Tales from the Real OC (Really!)

Lune Bleue!!!

2010-02-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

It's a working Saturday for me, but I just wanted to take some time out to share the French cover of BLUE MOON--or LUNE BLEUE as they're calling it in those parts!!

Have a great day everyone!

Alyson

XOXO

Don't Stop Believin'

2010-02-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of Journey)

So last night, my husband & I decided to celebrate The Immortals hitting their 52nd consecutive week on the New York Times Best Sellers list by dining at the same restaurant Ever dined at with Sabine on page 38 in Evermore.

The one Riley called, "ChiChi."

(For those of you who don't have your book handy, that restaurant is HERE.)

And after enjoying an awesomely "ChiChi" meal with probably just a bit too much wine & champagne, served by our awesome waiter with the world's coolest name (shout out to Metro!)--it suddenly hit me:

Six years ago --to the day!-- I was in Las Vegas with my husband (a business conference for him), it was our last night on the town and I gave myself a stern talking to I'll never forget.

You see, my then agent had been shopping my debut novel, FAKING 19, and all we seemed to be getting for our efforts was a nice big stack of rejections. Months had passed, and not one publisher was biting, and I was starting to doubt that they ever would.

It was making me sad, depressed, filled with self-doubt, and probably not all that fun to live with. So, that night, I made a vow to myself to release it. To stop focusing on it, obsessing over it, and worrying about an outcome I had absolutely no control over whatsoever.

I decided to just let it be and turn my focus to something else.

I wasn't necessarily giving up on the book, and I definitely wasn't giving up on my dream of being published, but I was giving up on all of that energy I'd spent freaking out over its unsold state.

Moments after I'd made that commitment, I felt better. Lighter. Less burdened. And I decided that as soon as I returned home the next day, I would pick up where I left off on that "other" book idea I'd kinda started (aka-ART GEEKS & PROM QUEENS).

So, cut to the very next day, February 4, 2004, I've pushed Faking 19 totally out of my mind, and am thinking up new plot ideas for my other book, while returning the rental car to the airport, when my agent calls to tell me that St. Martin's Press just offered me a deal for FAKING 19 and "whatever else I was working on."

Yep, less than 24 hours after releasing my obsession, it all just sort of happened on its own.

Last year on this date, when I first hit the NYT list, I couldn't help but notice the coincidence in the dates, and I'm sure I blogged about it then too.

This year, after being on the list for a year straight (something I never even dreamed of!), and with the milestone hitting on the same date, well, sorry for the redundancy, but I couldn't help but blog about it again.

I guess what I'm really trying to say here is that if you really, really want something you cannot give up on the dream itself--though you can (and should) give up on the negative emotions that tend to crop up when that dream is temporarily thwarted.

Don't give in to the self-doubt and that little voice in your head that just loves the words like "Can't" and "No" and "Sorry, not for you!"

Just keep learning, doing, improving, and moving forward--and don't forget to take time to enjoy the journey, because even though it's not always pleasant while you're down in the muck of it--looking back on all the rough bits you survived sure makes it feel sweeter once you've arrived!

Have a good day everyone!

Maybe I'm Amazed

2010-02-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of Paul McCartney)

Wow-Wow-WOW!!!

I just leaned that THE IMMORTALS Series has made the New York Times Children's Best Sellers list for its 52nd week straight!!!

That's one solid year on the list!!

And I owe it all to YOU.

Yes, YOU!!!

Thank you so much to all of my readers for your amazing supply of enthusiasm and support. Your messages, art work, kindness, and generosity never cease to amaze me.

You are the reason I do what I do.

And I can't thank you enough for helping to make my most far fetched dreams come true!

Cheers Everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

R.I.P.

2010-01-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

"What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by. I mean I've left schools and places I didn't even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse."

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

1919-2010

Rest in Peace

RADIANCE!!!!

2010-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

Book 1 in The Immortals spin-off series featuring Riley Bloom

(and Buttercup!)!

