Tales from the Real OC (Really!)

Build Me Up Buttercup

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:07:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of The Foundations)

So yesterday I was working on Riley Book Number 1 (no title yet, so that's what I'm calling it until further notice!) and I was writing this scene with Buttercup (her yellow lab) and at that moment I wanted a yellow lab of my own so bad I can't even tell you. It was just like writing about Italy when I've been chained (figuratively speaking!) to my desk for weeks on end, or describing food in a scene when my last meal was hours ago--that sort of salivating feeling filled with so much, well, wantingness! Then just after I hit my word count, I headed over to some friend's house for dinner and there on the couch was their yellow lab who was so incredibly sweet and well behaved, well, it seemed like a sign . . .

But well before I make the transition from fictional dog owner to real dog owner, I'm giving away five signed copies of SHADOWLAND, (in stores November 17th!), and answering your questions in a podcast interview over at Free Book Friday Teens, just click HERE! for your chance to listen and win!

Okay, back to Riley's adventures for me . . . have a fun weekend everyone!

:-D

My Life Would Suck Without YOU!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:00 +0000

(blog title courtesy of Kelly Clarkson)

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

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

And check out the awesome website they built HERE!

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

I am totally gobsmacked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

:-D

This Charming Man

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of The Smiths)

So, last Friday night I lived out a long held dream--

I got to see David Sedaris perform live.

And I laughed for two hours straight.

He is hilarious! A master of observation, seamlessly blending the absurd with the poignant. The theater was packed, the signing lines were long, but it was worth every second of waiting as he just camps out at that table, occasionally taking bites of his dinner, as he chats with every single person, and signs every single book, no matter how long it takes.

Yup, I love him even more now!!

And since the event was in San Diego, we decided to make a weekend of it, and stayed a couple nights in La Jolla, which is a lot like Laguna, except that they have lots of Torrey Pines and we don't.

Anyway, it was one of those awesome, relaxing weekends that you don't want to end, except that it did, and now it's Monday, and I'm working like crazy to catch up . . .

And speaking of catching up, just 15 more days until SHADOWLAND is released and I really hope you can make one (or both!) of these signings!

Tuesday, November 17

Time: 6:00 PM
SHADOWLAND release & signing!
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
791 S. Main St., #100
Orange, CA 92868
tel: (714) 558-3029

Thursday, November 19
Time: 7:00 PM
SHADOWLAND signing!
Border’s Books
4980 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93309
661.328.9800

Have a great day everyone!

Brand New Day

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of Sting)

Wow, somehow this week really got away from me--I can't believe it's already Thursday!

Which, means I am now, officially, just one day away from seeing David Sedaris live--I can't wait!!!

I paid an embarrassing amount to sit front row center, and just after clicking "submit" I have to admit I felt more than a little dumb. I mean, the guy stands at a podium and READS--it's not like there will be any singing or dancing. But still, the truth is, I love him, and I just can't take the chance that someone with an especially big head, wearing an especially big hat will come between us.

Nope, I just can't risk it.

But that's all for tomorrow, for now, I just wanted to remind you of a few things, the first being: Free Book Friday Teens--the awesome site run by author extraordinaire Jessica Brody, where you can win a signed book every Friday--all you have to do is click HERE to sign up! And, while you're there, if there's anything you want to ask me--any burning Immortals related questions, just fill out the box on the right hand side bar, as I'll be dropping by in November to answer the top ten! But hurry, last day to submit your question is November 1!

Also, I'm Living My Five this week HERE and giving an interview over at The Enchanted Inkpot HERE!

And, I just wanted to thank you all, yet again, for all of your amazing support!! EVERMORE & BLUE MOON continue to stay on the New York Times Bestsellers list for their 38th & 16th weeks respectively, and I just learned that they hit the WalMart bestsellers list too--and I couldn't have done it without you! So thank you - thank you - thank you!!

Hope you all have a great day!

Alyson

PS- Just 19 more days until SHADOWLAND is in stores. . .

Wonderful

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:14:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of Adam Ant)

So last night's signing in Oceanside was AMAZING!

Seriously. Amazing.

One of my best events yet.

When teacher extraordinaire Mrs. Duncan first approached me to do it several months back, I had no idea what was in store for me. But between her, her students, the readers, store CRM Lisa Haynes, and the wonderful and enthusiastic B&N staff--it was a total treat from beginning to end.

