I know . . . I know I need to update these blogs more frequently (Erg!). Working on it. Maybe if I wasn’t addicted to the Yahoo Daily Sudoku puzzle (Curse You Five Star Puzzles!) Or maybe if I wasn’t juggling five online classes right now. . . .
Anyway, this post comes to you in five parts (Nerdfighter joke):
1) Congratulations to John Green for his new novel, Paper Towns, debuting at number FIVE on the Times Bestseller list, AND for the movie option. You . . . are On Fire! Best Wishes!
2) I’ve made the difficult decision not to participate in NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) this year. Among the daily Sudoku’s and classes, I’m trying to wrap up a new YA I’m working on, and thirty days of mad writing in addition to this is not conducive to a healthy mental state. I hope to be in a better place next year so I can try again, because believe me, last November was EXCELLENT! I’m sending good vibes to all of you committing to write 50,000 words in 30 days. You can do it!
3) I *love* connecting with old friends, and am amazed how the internet makes it all possible. Since I write YA books I’m constantly aware of my inner teen self (both then and now). Though I have *many* things I would change about those years if I could, I’m glad to have “re-friended” people who knew me “way back when.” And no, I’m not writing about you . . . unless you were mean to me. ;)
4) I finally have a release date for One Wish: April 24, 2009! My understanding is that ARCs (Advanced Readers Copies) will arrive on my doorstep in a few weeks! I plan to take pictures and post! (If I can figure out how.) I’m also a new member of the 2009 Debutantes on Live Journal (http://community.livejournal.com/debut2009/) who have *a lot* of fun things planned in the upcoming year. The Debs are all debut writers with MG or YA books coming out next year, and I’m *so* happy to join them!
5) Though my list of “books to read” is growing at a pace I cannot seem to keep up with, I was thrilled to hear my favorite author (Sarah Dessen--www.sarahdessen.com) has a new book, Along for the Ride, due out in 2009. Because really, I can’t wait two years between genius novels.
That’s it! Back to grading and writing!
Love,
~Leigh~
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I’m actually really over-extended at the moment, so thank you Janet for letting me steal this meme so I don’t have to think of something creative to say. I actually like these, though: I like reading them on other sites, and filling them out for myself, because you really learn a lot about people. . . . What can I say? I’m a sucker for useless information. :)
1. How many songs are on your iPod?
I’m not sure, but I do know it’s maxed out. I listen to itunes on my computer, and I have 262 songs uploaded. Don’t ask me to name them, because it’s embarrassing.
2. What do you do before bedtime?
Watch the guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online flip back and forth from a dozen or so channels, trying to find something decent to watch, but then only getting little snippets of various programs.
3. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
Mental Floss. Here’s to useless information.
4. What is your favorite scent?
Anything Vanilla, but I also love “Christmas Tree” smell.
5. If you had been born the opposite sex, what would your parents have named you?
As a girl, I was originally supposed to be Randi (my dad’s name is Randy), so I could totally see me being a Randy, Jr. But then, my brother’s name is Andrew, so maybe I would be Andrew? Weird.
6. What is your theme song?
I Hate You then I Love You, by Celine Dion and Luciano Pavarotti.
I know . . . I’m such a dork.
7. Do you trust easily?
Yes . . . probably to a fault.
8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
Act, especially when I’m mad, but I’m working on that.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Yes. I have an education-related issue that is consuming my time and wasting everyone else’s.
10. Do you have a good body-image?
Not really, I’ve just learned to accept myself the way I am. I’m 5’8” and 125 lbs, which makes me tall and lanky. I have skinny, spider-like monkey arms and am so clumsy—tripping over things and knocking my elbows on door jambs. I’m really goofy, and it’s embarrassing. But then . . . there’s not much I can do about it. It’s why I’m a creepy, reclusive writer. Ha. Kidding. I socialize . . . honest.
11. Is being tagged fun?
Duh.
12. What websites do you visit daily?
My morning routine: both email accounts, Sarah Desson’s blog, Meg Cabot’s, J.E.’s, The Buzz Girls, Shana’s blog, Teen Fiction Café, an online adjunct loop, a YA writer’s loop, Nerdfighters, local news, and Mental Floss. Then I hit my online classrooms and start working.
13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Milk, but I’m a dairy enthusiast, so that’s not unusual.
14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Not tagged . . . I just stole this, but I think Janet is awesome! Entirely her own person; she’s got guts I can only dream of having . . . like getting her nose pierced. :)
15. What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
That New Jason Mraz song: “I’m Yours.” It’s stuck right now . . . like, at this very moment. Otherwise, I’m usually singing Disney songs with baby girl. Last week it was all about some Aladdin.