On sale 08.31.10!!!

Read the summary HERE!

DARK FLAME!!!

2010-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

On sale 07.06.10

Read the summary HERE!!!

Pride (In the Name of Love)

2010-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

(blog title courtesy of U2)

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. "-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have a good day everyone!

Q & A!!

2010-01-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

So here's the thing--last time I checked my unanswered messages were hovering somewhere around the neighborhood of 300 plus. And with the 5th IMMORTALS book due in 2 months, the copy-edit on RADIANCE (the first book in the Riley series) also due soon, and the revision on BRING ME TO LIFE (a story in the KISSES FROM HELL anthology coming this fall) due at the end of this month, there is no way I'm going to get to it now. And with this entire scenario repeating itself every three months for the rest of the year (only the story titles will change!) I may not get to it ever.

And, the truth is, I feel awful about it.

Just awful.

Because I really do enjoy communicating with you all. But, the deadlines pay the bills and cannot be ignored, so I thought I'd try to answer some of your most frequently asked questions, in blog form, starting here:

1. Is SHADOWLAND the last book in THE IMMORTALS series?

No. DARK FLAME follows SHADOWLAND and it will be out sometime in spring/summer 2010.

2. How many books will there be in the series?

There will be six books in total. I am working on Book #5 now!

3. Do you know the release date for DARK FLAME?

They release date has not yet been determined, but I will announce it as soon as it is!

4. When can we see the cover for DARK FLAME?

As soon as I get the okay!

5. When will you post the first 2 chapters of DARK FLAME?

Well, it's still being copy-edited, so it might be a while . . .

6. What will DARK FLAME be about?

It will pick up right where SHADOWLAND left off. That's all I can tell you for now!

7. Will DARK FLAME be in Damen's point of view?

No, all of the books will be in Ever's point of view.

8. Is it true that Riley is getting her own series?

Yes! The first book is called RADIANCE and it will be in stores on September 4, 2010!!! The cover is absolutely gorgeous--the art department really outdid themselves--and I can't wait 'til I can show it to you!

9. I just read FAKING 19, ART GEEKS & PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, FLY ME TO THE MOON, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOE, and/or CRUEL SUMMER and was wondering if you will ever write a sequel to these books?

Probably not. I'm so busy with THE IMMORTALS series and the RILEY books that I just can't fit it in. Also I feel pretty good about where those stories left off. Everyone is living Happily Ever After for sure!

10. Will you come to my town for a book signing?

Well, I will be touring this September for The Smart Girls Tour, and not all of the cities have been set yet, but you can learn more here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smart-Chicks-Kick-It-Tour/231876740525

11. Have you ever thought about making a movie of THE IMMORTALS?

All the time--it would be a dream come true! But in the end, it's really up to Hollywood, not me. Though a producer Spring Creek Productions, has optioned the dramatic rights so my fingers are crossed!

12. I think I would make a perfect Ever-Riley-Haven-Miles-insert character here- can I send you my photo/where do I audition?

If there is a movie version, I will have nothing to do with the casting. They hire professionals for that sort of thing!

13. Are Ever and Damen going to get married/have babies?

Well, at the moment my main concern is just getting them through high school!

14. When will SHADOWLAND be published in paperback?

Sometime in Fall 2010.

15. Can you use my name in one of your books?

All of the names for my next several books are already chosen.

16. I'm working on a book, will you read it when it's finished and tell me what you think?

I'm sorry but I can't. For legal reasons, I'm not allowed to read unpublished works. And for time reasons, I barely have enough for my own books!

17. I'm a young writer, do you have any advice for me?

I am in the process of a major, website overhaul where I will have a page dedicated to this, but until then, I've recently run across this site for young writers, run by the editors at Harper Collins:

http://inkpop.com/

18. When will BLUE MOON be published in my country?

Each country has it's own publisher, and it's own time line, so I'm afraid I don't know!

