My Life Would Suck Without YOU!!

(blog title courtesy of Kelly Clarkson)

So, the photo above was sent to me last night, and I have to tell you, the second I saw it it was all I could do not to head straight for the international terminal at LAX and board the first plane bound for Rome or Milan so I could see it for myself!

That is actually an advertisement that my Italian publisher, Fanucci, did for EVERMORE in the Rome and Milan subway stations--how cool is that?!

And check out the awesome website they built HERE!

Not like I needed yet another reason to love all things Italian, but still . . .

I am totally gobsmacked.

And speaking of gobsmacked, I just learned that Hebrew rights to The Immortals series were just sold, making for a total of 26 countries, which is more than I ever visited during my flight attendant days, so yeah, gobsmacked again!

Oh, and it also continues to be a bestseller in the UK - so I'd like to send a big, huge, purple (my new favorite color, turquoise move over!) THANKS to all of my readers across the pond--I couldn't do it without you! There's even a UK Bebo page you can check out HERE with a different and very cool version of the EVERMORE trailer!

And, the awesome Brittney over at St. Martin's Press has put together an Immortals Series Fan Page over at Facebook, so even if you're already a friend on my other page, I'd really love it if you would join this one as well, since it'll serve as the one stop spot (well aside from the awesome Immortals Series website they built) for all Immortals related news--and all you have to do is click HERE!

And while I haven't received my SHADOWLAND author copies yet (just 11 more days until it hits the stores!), I did receive a few copies of the audio version and was thrilled to see that they've included a nice little surprise in the form of an Immortals necklace!

And for those of you interested in attending one of the SHADOWLAND signings, just click HERE for the details!

And now I'm gearing up for a pod cast interview with the awesome Jessica Brody (whose book, LOVE UNDER COVER will hit the stores next week on Nov 10!), for a Free Book Friday Teens feature that'll be up next week . . . so stay tuned . . .

Oh, and if you haven't been to Free Book Friday Teens yet, be sure to do so, as she's giving away signed copies of PC & Kristin Cast's new release, TEMPTED, and today is the last day to enter to win! All you have to do is click HERE!!!

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

A

:-D

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

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

:-)

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

YA Edge

Since I'm racing toward the finish on SHADOWLAND (form

erly known as UNTITLED BOOK #3), I thought I'd take a little break and tell you about a few cool new things going on this week before I crawl back inside my writing cave!

First: The YA Edge chose EVERMORE for her March boo

k club pick (how cool is that?) so for those of you wanting to discuss it with other readers, all you have to do is click HERE.

Also, Tami (awesome YA Edge owner) sent me a list of reader questions that I'm busy working my way through, so hopefully those answers will be posted soon!

Second: Don't forget to stop by Free Book Friday for both teens and adults for this week's round of free books!! 

Third: And, speaking of Free Book Friday, for those of you who are PC and Kristin Cast fans (count me among them!), The Amazing Ms. Jessica Brody (her full legal name by the way!) is giving you, the readers, a chance to get your most burning HOUSE OF NIGHT question answered for next month's give away of their newest release, HUNTED!

Here’s the info:

Attention House of Night Fans!

Do you have a burning question for authors PC and Kristin Cast? Here's your chance to get it answered!Next month, PC Cast and Kristin Cast will be on the site giving away free SIGNED copies of their brand new book, HUNTED!!! We'll also be interviewing them on the podcast and we'll be asking YOUR questions!

That's right! We're holding a contest for the five BEST House of Night questions. So if you have a question for PC or Kristin, email it to: info@freebookfr

iday.com and it might just be included in our live podcast interview!

Please be sure to include your first name and your home town so we can announce it with your winning question.

Deadline to submit a question is April 1, 2009.
So, that's it!  Happy Sunday Everyone!

Alyson

I'll Go Crazy If I Dont' Go Crazy

Okay, honestly, I don't even know what that blog title means, or how it could possibly relate to this post. Guess my U2 obsession is completely taking over-- I've been pretty much listening to their new release, NO LINE ON THE HORIZON, all week!

Bono I LOVE you!

Just sayin'.