It stared with this:

A SHADOWLAND necklace that I couldn't wait to wear--and Cinda Williams Chima who I signed alongside also got one for the first book in her new series, THE DEMON KING (which, btw, just got an awesome review from the Story Siren that you can see HERE!).

And then a trip to the B&N cafe revealed this:

Yup, an IMMORTALS menu!! The top two cupcakes in that picture are the BLUE MOON and EVERMORE cupcakes--and let me tell you--they looked delicious!!

People dressed up in amazing costumes and there was even a face painter on hand!

But the best part of all, as always, was meeting YOU GUYS--the readers! I answered questions, took pictures, signed a ton of books, read a letter delivered by the world's nicest uncle who was there on behalf of his niece who couldn't make it, was interviewed by the amazing Courtney who is such a natural I fully expect to see her anchoring the news someday, and one of you told me an especially touching story that brought me to tears (shout out to Amber!) and pretty much made my entire year!

Oh, and I also got to meet the super nice and wildly talented Cinda Williams Chima whose book I can't wait to dig into!

So, a Big Huge Thanks to Mrs. Duncan, Lisa Haynes, the awesome staff at B&N Oceanside, and all of the students, librarians, teachers, and readers--you guys are The Best!!!

And just in case you missed this one, my next event is for the SHADOWLAND release on Tuesday, November 17 at the B&N in Orange and another on Thursday, November 19 at the Border's in Bakersfield (details on the sidebar)--hope to see you there!

Just a Reminder . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 +0000

I'll be signing copies of my books this Monday, October 26th here:

Book Discussion & Signing

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Barnes & Noble

El Camino North Shopping Center

2615 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054

(760) 529-0106

And I hope to see YOU there!!

Heart of Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:46:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of Neil Young)

So, I'm over at The Cafe today, blogging about Friends & Boyfriends and would love to hear your take--all you have to do is click HERE.

Also, I just wanted to thank you yet again for your continued support! I was just informed that EVERMORE & BLUE MOON made the New York Times Bestsellers list once again for their 37th and 15th week respectively -- so Thank YOU so very much for that!!

I also wanted to give a shout out to my friends Stacia Deutsch and Becca Fitzpatrick who also made the list!!! CONGRATS!!!

Okay, back to work for me--hope you all are well!

PS- Oh, and this just in-- SHADOWLAND received 4.5 stars (out of 4.5) from RT magazine and was chosen as one of the December issues Top Picks!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

Alyson

Dancing Queen

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:59:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of Abba)

So, the other day I realized we're now less than one month away from the release of SHADOWLAND (in stores 11.17.09!) and I can hardly believe it!!

Less than one month away from my SHADOWLAND release signings on Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 PM at:

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

791 S. Main St., #100

Orange, CA 92868

714.558.3029

Thursday, November 19

7:00 PM

Border’s Books

4980 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661.328.9800

Less than one month away until I answer YOUR questions on Free Book Friday Teens--all you have to do to submit your question is click HERE and input it on the right hand side. The top 10 questions will be answered in my November interview! But hurry, deadline to submit is November 1!

But in the meantime, I did a fun interview today over at The Examiner--click HERE to read it!

Also, I'll be chatting over at The Readergirlz blog this afternoon at 6:00 PM (Pacific), along with Justina Chen Headly and Zoe Martiott, and all you have to do to join us is click HERE!

And last but not least, the SHADOWLAND book trailer is ready for viewing!!!

Enjoy!!!

The Story

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:43:00 +0000

(Blog title courtesy of Brandi Carlile)

So, yesterday was a great day.

Not only did EVERMORE & BLUE MOON remain on the New York Times Bestsellers list for 36 & 14 weeks respectively, but I received, hot off the press, straight from my publisher, the finished, hard cover copy of SHADOWLAND!!!

And it's BEAUTIFUL!!!

Seriously. Beautiful.

I am in awe of the talented people in the St. Martin's art department--they really outdid themselves this time!!

(And no, I'm not giving it away--not even to my mom--it's too pretty--and it's mine-- all mine!!!)

In other IMMORTALS related news, I've recently learned that EVERMORE is also a bestseller in both the UK and Spain--so Rock On my transatlantic friends-- THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU for that!!!

And I hear that today it's being released in France as ETERNELS-- Viva France!!!