19. Do you have any random news to share with us?

Why yes--thanks for asking! I recently learned that BLUE MOON has been nominated for the "Children's Choice Book Awards Best Books of 2009"--!!! You can see the full list, and vote for your favorite HERE!

And SHADOWLAND has been nominated for RT magazine's "Reviewer's Choice Award" for Best Paranormal/Fantasy Young Adult Novel"-!!!

And EVERMORE has been on the German Hardcover Fiction Bestsellers list for 7 weeks! You can see it HERE.

Okay, back to work for me!!

Have a great day, everyone!

Alyson

Top Ten Reasons Why I Heart my Snuggie

2010-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

10. It fits—and there’s room to grow!

9. I really can wear it to a sporting event (though I probably won’t)!

8. It’s open in the back—just like a hospital gown!

7. It’s warm like a blanket

6. But unlike a blanket, it has sleeves, which make it superior for tasks like controlling the remote control!

5. It’s like a little black dress for couch potatoes—it can be dressed up or down!

4. It’s delightfully unisex—something the whole family can enjoy!

3. Even your dog can get in on the fun!

2. It promotes reading—it comes with a book light!

The #1 reason why I ¤ my SNuggie—it was given to me by a reader!! Thanks again, Christina!!

Secret Garden

2010-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of The Boss--Bruce Springsteen!)

(Summerland--as imagined by Skyrose--isn't it lovely?!!)

So, the ringing in of a new decade got me thinking a lot about how I spent the last one, and I have to say, that if nothing else, it's been one of great change. Containing some of the hardest, most difficult hurdles I've ever faced, and yet those very same hurdles ended up providing not only great opportunity for learning and growth, but the chance to build something positive from them.

On the Millennium New Year's Eve, I was in Stockholm Sweden on a four day layover (I was working as a NYC based flight attendant back then), and a trip like that was pretty much the same as getting paid to vacation in a gorgeous (and cold!!) city. And, as I was still dating my soon-to-be husband, I took him along and we had an amazing time!

Fast forward to 2001, we got married in May, and by September, when 9/11 hit, I was suddenly faced with a 40% pay cut and the additional duty of performing early morning bomb checks. And as horrible and tragic as that day was, as much as that moment of watching those planes fly into the towers will forever be sealed in my mind, it also served as the impetus to finally stop talking about my dream of being a writer, and actually start, well, writing!

So, I dusted off the story I'd started nearly a decade before, finished it, sent it off to a slew of publishers (erroneously thinking I didn't need an agent--wrong!), only to get a slew of rejections for my efforts. And yet, as much as it hurt to be rejected by everyone, in the end it just made me try harder. I took classes, revised my manuscript over and over again, and by 2003 I had an agent, and by Feb 4, 2004 I was offered a two-book deal with St. Martin's Press!

But before we'd even finished celebrating, we were hit with tragedy as every member of my husband's immediate family was diagnosed with cancer within months of each other--including my husband.

By 2005, when my debut novel, FAKING 19, was released we'd already lost his mother, and a very, dear, old friend of mine (my first love!), suddenly passed away too. By the time my second book was released, my husband lost his twin brother, and by the time my third book was released, I was on the verge of losing my husband as well.

But, he pulled through, and what was truly the absolute darkest phase of my life, ultimately shifted into something else. And I soon realized that If I hadn't experienced that--if I hadn't gone through a grief so deep I could barely get off the couch--I wouldn't have been able to write Saving Zoe, Cruel Summer, or any of the books in The Immortals series. Those stories were a direct result of where I'd been and who I'd become because of it. Writing them helped me to make better sense of the world.

2009 has brought some amazing opportunities my way, and to say that I'm grateful hardly seems sufficient. And even though I have no idea what 2010 will bring--I can't wait to get started! If nothing else, I think I've finally learned that no matter how dire something may seem on the surface, if you go deep (very, very deep!), there's a message, an opportunity for growth, and maybe even a chance to turn it into something better.

