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Prooofing, Pastries and Dining with Dan
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May. 17th, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
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Recently, I got my proofread copy of ABSOLUTELY MAYBE back from my editors . . .
This is what it looked like . . .
At this stage I am given a Captain Underpants eraser and instructed to wipe out any spelling/grammar/proofreader-y things I disagree with. I was all set to get started, when suddenly something important came up. I was overcome with the need to look up photos of Suri Cruise on Google Images. (I think she is so cute) . . .
Sock Monkey was not happy. He thinks I have a problem with procrastination. Which is ridiculous. I am very good at procrastinating. How about you? Do you ever feel like you HAVE to do something before you can do that other thing you really ought to be doing but you can't do that one thing until you've done the other thing first?
Despite Suri's cuteness, I finally did finish my proofing and now am now done with ABSOLUTELY MAYBE . . .
Good thing, because the next day I went to Lindero Canyon Middle School . . .
All the kids had read at least one of my books. Authors love it when this happens. That way you don't have to explain to them who you are and what you write and why you are there . . .
Peepy was particularly pleased with the hospitality, including a big box of pastries just for her . . .
On Friday I got to meet up with my pal, the talented Dan Santat. In addition to illustrating and writing books, Dan has his own Disney Channel Show. Here are The Replacements . . .
And here's Dan . . .
Dan and I may or may not be working on something together. If/when/perhaps it happens, I'll let you know!
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Letters About Literature
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May. 15th, 2008 @ 10:50 am
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After taking a day off to recover from the this exhilaration/exhaustion, Peepy and I journeyed a couple miles to Pasadena . . .
We had never been to the gorgeousfabulousawesome Pasadena Public Library before. (I live in South Pasadena, which is a separate city from Pasadena.)
On this occasion, not only were we there to admire the books and building, but also to attend a board meeting for the Children's Literature Council of Southern California. (One of us is on the board.) It was our first meeting and a lot of fun . . .
One of the big events coming up is the Fall Gala that will be held at the Bowers Art Museum and feature Louis Sachar! (Peepy and I volunteered to man the registration table.)
Another topic discussed was CLC's continuing support of Letters About Literature. Letters About Literature is a wonderful program run by the Center for the Book/Library of Congress.
(Note: The letters pictured above were NOT sent by students. They are Nigerian scam letters.)
This year 59,000 students wrote to their favorite authors "explaining how the author's work changed their way of thinking about themselves or the world." The winning letters received state and national recognition and prizes.
This year, one of North Carolina winners wrote to Moi! Here's Amber Parker's letter about reading MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS.
Dear Lisa Yee,
Your book, Millicent Min Girl Genius, has really influenced me. I could really connect with the main character, Millicent Min. I could not believe how she was twelve years old and she was taking a college course. I was really surprised!
When I was reading that, I thought, wow if she can do that, then I can!
I was a little discouraged because I was getting grades on my school tests that I wasn’t really happy with. I would get so mad at myself.
But when I read that Millicent was taking a college course at the age of 12, that really gave me a boost of confidence!
When the book said that Millicent couldn’t handle it all that reminded me of what I go through sometimes. I have a lot to do everyday. Especially on Tuesdays! And it’s just not easy sometimes. With Millicent Min, I imagine it would be harder because she’s taking a college course, tutoring, volleyball, and hanging out with Emily, her best friend. But just like Millicent, I overcame it.
My Mom got a special folder for all my school papers, and got me a desk so I could have a quiet place to work. I also got a binder so I could be more organized with my school work. And I ended up having time for everything!
When I was reading this book it inspired me. It told me that I can do anything if I try.
Sincerely,
Amber Parker
Wow! Thank you Amber for writing to me and congratulations on your winning letter!!!
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IRA Twoooooo a.k.a. Famous Authors Invade Atlanta
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May. 12th, 2008 @ 10:20 am
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We last left off in Atlanta where Peepy was being interviewed during the IRA Conference . . .
I've heard there were 25,000-ish attendees. However, I counted and there were actually 37,598 people (and one pretty Peep).
It had already been a MEGA day and was just gearing up. After our video interviews, I headed to the Joint Publishers Reception. The (big) room was filled with all 37,598 people (and one pretty Peep) and great hors d'oeuvres that I couldn't eat. That's because I was too busy hobnobbering with the likes of these attractive-award-winning-literary-types:
Newbery-ish Jerry Spinelli . . .