Also, I wanted to remind you I'll be chatting with the ReaderGirlz, on Monday, October 19th from 6:00 -9:00 pm Eastern, in honor of YALSA Teen Read Week! So please stop by and say hi if you get the chance.

And speaking of dropping by . . . I'll be signing copies of EVERMORE, BLUE MOON, (and any other book with my name on the cover!), alongside Cinda Williams Chima on Monday, October 26th at:

Barnes & Noble
El Camino North Shopping Center
2615 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 529-0106

And I really, really hope to see you there!!

Oh, and yesterday I was over at Living Your Five, um, living my Five! So to find out what the car wash, Orlando Bloom, and holiday cards have in common, click HERE.

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

Alyson

:-D

Feelin' Alright!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:07:00 +0000

(blog title courtesy of Joe Cocker)

So, I just got home from a whirl wind day of dental appointments and other miscellaneous errands only to find these on my doorstep---

Sent from my UK publisher because EVERMORE made the bestsellers list!!!

Thank YOU Thank YOU Thank YOU to all of you who made this happen--I am simply over the moon!!!!

Have a good night everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Ray of Light

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Last night I went to a memorial for a friend.

The focus was on celebrating their life and sharing funny memories, and while memorials are never easy, and the loss of my friend loomed large, there were some really great moments, involving some genuine laughs that seemed to lift the whole room. And it was during one of those laughs when I realized, once again, that THIS is what it’s really about.

It’s not what we are in the world, but how we are that matters.

Or, to steal a line from SHADOWLAND:

“We are not defined by our things . . . It’s not the clothes that we wear, the cars that we drive, the art we acquire—it’s not where we live—but how we live that defines us. . .it’s our actions that are remembered long after we’re gone.”

And while my friend will be remembered by thousands of people around the world for his groundbreaking books on screenwriting, it was his unfailing optimism, generosity of spirit, and pure passion for seeing his students succeed that touched us the most.

How do you want to be remembered?

Alyson

PS- I'm over at Living Your Five today, blogging about my progress! See it HERE.

Sweetness Follows

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:36:00 +0000

So remember when I told you about EVERMORE being pubbed in the UK? Well, the other day I received the "black box"--a sort of marketing treat they sent out to various UK booksellers consisting of, well, a black box, a copy of EVERMORE, a copy of The Bookseller (see post below), some red confetti, and several fortune cookies, wrapped in shiny red mylar, with fortunes such as these (I know it's kind of hard to read, but squinting helps!):

How cool is that? Wish I'd thought of it!

And speaking of cool, the Fivers just got a really nice mention on the Heifer International site, you can see it HERE!

Also, a new SHADOWLAND signing has just been added on November 19, at 7:00 PM here:

Thursday, November 19
Time: 7:00 PM
SHADOWLAND signing!
Border’s Books
4980 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93309
661.328.9800

This will probably be the last one until 2010 what with the holidays coming up, my book deadlines, and, oh, did I mention I'm getting braces?? Braces and gum surgery . . . yikes!

And, lastly, I've just ordered some shiny, new SHADOWLAND bookmarks and if you send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Alyson Noel

14 Monarch Bay Plaza, #186

Monarch Beach, CA 92629

I'll send some your way!

Have a great day everyone!

:-D

Come Together

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Hey Everyone-

I'm really excited to announce that I will be celebrating the release of the third book in THE IMMORTALS series, SHADOWLAND on it's release date, Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 6:00 PM at:

Barnes and Noble Booksellers
791 S. Main St., #100
Orange, CA 92868
tel: (714) 558-3029

Originally, the plan was to go on tour, but as the new release date falls so close to the holidays, the tour is on hold until the DARK FLAME release in 2010--and there will be lots of touring in 2010, between that, the Smart Girl's Tour, TBF Live . . .

So anyway, I really hope you can come celebrate with me--hope to see YOU there!!

Alyson

PS- Have a fun weekend!

Every Picture Tells a Story

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:45:00 +0000

So, things have been rather busy here at the Alyson Noel headquarters (aka- The Home Office). As I may have noted earlier, EVERMORE was released in the UK last week, and they've done some really cool things to promote it, like this cover on Bookseller magazine (I hear it's like the Publisher's Weekly of Britain!)--

And THIS Bebo page where you can watch the trailer and download some very cool skins and stuff.

