Saturday, May 30, 2009

Last Call!

Hey Everyone-

Just a reminder that today, is the last day to chat with us over at Romance Divas, click HERE to get your questions answered by: Rachel Caine, Cassandra Claire, Lucienne Diver, Rosemary Clement Moore, Christopher Golden, Jeff Mariotte, and me!


And tomorrow is the last day to bid on the hot-off-the-press, signed copy of BLUE MOON over at Brenda Novak's auction to benefit Diabetes. Click HERE to place your bid!


Also, tomorrow, I'll be signing copies of EVERMORE over at Laguna Beach Books from 1:00 - 2:30 PM, alongside: Marlene Perez, Debby Garfinkle, Mary Pearson, Kathryn Fitzmaurice, and Debborah Lytton, click HERE for further details.

And, last but not least, I just wanted to say:

Thank YOU!!

Thank you for keeping EVERMORE in the top 4 on the New York Times Best Seller List for Children's Paperbacks for the 4 months straight!!

Seriously, thank YOU!  I couldn't have done it without you!

Have a fun weekend everyone!

A

Friday, May 29, 2009

GCC Presents . . . Melissa Walker!!


This week on the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit I'm thrilled to host amazing author, founder of the awesome newsletter, I Heart Daily, and fellow Teen Fiction Cafe Patron, Melissa Walker, who's latest novel, LOVESTRUCK SUMMER, was released by HarperTeen on May 5!!

Melissa was kind enough to take time out 
of her busy schedule to answer a few 
questions, but first, The Story:

LOVESTRUCK SUMMER is the story of Quinn, an indie rock girl who came out 
to Austin, Texas for a music internship. She also plans to spend long, lazy days in the sun at outdoor concerts--and to meet a hot musician or two. Instead, she’s stuck rooming with her sorority brainwashed cousin, who now willingly goes by the name “Party Penny.” Their personalities clash, big time.
But Sebastian, a gorgeous DJ, definitely makes up for it. Sebastian has it all: looks, charm, and great taste in music. So why can’t Quinn keep her mind off Penny’s friend cute, All-American Russ and his Texas twang?

Sebastian is the kind of guy Quinn wants, but is Russ the guy Quinn needs? One thing’s certain: Quinn’s in for a summer she’ll never forget!

The Same 5 Questions I Always Ask:

1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?
I took a trip to Austin in the summer, and I was so inspired by everything there--the live music! 
the sweltering heat and the cool water spots! the BATS! I just had to set a book there, and a summer romance seemed perfect.
2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
Just my big pink flowered chair. Oh, and iced coffee that has enough cream and sugar in it to taste like ice cream. I must have that by my side as I write.
3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?
Maybe a Sarah Dessen book, because they're like real life. And I'm into real life. My favorite one, so far, is THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER.
4. What book rocked your world growing up?
I re-read Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger 3 times in one day just so I wouldn't have to leave their world behind. That's pretty world-rocking. (Alyson note- OMG, I did the same thing!!! LOVE that book!)
5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
I'd go back a few years and have one more good, long talk with my dad. Preferably on his sailboat, under the stars.



Melissa's Story:

A former editor at ELLEgirl and Seventeen magazines, Melissa Walker knows her indie rock. She hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She loves talking about books, fashion, magazines and all kinds of pop culture. Visit her at melissacwalker.com or on iheartdaily.com.



Thursday, May 28, 2009

Romance Diva


Just a reminder, I'll be over at the Romance Divas today, tomorrow, and Saturday, chatting, hanging out, and answering questions on writing paranormal YA, alongside some very amazing authors, like:

Cassandra Clare, Christopher Golden, Rosemary Clement Moore, Lucienne Diver, Rachel Caine, and Jeff Mariotte.  

The workshop is free, all you have to do is register and click HERE!

Also, I'm blogging over at Magical Musings today about inspiration, so why not drop by and tell me what inspires you??? Just. Click. HERE!

Hope to see you there!!

A

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tumbling Dice


Just got home from a long weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate my husbands b-day, which translated to long afternoons spent by the pool, elaborate meals (my hubbies a foodie!), and very little gambling (I'd much rather shop, it's a sure thing!). Only to come home to stacks of mail, piles of laundry, and dust bunnies that have been busily multiplying while we were gone . . . in other words--REALITY!!!

Though thankfully, it's not all about housekeeping duties as there's some exciting stuff brewing this week, stuff like:


Starting tomorrow, Thursday May 28 through Saturday, May 30, I'll be over at the Romance Divas discussing the ins and outs of writing YA Paranormal fiction along with amazing authors: Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Lucienne Diver, Christopher Golden, and Jeff Mariotte, so feel free to drop by, say hello, ask a question, or just hang out and chat-- you can find us all HERE.