Any who, I'm not quite sure how my desk deteriorated into such a sad state, but folks, here it is:

Though the flowers really do class it up, don'tcha think? The awesome people at St. Martin's Press sent me those on account of EVERMORE hitting the #1 spot on NYT and all-(the day it first made the list they sent red tulips--but I didn't get a shot because my camera's battery was dead) and let me tell you, there's nothing like a beautiful Spring bouquet to liven up the place!!

Oh, and it smells good too!

So, to wrap up a week that'll probably go down as my best week ever, Portuguese rights were just sold for EVERMORE & BLUEMOON in a pre-empt to Intrinsic in Brazil! Not that I can actually read Portuguese, but I have been to Lisbon a time or two, and definitely plan to head for Brazil someday, so this is a very good start!!

Oh, and another really good thing is the fact that my civic duty is now complete! Having served as a "call in" juror since last Friday, which basically required me to call in everyday after 5PM, only to be told to call in the following day after 5PM, imagine my surprise when yesterday's call resulted in my being told to report t0 the Superior court in The OC by 8:15AM.

How- I ask--can they do this?  Don't these people respect the very patterns they set?

Still, fearing the consequences of any rebellion on my part, I mostly spent all of last night complaining about what might happen in Jury room 222, only to end up sitting at a table for an hour and 15 minutes before being told to go home.

That's it. All that sturm und drang (what does that mean by the way?) for naught! And now I'm freed from civic responsibility aside from covering my mouth when I cough and not littering--unlike the guy in the black car in front of me on Coast Hwy this morning who just tossed his tissue out the car window--um, we're you done with that sir? Were you passing it to me?--aside from all of those neighborly niceties, I'm free for the next 18 months! Woo-hoo!

And, as I look over this blog in full edit mode, I realize the title is more apt than it first seemed? Where is this going? What could possibly be the point of all this?

Does the title drive the content, or the content the title??

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend-- and don't forget to visit Free Book Friday, for both adults and teens on Saturday for your chance to win a whole new set of books!

And don't forget to leave a comment on my "My Life Would Suck Without You Post" for your chance to win a signed copy of EVERMORE- you have until Sunday, Midnight, California time!

Adios Everyone!

A

xoxo

Magnificent!!

Okay, remember a few days ago when I was hinting about a friend's extremely exciting news that I was bursting to share--but couldn't because I promised I'd wait until a specified time?

Well, dear reader, that specified time has arrived, so, without further delay--take a gander at this:

March 5, 2009
Film rights
Jessica Brody's debut THE FIDELITY FILES, optioned to producer Marina Grasic (CRASH; NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU) for Curious Pictures, by Elizabeth Fisher at Levine Greenberg Literary Agency.

Direct from Publisher's Marketplace, that is the deal listing for my dear friend Jessica Brody, talented author of THE FIDELITY FILES and its upcoming sequel, LOVE UNDER COVER, and brilliant founder of FREE BOOK FRIDAY, stating that she has just sold the movie rights to her awesome book! 

To the producer of CRASH no less!

You remember Crash? The movie that swept the Oscar's back in 2004! Taking home Best Picture, no less?!!

Yup. I  knew she was pure awesomeness from the moment we met. And not just because she's smart and pretty and crazy gifted, but because she's actually super nice and funny too. So nice and funny I dedicated BLUE MOON to her! Though she has to wait til July, when the book hits the stores, to see what it says. I'm devious like that!

But anyway, back to Jessica and her awesomness!!

Big Major YAY!!!!  

Everybody Got Their Something

So I totally forgot to mention it before--but yesterday was my book-deal anniversary. Four years ago, on 02.04.2004, I was returning a rental car to John Wayne Airport (yes, there is even a huge bronze statue of The Duke in baggage claim) when my then agent called with the news. 

And then--

And then everything goes sort of foggy. I remember lots of squealing and excitement (me) the mention of "St. Martin's Press" and "two-book deal" (him) followed by even louder squealing (me) and then "maybe you should pull over?" (him again).

By the time I made it the drop off point, those poor Avis guys didn't know what to make of me. And after telling my husband and calling my mom, I grew very quite and still, wondering if I should tell anyone else, afraid of breaking the spell since it all seemed surreal. After months of rejections, frustration, and loads of self-doubt, I finally got to that one single "yes!" And even though it's a moment I'll never forget, I didn't feel comfortable spreading the word until I saw it in print.