Or you can even watch the trailer HERE, your choice.

And speaking of trailers, I've hired Circle of Seven to make one for SHADOWLAND so stay tuned for that!

And speaking of the UK, I'm just finishing up a short story (a gothic romance!) for next fall's KISSES FROM HELL anthology, that just so happens to take place in the UK, which has really made me want travel to the UK as I really, really love it there . . . hmmm, maybe a quick trip can be arranged . . .

And in more IMMORTALS news, BLUE MOON was chosen as a Justine magazine Page Turner!

And since that print's kinda hard to read, here's what they said:

"Why Read It: Together Ever and Damen are a great love story that spans the centuries! There life as immortals is addicting, and this book takes you back into their long history as star-crossed soul mates. In this book they say, "Never fast forward into the future. You rob yourself of the journey." Blue Moon is a great journey that will have you wishing that a gorgeous guy would bring YOU red tulips!"

Also, some of you have been asking what happened to the 3 chapter excerpt I had posted on my website last week--well, it seems I may have jumped the gun on that one as my publisher has something exciting planned for the unveiling so they're gone for now . . . though they will return so stay tuned!

And, I did a fun interview HERE on Robert Kent's site, and while you're there you might want to look around a bit, he's got some interesting stuff posted on there!

And, last but not least, the Fivers are featured on Stephanie Kuehnert's Women Who Rock Wednesday, so click HERE to read about our rock star moments and for your chance to win some cool swag!!

And, my hunt for new reading glasses continues . . . did I mention I've been wearing the same frames for five years now?? Time for an update!

Have a great day Everyone!

:-D

Just a Song Before I Go

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Hey Everyone-

I'm on my way out the door, but just wanted you to know that the first three chapters of SHADOWLAND are now up!!!

You can read the excerpt HERE!

Also, today is the release of EVERMORE in the UK (I know the link shows October 2nd- but they moved it up!) and it feels just like a birthday--you know, English style, with tea and crumpets and stuff!!

Have a great day!

Alyson

:-D

Hanging by a Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:01:00 +0000

(Me, Marlene Perez, Mary Pearson, Mary Anne Ramsey)

So yesterday's talk & sign at the Mission Viejo Reader's Festival was an absolute blast! Not only did I get to hang out with good friends Marelene Perez and Mary Pearson (and at the lunch beforehand, Debby Garfinkle!), meet Jennifer Kogler who is as nice as she is hilarious, catch a slightly stalkerish, glimpse of one of my childhood icons, The Fonz, but I also got to meet a ton of really awesome readers--thanks to all of you who showed up!

I'm seriously so impressed with the way it turned out, I can hardly believe it was their very first event. Though I'm sure that's due in good part to the wonderful volunteers who kept it running so smoothly and for the efforts of Mary Anne Ramsey, young adult librarian extraordinaire!

After the signing I headed straight for Peralta Hills for the third annual Paws for Cures Benefit where I hung with my good friends (shout out to Snarky, O'malley, and Sue!), and meet some very cool celebrities like Tillman the Skateboarding dog who is so nice and down to earth, it's clear he's just doing what he loves and isn't in it for the celebrity despite his red carpet pose!

I also got to meet Ben Carey, Lifehouse guitarist, who is also really nice and down to earth (and really cute too!), and whose songs just so happen to appear on the BLUE MOON playlist, which I will get up on my website, um, soon--very soon!

Oh and he even took to the stage and played a few songs which was a total treat!

All in all a really great Saturday--and now, back to work!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

xoxo

Round Here

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

Well, things have been a little quiet round here for the last week or so, and I'm blaming it on The Deadline, or, The Deadlines (plural) as the case may be.

I spent part of last week holed up in a Vegas hotel room, hunched over my computer, writing like mad, while my husband enjoyed a little time by the pool reading the pages I'd written the day before--yup, we're quite the team! The trip was planned many, many months ago, so many months ago that I actually got the dates mixed up and we almost missed the first day! Of course, back when we planned it, I imagined myself by the pool as well with deadlines the farthest thing from my mind, but still, it wasn't so bad and I think I might be onto something. There's something to be said for things like room service and freshly made beds and clean towels when you're down to the wire!