The other night I watched "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (original version) on TV, and at the very end, in Charlie's "all is lost" moment, when Wonka tells him that he failed the test and to go away, Charlie reaches into his pocket and hands over the gum he'd taken earlier. Only to have Wonka look at him, eyes shining as he says:

"So shines a good dead in a weary world."

And then hands him the keys to the kingdom.

I hope you all shine just as bright (if not brighter!) in 2010!!

Alyson

xoxo

Blue Moon

2009-12-31T05:22:00.000-08:00

Blue Moon

You saw me standing alone

Without a dream in my heart

Without a love of my own

Blue Moon

You know just what I was there for

You heard me saying a prayer for

Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me

The only one my arms will hold

I heard somebody whisper please adore me

And when I looked to the moon it turned to gold

Blue Moon

Now I'm no longer alone

Without a dream in my heart

Without a love of my own

(lyrics by Richard Rogers & Lorenz Hart)

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2010!!! And, as these things go, this particular New Year's Eve just happens to be a BLUE MOON--how cool is that?!

Celebrate and be safe!

Alyson

x0x0

The Girl With the Broken Smile

2009-12-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

(blog title courtesy of Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved")

The image above was sent to me by Thais, one of my Brazilian readers!!

Wow, I just realized it's been two weeks since my last blog post, and it's entirely due to the whole mouth trauma thing that's been going on (braces, bone removal, bone grafting, gum stippling, gum suturing--feeling queasy yet??!), and since it's best not to blog while under the influence of pain meds, well, I figured a little blog silence was in order!

But even though it's not over yet (the stitches don't come out for another 2 weeks and my cheeks still look as though I'm storing nuts for the winter!), I thought I'd drop in long enough to say THANKS for all of your comments and support! This year has exceeded all of my writerly dreams and I owe it all to YOU!!!

Also, I wanted to wish you all a warm and wonderful holiday and all good things in the New Year!!

Oh, and just so you know, I'm over at Living Your Five today talking about how I'm living my Holiday Five--you can read all about it HERE!

And, funnily enough, just after I made my donation to Heifer International this morning, I read literary agent, Nathan Bransford's blog and saw that he is donating $1 to Heifer International for every comment left at his blog (up to $1000!!!!), so hurry on over and leave your comment HERE!

Okay, back to the couch for another round of HGTV and a warm compress!!

Hope your day is pure magick!

xoxo

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2009-12-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

(blog title courtesy of-well, many have sung it through the years!)

So, with the rain pounding outside my window, and the sky turned bleary and grey, there's just no mistaking it--winter is definitely upon us! And though it seems it arrived a bit early this year here in (not-so) Sunny California, being the complete and total weather wimp that I am, I'm making the most of it by staying inside where I plan to tackle The Riley Book revisions (they're light revisions-yippee!) and begin the note-taking, plot-planning process of the 5th Immortals book (and try to drum up a better title than 5th Immortals Book!). And, of course, I plan to do all of it while listening to my FREE iTunes Holiday Sampler, which, if you haven't downloaded yet, you can do so HERE!

Yep, even though THIS has just been released (though not in a theatre near me!):

I'm still staying in!

And even though I'd be totally happy just to watch the trailer of THIS play over and over again:

(Er, I actually meant to post the Up in the Air photo, but you get the gist!)

I'm determined to work!

And if you're planning to stay inside too, and like me, are nowhere near The Lovely Bones limited release theaters, and you want to take a break from George Clooney gazing, well, you can never go wrong with a good book or HGTV (I swear, I'm addicted!), or, if you're interested, you can check out an interview I did HERE where I talk about my most enjoyable character to write, and what I would give Haven for Christmas! Or you can even watch this example of screenwriting guru, Blake Snyder's, SAVE THE CAT method at work and see why it's so important in making a character instantly more likable! Also, Blake's new (and sadly, last) book, SAVE THE CAT STRIKES BACK, is available now--and I highly recommend it for anyone struggling to finish their story, revise their story, or sell their story, as Blake reveals his own, incredibly inspiring tale of how he made the transition from struggling screenwriter to one of the most successful spec screenwriters in Hollywood!

