TWO EVENTS: Asheville & Portland

I feel like I have tons to tell you, but I'm supposed to be WORKING, so I'll keep this to the pressing business and come back for the rest (i.e., the fun stuff) later . . .

EVENT NUMBER ONE:

Nova Ren Suma, Beth Revis, and I will be chatting and signing books and such at Malaprop's in Asheville, NC this coming Monday, June 24th, at 7:00 p.m.

I'm preeeeeeetty sure they'll have early copies of Lola and the Boy Next Door in paperback, which doesn't officially release until next month. And they'll definitely have Anna's new paperback. This will probably be my last local event this year, so I hope you'll stop by and say hello!

Beth is the author of the NYT bestselling Across the Universe trilogy, and Nova is the author of Dani Noir (reissued as Fade Out), Imaginary Girls, and 17 & Gone. Those last two, FYI, were edited by Julie Strauss-Gabel. Who is my editor! And John Green's editor, and Gayle Forman's editor, and Ally Condie's editor, and and and.

I mention this because I know there are a LOT of readers out there who will pick up a book simply because they know that Julie edited it. (Always a smart move, by the way.) So . . . if you aren't familiar with Nova's work, check her out!

Can’t make it? Call Malaprop’s to order signed copies of any of our books. Their number is (828) 254-6734, and they are super duper duper friendly.

EVENT NUMBER TWO:

It's that time of year again! 

LEAKYCON!!!

This will be my fourth (out of four!) LeakyCon and my billionth Harry Potter conference in general. Yep. You could say I'm a fan. ;-)

If you'd like to join me (red), my superagent Kate Schafer Testerman (purple), and superauthor Laini Taylor (pink), all three of us will be back this year, along with—of course—TONS of other amazing authors and guests. Look for us on the Lit Track panels in Portland, OR from June 27–30.

I'm sorry this post is so businessy. Back soon!

UPDATE: Isla and the Happily Ever After

photo by the enormously talented Pascal Grob

Hello friends,

This is an incredibly difficult post to write. Those of you who have pre-ordered Isla and the Happily Ever After have most likely received an email telling you that the release date has been pushed back to May 15, 2014—a full year from now.

This is both true and not true.

I am so, so sorry.

And I shall try my best to explain.

To answer your most pressing question first, May 15, 2014 is a placeholder date. This is NOT the book's official release date.

So . . . what’s the purpose of a placeholder date?

This is sort of confusing, but, basically, when a book is placed into a season in the publisher’s catalog (publishers organize the release of books by seasons, which helps them with marketing and conferences and such) it requires a release date. But sometimes—like with Isla—the book’s release date is unknown at the time of the catalog’s release. When this occurs, the book is given a placeholder date.

The reason why Isla currently has a placeholder is twofold:

(1) My publisher and I are doing everything we can to move this book forward. Our hope is that we’ll be able to release it earlier than its placeholder date. But we can’t know for sure until we’re further through the editorial process. The most honest date that I can give you right now is simply: 2014.

(2) It’s my fault.

I want to be extraordinarily clear that the reason why my book is delayed has everything to do with me and nothing to do with anyone else. Please, please, please don’t send your complaints to my publisher. I am the person at fault.

My editor, my agent, and everyone at Penguin have been nothing but patient with me—far more so than I deserve. I have not made it easy on them. I am grateful and humbled by their continued support, caring, and well wishes.

And now I’ve come to the section of this post where I have to decide . . . which parts of my story to tell you. Where should I be honest and forthright, and where should I remain private?

I’ll begin here: I have depression.

I’ve been diagnosed with it since high school, but I’ve had it since the third grade. The strength of it comes and goes, but it’s always present. It is something that I deal with—that I am required to manage—every single day.

For reasons that I am not comfortable sharing publicly, the last few years have been some of the hardest of my life. I have not been this unhappy, this unhealthy, and this unstable since high school.

And my work has suffered because of it.

I am lucky to have the most loving husband in the entire world. The most patient friends. The most supportive family. My doctors are fantastic, and so—to be frank—is my medication. There have been periods where I have needed it and others where I haven’t, and I am grateful for its existence.

I don’t want you to worry.

I’m doing okay.

Better than okay, in fact. This spring has brought an unexpected and remarkable period of healing, and—because of this—my work is finally blossoming, too.

The book and I are both in good shape. We just need a little more time.

Thank you, in advance, for your patience and understanding.

That's all for now.

xo

ATTENTION: Giveaway for High School Educators

This post is for high school educators in the United States of America.

(Sorry, everyone else! Shipping gets expensive.)

If you are a school librarian OR if you have a library in your classroom, hello! I have several copies of Anna and the French Kiss hanging around my office, and I'd love to get them into your collection. I currently have:

8 U.S. paperbacks

1 Australian paperback (exact same book, different font)

I also have:

3 paperback copies of Anna in Spanish

8 paperback copies of Lola in Spanish

If CONTENT will be an issue, please be aware that my novels do contain swearing. Also, here is a list of the sexual content inside Anna, and here is the list for Lola.