I can still be like that when it comes to good news, wanting to keep it close, not tell anyone until all the papers are signed. Mostly because--well-- I'm not really sure why. I don't even know where that came from, though I'm blaming my mom. (Hi mom!) And I've no idea how many times my friends and family have heard me say, "Omigod! You'll never believe what just happened--but don't tell anyone--I don't want to jinx it!"

My husband says that the power of "the jinx" is all in my mind. And while I'm sure he's right--what if he's not?

I just can't take that chance.

What about you?  Are you afraid of jinxing things? Or do you just shout it from the roof tops before the print's even dried?

*And, just a reminder--I'm giving away a signed copy of EVERMORE Here!

*And, it's the last day to sign up for signed copies of Ally Carter's awesome books Here!

*Oh, and I'm also blogging HERE today, so if you want, stop by and tell me if you'd want psychic powers, and what you would do with them!

Have a good day everyone!

This Weekend

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

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

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

Have a fun weekend everyone!!

Free Books!!!

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

Free Books!!!

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

For teen reads go HERE.

And adult books click HERE.

Have a good weekend everyone!!

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

Freebies Galore!!!

Question:  What's better than five free book giveaways?

Answer: Um, six?

Yes, that's right SIX separate book giveaways are happening now- and all you have to do to win these AWESOME titles 

is click HERE. 

And Here.

And Here.

So what are you waiting for?? Off with you!!

Twilight Movie Madness!

Thanks to the ever industrious Ms. Jessica Brody, I am now an official ticket holder for TWILIGHT's opening night!!  And even though I haven't read past NEW MOON yet, I totally cannot wait to see Edward on the big screen!

And speaking of Jessica Brody, be sure to stop by her awesome sites FREE BOOK FRIDAY and FREE BOOK FRIDAY TEENS for your chance to win a signed copies of Amanda Ashby's YOU HAD ME AT HALO and Melissa Walker's VIOLET IN PRIVATE! Hurry--the contest closes on Friday!

Also, ever wonder what happened to the naked baby on Nirvana's iconic NEVERMIND album cover-- (come on, you know you've been wondering!) -- well wonder no more! He's all grown up now having reached the ripe old age of (gasp!) 17-- and he's recreating his most famous pose --albeit with swim trunks this time! To see the pic and read about his no fail pick up line (I seriously hope it fails more than it works!)- click HERE.

So tell me, are you planning to see TWILIGHT the movie??

Freebies!!

Those of you who read this blog know how I love a good freebie. And in an economy like this, who doesn't? That's why I'm so excited about the fabulous Jessica Brody's Free Book Friday website, where she gives away a free book every Friday (pretty self-explanatory, I know!). But when she told me she's branching out into a Free Book Friday for Teens, well, I was thrilled.

And while the Teen site won't go live until next week, (when we're giving away The Absolutely Last Two Advanced Reading Copies of EVERMORE generously donated by my awesome publisher, St. Martin's Press since my supply is depleted!), this week she's featuring New York Times Bestselling Author, PC Cast, who pens the totally addictive HOUSE OF NIGHT series with her daughter Kristen! Oh, and there's an awesome podcast interview to go with it!

So don't miss it-- Click HERE for you chance to listen and win!




Also, in celebration of her new release, THE MEMORIST, MJ Rose is offering a free download of her first book in the series, THE REINCARNATIONIST. To get your copy, click HERE.

That's it for now!
Have a good night!
:-D

Book Signing!!

Hey Everyone-

Just wanted you to know I'll be signing copies of my book this Thursday, October 23, 6:30 PM at:

Barnes & Noble
26751 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92625

And I hope to see you there!

Also, I just learned that CRUEL SUMMER was nominated for a CYBIL award, so I'm pretty psyched about that!!

And while the economy may be bad, the good news is, there's free books to be had! So if you haven't stopped by Jessica Brody's Free Book Friday, Kelly Parra's Secret Fates Blog Extravaganza, or Brooke Taylor's Monster Month of Giveaways (she's giving away my very last Advanced Reading Copy of EVERMORE!), all I can say is: what are you waiting for ???

