4 Days of Lip-Gloss

While I freely admit that just about every week feels as though it's somehow slipped past me--this week in particular seemed to contain a few less hours than any week that ever came before.

Maybe it's because EVERMORE comes out in less than a handful of days--next Tuesday in fact! Squeeeee!! A moment I've anticipated for a very long time!

Or maybe it's because it was a week that required me to actually get dressed and put on lip-gloss, when I'm much more used to staying inside, hunched over my computer, clad in one of three rotating sets of sweats and slippers, with no hint of make-up anywhere on my face.

It all started on Monday, when I met the amazingly talented Jen Rosenstein for a photo shoot. The Orange County glossy, Orange Coast magazine, is featuring a small piece on me in the March issue, in the Trade Secrets section, and they hired Jen for the shoot. If you didn't click through on the orange link provided above, you might want to do so now. If for no other reason than to see that I did not exaggerate when I referred to her as "amazingly talented." Seriously. Jen's the real deal. A true artist who's used to shooting rock stars, celebrities, and her own, uber cool, still lifes. She has gallery shows, does a ton of advertising/editorial work, even has a book on her work, and yet she was so nice, so cool, so down to earth, and so fun to be with, I had a complete and total blast!  We met at Laguna Beach High School and set up shop in the girl's locker room, and when the Freshman girls soccer team stopped in, we included them as well!  And to say they were adorable, cute and nice, is putting it mildly. They were so awesome that the moment we were done I gave them each a signed copy of one of my books!

And then when I returned home, (back to my normal life where no one ever takes the time to properly light and/or pose me), I saw that the new EVERMORE/BLUE MOON bookmarks had arrived and they're bee-yu-ti-ful if I do say so myself!! I would totally take a picture to prove it, but since I'm nowhere as talented as Jen Rosenstein, and since I'm also in an undisclosed location with no camera on hand, you'll just have to take my word for it! But if you'd like your own bookmarks, along with a signed bookplate or two, you know the drill, just send an SASE to:

Alyson Noel

14 Monarch Bay Plaza, #186

Monarch Beach, CA 92629

And I'll get them right out to you (while supplies last of course!)

Which brings me to Tuesday, when I  picked up hubby from airport--an errand that definitely requires lip-gloss--and proceeded to go out to dinner where I ran into an old high school friend, which only made me doubly glad I'd worn it--if not for my hubby, then for the old friend!

Then on Wednesday, more clothes and lip-gloss were required when I was interviewed for my local Laguna Beach paper, THE LAGUNA BEACH INDEPENDENT, for a piece that will run very soon. Well, the interviewer, Dinah, was so nice, and so interesting, (yes, I snuck in a little interviewing of my own!), we actually sat there, talking on a couch in my local Starbucks, for 5 hours. Yes. You read that right. FIVE. That's what happens when I'm face to face with a true book lover! Just ask poor Jessica Brody about her first lunch with me! (Though the food poisoning that ensued was so not my fault--I only chose the restaurant--I didn't prepare the meals!)

And Thursday? More lip-gloss. Because even though you'd think that picking up my poor car from the body shop wouldn't necessarily require any lip-gloss wearing, this time it did. I wanted to look good for my car, pay it the proper respect so to speak. Since, apparently, what I had earlier brushed off as a minor fender bender, turned out to be not quite so minor after all. So after many days of fixing, buffing, and whatever else they do to make serious dents disappear, and after many $$$$ paid by my insurance company, it's now sporting a shiny new bumper and grill, and looks and runs like brand new!

And then, once I returned home and got my car safely ensconced in my garage, I learned that the foreign rights to my YA titles--FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, and KISS & BLOG have sold to Hungary, Romania, and Vietnam!!  How cool is that?  I can't wait to check out the covers!

And speaking of EVERMORE, (okay, I realize we weren't but that's the best I could do on the whole segue thing), it's spent the last week in the top 100 YA Sci-fi books on Amazon.com!! Oh, and some really great reviews are starting to roll in (you can see them all by scrolling down on the right) including these most recent ones:

“Lots of people seem to be comparing this book with Twilight* and the House of Night series. In terms of quality, I have to agree. The first person storytelling in Evermore, is intimate and emotional. Ever's voice is realistic; all of her reactions as a grieving teenager make sense. Many times, in YA novels, authors make little blunders portraying teenagers. I have to say that Alyson Noel manages to do it pretty darn well, if not perfectly. . .
And I definitely can't wait till the second book in the Immortals series comes out...
Anyways, this is a book that deserves to be added to your bookshelf. So go on your favorite book purchasing site and add this one to your shopping cart now. You won't regret it.” - Reader Rabbit


“Evermore was a great way to lighten my reading load this winter and provided me with a creative, magical story that I really enjoyed. This is the first in a series for Noel and I think she may have a hit on her hands . . . Evermore has good and evil, likable characters, vivid descriptions and a good story.”- Planet Books

And for those of you who pick up your copies next week when it comes out, you'll be among the first to see the cover for the next book in the series, BLUE MOON!  You'll also get to read an excerpt of chapter one, since the good people at St. Martin's Press kindly included that in the back of the book!!

