A Blurred History

Breathless Reads 2012

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's almost here! Visit the Facebook page for the latest news, updates, and tour info.

On the Road Now, and Again

2012-01-15T15:43:00.004-06:00

Hello, from beautiful Long Beach, California! As a northern girl who has scoffed at television images of Californians donning sweaters when it got 'cold,' I must concede my error. It has been cool this weekend, and while it's not frigid like Minnesota I have indeed wanted a coat most days that I'm here. Even though it's not sunbathing temps, I've still taken great joy in walking on the beach at sunset.

It's the middle of my BLOODROSE tour and I want to send a huge thank you to everyone I've seen on the trip!

I have two stops left: Tuesday in St. Louis and Friday in New Orleans. I'd love to see you!

If you weren't able to come out for this tour, I'm delighted to announce the upcoming Breathless Reads tour. I'll be on the road with Marie Lu, Beth Revis, and Jessica Spotswood. Follow the latest Breathless Reads news on Facebook! Here is the preliminary schedule - keep an eye out for more details to come:

February 15, Chicago
Anderson's Bookshop

February 16, Washington D. C.
Bethesda Public Library

February 17, New York City
Books of Wonder

February 18, Philadelphia
Towne Center Book & Cafe

February 19, Philadelphia
Doylestown Bookshop

February 21, Atlanta
Little Shop of Stories

February 22, Houston
Blue Willow Bookshop

February 23, Dallas
Barnes and Noble

February 24, Los Angeles
Once Upon A Time

February 25, Los Angeles
Passion and Prose Event
Westin Long Beach

Before I sign off I want to send a huge thank you to all of you for supporting BLOODROSE - I'm thrilled to share that you have put the Nightshade series on the NYT series list...at #5!!!! That means I'm raising my donation to Defenders of Wildlife to $5 per picture of BLOODROSE that I've received. And you've sent me loads of pictures so that means lots of money to protect wolves! You rock!! Thank you!!!

BLOODROSE Tour

2012-01-09T08:52:00.000-06:00

Want to keep the holiday spirit going and avoid the winter blahs? Come run with the wolves and celebrate BLOODROSE with me!
Check out the tour stops - I hope you can make it!!!

Friday, January 6: St. Paul, MN
BLOODROSE release party
7 p.m. Red Balloon Bookshop

Tuesday, January 10: Seattle, WA
7 p.m. Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park)

Wednesday, January 11: Huntington Beach, CA
7 p.m. Barnes and Noble Booksellers

Thursday, January 12: San Diego, CA
7 p.m. Mysterious Galaxy Books

Friday, January 13: Manhattan Beach, CA
4 p.m. Pages: A Bookstore

Tuesday, January 17: St. Louis, MO
7 p.m. Puddn' Head Books

Friday, January 20: New Orleans, LA
5 p.m. Octavia Books

24

2012-01-02T00:05:00.002-06:00

It's after midnight, which means we're in the last day before BLOODROSE hits stores. I'll admit that I have very mixed feelings about BLOODROSE going into the wild. On the one hand I'm thrilled that the final book of the Nightshade series will be in readers' hands. I can't wait until you see what happens and I hope you revel in the adventure as much as I did.

On the other hand I cried a lot (seriously, a lot) while writing this book. It's a journey coming to a close. And while there will be more stories set in the world of Nightshade, this particular story does have its ending. That's a bittersweet reality that I'm still coming to grips with.

In the last hours before BLOODROSE arrives, there are a couple of things I want to mention.

1) My post about endings. It's the best answer I can offer about everything that happens.

2) My donation to Defense of Wildlife. Your support is invaluable: Here are the details for what' I'm doing: Because I'm committed to advocating for wolves, I've decided to tie in BLOODROSE to this action: for every picture of a reader and her/his new copy of BLOODROSE that is sent to me via email, Facebook, or Twitter I will make a $2 donation to Defenders of Wildlife.

And to up the stakes: If in its first days of release BLOODROSE climbs into the top 10 of the Barnes and Noble (and remember that B&N has an exclusive edition with additional content!) and/or Amazon rankings I'll up that donation to $3 per picture.

And finally: Because BLOODROSE is book 3, Nightshade moves from the New York Times Chapter Book list to the notoriously-difficult-to break-into Series list. If BLOODROSE hits in the top 5 of the NYT series list I'll increase my donation to $5 per picture.

I encourage you to support wolves and spread the word about the risks of taking gray wolves off of the endangered species list. I hope you're as excited as I am for next Tuesday. Thank you so much for sharing Calla and the packs' journeys with me!

Final BLOODROSE Teaser, plus Saving Wolves!

2011-12-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

One week! BLOODROSE is on sale in ONE WEEK!

It's a good thing the holidays keep me busy lest I be tearing my hair out waiting for January 3 to arrive. (Okay, I'm still tearing my hair out a little bit, but not as much as if it hadn't been the holidays).

Here is the last teaser before next Tuesday's release:

"One thing." He leaned down to whisper in my ear. "One thing that I'd always been afraid of. I still am."

As you've read the Nightshade series I hope it's been obvious how much I respect and admire wolves. They are beautiful, intelligent creatures with complex social relationships. If you follow environmental news, you may already know that gray wolves were recently delisted from the endangered species list. I'm deeply troubled by this decision. Humans and wolves have an ugly history; one that drove wolves to the brink of extinction. Since the delisting, wolf hunts are already being organized in Minnesota and across the country. Killing a wolf is not a sporting act. Wolves live in deeply connected communities. To kill a single wolf is to disrupt a family, a social system.

Because I'm committed to advocating for wolves, I've decided to tie in BLOODROSE to this action: for every picture of a reader and her/his new copy of BLOODROSE that is sent to me via email, Facebook, or Twitter I will make a $2 donation to Defenders of Wildlife.

And to up the stakes: If in its first days of release BLOODROSE climbs into the top 10 of the Barnes and Noble (and remember that B&N has an exclusive edition with additional content!) and/or Amazon rankings I'll up that donation to $3 per picture.

And finally: Because BLOODROSE is book 3, Nightshade moves from the New York Times Chapter Book list to the notoriously-difficult-to break-into Series list. If BLOODROSE hits in the top 5 of the NYT series list I'll increase my donation to $5 per picture.

I encourage you to support wolves and spread the word about the risks of taking gray wolves off of the endangered species list. I hope you're as excited as I am for next Tuesday. Thank you so much for sharing Calla and the packs' journeys with me!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:55:00.002-06:00

Wishing you wonder and joy this season.

And for those who prefer their Christmases a bit more macabre, please enjoy this homage to Calvin and Hobbes

Hobbitses!!!

2011-12-20T21:33:00.002-06:00

In case you haven't seen it!!!

Cannot wait!!!!!

BLOODROSE Teaser 3!

2011-12-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

Two weeks! Two weeks!

In case you haven't seen it - the official BLOODROSE book trailer is live.

And here's your third soundtrack teaser:

"He needs to know you can make the wrong choice and still deserve a second chance."

The National - Afraid of Everyone

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

TREACHERY and BLOODROSE Teaser Two

2011-12-13T10:03:00.004-06:00

Ansel's tale: Treachery (an e-special from Philomel) is available today! Buy at Barnes and Noble for Nook or Amazon for Kindle.

In honor of the novella's release, today's Bloodrose teaser features Ansel.

"My bones ached as I watched him. Why did it have to be Ansel who suffered?"

Time to Shine

2011-12-06T10:02:00.003-06:00

Cool news: for aspiring authors out there Amazon and Penguin have announced today their 2012 Breakthrough Novel Award. And guess what? I'm a judge for YA entries!

If you have a manuscript that you've been itching to get out there - the next month is the time to really polish it to its shiniest, shine. Submissions for the award are accepted from January 23 to February 5.

I'm thrilled to take part in this award and I can't wait to see all the creative magic harnessed in these manuscripts!!!

Now get writing (and revising)!

One Month

2011-12-03T11:59:00.004-06:00

It's December 3 that means we're within one month of BLOODROSE's publication date: January 3. In the lead up to the release I'll post a weekly soundtrack teaser, with music and a line from the book (no spoilers though! And not in chronological order - mwaa-haa-haa-haa!)

You should also check out Penguin Teen's Tumblr for more info and teasers leading up to January 3.

Hope you're as excited for the countdown as I am. 2012 here we come!

Week one BLOODROSE soundtrack teaser:

"Waves lapped the shoreline a few yards from where we lounged on the rocks."

Something Special

2011-11-30T12:47:00.003-06:00

Exciting announcement! I'm so happy I can share this news: Barnes and Noble will release an exclusive addition of BLOODROSE on January 3 that features additional content. If you'd like to learn more about the Searchers and Keepers and weapons be sure to check it out :)

Leftovers

2011-11-29T18:02:00.003-06:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

I hope you and yours were stuffed to the max of delicious T-Day goodness. My dad said something after we feasted that's stuck with me: "Thanksgiving is always good...but leftovers are awesome."

That got me thinking. I hosted Thanksgiving this year and I love the all-day cooking event it is. Wonderful smells waft through the kitchen and all over the house for hours. And with the delectable scents come so many memories. I love that I make stuffing using my grandmother's recipe. That we eat this weird cranberry marshmallow concoction we call "the pink stuff." I overcooked with purpose, knowing even before my dad said it that he was right. The leftovers are the best.

But it's not just roast turkey sandwiches and reheated stuffing. It's that every time I take a bite of that meal's remains I have a burst of those memories. Leftover from this Thanksgiving and so many Thanksgivings before.

Those are the leftovers for which I am truly thankful and why I anticipate the holidays with joy each year.

Slow

2011-10-25T14:14:00.003-05:00

Though the summer lasted well into October - an aberration this far north - fall has finally, and suddenly arrived. When I wake what's left of the dry grass sparkles with light frost. The wind has a bite to it.
And the dark has come.

No longer do I wake to the sun, but instead must force myself out of warm blankets and into the day. My body wants to remain curled, conserving energy, instinctively wanting to protect itself against the oncoming winter.

While Minnesota winters usually last long enough to make one's bones ache, I still enjoy the shifting seasons. My body's reactions to cooling temperatures and brief daylight reminds me that I'm connected to the earth and its cycles.

As Samhain (Halloween) approaches it reminds me to prepare for the dark and the cold. To contemplate and act with measure.

Last Sunday I planted bulbs that in the spring, I hope, will offer beautiful blossoms. Even as winter approaches, the hope of spring and returning warmth remain present.
Wishing you a blessed autumn.

I Know, I Know...

2011-10-19T17:41:00.003-05:00

I'm ridiculously behind on the blog - life has just been too busy. However, I'm full of ideas about things I want to blog about AND I'm a week away from my first international book tour. So I hereby promise to you that I will be blogging more soon and I will have pictures from my tour!

Thanks for hanging out with me even when I'm sadly absent from this page. I do miss blogging - this space in one in which I love to write.

If you're wondering where else you might connect with me and my life, I'm more frequently on Twitter and Facebook due to their facilitation of short online engagements!

Until a real blog post - here's a new favorite artist of mine, whose music is oft playing as I write RISE (Nightshade Prequel #2).

Also cool about Zola Jesus - she's a fellow Wisconsinite!

What's the Word

2011-10-04T11:46:00.002-05:00

One of the big perks of being an author is spending time with other authors. Of course, we're scattered across the country so sometimes our conversations are through email, Skype, or Twitter. Three fantastic writers: Nathan Bransford, J. Scott Savage, and James Dashner had the brilliant idea to put those conversations online. I was recently a guest on their Wordplay Podcast and you can have a listen yourself.

If you leave a comment on the podcast web site you could win a copy of Nightshade and Wolfsbane!

Italia!

2011-09-28T14:01:00.006-05:00

I have exciting news to share! At the end of October I'm embarking on my first international tour. Thank you so much to my Italian publishers, De Agostini, and the Lucca Comics and Games Festival for inviting me to visit their beautiful country. You can find details on the festival here, where I'll be the patroness of Lucca's Halloween party! This looks to be the Halloween party of all Halloween parties, and given that Halloween is my favorite holiday I cannot wait!

If you happen to be in Italy, here is my tour schedule. I'll post more details as I have them!

October 28th, Friday: Milano
October 29th, Saturday: Bologna; Lucca, in the
evening
October 30th, Sunday: Lucca
October 31st, Monday: Lucca
November 1st, Tuesday: Lucca

Halloween in Italy! Davvero!

Win, Win

2011-09-27T08:46:00.005-05:00

Lots of good news today! But before that - don't forget that it's Banned Books Week. Here's a link to the most frequently banned/challenged books of 2001-2010. Support libraries, booksellers, teachers, authors, and readers. Read banned books!!!

First - winners of the 5K contest. Congrats to:

Adriana

Emily Rose

Hayden

@vampirefan2 (via Twitter)

@BecksterMay (via Twitter)

Email your mailing address to andreacremerwrites @gmail.com and I'll get your prizes in the post!

Second, I've been keeping some awesome news under wraps for a while and now I can share: more books are on the way!!!