On Friday, I'll be giving a talk at a local middle school--it's a closed event, but I still thought I'd mention it because I can't wait!!

And on Sunday, if you're in the Laguna Beach area, don't forget to stop by Laguna Beach Books where I'll be talking and signing as part of the "An Afternoon with 6 YA & MG Authors" from 1 - 2:30 PM (details on the sidebar at right!) there will be books, authors, cupcakes, and hopefully YOU!!


Oh, and as a reminder, this Sunday is the very last day to bid on the hot-off-the-press signed copy of BLUE MOON I'm auctioning on behalf of Brenda Novak's diabetes fund raiser!! To place your bid, click HERE!

And speaking of BLUE MOON,  I just learned Romantic Times Magazine gave it 4 stars!!! I haven't received my copy yet so I can't quote from the actual review, but as soon as it arrives, I'll post it here!

Oh, and one last thing--tomorrow (Thursday) I'll be blogging about "inspiration" over at Magical Musings --a blog so great if you're not reading it, all I can say is: Why???-- So come join me by clicking HERE!

Okay, that's it on my end--have a good day everyone!

A
:-D

Thursday, May 21, 2009

BLUE MOON Excerpt!!!

It's up!!

The website is now updated with all things BLUE MOON including an excerpt of the first 3 chapters!!!

(BLUE MOON trailer coming soon!)

To see for yourself, click HERE!

Also, EVERMORE jumped up to #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List for Children's Paperbacks (last week it was #3, prior to that it was #1 for 1o weeks, on the list for a total of 15 weeks!), up to #85 on the USA Today List (last week, #104, peaked at #47, on the list for a total of 15 weeks!), and #2 on the Publisher's Weekly Best Sellers List for Children's Fiction (last month #3)!!!!

Oh, and for your chance to win some awesome signed books,  don't forget to swing by Free Book Friday for both Teens & Adults!!

Have a great day everyone!!

Alyson
:-D


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

EVERMORE Book Trailer in the News!!

Awhile back, uber cool reporter, Daisy Whitney, contacted me about the EVERMORE book trailer I hired Circle of Seven to make, and today her report on "Young Adult Authors Embracing Book Trailers" is up  and mine is featured!!

You can watch here at:


or:


&



How cool is that?!

Thanks, Daisy!!

Have a good day everyone!

A
:-D

Book Signing-- Save the Date!!!




Hope to see you there!!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

BLUE MOON Review!!!

Okay, to say I was thrilled when I came across the following review is not only putting it mildly--it would actually qualify as lying. Because the truth is, I was elated, wowed, jumping up and down-over the moon-excited when I saw what teen book reviewer, writer, and blogger extraordinaire, Rebekah Harris had to say about BLUE MOON:


Blue Moon an Imaginative Heart-Stopper


"Be sure to have the Bayer aspirin close by because Blue Moon by Alyson Noel just might stop your heart.

Those of you who loved Evermore, the first installment in Alyson Noel’s The Immortals series, will be glad you waited for Blue Moon. Set to debut in August, Blue Moon is the continuation of the centuries-old love story of Ever and Damen, seemingly star-crossed lovers doomed to lose one another lifetime after lifetime. However, when Ever chooses immortality at the end of Evermore, both Ever and Damen believe there is nothing to stop them from sharing eternity together. That is, until Damen gets sick.

As Ever becomes more skilled in her new role as an immortal, Damen’s flawless skills are weakening–as rapidly as his health. In an attempt to save his life before he loses his immortality, Ever must return to Summerland and unravel the past in order to save the future. But when she discovers she can actually change the past, will she choose to save her family or to save Damen? Or will she be too late to save either? In a world where Ever can trust no one, mistakes come easy, and this ending will certainly leave your head reeling.

Noel’s writing in Blue Moon is pure artistry, with its conversational flow and true-to-life dialogue. And in the midst of life threatening situations and centuries-old conflicts, she still manages to perfectly capture the cruel high school atmosphere and social hierarchy teens must deal with on top of their larger-than-life problems. As a result, readers will experience a great variety of emotions, similar to those of the grieving process: denial, anger, bitterness, acceptance, hope, anger, more anger, more hope, and finally, extreme anticipation. In fact, the tension between Damen and Ever–first established in Evermore– doesn’t ease up a bit in Blue Moon, which will keep your heart racing and your blood stirring from beginning to end. And the end? Well, I refuse to give away an ending so carefully and perfectly pieced together, but I will say that you’ll never see it coming and you will be aching to read the third book in the series, expected to hit shelves in February 2010."