And speaking of BLUE MOON, (and that is how a true segue works!) the final copy-edits are here, and they're due next week!  (gasp!) Which means my busy glamorous lip-glossing wearing week has officially come to an end. I've even moved myself to a remote location where I can get some work done!

But before I hunker down, I want to urge you all to head over to TeensRead to vote for your top five YA books of the year!  And while I'm completely honored that CRUEL SUMMER was nominated for BEST BOOKS OF 2008, this is so not a shameless plug for your vote!  Though I am urging you to take part--there's a lot of great titles on the list--and I'm sure you've read your share of them! But hurry, tomorrow is the very last day! All you have to do is click HERE!

Okay, that's it for me! 

So now it's your turn to tell me which activities you deem lip-gloss worthy???

GCC Presents . . .Diana Rodriguez Wallach

This week I'm thrilled to host awesome YA author, Diana Rodriguez Wallach, who's amazing new book, ADIOS TO ALL THE DRAMA was just released!

Here's the story:

Mariana Ruiz thought she left her summer fling in Puerto Rico, that is until she finds Alex sitting across from her at the breakfast table. Living two doors down from her visiting old flame isn’t easy, especially given the unresolved sparks still lingering for her locker buddy Bobby—and they don’t exactly go unnoticed.

Her best friends are little help as Madison deals with her IM-only “boyfriend” and Emily sinks into secret mode after her parents’ recent breakup. The only relationship that seems to be working is her estranged aunt Teresa who’s tying the knot on New Years with Mariana and her cousin Lilly as bridesmaids. But the last wedding detail left unplanned is who will Mariana kiss at midnight?

Strained friendships, stolen kisses, and secret loves create plenty of surprises to unfold before the New Year’s bells start ringing…

Want more? Watch the trailer HERE

Here's the same 5 questions I always ask:

1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?

I’ll warn you, it’s kind of strange. I started writing my first novel because I had a dream one night that I was a young adult author, and I dreamt the concept for an entire series of books. Seriously. When I woke up and told my husband, he reminded me of a vacation we took five years earlier through New England.

We had stopped in Salem, MA to see the witches’ houses. While there, I decided to visit a psychic (when in Rome, right?). So I sat down and the psychic immediately said, “You’re a writer.” And I was; at the time, I was a reporter. I told her this, and she asked what I wrote about. Intentionally trying to be cryptic (I mean, she is a psychic, shouldn’t she already know?), I told her that I wrote about “business.” She swiftly said, “No. I see you writing books, little books, like children’s books.”

I had never considered writing a book before. But after the dream, and my recollection of that encounter, I figured it was “a sign.” So I sat down and started writing my first novel.

2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?

It depends on my mood. When it comes to the first draft, I almost always write at the desk in my house and listen to music on Comcast TV (either the ‘90s channel or ‘adult alternative’). But for revisions, I’m more flexible. Since I live in Philly, I’m a slave to the seasons, and often a victim of cabin fever. So when it’s warm, I’ll work on my patio. And when it’s cold, I’ll move to a coffee shop.

3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?

I’d want to be inside the tomb at the end of Romeo and Juliet so I could pop out and yell, “Romeo, don’t do it! She’s not dead! Give it a minute!” Then I’d give them money to get the hell out of Verona. (On a side note, this past spring I visited the balcony in Verona that allegedly inspired Shakespeare’s famous scene. Very cool.)

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

I used to devour every Christopher Pike book as it was released. I loved all of them: Remember Me?, Fall into Darkness, Chain Letter, you name it. I think that strong connection with young adult literature is one of the reasons I felt drawn to write in the genre.

5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?

I won’t say anything cheesy like the biblical times, because who wouldn’t want to know the real truth there? Instead I’ll go with Philadelphia (where I live) back in the days of Ben Franklin and the founding fathers. I’d love to see my city through their eyes: when there were really horses on the posts (that still exist), and when the mansions in Fairmount park (near the Art Museum) were considered the “country.”