The official deal announcement from Publishers Weekly:

Cremer Goes Steampunk for Philomel Jill Santopolo at Penguin's Philomel imprint closed a North American rights deal for two new books by Andrea Cremer, author of the imprint's bestselling Nightshade series. Santopolo acquired the titles—one is the first book in a new steampunk series and the other is a second prequel to Nightshade—from agents Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen at Inkwell Management. The steampunk series, the first book of which is called The Inventor's Secret, is set in an alternate 19th century in which the American Revolution never happened and the British rule the world. Inventor's Secret is currently scheduled for fall 2013. The Nightshade prequel, Rise, is scheduled for summer 2013. (The final book in the original Nightshade series is coming out in January 2012, and Philomel has another Nightshade prequel already scheduled for fall 2012.

Here's a rundown of my publication schedule:

January 2012 BLOODROSE
Fall 2012 RIFT (Nightshade Prequel 1)
Spring 2013 INVISIBILITY CURSE w/David Levithan
Summer 2013 RISE (Nightshade Prequel 2)
Fall 2013 INVENTOR'S SECRET

So exciting!

Abundance

2011-09-22T23:01:00.005-05:00

Happy Autumnal Equinox (Mabon) - night will soon outpace daylight, but I love this crisp, thrilling time of year where the air is alive and summer's carefree frolicking gives way to the steady rhythms of harvest.

Today I passed 5,000 followers on Twitter. That's still rather mind-bending to me and I'm so excited that so many friends here and on Twitter have joined me on this writing journey. To celebrate I'm holding a 5K follower contest and giving away 5 prize packs! 5 is a special number to me at this moment - not only do I have 5,000 Twitter followers but tomorrow I celebrate 5 years of marriage to my wonderful husband! So much to be thankful for!

In addition to a signed paperback of Nightshade, the prize packs include items that inspired Nightshade: Watership Down by Richard Adams (Calla's favorite book), Sandman by Neil Gaiman (Shay's favorite graphic novel), Zum Bar Sandalwood Citrus soap (From the first time I smelled this soap I instantly knew it was reminiscent of Ren's scent), and a blank notebook so you can begin, or continue, your own writing journey.

To enter: Tell me in the comments (or in a tweet) something that inspires you, if you're leaving your entry in the blog comments be sure to include an email where I can contact you. Winners will be randomly selected on Monday, September 26 so you have through the weekend to enter.

Thank you so much for being a part of my writing life - it means so much to have you here!

Years

2011-09-11T11:12:00.005-05:00

When asked to recite a favorite quotation, mine is always the same: "There are years that ask questions and years that answer." - Zora Neale Hurston

On a day that stands in history as a marker of both tragedy and courage, like many I'm inclined to spend some time reflecting on the last decade. Rather than make assertions about global or national states of affairs, my thoughts today are about individual experience.

2001 was a bad year in my life. I was in the middle of a three-year stint working in Indianapolis, and my mind and heart were stagnating at work. Since my teens I've struggled with chronic depression and in the second half of 2001 that condition overwhelmed all aspects of my life. I took a leave of absence from work and went home to reassess my life and try to find the sense of purpose I'd lost. From that place of emotional struggle came some of the best decisions I've made. I realized that my passion for learning needed further attention and I determined to return to school full-time in pursuit of a doctorate. I learned that depression isn't something that can be ignored, but requires healing and vigilant self care.

In 2002 I applied to graduate programs. In 2003 I moved to Minneapolis and started work on my Ph.D. Four years later I finished my degree and began a fantastic job teaching history at Macalester College in St. Paul.

But the story of finding a path to my true passions and goals didn't end there. After one year of teaching at Macalester, in early summer of 2008, I was in a horseback riding accident that left me with a broken foot and orders to stay off my feet for twelve weeks. Stuck in my house and on the couch, I decided to pursue a long-delayed dream: writing a novel.

The next summer my fabulous agents at InkWell sold my debut novel NIGHTSHADE to Penguin.

After 9/11 it felt like the world was ending, and for most of 2001 I'd felt like my own life was in ruins too. But life is always unfolding. Years to come will have answers...and there will be more questions...which brings to mind another favorite quote:

"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

Steam what?

2011-09-01T14:35:00.005-05:00

If you visit my web site: www.andreacremer.com You'll notice that listed under my current works in progress is a book called THE INVENTOR'S SECRET. IS is the first book in a new series I'm writing and genre of that series is steampunk.

When I mention the word steampunk I get one of two reactions: 1) AWESOME! 2) Steam what?

The first reaction reflects the hard-core enthusiasm of steampunk fans. The second reveals that while steampunk is slipping into the mainstream, it's still a relatively unknown genre. PBS created a web piece about steampunk that's the best quick tutorial I've seen and I'm delighted to share it with you:

As a historian, steampunk is a dream genre for me because it means I'm able to reimagine history while engaging the issues and questions I find most compelling about the past, and I can create all the maniacal and fantastic, beautiful and terrible guns and gadgets I desire. And the clothes! I debuted a steampunk outfit of my design at Comic Con, and I predict much more steampunk fashion in my future.
So that's a little bit on what steampunk is and it's one of the worlds I'm currently living in. That's all I can say about that...for now....

Wants vs. Needs

2011-08-29T12:53:00.005-05:00

Since WOLFSBANE's release I've had an uptick of emails from fans and I've noticed the rise of a certain type of email: those messages telling me how the series has to end. When I was responding to one of these messages I thought it might be best to post my response on this blog because I think this topic is one that many writers struggle with and I wanted to be sure all of you understand where my head and heart are at when I'm writing - and particularly when I'm writing the ending of a series.

Here's my reply to a reader hailing from Team Ren (but it applies to Team Shay, too):

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. You're absolutely right - I do receive mountains of emails, but I try as much as possible to answer all of them :)

I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and kind words about my books. I can't fully answer your request or question because I won't ever reveal plot points about the novels. I don't blame you at all for loving Ren - I love him too. I love all my characters like they are family. When good things happen to them I'm joyful and I cry when they're hurting (literally, I cry when I write painful scenes in my books).

Calla might end up with Ren, or Shay, or she might end up on her own. Though I know the love story is prominent in the Nightshade series the overarching plot is a much bigger story that involves all the characters. Each character has her/his own choices to make and her/his own paths follow, and how they act will determine where they end up with relation to one another. What I'm trying to convey is that the story is what determines relationships. I am so grateful for readers like you who are passionate about the books - but it's important to know that I receive just as many emails telling me Calla must end up with Shay as I do from people who prefer Ren. As a Ren supporter I'm sure that's hard for you to believe, but I swear it's absolutely true. I've been astonished at the passion from fans of both boys - it's deeply moving. I'm sympathetic to both sides because I've adored both boys from the first day they introduced themselves to me on the page.

But even if I received emails only in support of one character or another, it wouldn't change the story. It wouldn't alter what happens to Calla, her pack, the Keepers, and the Searchers - because the story is what drives my writing and I have to be true to that. If I wrote characters or plot to try to please everyone that would be akin to lying to someone just to try to keep them happy. I can't write like that, just as I couldn't live like that.

Please know that my writing the story for its own sake doesn't mean I don't care about readers' feelings. I care so much about your feelings. Every time I receive an email (and I receive lots!!!) asking for Calla to choose Shay or Ren I get torn up inside because I really would like everyone to be happy. But this is a complicated story with joys and sorrows, and it will bring joys and sorrows to readers and characters.

As I said in the opening. Calla might choose Ren, she might choose Shay. She might choose to lead her pack on her own as an alpha. She might not make it to the end of the story. After all, she is in the middle of a brutal, centuries-long war, and warriors fall. So very much is on the line in Bloodrose. Everything is on the line.

What I can promise is that the story I've written is the story that spoke to me. Not the story I wanted to tell, but the story I needed to tell. It is written honestly and from the depths of my soul. I couldn't have written it any other way and I hope you can understand why that remains true, and always will.

Sincerely,

Andrea

While I'm Away

2011-08-16T15:54:00.005-05:00

I'm on rare vacation w/ the hubby and whilst I'm away here's some fun news!:

NIGHTSHADE is in the running for YALSA (that's the YA division of the American Library Association) Teens' Top Ten for 2011. I'd be ever so grateful if you'd stop by their site to cast a vote for NIGHTSHADE!!

WOLFSBANE is in this week's print edition of Entertainment Weekly, has spent two weeks on the NYT bestseller list, and it's #7 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list! Woo hoo!

Wishing you a wonderful week and here's a wolfish pic I took while gallivanting around Portland last evening.

Number Five is Alive!

2011-08-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

I'm fainting over here you guys - I just found out that Wolfsbane will debut at #5 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Thank you so much for reading the series and for loving Calla and her pack!!!

State of the ARC

2011-07-30T11:29:00.003-05:00

This week has been amazing. Thank you so much to all the amazing people who've come to my signings and to those of you who I haven't been able to see in person but having been flooding my inbox, Facebook, and twitter with wonderful messages. Your support of Nightshade means more to me than I could ever express!

Now that Wolfsbane is out I'm already getting questions about Bloodrose.

If you've finished Wolfsbane you can read Chapter 1 of Bloodrose here. (Spoilers! Don't read it before Wolfsbane)

Bloodrose is the final book of the trilogy and will be published in February 21, 2012.

In the life of a book, it's common for publishers to release Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) or galleys prior to the book's publication in order to give reviewers a sense of what's coming. In the case of Bloodrose we seriously considered not creating ARCs because the final book of the Nightshade series is so loaded with spoilers we wanted to be sure none of them were leaked before February 21.

After much thought it was decided that a limited number of ARCs would be created because booksellers need to know what's in the book before they order it and hand sell it to their customers.

What this all boils down to is that there will be some ARCs out in the world, but not many. We've asked anyone who receives an advanced copy to keep its contents secret. It's so important that the story isn't spoiled. So if you see a tweet or a review (that won't actually give you much information about the book) it's because we've asked everyone to keep this story quiet. It also means that I don't have ARCs to distribute and I won't be giving any away in the lead up to Bloodrose's publication date. I hope when you read Bloodrose in February you'll think it was worth the wait :)

There, and Back Again

2011-07-29T12:08:00.002-05:00

Tonight's the night. After a fabulous release day party in San Diego I'm so excited to party with my hometown friends in St. Paul!

If you're in Minnesota I'd love to see you tonight at the Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue. The party starts at 7 p.m.

Happy Friday!

Under the Cut

2011-07-25T17:22:00.002-05:00

I will be posting an epic Comic Con recap but today is Wolfsbane Eve. That's right Wolfsbane is officially in stores tomorrow!

As promised I'm posting a deleted scene from Nightshade to celebrate the occasion. This scene takes place as the Calla's and her pack are on their way to see Nev play at the Burnout.

“Aren’t you overdressed?” I turned around and looked Bryn up and down after I slid into the passenger seat of Mason’s Land Rover.

She smoothed her suede skirt and shook her bronze ringlets. “Just because we’re hanging out at this hole in the ground doesn’t mean I have to lower my standards.”

She winked at me. “Besides Ansel likes it.”

My brother was pretending not to notice the low cut of Bryn’s silk top, and failing miserably.

“Right.” I looked at Mason. “Don’t you think as the alpha I deserve more respect from my beta. She’s openly seducing my little brother.”

“I’m not getting involved,” Mason said and put the car into gear.

I turned back to Bryn. “I’m just glad my mother didn’t see you. I spent half an hour explaining why I couldn’t wear a skirt tonight.”

“Not everyone thinks tattered shirts and jeans are the height of fashion,” Bryn replied.

“They aren’t tattered, they’re vintage,” I said.

“Whatever makes you feel good about it, honey,” she said. “I’m right, Mason. Aren’t I?”

He glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Don’t ask me. I take the fifth. Why is everyone trying to get me in trouble tonight?”

“I’m not,” Ansel piped without looking up.

“And that’s why you’re my best friend,” Mason grinned at him.

“Where’s Fey?” I’d expected to find her in the car with Bryn.

Mason’s jaw tightened. “I offered to pick her up, but she got a ride with Dax.”

“They’ve been spending a lot of time together,” Bryn leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of Mason’s seat. “We haven’t seen her outside school in a while.”

I frowned and glanced at Mason. “Too much time?”

“That’s none of my business,” he said quietly. “I’d just like us all to be happy.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Ansel still hadn’t managed to tear his gaze from Bryn’s chest.

“An, could you try to look somewhere else when the rest of us are around?” I said.

He flushed to the ears. “Sorry.”

“Don’t feel bad,” Bryn put her arms around him. “She’ll be just as smitten as soon as Ren smiles at her tonight.”

“Shut up, Bryn,” I snapped.

“My, my. I struck a nerve.” She winked at Ansel.

Mason grinned. “How are things with Ren?”

“This topic is off limits,” I said.

“Says who?” Ansel laughed.

“Says me.”

“I don’t think so, Calla,” Mason said, in a tone that was too serious to be real. “Your happiness with Ren affects the well-being of the pack. That means all details pertain to us. We’re on a need to know basis, and we need to know. Ren’s an alpha, and we’ve all heard the rumors about his talents in certain arenas. But tell me…are you satisfied?”

