She's arrived! MAY B.'s available in paperback, and you can win a copy!

Two years ago, I welcomed my first book baby, MAY B., into the world. Today I greet her again, this time as a paperback. In celebration of May's arrival, I'm giving a copy away to a Project Mayhem reader.

The thing I love about this girl is her bravery. She's strong and resilient, though she doesn't know it. When May is faced with insurmountable obstacles, she passes through them. And she doesn't just survive. She thrives.

As an author, you spend a lot of time with your characters. Years, most likely, first creating them, then writing about their world, revising their story on your own and then maybe later with an agent, later still with an editor. All that time together forces self reflection. So here's what I know: I don't possess an ounce of the bravery May does. She's taught me so much and has inspired me to be more. So thank you, May, for being in my life, for sharing so much of your world with me.

What does bravery mean to you? Is there someone whose bravery you admire? Share your stories in the comments below. One of you will be randomly selected to win a copy of MAY B. This contest closes Thursday, January 9.