GCC Presents . . . Linda Gerber!!!

Hey Everyone-

This week I'm thrilled to host awesome author and  fellow Teen Fiction Cafe patron, Linda Gerber, who's latest  (and third!) book in her DEATH BY series, DEATH BY DENIM, will hit the stores on May 14!!

Here's the story:

Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom’s lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she’s in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom’s contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth’s location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . . .


Here's the Praise:

“Starting with a heart-pounding chase scene… Gerber weaves in some major cultural landmarks as Aphra races through Paris and then Italy on a mission to expose the would-be assassin and rescue her love interest, Seth. Taut suspense… along with interesting tips of the espionage trade, will propel readers to the neat ending.” - Booklist

“Death by Denim, the third book in Linda Gerber's fun, action-packed, and suspenseful series, is just as riveting as its prequels. Gerber's style is not only modern and down to earth, but cunning and intelligent as well… Aphra is an engaging and lively narrator whose bravery and smarts readers will admire. Equal parts action, romance, and mystery, Death by Denim is a fun-filled and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series.” – The Compulsive Reader

“Gerber does not disappoint with this exciting novel from her Death by… series. Gerber’s strength is by far in creating such a thrilling and fast paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. …Death by Denim is a wholly enjoyable read, full of action, romance, and international flair. Fans of Death by Bikini and Death by Latte, the earlier installments in this series, won’t want to miss Death by Denim. Teen girls in particular looking for a fast and fun mystery to devour will enjoy Gerber’s Death by… series.” - The Book Muncher

“Nancy Drew meets "Alias" in the latest fast-paced, murder-mystery romance.”
- Paddyfield

*** Top Choice Award - Flamingnet Book Reviews ***

Praise for the DEATH BY series:

“Will capture mystery fans.” – Booklist

“Strong writing and plenty of plot twists.” -The Providence Journal

“Fast-paced, fun, and maybe just a little scary.”-YA New York

Just “the right amount of intrigue, suspense, humor and romance.”-Flamingnet Book Reviews

“Five enchantments.”-Enchanting Reviews

“Refreshing read.”-Simply Books


Here's the same 5 questions I always ask:

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

With this series, I came up with the first title, DEATH BY BIKINI, but my publisher suggested the next two titles, based on the locations I had proposed. When I said the third book would go international and be set in Europe, I was kind of surprised when the title they liked was DEATH BY DENIM. Great, I thought. Now I have to figure out how to kill someone with denim without using the methods in the first two books (strangulation would have been so easy, right? Or maybe poison in the fabric that would leech into my victim’s skin...) As it turns out, the denim actually became more than a method of death – it became a major plot point. AND gave me the cutest book cover ever.  I’m glad my publisher suggested it!

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

I'm a mom who travels, so I have to be really flexible with my work environment. I've written my share of chapters on the sidelines, in airports or on trains. Some of my favorite places to write: in Japan I had a desk in our living room that overlooked a stand of bamboo and a sakura tree. Sigh. In our current house I have my own office, but my favorite place to write is in an easy chair, looking out at the woods in our back yard. My mojo is a little sumo figurine I got in Tokyo. He stands on my desk in the office looking fierce and telling me to stop messing around on youtube and get back to work…

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

Oooh. That's tough because there are so many places to choose. I'd love to live in Ella's world in Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted. And I wouldn't mind living in that haunted bedroom in Meg Cabot's Mediator series as long as it came complete with the hot Spanish ghost! And I’d love to hang out in Summerland in Evermore!

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

I don't know about rocking my world, but the book I remember as the turning point for me where I became a full-blown book addict was As the Red Fern Grows. It was the first book I stayed up all night under the covers reading because I had to know what was going to happen next. That was way back in grade school, but still tear up thinking about that final scene with the fern between the dogs' graves. *sniff* And I've had many an all-night book affair since then!

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

I'd go back to Los Angeles the 20's and hang out with my Grandpa, Leo Cowan. He was really cool and had a great sense of humor when I knew him (he died several years ago) and from the stories he told, he was kind of a rebel when he was young. It would have been a kick to know him then.