“Mason!” My cheeks burned and I turned to face the passenger window.

Bryn and Ansel were hysterical.

“This is mutiny,” I muttered.

“No sweetie,” Mason patted my leg. “It’s just life.”

He turned the Land Rover up the gravel drive. The imposing vehicle looked out of place next to the motorcycles and muscle cars that lined up outside the bar.

Bryn sighed and unbuckled her seatbelt. “I don’t know why we had to come here. I’d much rather be at Eden.”

“Nev doesn’t play at Eden,” Mason said. “Besides, it’s good to be well-rounded.”

“Trust me, this is better than Eden.” I shivered at the thought of returning to Efron’s club.

Ansel slid his arms around Bryn’s waist and pulled her from the car. “You’ll have a good time and you know it.”

She pushed her lip out until he kissed her, and then she beamed.

Hope you enjoyed the scene!!! Thanks so much for sharing Calla's journey with me. Can't wait for tomorrow!

The Next Few Days

2011-07-19T17:14:00.003-05:00

The reality of just how close WOLFSBANE's release is (7 days!!!!) is starting to sink in. One of my flaws is that I utterly lack patience. Thinking about next Tuesday and the wait until then makes me want to crawl out of my own skin.

Fortunately I have a big distraction to help pass the time. Tomorrow I'm getting on a plane and heading to San Diego. In what is an amazing fulfillment of this geek girl's dreams I'm on two panesl at Comic Con.

If you're going to be there and wondering about my schedule:
On Thursday, July 21 you can catch me signing at the Penguin Booth (#2913R) from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Also on Thursday I'm one of the panelists at Magic and Monsters from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Room 25ABC)
I'll be signing again after the panel from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, July 22
Back at the Penguin Booth to sign from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 23
Penguin Booth signing 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Mysterious Galaxy signing (#1119) 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Get an early copy of Wolfsbane!!!!

Sunday, July 24
What's Hot in YA Panel (Room 23ABC) from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Autographing session 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

As you can see if you're hoping to get a signed book there are plenty of opportunities. When I'm not signing I'll be wandering the convention, playing the flaneur (there's a good vocab word for you and one of my favorites.)

It's a safe bet that I'll be at all things Buffy related. If you see them carrying me out of a panel it's because I fainted after being overwhelmed at being in the same room as Joss Whedon.

Got Ren?

2011-07-18T10:43:00.004-05:00

One week and one day 'til Wolfsbane!

Beginning tomorrow the Wolfsbane blog tour kicks off. You can see the schedule here. And today there's a special treat for Team Ren over on Down the Rabbit Hole.

The wait is almost over!!! Here's a song from the Wolfsbane playlist - full soundtrack will be posted after the release date.

The Accidental Premiere

2011-07-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

In honor of all things Harry Potter: I thought I'd share one of my favorite Potter moments, which came as a big surprise was I was in London on July 8, 2009.

Things I didn't expect to do yesterday:

1) Get battered by torrential wind and rain

2) See Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter up close

3) Willingly get battered by torrential wind and rain so I could see Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter up close

I was headed for the Leicester Square tube when I walked right into the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince world premiere. No joke. The square had been refitted to look like a quidditch field and crowds of teens were being managed by London police.

I've never seen a movie premiere and I'm not much of a celebrity follower. But I love Harry Potter and I thought, "Hey, how many times am I going to see movie stars walking down a red carpet?" Answer: Probably never again.

So I found a good vantage point and stayed put. Through wrath-of-god wind and rain and lightning directly above our heads. And it was completely worth it, though unlike Daniel Radcliffe I did not have some nice chap to hold an umbrella over me. I did not have an umbrella at all.

But Helena Bonham Carter didn't either.

It's my last night in London and to bring this trip to a memorable conclusion I went to see War Horse at the New London theater. While I had high hopes for this production, I have to say it absolutely blew me away. It could well be the best play I've ever seen. The story follows a boy and his horse as they are caught up in World War I. It is astonishing, the horses are unbelievably real, the story compelling, and the score, a combination of classical compositions and folk tunes, deeply moving. I was particularly inspired as the play was adapted from a children's novel by Michael Morpurgo.

Next post will be from Minnesota, so for the last time pip, pip and cheerio!

Note from the future: War Horse is currently being transformed to film by Steven Spielberg.

Winners! News!

2011-07-10T21:21:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who sent pictures of Nightshade in paperback! Getting your comments, tweets, and Facebook posts made me so happy!

Here are the two randomly selected winners:

Amy

Dani_Nguyen

Email your address to andreacremerwrites@gmail.com to claim your prize :)

And because I just received a fabulous box of FINISHED Wolfsbane, instead of a pre-order you'll get a shiny, signed hardcover in the mail! Woo hoo!

In fifteen days Wolfsbane hits stores. I can't wait!! I am dying for you to know what's happening to Calla and her pack. I'm also really excited for you to meet a new cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the series.

Leading up to Wolfsbane's release and continuing through its first week in stores I'm thrilled to announce that Mundie Moms is hosting the official Wolfsbane blog tour. From July 19 to August 9 you can find interviews with me and with characters from the book. At each stop you can enter for a chance to win Nightshade and Wolfsbane!

One more quick squee-filled announcement - the official 2011 San Diego Comic Con schedule has been released! I'm on two panels - one on Magic and Monsters at 3 - 4 p.m. on Thursday and the second is What's Hot in YA from 10 - 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you'll be at Comic Con I hope I'll see you at one or both panels.

Triple Threat

2011-06-26T17:08:00.003-05:00

On July 26 - one month from today - Wolfsbane will be on sale! I can't wait to share Calla's next set of adventures with you.

I have some big news related to Wolfsbane's release date.

I'm having a party! And not just one, but two parties!!!!

July 26 is not only Wolfsbane's release date, it is also the release day of the fabulous Kiersten White's Supernaturally. Since Kiersten and I are friendly-like and we've decided Calla and Evie would get along smashingly, we're throwing a big party in San Diego. And guess what?? The amazing Stephanie Perkins - author of Anna and the French Kiss and the upcoming Lola and the Boy Next Door - will be signing with us too! Given how zany and unpredictable the three of us are, it is sure to be a riotous, laugh-filled evening. Or the universe may implode. Either way, exciting times to be had!

That's right SoCal! I'm coming to YOU!

Our signing will be held at the Barnes and Noble in Oceanside, CA at 6:00 p.m. on July 26.

I'll be in San Diego on July 26 - by I'm not forgetting about my Minnesota peeps!

On Friday, July 29 at 6 p.m. the Minnesota launch of Wolfsbane will be celebrated at
The Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.

I'm so excited that we're in the final countdown to Wolfsbane. Hope I'll see you soon!!!

Scoop!

2011-06-16T14:57:00.007-05:00

Some of you may have been surprised to see the Bloodrose cover appear on some blogs lately. I was surprised, too! So was Penguin!

The cover wasn't supposed to be revealed until July but through a computer glitch it was sent early to Amazon, so of course Amazon put it up. And I am seriously impressed by how quickly Nightshade fans found the cover! You guys are so on top of stuff!! It's fabulous!

This wasn't anyone's fault and I'm not upset - maybe a little disappointed as revealing a cover is super fun. Now it's a little like finding out a surprise party is being thrown for you. It's wonderful that the party is happening and so many people went to the trouble to plan it, but now the surprise is spoiled.

Surprise or no, the Bloodrose cover is stupendous and I'm thrilled that I can now officially post it here!

The cover depicts a very specific scene in the book and I love the way the photo captures that moment!

In addition to the cover reveal, I have some AMAZING news. Since the Nightshade series' covers have been redesigned Penguin knows that many of you would like to have a matching set for the series. So they've printed a limited number of the new Nightshade jackets that you can put on your hardcover and all your books will match!

The jackets are being mailed out on a first come, first served basis. Send your request, including your mailing address to yrmarketing@us.penguingroup.com

I'm sorry to international readers but this is a US only offer since it regards the US cover redesign

Please note: the jackets are being shipped by Penguin, so don't email your request to me as it won't get to the right people.

A Hunt!

2011-06-13T19:47:00.001-05:00

The paperback of NIGHTSHADE hits stores today! I'm so excited!!

And excitement merits a contest and it has two prizes: the first - a pre-order of WOLFSBANE, which is now only a little over a month away (hooray!) and the second - a prize for everyone: a deleted scene from NIGHTSHADE.

How do you win?

For a chance to win a pre-order of WOLFSBANE tweet, email, or post in the comments a link to a picture of you with the NIGHTSHADE paperback in the wild. If at least 50 people hunt down the NIGHTSHADE paperback then I will post a deleted scene from NIGHTSHADE on the blog. And everybody wins!

To keep things clear: I'll choose one random winner from the blog comments and one from Twitter. If you post a picture in both places you'll have two chances to win :)

The contest runs from the paperback release date - June 14 until June 26 (the one month to WOLFSBANE mark!)

Good luck with the hunt - can't wait to see your pictures!!!

Listen Up: Winners!

2011-06-06T09:39:00.001-05:00

Thanks for sharing the audiobook love!

The winners are:

Safari Poet

and

K.V. Briar

Congrats! Send your mailing info to andreacremerwrites (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get your Nightshade audiobook out to you.

Thanks to everyone who entered and check back tomorrow as I'm starting up another contest :)

Heard Any Good Books Lately?

2011-06-02T11:22:00.003-05:00

It's June (wow!) And June is audiobooks month (who knew??)

I love audiobooks. Having grown up in a little town where it took at least an hour to get anywhere and at least four hours to get anywhere metropolitan I've spent a lot of time with audiobooks. I have some very special audiobook memories - listening to Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five made me a lifetime fangirl and Anne River Siddons' Downtown mirrored my own experience of leaving home and moving to a city for my first job out of college. I associate listening to characters' journeys in audiobooks with my own journeys and that makes for a truly unique and memorable experience.

When I first heard the Nightshade audiobook I was mesmerized. Hearing your words read is simply a surreal moment. Actress Rebecca Lowman narrates my novels and does a fantastic job of channeling all the characters. You can listen to excerpts from Nightshade and Wolfsbane at the Listening Library web site.

To celebrate the joy of listening to stories I'm giving away two copies of the Nightshade audio book! To enter leave a comment telling me a favorite book you heard instead of read (it's okay if it was read to you rather than being an audiobook).

I'll announce the winner on Monday!

WOLFSBANE Preview!

2011-05-27T09:41:00.002-05:00

In two months WOLFSBANE will be in bookstores! Yippee!

Leading up to the release date, Penguin has a special treat - a video with teasers from the book. Check it out:

I can't wait for July 26 when Calla's story continues!!

Egads!

2011-05-25T20:28:00.006-05:00

Looking at the date of my last post I was rather horrified, seeing as how it's been so long since my last post. Of course a have reams of excuses: it was the end of the semester, we moved, I had to go to New York - but really they are just excuses and I'm sorry I've been away.

I make amends with pictures! Of New York!

The primary reason I was in New York was that I needed to visit David Levithan to sort out some details of our collaborative novel - INVISIBILITY CURSE. Here is the moment in the blog where I do a I happy dance and say OMG yes I totally did get to crash at David Levithan's apartment all weekend. And it was awesome. It's a funny thing about becoming close friends with authors you long admired, cognitively I know that David is my friend but the giddy inner fangirl part of me never quite goes away.

New York - always a place I love - did not disappoint. I had wonderful meetings with my superhero agents: Richard and Charlie. I had more wonderful meetings with the Penguin family and particularly Editor Jill who is currently reading my fourth manuscript (cue nervous nail biting). Jill also gave me a present: a finished copy of Wolfsbane!!! In two months it will be in stores. Yay!!!

I particularly enjoyed my time on the subway and noted that the subway has become a great location for performing arts. On one of my trips the car was serenaded by a four piece mariachi band. And on another we had breakdancers.

I was also in town for the Teen Author Carnival, which was so much fun and I was finally reunited with my critique partner, Lisa Desrochers, who I hadn't seen for two years! Thanks to everyone who came to the event. Look here's a picture of you all!

Now I'm back in Minnesota and crashed in my quasi new home that is in utter disarray of moving boxes and randomly placed furniture. Given that the move still needs finishing I probably will still have some lags in blogging, but I promise not as long of a lag as this last one.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

I'm still unpacking boxes.

More Shinies

2011-05-09T20:50:00.002-05:00

Penguin has just launched the updated Nightshade series web site!

Want to know what types of weapons are in the Searcher armory?

Interested in my favorite books and films about wolves?

Need a Shadow Days/Shay fix?

Check out all the goodies and keep check for more stuff to be added soon!

Thanks, Penguin!!

International Makeover

2011-05-04T10:42:00.005-05:00

First of all HAPPY STAR WARS DAY and May the Fourth be with you :)

Exciting news from across the pond - my UK publishers Atom Books have just announced their cover redesign for Nightshade and Wolfsbane. Check out the lovely shininess!

I also was delighted to receive my first copy of the US paperback, which will be in stores on June 14.