National Book Award-y Jeanne Birdsall . . .
Sid Fleischman Humor Awardeeee Sara Pennypacker and Borders Original Voice-oh Andrea Beaty . . .
We also tete-a-teted with Fashion Icon and editorial director of Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, Mark McVeigh--seen here with Peepy as she tries to snag a book deal . . .
Next up was a small dinner party with Scholastic folks including Bestseller-ion Meg Cabot and Newbery-esque Christopher Paul Curtis . . .
Then I collapsed from exhilaration/exhaustion. Early the next morning I felt so wide awake (!) and perky (!). (Not really. I'm a night person.) After breakfast, it was time for an enlightening program on Middle Grade Reading where I keynoted . . .
At lunchtime, Peepy and I were able to find our old friends (not that they are old, it's just that we've known them a while) Brent Hartinger and D.L. Garfinkle . . .
From there, we hit the convention center where we met up with zillions of upstanding citizens. Like, Parents Choice choice Barbara O'Connor . . .
Son's Current Favorite Rick Riordan . . .
Little Brown editor Alvina Ling-- seen here with Peepy as she tries to snag a book deal . . .
Printz-ly John Green (who I once grilled) and editor Julia Strauss-Gabel with their new book Aper Wns . . .
Pura Belpre Medalissst Pam Munoz Ryan . . .
Mirrorstone editor Stacy Whitman--seen here with Peepy as she tries to snag a book deal . . .
All too soon, it was back to the airport. We weren't the only ones who were pooped. Guess who we caught sleeping? Yes, Golden Kite Award-oo Marla Frazee . . .
Oh, wait. We can't forget this grand encounter. LOOKIT--America's very first ever, ever, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature . . .
Yes! It's Peepy!!!
What? Oh. Oops. Um, er, that would be John Scieszka. (I won't tell Peeps if you don't.)
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Lisa Gets Happy/Pooped in Atlana
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May. 8th, 2008 @ 09:54 pm
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I'm back from Atlanta where I was at the IRA International Reading Association Conference a.k.a. LSHMLCDBSKO (Let's See How Much Lisa Can Do Before She Keels Over).
Peepy and I checked into the oh-so fancy-schmantzy Ritz-Carlton . . .
(I'm not sure if I spelled schmantzy right.)
Suddenly, it was time to meet our wrangler in the lobby. What I love about being a traveling author is that the publisher knows that in a nano second, you can go from being a Do-it-All-Mom to a Space-Cadet. So whereas, at home, I am the one who has to make sure people get to where they are supposed to be, Scholastic has people who make sure I do not get discombobulated.
I was herded to dinner along with the Lovely 50-million-books-in-print (!!!) Meg Cabot Who Wears Nice Shoes . . .
We partook in an elegant meal in a private dining room for the Scholastic Book Clubs Favorite Authors dinner . . .
(Above: Carol Levine from Book Clubs and author Roland Smith)
One of our dining partners was the always charming Scholastic CEO, President and Chairman Dick Robinson. Here's Peepy trying to get a book deal out of him . . .
EARLY the next morning, 6:30 a.m. Atlanta time (which translates to 3:30 a.m. Los Angeles time), I pried my eyes open and was led to the Scholastic Book Clubs Favorite Teachers Breakfast. (Tickets to this event are the hot item at the conference.)
(Above: Um. My name got misspelled. But this time it was Lee and not See, instead of Yee.)
In addition to Moi, Meg and Roland, Sara Pennypacker, Bryan Collier and Denise Fleming spoke to the 500 guests about our favorite teachers. Here's what a third of audience looked like from the podium . . .
I talked about Mr. Glick, a character in STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME, and my real 7th grade teacher. All the speeches were wonderful and moving.
After, I was whisked away to the Scholastic Readers Theater where I read from SO TOTALLY EMILY EBERS . . .
Then it was time for a book signing, along with super-talented Mark Teague and John Muth . . .
(Above: Peep and the guys, uber author, Walter Dean Meyers, with Mark and John.)
Immediately after that, John Mason, Director of Library and Educational Marketing and dude with a cool British accent, and I hurried over to the RIF luncheon honoring 300 of their fabulous volunteers . . .