If you'd like a signed! free! copy of any of the above, please leave a comment on this post telling me which book you're interested in. If you're reading this on Goodreads or through any other feed, you MUST leave the comment on my actual website to be considered. Books are first come, first serve. If you have a Spanish collection, I'm happy to give you a copy of both Anna and Lola (until I run out, of course).

My fabulous assistant Martha Thimble will be the one replying to your comments.

And if you're not an educator (and somehow you're still reading this), I would greatly appreciate any help in spreading the word! Thank you, friends. xo

Coverflipping + New Releases + Utah Events

First things first: Have you read Maureen Johnson's phenomenal coverflip article for HuffPost Books about the difference between covers of books written by men versus those written by women? I wish I were in NYC so I could run to MJ's apartment and high-five the hell out of her. The article is here and some of the best gender-flipped covers are here.

I LOVE YOU, MAUREEN.

I'd also like to direct you toward this blisteringly brave article written by Deborah Copaken Kogan, "My So-Called 'Post-Feminist' Life in Arts and Letters: Slut-shaming, name-calling and no respect: welcome to life in literary America for a 21st century female author."

I LOVE YOU, DEBORAH.

Now.

Anyone who follows the YA community on Twitter knows that today is the day of a thousand releases. There's already a huuuuuge buzz around Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave (Yay, Team Penguin!) so I thought I'd highlight some of the others:

Sara Zarr's The Lucy Variations — Sara Zarr is one of the greatest authors of contemporary literature. If it were up to me, she would win every writing award in the entire world. Seriously. All of them. I cannot freaking WAIT to read this.

Holly Black's Doll Bones — Ditto Holly Black. And how amazing are those illustrations by Eliza Wheeler? This one is actually a return to middle grade (The Spiderwick Chronicles), but I had to include it here anyway. Because it's Holly Black. Did I mention Holly Black has a new book out today? And it has the best title of the year?

L.K. Madigan's Project: Boy Next Door — I want to write a separate post about this after I've had the opportunity to read this, but I have to mention it here, too. Lisa was a dear friend and mentor who passed away from cancer in 2011. This is a companion to Flash Burnout, her first (OHMYSTARS BRILLIANT) novel which won the William C. Morris award. Lisa and I wrote our Boy Next Door books simultaneously, and I'm grateful and teary and ecstatic that hers is finally being published. It's only available in e-book format, and it's only $3.99. Please, please, please support it.

T. Michael Martin's The End Games — I'm so happy to have been introduced to this former NC author (WHY DID YOU HAVE TO MOVE???) through our mutual friend Sara Zarr. Mike is THE NICEST, and I can't wait to read this sophisticated zombie apocalypse novel. It's already received a starred review from Booklist.

Andrea Cremer and David Levithan's Invisibility — HELLO, it's Andrea and David. That right there should be enough to get you all jazzed! Also, this is the first of two invisible-protagonist novels I'm excited about this month. My beloved friend Natalie Whipple's superfun debut Transparent is out on the 21st.

Amy Plum's If I Should Die — The final book in her trilogy about revenants. I STILL haven't had a chance to read this series, but: (A) It's set in Paris. You guys are into Paris, yes? ;-) And (B) Amy is the sweetest. Which I feel like I keep saying, but seriously. All of these authors are amazing people. I'm so lucky to work in YA.

Finally . . .

WOO HOO! Icons is the solo debut from Margaret Stohl, co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series. I've just started reading this one, and I'm really enjoying it. It has the feel of a blockbuster action film combined with the heart of an award-winning indie. Also, Margie has put together an INCREDIBLE multi-author tour, including two stops with yours truly:

San Francisco – Tuesday May 7 at 7:30 pm – Icons Launch at Books Inc – A Not Your Mother’s Book Club (NYMBC) event – Margaret Stohl with Andrea Cremer, David Levithan, Nina LaCour.

San Francisco area – Wednesday May 8 – Keplers – Margaret Stohl with Melissa de la Cruz, Leigh Bardugo, Kim Derting, Kami Garcia.

Seattle – Thursday May 9 at 7:00 pm – Pierce County Library – Margaret Stohl with Leigh Bardugo, Kim Derting, Marissa Meyer.

Seattle – Friday May 10th at 6:30 PM – Third Place Books – Margaret Stohl and Kim Derting in conversation with a Special Guest Moderator. Details TBA.

Los Angeles – Saturday May 11th – Dark Delicacies – Margaret Stohl with Melissa de la Cruz, 5 pm, Signing only.

Los Angeles – Sunday May 12th – venue TBA – Margaret Stohl with Ransom Riggs, Tahereh Mafi, Melissa de la Cruz, Marie Lu, Alyson Noel, Kami Garcia.