It is sooooo pretty! The wolf seems to jump off the cover - so Calla! This summer is going to be so much fun and very, very busy :) I can't wait!

Wishing you all a great week.

May! Winner!

2011-05-01T08:43:00.004-05:00

May has arrived! I hope your day is full of flowers, dancing, and joy. After all the amazing comments and Buffy love I think I'll be watching Buffy episodes all day.

And now - winner of the WOLFSBANE ARC:

I was a bit tricky because for quote 5: "Bored now." I was specifically looking for Vampire/Evil/Doppelganger/Alternate/Dark Willow rather than just Willow. But fourteen of you saw into my nefarious brain! Good job!

The winner is: Rayshelle!

Congrats!!

And since season 6 of another favorite show, Doctor Who, has just begun let's celebrate with the best of both worlds:

Thanks to everyone who entered and keep watching for more contests before WOLFSBANE hits stores on July 26!

Beltane and Buffy

2011-04-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

April 30 is my favorite of the eight sabbats. Beltane/May Eve is a harbinger of summer honored with fabulous festivals replete with fires and dancing. The world of Nightshade is steeped in the tradition and history of witchcraft and Wolfsbane draws readers deeper into that world. To celebrate this holiday I'm holding a contest and the winner will receive a Wolfsbane ARC!

Since my last blog post touted the greatness of Buffy I want to have a Beltane Buffy quiz. May is the fifth month of the year, so here are five of my favorite quotes from Buffy. Correctly identify the Buffy character delivered each of the five quotes and you'll be in the running to win the ARC.
1) "What's the matter Watcher? Life flash before your eyes? Cup o' tea, cup o' tea, almost got shagged, cup o' tea?"

2) "Forgiveness makes us human, blah, blah, blah."

3) "Rain of toads. One minute its 'oh no, pop quiz' and now it's rain of toads."

4) "That's beautiful...or taken literally incredibly gross."

5) "Bored now."

Good luck! Entries taken until 12 a.m. May 1.

Please leave your answers in the comments section. This contest is open to international entries!

My Generation

2011-04-29T13:00:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of Karsten Knight and Stacey of Page Turners Blog I've been inspired to post about films that supplied priceless pop culture knowledge that I internalized as eternal. I think it's perfectly reasonable that each generation assumes its points of pop culture reference will forever be relevant, but as Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "Each generation must write its own books, or rather each generation for the next succeeding."

There are certain pieces of culture that I refuse to believe will lose their relevance. For example, I will go to my grave proclaiming that everyone should know Buffy the Vampire Slayer and relish her (and Joss Whedon's) contributions to our sorry world.
I'm forced to admit, however, that some of my cherished films will languish in history. To forestall this decline I'm going to do a series of posts about films that left indelible marks on my psyche and creative life.

Because this endeavor was inspired by Karsten's reference to She's All That. I'm starting with RomComs and the movie in question.

My brother and I used to watch She's All That constantly. It's a great mood lifter - funny and sweet. And has one of the best choreographed prom dances ever - Fat Boy Slim FTW! (And yes, that IS Usher)

Ten Things I Hate About You is another priceless romance. A retelling of Taming of the Shrew it features clever dialogue and young Heath Ledger (RIP) opposite Julia Stiles. Bonus: Proof that Joseph Gordon Levitt was awesome before Inception.

Another adapted tale is Clueless with Alicia Silverstone as Jane Austen's Emma. This film is hilarious! Clueless is the 90s prep to counter Ten Things 90s grunge - both of which were essential 90s trends.Taking few more steps back in time to 1980s, I'd be remiss to leave off a John Hughes film. I think they are all worth watching, but I have a soft spot for Sixteen Candles. In terms of feminism this film has some really messed up ideologies, but given that it's John Hughes my presumption is that such hyperbole of sexual and racial stereotypes are written with both irony and purpose (or I'm just naive). The kiss over the candles with Thompson Twins singing in the background is an alltime favorite scene.

Sixteen Candles also has young John Cusack, but of course Cusack's famous 80s movie moment featuring a window and a boombox and Peter Gabriel happens in Say Anything.

Also of the 80s - Girls Just Want to Have Fun. SJP and Helen Hunt in the 80s! Best slumber party movie ever. I went through about four birthdays where this was the featured film.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun is about a forbidden dance contest, but it's very PG in content. So of course I have to mention the more risque forbidden dance film: Dirty Dancing.
No one puts Baby in the corner!

Jumping back into the 90s - some might not consider Mallrats a romantic comedy, but I do. And I adore it! Shannon Doherty and Magic Eye make this film indispensable. Plus - filmed in Minnesota, home of the first enclosed shopping mall in the country.

Another 90s film that I consider priceless is Beautiful Girls. Though this movie focuses on a high school reunion of late 20 somethings, its message is relevant for young adults and adults.

In the last year of the 90s But I'm a Cheerleader made a wonderful and important contribution to rom coms. This film is poignant and hilarious. And has RuPaul in an amazing role!
I could probably go on, but I'm happy with this list. What do you consider defining romantic comedies for your generation or simply for you?

Coming soon: Children's films, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, and Horror!

Let's Pretend

2011-04-28T12:50:00.004-05:00

I know there's been quite a bit of grumbling about the some-might-say excessive coverage on William and Kate's nuptials. While I agree that there's enough happening in the world that is more newsworthy than a royal wedding, I don't have a problem with the attention this young couple is receiving. Precisely because the world is a rough place to be, sometimes it's nice to have a little escape. As much as William and Kate are real people and will have a relationship with real problems as in any relationship, this wedding is a bit of a surreal, fairytale moment that many people will enjoy participating in vicariously - including myself.

I'll be watching with a girlfriend in my sweatshirt and yoga pants, but in the spirit of make believe I'd like to imagine that if I were a guest (with the unlimited budget of a royal wedding guest) I would wear this dress from Rochas:

With this hat (because hats are a must at British weddings):

And these shoes:
Do you have a fairytale-esque event or costume you'd like to step into for a day?

Sex +, or Why You Should Read Kody Keplinger

2011-04-26T08:21:00.006-05:00

When you write for young adults, I would argue that as an author you open yourself to an intensified public judgment and criticism. Some well-intentioned, others purely mean spirited, the blow back YA authors receive derives largely from conflicting opinions about what teens can and can't handle in literature and/or what they should or should not be exposed to.

Whether it be religion, drugs, or violence every reader and writer has an opinion about if a line for content in YA novels exists and where it should be drawn. And no subject garners more debate than S-E-X.

I haven't been shy about expressing my opinion on censorship, book challenges, and book banning. There's no room in my heart or mind for any of the above. I'm also proud to call myself a feminist and, for me, part of being a feminist is decrying double standards in sex and gender as well as the propagation of sex ignorance among young people, especially young women.

Working against double standards and ignorance is what I think of as sex positive education. Today, YA Author Kody Keplinger, offered up an important and fantastic blog post about what sex positive means (to her) and I couldn't agree more. Kody is the author of The Duff and the upcoming Shut Out (her take on Aristophanes' Lysistrata - one of my all-time favorite plays!) Kody is a brave and talented writer. And she's in college - I wish I would have been the force of amazing that she is when I was that young!!!

So I was more than humbled and honored that Kody mentioned Nightshade as a sex positive book. For me there is no higher compliment. And it's particularly meaningful given that some criticism I've seen of Nightshade is that it's too much "lust" and not enough "love." While the few comments along those lines I've seen don't surprise me, they do frustrate me. Here's why:

Sex and romance aren't the same thing, but in books they are very often equated or conflated. In Nightshade, Calla lives in a world of gendered hierarchies and sexual double standards. When she comes face to face with her own awakening sexuality, she's totally unprepared for it because she's been taught to deny that part of herself. Yes - she's experiencing lust. Of course she is! Sexual feelings and impulses are part of life, particularly in the hormone bonanza that is adolescence, learning how to understand and process all those lusty moments and how to separate lust from real love is a key part of growing up. Growing up and finding herself are what Calla is doing. It's what all young people are doing and I believe they need all the maps and guidebooks we can offer to help them on that journey.

Too often our culture still expects young women to ignore or repress the fact that we, as humans, are sexual beings while the opposite expectation dictates the ideologies around young men's sexualities. (FYI: I'm talking in heteronormative terms here - there's a whole world of additional silencing and repression when it comes to LGBT sexualities. Catherine Ryan Hyde had an amazing post on this topic recently). These double standards lead to confusion, frustration, fears and even dangerous consequences in the lives of young adults.

There will always be voices shouting down a sex positive take on young adults and sex education. There are those who believe young people should be sheltered from tough topics and they will continue to try to censor books that teens need to read: books on domestic abuse, drugs and alcohol, depression and cutting, and yes - sex. Teens need these books because they aren't sheltered. They are alive and life is hard.

Sex positive = whole lives, healthy lives.

Thank you, Kody.

Earth, Us

2011-04-22T10:01:00.004-05:00

It's Earth Day!

Despite the fact that Mother Nature seems intent on keeping winter going in Minnesota until May, I still love her. In honor of Earth Day 2011 I thought I'd round up some salient articles that I hope will make us all more aware, concerned, and involved in protecting this precious resource that is our home.

Canada, which occupies some stunning bits of the planet, has compiled this Earth Day assessment.

The Huffington Post has rounded up 9 Earthly books you should read. On this list is The World Without Us - a book I love!

The Wilderness Society offers links to volunteer opportunities.

As a person who loves the wilderness, and wolves in particular, on this Earth Day I want to raise awareness about Predator Defense. Often villainized and mischaracterized predators are an essential part of ecology and deserve our respect and protection from exploitation and the ever-present threat of extermination. This topic is especially worrying given that Congress has voted to de-list wolves from their endangered status.

Earth Day should make us sit up and pay attention to the crises that threaten our fragile planet, but don't think about the environment today and take it for granted tomorrow. We are not guests here, we are made of and sustained by this planet. To abuse, poison, and destroy the earth is to rend our own flesh and break our own bones.Today is just the starting line but the race - upon which our lives depend - is only beginning.

The Best Things in Life...

2011-04-18T07:51:00.004-05:00

Are those you didn't plan for.

A little less than a year ago I had the delight of attending the American Library Association (ALA) annual meeting, at which I met many amazing authors including David Levithan. Upon meeting David I knew I'd found a kindred spirit and being so grateful for his kindness to a newbie author I wrote this blog pos t.

Now I meant the post as a compliment not an actual suggestion, but lo and behold David saw the blog post and decided to call my bluff - he asked if I wanted to try writing a book together. To take a page from my beloved Ghostbusters:

When David Levithan asks you if you'll write a book with him you say YES.

And I did.

And now I have amazing news to share that was announced this morning in Publishers Weekly:

Philomel Disappears with Levithan & Cremer
Jill Santopolo, executive editor of Penguin Young Readers' Philomel imprint, took world rights to a new YA novel by David Levithan and Andrea Cremer called The Invisibility Curse. Bill Clegg, at William Morris Endeavor, brokered the deal for Levithan, who co-wrote Nick and Norah's Infinite Play-list (and is editorial director at Scholastic Press), and Cremer, author of Nightshade (and history professor at Macalaster College). The novel follows a boy burdened by invisibility who meets a girl that has the power to see him and, possibly, cure him. Publication is currently set for 2013.

Our book will be published in 2013 by Philomel/Penguin with amazing Editor Jill at the helm!!!!

There are no words to describe how ecstatic I am about this novel and how much I love David. I'm grateful to him not only for sharing his creative talent with me but also for how much he's become a dear friend over the past 10 months.

I can't wait until 2013 when you'll be able to share our journey, too!

Not Enough Time!!!

2011-04-13T17:45:00.004-05:00

There is so much going right now and it's the end of the semester so I can't keep up! But here's a rapid rundown of current events:

1) I had the delight of attending Houston Teen Book Con wherein I met amazing librarians, teachers, booksellers, authors and of course readers!! Thank you so much to the organizers and to everyone who came to the panels! I also had the bonus of bringing a friend home; here is Ben the armadillo from Blue Willow Bookshop.He's a fan of WOLFSBANE as you can see...or maybe he's trying to eat it.
2) It's National Library Week!! Libraries are one of society's most vital resources. Support your libraries! Also READ BANNED BOOKS!

3) Tomorrow is Rock the Drop: Operation Teen Book Drop! This amazing event encourages you to drop a teen book in a random public place for a lucky reader to pick up and then pass along. I'll be dropping several books around Minneapolis/St. Paul tomorrow.

4) I'm almost done with my work in progress (the companion novel to the Nightshade series), and I'm in that totally obsessive zone; hence, my lack of blogs. When I come up for air I promise to write more posts and hold more contests!

See you on the other side!

Teen Book Con!

2011-04-08T15:44:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the enthusiasm for my 3000 follower Twitter contest. I announced the winner: @simplebookworm earlier this afternoon.

More contests will appear in the lead up to WOLFSBANE.

I'm posting this blog from Houston where tomorrow I'll appear at Teen Book Con. Check out the schedule!