Here's Linda's Story:

Linda Gerber recently returned to life in the Midwest after four years in Japan, where she served as the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her books include SASS: NOW AND ZEN, SASS: THE FINNISH LINE and the YA mysteries DEATH BY BIKINI, DEATH BY LATTE and DEATH BY DENIM. She currently lives and writes in Dublin, OH, blissfully ignoring her husband, kids, and one very naughty puppy.

You can find Linda online here:
http://lindagerber.com
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=518643863
http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gerbsan

Far Behind

Wow. 

This week has been crazy busy --so busy I can hardly believe it's already Thursday. 

I mean, hel-lo, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday--where the heck did you go?

But even though it went by in such a whirl I can hardly account for it, I do vaguely remember turning in the finished SHADOWLAND manuscript to my awesome editor (insert very loud YIPEE!! here), followed by some serious catch-up on The Stack of e-mails (which I still haven't gotten through but am making serious progress), To Do lists, mailings, b-board posts, and interviews, one of which is HERE!

Oh, and yesterday I learned that EVERMORE remains in the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Sellers List for Children's Paperbacks for the 8th week straight, and hit #51 on the USA Today list as well! So thank YOU for that.

And I finally got around to uploading (or is it downloading, or just loading?) the photos taken at last week's Taft High School Passport to Reading Event, followed by the trip to the Getty Museum in which I spent serious time "researching" an exhibit Ever and Damen check out in 

SHADOWLAND.  Followed by a celebrity sighting at a restaurant, (see post below), where for the life of me I could not remember who it was I was sneaking peeks at, but then later, while watching an old episode of Dead Like Me, I realized it was Mandy Patinkin!

Okay, back to The Stack for me!!

Have a good day everyone!

Alyson

:-D

Weekend Update!

So yesterday was the first day in a loooong time that I didn't turn my computer on--not even once! 

Mostly because I was busy with the Passport to Reading Event--thanks to all of you who stopped by--I had so much fun talking books and stuff!

And then after we dropped by the Getty museum with the fabulous Jessica Brody (good friend and author of THE FIDELITY FILES which just so happens to be a National Reader's Choice Award nominee!!!! Squee!!) and her partner in crime so I could conduct some "research" for a scene in SHADOWLAND involving THIS exhibit. 

Then after, my husband and I grabbed dinner at Thaifoon by the Santa Monica Airport where they serve things like crickets and ants, but since we ordered the crickets last time, this time we went with more "normal" Asian fare. Oh, and we sat at a table right next to some guy who I see on TV all the time but still cannot place (hate when that happens!), and then I got home and fell onto the couch in an exhausted heap--hence no computer time.

Hence a lot of catching up to do today!

But now that I've pretty much gone through all the e-mails and b-board posts, etc, I thought I'd mention a couple events that have popped up on the signing calendar-- so please save the date!

On Sunday, May 31st, from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, I'll be signing books alongside 5 awesome MG & YA authors including, Kathryn Fitzmaurice, Mary Pearson, Marlene Perez, Debby Garfinkle, and Debby Lytton, at:

"An Afternoon with Six Young Adult & Middle Grade Authors"

Laguna Beach Books

1200 S. Coast Highway, Ste. 105

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949.494.4779

And, on Friday, July 17th at 6:00 PM, I'll be signing copies of BLUE MOON here:

Barnes & Noble

791 S. Main Street, Ste. 100

Orange, CA 92868

Also, this week on Free Book Friday Teens they're giving away 5 signed copies of HUNTED, the 5th book in the phenomenally popular HOUSE OF NIGHT series! There's also a really great podcast interview with PC & Kristin Cast so be sure to stop by and sign up HERE for your chance to win!!

Also, over at  Free Book Friday Adults they're giving away 5 signed copies of Emily Giffin's latest, LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH, so be sure to stop HERE for your chance to win!

That's it for me--Happy Sunday Everyone!

