news

I’m thrilled to be selected as this year’s Piedmont Laureate!

It will be an exciting year promoting the literary arts, fostering creative writing around our community, and shining a light on … Read the rest

Review from the July/August 2012 issue of The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books for THE PRINCE WHO FELL FROM THE SKY

In this intriguing animal fantasy turned post-apocalyptic tale, an old bear defies … Read the rest

Beginning in the fall, I’ll be offering afterschool writing workshops for young writers (two groups — one for 4th & 5th graders and one for middle & high schoolers).  More information to … Read the rest

A review for The Prince Who Fell from the Sky from Booklist:

The folklore staple of a human child raised by wild beasts gets a postapocalyptic twist in Bemis’ novel.

Humans, known … Read the rest

Congratulations to Heidi Grange!  She’s the winner of an advance copy of The Prince Who Fell from the Sky I was giving away at the blog Smack Dab in the Middle.… Read the rest

I was honored to be selected by the News & Observer as the “Tar Heel of the Week.”  To read the story about my experience as a teacher and children’s book author, … Read the rest

On Saturday, March 17, 2012, I spoke at the NC Young Authors celebration at the Raleigh Convention Center.  The following are my top 4 tips for coming up with creative ideas for … Read the rest

Here’s what Kirkus Reviews had to say about THE PRINCE WHO FELL FROM THE SKY…

A compassionate bear defies everything to save a boy from certain death in this original story blending … Read the rest

Congratulations, Christina!  You’re this week’s winner of an advance copy of The White City.

As part of the giveaway, I asked participants to suggest other books that fans of the Clockwork … Read the rest

Congratulations to Jana, the winner of a giveaway I had on Smack Dab In the Middle.  Jana, you’ll get your choice of The Nine Pound Hammer, The Wolf Tree, or … Read the rest

Congratulations to Anna Heckenbach!  She is the winner of the most recent giveaway: her choice of an audiobook of The Nine Pound Hammer or The Wolf Tree.

For the contest, I … Read the rest

Congratulations to Anna Brooks, the winner of the giveaway for an advance copy of The White City!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  Watch my website and on Facebook … Read the rest

In appreciation for all that teachers around our state are doing for young readers, I’m offering a contest for NC schools to win a free author visit.  To apply simply send an … Read the rest

A review of THE NINE POUND HAMMER in the Middle Grade Ninja blog.… Read the rest

Watch my interview with D.G. Martin as we discuss The Nine Pound Hammer and the inspiration for the Clockwork Dark trilogy.… Read the rest

The Nine Pound Hammer is the winner of the 2010 North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award presented by the American Association of University Women and NC Literary and Historical Association.  Read about all … Read the rest

Booklist says, “Picking up a year or so after The Nine Pound Hammer, the second book in the Clockwork Dark series is every bit as peculiar and inventive… One thing’s for … Read the rest

A video where Matt Staggs of Suvudu and I discuss the blues, steampunk, and The Wolf Tree.… Read the rest

Read a review of The Wolf Tree in Durham’s Herald-Sun.… Read the rest

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Listen here.… Read the rest

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

THE WOLF TREE, Book Two of the Clockwork Dark trilogy will be released Tuesday, August 24, 2010. Mark your calendars. Pre-order your copies. Continue the adventure.… Read the rest

August 10, 2010

Grab a copy for that end of summer beach reading or to get ready for book two.
The NINE POUND HAMMER – Book One of the Clockwork Dark trilogy.… Read the rest

April 17, 2010

A wonderful reader, John H. Mayer, and a great listen for trips. You can find it at Amazon.… Read the rest

March 7, 2010

I’m happy to share that Random House Children’s Books has bought a new book of mine, an animal fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world without humans.… Read the rest

February 23, 2010
From tor.com, by Mur Lafferty

We sometimes forget it, but America is still a young country. Countries across the oceans have thousands of years of history, thousands of … Read the rest

January 29, 2010

In this creative, richly developed fantasy, the next generation of fighters must take on the Gog, an ancient evil who pursues power in various forms and times, currently doing … Read the rest

September 29, 2009

Find it here. Scroll down to the Sept. 29, 2009 podcast… Read the rest

August 25, 2009

Go get your copy! Begin The Clockwork Dark adventure.… Read the rest

August 25, 2009

Listen here.… Read the rest