Or, you tell me! What's your favorite way to spend a cold and rainy day?!!

Stay warm!

Alyson

Pictures of You Me

2009-12-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

(blog title courtesy of The Cure)

(Art work courtesy of Estefanie--isn't it awesome??!!!)

So yesterday I did something I've been putting off for ages--or, to be more precise, since March of 2005, which pretty much marks the time when my debut novel, Faking 19, hit the stores.

I finally got a professional author photo taken.

I know, I know, how could I let this drag on for so long, you ask? (and even if you didn't please play along!)

Well, the truth is, while I'm always up for the spontaneous, candid, party or vacay photo, the idea of posing before a photographer in a studio totally freaks me out. Just the thought of it was enough to inspire no less than a gazillion excuses as to why I couldn't possibly get around to scheduling it.

I'm on deadline.

I will be on deadline at some point in the near future.

I don't like what my hair is doing this week.

I feel puffy.

I have a zit.

The list goes on . . .

Which is also why I've sported the same photo on the back of nine of my novels so far--the one taken by my husband just seconds after checking into The Wynn hotel in Las Vegas after the 4 hour drive from Laguna Beach. The one where most, if not all, of my makeup was melted away, and I was just really glad to finally be there. While Faking 19 features the photo my husband took the time I joined him on a business trip to Ohio, back when I was experimenting with darker hair. An experiment that ended shortly after the photo was taken and hasn't been revisited since.

But with my big date with braces and gum surgery looming next week (!), I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment at Crush Studios, where I was made up by the beautiful, sweet, and amazingly talented owner of Addiction Cosmetics, Noel Sweeny, who gave me a smoky eye I could hardly believe and left my lips glossy and pink, before Crush owner and photographer extraordinaire, Nancy Villere, went to work and got me laughing so easily I actually caught myself doing the one thing I was sure that I wouldn't --having fun!.

And when it was over, not wanting to waste the smoky eyes I could never replicate on my own, my husband and I went to one of our favorite local restaurants, Vine in San Clemente, and celebrated The Immortals spending a 3rd week on the NYT series list (making for 44 weeks on the list in general!)!

(end of the night at Vine- look at that pretty kaleidoscope effect)

And now, today, I'm back to the barefaced, sweat pants wearing me . . . those dark, smoky eyes reduced to a distant memory-or at least until I pick out my photos next week!

What about you? Do you enjoy posing for photos? Or do you head for the hills when a camera is pointed your way?

The Snuggie vs. The Blanket

2009-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make.

One that is somewhat embarrassing, and will definitely require a bit of explaining, but here goes:

I, Alyson Noël, am obsessed with The Snuggie.

You know, The Snuggie, as featured in mid-day or late night TV commercials, as well as Sunday paper circulars. It’s like the Chia Pet, or The Clapper for a new generation, and I just can’t get enough of it.

Not that I have one, mind you, and not that I even want one (though if any of you do have one and would recommend it, then please, let me know!), all I know is that every time that commercial airs, I drop everything to watch those happy, smiling people wearing their backward robes (because that’s what they are, right?).

Cheering in a stadium, cutting a dance move on the couch, cuddling a baby, eating popcorn, working on your laptop, making a phone call, handling the remote control, brewing a pot of tea—and, according to the website, they're also good for "nighttime pub crawls" as well! There’s virtually nothing you can’t do in a Snuggie--even the family dog can get in on the act with their very own, matching Snuggie!

And ever since they came on the scene, The Blanket just seems so cumbersome, obsolete, and downright unfashionable, doesn’t it?

So what about YOU? Do you have a Snuggie? Do you want a Snuggie? Or would you rather just turn up the heat?

Into The Mystic

2009-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of Van Morrison)

The art work above comes courtesy of the incredibly awesome Alexa, who is as nice as she is talented--Thanks, Alexa!!