Salt Lake City – Tuesday May 14th – the King’s English – Margaret Stohl with Ally Condie, Shannon Hale and Stephanie Perkins.

Provo – Wednesday May 15th – Provo Library – Margaret Stohl in conversation with Stephanie Perkins.

Rochester Teen Book Festival – Saturday May 18th, all day – Nazareth College, Rochester, NY – see website for more information.

New York Area (Long Island) – Sunday May 19th – Barnes & Noble Carle Place – 2 pm – Margaret Stohl in conversation with Eliot Schrefer and Barry Lyga.

New York City – Monday May 20th – 7 PM – Books of Wonder – Margaret Stohl with Gayle Forman, E. Lockhart, Robin Wasserman, Barry Lyga and Tonya Hurley.

Charleston, SC – Thursday May 23rd – Blue Bicycle Books – Margaret Stohl with Beth Revis, Michelle Hodkin, Kathy Reichs and Brendon Reichs.

Isn't that list of authors and cities insane? If you live near ANY of those events, attend attend attend! Margie is smart and hilarious and BRINGS THE PARTY. I'm so honored that she's invited me along for Salt Lake City and Provo. They'll be my first events in Utah. Huzzah!

Which releases are you looking forward to? And which have I forgotten? Chime in below in the comments.


EDITED TO ADD: Dude. Terra Elan McVoy's Criminal releases today, too! I can't even handle it. What is UP with today?!

I Miss You, David Rakoff

When I'm feeling aimless or restless or just plain lost, I have a habit of typing in the names of my role models into Google news searches. I do this so often that I rarely get hits. But last August, new news of David Rakoff—sparkling wordsmith, cynic with a heart of gold, frequent contributor to This American Life—appeared in my search. He had died of cancer.

It wasn't a surprise. As a fan of TAL, I'd seen his astounding performance in last year's live show. And, like everyone else who saw it, I wept.

But this news—the finality of it—was crushing.

My heart still hurts to think about David Rakoff. He is still one of my role models. And he is still one of the people that I Google when I'm feeling empty.

Today I ran across this video (warning: a bit of swearing), in which he discusses why writing actually gets harder as you age instead of easier. I can never, ever, ever hear enough about the struggles of other writers.

Thanks for coming through for me again, David.

More links:

• "Don't trade up" and other advice Ariel Kaminer learned from David.

• Tumblr filled with gifts that David made for his friends.

• David's various appearances on The Daily Show.

• This American Life's tribute episode, "Our Friend David."

and

• David's books on Indiebound.

New Covers, New Releases, Mini-Tour with Maureen

If you follow me on Twitter or Tumblr, you've already seen the link to EW's (!!!) cover reveal. But for the rest of you:

OHMYSTARS I HAVE BEAUTIFUL NEW COVERS.

(ALSO I WAS ON ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S WEBSITE.)

My wonderful publicist Elizabeth made the cover reveal happen, and I am still picking my jaw up off the floor. Thank you, Elizabeth! Hurrah!

BUT BACK TO THE COVERS, RIGHT?

I love them, you guys.

LOVE. THEM.

They're my absolute dream covers—simple, colorful, elegant, fun, romantic. Setting-based. Strong type. I couldn't be happier or more proud. An ENORMOUS thank you to Julie, Eileen, and everyone else at PenguinTeen who has been working so hard to make these look so good. My books are lucky to be in their hands.

And . . . I'm thrilled that your online response has been so positive! I knew you would approve. It's because of you, my dearest readers, that these books are getting a second life. :-)

If you'd like to see the new covers bigger, you'll find them here. (Scroll down.) And now! Answers to your FAQ:

Why the new covers?

Well, there are many reasons. But I assume you can tell by looking at them that we're hoping to broaden the readership. I'm happy these will have a wider appeal.

When will they be out?

Anna and Lola's new covers (paperback and ebook) will be released July 16th. Isla and the Happily Ever After will be published (hardcover and ebook) sometime this fall. The date on Amazon/B&N is listed as September 17th. I have no idea if that's correct. Publishing is weird like that. I'll let you know when I have a firm date.

Will I be able to purchase hardcovers of Anna and Lola with the new look?

I'm not sure. I assume this decision will be made in the future, based on sales. But I could be wrong. Again, I'll let you know.

Will there be a box set?

Man, I hope so! Wouldn't that be cool?! But I don't know. This is another decision that my publisher will make in the future.

Will there be a paperback version of Lola with the old cover?

No. Lola will be released as a paperback with the new cover on July 16th.

Will the paperback of Lola contain an excerpt of Isla?

I'm not sure. Maybe? I'm really not sure. Sorry.

Will there be an opportunity to purchase an Isla that matches the old covers?

No. For readers who are sad that their hardcover set will not match, I'm sincerely sorry. As an avid reader and perfectionist, I understand your frustration. I like matching sets, too. But—as the author—please allow me to be clear that I am one hundred percent behind this new look.