THANKS SO MUCH REBEKAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To see this and Rebekah's other book reviews, click HERE!

Have a great day everyone!
A
:-D

Friday, May 15, 2009

Cover Love!!



We're talking about the EVERMORE cover over at readergirlz and how it came to be!

Click HERE to read all about it!!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Ordinary World


This was the view I had Tuesday:



Today it's a seemingly never-ending pile of laundry--made better by continuos replays of Isreal Kamakawiwoole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"--the official song of all Hawaii vacations (they play it a lot!), and a whole host of exciting events such as:

The audio release of EVERMORE -- now available on audible.com!!!  Click HERE to view, buy, or listen to a sample--it's really cool!

And a hot off the press signed copy of BLUE MOON I'm auctioning as part of NYT Bestselling author Brenda Novak's online auction for diabetes research! The proceeds go for a great cause, and bids will be accepted up until May 31st- so click HERE to place yours!!

Also, I'll be taking part in a 3 day chat over at the Romance Divas, discussing the ins and outs of YA Paranormal fiction along with amazing authors: Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Lucienne Diver, Christopher Golden, and Jeff Mariotte, so feel free to drop by, say hello, ask a question, or just hang out and chat-- you can find us all HERE.



And don't forget the "An Afternoon with 6 YA & MG Authors" signing on Sunday, May 31st at Laguna Beach Books from 1 - 2:30 PM (details in blog post below and on the sidebar at right!) there will be books, authors, cupcakes, a super cute dog (see below!), and hopefully YOU!!



Have a good night everyone!

A
xoxo

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mahalo!!


Well, if things have seemed a little slow around here, it's probably because I spent the last three weeks in Maui and Lanai taking a totally blissful and much needed vacay where people actually brought me chilled towels, spritzed my face with Evian, and prepared small cups of ice-cream for me to snack on as I lounged by the pool . . . a life I quickly became accustomed to!
 
But now that I'm back to the cruel reality of unpacking, laundry, mail sorting, e-mail answering, (Oy, I need another vacay just thinking about it!), I thought I'd stop by here and share a few updates!

The UK and Croatian rights to both EVERMORE & BLUE MOON were recently sold (yay!) making for 14 territories so far, and EVERMORE has crept up to the #2 spot on Publisher's Weekly's Best Seller list for Children's Fiction (double yay!)!! Though, alas, it has slipped from the #1 spot to the #3 spot on the NYT Best Sellers List for Children's Paperbacks--but it was an incredible run at 10 weeks at #1 and since it's still hanging in there (14 weeks on the list!) I figured a little champagne celebration is definitely in order--right?

Right??

Also, the good reviews on BLUE MOON are coming in!  This one from Harriet Klausner who gave it 5 Stars and says:

"BLUE MOON, the second Immortals saga, is an outstanding teen fantasy in the tradition of Kelly Armstrong and Stephanie Meyers."

To read the full review click HERE

Also, I've received some very nice e-mails from bloggers/reviewers who read their early copies and loved it too--some even more than EVERMORE (!)--and I'll be sharing those soon!!

And, for those of you who've been asking when I'll get the BLUE MOON info up on the website--well, I have some very exciting stuff brewing, seriously exciting, and can't wait to share it with you as soon as it's ready and I get the okay! 

And last but not least, I'll be signing copies of my books on Sunday May 31 from 1:00 - 2:30 alongside Marlene Perez, Debby Garfinkle, Kathryn Fitzmaurice, Mary Pearson, and Deborah Lytton at:

Laguna Beach Books
1200 S. Coast Highway, Ste 105
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
949.494.4779

And I really hope to see you there!!

Have a great day everyone!

A

xoxo

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Aloha!!!


Today I'm over at the Teen Fiction Cafe blogging about one of my favorite things-- Vacations!!!

Click Here to join me!!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

GCC Presents . . . Lucienne Diver!!!

This week I'm thrilled to host Lucienne Diver, author of VAMPED!!

Lucienne was kind enough to stop by and answer a few question, but first, The Details:

VAMPED
by Lucienne Diver
May 1, 2009
Trade Paperback from Flux
ISBN: 9780738714745

The story:

From “Valley Vamp Rules for Surviving Your Senior Prom” by VAMPED heroine Gina Covello:

Rule #1: Do not get so loaded at the after prom party that you accidentally-on- purpose end up in the broom closet with the surprise hottie of the evening, say the class chess champ who’s somewhere lost his bottle-cap lenses and undergone an extreme makeover, especially if that makeover has anything to do with becoming one of the undead.

