Leavin' on a Jet Plane!

Okay Dudes,

This is me waving goodbye!!!

We’re heading to RDU in the morning to catch our flight to NYC. This is the general itinerary (it’s a whirlwind weekend):

Friday: flying and being tour-ons

Saturday: Book Expo America!!! Last time you have to hear it: I’m signing at the WestSide booth (3931) from 2:00-3:00

Sunday: being tour-ons

Monday: flying home (and for me, a suitcase full of dirty laundry to wash)

Hopefully I will recover quickly and have awesome pics to post upon my return. Keep in mind I will be traveling with the guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online, who has never flown; a pre-schooler; one indulgent set of grandparents; and two brothers (yes, apparently we picked up another one today).

Good Times. Good Times.

Not only that, but I may self-destruct from being around so much Awesome on Saturday, because I will be surrounded by some of the most amazing people in the industry, and I am a hopeless YA fangirl. (deep breath) Just. Act. Cool. (SQUEEEEE! Ack! Didn’t work!)

Hope you have a great weekend!

Bon Voyage!!

(waves!)

Love,

~Leigh~

I’m preparing for my first school visit, which is so totally scary since I am not a huge fan of public speaking. Truthfully? I’d rather crawl into a cave and write forever and not have to do this stuff that, instead of a “writer,” somehow makes me an “author.”

So I’m working on the outline of what I’m going to say (okay, I admit it: I’m writing it out word for word first, and hoping I can memorize most of it) and going through my old files to find evidence of my journey as a writer.

Among the things I have saved over the years is a pile of rejection letters. A Pile. Rejection letters for poems, and short romantic stories; kid’s books and short stories; rejections from magazines and agents and publishing houses. . . . Rejections from the first YA novel I ever wrote, and yes, rejections of One Wish.

I mean, I don’t want to count or anything . . . but there is a *Stack* of them. (Should’ve gone all Stephen King and stabbed them into a wall with a spike . . . but I digress.)

And so I started reading, and what a flood of memories came rushing back:

“Dear Leigh, While I loved . . . I’m sorry.”

“Dear Author, Due to the amount of submissions we receive there is no way we can possibly. . . .”

“Good luck”

“Best of luck”

“Best Wishes”

They’re all the same; their ultimate purpose to mark me a big, fat REJECT. And it’s not like the detailed ones offer any advice to improve. One house loved the character(s), another didn’t. One thought the plot was great; another thought it was overdone.

I’m saying this because it’s all subjective. What’s not right for one house is a perfect fit for another. What’s not a perfect fit for a house one year will be perfect for it the next. It’s a crazy, mixed-up industry that I’m thrilled to be part of but will never, ever try to figure out. The best thing to do is just keep writing.

“Better luck next time.”

To all you writers, artists, and dreamers out there (my kindred spirits): keep in mind the old saying that “luck” is preparation meets opportunity.

My advice for the day: prepare yourself, keep at it, and the opportunity will present itself. (Though you may have to collect a hefty stack of rejection letters first.)

Hang in there, because one day it’ll happen, and if you work hard and really push yourself, you just might get “lucky.”

Have a great day!

Love,

~Leigh~

Quick Entry

I have a million and one things to do before this weekend, so today’s post is, um, minimal. Perhaps more later in the week.

Today, I’m just posting my blog tour dates. This is the last round!

5/24 Aprilynne Pike http://www.apparentlyaprilynne.blogspot.com

(Superman or Batman?)

5/25 Sarah Ockler http://sarahockler.com

(A Coming Home Party for Wrenn)

5/26 Carrie Ryan http://carrie-me.blogspot.com/

(Make-out scenes or explode something?)

5/27 L.K. Madigan http://lkmadigan.livejournal.com/

(Rain or Sun? Spring or Fall? Early Bird or Night Owl?

5/29 Neesha Meminger http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com

(Advice for my 16-year old self, and to never, ever . . . )

5/30 Cindy Pon http://cindypon.blogspot.com/

(Where I confess my author crush!)