Alyson

:-)

Passport to Reading!!

Hey Everyone -

Just a reminder that I'll be talking & signing at tomorrow's Passport to Reading event at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California, so if you're in the area, please stop by and say Hi!!

All the details can be found HERE.

Also, it's Good News Friday over at the Teen Fiction Cafe, so please stop by and share your good news with us HERE!

Have a fun weekend everyone!

Alyson

PS- Oh, almost forgot, EVERMORE is the Fresh Fiction Pick of the Day!  Check it out HERE!

2009 Teen's Top Ten!!!!

Okay, so here's the other piece of good news I held back yesterday, but now that it's official, here goes:

EVERMORE is nominated for American Library Association's 2009 Teen's Top Ten Award!!

Woo-Hoo!!

The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Voting takes place, online, during Teen Read Week, October 18-24, HERE.

EVERMORE is on there with some mighty good company, and I'm thrilled to be included! To see the full list of nominees click HERE.

Also, I just found out that EVERMORE hit the #3 spot on Publisher's Weekly Best Seller List for Children's Fiction!! To see the full list, click HERE.

That's it for me--back to revisions!

Have a great day everyone!

Alyson
xoxo

Wonderland!!

I feel like I'm in Wonderland. 

Seriously.

I just learned that EVERMORE remains at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for the 7th week in a row!!

Wow.

And is at #53 on the USA Today list.

Double Wow.

Also, the Italian and Korean translation rights to both EVERMORE & BLUE MOON were both sold at auction!!

And I have more good news for EVERMORE, but I have to wait until tomorrow when it's official.

Whew.

I am seriously so humbled by this I don't even know what to say anymore, except THANKS.

THANKS for all of your letters, and e-mails, and art work, and support!!  I swear I have the best readers in the world!

Oh, and before I get completely lost in this sentimental fog of mine, let me remind you that this Saturday, April 18th, I'll be in Woodland Hills at the Taft High School Passport to Reading Event, giving a couple talks, signing  books, and, well, whatever else is in store! So if you're in the area, please stop by and say HI!  All the details can be found HERE.

Thanks again, everyone!

Have a good night~

Alyson

xoxo

GCC Presents . . . Jennifer O'Connell!!!

Hey Everyone-

This week I'm thrilled to host Jennifer O'Connell, editor of EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME, a fabulous collection of essays by contributors such as Meg Cabot, Megan McCafferty, Cara Lockwood, Melissa Senate, Laura Caldwell, Stacey Ballis, Shanna Swendson and 17 other acclaimed women writers, that, as it just so happens, is releasing in trade paperback this week!

Whether laughing to tears reading Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great or clamoring for more unmistakable “me too!” moments in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, girls all over the world have been touched by Judy Blume’s poignant coming-of-age stories. Now, in this anthology of essays, twenty-four notable female authors write straight from the heart about the unforgettable novels that left an indelible mark on their childhoods and still influence them today. Drawing on their own experiences of feeling like a Fourth Grade Nothing before growing up to become Smart Women themselves, these writers pay tribute, through their reflections and most cherished memories, to one of the most beloved authors of all time.”—

The Praise:

"Fun tributes to a beloved role model."- People

“Wry pieces… make this more than a nostalgia trip.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“Each writer is fearlessly honest… it’s emotional reading.”
—Chicago Sun-Times

“Funny, poignant, honest, and reverential, these stories will resonate strongly with the legions of readers who, like the authors, are grateful and lifelong Blume devotees.”
—Booklist

“From bittersweet to laugh-out-loud hilarious, the essays in this collection all sparkle with charm, style, and wit. No doubt about it, if you grew up reading Judy Blume, you will love this book.”
—Sarah Mlynowski, author of Spells & Sleeping Bags and Me vs. Me

“Writing in the spirit of Blume, these women present their experiences as a series of personal truths: ‘girl moments. Woman moments. Human moments.’”
—Publishers Weekly