And they made this great video:

Meeting readers is one of the best part of being an author and I can't wait for our panel.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!!

3000!

2011-04-05T16:06:00.004-05:00

Celebration time! I just hit 3000 followers on Twitter - amazing. I have promised a contest and need more than 140 characters to announce it, so the details will appear here.

This IS a Twitter contest so if you want to enter you'll need to Tweet me. To enter Tweet @andreacremer with the hashtag #wolfsbanepreorder

I'll take entries until Friday, April 8.

The winner will receive this MAJOR AWARD:

Just kidding. Here's the actual prize(s):

A pre-order of WOLFSBANE
A pre-order of NIGHTSHADE paperback (featuring new cover)
A pre-order of Lisa Desrochers' ORIGINAL SIN
A pre-order of Tara Hudson's HEREAFTER
A pre-order of Carrie Harris BAD TASTE IN BOYS
A pre-order of Kiersten White's SUPERNATURALLY
Gayle Foreman's WHERE SHE WENT
Cassandre Clare's CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS
Holly Black's RED GLOVE
Lisa Desrochers' PERSONAL DEMONS
Rachel Hawkin's DEMONGLASS
Kiersten White's PARANORMALCY

Thanks to all my followers! Let's celebrate with music:

Road Tunes

2011-03-31T13:02:00.002-05:00

In a couple of hours I'm heading north to Ashland, WI, my hometown. I'm doing a school visit at my old high school tomorrow morning - which is both trippy and delightful.

With a four-hour drive ahead of me I decided to splurge on some new music. Listening to music while drive is a sure-fire way to get my brain synapses firing in a writerly way. Listening to new music in particular seems to really enliven my creative side.

While I purchase a lot of music on iTunes I still buy cds. I love the jacket art and liner notes that lets me know more about the musicians' process behind this finished product. Here's what I'll be listening to on the rides to and from the Northwoods.

The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck

Though I already know the Mountain Goats to be incredibly talented, I was won over to purchase this album because I fell in love with the title tracks. The first track on this album: Damn These Vampires. Other fabulous titles for tracks: Prowl Great Cain, Outer Scorpion Squadron

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

I haven't listened to much Lykke Li but keep reading such great things about her that I decided to give this cd a whirl. Plus Scandinavian musicians tend toward awesome - Abba, anyone?

Jonsi - Go

Thank you to David Levithan for bringing Jonsi into my life. I loved Sigur Ros, I might love Jonsi a little bit more.

Yeasayer - Odd Blood

I already listen to Madder Red and O.N.E. incessantly, today I broke down and bought the whole album. Plus the typeface on the jacket is designed to look like Norse Runes. Love.

Radiohead - The King of Limbs

It's Radiohead. Need I say more?

I'll be curious to see which tracks are particularly inspiring. Songs often spin out scenes for me and that's how they end up on my book playlists and soundtracks. I'll keep you posted with the tunes that make the cut.

That Other Thing I Do

2011-03-24T13:55:00.004-05:00

I always laugh when I'm asked "what did you do before you were a writer?" because I'm still doing it and have no intention of giving it up. I jokingly call my life as a history professor my 'day job' but it's a full-time endeavor and I love it.

When I've written about traveling of late it's usually been related to Nightshade, but I'm lucky that my history work takes me on the road too. This week I'm delighted to be at Saint Mary's College of Maryland for the Twelfth Annual Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Colloquium. The theme of this year's colloquium is Women in War: Object/Subject and feature historical, political, activist, and artistic interpretations of the topic.

Meeting the other visiting scholars and the faculty, students, and staff of the college has been wonderful, reminding me that gathering a group of engaged, caring people together and sharing ideas is the way the world can become a better place.

As a colonial historian I'm also enjoying the location. The college is located on the site of the first Maryland colony and has a public history exhibit that I visited.This building, the first state house, stands from 1676. It was amazing to be in a building that existed at the same moment Bacon's Rebellion and Metacom's War were underway.

And you can't have a colony without stocks. Let's all take a moment and be thankful that ear cropping and tongue dowels are no longer viewed as reasonable forms of punishment.

Maryland's colonial history has strong maritime connections and those connections continue today. The students of SMCM can take a course on colonial maritime history in which they learn how to sail The Dove - a replica of one of the colonial ships. I now really want to teach a course with a 'learn a colonial skill' component. Though I'm currently only qualified to teach students how they can identify a witch and I don't think that would be a great idea.
The campus of SMCM is lovely as well. And spring is already appearing here.

The nice barn-shaped brick building in the background is where I'm staying.

I'll return home tomorrow after a wonderful week of conversation, learning, and new friends. Thanks, Saint Mary's!

Fortune Telling

2011-03-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Gazing into my crystal ball, I can see the future. And in the not-too-distant future this book:
will be taught - and loved - in classrooms across the country (and hopefully the world!).

Between Shades of Gray is an exceptional novel, but you don't have to take my word for it. Check out this Booklist review:

*Starred Review* Sepetys' first novel offers a harrowing and horrifying account of the forcible relocation of countless Lithuanians in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country in 1939. In the case of 16-year-old Lina, her mother, and her younger brother, this means deportation to a forced-labor camp in Siberia, where conditions are all too painfully similar to those of Nazi concentration camps. Lina's great hope is that somehow her father, who has already been arrested by the Soviet secret police, might find and rescue them. A gifted artist, she begins secretly creating pictures that can--she hopes--be surreptitiously sent to him in his own prison camp. Whether or not this will be possible, it is her art that will be her salvation, helping her to retain her identity, her dignity, and her increasingly tenuous hold on hope for the future. Many others are not so fortunate. Sepetys, the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, estimates that the Baltic States lost more than one-third of their populations during the Russian genocide. Though many continue to deny this happened, Sepetys' beautifully written and deeply felt novel proves the reality is otherwise. Hers is an important book that deserves the widest possible readership.

Ruta Sepetys has created a beautiful, heart-rending historical tale that will move and change readers. I highly recommend you get to a bookstore today and pick it up. Not only is the book incredible, but I was lucky enough to be at a conference with Ruta this past November and she is a fantastic human being. I am honored to share an imprint (Philomel/Penguin) with her!

Congrats on your debut, Ruta! And thank you for this extraordinary novel.

Winners: Editorial Edition!

2011-03-18T10:12:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for your wonderful entries and favorite lines from Nightshade!

Here are the lucky winners of a Wolfsbane ARC (Advanced Reading Copy)

Jacque

reneelynn09

Mariya

Blue_girl

Stacie @ Whimsical Ficery

Email your mailing info to andreacremerwrites (at) gmail (dot) com and the fabulous Editor Jill will ship your ARC to you! Thank you so much to Jill for giving away advanced copies of Wolfsbane and thanks to all of you for entering!!

I'll post any cover news/updates here as they're available.

SPECIAL: Covers

2011-03-15T10:22:00.009-05:00

Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears! You spoke. Penguin is listening. My wonderful editor, Jill Santopolo, has been kind enough to stop by and share a few words:

Hey, everyone. Editor Jill here. Andrea was nice enough to let me jump onto her blog to thank you all for your enthusiasm and feedback on the Wolfsbane jacket design. You’ve given us a lot to think about, and we’ll be having many Wolfsbane--related meetings here at Penguin headquarters in the coming weeks. Oh! And I have three Wolfsbane ARCs to give away today. Anyone who comments on this post with their favorite line from Nightshade will be entered to win. (Andrea assures me that she has a magical number generator that picks the winners fairly and squarely.)

More info to come! And yay Jill!! ARCs!! Leave a comment to be entered :) And please choose a favorite line that's SPOILER FREE.

Since this contest is tied into discussions about the new US cover designs it isn't open internationally (there will be future international giveaways).

All new cover info and updates will be posted here and on Twitter (@andreacremer)

Thanks you guys for your passion and commitment to the Nightshade series. Calla and the whole pack thank you.

UPDATE: Thank you for all the wonderful comments!! I'll take entries through Thursday and announce the winners Friday morning.

Another update: Due to the amazing response, Editor Jill is now giving away FIVE Wolfsbane ARCs! Huzzah!

Pick Your Apocalypse

2011-03-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

This weekend I took in a film: Battle: LA. I will pretty much see any spectacular disaster movie, whether good or bad. I'd put Battle: LA in the good camp - it was an enjoyable romp with explosions abounding.

My husband and I bond over a shared love of the imagined apocalypse. While its depictions range from eye-rollingly ridiculous to thought provoking, there's something fascinating about the end of the world as we know it. In Buffyverse, though not one of my favorite character's, Riley Finn delivered one of the best lines of the series: "I find myself needing to know the plural of apocalypse."

Pop culture has indeed dreamed up a plethora of means by which the world might end and I tend to enjoy society's demise in all its forms. The Ides of March seem an appropriate day to examine a foreboding subject. Let's have a look see:

Alien apocalypse
Since I started out with Battle: LA I might as well continue in this vein. The alien apocalypse can be zany (Mars Attacks), insidious (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, X-Files), or bombastic (Independence Day, Battle: LA). It's interesting to see what our extraterrestrial neighbors look like, covet their superior technology, and wonder how humans will manage to prevail.

Viral ApocalypseMaybe more frightening because of its plausibility, the supervirus apocalypse (The Stand, Survivors) gets popular play though not as often as other armageddons. Sometimes it wipes out the population, sometimes it makes people into vampires (Daybreakers).

And in case you were worried that all this world-ending mayhem was mutually exclusive, sometimes viruses even bring...

Zombie apocalypseA perennial favorite, the zombie apocalypse comes in many forms. Whether wrought by the slow moving undead (George Romero's oeuvre) or the hyper-charged rage-diseased variety (28 Days Later), zombies spell bad news for society but give us lots of tips for survival. Double tap.

In fact, I'm not that frightened by the onset of zombie apocalypse because I think a good portion of the population is living in a zombie-apocalypse-ready state.

Climate apocalypse
A relative newcomer to the end of the world scenarios, you'll find a few blockbusters (The Day After Tomorrow) but mostly made-for-tv fare (Category 7: The End of the World is pretty awesome). To get serious for a moment, the climate apocalypse scenario hits pretty close to home when horrible disasters (and yes, I know tectonics isn't climate, but still) are affecting sites around the globe. If you aren't already donating to the Red Cross, please consider doing so .

Nuclear apocalypse

Like viral and climate apocalypses, nuclear apocalypse is plausible enough to be truly unsettling. But saw its popularity (Dr. Strangelove, The Day After, Reds, On the Beach) wane in the 21st century. I think "too close for comfort" is part of the we don't see more films of this variety. Also because the Cold War ended. Duh.

Biblical apocalypse
Classic. Who doesn't love a good angels vs. demons battle for the fate of the world? And the four horsemen: pretty hard to top. Whether the anti-Christ is being born (The Omen, Constantine) or Lucifer's running rampant (End of Days), this type of apocalypse is chock full of supernatural goodness.

Though I'd hope none of us are rooting for the end of the world, I'd still wager that we all favor a particular armageddon. My husband is a devoted nuclear apocalypse fan, I'm torn between zombie and biblical, which makes sense given that science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres.

What's your apocalypse of choice?

Shiny and New!!

2011-03-11T12:08:00.007-06:00

I have some VERY exciting news today!! First of all I'm thrilled to tell you that NIGHTSHADE is now an international best seller!!! (Thank you, France!)

Coming on the heels of that announcement I'm psyched to share yet more fabulous news:

NIGHTSHADE will be available in paperback this June AND features a new cover!

Penguin decided to try out a fresh take on NIGHTSHADE for the paperback release and I absolutely love it. I also loved the original cover, but I think the new cover truly embodies the novel and depicts Calla so perfectly. When I was first mulling over NIGHTSHADE I came across a poem by Margaret Atwood (one of my favorite authors)* and was struck by its first stanza:

Not you I fear, but that other

She who can walk through flesh

Queen of the two dimensions

These lines reflected the essence of Calla and were the inspiration for this new cover. I love it!

The response to the new NIGHTSHADE cover as it was previewed was so positive that Penguin has decided to makeover the series with this new theme. Squee!!! Thus I'm also able to share....

NEW WOLFSBANE COVER!!

I am enthralled by how powerful Calla is in this image and the way she resembles a wolf silhouetted by the moon is exquisite. Calla would love this cover (as would Ren and Shay *cough*).

Thanks to all the talent at Penguin for giving my books such wonderful covers!!! I can't wait to see them on the books!!

The poem is in this collection by Margaret Atwood.

Limitless

2011-03-09T12:19:00.005-06:00

No this is not a post about that new movie starring Bradley Cooper (although - yay, Bradley Cooper!)

At my household of late we've been watching the X-Files, which I missed when it was on back in the day because at that point in my life my scare tolerance was about a 2 on a 1 - 10 scale (1 The Dark Crystal, 10 being The Shining). Over time I've scaled up to around an 8 with a few variables thrown in. I enjoy a good fright, but still have no tolerance for gore. All of this adds up to me rounding up films and television shows that were once upon a time too scary for me, but am now devouring as quickly as I can find them.