So, it's been a crazy/busy last few weeks, what with the release of SHADOWLAND, the deadline for Book #1 in the Riley Series (still no title!), which, btw, I had so much fun writing I actually finished it 2 weeks early (!), and then of course there was Thanksgiving, quickly followed by my b-day (thanks for all the b-day wishes--you guys are The Best!), and now I've spent the last few days desparately trying to catch up all the things I let slide . . .

(Part of my b-day dinner- I LOVE octopus, what can I say?!)

Part of that catching up including some interviews I'd promised a while back, one of which you can read HERE, and I have to say that this one happens to be particularly awesome to me since I was lucky enough to meet Amy at my Bakersfield signing and her and her husband could not have been nicer!

Also, I just learned that EVERMORE is nominated for GoodReads "All Time Favorite of 2009" Award, along with THE IMMORTALS series which is nominated for "Best YA series" Award--a sort of double header--how cool is that? For those of you interested in casting your vote, just click HERE!

And in more IMMORTALS type news, the series has now sold translation rights to 30 countries (!), and it's made the New York Times Children's Series Best Sellers List for 2 weeks straight--an amazingly difficult list as my 3 titles compete directly with series who boast 6 or more titles!! While SHADOWLAND has made the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and WalMart Best Sellers Lists as well--so Thank YOU- Thank YOU- Thank YOU - for all of your support--I really appreciate it!

And speaking of SHADOWLAND, the Chattanooga Times chose it as a "Childrens Gift Book to Put Under the Tree"--you can see the full list HERE!

And speaking of DARK FLAME (okay, I know we weren't but I couldn't think of a better segue), I recently got a sneak peek at the cover and it's awesome!! Totally different from the ones that came before it in one very distinct way . . .I can't wait til I get the okay to share it with you!

And for those of you who prefer to listen to your books, the entire IMMORTALS SERIES is now available at Macmillan Audio, iTunes, and wherever else audio books are sold! And as it just so happens, the SHADOWLAND edition contains a special treat--an IMMORTALS pendant as pictured below:

(I've cut my hair since this pic, but the gist is the same!)

That's all for now--have a great day everyone!

xoxo

Giving Thanks!

2009-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

Wow.

I just learned that the release of SHADOWLAND has landed me at #17 on the USA Today Bestsellers list, and at #5 on the New York Times Children's series Best Sellers List and I couldn't be happier--more gobsmacked--more amazed--or more grateful!

Truly.

Since it's the third book in the series it was no longer eligible for the individual NYT best sellers lists like before, and yet, with only three books out, it was directly competing with series titles featuring as many as six books or more!

And there's just no denying the huge part played by YOU!

Your enthusiasm, excitement, and support went a long way toward making this happen, and I just want to thank each and every one of you for being so dang awesome! Your letters, e-mails, messages, art work, videos--all of it--never fails to make my day--and I just want you to know how much I appreciate it!

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Alyson
xoxo

Ever & Damen Interviewed!!

2009-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what Ever and Damen are really thinking?

Wonder no more!

You can read an interview with Damen HERE!

And an interview with Ever HERE!

Enjoy!

Bakersfield!!!

2009-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a shout out of THANKS to all of you who came out to last night's Bakersfield signing--some of you came from places as far as Riverside, Sonoma, and Italy (!) even--and I had such a great time meeting each and everyone of you!

Also huge, glittery, confetti strewn thanks to Border's employee extraordinaire, Isahiah for inviting me out and hosting me in his store and making me feel like a rock star--I had an absolute blast!!

Thanks again!!

Alyson

xoxo

Tonight's the Night!

2009-11-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

(blog title courtesy of Rod Stewart)

I'll be in Bakersfield tonight, signing books at 7:00PM, here:

Border's Books

4980 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661.328.9800

And I really, really hope to see you there!

Have a great day everyone-

Alyson

C'mon C'mon

2009-11-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of the Von Bodies)

Wow.