16. What's your favorite item of clothing?
My Express blue jeans. I don’t leave home without them. (It’s a good thing, too, right?)
17. Do you think Rice Crispies are yummy?
Sure. As long I can dump some sugar on it, it works.
18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?
I’m echoing Janet on this: I'd totally pick it up. If no one was around I'd totally keep it. (I’m sorry, but I’m in desperate need of new makeup and mascara and hair color, but I swear I would do something nice for someone later, to “give back.”)
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
My laptop
20. What should you be doing right now?
Finishing my WIP and catching up on school work.
1. How many songs are on your iPod?
I’m not sure, but I do know it’s maxed out. I listen to itunes on my computer, and I have 262 songs uploaded. Don’t ask me to name them, because it’s embarrassing.
2. What do you do before bedtime?
Watch the guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online flip back and forth from a dozen or so channels, trying to find something decent to watch, but then only getting little snippets of various programs.
3. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
Mental Floss. Here’s to useless information.
4. What is your favorite scent?
Anything Vanilla, but I also love “Christmas Tree” smell.
5. If you had been born the opposite sex, what would your parents have named you?
As a girl, I was originally supposed to be Randi (my dad’s name is Randy), so I could totally see me being a Randy, Jr. But then, my brother’s name is Andrew, so maybe I would be Andrew? Weird.
6. What is your theme song?
I Hate You then I Love You, by Celine Dion and Luciano Pavarotti.
I know . . . I’m such a dork.
7. Do you trust easily?
Yes . . . probably to a fault.
8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
Act, especially when I’m mad, but I’m working on that.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Yes. I have an education-related issue that is consuming my time and wasting everyone else’s.
10. Do you have a good body-image?
Not really, I’ve just learned to accept myself the way I am. I’m 5’8” and 125 lbs, which makes me tall and lanky. I have skinny, spider-like monkey arms and am so clumsy—tripping over things and knocking my elbows on door jambs. I’m really goofy, and it’s embarrassing. But then . . . there’s not much I can do about it. It’s why I’m a creepy, reclusive writer. Ha. Kidding. I socialize . . . honest.
11. Is being tagged fun?
Duh.
12. What websites do you visit daily?
My morning routine: both email accounts, Sarah Desson’s blog, Meg Cabot’s, J.E.’s, The Buzz Girls, Shana’s blog, Teen Fiction Café, an online adjunct loop, a YA writer’s loop, Nerdfighters, local news, and Mental Floss. Then I hit my online classrooms and start working.
13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Milk, but I’m a dairy enthusiast, so that’s not unusual.
14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Not tagged . . . I just stole this, but I think Janet is awesome! Entirely her own person; she’s got guts I can only dream of having . . . like getting her nose pierced. :)
15. What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
That New Jason Mraz song: “I’m Yours.” It’s stuck right now . . . like, at this very moment. Otherwise, I’m usually singing Disney songs with baby girl. Last week it was all about some Aladdin.
16. What's your favorite item of clothing?
My Express blue jeans. I don’t leave home without them. (It’s a good thing, too, right?)
17. Do you think Rice Crispies are yummy?
Sure. As long I can dump some sugar on it, it works.
18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?
I’m echoing Janet on this: I'd totally pick it up. If no one was around I'd totally keep it. (I’m sorry, but I’m in desperate need of new makeup and mascara and hair color, but I swear I would do something nice for someone later, to “give back.”)
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
My laptop
20. What should you be doing right now?
Finishing my WIP and catching up on school work.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
From my current WIP:
Just thought I’d post a little something from my current Work in Progress (WIP). I’m about to hit 40,000 words. The introductory stuff is over, and things are about to fall apart for the protagonist . . . (read: This is where it gets exciting).
The book is unnamed . . . for now. :)
“I pulled out of the parking lot first, taking a left in the direction toward my house. I watched in my rearview mirror as Parker took a right, heading wherever he wanted to go: out of town . . . home . . . whatever suited his whims of the moment. For this, I found myself feeling both sad for him and envious at the same time, wondering how it was even possible that two such emotions could mutually exist. And yet here I was—torn: wanting to pull him closer, saving him, and at the same time wishing I could hop on the back of his motorcycle and, for once, allow someone to save me.”
Back to work!!
Love,
Leigh
Just thought I’d post a little something from my current Work in Progress (WIP). I’m about to hit 40,000 words. The introductory stuff is over, and things are about to fall apart for the protagonist . . . (read: This is where it gets exciting).
The book is unnamed . . . for now. :)
“I pulled out of the parking lot first, taking a left in the direction toward my house. I watched in my rearview mirror as Parker took a right, heading wherever he wanted to go: out of town . . . home . . . whatever suited his whims of the moment. For this, I found myself feeling both sad for him and envious at the same time, wondering how it was even possible that two such emotions could mutually exist. And yet here I was—torn: wanting to pull him closer, saving him, and at the same time wishing I could hop on the back of his motorcycle and, for once, allow someone to save me.”