Gina Covello has a problem. Waking up a dead is just the beginning. There's very little she can't put up with for the sake of eternal youth and beauty. Blood-sucking and pointy stick phobias seem a small price to pay. But she draws the line when local vampire vixen Mellisande gets designs on her hot new boyfriend with his prophecied powers and hatches a plot to turn all of Gina’s fellow students into an undead army to be used to overthrow the vampire council.

Hey, if anyone's going to create an undead entourage, it should be Gina! Now she must unselfishly save her classmates from fashion disaster and her own fanged fate.

The Praise:

"VAMPED is a total delight! Diver delivers a delightful cast of undead characters and a fresh, fast take on the vampire mythos. Next installment, please!" — Rachel Caine, New York Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series

"I really sunk my teeth into Lucienne Diver's VAMPED. A fun, frothy, teenage romp with lots of action, a little shopping, and a cute vampire guy. Who could ask for more?" — Marley Gibson, author of GHOST HUNTRESS: The Awakening

“This book rollicked along, full of humor, romance, and action. Gina is a smart-aleck heroine worth reading about, a sort of teenage Besty Taylor (Undead and Unwed) with a lot of Cher Horowitz (Clueless) thrown in. Fans of Katie Maxwell will devour "Vamped." — Rosemary Clement-Moore, author of the Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series

"Move over Buffy! Lucienne Diver transfuses some fresh blood into the vampire genre. Feisty, fashionable and fun--Vamped is a story readers will sink their teeth into and finish thirsty for more." —Mari Mancusi, author of The Blood Coven Vampires series


The same 5 questions I always ask:

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

My stories always start with characters, a dialogue going on in my head. (Yes, I know˜weird, but the voices in my head have never told me to do anything truly atrocious.) Vamped started with Gina Covello, a teen fashionista who comes face to face with true horror when she has to claw her way out of her own grave, only to discover that not only is her old life caput, but she faces a new one without tanning options. Oh, and no reflection; no way to fix her hair and make-up. At first, it was just going to be a short story. I figured that was as long as I could live with Gina. But writing a vignette didn't exorcise her from my mind, and, besides, my first readers wanted more. Which meant a novel, living with her for 200+ pages. The character had to grow and change a bit so that I could get into her head and not run screaming into the night. She‚s now become such a reality to me that I often find myself speaking of her as if she actually exists. Even stranger, I've infected my family as well.

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

I need a quiet place, at least until I‚m four or five chapters in and the characters and storyline are really clear in my head, at which point I can work in a noisy McDonalds with kids yelling and screaming around me. (I know from experience.) I freehand everything at first. I can write articles on the computer (and answer interview questions), but find I can‚t write creatively on a keyboard.

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

Oh that‚s so hard, because we put our characters through the ringer, don't we? But let's see, if I were going to live in a book, I'd want butt-kicking abilities and a wardrobe to match. I know, I'd want to be Rachel Caine's Joanne Baldwin ˆ weather warden extraordinaire and extreme shopper. But which book? Hmm, I‚ll have to think about that.

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

So many. I think, though, that the third of Isaac Asimov‚s Robots novels, The Robots of Dawn, was one of the most amazing. I couldn't read another book for a week after finishing that because it just blew me away and the comparison wouldn't have been fair for anything that followed too closely on its heels. It's wonderfully mind-bending.

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

I very desperately want to visit the catacombs of Paris. When I was there last year, they were closed for renovation. What that meant, exactly, I have no idea, but I absolutely have to get back to Paris. Not just for the catacombs, but because I only had twenty-four hours to spend there and they weren't nearly enough. Also, my husband wasn't with me, and I want him to see it. When they say Paris is for lovers, they're not kidding.


Lucienne's Story:


Lucienne Diver is a long-time book addict who went to work for NYC’s Spectrum Literary Agency fifteen years ago to feed her habit. Recently, she traded in her high-rise for a lake view. She now lives in Florida and works for The Knight Agency (www.knightagency.net). Through various play-dates and in various coffee bars, on the backs of envelopes, carry-out bags and anything else within reach, including, sometimes, her checkbook, she's penned the serio-comic tale of what happens when a young fashionista goes from chic to eek.


Where to find her:

Publisher: www.fluxnow.com
Author: www.luciennediver.com
Author blog: http://varkat.livejournal.com