But wasn't there a photo shoot for Isla ages ago?

Yes. But I never saw any of the pictures, so . . . I doubt you will either.

Are you done writing Isla?

No. But it's going well! Except, of course, the days like THESE:

(From this great Tumblr.)

SPEAKING OF ISLA! Here's the latest book description:

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Yay yay yay! 

Okay, time to move on? Yes. Time to move on.

There are *THREE* new releases this week that I want you to know about:

I'm a huge fan of Robin Benway's intelligent, funny contemporary novels, and her latest, Also Known As (AKA), is about a teen safecracker and spy. And seeing the world! And a private school! And a cute boy! If you like Ally Carter or E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks, absolutely check it out.

In debuts, Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park is so phenomenal that I blurbed it:

“Eleanor & Park is a breathless, achingly good read about love and outsiders.”

—Stephanie Perkins, New York Times bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door

(Don't tell her publisher that I'm not a New York Times bestseller, okay? Only in Brazil. I LOVE YOU, BRAZIL. YOU ARE MY FAVORITE.)

It's the best contemporary YA debut that I've read in ages. It's crazy romantic, it's punk rock, it's heartbreaking, it's eighties, it's hilarious, it's beautiful. Need more nudging? It's received three starred reviews, it's an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and it's one of the Indie Next List's current top ten picks. Incredible.

Also? Rainbow's Twitter feed is hilarious. And she loves Harry Potter. (I met her at LeakyCon last summer!) And her next book, Fangirl, is illustrated by NOELLE freaking STEVENSON.

I just about died when I learned that.

And finally . . .

The Madness Underneath

The second book in Maureen Johnson's Edgar Award-nominated, kickass Shades of London series is OUT NOW. And I'm psyched to be—very, very, very last second—crashing three stops on her tour! Starting TODAY, catch us here:

MARCH 1: FLYLEAF BOOKS—Chapel Hill, NC, 7pm

MARCH 2: QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS—Raleigh, NC, 3pm

MARCH 3: LITTLE SHOP OF STORIES—Decatur, GA, 2pm

Maureen and I toured together a few autumns ago, and we stole golf carts and wore velvet pirate hats and ate donuts and, basically, you don't want to miss this.

Not that we will be doing those EXACT things this weekend.

I'M JUST SAYING. Join us if you can!

At Last: Deleted Chapter of ANNA

THANK YOU for spreading the word about Anna's e-book sale, THANK YOU for your generous patience, and THANK YOU to the incredible Simini Blocker, who drew the above illustration. It's exactly how I imagine Anna. I am such a lucky author!

Here, at last, is the deleted chapter of Anna and the French Kiss. 

I sincerely hope that you enjoy it.

xo

ANNA is $2.99 today!

Just a reminder . . . TODAY (SUNDAY) IS THE DAY.

One day only!

Anna and the French Kiss!

$2.99!

Ebook!

Available for purchase from:

Penguin
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
iBookstore

“Holy SNOOD do I love this book!”

—John Green, NYT bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

“Magical. Anna and the French Kiss really captures the feeling of being in love.”
—Cassandra Clare, NYT bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series

“Very romantic. You should date this book.”
—Maureen Johnson, NYT bestselling author of The Name of the Star

“Tantalizing pacing, sparkling repartee, vibrant supporting characters…”
—Gayle Forman, NYT bestselling author of If I Stay

“Anna and the French Kiss charms [readers] with its Parisian setting and très bien boy.”
—MTV.com

“Smart and sensual, Anna and the French Kiss is everything your heart is longing for. You’ll want to live inside this story forever.”
—Lisa McMann, NYT bestselling author of the Wake trilogy

“You’re in for a very special treat”
— Lauren Myracle, NYT bestselling author of Shine

“Smart dialogue, fresh characters, plenty of tingly interactions. Sarah Dessen fans will welcome another author who gracefully combines love and realism.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Thank you for helping me spread the word, everyone! I've been so happy and overwhelmed by your support. I can't wait to share Anna's deleted chapter with you later this week!

Would you like to read a deleted chapter of ANNA?

What's that? Does John Green, current holder of FOUR (!) spots on the New York Times bestseller list, like Anna and the French Kiss?

Why YES. Yes he DOES.

This is a shameless post* asking for your help to spread the word about a very special and important sale.

*Not true. It's bursting at the seams with shame. Did you see the picture I used?!

This is also a post to say: HOLYBALLS CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN! He's been my favorite author for years, so it's mighty satisfying to see the rest of the world falling in love with him, too. John—and his novels—are intelligent, kind, and hilarious. I'm so happy for their success.

Also, Margo Roth Spiegelman is the jam.

"But Steph," I hope you're saying, "what about that deleted chapter of Anna you mentioned in this post's subject heading?"