Back to work!!
Love,
Leigh
Friday, September 12, 2008
Project Runway. . .
I’m trying to figure out what’s up with Project Runway this season. Why is it that we’re this far into the competition and I haven’t picked a favorite yet? By this time last season I’d already decided that Christian Siriano could do no wrong. And I was a big fan early on of Austin Scarlett during Season . . . whatever it was.
I’m seeing designs I like . . . but not a designer *I love* (if that makes sense). I’ve liked designs from several of the remaining designers, but I can’t pick a favorite because there’s not a designer with that “niche” that totally blows me away.
I loved Austin and Christian because they had that dramatic, romantic flair about them—and a lot of their designs were inspired by period pieces (I love me some historic fashion—would totally be into corsets and plumes if I didn’t appreciate denim so much.)
Still, I don’t have a favorite designer—I haven’t picked someone who has to win or I’ll Just Die (not yet, anyway). Truth be told, I’m kinda tired of Suede addressing himself in the third person (partially glad to see him go), and Kenley is so freakin’ adorable, but every time she opens her mouth I want to smack something. There’s confidence and cockiness, and she’s borderline, in my opinion. Stella was absolutely hilarious—I can’t tell you how many times me and that guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online talked about her and her “leatha,” though she was never a “favorite.”
Anyway, I don’t think Jerrell should have won with his design this week. I’ve liked some of the dresses he’s made before—but not necessarily this one. Actually, I was really digging Joe’s design. (Oh, if I had money to kill and guts to spare, what I wouldn’t do with that dress.)
So, I’m wondering where we’re going next week. I’m kind of concerned that it will come down to the final three, and I’m not going to be pulling for any one designer. Maybe I should go ahead and jump on Joe’s bandwagon? I’m not sure. I guess I’ll wait and see. I will say that I’ve loved at least one design for each of the remaining designers, so at this point they all have potential to come out on top in my book.
There’s just not one, particular designer with the “it” factor working for me, yet.
(Glad to see a glimpse of Christian . . . He’s so freakin’ Fierce!)
Love,
Leigh
I’m trying to figure out what’s up with Project Runway this season. Why is it that we’re this far into the competition and I haven’t picked a favorite yet? By this time last season I’d already decided that Christian Siriano could do no wrong. And I was a big fan early on of Austin Scarlett during Season . . . whatever it was.
I’m seeing designs I like . . . but not a designer *I love* (if that makes sense). I’ve liked designs from several of the remaining designers, but I can’t pick a favorite because there’s not a designer with that “niche” that totally blows me away.
I loved Austin and Christian because they had that dramatic, romantic flair about them—and a lot of their designs were inspired by period pieces (I love me some historic fashion—would totally be into corsets and plumes if I didn’t appreciate denim so much.)
Still, I don’t have a favorite designer—I haven’t picked someone who has to win or I’ll Just Die (not yet, anyway). Truth be told, I’m kinda tired of Suede addressing himself in the third person (partially glad to see him go), and Kenley is so freakin’ adorable, but every time she opens her mouth I want to smack something. There’s confidence and cockiness, and she’s borderline, in my opinion. Stella was absolutely hilarious—I can’t tell you how many times me and that guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online talked about her and her “leatha,” though she was never a “favorite.”
Anyway, I don’t think Jerrell should have won with his design this week. I’ve liked some of the dresses he’s made before—but not necessarily this one. Actually, I was really digging Joe’s design. (Oh, if I had money to kill and guts to spare, what I wouldn’t do with that dress.)
So, I’m wondering where we’re going next week. I’m kind of concerned that it will come down to the final three, and I’m not going to be pulling for any one designer. Maybe I should go ahead and jump on Joe’s bandwagon? I’m not sure. I guess I’ll wait and see. I will say that I’ve loved at least one design for each of the remaining designers, so at this point they all have potential to come out on top in my book.
There’s just not one, particular designer with the “it” factor working for me, yet.
(Glad to see a glimpse of Christian . . . He’s so freakin’ Fierce!)
Love,
Leigh
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Westside Books is in Publisher’s Weekly!!!
Thank you Janet for sending me this link!!
Our publisher just got a write-up in Publisher's Weekly . . . and Leigh Brescia was mentioned.
OMG that's ME!!!!
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6592724.html?nid=2788
Thank you Janet for sending me this link!!
Our publisher just got a write-up in Publisher's Weekly . . . and Leigh Brescia was mentioned.
OMG that's ME!!!!
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6592724.html?nid=2788
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