This coming week I am going on a super-fun assignment to Utah. I’ve been invited by the state’s tourism department to share some of the fascinating and fun sites to visit throughout Utah. My teenage daughter is the VIP for this trip, so our itinerary includes the following:

• indoor skydiving at the Solomon Center http://www.iflyutah.com/
• paddle boarding at Red Fleet State Park http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/red-fleet/
• rafting on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument http://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/riverrafting.htm
• enjoying some of the state’s best culinary hotspots

Want to see more?  I’ll be sharing photos — stay tuned! Keep your eyes peeled for an article in Kiki magazine too!

This past week I made my first (but definitely not last) trip to the Highlights Foundation facility in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Set in the countryside, there were beautiful walks and trails to be enjoyed during our free time.

A lovely view near the Barn

Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner led the workshop, titled “Capturing the Spotlight: Getting the Gigs.” It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from Larry and other well-established authors about the nuts and bolts of school visits, promoting one’s work, connecting with librarians and teachers, etc. I had in depth-conversations with Selene Joy Castrovilla, Melanie Hope Greenberg, and Vicki Cobb (among others). The small group size made it comfortable to talk to everyone in the workshop, whether presenter or attendee. I cannot wait to go back to another Highlights workshop and look forward to continuing friendships with everyone I met here.

Larry Dane Brimner and I enjoying the view of the countryside — and Selene Castrovilla’s author car!

Selene Castrovilla’s AuthorMobile

Hanging out with new friends Jodi Moore (right) and Selene Castrovilla (center)

I was so thrilled to meet one of my favorite author-illustrators, Melanie Hope Greenberg.

Vicki Cobb and I had lots of great chats about nonfiction writing.

This past week I went to Chicago where I got to explore some of the same stomping grounds as the character Francisco in my new picture book Francisco’s Kites. I traveled to Pilsen, visited the National Museum of Mexican Art and then headed to a pupuseria to try El Salvador’s favorite snack food. I also noticed that there’s a kite festival in Chicago that I’d love to attend next year in conjunction with my book. So much inspiration!

Pupusas in Pilsen

A great pupuseria in Chicago

Chicago’s Kids & Kites festival

This week I am visiting two different classes at Colgate University to share my book Francisco’s Kites with the students. One class, taught by Dr. Anna Rios, is focused on immigration issues. The other is an introductory Spanish class taught by Pilar Mejia Barrera. We are talking about the inspiration for the book, the research and writing process, and how picture books do or do not reflect different communities, such as the Salvadoran community in Chicago where Francisco lives. The Colgate students have asked many insightful questions and given me food for thought, to be sure. The visits reminded me how much I enjoy being in the classroom.

Francisco’s Kites

It’s a sunny day here in upstate New York and I am super excited. Why? My new website has just gone live. Designed by Shari Kreisberg-Therrien, it is a good reflection of me and my writing. There’s lots of color, full text articles and peeks at all my books. There are even some funny tales from my past hidden in the site if you poke around. What are my favorite pair of shoes? Where was my first job? The new aliciaklepeis.com site has these details and lots more!

I’ll be posting about book signings, new publications and whatever else catches my attention. I’d love to hear from you!

I took this picture when I went to visit my pen pal Mei Sien in Singapore back in 1991. This month we’ve been writing for 30 years!!