I was thinking about why I particularly love the X-Files, which lead to more broad speculation about sci-fi and fantasy - which I'll always take over other genres - and why I'm mind-boggled when encountering people who say "I just don't like fantasy."

And that's that. It's not that they haven't found the right type of fantasy. This group of people don't like any kind of fantasy. They don't even like Harry Potter (fantasy blasphemy!!)

I've run into many such persons in the course of my life, and now that I'm writing fantasy I encounter even more usually in the contest of "I'd like to read your book, but I don't like fantasy. Will you write something else?" *facepalm*

The X-Files finally brought me around to an answer to this conundrum of speculation-haters. In the series Agent Fox Mulder engages in a constant tug of war with Agent Dana Scully. Mulder searchers for evidence of the fantastic in the world: ghosts, magic, monsters and, of course, aliens. Scully is the skeptic, always demanding fact and scientific proof and hoping to explain away through reason what on the surface appears impossible.

I think the population might be divided up into Mulders and Scullys: and it's all about competing visions of one's ideal world. Hailing from the Mulder camp I look at the world as full of possibility. And what terrifies me is the idea that all our imagining could be explained away. I don't want to live in a world where the magical and mystical have no traction, where miracles don't exist. That is what I'm afraid of.

Scullys are the opposite, finding comfort in a world that has boundaries that are fixed, rules that will not be broken. I don't mean this post as a criticism of said persons - only that I think I'm finally understanding their worldview and how radically divergent it is from my own.

These oppositional approaches to the world are based largely in fear. What is more frightening: a world where the fantastic and frightening may exist, or where they can be proven not to?

When asked why I write fantasy I often answer it's because of the freedom. I write to create worlds that explore things unseen, that test the limits of possibility.

I want to live in a world that is limitless. I want to believe.

Equals?

2011-03-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today is International Women's Day. I hope that anyone who reads Nightshade understands how deeply issues of inequality and patriarchy concern me - both as an historian and as a human being. I could write at length on this topic - but why would I when Daniel Craig and Judy Dench have already offered this:

Save the Teachers

2011-03-04T18:03:00.004-06:00

My home state of Wisconsin has been making a lot of headlines recently and the news is not good. In case you haven't heard, the current governor - Scott Walker - has decided that to solve the state's budget woes his only option is to destroy collective bargaining for public employees.

While troublesome in a broad sense because of its disdain for labor, the group affected by this decision that I'm most worried over is Wisconsin's teachers. I'm indebted to Wisconsin's public school system for my education - which was a truly excellent one at that. Teachers helped me to discover my love of learning and my passion for writing. They encouraged me with each step I took toward my goals and when my high school A.P. English teacher surprised me at my book release party, we both cried.

When I was home over the holidays I had the opportunity to visit my former high school and meet with students and teachers. I'm returning to the high school to give formal presentations on writing in April. School visits have become one of my favorite parts of being an author. Teachers play a vital role in organizing special programs, like author visits, to schools. I'm always impressed and moved by how incredibly hard these teachers work. Educators go far beyond the expectations of their jobs in order to enrich children's lives. Teachers are among the most dedicated, over-worked, and under-appreciated laborers of our society. Rather than being recognized for all that they do to help our communities, they've become an easy political target; scapegoats for social and economic ills for which they are not the cause.

I can hardly believe my ears when accusations of over pay for easy tasks fly. Teachers are not overpaid. Many teachers have second jobs in the summer months so they can pay their bills. During the school year teachers are not simply in the classroom, they are running after-school programs, coaching, mentoring and offering enrichment for students who would not otherwise find outlets for their gifts.

The attack on teachers is nothing less than an attack on the welfare of our society. To disrespect the contributions and sacrifices that educators make in service of the community is akin to dumping toxic waste in the river of the present so that its poisons can be dealt with downstream by the future.

24 Hour Contest

2011-03-01T00:10:00.001-06:00

Hey Blogger Friends,

Just wanted to give you a heads up that I'm running the first WOLFSBANE ARC contest on Twitter for the next 24 hours. On March 1 from midnight to 11:59 PM any tweet with including #wolfsbane will be entered for a chance to win an ARC of book 2 in the Nightshade series.

Good bye, February - bring on March and spring!

Mid

2011-02-18T13:21:00.005-06:00

It's the middle of the month, the mid-break of the Breathless Tour, and mid-winter all of which adds up to a general mood of blahs...

Winter up North gets a bit rough this time of year. February is a wicked little month that teases you with its title of shortest month of the year yet somehow seeming the longest of all. In Minnesota the amnesia-inducing glory of spring, summer, and fall lulls one away from the rough patch that is every February. Then this point in the year rolls around and I remember that yes, indeed, winter gets too long, too cold, and too dark.

Can I get a remedy??

Mine is POSTERS! I have 10 signed posters from the Breathless Reads tour. Today I'll announce five winners from the contest.

The FIRST FIVE WINNERS ARE:

Bookgeek

Flip_Flop_Caitlin

Aljoncelis

Mallary

Awesomesauce Book Club

Winners: Send your address to me at andreacremerwrites (at) gmail (dot) com and your posted will be mailed to you!!

I'll announce the second set of five winners after next week's tour stop in Raleigh, NC.

You can still enter the contest, so just leave a comment below and I'll include your info in the next drawing.

These winter blues will be beaten yet!

Whirlwind

2011-02-15T20:50:00.009-06:00

What a week! The Breathless Tour has been amazing thus far - thank you so much to everyone who has come out to see us. You guys are the best!
The only problem with the tour is that I've been so busy talking and signing that I haven't been able to take many pictures! Fortunately some awesome fans have been kind enough to share theirs with me.

Here are a few highlights:

In Denver I found a pegasus

In Salt Lake City I had a fish friend in my hotel room.
One of my absolute favorite moments was when the lovely Jennifer had me sign a book for her four-year-old daughter Morgan to be given to her on her sixteenth birthday. I was so touched I teared up!

Here is my youngest fan-to-be

You can also check out great pictures at the Breathless Reads Facebook Page

We're taking a little break, but on February 25 we'll be at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, NC!

To Heart, or Not to Heart

2011-02-14T11:46:00.003-06:00

It's Valentine's Day and before I wish you Happy Valentine's Day I thought I'd wax on a bit about the vagaries of this holiday.

I've been having fun reading pro and anti-Valentine's tweets and blogs this morning. I understand both sides. I'm not a fan of any holiday that makes some people feel bad and Valentine's Day is probably at the top of the list.

On the other hand, I'm of the quixotic variety so I like flowers and chocolate and silly, sloppy romantic sentiments (cheesy to me = funny and I think laughter and love go hand in hand).

Recounting the problems of this holiday is the amazing Heather Brewer. She makes exceptional points all around.

Here's a video on this dichotomous holiday, which I think nicely shows us a balance Valentine Horror and Happiness:

Also, my fabulous friend and author, David Levithan is going to be talking about his book: Lover's Dictionary (which limns the peaks and valleys of that thing called love) on All Things Considered this afternoon - check it out :)

In Good Company

2011-02-10T21:54:00.002-06:00

Writing is a solitary endeavor and can leave you feeling a bit isolated at times. I think the publicity and marketing wonder teams at Penguin have just given we Breathless Reads authors a mental health boost in addition to a great way to meet readers. By the way: here's the poster we're all signing and I'm giving away (10!!) in the contest from the last post.

We've completed two stops on the tour and it has been such an amazing time. There is a fantastic recap of the New York event on Midnyte Reader's blog with lots of great photos.

If you were at one of the stops and want to share a blog post or pics just let me know (by email or in the comments), I'd be happy to post links!

Being on the road with other authors (especially authors as fabulous as Kirsten, Ally, Brenna and Beth!) is delightful. It's so much fun getting to know each person's quirks, hobbies, joys and struggles. It reminds me that one of the great joys of writing is how unique an art it is. Each writer must find her/his own process, tell her/his story in a way only that person can.

I can't thank all the amazing bloggers and readers who've come out to say hello. It is so fantastic meeting you and learning about your love of reading and writing!

Tomorrow we're at Tattered Cover (Highlands Ranch) in Denver and Saturday at King's English in Salt Lake City. Go west, YA authors!

Breathless Reads Tour

2011-02-08T14:45:00.000-06:00

THIS WEEK!

Beginning Wednesday I'm off on the official Breathless Reads tour! (I'm also fighting a super yucky bug, so send health vibes so that I don't spread this plague around)

The authors of Matched, The Eternal Ones, Across the Universe, The Replacement, and Nightshade - that's Ally Condie, Kirsten Miller, Beth Revis, Brenna Yovanoff, and myself will be descending en masse for an event in each of our home cities. I cannot wait - it's sure to be a blast!

Our first stop is tomorrow night:

New York - Wednesday, February 9
Books of Wonder, 6 p.m.

And here's the rest of the schedule:

Minneapolis - Thursday, February 10
Hennepin County Public Library (Ridgedale Branch), 7 p.m.

Denver - Friday, February 11
Tattered Cover (Highlands Ranch), 7 p.m.

Salt Lake City - Saturday, February 12
King's English Bookshop, 2 p.m.

Raleigh - Friday, February 25
Quail Ridge Books and Music, 7 p.m.

I already held a contest to spread the word, but I'm doing it again - this time I have ten, yes 10!!, posters to give away. I don't have an image of the poster yet, but I'll put it up as soon as I have it. Each poster will be signed by all five authors. Just leave your name and a way to contact you in the comments below and you'll be entered (for those who entered the first time, you're already entered in this contest too)! Hope to see you soon!

My Real Name is Amanda...

2011-02-04T12:45:00.000-06:00

Once upon at time I had zero followers - it's amazing how life can change in ways you never imagined. Since I'm in the whirlwind of drafting and about to head out on the Breathless Tour I thought that I'd revisit some blog posts of the past. Thanks to those of you who've been here from the beginning and to those who've just joined us - I'm so grateful that you're all here!

A recurring quirk in my life revolves around my name. For some reason people (even people who know me well) often call me "Amanda."

It is always Amanda, never Anna, Adrienne, Amy, or Angela. Amanda, always, Amanda.

This renaming of my person has occurred for as long as I remember, and is an act I've always corrected with a polite, if bewildered, smile. And I have always wondered why it happens. It happened yet again today and I decided to give this name-change phenomenon some deliberate thought.

Do I look like an Amanda? Is Amanda that much more common of a name than Andrea?

I've long been obsessed with origin and meaning of names. I have a tattered baby name book that I've read (yes read) since I was a child not because I think about names for my own children - but because I love the places, histories, and emotions that the meaning behind a name evoke.

In my novels the characters' names (first and last) reveal as much about them as do their actions and dialogue. I spend a lot of time in research before giving a character a name.

Since I seem to be a secret Amanda, I investigated the origin of the name. It was invented in the 17th century (oddly enough this era is my period of specialization in history) by a playwright and is Latin for "lovable, worthy of love."

I had a pleasant heart flutter when I read that origin story. From now I'll take being called Amanda not as a failure to remember my name, but as a compliment.

Breathless Tour Winner!

2011-02-01T15:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks so much for spreading the word about the Breathless Reads Tour, which kicks off next week!

The winner of all five books is:

Kaylie Ayana Hofstetter!

Congrats, Kaylie!! Please email your address to me at andreacremerwrites (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll have the books shipped to you.

Hope to see many of you when we head out on the road. Fingers cross for zero blizzards!!

Other People's Music

2011-01-29T10:49:00.004-06:00

I've posted many a time about how essential music is to my writing process. Each of my novels has a playlist as I'm drafting and when copyedits are done the book gets a soundtrack. You can see the Nightshade playlist and soundtrack and the Wolfsbane playlist on my web site.

Discovering new music is one of my favorite things. I find a lot of songs through the incredible Minnesota Public Radio station The Current, which I'd recommend to everyone. You can stream it online no matter where you live. For ambient, mood music I often turn to Digitalis on Soma FM, which I'll sometimes stream as I'm writing.

But even better than finding music on your own can be the joy of learning about the songs and bands that other people love. David Levithan, author and editor extraordinaire, conducts a yearly music poll wherein his friends send in their favorite albums and songs of the year. David compiles the list and then gifts us all with an amazing compilation of music recommendations from some very music savvy peeps.

If you're looking for new music I'd check out these recommendations.

And here's a 2010 single on my list: Yeasayer's O.N.E. I love this song and am now obsessed with the video - it's like if a dystopian world decided the 1980s should be revived. It also kind of makes me think that this might be a club where the capital citizens of Panem might be found slumming it. (Sorry I can't embed the video here, but I'd highly recommend watching it. It's a hoot and a half!)

Enjoy!

Back To School

2011-01-24T11:10:00.003-06:00

First day of the spring semester has arrived, though given that this past week we've been living in sub-zero weather it hardly feels right to call it the spring semester.

As much as scheduling can get hairy when I'm doing two full-time jobs (writing and teaching), I'm looking forward to seeing my colleagues and students. Writing is a solitary endeavor, and as much as I'm an introvert who prefers being alone, it can be too easy to forget about the rest of the world. Teaching keeps me connected to people and ideas and for that I'm deeply grateful. While it's wonderful to be lost in a world of my own creation, it's also vital to remember that the stories are written to invite others in and share the journey.