I hope you're enjoying the extended weekend!

Love,

Leigh

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

A few things:

1. A HUGE congrats to Aprilynne Pike! Her debut novel, WINGS reached the #1 slot on the NYT Bestseller list this week!!! Here’s the link to our interview from a few weeks ago if you missed it: http://leighbrescia.livejournal.com/11923.html. Also, go visit Aprilynne at her home on the web. . . here: http://www.aprilynnepike.com/. Go Aprilynne!! Woot!

2. One week from this very moment I will be on a plane, on my way to New York City for my first real book signing. I’m stoked/nervous/half-crazed all at the same time, but then, that’s like, my default setting so no surprise there.

3. If you’re going to BEA next weekend come and say hi! I’ll be walking around the convention center, meeting up with Debs and housemates, and stalking some pretty major writers. Will post pics of my sightings upon return. Am hoping I’m not kicked out for being obsessive fangirl. Oh yeah, I’ll be here: WestSide Books, Booth #3931 on Saturday from 2:00-3:00.

4. So far, work on the WIP is going well. Since I’ve never attempted an urban fantasy, I’m fairly obsessive about researching and outlining this one. I have everything planned out all the way to the climax. Not sure how it will all end, yet, though, but I’m going to keep pushing forward. It’s always interesting to me how the story takes on a life of its own. I have full confidence that my characters will tell me exactly what needs to happen. I’m loving writing this book so far. I hope it continues past the honeymoon phase . . . when I’m at 30,000 words and start to flounder (it always happens around then, doesn’t it?). I’m rapidly approaching that mark: fingers crossed!

5. I’m not quite obsessed yet, but I listened to several Muse songs on YouTube last night (Muse is the band Stephenie Meyer credits in her novels, and the song Supermassive Black Hole is on the Twilight sound track [and is AWESOME, btw]). I’m only listening because the guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online and I have plans to see U2 (*heart* Bono) this year, and Muse is their opener. I’m not a big concert person, but this may end up being fun. (And, being a writer, I can always write it off as “research.”) I *love* my job!

Hope you have a great Friday!!

Love,

~Leigh~

Cindy Pon is Here!

Today I have Cindy Pon on the blog! Cindy is celebrating the debut of her novel: Silver Phoenix.

About Silver Phoenix – Beyond the Kingdom of Xia

On the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--ai ling discovers a power welling deep within her. She can reach into other people's spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams...and that's just the beginning. ai ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor's palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets chen yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. Here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend.

About Cindy Pon

Cindy Pon was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and her family immigrated to California in 1980, settling in the suburbs of Los Angeles. She began writing stories before she was officially declared English proficient. She received her bachelor's from the University of California, San Diego, and also earned a master's from New York University. The author is a student of Chinese brush painting, and her love for the art is reflected in her storytelling. Cindy Pon lives with her husband and two small children in San Diego, California.

On to the Interview!

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?

Cindy: I really love my climax. It’s the culmination of my heroine's entire journey. Will she be able to defeat the enemy? There are many layers to this story and the climax. I love that.

Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

Cindy: I have a children's picture book coming out using my own Chinese brush art, and also a sequel for Silver Phoenix.

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

Cindy: Neil Gaiman. Not only is he multi-talented writer, he is also so kind and gracious and charming in person. He gives so much of himself to his fans, and he makes it look easy, and I know that it can't be!

Awesome! Readers . . . You can visit Cindy at her home on the web: http://cindypon.com

Also, you should know that Silver Phoenix is kicking some serious butt:

Booklist just named it one of the top ten fantasy novels for youth . . . and Meg Cabot loved it!

“I couldn’t put it down. Your heart will be racing, and you’ll be aching for more. An addictive gem.” —Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and Airhead series

If Meg says it, it must be so!

While you’re at Cindy’s site, check out the book trailer for Silver Phoenix. (Go here: http://cindypon.com/silver-phoenix/ then scroll down.) It’s Amazing!