Thanks for asking! I'll get to that . . . in a moment.

First, an announcement:

This Sunday—the twenty-seventh of January—Anna and the French Kiss will be available wherever ebooks are sold for only $2.99.

$2.99!

I'm THRILLED that Penguin Teen has selected it for this one-day-only sale. It's an amazing opportunity to reach an entirely new set of readers, and I am really, really hoping that's what will happen. I'm grateful for all of the love—so much, and so completely beyond unexpected—that book bloggers, librarians, teachers, booksellers, and the like (i.e. you!) have given Anna and Étienne. And I'm here to ask for your support one more time.

And then give you a present.

Please help me spread the word about Sunday's sale. If you have a friend or family member who might like my book, let them know. Tweet, tumble, blog, email, call, text, instafacebook—whatever medium you use to connect with the world, please help me spread the word.

This Sunday.

One day only.

Anna and the French Kiss.

Ebook.

$2.99.

It will be available at that price everywhere that ebooks are sold, including:

Penguin

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBookstore

"But Steph," I hope you're still wondering, "what about that deleted chapter of Anna?!"

I'm glad you asked again! Thank you. For your support, I will post a NEVER-BEFORE SEEN deleted chapter of Anna and the French Kiss.

Yes. An ENTIRE CHAPTER.

One with TONS of flirting.

One with ALL YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS and LOTS OF FUNNY LINES.

It was the last major section that my editor and I cut from the novel. I've been saving it for a special occasion, and I can't think of anything more special than this. I'll post the chapter here on my website sometime next week (because I'll have to format it and stuff, which takes time), along with an explanation of why we cut it.

It truly is a fun scene, you guys. I promise.

So please help me spread the word!

This Sunday.

One day only.

Anna and the French Kiss.

Ebook.

$2.99.

(Cheaper than a Big Mac.)

Link to this post, reblog this Tumblr, whatever you can do.

And if you're feeling extra-super-duper generous and have a spare moment, leaving a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or such would also be enormously helpful. The reason is simple: the more reviews a book has, the more likely it is to show up in searches. (For more free ways to support an author, check out Lisa Schroeder's wonderful post: "Supporting authors when your heart is bigger than your wallet.")

Thank you for your help, dear readers.

THANK YOU.

Winners . . . and Heathcliff

Happy release day to my dear friend Gayle Forman and her latest, Just One Day!

The randomly selected winners of yesterday's giveaway are Sara of Forever 17 Books, whose favorite romance last year was Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door and Vy, who listed three: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, Something Like Normal by Trish Doller, and another vote for My Life Next Door. (A LOT of you love Huntley's novel!) Sara and Vy, please let me know here in the comments if you have not yet received an email from me.

So . . . if you're looking for a good love story, the comments section of that post is a great place to put together a list. And speaking of romance, I've always been more of a Jane Eyre girl than Wuthering Heights, but HOLY BALLS DO I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE RIGHT THIS SECOND UNGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH:

Soooooooooooo pretty.

Happy sigh.

I love that they chose black actors—for the first time on film!—to play Heathcliff. In Emily Brontë's novel, descriptions of him leave plenty of room for interpretation ("a Lascar" and a "dark-skinned gipsy in aspect"). How wonderful to see something NEW onscreen. It doesn't hurt that the elder Heathcliff, James Howson, is quite handsome. ;-)

What films are you looking forward to this year?

GIVEAWAY: Just One Day (in one day!)

I'm so excited to bring this giveaway to you today! Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the release of Gayle Forman's Just One Day, easily one of the biggest highlights of YA contemporary in 2013. I love this novel, you guys. Loooooove.

Here's the official description:

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

Did you guys catch that? A romance set in Paris? I know that's got to appeal to at least a few of you. ;-) 

I was crazy-fortunate to be an early reader/critique partner/ear-lender for this book, and I'm thrilled that it's finally release time. This book is SO SO SO romantic and smart and yummy. Willem. WILLEM. Just wait until you meet him! He's positively scrumptious.

Not only is this book perfect for readers who are already fans of Gayle's work, but it's also great for readers who would've liked to have read If I Stay, but were unable to due to that book's content.* It has all of her classic hallmarks—the heartwrenching tension! the gorgeous boys! the spot-on dialogue!—but without the accompanying sadness and tragedy. I really, really hope that this book continues to widen Gayle's audience, because she's just . . . she's just the best.

*If you're unfamiliar with it, the story begins with a car crash that kills the main character's entire family. Understandably, not everyone can read/handle that. But those of you who can should. It's so freaking beautiful.

Can you spot the gummy bear and Swedish Fish in my hair? 

Gayle going in for the fish . . .

. . . SUCCESS!

SO. You're probably interested in the giveaway.

I have two advanced copies, ready to ship. This giveaway is open internationally, and it will last, appropriately, just one day. That way everyone who doesn't win tomorrow can immediately go out and purchase it. Yes? Yes.

