Brandon Mull

This is my summer of goals. I'm not usually Mr. Goal Maker Guy, but my time has gotten squeezed lately, forcing me to be more active about the things I want to accomplish. Somebody once said that a goal is just a wish until you write it down. So apparently most of the stuff I've accomplished in my life so far has been wishes coming true. But now here I am, writing down some actual goals.

Of course the main goal at the top of my list this summer is writing an outstanding fourth Fablehaven book. That means about two chapters a week, and I think I should be able to swing it. I'm currently on chapter 4. The story already feels exciting. I can't wait to get deeper into it. Sometimes I wish I had a machine that would automatically translate my thoughts into words that artfully relate the story I have in mind. Then I realize that's a lazy man's wish. The closest I'm likely to get is a machine into which I can type my words. I'll keep you posted as I progress deeper into Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.

I also have a weight loss goal. I'm aiming to lose about 20 pounds by the end of the summer. This is actually a momentous occasion—I've lost and gained weight in my life, but never as the result of a strict, focused diet. My wife Mary is organizing what I'll eat and helping me count calories and make good choices. Hopefully as I add my willpower to her organizational and culinary skills I'll be able to shed some of the pounds I've put on as I travel around the country on book tour eating at restaurants. I definitely have the appetite of a very fat man, so the time has come to fight back!

I've lost about five pounds so far. At the outset the hunger made me grouchy. Then I got used to eating reasonable portions of healthy food, and usually I suffer less than I did at the outset. I'm getting on the treadmill a few times a week and messing around with Wii Fit as well. Hopefully if I can hang in there I'll be able to live better for a longer portion of my life. I had to do something before I swelled into that level of obesity from which there is no return!

One thing I have learned is that as I diet, food tastes better. Suddenly fruit actually tastes sweet and almost like dessert. And desserts taste like explosions of taste. Hunger really is the best gravy.

Yet another goal I have made is to blog at least once a week, so here I am fulfilling one goal as I talk about others!

A mini-goal I have is figuring out a fun family vacation. We're currently debating between Sea World and a cabin north of Glacier Park.

So many goals, so little time. At least it is summer, and I'm home writing, so I'm more in control of my time than usual. Hopefully sharing these goals publicly will give me a little extra incentive to stick to them!

Yesterday I attended a Fablehaven party at the American Fork library, not far from my home. They had lots of people in costume and set up many fun activities. The Utah dairy counsel brought out their "Got Milk?" banner and were taking milk moustache pictures in harmony with the "drink the milk" theme in Fablehaven. There were witches handing out curses, fairies healing curses, water fights, live chickens, and I signed tons of books. The event was ticketed and sold out, which is why I didn't mention it here beforehand.

As part of the event, the mayor of American Fork presented me with the Key to the Library. I knew the key was ceremonial, but deep down part of me was excited that maybe I could now sneak into the library after hours to do some research or at least use the restroom. The event marked the first time a political official has given me the key to anything. I put the key in my office.

The event reminded me how word about Fablehaven and The Candy Shop War continues to spread. I was pleased and surprised by the mix of kids and adults who have been enjoying the series. I must admit, the event made me feel some extra pressure to make book four the best it can be. If I really nail it, maybe I'll get the key to some more libraries!

Labels: American Fork Library, Fablehaven

I was at Book Expo America in Los Angeles this past weekend. It is the big national event where all of the publishers are showcasing their upcoming books to all of the retailers. The convention is also attended by librarians and other book enthusiasts. It was my third time attending the event. The previous one was in New York.

I was there to help more people discover Fablehaven and The Candy Shop War, and I think I had some good success. I was pleased with how many people were already aware of my books. Probably the funnest part was some of the authors I met and hung out with.

Most of the time I was hanging out with other Shadow Mountain guys. This includes Obert Skye, James Dashner, and Jason Wright. Also my editor Chris Schoebinger. They're all cool guys. I knew James the least, but now I know him better, and we all had a nice time together, except when James got carsick and ended up jumping out of the car to dry-heave at a greenbelt in Beverly Hills. Poor guy. He was a trooper. I passionately hate getting nauseated.

I spoke briefly with Brandon Sanderson, who writes the Alcatraz books and lots of great adult fantasy. I think he's a really good writer and I like him a bunch.

I also met Dean Lorey, who writes the Nightmare Academy books. He was a nice guy, and we roamed around and chatted for a while. He has a fascinating background writing for TV and film. I expect we'll cross paths again.

I signed books at the same time as Christopher Paolini, who writes Eragon and Eldest and has Brisingr coming out soon. We were able to have a good chat before the signing started. I wasn't sure what to expect from him. Having had so much success so young, I could picture him being spoiled by that, but happily that did not seem to be the case. He was very nice and friendly, so we had a good talk. We have the same agent, who introduced us.

I was probably most geeked out when I got to meet Neil Gaiman. He has written all sorts of things, including Stardust and Coraline. He spoke at a breakfast I attended, and I wanted to meet him there, but the crowds were too big. But then I went to a party at CAA, the agency that handles my movie rights, and Neil was there. So I tried to put on a brave face and approached him. To my vast relief he was very friendly, and we had a decent chat. He had an aura of cool around him, but maybe that was just because I have huge respect for his imagination.

Overall, the book expo was a chance to mingle with lots of people who are into the same stuff I love: writing and reading books. I had a great time, and am already looking forward to next year when the expo is back in New York.