All I can say is THANK YOU to all of you who either:

A) Ran out to buy a copy of SHADOWLAND yesterday

B) Came to my signing at the B&N in Orange

C) Both

The signing was amazing! There were so many of you lined up way ahead of time--and you were all so gracious, and friendly, and patient, and kind, I felt so lucky to have such awesome readers!

There were people who regularly stop by this blog, Facebook and Myspace friends, people who I recognized from my last signings, old friends that go all the way back to my Girl Scout days, new friends who brought their adorable kids along, a family member or two--and I can't thank you enough for carving time out of your schedules to stop by and say Hi!

And for those of you unable to make it, well, THANK YOU for all of your wonderful messages! I'm amazed by how many of you have already finished SHADOWLAND (wish I could write them that fast!) and I'm so thrilled with your describing it as "awesome!" "epic!" "best one yet!" "amazing!" and all manner of day-making adjectives! I couldn't imagine a better release day!

And don't forget, tomorrow night I'll be at it again, signing books at Border's in Bakersfield, CA and I'd love to see YOU there!!

Thursday, November 19

Time: 7:00 PM

SHADOWLAND signing!

Border’s Books

4980 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661.328.9800

Thanks again everyone--have a great day!

Alyson

xoxo

It's Here!

2009-11-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can hardly believe it, but as of today, SHADOWLAND, book 3 in THE IMMORTALS series is finally, really, and truly in stores!!!

And to celebrate its release, Macmillan audio is giving away daily prizes and a chance to win a $100 gift card!

All you have to do for your chance to win is follow them on Twitter HERE!

I really hope you all enjoy this book, it's pretty special to me, and when I turned it in my editor said it was the best one yet--we hope you agree!!

Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and support--I have the best readers ever and I couldn't do it without you!

And for those of you in Southern California, I'd love to see you at one of my signings if you can make it:

Tuesday, November 17

Time: 6:00 PM

SHADOWLAND release & signing!

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

791 S. Main St., #100

Orange, CA 92868

tel: (714) 558-3029

Thursday, November 19

Time: 7:00 PM

SHADOWLAND signing!

Border’s Books

4980 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661.328.9800

Again, thanks for making this release day so special!

Happy Reading Everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Tomorrow- Tomorrow-I Love You- Tomorrow

2009-11-16T08:56:00.001-08:00

You Are Only A Day Away . . .

21 Questions ( & Answers) & more!

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

So I've noticed, over the last few weeks, that I'm getting a lot of the same questions over & over again, so in the interest of time & space I thought I'd answer them here.

(For those of you who don't actually have any questions, feel free to skip to the very end for something you will not want to miss!)

So, without further ado, here goes:

1. When will SHADOWLAND be in stores?

This Tuesday, November 17th!!

2. Will you be doing any signings?

Yes! I will be here:

Tuesday, November 17

Time: 6:00 PM

SHADOWLAND release & signing!

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

791 S. Main St., #100

Orange, CA 92868

tel: (714) 558-3029

& here:

Thursday, November 19

Time: 7:00 PM

SHADOWLAND signing!

Border’s Books

4980 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661.328.9800

3. Will you ever come to my town to do a signing?

I have a couple tours in the works for next year, and my publisher will be the one who decides when & where I go. If you want your town to be considered, then head over to THE IMMORTALS website HERE and click on "subscribe" (note-you must be 13 to subscribe). Not only will you get the heads up on all the latest breaking IMMORTALS type news, but they will also look at where the bulk of my readers live and take that into consideration when choosing the cities for the tour.

4. Will SHADOWLAND be released in hardcover or paperback?

In hardcover on Tuesday, November 17, and in paperback about a year later.

5. Will SHADOWLAND be available on iTunes &/or Kindle?

Yes & Yes!

6. Can you tell me how Ever & Damen will handle what happened to them at the end of BLUE MOON, and just who is this Jude anyway?

Sorry, but no spoilers allowed! It's all in the book!

7. Are you going to make a movie of THE IMMORTALS series?

Whether or not a movie gets made is really up to Hollywood, not me--though the dramatic rights have been optioned to a producer so my fingers are crossed . . .