Of course it wasn't all work and no play, I managed to get out at night for some really great meals, and we even saw Jersey Boys, which was fabu!!! If you get a chance to see it--GO--I'm so serious, it was awesome and I've been listening to the soundtrack all week!

But the best part of all is that I actually got the book done a day before it was due! The book being DARK FLAME which is now with my editor, as I roll up my sleeves (metaphorically speaking, it's hot here, so I'm pretty much wearing tank tops these days!), as I finish up a story for the KISSES FROM HELL anthology, and get started on the first book in Riley's series . . .

But before I get back to work, I wanted to make you aware of a couple things, the first being my talk and sign this Saturday at the Mission Viejo Reader's Festival. I'll be partaking in a panel and signing right after, the details are:

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mission Viejo Readers Festival
Teen Panel- 2:30-3:30
Jacaranda Room
Signing immediately after
Mission Viejo Library
100 Civic Center
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

And, the second being this EVERMORE video made by a reader (shout out to Alexandra!) that is just awesome! It contains spoilery parts so if you haven't read the book yet, proceed with caution, but still, it's really great and you can check it out by clicking HERE. (I was going to post it directly, but Blogger is acting all testy today, hence the link!)

And last but not least a big, huge, confetti strewn THANKS to all of YOU for keeping EVERMORE & BLUE MOON in the top 5 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for 31 and 9 weeks running!!! I couldn't do it without you!

And . . . that's it!

Have a great day everyone!

A

How to Save a Life

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

So today I'm posting my first week's progress toward Living My Five, talking about a really great and worthy cause I've stumbled upon and putting out the call for you to share any tips you may have on living greener, kinder, more charitably, etc. Just click HERE to read and share!

Also, I did two really fun interviews this week with some really great giveaways!

To read the Shooting Stars Magazine interview and enter to win a signed copy of EVERMORE click HERE.

To read the interview over on awesome YA author Elizabeth Scott's blog and enter to win 4 of my books, click HERE.

Also, not sure if I mentioned it before but The Smart Chicks are confirmed for San Francisco--woo-hoo, one of my fave cities!!

And both EVERMORE & BLUE MOON were nominated for the "101 Best Fantasy Books"!! Click HERE to stop by and vote for your favorites!

Also, the EVERMORE & BLUE MOON translation rights were just sold to Serbia--yippee!!

And, last but not least, we now have a title for what was previously called: UNTITLED BOOK #4

Ready???

DARK FLAME

!!!!!!

Okay, back to the deadline crunch for me!

Have a great day everyone!

A

Strange Magick

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Well, it was a really busy week.

The Fivers went live--taking our first step toward changing the world--and we were thrilled to see so many of you vowing to join us on the journey! Oh, and the winners have been announced too, so click HERE to see if one of them was you!

I typed "The End" on Untitled Book #4, took a few seconds to celebrate, then went right back to page one to start revising. . .

I learned that the EVERMORE & BLUE MOON translation rights were just sold to Romania!

I also learned that EVERMORE & BLUE MOON hit the #2 & #3 spots this week on the New York Times Best Sellers list for Children's Paperbacks so THANK YOU for that!

Oh, and the SHADOWLAND release date has been moved up again, so look for it on 11.17.09.

And I got a nice mention in the September Costco connection (see above), along with Kelley Armstrong, PC Cast, Cassandra Claire, and others in an article about paranormal and teens!

And speaking of paranormal and teens, I just learned that NIGHT RUNNER, a book I provided a blurb for a few months back will be released on Sept 1!!! And let me tell you, it is one, action packed, thrill ride that had me hooked from the first sentence! So, without further ado:

This is NIGHT RUNNER:

This is what NIGHT RUNNER is about:

For Zack Thomson, living in the Nicholls Ward isn’t so bad. After his parents died, he developed strange and severe allergies, and the mental institution was the only place where he could be properly looked after. As strange as it was, it was home.

He could watch as much television as he wanted; his best friend Charlie visited him often enough; and Nurse Ophelia—the prettiest no-nonsense nurse ever—sometimes took him bowling. Of course, that didn’t mean he had it easy. His allergies restricted his diet to strawberry smoothies, and being the only kid at the hospital could get lonely. But it never once crossed Zack’s mind to leave…until the night someone crashed through the front doors and told him to run. Now he’s on a race for answers—about his past, his parents, and his strange sickness—even as every step takes him closer to the darkest of truths . . .