Here's a song to get the semester started off right:

Don't Be Taken

2011-01-21T18:38:00.002-06:00

First, a request: if you are so inclined, perhaps you will stop by Teenreads.com and vote for Nightshade in the Children's Choice Best Books of 2010. I'm so honored to be nominated!

Also in the awards realm, just a reminder that you can still vote for Nightshade for Best Otherworldly Kiss in TheSmoochies!

Now for business: I'm often asked about how aspiring writers go about getting published and I have a section of my web site devoted to this topic. I'm always alarmed, however, when someone includes phrases like this in their email to me "I'm already paying an editor," "I know it takes a lot of money to get published."

!!!! STOP!!!!

To all aspiring authors - it should cost you nothing more than time, sweat, tears and ink cartridges to get published. While it's true that you can hire editors for pay, you're much better off finding a writing group or critique partner to help you through revisions. You also shouldn't pay anything to get published, YOU get paid to be published (self-publishing is another matter and I have no authority nor experience in that realm so I'll leave that alone). Literary agents don't charge fees, they make their living off a commission (15% is the industry norm) of your earnings once the book sells.

It breaks my heart that there are companies out there that take advantage of writers' dreams in order make money. When you're going about searching for an agent and a publisher be wary, do your research, and keep an eye out for red flag phrases.

This post was inspired by a great blog over at Writer Beware. I consider it recommended reading for aspiring authors. Arm yourself with knowledge, then go forth and create!

The Juggling Act

2011-01-20T17:38:00.003-06:00

On the fabulous blog, Wastepaper Prose, you'll find a number of authors (including myself) answering the question:

Have you ever blown off a social event with real people in order to stay at home with ones you've made up?

My answer: More than once.

It's true - and I don't feel guilty about it. I'd follow up that answer by saying, I don't really consider it blowing off event as much as recognizing the time I have and the obligations I've committed to and making choices going from there.

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is 'how do you manage to write novels while being a professor?' Let's see - how about, by blowing off social events with real people in order to stay at home with ones I've made up.

Sometimes it's hard to communicate what it means to be a writer - and while I think the writer's life varies from person to person, for me it means sometimes (and by sometimes, I mean often) closing myself off to the outside world in order to devote time to the worlds I'm creating.

When I'm teaching I have to be even more protective of that time. These things are on my mind because for the past six months I've been on sabbatical and next week I go back to teaching full time. Have no fear - I wrote all three of my novels while I was teaching, and though it can be stressful it's also workable, as long as I set boundaries. If I can't do this I'll fail as both teacher and writer.

So in the next few months, if my blog posts aren't as frequent, or it takes a bit longer than usual for me to respond to emails or interview requests, be assured I have not forgotten you. I really like you.

I'm just spending some quality time with my imaginary friends.

Vacation Location

2011-01-16T14:14:00.003-06:00

Good guesses all around and quite a few correct guesses!

Here I am:
In Key West!

I was actually staying on a tiny island just off of Key West called Sunset Key and it was heavenly. I think I got enough sunshine and vitamin D to get me through the rest of the winter - let's hope so.

Now for the winners - yes I said winners, courtesy of Atom Books I just received some finished UK editions of Nightshade that I'll throw into the mix!

Regan Coomer
WulfLuva
Tabby Lewis

Send your address to andreacremerwrites (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll send your prize!

Thanks for all the entries!

Bon Anniversaire, Nightshade: Lune de Sang

2011-01-13T10:13:00.004-06:00

Today is Nightshade's book birthday in France and Belgium! Tres bien!!
Merci beaucoup to all those readers who join Calla and her pack on the wild hunt.

WITW: Day 3

2011-01-12T16:23:00.006-06:00

Today's clues for a chance to win a signed hardcover of Nightshade. And I'm delighted to report that I have as yet avoided sunburn, which is near miraculous for me. Hooray for SPF 50!

Clue #1

Clue #2

Clue #3

WITW: Day 2

2011-01-11T09:19:00.005-06:00

Today I went parasailing! It was one of the coolest, and surprisingly, most tranquil activities I've ever taken part in. Absolutely loved it. Pictures will come in the next week :)

And here are today's clues. Post your guess as to where I am and all correct answers will be put into a drawing to win a signed, finished copy of Nightshade:

Clue #1

Clue #2 (note: I'm not on a cruise, but cruise ships dock here)

Clue #3

Where in the World?

2011-01-10T16:25:00.004-06:00

Unable to endure the Mother Nature's overly enthusiastic take on winter this year, I've escaped to much friendlier climes. Since I'm in need of serious R&R I won't be online as much as normal. Even so, I thought it would be fun to hold a little contest.

Over the week I'll post pictures from my vacation spot. Leave your guess as to where I am (the photos will be pretty generic to start and give more obvious clues as the week goes on). Correct guesses will be entered into a drawing for a signed, finished copy of Nightshade.

Here are the photos:

Clue #1

Clue #2

Clue #3

At the Bookshop

2011-01-05T10:14:00.006-06:00

Amid all the debates about publishing deaths and e-book revolutions, I always wonder about how far said revolutions can go simply because of aesthetics. I was wandering around the mall with my brother yesterday before taking him to the airport. We did some browsing in the Apple and *shinynew* Microsoft stores - which, by the by, are facing off against each other in the mall, both sporting futuristic all glass fronts and both feature employees wearing oppositional colors: Apple - all red shirts, Microsoft - all blue shirts.

My brother and I decided that someone needs to stage a YouTube flash of a mid-day mall rumble between these two stores.

But despite all the shiny, futurey goodies, I get tired of looking at screens, flashing lights, and consoles. The only place I spent money yesterday was at the bookstore. And the bookstore is also where we spend the bulk of our time.

There's something so wonderful about wandering through aisles of books, not knowing what you'll pick up, what you'll discover. As much as I'm used to reading books by author friends or books recommended by booksellers or blogger, it's still incredibly exciting to pick up a book you've never seen or heard of only to be captivated by its premise and prose.

Instead of waiting to post reviews of some new books, I decided that today I'd post about recent books I've purchased, but have not yet read, and why I picked them up. It's a mix of books I'd been anticipating and a few I just found and am really excited about.

David Levithan's Lover's Dictionary
David is not only an incredibly talented writer and editor - he's a genuinely exceptional human being who I am honored to call my friend. I've been super excited for his first adult novel. It's beautiful and so creative. I've only read a few pages (I just got it!) but I'm in love!

Cynthia Hand's Unearthly
I haven't met Cynthia in person, but she is a friend of my friend - the amazing poet and scholar Kristin Naca - and Kristin introduced (via the internet) Cynthia and I to each other. Like me, Cynthia is an academic trying to balance teaching and writing and so I feel instant kinship with her. I also loved this review of Unearthly and Nightshade together.

Matt Haig's The Radleys
The cover snared me on this one. And then I read a few pages. Suburban vampires. Commentary on abstinence and the repression of animal instincts. Wow. Yes.

Cherie Priest's Boneshaker
Zombies. Alternate Civil War. Steampunk. My next project is steampunk, as well as being alternate history. I'm psyched about this book.

Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men
I adore Terry Pratchett and this series has been on my TBR list forever. Finally picked it up.

Andrew Shaffer's Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love
Maybe wins best title ever?? Andrew is a fantastic columnist for Huffington Post, a master of wit, and I have been really looking forward to this book.

So what makes you pick up a book? Have you been surprised by any recent literary purchases?

Resolved!

2011-01-03T10:02:00.002-06:00

It's the first Monday in January, which makes me want to run around shrieking and pulling at my hair. Why? Because now all that "I don't really have to get anything done - it's the holidays!" mantra has vanished and reality has come crashing through the door.

Does anyone else feel this way?

I'm approaching the 'real' New Year with excitement and trepidation. I see lots of good things on the horizon, but I'm also wary of the plate spinning I'll be doing to balance writing, teaching, and life.

That's where my 2011 resolution comes in, I'm talking about the big one here. There are also little ones about exercise and meditation, etc. but the big one is this:

I resolve to work with passion and then let it go.

2010 was an amazing year, but it also involved a lot of hand-wringing on my part. Too many questions, all of the what if followed by a negative thought variety, kept me from savoring the journey as much as I could have.

In 2011 I'm working hard to focus on doing what I love and letting the universe do what it will what that effort. I want to spend less time on self-doubt and anxiety and more time observing the joys that grace my life and being thankful for them.

Given that I'm an intensely self-critical, quasi-obsessive perfectionist this will not be an easy task. And yet, I am resolved!!

What are your resolutions for the New Year?

Cover Love!

2011-01-01T23:11:00.007-06:00

The results are in, and I'm thrilled to announce that the Urban Fantasy Cover Awards for 2010 have treated Nightshade very, very well.

Nightshade won Best Debut Cover and COVER OF THE YEAR!!!

If that wasn't peachy enough, Wolfsbane was honored with Best Sneak Peek Cover for 2011!

Thank you so much to everyone who voted I am giddy over this honor. And I would be remiss if I didn't say thank you, especially, to Suza Scalora - the incredible artist whose photographs have made the Nightshade covers so unique and beautiful!

I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be filled with great adventures and joyful surprises. I look forward to sharing the new year with all of you!

Out with the Old

2010-12-31T12:41:00.003-06:00

The close of one year and the opening of the next always leaves me in a restless state of mind. I remember a year ago, on the eve of 2010 and the excitement with which I approached the year of my greatest dream coming true - the publication of my novel, Nightshade.

Any expectations I had were far exceeded by the experience that was 2010. I am so grateful to Penguin and InkWell for the amazing work they did to make my dreams a reality. And I will never have enough thanks to all the readers (that's you!!) who took Calla and her pack into their hearts.

2011 brings more excitement and I'd just like to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you again for being with me on the adventures that each new day brings!!

Pub Date Across the Pond!

2010-12-28T09:47:00.002-06:00

Hooray!!! Nightshade is officially out in the UK today!

Thanks so much to the amazing team at Atom Books - I'm ecstatic that Nightshade is making friends in England, Scotland and beyond even as I write this message.

If you haven't yet checked out the UK Nightshade web site, you should as it is soooo very pretty.

Since it's very, very wintry from Minnesota to New York to London I thought this might be an appropriate song to celebrate the day. I hope you'll brave the elements to go pick up your own copy of Nightshade and give it a nice, cozy new home!

Signing and Some Winners!

2010-12-27T09:43:00.002-06:00

It's the post-Christmas lull. The space of days between Christmas and New Year's always strikes me as a bit odd. It's a time of winding down and reflecting on the year - but also of anticipation, looking toward what's to come in 2011.

If you're looking for something to do and happen to be in Northern Wisconsin, you can stop by Stage North in Washburn (on beautiful Lake Superior) for my reading and signing tonight at 7.

I also have some winners to announce from last week's contests. Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by!

The winners of Catherine Fisher's giveaway are:

Lexie

and

Ammy

The winners of Lisa Desrochers' giveaway of a signed copy of Personal Demons is:

Libby

Congrats to the winners! You'll be getting an email from me in the next few days asking for your mailing deets.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all the magic, joy, and wonder of the season!!

Q&A and a Contest!

2010-12-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas Eve Day and Catherine Fisher was kind enough to answer my questions. Here's the interview and if you leave a comment you might find that Santa brings you Catherine's book (albeit slightly after the holiday)!

There are so many fascinating elements at work in this series, but let’s start with the obvious one: how did you come up with a living prison?

I have had the idea of a sentient building for some time now. It's not a new idea, but buildings often feel as if they have a personality, and might speak in different ways. In my RELICMASTER set I have a section where the heroine, Carys gets trapped in a building which talks to her. It's an abandoned, drowned palace, and I enjoyed making its voice both sarcastic and neurotic. That was just one scene, but it probably laid the foundations (!) for Incarceron.

I loved the way your world was both historical and futuristic – what inspired that blend of an artificially engineered past and a dystopian future?

As you know, it's hard to think back into the processes of writing and see where things came from. It had to be a future world because of the Prison's capabilities, and then the idea of the frozen past of the Era just seemed a good contrast As I elaborated on it I realised it threw upall sorts of interesting images. Both Finn and Claudia think the other's world is a paradise, and find out it's hell. So there was this past/present, hell/heaven idea running through which I enjoyed.

Do you think we too often idealize the past (as has occurred in an extreme way in Incarceron)?

I think we do idealize the past in some ways. Certainly there is a sort of nostalgia for the old days and a whole industry here in Britain based around heritage. On the other hand it's easy to think the past was totally alien to us, but in many ways people don't change. I often visit prehistoric sites like Stonehenge and Avebury, and think about how the people who built them had the same basic concerns that we do. And we're living in their buildings all the time.

If you were placed in Incarceron, what part of the prison would you hope to land in?

I would definitely not want to be in Incarceron! If I was, maybe Blaise's tower would be the safest and most interesting place. Though there are whole swathes of the Prison that even I don't know about.