And . . . Silver Phoenix is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Phoenix-Beyond-Kingdom-Xia/dp/0061730211/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225672442&sr=1-1

Cindy will be chatting with Neesha tomorrow at: http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for stopping by, Cindy!

JE is Here!

Yes, she was on the blog not too long ago, but I’m having JE back as a reminder for anyone who has yet to pick up a copy of her debut novel, Waiting to Score, which is on sale now! Here is your reminder: Do it!

About Waiting to Score

Zack Chase, new in town, gets a crash course in the dangerous, fast-paced lives of local teen athletes. A good-looking, book-loving hockey star, Zack’s also expected to be a womanizing, alcohol-abusing party animal, but it’s not who he is. As jealous, obnoxious team captain Mac hounds him, Zack falls for Goth-girl Jane and befriends her teammate brother, both with their own secrets. Tragedy strikes and affects them all in this true-to-life debut novel, giving readers an insight into the lives of high school students and athletes.

Hijack!

(Even though it’s written from a guy’s point of view both guys and girls will love this story. It’s not a hockey book: it’s a book about friendships and relationships and choices. Guys: Zack is totally cool, and definitely someone you’d want to be your best friend. Girls: Zack is . . . Sa-Woon!)

Okay. Back to the real post:

About the Author

J.E.‘s path to becoming an author was a windy one. After college, she wrote advertising copy for radio and then television and eventually moved on to work in sales and marketing for too many years.

After having a son, J.E. followed her dreams and wrote her first book. Once she started writing YA, she felt like she’d found her home and has been writing it ever since. J.E. lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and a new puppy named Meeko. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot.

Let’s get on to the official Interview! Eh? (Hoping I used that in the appropriate context!)

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?

J.E.: This sounds really awful but my fave part of the book is when one of the characters dies. Fave in a 'sometimes when I'm sad I like to watch sad movies' kind of favorite. I really love that character and writing some of the scenes that led to the tragic choice was cleansing for my soul.

Me: That was one of the parts of the book where my mouth dropped in astonishment. It completely took me by surprise: didn’t see it coming at all. V. sad, but such a good lesson for teens who pick up the book and read about it.

What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

J.E.: I have two contemporary and edgy YA's that are done, one still in revision stage. One is a girl POV and one is a boy POV. I also am working on a YA that is more an Alias tone. I have another paranormal YA in my files that I'd love to work on. So many ideas, so little time. I would love to tackle an MG story idea too, and have a chapter book I want to write. Someday.

Me: I hear you! And finally: Who is your writing hero and why?

J.E.: I have lots of writing heroes. One is John Green because he is so obviously great at writing, but also because he's done so much for the contemporary YA genre. His vlogs are flippin' awesome too.

Me: (sigh) He’s amazing! Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to swoon at the thought. . . .

Readers: You can visit J.E. at her home on the web: http://www.jemacleod.com

And . . . Waiting to Score is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Score-J-E-MacLeod/dp/193481301X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234020736&sr=8-1

It doesn’t disappoint! I promise!

A Day at the River. . . .

1. Okay, so I had the most fabulous time on Saturday. We packed up the fam and headed about an hour out of town to visit my aunt and uncle at their house at the river. (I mean, backyard = river.) I had a great time visiting with family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Food was great. The golf cart ride my cousin took me on was nothing if not exciting.

Will not post pics of the extended fam because I do respect their privacy. I, however, am fair game:

This is me with my pasty white legs that have not seen sun all winter.

This crocodile, which we chased down in my uncles’ boat, is also fair game:

I don’t know if it was a croc or an alligator. I didn’t get close enough to find out. Not that I would’ve been able to tell the difference, anyway. This was close enough for me. Our boat was low to the water, and I kept imagining the thing diving on board and death-rolling (shudders). It seemed pretty docile though; as in: if I don’t mess with it, it won’t mess with me. Still, I didn’t stick my foot in the water if you know what I mean.

