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March 2008 Archives
Marketing Monday: Family Circle and a How-To
I really love writing stories about people who are doing Good in the world, and I'm posting my latest one, which was in the March issue of Family Circle (click on it for a larger, readable image). It's about Sarah Symons, founder of The Emancipation Network. I wanted to share the pitching story for those of you who are interested in magazine writing. I knew that Family Circle didn't cover international issues very often, so I crafted this pitch by pointing out that Sarah is a 43-year-old mother of two from Massachusetts, and that her organization is really a community effort. She involves friends, family, church members, etc. Her home life, which is very relatable to Family Circle readers, gives her story the right angle for the magazine.
I wrote more about breaking into magazine writing for about.com's freelancing site this week. Hope these tips are helpful! Magazine writing really is a great way to spread the word about amazing people like Sarah.
Happy Monday!
PS-I ordered a pretty bracelet from The Emancipation Network, made from magazine strips! Who knew?
I'm over here at Hollywood Girls Club author Maggie Marr's fabulous blog today, writing about how I want my own paparazzi squad (well, sort of). Visit me?
Also, I'm almost ready to post my short haircut but I don't have my camera with me today. Soon!
For now, I'll just post this video, because it has been making me laugh for about three weeks now... all thanks to my friend Charles (not Charlie).
Happy weekend!
PS-This week's contest is still open, so feel free to keep entering through next Wednesday!
I got tagged again for this meme by Alexa Young, author of the upcoming Frenemies, so I decided to think of six more things to share. Oh, first, rules:
1. link back to the person who tagged you.
2. post these rules on your blog.
3. share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. tag six random people at the end of your entry. (I'm cheating on this one)
5. let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.
Okay, so six things:
1. I have another blog with my friend Anne. It's sort of secret. By which I mean no one really reads it (except Alexa and Kwana! Yay!). It's about Oprah. That's right. But I'm not going to link to it, because I kind of like it being a mystery.
2. I once ate wings in the shower in college. Long story, I was late for class and starving, etc. But I'll admit it: Gross.
3. Violet on the Runway was cited as one of 2007's Best Books for the Teen Age this weekend from the New York Public Library (that's where I met Lion!). I blogged about it at Teen Fiction Cafe.
4. Last week I heard a song on someone's myspace profile that reminded me of a long-ago boy and I got totally obsessed with this mix tape he once made me. Um, so obsessed that I downloaded all the songs I could remember from the tape and made a playlist. My current boyfriend (fiance, actually, but I don't love that word) is so cool and didn't mind. He laughed at me. I love him.
5. I got my hair cut majorly short yesterday and I'm too scared to post a photo of it. Why is a short haircut such a scary thing? It'll grow back! But still, later... I have to get used to it first.
So now anyone who wants to do this meme, consider yourself tagged! Let me know if you do it. I kind of love hearing random things about people. And remember to include at least one embarrassing thing, just for me (those are my favorites).
Win-It Wednesday: Siobhan Vivian's A Little Friendly Advice
So many entries last time! Fun! Hearing about why you love your age was great, especially since it seems like everyone's pretty happy. Happy is nice to hear.
This week, I get to give away a signed copy of A Little Friendly Advice, the debut novel from Siobhan Vivian, whom I had the chance to read with this month. She seems awesome, and the book is really great, especially in the way it explores girls' friendships with all their ups and downs and confusions and heart-soaring (and breaking) moments. Plus, there's a plot twist. I love a plot twist!
So to win SV's signed book, just go visit me on one or all of the reviews I mentioned yesterday, then tell me you did that below (I trust you, even if you don't leave a comment on the review sites). Or visit Book Chic's review of Violet by Design, which just posted. And f you want to, tell me where you mostly read book reviews. I'm curious.
The prolific Jocelyn at Teen Book Review posted a review of Violet by Design that addresses the weight issue I tried to tackle in the book--I love J's passion about that in her write-up.
So, just thanks, everyone. It means a TON TON TON to me. I am as happy as Jfur in that photo!
First, I just had to fulfill a promise to commenters on The Book Lady's fun interview with me. Behold, a photo of the pink flowered chair in which I write daily (and which I'm sinking into right now). I don't know why I look so sly in that photo, but I really love it, ottoman and all!
Second, I've mentioned how writing articles for various venues can help get your name in front of potential readers, and you can go further by writing articles that help other authors (and you!) in their marketing endeavors.