The second book in your series, Sapphique, is titled after one of the novel’s characters. That’s such a unique name, where did it come from and does it have a special meaning that you could share?

I invented the name Sapphique out of various bits of words- as you say, unique might be one of them, also sapphire, opaque, words I like. It's a feminine sounding name but then I made the character male. I wanted a one word title that would intrigue the reader.

What has been your favorite part of writing this story?

I enjoyed the Chaingang scene and the bits with Jared and the Queen. I also like Rix and his crazy patchbooks. Keiro is always fun to write. And Claudia's changing relationship with her father. But like all books, the enjoyment usually comes after the work!

Thanks for the great questions Andrea, and I really enjoyed Nightshade.

Best wishes Catherine.

Thank you, Catherine!! And remember, readers, leave a comment below for a chance to win!!

UK Blog Tour

2010-12-23T10:49:00.004-06:00

Christmas is almost here - I can hardly believe it! We've just passed the Winter Solstice, which means each day brings us a little more sunlight - considering that this time of year in Minnesota it gets dark at 4 p.m. I find that thought more than a little bit comforting.

Exciting things afoot on the other side of the Atlantic. Atom Books has kicked off the countdown to Nightshade with a fabulous blog tour! You can read excerpts from the book and soon some awesome UK (and AU/NZ) blogs will feature interviews and guests post. There's also a contest to 'cast' Calla - and I can't wait to see who readers think would best portray her on screen.

You can also check out the Atom's fabulous Nightshade web site www.nightshadeseries.co.uk and download some gorgeous wallpaper.

Though the official release date of Nightshade in the UK isn't until December 28, I'm getting reports that copies have been sighted at WH Smiths and Waterstones. So if you're looking for a last minute Christmas gift? (hint, hint)

Merry Christmas and I hope Santa brings whatever you've been wishing for!!!

Guest Post: Catherine Fisher!

2010-12-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today I'm delighted to welcome Catherine Fisher, author of Incarceron and Sapphique!

Twists and turns.

I don't know if this goes for everyone, but as a reader I enjoy being made to work. I like books where things are going on that I can't quite grasp, and I have to stop and muse a bit sometimes. I like it when the writer plays tricks on me. One brilliant example is a book I really admire, Christopher Priest's novel The Prestige. About a third into it I gradually began to sense that I was being hoaxed, or manipulated by the author. Read it, and you'll see what I mean. If you manage to work out what's happening, you, as reader, feel good about yourself and about the book too. And if you don't even notice, and the author completely floors you with some revelation later on, there's a strange pleasure in that too, I think.

With Incarceron and Sapphique I wanted to set up parameters and then blow them up. I wanted to place a few small explosive charges that would stun the reader as they travel through the book. If you've read them, you might guess which things I mean. Sometimes even I can't see these coming, which is good, as it means I can't give them away by leaving clues. What Attia announces about Claudia is one of those. I was as surprised as I hope the reader is.

It's probably quite perverse to enjoy leading the reader down one path and then whisking the very ground from under his/her feet, but it's fun.

The danger is that there's a fine line between being pleasantly puzzled or surprised and being totally lost and therefore bewildered. I know I tread that line sometimes, maybe at the end of Sapphique. I just hope readers still with me by then will be prepared for anything. I really

think that books should be an adventure, and challenge the reader and make them engage. That things which seem true may not be. That the boy tied across the transit lines may actually be part of the ambush. That the writer, who seems so nice, and to be telling a straightforward story, may be spinning you a whole sticky web of lies. Just like Finn.

Naughty and Nice: A Contest

2010-12-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

In case you didn't already know it, I have a fabulous critique partner, Lisa Desrochers. Lisa and I met at the San Francisco Writers' Conference in February 2009, decided to start swapping our drafts and within the year we both had book deals!! I'm still reeling at our good fortune and am always grateful that I have such a wonderful writer and friend in Lisa.

Lisa's debut, Personal Demons, is smokin. Check out her blog and leave a comment below for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of her book!! (Thank you, Lisa!!!!)

I'm thrilled to have two of the book's stars - Luc (a demon) and Gabe (an angel) - stopping by for an interview today.

Me (looks at Luc and Gabe, fans self): Ummmm, is it getting hot in here?

Gabe (jerks thumb at Luc): You’ll have to take that up with him.

Me (coughs, hurrying to change the subject): So, guys, the holidays are coming up – what’s on your wish list this year?

Luc (smirks): Frannie, over easy.

Gabe (rolls eyes): There’s the Christmas spirit. (smiles at Andrea) It’d be horribly cliché to say peace on Earth and goodwill toward man, wouldn’t it? So, I’ll just settle for Frannie’s soul.

Luc (glares at Gabe): Shouldn’t you be impaled on the top of someone’s Christmas tree?

Me (beaming at Gabe, too nervous to sneak a glance at Luc): Time to be nice - Luc, I know you’re going to hate this – what’s one trait you admire in each other?

Luc (raises eyebrow at Andrea): Seriously?

Gabe: You’re complaining?

Luc: I am.

Gabe: I’ll start. Luc is…creative.

Luc (barks out a laugh): That’s the best you could do?

Gabe: It’s better than “seriously?”

Luc (looks back at Andrea): See what I have to put up with? Okay. Give me a second… Gabe is…bright.

Gabe (throws up hands): You admire my brightness?

Luc (shoots a glare at Gabe): What do you want from me?

Gabe: I guess a reasonable answer is too much to hope for?

Luc (slumps in chair): Fine. He’s loyal, I suppose.

Gabe (nods): And Luc is courageous…when he wants to be.

Me: Okay...I guess we’ll give naughty a spin too. What have you done lately that might make Santa skip your house?

Gabe: Can I plead the fifth?

Luc (smiles at Andrea): I’ll give you his list. He’s been up to all kinds of very questionable angelic conquests, such as trying to get into Frannie’s—

Gabe (holds up hand): Whoa, there, brimstone-breath. I have done absolutely nothing outside my scope as a Dominion.

Luc: Except kissing Frannie.

Gabe: How do you know about that?

Luc: She told me.

Gabe (shifts in seat) (looks at Andrea): He, on the other hand, would have a much easier time answering the question: Have you done anything in all your pathetic existence to redeem your sorry demonic butt?

Luc (crosses arms): I have.

Gabe: Such as?

Luc: I can’t see how that’s any of your business, and this isn’t your interview. (Turns to Andrea) Santa has plenty of reasons to skip my house and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Me (tries not to blush while Luc keeps looking my way): Uh...moving along...since I love philosophy, let’s wax thoughtful for a moment. We’ll be seeing you again soon in a book titled, Original Sin. What’s your take on that concept?

Luc: Depending on which belief system you buy into, original sin can be interpreted in any number of different ways, all of which work for me. Whether you look at it as the specific sin of Adam and Eve that lead to the fall of man, or the more Catholic doctrine that it’s the general state of sin that all men are born into, it means that man will always sin and I will always benefit.

Gabe: No. It means that sometimes man sins—

Luc (smirking): And so do angels.

Gabe (shaking head): The concept of original sin is founded in Christian doctrine. In reality, it’s not nearly as cut and dry as organized religion would like to make it seem. Man has free will. What that means is they are free to make their own choices. There are temptations—

Luc (grinning): Tell me about it…

Gabe (glaring at Luc): and sometimes man falls prey to them. In the end, a man’s conscience is going to dictate how he deals with those temptations, but I don’t buy that man, in his true essence, is born to sin.

Luc (leans forward and smiles wickedly): How about you, Andrea? Up for a little original sin?

Me (holds Luc's gaze for a moment, stands up, bolts because I'd prefer to hang on to my soul) (calls over shoulder): Thanks for stopping by you guys! Merry Christmas!!! Say hi to Lisa for me!

Wow - that was...intense...ummm.....remind me to bring a chaperone next time. And don't you guys forget to leave a comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of Personal Demons. I'll take entries through December 25 - whether you've been naughty or nice!

Catherine Fisher

2010-12-19T13:43:00.003-06:00

I've got a lovely Christmas gift for you, dear readers! This week I'm featuring author, Catherine Fisher. Catherine has penned some truly fabulous books that I'm so happy to talk about - as well as featuring two of my favorite book covers!

If you weren't paying attention in the early part of 2010 you might have missed the release of Incarceron (maybe not though - considering it did hit the NYT best seller list). But if you're Team Jacob you've surely noted that the film version of Incarceron will star no other than one Taylor Lautner!

Incarceron is a fantastic tale that weaves mystery and suspense in a world that features a living prison with dangers, rules, and societies contained in its ever-changing walls and a world outside the prison that boasts incredible technology side-by-side with strange trappings of the past. I don't want to describe the book to much as I think losing yourself in this fascinating world is one of the best parts of the novel.

If you haven't read Incarceron yet, now is the perfect time because the second book in the series - Sapphique, will be what you want to pick up with your bookstore gift cards post-holiday. Sapphique will be available December 28 (cough - same day as Nightshade's UK release - cough).

Catherine will stop by the blog Wednesday and Friday. I can't wait - be sure to check in for a chance to win her book!!

Winner!

2010-12-17T17:10:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday, everyone!

The randomly selected winner of Five Flavors of Dumb is:

Christina Ferko!

Congrats :) Keep watching the blog for more giveaways leading up to Christmas. I'm going to celebrate the weekend with one of my favorite Christmas songs:

Book Alert & Contest

2010-12-14T09:31:00.002-06:00

I have a special guest on the blog today: Antony John is the author of FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB, a fabulous book that recently hit bookstores. I had the pleasure of meeting Antony earlier this fall and he is such a cool, fun person that I want you to know who he is and how awesome his book is. Antony was gracious enough to stop by for an interview - and if you leave a comment below you'll be entered to win FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB!!

We first met at Anderson's YA conference in Naperville, IL in September - meeting awesome authors, like yourself, is one of my favorite 'perks' of being a writer. What have been some of your favorite things about being an author?

* Oh boy, I could write a dissertation on this one!

First off, you’re spot on when you say that the biggest perk is meeting other authors (and also editors and agents). People who dedicate their lives to an aspect of children’s literature are invariably doing it because they’re passionate about it, and it’s so energizing to be around them. Meeting you in Naperville was a case in point. I could’ve just sat and listened to you talk about Nightshade all day, although that might have defeated the purpose of our panel, right?

Second, I love the rush of writing: those times when you get in a zone and the words just pour out like you’re in your own personal IMAX movie. It’s thrilling, and exhilarating, and I’m in the incredibly luxurious position of knowing that those words will most likely make it into print one day. I get the feeling both of us know how lucky we are to be able to say that.

As a random third, I have to admit that being a YA author definitely wins me the Coolest Job prize at social gatherings. Every time I attend a party I’m reminded that (a) people find authors fascinating, and (b) a lot of adults are reading YA these days (and they’re very opinionated)!

Tell us about Five Flavors of Dumb:

* Five Flavors of Dumb is the story of Piper Vaughan, a deaf high school senior. When her parents raid her college fund to pay for her baby sister’s cochlear implant, Piper resorts to managing her school rock band as a way of making some money. It’s crazy, funny, heartfelt, and uplifting—at least, that’s what the reviews are saying.

Since this book is, in part, about a band - did you listen to music while you were writing it? If so, can you tell us a song from the playlist as an example?

* Oh yeah, I listened to LOADS of music. In fact, I have a playlist of over a hundred songs that I listened to over and over while I was writing. (I’ve played most of these songs at least 20 times according to iTunes, which tells you how long it takes to write a book.)

But as the example, I’m going to name a couple songs that actually appear in the book. (I’m not going to say HOW they appear, though, because that would spoil the surprise.):

Nirvana – Seasons in the Sun

Jimi Hendrix – Star-Spangled Banner (live at Woodstock, 1969)

What surprised you the most about writing Five Flavors of Dumb?

* Ooh, good question. I think I’d have to say the most surprising thing was how fully I got inside the head of my main character, Piper. I spent several months researching deafness before I wrote a word, by which time I had a truly deep understanding of who Piper was, and what made her tick. She’s smart, sardonic, determined, and someone I would have loved to know when I was a teen. Writing from her perspective felt effortless, and I think that’s a good sign!

What are you working on next?

* My next YA will be coming out around spring 2012 from Dial. It’s called The Hallelujah Book Tour, and is the story of a boy who writes a spiritual self-help book that becomes a bestseller. He’s sent on a promotional tour along Route 66, but things don’t exactly go as planned, particularly when a former crush hitches a ride.

After that, around fall 2012, the first book in my Elemental trilogy will be released (also with Dial; can you tell I like my editor!). It’s set in a dystopian colony of the United States where everyone is born with powers of the elements—earth, water, wind, and fire—except for one boy who is powerless . . . or is he? I’m so psyched about it I can barely see straight.

Please visit me at www.antonyjohn.net (and friend me on the Facebook link)!

Thanks for having me along today, Andrea. And Happy Holidays to all your readers!

Thanks so much for being here, Antony & readers be sure to leave a comment below so you're entered in the contest!