After a week of grading research papers, it was nice to get away for a while. I’ve mentioned on this blog before that I *live* for water. It’s rejuvenating. There’s (almost) nothing that a trip to the river or ocean won’t cure.

If I sell just a few more copies of One Wish I might think about doing the river house thing. My aunt’s office view was the stuff dreams are made of. (And I know, as an English professor, I should’ve said: the stuff from which dreams are made, but we’re all friends here).

2. Author’s copies of One Wish arrived! Will do a giveaway soon, so keep checking back!

3. I’m still doing the Debs Blog thing. Here’s my list of weekly links:

Week of May 17-23

5/17 C. Lee McKenzie http://writegame.blogspot.com/

(What food makes writer pains go away)

5/18 Sarah Cross http://sarahcross.livejournal.com

(If I was a superhero!)
5/19 Kate Messner http://kmessner.livejournal.com/

(The first thing I wrote that made me feel like a writer)

5/20 Lauren Bjorkman http://laurenbjorkman.livejournal.com/

(What happens when I get writer’s block)

5/21 Megan Frazer http://meganfrazer.com/?page_id=56

(If Wrenn was in a pageant. . . .)

5/22 Mandy Hubbard http://mandywriter.livejournal.com/

(In Five Words!)

5/23 Jennifer Jabaley http://jenniferjabaley.livejournal.com/

(Do I outline?)

4. Congratulations to Aprilynne Pike! Her novel, Wings, debuted on the NYT Bestseller list! http://www.aprilynnepike.com/

I swear, as a 2009 Debutante, I am in the presence of greatness. Check us out at www.feastofawesome.com.

Love,

~Leigh~

C Lee McKenzie is Here!

Hey ya’ll! Another Debutante post coming your way! This time I’m *so* happy to introduce you to C. Lee McKenzie.

Lee and I are both WestSide writers: publishing sisters and kindred spirits, obviously, since we both write under our middle names, and it’s (gasp) the same one! (Though spelled differently.)

First up:

About Sliding on the Edge

Shawna Stone is a heartbeat away from making the worst mistake anyone can. She’s close to taking her own life. Kay Stone is a grandmother Shawna has never known, and at sixty-four Kay feels there is little left in her life to look forward to. When they are thrown together they circle each other in a crucible of secrets and distrust until saving a doomed horse unites them and gives each a reason to live.

(BTW, I’m reading Sliding on the Edge *right* this very moment. So far . . .So Awesome!)

About C. Lee McKenzie

A native Californian, C. Lee McKenzie has always been a writer, but to eat and make contributions to children's college funds, she’s also been a university lecturer and administrator. Lee’s written and published non-fiction articles, both in her field of Linguistics and Inter-cultural Communication, and in general readership magazines. For five years Lee wrote, edited, and published a newsletter for U.S. university professors who were managing global classroom issues. Since she turned in her academic hat and began writing for young readers, Lee’s fiction and non-fiction works have been frequently published in the award-winning e-zine, Stories for Children, and Crow Toes Quarterly has published her ghostly tales. Sliding on the Edge is her first young adult novel. Writing for teen readers keeps Lee in touch with the young members of her family, and allows her to re-visit those wonderful years in life when everything is possible. When she isn’t writing, Lee’s hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Los Gatos, California.

On to the Interview!

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?

Lee: I love the scenes between Shawna (my young main character) and Magic (the horse). It was easy to write about them together and I enjoyed doing it. Hope others enjoy reading those parts half as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Me: I’m still early in the novel, so I haven’t met Magic, yet. Can’t wait! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

Lee: I just finished (loosely speaking) another YA novel called Princess of Las Pulgas. It's "resting" on the editor's desk. I'm at the beginning of another YA, but it's so new I have little to say about it, except I like the idea and hope to wrestle it into some kind of shape over this year. I like writing YA with a bit of an edge to it, so I think I'll stick around here for a while.

Me: “Resting.” That seems to sum up much of this industry (lol). Finally: who is your writing hero and why?

Lee: Robert Cormier really grabs me. His books are always odysseys. Can I have two? I love E.B. White as well, especially his essays and of course Charlotte's Web.