This right HERE is a very fun, NIGHT RUNNER quiz!

This is one of the places you can pre-order NIGHT RUNNER!

And last, but not least, these drawings were sent to me by Alexa!!! Aren't they awesome??!!! I love, love, love them--THANK YOU, ALEXA!!!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Alyson
xoxo

Win A signed copy of BLUE MOON!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

(Not a song title, but we'll get back to that soon--promise!)

So, today, not only did I list my Five HERE. (if you don't know what a "Five" is then you really must click!) and I'm also giving away a signed copy of BLUE MOON, so be sure to stop by and leave a comment for your chance to win!

Also, a reader of this blog just sent me the German cover of EVERMORE (above), which I just learned will be released over there in November. Check it out! So dark and dreamy--I love to see how other countries interpret the cover art!

And, last but not least--I did it! Yesterday I typed my two favorite words-- "The End" to UNTITLED IMMORTALS #4. Of course I now have to revise the heck out of it before it's ready for my editor to read, but still--What A Feeling!-- And there's today's song title!

Have a great day everyone!

:-D

Ruby Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Well, it's been a pretty exciting week so far and to think it's only Tuesday! In case you somehow missed it, yesterday, fellow YA authors Kay Cassidy, Tera Lynn Childs, Becca Fitzpatrick, and I launched the new web community, Living Your Five--and were totally and completely gobsmacked (in the good way!) by the amount of goodwill, cheers, and support from all of you who showed up to take part in the inauguration!

Just in case you missed it, you might want to head on over (after you finish reading this of course!) and see what it's all about. We're also giving away some pretty amazing prizes that I guarantee you will not want to miss, so just click HERE to start Living Your Five!!

Speaking of busy, (we weren't but I needed to segue!), things have been especially busy over here at the home office headquarters and so much is happening I wanted to take an opportunity to get all caught up, so here goes:

Signings:

All signings are always listed on the far right side of this blog as well as on the Events page on my website, but still, I wanted to make you aware of the one coming up on Saturday, September 12th, where I'll be talking & signing at the Mission Viejo Reader's Festival. My panel is from 2:30-3:30 in the Jacaranda Room, and I'll be signing books immediately after. The address is:

Mission Viejo Library

100 Civic Center

Mission Viejo, CA 92691

And just so you know, amazing authors Dean Koontz, Lisa See, and Henry Winkler (yup, The Fonz!) will be there too, and I really, really, hope YOU can make it!

Smart Chicks Kick It Tour:

The Smart Chicks are now confirmed for signings in Toronto, Austin, and San Diego, and there is more good news to come so stay tuned! Don't know what I'm even talking about? Click HERE! for all the info.

EVERMORE in the UK:

The EVERMORE UK release has been moved up to September 17th (woo-hoo!!)!! Which means my friends across the pond will get their very own version where "color" is spelled "colour" and, um, other really cool things like that! I'm so excited to be sold in the UK, it was the first foreign place I ever visited, and has alway remained a favorite of mine! I'm hoping this means I'll have an excuse to go back . . .

SHADOWLAND:

I know I mentioned it before, but from the amount of questions and e-mails I'm getting, I think it bears repeating so here goes:

SHADOWLAND will now be released on 11.24.09. That is official. It will also be released in hardcover with a trade paperback version to follow about a year later. And for those of you who prefer your books to match, I'm told that at some point EVERMORE and BLUE MOON will also be made available in hardcover too. I'm really excited about this, and want to thank all of you for your excitement too!

And, speaking of Frequently Asked Questions, as I'm racing toward the end of UNTITLED #4 (yup, still calling it that!), desperately trying to finish it up by its deadline, I've gotten a little behind on answering my e-mails and messages. But since I've I have noticed a similar theme to the questions, I thought I'd post some of the answers right here:

Are you going to make the IMMORTALS into a movie/TV show?

Me, personally? No. This is entirely up to Hollywood, not me. And though a producer has optioned the dramatic rights to the entire series, that is all I have to share with you at this time. But if that should change in some wonderful, dramatic way, I will shout it from the rooftops, and for those of you who don't live nearby, I will also blog about it here!

Would you please consider me to star in and/or help direct the movie/TV series?

See above. If, by chance, the IMMORTALS was made into a movie/TV series, I assure you, I would have nothing to do with choosing the cast. They hire professional casting directors for these things, so it's really out of my hands.