Today, one such article I wrote was posted on mediabistro.com. It's called Building Buzz For Your Book, and I got to interview some very creative author and publishing types who shared great ideas. Thank you all!
PS-UPDATED: Buzz begets buzz, which is another thing to remember. Thanks, Galleycat! (And sorry to everyone who can't read the story on mediabistro.com because they're not members... I didn't realize that part earlier!).
I'm feeling sad today, and it has to do with Sunshine, a teenage girl in Iraq whom I interviewed for flip.com last year (that's a photo that she sent me of flowers from her garden). She's smart, funny, kind and ambitious. Here's the flipbook that came out of our interview -- it has a lot about her life in Iraq, her dreams and fears, and the universal aspects of being 15.
This week, she posted a very sad, fearful entry about what's going on in her community now, and it breaks my heart. If you guys want to visit her blog and leave some thoughts of hope, I think it would be a great comfort, especially those of you near her age.
I'm over at Teen Fiction Cafe today, blogging about crushes. Actually, I scanned a page from my journal, circa 1993. It's a real artifact. If you want to visit DORK CITY, go here.
You see how I humiliate myself for you guys? And seriously, tell me that your journals are just as embarrassing. Make me feel better.
PS-Don't forget to enter yesterday's contest. Oh, and Book Chic has a big Meg Cabot giveaway going on here until Friday!
And I'll be giving a signed copy of Violet on the Runway to a commenter below. All you have to do is tell me what you love most about being the age you are (whatever age that may be--and if you don't want to tell me your age, you can generalize). I'll pick a winner at random next Wednesday.
I am 30, but I feel about 17. Seriously. What I like about 30 is that I'm a lot more confident than I used to be, and sometimes adults actually take me seriously now that I can say I'm 30. It's empowering!
I thought I'd write a little bit about magazines, because people sometimes ask me about pitching. Below is a story I wrote for Teen Vogue's March issue (click to enlarge if you want to read it). It's about the topic of gossip, which isn't exactly a new subject for teen magazines. However, there was a study that came out recently, saying that most people believe gossip over fact. The study was published in all the major newspapers (reading newspapers every day is key!) so that was the perfect hook to hang a story about gossip on, and Teen Vogue wanted to do a feature. Just one tip for selling a story: Find the timely angle. I'll blog more about magazine writing if you guys are interested.
Oh, and magazine writer extraordinaire Sarah Jiointerviewed me today, so stop by there and throw some love if you have time.
I'm excited because I ordered this wallet in blue and it just arrived! I am so gonna get my sh-t together and make it all fit in this sleek little number. (I found the wallet through Sharp Lily, a great fashion blog. Thanks, SL!)
Okay, I know tons of people were all about the autographed copy of Uglies, so here's the big announcement: our random number generator has chosen.... Bohae! Send me your address, B. Everyone else, you know I'll have your backs with another contest next Wednesday.
And if you're hankering to win something right now, head over to YA Fresh, where there's a caption contest going on.
Oh, and how could I neglect to tell you about the contest going on at Book Chic, where I guest blogged this week? It's a chance to win BOTH Violet books, plus a L'Oreal lip gloss. Go, go!
Thanks for all your get-well wishes! I think you guys made me better. Well, I feel better anyway. But as my friend Kevin says, I shouldn't assume I'm better until at least tomorrow. So I'm taking it easy.
Anyway, the winner of last week's Thursday contest is... Katie! Send me your address, and a copy of Carolyn Mackler's Guyaholic is yours.
Now, I just found out that Radar has a new columnist. Yup, that guy on the left. I mean, this is a publication I'vewrittenfor. Yee-ikes. But, okay, I'll probably read it to see what absolutely silly things he says. Will he trash Lauren some more? Rag on Brody? Discuss his love for graffiti on living room walls? I really can't wait for The Hills to come back on. Is that sad?
Today, I did an interview with The Book Lady, so come say hi! And if you have questions for me, leave them there, and I will return to answer them (yes, you can ask anything!).
Last Wednesday, a copy of Sara Zarr's Story of a Girl was up for grabs. And the winner is... Ink! Yay, Ink! Send me your address.
Today, I'm still sick and yucky, so I'm going to lazily link you to contests that you can win instead of hosting my own (but that still counts by the rules I make up in my mind!):
But I'll get over it. I just had to whine for two words.
Oh, the Scholastic version of Violet on the Runway should be in school book fairs now! So if you're looking for it, the cover is different; a little younger, but still cute. See?
