About That Mysterious Email...

If you follow my Twitter feed (and if you don't, why aren't you?), you will probably have noticed a tweet I made yesterday, October 14, regarding a "mysterious email" I received. Naturally a few people on Twitter were curious to know what it said. At the time I couldn't say for a couple of reasons....

1. I needed time to think it over.
2. I needed time to check it out for legitimacy purposes.
3. I needed time to respond and receive confirmation of my response.
4. I wanted to build the suspense until it was palpable...until the tension was so tight that the slightest pressure would make it snap like a hundred dollar toy in the hands of a three-year-old on Christmas morning.

Well, the wait is over. All of my criteria have been met. Therefore I can spill the beans about the email:

I was contacted yesterday by the special events coordinator for the Mobile County library. She had a request from a local middle school teacher for an author to help with a special project for her 6th grade class. I was recommended for the project by my friend and mentor Carolyn Haines. After checking on the project and thinking it over, I gladly accepted the invitation.

What is this special project? I will be meeting with the 6th grade class and helping their teacher to judge entries for a "Make a Book" Contest. I'm both excited and honored to be asked to participate, even in a small way, with this event.

As the youngest child in a family of teachers, I believe education, creativity, and literacy are vital. The "Make a Book" Contest combines all three and any time I can give back to the community and encourage the next generation of authors and artists, I will gladly do so.

So there you have it. That's my "mysterious email." Pretty cool, huh?