“Judy Blume’s adolescent books have left such an indelible mark that two dozen of today’s female writers of young adult fiction wrote essays about the impression her novels left on them. . . . This is the gift we Judy Blume-raised mothers can give our daughters now: the voice that told us everything we were feeling was normal.”
—The Record (Bergen County, NJ)

“By turns funny and poignant, this essay collection captures the essence of Judy Blume’s appeal.”
—Library Journal

“These stories are intensely personal recollections that offer an insight into the influence that Judy Blume’s works have had on everyone who reads them.”
—Teens Read Too

The same 5 questions I always ask:

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

I was about to begin writing my first teen book, PLAN B, and I sat at the computer and thought to myself, “Everything I needed to know about being a girl I learned from Judy Blume.” And so the idea for the collection of essays was born. Because I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt like that.

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

I write in a bookstore. I have trouble writing at home, it’s too easy to get up and do laundry. When I’m sitting in a bookstore I feel so guilty staring at all the books people actually finished it makes me get my butt in gear.

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

Oh my god, that’s hard! I can’t choose. I don’t necessarily like “happy ending” books but I like happy endings in real life, so I can’t think of an answer!

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

It’s Okay If You Don’t Love Me by Norma Klein. I still have a copy and re-read it before I begin writing a teen book. It gets me going. And makes me want to be as good as Norma was. (Alyson- waving excitedly! I still have my original copy--I loved this book!)

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

I’d love to spend the summer on a Greek island. In sixth grade I made a plaster of Paris Parthenon and have been vaguely convinced I was meant to live in Greece ever since.
(Alyson- after spending 7 years on Mykonos, Greece--I highly recommend this!)

About Jenny:

Jennifer O’Connell is the author of ten books, the most recent of which are her two teen novels Local Girls and Rich Boys. She received her BA from Smith College and her MBA from the University of Chicago. Visit her website at www.jenniferoconnell.com and www.jennyoconnell.com.

More on the Great Scavenger Hunt!!

Welcome to The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest Dueling Blog Tour with YA author Kay Cassidy! Kay is the host of the brand-new Great Scavenger Hunt Contest for teen and youth librarians in the U.S. and Canada. She’s joining me today to chat about The Hunt and how it came to be.


Q: What made you decide to create The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest?

A: As a YA author and proud owner of a well-worn library card, I wanted to give something back to all the librarians whose book recommendations helped me grow as a writer and fed my imagination over the years. With the economy in turmoil, funding for public libraries is taking a major hit. School libraries are struggling as well. So I set out to create a totally free program that teen and youth librarians could use to keep kids excited about reading.

Plus, I’m a huge fan of trivia, scavenger hunts, mysteries... so The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest was a natural fit. I would’ve been all over this when I was younger. Trivia fans... unite!


Q: What exactly is The Hunt?

A: The Hunt is a brand-new, super easy, totally FREE library outreach program for teen and youth librarians. The program is open to librarians in the U.S. and Canada, in public libraries and school libraries alike. It offers year-round free programming that’ll keep readers coming back to the library for more.

Over 120 YA and middle grades authors have created a 10-question scavenger hunt (i.e. super fun trivia quiz) for one or more of their books. Scavenger hunts include questions like “What was the color of Moe’s hideous car?” or “What is Gemma’s favorite comfort food?” Every scavenger hunt also has a special note from the author to give it a personal touch.


Q: How does The Hunt work?

A: Once librarians register their library, their readers (called hunters) are eligible to participate. Hunters can check out the list of more than 200 titles in The Hunt, read the book of their choice, complete the scavenger hunt, and turn it in to their librarian. The librarian checks the answers against the quick answer key. If the hunter gets at least 8 out of 10 answers correct, the librarian can enter the hunter in the monthly contest. (NOTE: All scavenger hunts must be submitted to a participating librarian in order to be eligible for the contest. Only participating librarians may enter hunters via the official contest entry form.)


Q: And, of course, the prizes! What kinds of prizes do you have and how can people win?