On to business. Today's randomly chosen winner of Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logstead is.... Kaitlyn Hodge! Email me your address, K! You will love the book.
I have to go back to bed now, but you can check out these links and leave me some love if you feel blog-cheated.
Thank you so much, everyone, for helping me spread the word about release week -- it is so, so appreciated.
Last Friday, I got to go speak with classes at the High School of Fashion Industries, hence, the photo (Note to self: babydoll dress that you think is cute adds 20 pounds. Argh!). I went with Lancome model Selena Breed, and it was a total blast. We had so much fun and got such good questions from the students there. You guys all better keep in touch, if you're reading this, by the way. I know superstars in the making when I meet them!
And I also had two fantastic bookstore encounters. One in Brooklyn, where I went to a bookstore to see if they had Violet by Design on the shelves, and I met Sophia and her dad. Sophia was carrying around a copy of Violet by Design, so I got to talk to her and sign it for her, which was a complete thrill for me! Then, just today, I was in a Manhattan bookstore and met another reader -- who's also a teenage model -- who was sitting in a windowseat and reading Violet on the Runway. She had Violet by Design in her bag, too. We talked for a long time and I also met her mom, and a friend of hers who's a writer. Any author will tell you that it's amazing-amazing-amazing to meet readers. I am in the best mood!
Which brings me to my next point: If you're in the NY area, please come see me read on Wednesday the 12th (in two days!). And not just me, lots of really great authors. Here's the info:
Teen Author Reading Night
Weds, March 12
Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library
425 6th Ave, at 10th St., New York City
6-7:30 p.m.
David Levithan hosting, with readings from E. Lockhart (The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks), Elizabeth Scott (Perfect You), Siobhan Vivian (A Little Friendly Advice), and Maryrose Wood (My Life: The Musical). Plus me.
Last night, the mighty Tarheels triumphed over the evil forces of Duke. I seriously always feel like this battle is good vs. evil, as anyone who grew up in Chapel Hill does. I know my girl Sarah Dessen was doing a little dance of joy last night, too.
And I was so, so touched by the "Eve" circles sewn into the Carolina uniforms last night in remembrance of the slain student body present Eve Carson, whose story breaks my heart.
You guys must all know about this series, right? Scott Westerfeld's world is so much fun to get lost in -- and it's also a great social commentary. In short, Tally Youngblood lives in a world where, at age 16, everyone is made "Pretty" with plastic surgery. So what happens when she considers rebelling? Quite a bit of adventure!
To win a copy, just say hi below and tell me about the latest book you've loved!
I have so much I want to write about, but it'll wait. I'll also announce contest winners next week, so on Monday I'll post Monday's winner, Tuesday I'll post Tuesday's winner... you see the pattern here. So keep entering contests this weekend!
By the way, my blog about Ali Michael got picked up on myspace books as the featured blog--hooray! Go comment over there if you have the inclination.
Carolyn Mackler's latest novel is fantastic, and I'm going to cheat by giving you the review I wrote for amazon. V is the girl that I would have probably been intimidated by, in awe of, and kind of angry at in high school. She may swoop in and steal your boyfriend, but it sure is fascinating to get inside her head. And guess what? Understanding where she's coming from makes you want to hug her and tell her everything will be okay. Because her flaws and her insecurities make her just like the rest of us. And this is one story that sweeps you away with the joy and pain of V's journey to find herself.
I recently read this great piece by Christina Brinkley in the Wall Street Journal about 17-year-old Ali Michael, a lovely girl from Texas with a 23-inch waist who was the toast of the modeling world last season. She had worked hard to stay thin, and scored lots of big runways, including Chanel, John Galliano and Dior. I saw her on the cover of Teen Vogue with other up-and-comers Chanel Iman and Karlie Kloss.
This time around? Worried about her health, she stopped watching her weight so rigorously over the past few months. She gained five pounds and was deemed "too plump" for all but one runway (kudos to Yohji Yamamoto for booking lovely Ali).
This true story is very similar to what my character Violet faces in Violet by Design, and it involves an issue that's bigger than who's sitting in the front row of Fashion Week, which designer best illustrated the bright colors trend or who invented the latest handbag shape. The Skinny Thing is an issue to talk about, to remember as we flip through glossy magazines and watch red carpet coverage on E!, to keep in the news and in the forefront of our minds, lest we forget that we should all be concerned.