8. If THE IMMORTALS gets made into a movie can I audition for a part?

Trust me, I will have nothing to do with casting. They hire professional casting directors for that sort of thing.

9. Who is the girl on the cover of the books?

I don't know. My publisher has an amazing art department that designs all of the covers.

10. Who is the guy who plays Damen in the book trailers?

I don't know. I hire Circle of Seven to make all of the trailers and they choose the pictures from royalty free photo sites.

11. Is SHADOWLAND going to be the last book in the series?

No!! DARK FLAME will follow in 2010, along with untitled books #5 & 6 in 2010/11. Ever & Damen have many more adventures ahead of them!

12. What's this I hear about a "Riley Series"?

Riley, Ever's ghostly sister, will get her own series set to debut in Fall 2010. It will be about her life in the afterlife. I'm writing it now and having a blast!

13. When will BLUE MOON be released in the UK?

In March 2010.

14. When will SHADOWLAND be released in the UK?

Some time after BLUE MOON.

15. When will BLUE MOON be released in my country?

Sorry, I don't have all the release dates as I have a different publisher for each country.

16. I have an idea for how THE IMMORTALS series should end, can I send it to you?

I've already decided how it ends, and due to legal reasons, I'm not allowed to read your ideas.

17. I'm working on a book of my own and am wondering if you would read it?

I'm sorry, but I can't, again, due to legal reasons, not to mention time constraints--it's all I can do to finish my own books!

18. Can you keep me posted on any future releases and news?

Sure! Just subscribe HERE. Or join the Facebook IMMORTALS SERIES fan page HERE.

19. Do you think SHADOWLAND will hit #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers list like EVERMORE & BLUE MOON did?

Well, I hope so! But because it's the third book in the series, I'm no longer eligible for the individual list, I am only eligible for the series list--which is a very hard list to break since they count the sales of all of the books in the entire series--meaning the total sales of my three IMMORTALS books are directly competing with the sales of other series books that may have as many as six or eight or more!!

Very. Tough. List.

But my fingers (and toes!) are crossed!

20. Any early good news on SHADOWLAND?

RT Magazine gave it 4.5 stars (out of 4.5 stars) and chose it as a December Top Pick! Saying:

“Noel’s novel is absolutely amazing! Fans of her Immortals series will not be disappointed—Ever and Damen’s love is challenged like never before, and the story ends with a big, satisfying twist that will have readers begging for more. This long awaited installment is incredible.” --4.5 Stars, Romantic Times (Top Pick!)

21. How can I win a super cool, super sekrit IMMORTALS SERIES prize?

By following Macmillan audio on Twitter HERE!!

Whew (wipes imaginary sweat off brow), that's it for now---

Happy Sunday Everyone!!!

Alyson

xoxo

Everyday is Like Sunday

2009-11-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

(Blog title courtesy of Morrissey)

It seems I have a lot of catching up to do and lots of links to be shared, so, in the interest of time, allow me to get to it!

1. Don't forget to head on over to Free Book Friday Teens by tomorrow for your chance to win one of 5 signed copies of SHADOWLAND!

2. I did a really fun interview talking about writing & marketing that you can read HERE.

3. I'm over at Living Your Five today blogging about how I've been Living My Five and would love to hear all about how you've been living yours! Click Here to spill!

4. I've got a new Immortals series page over at Facebook! Click HERE to join and be the first to learn about the latest breaking Immortals type news!

5. Speaking of The Immortals--there are some very exciting, brand spanking new audio clips now available over at The Immortals website! Just click on the tulips to eavesdrop on scenes not included in the books, including scenes from SHADOWLAND!

6. And speaking of SHADOWLAND, it's now less than a week away until it lands in a store near you on November 17th!! I'm so excited about this book and can hardly believe it's already upon us! Oh, and I really hope to meet you at one of the signings!

Whew, I think that's it!

Have a good day everyone!

Alyson