TO ENTER: Please leave a comment here on this post—not on Goodreads or anywhere else that's being served by a feed—with (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) the title of your favorite romantic read from 2012. Easy peasy! The two winners will be selected at random and announced here tomorrow.

Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Blooper Reel + Autumn Events + HOLA ESPAÑA!

OH, MAN. This will be messy, because I'm doing a hundred things at once.

If you have yet to see the blooper reel that the awesome team at Penguin put together (thanks, Emilie!), and if you're wondering why I rarely appear in recorded form, you should watch the above video. And then you'll understand. The voice you hear patiently (oh so patiently) prompting me in the background is my beloved agent Kate. Bless her.

Nothing scrambles my brain as efficiently as a video camera. They're probably the worst thing in the world. No! Being eaten alive by a wild animal is the worst. Being videotaped is the second worst. War is probably third. And then, like, Brazil nuts.

ANYWAY.

I'll be doing a lot of traveling in the next few weeks. First up, Madrid and Barcelona! The ones in Spain! For real!

Mi maravillosa publisher Plataforma Neo is bringing me over for the publication of Anna's translation, Un beso en París. Which is . . . incredible. If you live in España, I sincerely hope you'll be able to come. I'm excited to meet so many new readers! Here's a poster with all of the necessary info:

Also . . . I might as well apologize now for the extreme level of language-butchering that's headed your way. I took eight years of (Mexican) Spanish classes, and I worship the films of Pedro Almodóvar, but I'm STILL a beginner. Just like Anna. ;-)

After Spain! I will be at the following!

NASHVILLE, TN

Parnassus Books: Sunday, October 28, 2:00 p.m.

"Tricks and Treats from Six Young Adult Authors": Please help Parnassus in welcoming six lively young adult authors to Nashville! Tessa Gratton, Sonia Gensler, Victoria Schwab, Beth Revis, Myra McEntire, and Stephanie Perkins will be joining the Parnassus Books community for a festive tricks and treats themed event.

LAS VEGAS, NV

Vegas Valley Book Festival: Saturday, November 3, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Historic Fifth Street School Readers Tent

401 S. Fourth Street

"Who Says There's Not Something for Everyone in Contemporary YA Fiction": Panel with Matt de la Peña, Sara Zarr, Simone Elkeles, Kirsten Hubbard, Abby McDonald, Stephanie Perkins; moderated by Lindsey Leavitt.

CHARLESTON, SC

YallFest: Saturday, November 10 

There will be forty-nine YA authors at this year's YallFest. Shazam! The panels haven't been announced yet, so I'm not sure when mine will be, but the full schedule will be on this page soon. I'm especially eager for Cassandra Clare and Holly Black's keynote about literary friendships. The keynote will require an additional ticket (five bucks, totally do-able), and you can purchase it here. Oh! And I did a quickie interview with the festival here.


OKAY I HAVE TO GO BACK TO WORK NOW BECAUSE DID YOU HEAR I'M LEAVING FOR SPAIN SOON???

Ohmygod. I have somuchtodo before I leave.

Answering Your Isla Questions! (Sort Of.)

Tired-and-Wrinkly Moi with the Always Stunning Myra McEntire at SDCC 2012
(photo credit: Cutiepie Lauren Billings)

I've been a-working, working, working, so it was my husband who reminded me that I still needed to pick a giveaway winner. Whoops.

(Thank you, Jarrod! Always looking out for me.)

Katy Upperman is the randomly-selected winner—I always use this—for the advanced copy of Mindi Scott's Live Through This. Hurrah, Katy!

Speaking of work, which these days means Isla and the Happily Ever After, I'd like to give a massive, sparkles and rockets, whipped cream and cherries, biscuits and gravy THANK YOU to my author-friend Myra McEntire, who has been responsible for 95% of my productivity since the beginning of summer. I thank my lucky stars every day that we found each other when we needed each other the most. Because of Myra, Isla will be an actual THING that you guys can BUY.*

*Also because of my publisher. I love you, Dutton!

Sooooooo I've been getting tons of questions about Isla on Twitter, but mainly the same ones again and again. I hope this Frequently Asked Questions will help:

WHEN WILL IT BE OUT?!?!!

There is no set release date, but we're hoping for Summer 2013.

WHEN WILL WE SEE THE COVER?!?!!

It doesn't exist yet. So . . . I'm not sure. My best guess is sometime this winter.

WHEN WILL WE GET A DESCRIPTION?!?!!

See the above answer, but maybe you'll get a teaser sooner than that.

IF YOU'VE ALREADY WRITTEN IT, WHY HAVEN'T YOU PUBLISHED IT YET?!?!!

I have not already written it. I am writing it. And my editor will be editing it. Also, publishing is superlong and time consuming. There are tons of awesome people involved and lots of boring-but-crucial steps. I promise you that you will have it as soon as it's ready to be had.