Awesome!

You can visit Lee at her home on the web: http://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/

And . . . SLIDING ON THE EDGE is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Sliding-Edge-C-Lee-McKenzie/dp/1934813060/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238386492&sr=8-1

*Lee and I are also release date sisters, so don’t worry that the Amazon link says “temporarily out of stock.” Pre-orders are filling at this moment, and Sliding will be “In Stock” and available very soon.

Lee will be chatting with Sydney Salter tomorrow at: http://www.mybignose.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for stopping by, Lee!

A Few Things. . . .

Okay, a few things for your Thursday:

1. Drowning in research papers, which would explain the lack of blog posts this week. I’ve had to work at *night* to keep up, which I try to avoid. Grr.

2. Glad I write under my middle name and that my online students haven’t discovered my blogs. I use way too many fragments and do not complete my thoughts, and sentences are sometimes one word. It’s a “do what I say; not what I do” thing, obviously. Still, you must *know* the rules before you’re allowed to break them.

3. Am plugging away on my WIP. I seem to be doing my best writing between 11 and 1am. Whatever works.

4. My mom bought me a Latin Dance Cardio Workout DVD for Mother’s Day. (How well does she know me?!) Anyway, I did it for the first time yesterday, and Love It. Those peeps can really move, and my entire body hurts today. The best part, though, is that it’s fun. You can even shut the workout off and just keep the music. Because if you *have* to exercise, you should have a great time while doing it.

5. Just received word that if you pre-ordered One Wish on Amazon, your order is on its way (breathes huge sigh of relief).

6. There is a rumor floating around that one of the Debs debuted on the NYT Bestseller list! (SQUEE!) But she hasn’t posted the formal news on her blog, yet, and the new list isn’t up. Looks like you’ll have to wait!

That Is All!

Love,

~Leigh~

Cheryl Renee Herbsman is here!

Happy Monday! Today I’m thrilled to have Cheryl Renee Herbsman on the blog! Cheryl is celebrating the release of her novel: Breathing.

First the preliminaries:

About Breathing

What if the guy who took your breath away was the only one who could help you breathe?

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels and working at the library. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.

This debut novel has it all—an endearing, funny, hopelessly romantic main character, lots of down-home Southern charm, and a sunny, salty beach setting that will transport you to the Carolina coast.

(Doesn’t this sound awesome? The moment I read the summary I knew it was a must-read. Plus . . . hello? NC resident here, and I *heart* the Carolina coast!)

About Cheryl Renee Herbsman

Cheryl Renée Herbsman lives in Northern California with her husband and two children, but she grew up in North Carolina and often spent summer vacations at the Carolina coast. Like Savannah, she fell in love as a teenager, and like Savannah and Jackson, she and her boyfriend carried on a long-distance relationship. They are now celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary.

(Aww! It’s okay, Cheryl, I forgive you for abandoning us for the west coast.)

Seriously now: on to the Interview!

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?

Cheryl: The romance

Me: Always the best part! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

Cheryl: I’m working on a new YA novel about four friends and their summer romances.

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

Cheryl: I couldn’t possibly choose just one. I admire Laurie Halse Anderson for the way she deals with big issues, Sarah Dessen for the way she develops characters, J.K. Rowling for her incredible imagination, John Green for his smart edge, and many others, including the amazing Debs who seem so incredibly productive and supportive.

Me: Awesome! I love many of these writers for the exact same reasons!

Readers . . . You can visit Cheryl at her home on the web: http://www.cherylreneeherbsman.com

Also, I’m not the only one who is excited about BREATHING:

Booklist called it: "Authentic, lyrical, and consistent. Readers will look forward to more from this talented new author.”

And even Kirkus had love to give. Kirkus! I mean, come on!

“The struggle to sustain an intense romance while holding tight to one’s dreams drives this story, which is strengthened by a strong sense of place and a compelling narrative voice.” – Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus. That is all.