Happy Tuesday!
A

Weekend Update!

Hey all you teen readers, just wanted to let you know that today is the last day to vote for YALSA's Teen's Top Ten Award. Did I mention SAVING ZOE was nomintated? I did? Okay, well anyway, if you want to vote before the polls close, click HERE.

And speaking of teen readers, this week Jessica Brody is featuring author Jenny O'Connell on Free Book Friday! Jenny's written ten teen tomes in the last five years and she's giving away a signed copy of her latest novel, RICH BOYS! To listen to the podcast interview and sign up to win, go HERE.

And finally, I wanted to give a shout out to the awesome librarians, teachers, and students at Arnold Beckman High School! I had an awesome time speaking with all of them--they couldn't have been nicer!

Well that's it for now--have a fun weekend everyone!

Keeps Gettin' Better!!

It's Saturday, which means it's time for another round of Jessica Brody's FREE BOOK FRIDAY!
This week she's featuring the awesome Lisa Lutz who's giving away a signed copy of her New York Times bestselling novel, THE SPELLMAN FILES, so be sure to go HERE for your chance to listen to the podcast interview and win a copy of this amazing book!



Also, talented debut author of UNDONE, Brooke Taylor, (who I was lucky enough to meet at the RWA national convention in San Franciso last summer and she totally rocks!) is holding a Monster Giveaway (seriously monster sized!) on her blog this month, with prizes so great you won't want to miss it! I'll be giving away a signed ARC of the first book in my upcoming paranormal series, EVERMORE, at the end of the month, but trust me, you're going to want to head over there now for your chance to win the awesome, New York Times bestselling, HOUSE OF NIGHT series! Just. Click. HERE!

And, don't forget about the Secret Fates Blog contest that's also running all month in celebration of Kelly Parra's (who I also met at the RWA convention and she's sooo nice!) new release INVISIBLE TOUCH. Today, Erica Orloff (who writes one of the best blogs on writing- ever!) is not only spilling secrets but also giving away a copy of her YA hit, THE POKER DIARIES! I'll be giving away a signed copy of EVERMORE this month too, and since I'm running pretty short on copies, this maybe your only chance (other than Brooke's giveaway) to get a first look, so don't miss it! Go HERE now!


And did anyone watch THE EX LIST last night? I did, right after GHOST WHISPERER, it's kind of a MY NAME IS EARL (mostly because of the list) meets SEX AND THE CITY (mostly because of the dating--only it takes place in L.A.) hybrid. If you didn't see it, it's about a girl who goes to a psychic and learns that she has one year to get married (or it will never happen) and that her soul mate is someone she's already dated. So I'm guessing each show will be about her going through her (long) list of exes, trying to figure out who it could be. And while it got me thinking about my own list of exes (not that long-- I swear!), it also reminded me of the time I went to a psychic with a friend who predicted my future husband to a T. Seriously. All the way down to his education, birth place, astrological sign, etc. The reading took place eight years before he would come into my life (which she also predicted!) and it seemed so crazy at the time I put it right out of my mind- until the night we met, (yup, 8 full years later), and it went just as she said . . .

So, in celebration of all things paranormal, Halloween, and THE EX-LIST, tell me:
Have you ever been to a psychic--and did any of the predictions come true?

Free Book Friday Podcast Interview!

Hey Everyone-

Amazing author of THE FIDELITY FILES and good friend, Jessica Brody, is featuring moi this week on her awesome new website-- Free Book Friday!

She put together a really fun (and very professional sounding, I might add!) podcast interview where I talk about which airplane stories were true in FLY ME TO THE MOON, the story behind the story in SAVING ZOE, and why I chose the blog- email-postcard format in CRUEL SUMMER -- and more!

Oh, and while you're there, I'm giving away signed copies of those books as well so be sure to sign up for your chance to win!

It's so easy-- all you have to do is click HERE!

Oh, and to subscribe on iTunes click HERE!

Best of luck and Happy Monday!

Free Book Friday!

Free Book Friday is the brainchild of the amazing Ms. Jessica Brody. And all you have to do to play is click HERE and then leave a comment for your chance to win!!

Have a fun weekend everyone!