(Above: Egged on by her friend Clifford, Peepy tries to talk John into giving her a book deal.)
My keynote speech got a standing ovation (wheeeee!). But truly, those volunteers are the ones who deserve a standing-o and so much more. As you may have heard, RIF is in danger of losing their federal funding. If you'd like to help make sure this doesn't happen, then click here.
From there, it was time for a video interview . . .
Well, this is getting kinda long and we're only into the afternoon. Stay tuned for my next blog and see what happens when you have a packed schedule and are operating on not enough sleep. Until then, Peepy wanted you to know that her video will be coming out soon . . .
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LATFBEE and Lisa Lisa
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May. 4th, 2008 @ 12:40 am
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So, when we last met, we were at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, henceforth to be called the LATFBEE. (I added the last two letters because they look pleasing.)
Our panel had just ended when it was time to sign books. But wait! Right before we went to the book signing booth, Peepy and I got a special surprise . . .
Isn't that a beautiful scarf? Our friend Linda made it for us! (We first met Linda here.)
Peepy was feeling quite puffed up over her present, when who should we meet but a fellow blogger. And get this, Melodye then gives Peeps ANOTHER present. (Actually, it was her husband's Peep cap, but he told her we could have it!)
Because we were signing books, I wasn't able to go to Lisa See's panel to see if Lisa See was really me, Lisa Yee, or if Lisa See was a separate Lisa from Lisa Yee.
However, Just as I was leaving the book signing tent, Linda Urban starts yelling, "Lisa Yee! Lisa Yee, quick, come meet Lisa See!"
Wheeee . . . here we are, together again for the first time . . .
Later, it was time to sign books again. This time at the Scholastic/Whale of a Tale booth . . .
While there, a girl came up and told me, "I love Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time. It changed my life."
After she, left, my head began to swell and threatened to get really, really, totally big. However, Teen stopped chewing on her churro long enough to comment, "What she said--how is that even possible?"
Ah, leave it to my kids to keep me grounded!
Then it was time find Megan McDonald, author of the zillion-selling Judy Moody series. Megan and Moi worked on American Girl's latest historical novels based in the 1970s (!!!). Megan wrote the Julie series and I wrote about Julie and Oprah's best friend, Ivy.
When we met up, Megan and I had a total gab-fest. It was so fun, but it made us hungry. Luckily, there were snacks nearby . . .
At the end of the day I rendezvoused with a gaggle of LAYAs. What a great way to close a great LATFBEE.
On Monday I leave for the International Reading Association Conference in Atlanta.
Here's my schedule. (Deep breath.) On Tuesday, May 6th at 7 a.m. (that's 4 a.m. my time) I'll be speaking with Meg Cabot and others at Scholastic's "Favorite Authors Remember Their Favorite Teachers" Breakfast . . . then reading from EMILY at 10:40 a.m. at the Scholastic Reading Booth . . . then at 11 a.m. signing books at the Scholastic autographing booth . . . then at 12:15 p.m. I'll be the RIF Luncheon keynote speaker . . . then at 3 p.m. it's time for a Scholastic website interview . . . then at 5 p.m. it's the Joint Publishers Reception . . . then I'll dine with other Scholastic-ites . . . and then the next day from 9 - 11:45 a.m. I'll be on the IRA program: Middle School Reading--Inquiring Minds.
Then I will collapse.
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LA TIMES Festival of Books!!!
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Apr. 29th, 2008 @ 10:54 pm
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I've heard it said that that L.A. is not a reading town. Well, WRONG-O!!!
This past weekend was the spectacular Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
(Above: I took this with my iPhone. Doesn't it look postcardesque?)
There were 24,384,943 book lovers at the event. Here's the breakdown:
140,000 attendees
450+ authors
300+ exhibitors
900+ volunteers
100+ author panels
6 outdoor stages
2 children’s areas
1 Peep
That adds up to 24,384,943. I know. I did the the math.
We attended the LA TIMES Book Prizes on Friday night and were all geared up for more reading-related festivities. Peepy and Moi arrived early because 1) We were told to, and 2) I get lost easily and didn't want to be late.
I was speaking on a panel called Tween Writing: Stuck in the Middle with You . . .
But look! Look! In the newspaper insert, they had my photo, yeeees, but look who's name was to the left.