BREATHING is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Cheryl-Ren%C3%A9e-Herbsman/dp/0670011231/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230061804&sr=8-1

And . . . Cheryl will be chatting with Sydney Salter tomorrow at: http://www.mybignose.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for stopping by, Cheryl!

Keep reading below for blog tour updates!

Tour Posts

I should’ve posted this yesterday, but here is my blog tour schedule for the week:

Week of May 10-May 16

5/10 Jackson Pearce http://www.jacksonpearce.com

(A book I feel weird about loving)

5/11 J.E. Macleod http://jemacleod123.blogspot.com/

(Embarrassing moment alert!)

5/12 Stacey Jay http://staceyjayya.blogspot.com/

(If someone in One Wish had to die. . . .)

5/13 Erin Dionne http://bostonerin.livejournal.com

(Jack Frost or Jack Sprat?)

5/14 Cynthia Liu http://www.authorsnow.com

(A phrase in One Wish you’ll never read anywhere else)

5/15 Jenny Moss http://jenny-moss.livejournal.com/

(My favorite book character!)

5/16 Sarah MacLean http://www.macleanspace.com

(An interview with Wrenn!)

Also: a huge thank you to Holly for the fabulous review of One Wish! (Interview included!)

http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/one-wish-by-leigh-brescia.html

FYI: Since I got my first hardcover on Friday, it’s safe to say that the books are ready. This means Amazon will start filling orders v. soon (and One Wish will no longer be listed as “out of stock”). Stick tight!

Again, I apologize for the weird formatting. I like spaces between lines, and blogger isn't letting me do it anymore. What is up with this?

Squeal!!

We interrupt this amazing Friday. . . .

Just got my first One Wish hardcover!! I tried to hug the UPS man, but he literally rang the doorbell and Ran for Cover. He must’ve known what was inside the package.

Squeals!!!

Happy Friday!

It’s Friday! Yay!

1. I’ve come to accept the fact that I’m not a morning person. My brain doesn’t seem to come alive until after 8:00pm for some reason, and then, like last night, it doesn’t stop until 2am. Am moderately exhausted this morning, but I did write 2,000 words on my new WIP. Yep, it’s official: I’m writing again. This time it’s an urban fantasy. (Fingers crossed.)

2. Would’ve been asleep earlier than 2am if a freak thunderstorm hadn’t come through last night. There’s nothing like laying in bed, knowing you need to fall asleep, but watching the room flash every time lightning strikes instead. I’m convinced that, when things like that happen, it’s meant for me to experience because I’ll need to write about it one day. Consider it tucked away in my arsenal.

3. Am reading an ARC of Sydney Salter’s new MG novel “Jungle Crossing,” which is due out this fall. Let me tell you, Sydney is *so* funny. She has this character’s voice down, and I spent half of the first chapters laughing out loud. (Kat is on a family vacay to Mexico, which she *doesn’t* want to be on.) I’ve read parts of it aloud to baby girl. She loves the girl with the blue streaks in her hair, and is *really* concerned about the fact that the Mexican bus they ride on doesn’t have seatbelts.

4. The countdown to Book Expo America and my New York City trip is on! 20 days to go! I’m going to print the Saturday signing schedule today and highlight my battle plan. Sarah Dessen will be there, and yes, I plan to squeal in all my fangirl glory. Also, don’t forget I’ll be signing that afternoon! Let’s hope that a) I’m not left alone at the table to watch people pass by and b) I can remember how to spell my name. I’m also looking forward to meeting my editor, a few of my housemates (Mark Fink, Bethany Hegedus), and some of the Debs. (Fingers crossed!)

5. I’m still missing a washer and dryer. I have one more good laundry day before my new ones will need to be picked up, or I will be heading back to my mom’s. New ones are preferred.

And a bonus #6: I blogged almost every day this week. Go me!

Hope you have a Fantastic Friday!