Is SHADOWLAND the last book in the series?

No! SHADOWLAND, will be in stores on 11.24.09, and there will be several more to follow in 2010/11, Ever and Damen have many more adventures ahead of them! Also, Riley (Ever's ghostly sister) will get her own series starting in Fall 2010!

I'm writing a book and was wondering if you'd be able to read it and give me your opinion on it?

I'm sorry, but due to legal reasons, I am unable to read any unpublished works and immediately delete any and all that are sent to me. Though I wish you all the best on your writing!

Okay, that about covers it! But remember to check out what the Fivers are up to HERE.

And stay tuned, tomorrow, I will be posting my Five!

Have a great day everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Living Your Five is Live!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:24:00 +0000

LIVING YOUR FIVE IS HERE!

We know, we know... we've been hinting about it for weeks. The super secret project of Kay Cassidy, Tera Lynn Childs, Becca Fitzpatrick, and me. The #fivers hashtag. The Founding Fiver badges. The huge top secret contest. So many secrets!

Good news. The secret's out.

Join us for the worldwide launch of Living Your Five! Living Your Five is an online community dedicated to changing our world one person at a time. You don't have to cure the world of cancer or banish world hunger in a single day. It's about working together, each of us taking one more step every day. It's about knowing what you care about--what you're passionate about!--and stepping away from the sidelines of your life to make your mark on the world.

To celebrate the launch of the official Living Your Five web site, we're even hosting a contest with awesome daily prizes and a MEGA grand prize all courtesy of our Founding Fivers! Find out all the details at www.livingyourfive.com.

We're ready to change the world. Now it's up to you.

Will you watch from the sidelines or join us on the ride? (Come on, join us--we know you want to!)

Fivers

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:39:00 +0000

I'm a Fiver.

So is she.

And she.

Are you??

Find out soon . . .

Have a good weekend everyone!

:-D

Very Exciting SHADOWLAND news!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:12:00 +0000

First, the cover:

Second, the new release date:

November 24, 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers Everyone!!!

Alyson

xoxo

It Don't Come Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Alyson Noel) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:40:00 +0000

(Yup- Ringo Starr!)

So, in an effort to keep this blog humming along despite the fact that the brain juices are running low (see post below), I came across this cool, book-related meme today over at Magical Musings and figured I'd play along! And, hopefully, you'll decide to play along too because that would make it even cooler!

So, here are my picks-- be sure to leave yours in the comments!

- What book(s) made you a better writer?

STORY by Robert Mckee changed my life. Took me from unpublished to published. SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder is one I turn to again and again--the Beat Sheet is insanely useful!

-What book(s) made you cry?

The first book to ever make my cry was CHARLOTTE'S WEB--I sobbed like a baby! After that, I seem to remember shedding a tear or two over BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA and THE LOVELY BONES. I know there are others, I can be quite the cry baby, but those are the ones that spring to mind.

-What book(s) made you laugh until you were in tears?

I will never forget reading David Sedaris's ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY on a flight from NYC to LA. I was practically falling out of my seat laughing, luckily the seat next to me was empty! Chrisitopher Moore and Nick Hornby always inspire these kinds of hysterics as well!

What book(s) made you feel like you could conquer the world?

Well, I don't know if they made me feel like a world beater, but Judy Blume's books helped me through a tough adolescence--they made me feel more equipped to handle my problems. She is a huge inspiration to me!

What book(s) have you read three times or more?

WUTHERING HEIGHTS, DEENIE, CATCHER IN THE RYE, FRANNY AND ZOEY, REBECCA, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S . . .

What book(s) kept you up all night reading?

Hmm, off the top of my head, Elizabeth Scott's LIVING DEAD GIRL- spare, haunting, and I couldn't put it down! Oh, and last night I skipped watching TV (my afterwork treat!), so I could finish Rebecca Stead's WHEN YOU REACH ME--wonderful!

What book(s) do you want to read again?

I want to read THE LOVELY BONES again before the movie comes out, I'd like to read Paul Coelho's THE ALCHEMIST again- a truly lovely tale . . . oh, there's lots of books I'd read again and again, but there are also lots I still need to read for the first time around!

Okay, now it's your turn!! Sing it out in the comments!

Have a great day everyone!

xoxo