IS IT ABOUT ISLA AND JOSH?!?!!

My lips are sealed.

WILL ANNA AND ÉTIENNE AND LOLA AND CRICKET BE IN IT?!?!!

All I can say is that you will probably see the characters whom you want to see.

Thank you for being curious, everyone! I'm sorry that these answers couldn't be more exciting. Soon, soon. ;-)


EDITED TO ADD:

Ha ha ha! Oh, man! I can never resist THE AMES.

Thank you, dear friend, for these excellent questions.

(A) Hair is the most important thing in the universe, so yes.

(B) Every chapter title is named after a menu item from Taco Bell, so double yes.

Giveaway! Mindi Scott's LIVE THROUGH THIS

WooOOOooOOooooo late night blurry phone pic

Oh, man! I'm superexcited for this giveaway.

Last spring, I blurbed Mindi Scott's Live Through This, and it's finally release-time.

"Harrowing, sad, funny, and romantic. I couldn't put it down."

—STEPHANIE PERKINS, author of Anna and the French Kiss

I loved Mindi's debut Freefall—about a hot musician struggling with the accidental death of his best friend while falling for a girl with an automobile phobia and hanging with another girl who smells like gummy bears (I know, right?!)—so I was thrilled for the chance to read her second novel. And it didn't disappoint. Live Through This is . . . something even more.

A BIG something even more.

Here's the official description:

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her, and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a mom and stepdad who would stop at nothing to keep her siblings and her happy.

But Coley won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost perfect life is her own carefully crafted facade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now that Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

And I'm not the only one who loves it. Kirkus gave it a STARRED REVIEW and said: "What makes this more than another 'problem' novel is the author's steadfast refusal to deal in stereotypes and easy answers . . . required reading for anyone who's ever wondered 'why didn't they just tell someone?'"

YES.

As a former librarian, I especially appreciate that the novel tackles a very specific subject that I had yet to see elsewhere in young adult literature, which young adult literature very much needed. I don't want to say too much (spoilers), so I'll direct you to this (non-spoiler) letter from Mindi about why she wrote it.

Live Through This will be officially released on October 2nd, but I asked Mindi's editor for an advanced copy to give away now. Hurrah!

To enter, please leave a comment here on this post (on my actual blog, not on Goodreads or anywhere else that's being served by a feed) that includes your email address. I'll randomly select a winner this Monday, September 24th.

This giveaway is open internationally.

Mindi, some random tired-looking lady, Gayle, and Nina

I've met Mindi twice, and she's such a sweetheart! (Isn't it nice when an author you love is also an awesome person?) The last time was in the above picture, when Gayle Forman, Nina LaCour, and I were in Seattle for the final stop of our YA or Bust! tour. And Mindi gave me an adorable stuffed giraffe who JUST SO HAPPENS to play a role in Live Through This. :-)

Now for some linkage before I disappear:

Here's where you can mark Live Through This as to-read on Goodreads.

(You can find Freefall on Goodreads here.)

And here's where you can purchase Live Through This via:

• IndieBound — always my top choice

• Book Depository — free shipping worldwide

• Barnes & Noble

• Amazon

Good luck in the giveaway!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

YO, CHICAGO!

WARNING: This is one of those lame posts in which I tell you about some upcoming events that most of you will not be able to attend.

Camera-phone pic from LeakyCon 2011

First Boston, then Orlando, and now . . . Chicago!

It's time for LeakyCon Number Three. If you are NOT attending the conference, but you DO live in the Chicago area, I have excellent news! You can still come and say hello:

There will be a PUBLIC SIGNING for non-attendees this Saturday, August 11 from 1:00 pm–3:00 pm in the Southwest signing hall at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue). Anyone can attend this signing, but if you aren't a conference-attendee with an official badge (which are sold out), you will not be able to enter other areas of the con. Upon entry to the hotel lobby, you'll see someone wearing a LeakyCon shirt. They'll give you a wristband that will allow you to enter the signing room as well as the conference's (AWESOME) vendor room next door.

The authors who will be at this signing are: Holly Black, Dan Ehrenhaft, Lev Grossman, Maureen Johnson, Margaret Stohl, Laini Taylor, Megan Whalen Turner, Robin Wasserman, and myself. Holy holy! Bring your own books OR purchase new ones in the LeakyCon vendor room. Further information about the public signing can be found here.

As for attendees . . .

You can attend the public signing if you'd like, but there will be plenty of additional opportunities for you to get your books signed by us. The full schedule is over here, but I've pulled out my specific events for you right here:

EVERY DAY

FIGMENT WRITING ROOM

Room: PDR 2

My note: This is a room for all writers—published and unpublished!—that will be open during the entire conference. I'm hoping to stop by at some point and crank out some more words on my WIP, but I just wanted to make sure you guys were aware of this room, because it's so cool.