A: Every month, I’ll choose one lucky hunter as the winner. The winning hunter will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card (good in stores or online) to use for whatever their heart desires. Even better? When a hunter wins, the host library wins too… a library prize tote filled with more terrific scavenger hunt books for the library’s collection. It’s a win-win!


Q: Definitely a win! So, tell me more about your upcoming YA debut. When will hunters see a scavenger hunt for it in The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest?

A: My debut novel, The Cinderella Society, is the first in a new YA series. The series takes readers behind the veil of a secret society of extraordinary girls where ultimate life makeovers are the main attraction. Lifelong outsider Jess Parker thinks life on the inside is her ultimate fantasy until she discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a battle of good vs. evil played out on the high school battlefield, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.

The Cinderella Society will be an April 2010 release from Egmont USA with book two in the series to follow in Spring 2011. I’m very excited about sharing a scavenger hunt of my own in The Hunt. Come on, next April!


Now, let me turn the tables on you for a minute. :-) First of all, thank you so much for participating in The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest. If it weren’t for authors like you, The Hunt couldn’t exist. Authors are incredibly busy people, so I owe a debt of gratitude to each of the authors (like you!) who graciously volunteered their time to create a scavenger hunt.


Q: What made you take time out of your busy schedule to participate in The Hunt?

Alyson: Are you kidding? Libraries, free books, a scavenger hunt??? What's not to love?! It's such a brilliant idea, I wish I'd thought of it myself!

Q: How did you decide which book(s) to create a scavenger hunt for?

Alyson- Easy! I chose them all! FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOE, CRUEL SUMMER, EVERMORE . . .and when the time is write, BLUE MOON will be there as well!


Q: Do you think you would’ve wanted to be a hunter when you were younger?

Alyson- Definitely! I would've been all over an awesome contest like this!


KAY CASSIDY BIO:

2008 Golden Heart winner Kay Cassidy is the author of teen fiction she wishes was based on her real life. Kay is a former college cheerleader and sorority girl, an M.B.A. and a member of Mensa. She thinks it's comical when people are surprised to discover those things aren't mutually exclusive. Kay is a seasoned professional trainer and former leadership development specialist who enjoys teaching motivational workshops around the country. She is also the founder and host of The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest, a national library outreach program that provides year-round free programming for teen and youth librarians. THE CINDERELLA SOCIETY is her first novel. Visit Kay on the web at www.kaycassidy.com.

How To Save A Cat

Yesterday's signing with Blake Snyder was awesome!

My writing guru/SAVE THE CAT author and I are like--BFFs now.

Totally.

As evidenced by the pictures below!

Anyway, his talk, as usual, was super inspirational and informative--and I took notes like mad! 

Notes that I will diligently go over tomorrow since today is solely dedicated to the eating of chocolate bunnies!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Scavenger Hunt Update!

Hey Everyone-

So yesterday I blogged about this completely awesome SCAVENGER HUNT that the awesome Kay Cassidy is running on her website. This contest is huge--such an amazing, ambitious, far reaching idea--I'm totally in awe of her for coming up with it!

So in awe, that it seems I got some of the details wrong, so for clarification, please read below:

All scavenger hunts must go through a participating library in order to be eligible for the contest. So, rather than e-mailing Kay through the link I provided, if you wish to participate, you need to visit your local library to enter, since only libraries can register for The Hunt.

If your local librarian isn't familiar with The Hunt, please direct them to it!! They will be forever grateful to you!

Thanks so much and sorry for any misunderstanding my prior post may have caused!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Tomorrow is Today

Okay, remember how on yesterday's post I said there was more to come? (Lost? see below!)

Well here it is.

Aside from tomorrow's radio interview at 8:30 PM (Eastern) HERE 

And Saturday's EVERMORE signing, from 12:30 - 1:00 PM (alongside Blake Snyder!) HERE

I'll also be signing and talking at the Taft High School Passport to Reading on Saturday, April 18 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM- more info can be found HERE

Oh, and the Scavenger Hunt is on! The awesome, up and coming, debut author, Kay Cassidy, has gathered over 1oo YA authors, asking them to come up with ten questions each, relating to their books. All you need to do to play is download the questionnaires, fill in the answers, and send them to Kay for your chance to enter the monthly drawing for a $50 book voucher. 

