–the most awesome t-shirt in the world (I mean, how can it not be if it’s from the Gallagher Academy, right?)
–raspberry-filled chocolates that make even a delayed flight soooooo much better
–a renewed appreciation for librarians (who always rock, but who rock especially hard when they’re 1. showing you the most amazing hospitality ever and 2. blaring the Gallagher Girls soundtrack and 3. a singer in an actual band!)
–a knowledge that it actually DOES rain in Phoenix
–a newfound dedication to my diet (since not one but two groups of teenage boys asked why I don’t look like my author photo…but on the upside, one group of teenage girls informed me that I smelled like flowers)
–a realization that I do much better when traveling west than when traveling east (that extra hour of sleep is vital!)
–the knowledge that a very, very, very cool author likes my books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
–the mother of all viruses. I mean seriously.
–a personal vow to never, ever do a school visit without antibacterial handwipes. And lotion. And possibly an entire body suit like the ones people working with that flesh-eating bacteria wear.
–an extreme sense of gratitude toward all the amazing booksellers, teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, and readers who have given the Gallagher Girls such good homes!
-Ally