Love,

~Leigh~

A Rant

Okay, I usually don’t use my blog as a forum or podium or place to rant and force my personal opinion on the masses. I generally like to keep it personal, nearly irrelevant, and only pseudo-angsty (when necessary), but I can’t go another day without commenting on this: Did anyone else read the Megan Fox article where she’s discussing her weight?

Here’s the link: http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/access-hollywood-megan-fox.html

Here’s the passage (and quote) that bothered me: “And though Megan is just 23, the actress tried to create the body of a much older woman for her role in Diablo Cody's upcoming horror movie, ‘Jennifer's Body,’ - the body of an almost dead woman. “‘I decided I would turn myself into a zombie,’ she said of her body, which dwindled down to just 99 pounds while shooting the film that is due out in September. ‘I got super, super skinny, stayed out of the sun for four months, and got to where I was losing my eyelashes and my eyebrows.’”

Um, all I have to say about this is: What?? And here’s the link to another interview (also released this week):

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/film/article2415333.ece?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Film

Which says: “Stunning Megan admits her weight fluctuates thanks to her unhealthy lifestyle, but she makes a concerted effort to chub up before working with MICHAEL BAY. She said: ‘Mike doesn’t like really skinny actresses. He’s been traumatised by them for some reason in the past. So I always try to put on eight to ten pounds before, and I’m always the fattest I’ve ever been when making a Transformers movie.’ She added: ‘Anyway, my weight fluctuates constantly - I don’t really take good care of myself. I just sort of exist and survive.’”

Again. WHAT?

Gear up ladies, because Megan Fox is the new "chubby." And the fact that I *was* going to post a picture of her but couldn’t find one where she was fully dressed speaks volumes.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this is exactly what’s wrong with society, and then I’m going to vomit. If getting so skinny that my eyebrows fall out is sexy, I think I’ll pass.

That is all.

Aprilynne Pike is Here!

Guess what? I have another Debs blog tour interview for you today! Celebrating the debut of her novel, Wings, is the fabulous Aprilynne Pike!

About Wings

Aprilynne Pike's Wings is the first of four books about an ordinary girl named Laurel who discovers she is a faerie sent among humans to guard the gateway to Avalon. When Laurel is thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she's torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to both worlds.

(Me: Doesn’t this sound awesome?)

About Aprilynne Pike

Aprilynne Pike has been spinning faerie stories since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found at the gym; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne currently lives with her husband and three kids in Utah, and dreams of warmer climates.

On to the Interview!

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?

Aprilynne: It really is a total spoiler, but when you eventually read it, you will understand. I love my river scene. It was one of those scenes that I knew from the beginning, was awesome. I came out of my office after writing it and I was seriously exhausted and sweaty. That scene took a lot out of me!

Me: I love those kinds of scenes! Unfortunately, it seems like they are few and far between. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

Aprilynne: My WINGS series is all contracted and set for every May for the next four years, so in the meantime I am working on a few stand-alone novels that I hope will be sprinkled in the middle of my series.

Me: That is incredibly busy, and yet you make it sound so effortless! “Oh yeah, I’m just writing a few books in between my four-book series. No biggie.” (lol) Finally, who is your writing hero and why?

Aprilynne: Stephen King. The story of how he got published and the sacrifices that both he and his wife made are really inspiring. I also love that he covers a variety of genres and writes everything from novels to short stories. I also love a lot of the films that have been made from his works which means he has a writing style that transcends medias. That is very cool!

Me: I agree. He’s awesome, and the hero of several Debs who’ve passed through these gates.

Readers, you can visit Aprilynne at her home on the web: http://www.aprilynnepike.com/

While you’re there, check out the video interview she did for HarperTeen: http://www.aprilynnepike.com/harperteen-interview

Drama and literature nerds unite! Aprilynne, I have a feeling we would’ve been great friends in high school.

And . . . WINGS is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Aprilynne-Pike/dp/0061668036/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223505969&sr=8-2

Aprilynne will be chatting with Jenny Moss tomorrow at: http://jenny-moss.livejournal.com/

Thank you so much for stopping by, Aprilynne!