Here's Diana's backstory:

Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s debut novel, Amor and Summer Secrets, is the first in a young adult series published by Kensington Publishing in September 2008. The sequels to the series, Amigas and School Scandals and Adios to all the Drama, were released in November 2008 and January 2009, respectively.

Born to a Puerto Rican father and a Polish mother, Diana has experienced the cultures her characters inhabit, and many of the multi-cultural themes expressed in her novels are based on her personal background.

Diana holds a journalism degree from Boston University, and has worked as a reporter and as an advocate for inner city public schools. Her first novel, Amor and Summer Secrets, sold to Kensington Publishing on Fat Tuesday 2007 while she was at Mardi Gras wearing beads and a feathered mask.

She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband Jordan and her cat Lupi, who was rescued from a shelter in Harlem. Diana enjoys traveling, watching bad TV, reading great novels, practicing yoga and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles.

To learn more about Diana, visit her on twitter, myspace, or her website

Advice to Myself

I'm over at the OCC slice of Orange blog today, giving myself the advice I wish I'd had five years ago when I started my publishing journey!!

You can read it HERE!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GCC Presents . . .Teri Brown!!!

Hey Everyone,

This week I'm thrilled to be hosting fellow YA author and Teen Fiction Cafe blogger, Teri Brown, who's fabulous debut novel, READ MY LIPS, is available now!!

Here's a little about the book:

Popularity is as easy as a good secret.

Serena just wants to fly under the radar at her new school. But Serena is deaf, and she can read lips really well—even across the busy cafeteria. So when the popular girls discover her

 talent, there’s no turning back.

From skater chick to cookie-cutter prep, Serena’s identity has done a 180…almost. She still wants to date Miller, the school rebel, and she’s not ready to trade her hoodies for pink tees just yet. But she is rising through the ranks in the school’s most exclusive clique.

With each new secret she uncovers, Serena feels pressure to find out more. Reading lips has always been her greatest talent, but now Serena just feels like a gigantic snoop….

Here's what people are saying:

Read My Lips is an attention grabbing page turner. Serena is a smart and edgy narrator, who is quite normal desp

ite her condition, and doesn't seek attention because of it. Her desire to fit in is something that we can all empathize with, and the lengths that she goes to do so are relatable. But it's how she fights back and overcomes those that belittle her that makes Read My Lips such a compelling and quick read. Read My Lips is a delightful mix of complex characters, biting wit, and the angst that comes with making new friends." — The Compulsive Reader

"This was a stunning book...completely captivating. The storyline was completely original and was very enjoyable.... The characters were three dimensional and I felt like Serena was my best friend. It was also very easy to relate to Serena. While I have no idea what it's like to be deaf, I do know how it feels trying to fit in and be accepted. What I loved is how Serena was able to stay true to herself and while she deterred a little bit, she always came back to her true self. I...completely look forward to more books by the fabulous Teri Brown, who I may add is a member of the amazing Class of 2k8." — And Another Book Read

Here's the same

 5 questions I always ask:

1. Every has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?
My niece is profoundly deaf and after she was diagnosed, my mother-in-law became very active in deaf advocacy. She used me as a sounding board for her ideas and the seeds of Read my Lips were planted during that time.

2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
I live in a small 1969 ranch house in the burbs. In other words, tiny! All our bedrooms are inhabited by a combination of humans and animals and I worked for a long time in the corner of the living-room, which wasn’t working out so well. Since we eat most of our meals in front of the TV, (And what American family doesn’t!)I ditched the dining room table and set up shop there. It kind of sucks during the holidays, but other than that, it works out well. And usually, my desk is pretty cluttered, though not as bad as some I’ve seen!

3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?
There’s a book I read when I was a teen called, An Apple Every Day, by Grace Richardson. It was written in 1969, (Way before I was a teen!) and set in a progressive boardingschool. I loved that book. Loved it. I would love to live in that boarding school and hang with those kids.

4. What book rocked your world growing up?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I loved Judy Blume's book, but nothing caught my imagination like Francie’s world in turn of the century Brooklyn.

5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
Dian Fossey at the Karisoke research station. I saw the national geographic article when it first came out and I was enchanted.

Here's the scoop on Teri:

Teri Brown turned to writing in a desperate attempt to keep from having to get a paying job at her local McDonalds. Fortunately, she's been successful, and her debut young adult novel, Read My Lips (Simon Pulse), came out June, 2008. She is also a contributing editor for iParenting Media, and her magazine credits include Writer’s Digest, Women’s Health and Fitness, Dog Fancy, and Oregon Coast Magazine, among others. Teri lives with her husband and children in a dilapidated 1969 ranch style house in Portland, Oregon. To read more about Teri and her books, click HERE.