Sometimes when I tell people that I'm writing a series of teen books about a young fashion model, they wrinkle their noses. They imagine that the books are brand-laden write-ups of runways and high-heeled backstabbers.
And, okay, that's part of it, because those things are fun to read -- and write -- about. But the truth is, there's a lot of serious material within the fashion world, and I want the Violet books to touch on that, too.
Lots of people ask what inspired me to write a book about a girl who becomes a model. It's a classic coming-of-age tale, complete with Top Model makeover and geek-to-chic transition. But that wasn't what interested me most. More than the new clothes, hair and attention, I wanted to throw Violet into the competition, criticism and abject cattiness that exists in the fashion industry.
It probably sounds like I wanted to torture my character. I didn't! I just imagined a real girl -- one who grew up in the south, without a Bergdorf's card and a closet full of Prada bags -- reacting to the insanity of the fashion world. I wanted to show how a 17-year-old with great friends and a strong sense of family can find herself anywhere -- even among the utter insanity of the modeling world.
A few readers have questioned whether the things that happen to Violet as she becomes a model are realistic. I often thought that when Violet by Design, book 2, was released, people would wonder whether a gain of merely five pounds would really cause such a stir with her agent and the designers who wanted to book her.
Now that we've seen Miss Michael's story, I can point to that as the reality of the industry. Unfortunately.
The silver lining? Ali Michael went home with her supportive mom by her side. She stayed healthy. She's a gorgeous role model. We should all applaud her decisions as a true It Girl.
Now, today I'll be giving away a copy of Sara Zarr's Story of a Girl, which was a finalist for the 2007 National Book Award, and deservedly so! Thank goodness for a book that confronts head on the challenges that girls face in terms of sex and reputation. You will so be on Deanna's team!
And to win this book? Just go visit some of my blog tour areas today!
I'm at Stephanie Kuehnert's place, talking about a (somewhat embarrassing) song that made me triple-swoon in high school.
And over at Jessica Burkhart's, I'm doing the interview thing and giving away a copy of Violet by Design.
Win a copy of Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logsted!
I'm guest blogging with Young Adult Enchanting Reviews today, so head over there and leave some love? The topic is characters I've identified with throughout the years (and yes, Marcia Brady is involved). I'd love to hear who you guys liked too!
Thanks to everyone who's been spreading the word about Violet by Design. Keep it up, and keep posting on Monday's contest for a chance to win a copy of Leftovers (I'll choose a winner next week).
Today, your prize is a copy of Angel's Choice by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. It's a tale of teen pregnancy, but more than that, it's a coming of age story for Angel Hansen. And it's absolutely riveting to watch this girl come into the strength of her own convictions as concerned parents, confused friends, and tentative loves swirl around her. I read this book in one day--I couldn't put it down.
So, in order to win today's contest, I'd love for you to leave a comment on someone else's blog telling them about Violet by Design's release day (today!). You can do this anytime this week, and then just tell me about it below.
Thank you guys for putting up my my promo requests! Just this week--promise!
Today, we start with a copy of Leftovers by Laura Wiess. (Note: My copy is an Advance Reader's Edition, and the cover's a little scratched, but the inside is pristine!). The story of best friends Blair and Ardith will keep you riveted to the page -- it's an exploration of what might drive teenage girls to the edge (absent or irresponsible parents, a-holes at school, the "boys will be boys" attitude that dominates and excuses too much). Loved this book.
To win your copy, all you have to do is tell one person about my new book Violet by Design (official release day is tomorrow!). You can tell them anything -- that you've heard about it, that you liked Violet on the Runway (if you did!), that you read the author's blog -- whatevs. Then just comment below and tell me who you told (bonus for librarians and booksellers!). That's it; you're entered.
I'll choose a winner next week, so you have all week to spread the word! Thank you! Tune in for tomorrow's contest.
I really love writing stories about people who are doing Good in the world, and I'm posting my latest one, which was in the March issue of Family Circle (click on it for a larger, readable image). It's about Sarah Symons, founder of The Emancipation Network. I wanted to share the pitching story for those of you who are interested in magazine writing. I knew that Family Circle didn't cover international issues very often, so I crafted this pitch by pointing out that Sarah is a 43-year-old mother of two from Massachusetts, and that her organization is really a community effort. She involves friends, family, church members, etc. Her home life, which is very relatable to Family Circle readers, gives her story the right angle for the magazine.
