This week, an author shares some of his "favorite things" on YouTube; an author and a YA book enthusiast get crafty; it’s a “seashell day” at a Florida bookstore; and romance writers and fans convene in NYC.

The Fault in Our Sprouts

The online channel Sprout TV welcomed author John Green on the Sunny Side Up Show on July 21. While on the show, Green shared his “favorite things to do in the Sunshine Barn,” which included reading a story, dressing up in a pink feather boa, and having a dance party with chick character Chica and human host Emily.

Unmasked!

Jennifer L. Armentrout (the Dark Elements trilogy, Harlequin Teen) attended an event on July 16 at the Irving Public Library in Irving, Tex., as part of the library’s Teen Summer Reading Challenge titled “Unmask.” Joining Armentrout for the occasion were fellow authors Becky Wallace, Mary Pearson, Jenny Martin, and Meredith Moore. Here, Armentrout (l.) works on a craft project with a fan, Lilian, a member of the Irving Public Library’s Young Adult Action Committee, which helps create and organize teen programming.

Down by the Seashore

Author Dianne Ochiltree celebrated the release of It’s a Seashell Day (Blue Apple), illustrated by Elliot Kreloff, on July 16 at Bookstore1Sarasota in Florida. Ochiltree wore a decorative, tropical head-piece and the event’s refreshments, music (supplied by Ochiltree’s husband, Jamie), and decorations were all tied to the beach theme of the book – no matter that it was pouring rain outdoors.

Love Is in the Air!

Katie McGarry (l.) author of the YA romance Nowhere but Here (Harlequin Teen) became acquainted with a member of the online romance community Literati Literature Lovers at the 35th annual Romance Writers of America conference in New York City on July 22. The conference, which offers speaking events, networking, and educational opportunities for writers and industry professionals, runs through July 25.