Marketing Monday: Teen Vogue Stories

I wrote a story about what it's like to have an autistic sibling for Teen Vogue's June/July issue. Actually, it's really Annie Seggara's story about her complicated and loving relationship with her sister Emily. It was incredibly eye-opening to interview Annie, who's very poised, articulate and honest. The story is below. I also wanted to give Teen Vogue props for this article about Ali Michael's struggles in the modeling industry. I blogged about her story earlier (Ali's tale really parallels the plot of Violet by Design), and I'm glad they gave it such space in the magazine. The more girls inside the industry speak out against the unhealthy weights of models, the more change can happen, I believe. Ali: You are completely awesome. Happy Holiday Monday!

Photo Friday: Fashion Show #1

I got to go to an amazing fashion show last week. I'm writing a behind-the-scenes story about it for a magazine, so I can't reveal too much here, but I will say that it was colorful and fabulous. There were lots of lovely models on the runway. And when it was all over, I got white roses the next day. Sigh. Happy Friday! Oh, and PS: Go to Shooting Stars magazine to enter to win a marked-up copy of Violet on the Runway. That means I'm making notes in the margins about inspirations, side stories, random musings, etc. Just for fun!

Gay Boyfriend

This video is old news, but The Hazzards have a new one out now... and it's good, if a little bizarre and icky in a hilarious way. I just felt like posting my very favorite one ever. They are all worth checking out... and not just because my friend Anne is the blond one.

Win-It Wednesday: SKIN

This is a double-win day, and I'm sorry I'm late posting!First, the winner of a signed copy of Violet on the Runway, per Linda Gerber's Death By Bikini release week extravaganza, is... Reader Rabbit!! Send me your address, RR. And the winner of the swooningly great Boy Meets Boy is... Hillary! You are going to love this book, H, so send me your address. Today's contest is for a copy of Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos. It's the deeply moving story of a family watching their daughter waste away while she suffers from anorexia, told through the eyes of a funny, confused and misunderstood younger brother who is unseen and unheard in his world. You will be into it, I promise. For a chance to win the book, just comment below and tell me what one or two of your all-time top book titles are. I don't mean the contents, I mean the titles. A current favorite of mine (which I haven't had a chance to read yet!) is Someday This Pain Will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron. How fabulous is that title?! So what are some of your favorites?

My Plastic Bag Rant

And if that title didn't catch your attention, well, I just don't know what will. Kidding. I'm not sure why I'm on a product kick this week, but, as many friends know, I've been obsessed with Chico Bags lately. I refuse plastic bags at the deli, the grocery store, even sometimes at H&M! I say, "I've got my own," and then I pull out a hot pink Chico Bag. It's very impressive. I just heard about these flip & tumble bags, and I think I might like them too. It's my little "I want to do something green" effort. Next up: I am so giving up bottled water at the gym in favor of my own perma-bottle. Anyone got a recommendation?

Marketing Monday: Fiberwig and 3 Contests!

I just have to blog about this mascara because I am So. Into. It. Fiberwig actually paints extending fibers onto your lashes! I am not really a huge makeup girl--but my love affair with mascara runs long. And this is my best find yet. The fibers wash off easily, but man, you can give a red-carpet-worthy wink while you're wearing this stuff. Now if they would just do it in different colors, I'd be fully happy. Mascara girls: You will not be disappointed.I've got three contests going on this week, so I'm just reminding you of them: 1. At Teen Fiction Cafe, post the widget to have a chance at winning an early copy of Violet in Private. (Just hit "share" to post and you'll get tons of options.) 2. At Linda Gerber's blog, comment on beach reads to win a signed copy of Violet on the Runway. 3. Right here, comment to win a signed copy of Boy Meets Boy. Hooray!

Photo Friday: The Widget!

Come visit me at teenfictioncafe.com, and get a chance to win an advance copy of Violet in Private... no joke! You just have to post this lovely widget somewhere... and tell me about it. Head over to TFC for details, and have a great weekend!

Thursday is Bikini Day!

It's release day for Death by Bikini, by Linda Gerber, and I blogged on her site about the top 5 reasons why I love a beach read. Visit my post and have a chance to win a signed copy of Violet on the Runway. (There are tons of other great giveaways going on over there too... it's a total party.)

Win-It Wednesday: Boy Meets Boy

So the winner of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, as chosen by my favorite random number generator, is.... The Page Wanderer! Cyndi, send me your address! Today I'm giving away an autographed copy of David Levithan's Boy Meets Boy, which I read just this week (yes, I am so 2003). It's funny, it's smart, it's gentle and rough at the same time. I'm totally tenderized by it. That sounds meaty in a weird way, but I just mean that it left me feeling softer and smiley. And now that I've been exceedingly vague, I'm going to let you win it and read it for yourself. So, to win, just comment below and tell me about a website you visit frequently. Could be a great blog, a fashion site, a news outlet, whatever. I have a bunch that I'm addicted to, but a new favorite is veryshortlist.com. I know the site isn't new, but like I said, I'm very 2003 this week. A winner will be chosen next Wednesday, so good luck! Oh, and here's another contest where you can enter to win Alexa Young's Frenemies, which is out this week. Hooray!

That page 123 meme, with Boy Meets Boy

I've been tagged by awesome author Sara Hantz!It's one I've kind of wanted to do! So yay. 1. Pick up the nearest book. 2. Open to page 123 3. Find the fifth sentence. 4. Post the next three sentences. 5. Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences. The book: Boy Meets Boy, by David Levithan (it's signed!) Three sentences: "Well, she never mentioned that part, but I suppose it could happen." I am not cheered up. Then, to make matters worse, Infinite Darlene coos, "So, sweetheart, are you ready for the committee meeting sixth period?" (I may be cheating, but I'll tell you that Infinite Darlene is both the football team quarterback and the homecoming queen, and she's fabulous!) And now I need 5 people to tag, but really I'm just going to say, do this meme if you're so moved, and let me know that I inspired you to do it by commenting below. It's a fun one! PS-Remember: There's still one more day to try to win Thirteen Reasons Why!