FRIDAY

11:00 am–11:50 am

HOW NOT TO WRITE A BOOK

Panelists: Holly Black, Stephanie Perkins, Lev Grossman & Megan Whalen Turner; Moderated by Maureen Johnson

Room: Williford

Sometimes, the most valuable advice you can get is what not to do. In this panel, writers talk about their mistakes small and large. Learn about pitfalls to avoid, and why you shouldn’t give up even if you think you are doing things wrong.

12:00 pm–12:50 pm

COME TO THIS PANEL IF YOU THINK YOU HATE ROMANCE

Panelists: Stephanie Perkins, Laini Taylor & Daniel Ehrenhaft; Moderated by Margaret Stohl

Room: Williford

Why do some people hate love stories? Why do some people love to read about love?

1:00 pm–1:50 pm

LEAKYCON LIT SIGNING

Rooms: Boulevard & Williford

3:00 pm–3:50 pm

GIRL BOOKS AND BOY BOOKS

Panelists: Megan Whalen Turner, Robin Wasserman, Stephanie Perkins, Lev Grossman & John Green; Moderated by Maureen Johnson

Room: Williford

What is a “girl book” or a “boy book,” anyway? Is it true that boys don’t read? Why is “chick lit” a derogatory term? Our panelists come to grips with the thorny subject of the role gender plays in publishing.

4:00 pm–4:50 pm

HELP, MY BOYFRIEND IS A VAMPIRE!

Panelists: Lev Grossman, Laini Taylor, Amanda Hocking & Stephanie Perkins; Moderated by Maureen Johnson and Robin Wasserman

Room: Williford

Ever read a paranormal romance and considered the real logistical difficulties of dating the undead? We have obtained a pile of letters from lovesick people in this position, and our panelists will give advice, live.

6:00 pm–6:50 pm

THE GAME SHOW

Starring: Maureen Johnson, Holly Black, John Green, Daniel Ehrenhaft, Stephanie Perkins, Megan Whalen Turner & Robin Wasserman

Room: Grand Ballroom

Maureen Johnson and Robin Wasserman have created a more literary version of “Family Feud.” Or at least the one with the Whammies.

My note: This one will be EPIC, you guys.

9:00 pm–1:00 am

ROCK CONCERT II

Musicians: Gred and Forge (YAY!), Lauren Fairweather, The Whomping Willows, Hank Green, Harry and the Potters

Main Stage: International Ballroom

My note: Due to my husband's bummer work schedule this week, this is the only night he'll be selling and signing Gred and Forge merch.

SATURDAY

10:00 am – 11:50 am

I WAS A TEENAGE WRITER

Panelists: Daniel Ehrenhaft, Margaret Stohl, Holly Black, John Green, Stephanie Perkins & Laini Taylor; Moderated by Maureen Johnson

Room: Williford

In which a panel of brave YA authors bring the hilariously embarrassing scribblings of their youth to light (because everyone has to start somewhere).

My note: We did this last year, and it was easily the most awesome panel of all-time ever period hands-down. I laughed so hard that I had tears streaming down my face. And if you're wondering? YES. I'm bringing back my high school journal. If you only have time for ONE Lit Track event, THIS SHOULD BE IT.

1:00 pm–3:00 pm

PUBLIC SIGNING

Signing: Holly Black, Dan Ehrenhaft, Lev Grossman, Maureen Johnson, Stephanie Perkins, Laini Taylor, Margaret Stohl, Megan Whalen Turner & Robin Wasserman

Room: Southwest signing hall

5:00 pm–7:00 pm 

LEAKYCON LIT SIGNING

Signing: Holly Black, Jennifer Laughran, Laini Taylor, Daniel Ehrenhaft, Stephanie Perkins, Kate Schafer Testerman, John Green, Rebecca Sherman, Megan Whalen Turner, Lev Grossman, Margaret Stohl, Robin Wasserman & Maureen Johnson

Room: Southwest Exhibit Hall

7:00 pm–9:00 pm

LIT RECEPTION

Room: Williford

Have a LeakyCon Lit badge and are over 18 years old? You are invited to this private reception for LeakyCon Lit guests and attendees. Food, drinks, and authors. Enjoy!

9:00 pm–2:00 am

2ND ANNUAL ESTHER EARL ROCKING CHARITY BALL

Main Stage: International Ballroom

Put on your robes, your jeans, your ball gown, your Storm Trooper costume . . . put on anything you like so long as it includes dancing shoes! Our Saturday night always ends with the most rocking night of music and fun that 3,000 geeks have ever been seen to have at once. Named after our departed friend Esther Earl, this is an event that always ends with a giant group singalong to “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It is nerdtastic. Get ready.

So . . . YEAH. Those panels sound INCREDIBLE, right?!

Gigantic bear hugs and thanks to Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman, and Felicity Disco for all of their hard work in organizing this year's Lit Track events.

Can't. Freaking. Wait.