EVERMORE on PW!!

Just a quick note to say that the EVERMORE book trailer is on the Publisher's Weekly blog today!!

You can check it out HERE!

Happy Sunday everyone!!

This Weekend

If you don't live in So Cal, please know that I've no intention of bragging, but today is such a freaking beautiful day here in Laguna Beach (high of 76!) I can hardly believe it! And since I have a friend visiting from out of town, it's the perfect day to show her around and pretend that January is always like this!

But wherever you are, and whatever you've got planned, make sure to set some time aside to sign up at this week's FREE BOOK FRIDAY- where the awesome Ms. Brody is giving away two mystery novels by Roberta Islieb on the adult side, HERE. 

And five copies of Alexa Young's FRENEMIES, the first book in her awesome new series, on the teen side, HERE.

Have a fun weekend everyone!!

No Excuses!

So last night my husband and I attended a PBS taping of Dr. Wayne Dyer's new program based on his upcoming book, EXCUSES BEGONE!

I've seen Dr. Dyer before, once in Los Angeles, where he gave a talk based on another one of his books, and another in the airport in Maui, which was much more of an excited fan-girl moment than anything else. And while he can always be counted on for an inspiring, wise, and very funny, talk--last night's program became particularly inspiring when he featured an amazing young man named Dan Caro.

Long story short, Dan was burned (0ver 80% of his body) in a terrible accident at age two--losing both hands, some of his toes, and requiring extensive skin grafts and surgeries. And yet, despite all of that, he is now an extremely accomplished musician, playing the drums like you cannot believe--with no hands in which to even hold the sticks!! (Click HERE to see how he does it.)

Needless to say, I was in awe. Everyone was. Listening to the talk that he gave, calling what happened to him a "gift" as it allowed him to reach so many people, and then watching him take to his drum set and really come alive, left us all humbled and speechless.

And of course, this being a program about dropping the assortment of  excuses that prevent us from going after our dreams, seeing someone who'd suffered so much, embrace life in such a big way, made me realize I had very little to complain about.

If you get a chance to watch it--you should. I'm guessing the show will probably air sometime in May, around the time Dr. Dyer's book is released. I'll be the one sitting third row center, wearing a purple velvet jacket and jeans.

Unless I look bad on TV. 

In which case, I've no idea who that lady is!!

From the Typewriter to the Bookstore: A Publishing Story

And this is how a book is born . . .

Free Books!!!

The holidays are over, and you know what that means----

Free Books!!!

That's right, Free Book Friday is back from its holiday hiatus, and the awesome Ms. Brody is giving away free books for both teens and adults.

For teen reads go HERE.

And adult books click HERE.

Have a good weekend everyone!!

Oh, and PS- I'm going to see Sarah Silverman tonight-- can't wait!!!!!!!!!!! 

And yet more EVERMORE!

Just wanted to say THANKS to the Green Bean Teen Queen for saying some very nice things about EVERMORE on her BLOG!!!!

You made my day!

EVERMORE news!

Okay, it's now just 27 more days until my first book in THE IMMORTALS series, EVERMORE hits the stores!!

That's less than a month!

Just slightly over three weeks away!

And for a date that once seemed so far into the future, I can hardly believe that February 3rd is almost here!

But, it's all starting to come together now:  I received the cover flat the other day and it's gorgeous! The trailer is on You Tube! And the reviews are coming in, including this new one from Romantic Times magazine giving it 4 STARS and saying this:

"Teen angst and the paranormal make a combustible mix as Noel utilizes typical themes and gives them a dangerous and eerie twist. Getting hooked on this new series, THE IMMORTALS, is guaranteed."

Oh, and FlamingNet Reviews gave it their TOP CHOICE AWARD!!!

I also, learned that the books will be nicely displayed in both Target and Walmart, and wherever else books are sold. And I'm ordering up a slew of bookmarks and bookplates to go with the new look, so if you're interested in getting your hands on some of those, just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Alyson Noel

14 Monarch Bay Plaza, #186

Monarch Beach, CA 92629

And I'll send them out to you as soon as they arrive. (As supplies last, of course!!)

Also, the next book in the series, BLUE MOON, is now available for pre-order HERE.

And I recently saw the cover and not only do I LOVE it, but I promise to unveil it here soon!

And, in other book related news, CRUEL SUMMER, has been nominated  as one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2008 for the Children's Choice Book Awards!!  To see the full list of nominated books and learn how to vote for your top 5 faves, click HERE.

Looks like it's gearing up to be a fun and busy 2009--

Have a good day everyone!!!

