo courtesy of myshoeblog.com

Iris Black

enter Sam's Space now!
JUST ONE OF THE GUYS coming soon from Quake Publishing!