As I mentioned in my last post, the third annual Writing for Charity event is tomorrow, at the Waterford School in Sandy. Great event, worthy cause, wonderful people. But if you aren’t a writer, or don’t have all day, I wanted to make sure you knew that the Evening Extravaganza is open to all as a separate event.

6:00-8:30 pm- Evening Extravaganza This fun-filled, book-themed evening is for everyone! Whether you’re a writer, a book lover, or just want to go out for a nice night, come celebrate with us, and know that your admission ticket goes to a great cause. Enjoy music by the fabulous Nancy Hanson, improv comedy by the hilarious troupe Divine Comedy, and an all-star author panel. Authors include:

Ally Condie, James Dashner, Bree Despain, Jessica Day George, Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Brandon Sanderson, Sara Zarr

Pre-order with Google Checkout at the web site, or pay at the door. Cash or check preferred for at-door payment.

• Writing Workshop: $70
• Evening Extravaganza: $10 (individual)
• $25 (family)
• Both Workshop and Evening Extravaganza: $75

NOTE: The workshop is for ages 12 and older. All ages welcome to the evening event.

Hope to see you there!

I missed you.

Also, I wanted to let you know about the third annual Writing for Charity event, right here in Salt Lake, right this very weekend! As in Saturday, August 21st. No, it is not too late to register! This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in writing or illustrating for young readers, especially those of you who may not have the time or money or confidence to invest in a full-on conference. Panels, workshops, critiques, lunch, and meeting writer friends…the perfect way to dip your toes in, and at the same time get books in the hands of kids, and what is better than that?

Go here for the whole scoop. I’ll be there in the evening for the extra-extra-vaganza, on a panel with the Brandons Sanderson and Mull, and up and coming superstar Ally Condie. As a double bonus, the panel will be moderated by the beautiful and charming Shannon Hale, and the debonair and mischievous James Dashner. (Seriously, you never know what’s going to come out of his mouth, or for that matter Shannon’s, so you don’t want to miss that.)

Please come, and bring a few friends. We’d love to have you there.

Here’s a favorite spot from hiatus – the lagoon at Bolinas:

So, as I mentioned, I am a judge for the 2010 National Book Awards. I’ve got a lot of reading to do. Also? I went and wrote another book, and this is the year of editing, revising, and fun excitement like that. I might even write another one after that. Also Part II: I am going away for awhile to places with unknown Internet access. Later there is a screenwriting workshop with Bradford Winters (super excited about that) and more reading. Lots more. (Evelyn Wood, call me!)

I’ll be on blog break until nearly September, I think.

I’ll be around some—checking my email when I can, on Twitter now and then, and over at the Teen Fiction Cafe periodically. I will use this space if I have any exciting news or important info. But mostly I’ll be away.

In case you missed the news earlier, I deleted my Facebook account back in April, so don’t look for me there. I’m not available for appearances (including Skype visits) until mid-August.

If you miss your weekly dose of Zarr, there are always my books! If you haven’t yet read Once Was Lost, summer is a good time to take care of that. Okay, so it’s not exactly a beach read, but it is a summer story. The paperback will be out in January, but then it will be cold and you’ll have lots of homework. Brrr. Also, Geektastic is now in paperback.

Have a wonderful summer and I’ll see you back here before you know it!