Who'll Stop the Rain?

So if you read the previous post, then you know that author, screenwriter, story guru, and all around amazing human being (and I don't use that lightly, in this case it's true) Blake Snyder has passed away, leaving this world way too soon.

It's taken me a few days to collect my thoughts on this loss, probably because I, like many others, felt it so deep. Blake was one of those rare individuals with a passion for both life and story craft that was hugely infectious, you couldn't help but smile when he was in the room.

I'd read his books a few years ago, and always recommend them to anyone even remotely interested in story craft as they are truly life-changing, or at least they were for me. But I didn't get the chance to see him in person until the RWA convention in San Francisco last year, taking the stage in front of hundreds (thousands?) of writers, mostly female, and he was so giddy with excitement about the craft of storytelling he actually giggled--resulting in my best memory of the entire weekend.

Then, last April, when my local RWA chapter invited him to come speak, I seized the chance to sign books alongside him. Afraid of coming off like the semi-crazed fan that I was, I couldn't help but gush, over and over again, about how much his books helped me with everything from plotting my novels to crafting synopsis and back cover copy. And rather than being put off by my rabid, fan-girl, mumblings, he couldn't have been more gracious or kind--that's just who he was. And when he bought a copy of EVERMORE and asked me to sign it--well, it was a moment I'll never forget.

We exchanged a few e-mails, and I was on the verge of e-mailing him again, but being so busy with the deadline for book #4 (still untitled!), a story for an anthology (KISSES FROM HELL), and copy-edits for SHADOWLAND--I put it off, thinking I had plenty of time--something there's never enough of. I should know that by now.

And though he's no longer with us, his passion for story and people will always live on in the brilliant legacy he left behind in his books, his movies, and his passion for those whom he reached.

I'll be speaking at my local RWA chapter on Saturday morning about the craft of writing YA, drawing on some examples of how Blake's methods influenced my books, among other things. If you get a chance to stop by, I'd love to see you there. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Details for the event can be found HERE.

Carpe Diem everyone!

A

xoxo

Champagne Wednesday Lives On!

So, I'm on my way out the door to go pick up my husband at the airport since he's been hanging with the niece and nephew all week, while I've been at my computer, furiously revising SHADOWLAND, so it would be ready for him on his return (yup, he's my first reader--such a good sport!). And after getting bumped from a flight or two (oh the perils of  ex-airline-employee-free-travel benefits!), he's now safely ensconced on a seat and headed my way! 

Good thing too since I  just learned that EVERMORE is still at the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Seller list for Children's Paperbacks for the 6th week in a row now!!!!  And it's always a lot more fun to swill champagne with someone you like/love!

There's so much going on this week, but in the interest of time, I'm just going to list it all here:

Ready?

This Friday, April 10, 2009, at 8:30 PM Eastern I'll be giving a radio interview HERE. So, if you get a chance, stop by and  listen me to drone on and on about--erm--stuff.

Then on Saturday, April 11, 2009, I'll be signing copies of EVERMORE from 12:30 - 1:00 PM at:

Orange County RWA meeting
695 East Madison
Brea, CA 92821
Admission:
Members $10, Non-members $20

I'll be sitting alongside screenwriting guru, writing idol, the SAVE THE CAT man himself--Blake Snyder--and trust me, I can barely contain myself!  For anyone struggling with plotting their stories (raises both hands) struggle no more-- all the answers can be found in his book. Seriously, go get yourself a copy! Or better yet, come to the meeting on Saturday and get yourself a signed copy. I'm so not kidding.

Okay, and I'm not even done yet, believe me, there's more! But I just checked my husband's flight info, and dang if he doesn't have tail winds getting him in early!

Off to the airport--have a good night everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Finally ,Fontana!

So, awhile back I promised to post some photos of my Lewis Library and Technology Center Book Talk in Fontana, CA, and I finally got them all uploaded so I can share them with you!

As mentioned in my last post, this is a brand-spanking-new facility, and I was amazed by the amount of awesomeness it contained. Seriously. At over 93,000 square fee, with over 200 computers, a children's library, an adult library, and a young adult library featuring computer pods with a race-car inspired theme, it's a long way from the boring beige house of books I grew up with. Oh, and did I mention the coffee bar???

Anyway, I had a great time! And was overwhelmed by the amount of time and care they put into my program. Everything from a beautiful display of my books in the front entrance:


To awesome signage:



They even put together a craft table where readers could make their own diaries just like the ones in SAVING ZOE. I mean, seriously, how cool is that??



But, as always, the best part was talking with the readers, answering their insightful questions, and getting to know them while signing books. (Below is the original cover for CRUEL SUMMER-the male model was overwhelmingly vetoed for looking too wimpy!).




All in all a really fun day!

Oh, and speaking of fun, I did an interview over at SLICE OF ORANGE, the Orange County, CA RWA blog! So, if you've got the time, drop by and say hi!

Tomorrow I'm off to BEA-- can't wait!

Have a good day everyone!