Blogalicious!!!

Am I the only one who's happy that the holidays are over, not to return until next year?

I mean, don't get me wrong, as fun as it was partaking in things like: an extremely embarrassing dance that seemed like a good idea at the time(look left), overeating, going to the movies, hanging with my niece and nephew who were visiting from Oregon, touring the brilliantly refurbished Griffith Park Observatory, visiting countless model homes (especially the ones with real live cookies so I could indulge in even more overeating), playing RockBand on the wii, partying at Sthnarky's annual New Year's Bash with 450 of her closest friends and the Johnny V band, followed by my mom's annual nod to her Southern Roots where she makes us eat we gather for Hoppin' John and Collared Greens (which accounted for even more overeating!), only to be followed by more movies, more model homes, and more overall Merry Making aka: overeating, until we finally dropped the kids back at LAX and collapsed on the couch and tuned into The Very Controversial Buffy Season 6 (which, coming late to the whole Buffysphere I didn't realize people had serious issues with until I read some nasty online reviews which just made me want to order it even more so there!), swearing off all things even remotely food related for--well--until the very next day.

And as fun as that was there's just no way I could keep up the pace, which is why I was secretly glad when Monday rolled around and I finally had an excuse to get back to work. I mean, Sunday night, when I found myself dreaming about my characters--well I pretty much took that as a sign that they're tired of being ignored.

And while this year will prove to be even more busy than the last--what with the February release of EVERMORE, the August release of BLUE MOON, and the consecutive due dates of the next three, untitled, books in the series--it's exactly the kind of busy I like. Just me, my laptop, and my characters. With the occasional break to watch Buffy season 7!

What about you??  Already missing that Holiday rush?  Or are you like me, glad that it's over??

Oh, and this just in:  It seems that the awesomely talented Deanna Cameron has given me the Premio Dardos award--and yes, it's a good thing!  How cool is that?  And if you're not reading her blog, well, you should because not only is it totally blogalicious featuring all manner of posts on interesting, writerly type, things, but she also has a very cool book, THE BELLY DANCER, coming out soon. So don't waste another minute,  check it out HERE!

GCC Presents . . .Eileen Cook!!!

The fabulous and funny Eileen Cook's newest book, WHAT WOULD EMMA DO? was just released by Simon Pulse on December 30, 2008. I was lucky enough to meet Eileen, however briefly, at a writer's conference last summer, and she reminded me so much of someone I know that every time I saw her I thought: Oh look! There's so and so . . . only realizing it wasn't 'so and so' after my hand was sort of half mast in an awkward wave . . . and even after that, she agreed to stop by and answer a few questions!!

But first, The book:

Thou shalt not kiss thy best friend’s boyfriend…again….

There is no greater sin than kissing you best friend’s boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she’s messed up big-time. Especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else….and especially because she maybe kinda wants to do it again. Now her best friend isn’t speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.

Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.

The Praise:

“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot author of the Princess Diaries

“Not since Judy Blume’s Margaret introduced herself to God has there been such a funny, geuine, conflicted, wanna-be-sort-good-maybe-later girl as Emma. Eileen Cook’s tone as she takes on the big ones – life, love, faith and friendship is pitch perfect.” – Jacqueline Mitchard author of Deep End of the Ocean and Midnight Twins

“Smart and fun and full of heart.” – Sarah Mlynowski author of Bras and Broomsticks
About the Author:


The same 5 questions I always ask: 

1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?
I had recently re-read the Crucible. In the play a group of people begin blaming others of being witches and the situation burns out of control. It got me thinking about what would be the worst thing you could accuse someone of today and how easy it is for the mob mentality to take over. Those thoughts were the beginning of the story that would grow into What Would Emma Do.

2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
I love my office, but I write about half of the time there and the other half of the time wherever my laptop and I end up. When I’m stuck I tend to write better in public like a coffee shop or the library. If I am really stuck then I write by hand. I think I’ve convinced myself that if I’m touching the paper I must be closer to the story. I am aware that this is completely illogical- but it works for me so I go with it.


3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?
Pretty much any book by Roald Dahl- in particular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He had such an amazing imagination.

4. What book rocked your world growing up?
I loved the book The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler- I was fascinated by the idea of running away and living inside a museum.

5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
I would love to go to the ultimate writer’s conference where all my favorite writers (Living and dead- because- hey it’s my dream) are gathered. I can picture Jane Austen chatting up Stephen King.

The Author:

Eileen Cook spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she liked having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

Presenting . . . the EVERMORE BOOK TRAILER!!!!!

In stores 02.03.09!!!!!!!!!!