All eight of my YA titles are on there, and all you have to do to get started is click HERE.

*** VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: THE SCAVENGER HUNT***

I've just been informed that all scavenger hunts must go through a participating library in order to be eligible for the contest. So, rather than clicking on the link above, please visit your local library to enter, since only libraries can register for The Hunt. 

If you wish to participate, please visit your local librarian and if they're not familiar with The Hunt, please direct them to it!!

Thanks so much and sorry for any misunderstanding!

Alyson

***

Oh-and today I learned that EVERMORE & BLUE MOON just sold at auction in Poland--how cool is that?! 

And I can't remember if I mentioned it before or not but both EVERMORE and BLUE MOON are going to be audio books!!  Read by the funny, cute, and talented, Katie Schorr, who, I happened to Google and found THIS hilarious bit of Internet fun

And, for those of you who've been wondering and asking, I'm hoping to get all things BLUE MOON related up and running on my website . . . soon. . . very soon!!

Have a great day everyone!

A

:-D

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

And The BLUE MOON WInners Are . . .

The contest is over, which means two winners were chosen! Click HERE to see if it was you!

Mr. Blue Skies

It is the most glorious spring day here in Laguna Beach, but I'm inside writing.

Remember yesterday when I blogged that I typed "The End?"

Well, it should've read "The End For Now" since revisions are in order.

But even though it may sound crazy, revising is actually my favorite part, so I'm ready to dig in.

But, as for YOU just wanted to make sure you head over to the Teen Fiction Cafe and leave a comment on the BLUE MOON giveaway for your chance to win one of two signed copies (in July when it's released). You can do so by clicking HERE before midnight tonight, CA time. Winners will be announced sometime tomorrow . . .

And, speaking of free books, be sure to head over to Free Book Friday, both Teens and Adults versions and see what awesome titles they're giving away this week.

That's all for now-Happy Sunday Everyone!

A

:-D

SHADOWLAND!!

Just typed the two most beautiful words ever invented:

The End.

!!!!!!

And yes, now I have to revise, but still!

Finally Friday

Just wanted to share this awesome EVERMORE trailer made by a reader-- I can hardly believe how cool it is! Seriously, check it out!! 

I have the BEST readers ever!

And while you're out there enjoying the weekend, don't forget to stop by the Teen Fiction Cafe for your chance to win one of two signed copies of BLUE MOON (hot off the press in July!)and Amanda Ashby's awesome new book, ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH (two different contests, so be sure to comment on both!)

Deadline for the BLUE MOON contest is Sunday, April 5, midnight California time, and all you have to do is click HERE.

Oh, and here's a really fun Q&A I did at Liv's Book Reviews HERE!

As for me, aside from Sunday's chat with The Tenners (a group of awesome YA authors whose debut novels will be released in 2010!) it's a working weekend for sure, but one I'm really looking forward to!!

How about you guys, any plans?!

Whatever you do--have a good one!

Alyson
xoxo

Win a signed copy of BLUE MOON!

It's promo week over at the Teen Fiction Cafe and to thank all of you awesome readers for the kind of enthusiasm and support that's kept me on the New York Times & USA Today bestseller lists for 8 weeks running--(5 of those at #1 on NYT!)--I'd like to say thank you by giving two random commenters signed copies of BLUE MOON (when it's released on July 7th!)!

All you have to do for your chance to win is click HERE:

Oh, and I also did a really fun interview with ReverieMedia that you can read HERE.

Have a great day everyone!

Alyson

GCC Presents . . . April Henry!!!

