I don’t know about you, but I can’t take anymore bad news. I’m ready for some good news.
But since there doesn’t appear to be much of that these days, I’ve begun keeping my own list. Here it is (with Bad and To Be Determined news also included for balance). All opinions are my own:
Good: Michael B Jordan won a well-deserved Oscar for his excellent dual performance in Sinners (then went to In-n-Out burger for a well-deserved snack).
Bad: As of this writing, there is still no word on when filming will begin for Princess Diaries 3.
Good: The Genovian paper shortage has been resolved, meaning that The Princess Diaries graphic novel will be published as scheduled on 6/30/26 (click here if you would like to submit the receipt for your pre-order to the publisher and be gifted an official Genovian passport holder).
Good: I will be doing events in July to celebrate the publication of the above book. Exact dates and locations to be announced!
Good: A New Yorker saved a dog from hypothermia in Central Park.
Good: I will be a special guest speaker at Northwest Florida State College’s 2026 READS event on April 9, in Niceville, FL. Attendance is free – all are welcome! I will have special Genovia stickers and postcards for whoever wants them (while they last).
Good: The Education of Kia Greer by Alanna Bennett is being adapted for TV by Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade.
Undetermined: The cat distribution system sent us another cat, but since this one simply shows up when he’s hungry and runs if anyone attempts to touch him, I think it’s most likely a Six Dinner Sid situation (he even looks like Sid). But I don’t mind feeding him, even if he is most likely someone else’s pet.
Undetermined: Euphoria is coming back.
Good: So is Gossip Girl.
Good: I will be in New York City at Book Con 2026 on Saturday, April 18. If you are attending Book Con, please come see me, Melissa de la Cruz, Kami Garcia, and Ann M. Martin discuss the evolution of our careers since our first books (moderated by Libba Bray)! Signing to follow. This is a powerhouse panel that I would not want to miss (if I weren’t already in it)!
Bad: Book Con appears to be having some trouble with their website, so if you’ve tried to make a reservation for this panel and failed, try again!
Good: Susan Lucci finally won an Emmy after 18 nominations.
Good: The Man in the High Castle is now streaming on Netflix, and has some interesting ideas about art vs. fascism. Did you know that many of our most beloved works of fiction were written during times of war? Some authors process trauma by creating art.
Good: The 1-800-Where-R-U series is being re-released this fall by Simon and Schuster as part of the relaunch of their Simon Pulse YA line. I originally published these books under the pen name Jenny Carroll, but now they will come out under my real name with the revised series title of Vanished. I have already updated When Lightning Strikes, the first book in the series, but only to tweak outdated language. The setting, cell phone situation, and vibes remain solidly Year 2000.
To Be Determined: The Dune 3 trailer dropped, and I can already tell by the comments that numerous people have never read the books. I feel this may lead to disappointment later.
Good: The Magic We Made (adult paranormal romance. Release date: August 2026) received a rave review from Library Journal calling it (in part) “another magical love story. Readers will be drawn into the mystery while being charmed by the banter and slow burn.”
Good: The Diplomat will be back in late 2026
Good: There will be at least two more graphic novels featuring The Detective Baby (and illustrated by the amazing Amelia Allore), bringing a total of FOUR books (so far) to this new series about a teenage babysitter who regrets ever taking the job. Debuts 9/1/26.
Good: I have written my first YA novel since 2013. The title, cover, and genre will be revealed soon by my old friends at Harper Children’s Books. Publication is set for early 2027.
Thank you for your time. Be safe. Make art. Fight fascism. Carry on.
More later.
Much love,
Meg