This week on the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit I'm thrilled to present April Henry who's newest book, TORCHED, (check out the awesome cover to the left!) was just released, and she was kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions, but first, the details:

Here's the story:

When Ellie’s parents are busted for growing marijuana, the FBI gives her a choice: infiltrate the Mother Earth Defenders (MED), a radical environmental group, or her parents will go to jail. At first Ellie is more than willing to entrap the MEDics, but the more time she spends undercover—particularly with Coyote, the green-eyed MEDic that she can’t stop thinking about—the more she starts to believe in their cause. When talk turns to murder, Coyote backs out, but Ellie is willing to risk everything to save her family—even if it means losing Coyote and putting her own life on the line.

Here's the praise:

Kirkus: "Romance and big explosions … the thrills and action will keep readers interested as she navigates her way between terrorists and self-centered Feds."

Booklist: "The contemporary mix of politics and thrilling action will grab teens, not just environmentalists, as Ellie must decide how to save her parents and save the earth. Romance adds to the conflict as she falls in love with gorgeous MED member Coyote, who is both an activist and an ardent pacifist. Both the MEDs and the FBI have good guys and bad guys, and this suspenseful story will spark discussion about what it means to fight for right “by any means necessary."

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Henry keeps a number of slick tricks up her sleeve, and when the plot takes off with a MED tree sit to stop clear cut logging, a cascade of treachery and betrayal is unleashed that should keep the pages fl

ying. This is a far cry from the more whimsical take on environmentalism of Hiaasen's Hoot, but readers who cut their teeth on that amiable escapade may want to explore the ethical implications of wielding vandalism and violence to achieve a worthy end.”

School Library Journal
“Educators and environmentalists will appreciate the similarities between Ellie’s adventures and the exploits of Julia Butterfly Hill, as it will allow them to engage in a discussion about endangered species, corporate responsibility, and logging.”

Teens Read Too
5 stars
“Torched is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. The book starts with a prologue that puts readers in the thick of the action, and things don't slow down from there.”

Here's the trailer:

 

Here's the same 5 questions I always ask:

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

I’ve always been fascinated by people who work undercover. You pretend to form new loyalties – and at some level, I would guess that you really do. Earth Liberation Front has long been active in the Northwest. The FBI considers them domestic terrorists. I was driving to work one morning, listening to the news, and the broadcaster said, “The FBI says they have been unable to infiltrate ELF.” And I thought, what else are they going to say? Yeah, we have someone who is working there undercover? And then I started thinking that most Elves are young, and FBI agents have to be at least 23, and they might need a confidential informant.

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

I spent so many years trying to squeeze writing in around working and parenting that I require nothing more than a computer. I guess that’s my must-have. My handwriting is legendary for its illegibility. When my daughter was just learning to read, I would sometimes be forced to ask her if she could read what I had written on my grocery store list, because I sure couldn’t.

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

Not a novel, because novels are all about conflicts and problems, even if they are funny. So maybe some kind of coffee table book about the Mediterranean coast of Italy. (LOVE this!-alyson)

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

My parents let us read whatever we wanted, including what they were reading. The Godfather and certain Heinlein novels were certainly, shall we say, eye-opening.

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

Two years ago, we went to Italy, France, and England on a vacation we had saved for years for. Our favorite places was the Cinque Terra – five little villages of layers of sherbet-colored houses leaning over the Mediterranean. You can currently see it in a camcorder commercial that quotes Fitzgerald and runs in movie theatres. I would love to go back there again and spend my entire vacation looking at the sea and eating pasta. It was a magical time.

April's story:

April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. April had one detour on her path to destruction: when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children's author Roald Dahl. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.
By the time she was in her 30s, April had come to terms with her childhood and started writing about hit men, drug dealers, and serial killers. She has published six mysteries and thrillers, with five more under contract. Her books have gotten starred reviews, been on Booksense (twice!), translated into four languages, short-listed for the Oregon Book Award, and chosen as a Quick Pick by the American Library Association.

April writes for both teens and adults. This month Face of Betrayal will be published. It’s the first in a new series for adult mystery series co-written with FOX legal anaylst Lis Wiehl.

Visit April at:
April’s Website: aprilhenrymysteries.com
April’s blog: aprilhenry.livejournal.com