Yep, Lisa See. Okay, so Lisa Yee was correctly identified in the photo, but Lisa See, uber bestselling author was next to it. Lisa See and Lisa Yee have been confused for each other in the past. Like when I was supposed to sign Lisa Yee books, but someone ordered Lisa See's books . . .
So I worried. What if people show up at my panel expecting Lisa See and are disappointed at getting Lisa Yee? This happened once before at this event. The Lisa See-seeking woman found herself sitting next to my dad (Mr. Yee) and he convinced/forced her to stay to hear Lisa Yee instead.
And then, I wondered. OMG, what if LISA YEE and LISA SEE are the SAME PERSON, and no one's told me? I mean, we've never been in the same room together. Kinda like Michael Jackson and LaToya. And there was the time when I had a book reviewed, only it listed Lisa See as the author.
Hmmmm.
Oops. I'm rambling. Focus. Focus. Back to the Festival. We got to hang out in the VIP/Green Room, where all the authors congregate and eat a lot before they go on . . .
There were lots of goodies to be had, including a bounty of this . . .
(Note: Peepy was there as a guest, not a food.)
While VIPing, we bumped into our other two panelists, plus as an extra bonus feature--It Girl, Cecil Castellucci . . .
(Above: Linda Urban, It Girl, Moi and Gennifer Choldenko)
Then it was time for the panel. Here's our some of our smart-attractive-well-read audience. There were actually more people, but I couldn't get them all in.
Throttle Jockey Susan Carpenter was our moderator. (In addition to writing about kids books, Susan writes about motorcycles for the LA TIMES. How cool is that?!?!) . . .
OOoooOooooh, it was so much fun--I'd be on a panel with SusanGenniferLinda anytime!
Oops. Looks like I'm running out of space. More on the next blog about the LA TIMES Fest o' Books, plus, Peepy Gets Presents, and Does Lisa Yee See Lisa See?
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Book Prizes and Searching for Sherman
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Apr. 26th, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
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Eeek!!! The last time we were hanging out together, Sock Monkey and I were wondering if we would finish up the final touches on ABSOLUTELY MAYBE on time. Well, thanks to the magic of overnight shipping, we made our deadline . . .
BTW, you will be happy to hear that I no longer cry when I send out a final manuscript, although I do weird out and can't even complete a senten
Once we shipped out, we were able to see our good friend Kerry Madden speak at the Marengo Elementary School Book Fair . . .
Kerry, Son and I got in a heated debate over LORD OF THE RINGS. It was two to one. One loving it. Two, not so much.
On Friday, more fun was to be had even though it was at UCLA (yuck).
We were invited to the 2007 LA TIMES Book Prizes.
There were signs proclaiming no photography or cell phones. Oops.
I knew that National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie would be there and I really, really, really wanted to meet him and have him sign my copy of this.
The gala was hosted by Gay Talese. It was fun to hear Scott Simon present one of the awards because I always listen to his NPR program. Francesca Lia Block announced the winner in the YA category, Philip Reeve and his novel A Darkling Plain. The awards flew past. (Writers give good speeches.)
Afterward, we bumped into author/pal John Coy. (He lives in Minnesota, so we ordered up good weather just for him. Not to boast but it's in the EIGHTIES!!!!) Since he was near the front, John let us slide into line with him for the hoity-toity private reception. Once inside, we met up with LAYA's Mark London Williams and Sally Nemeth.
Alas, still no Sherman Alexie. However, we did get to gab with Johnathan Hunt. He was one of the judges for the LA Times YA Prize, and he was a Printz judge this year, and he's been on the Newbery Committee, and judged Miss America and So You Think You Can Dance with Your Mom and have one Foot Tied Behind You, or whatever that show is called. (Two of those aren't true.) Here's Johnathan . . .
The evening continued as we wandered around searching for Sherman. It did occur to us that perhaps he heard an author and her Peep were looking for him--and he was hiding. About to give up, we consoled ourselves by making several trips to the CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN(s) and indulging in too much sugar. While I was taking this picture, a lady said to me, "Oh how cute. You must have children."
To which I replied, "Yes."
So there we were, hyped up with CHOCOLATE! and who should we meet? No, not Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Alexie, at last! And he couldn't have been nicer . . .
Tomorrow it's back to UCLA (yuck) for the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (yay!). I'll be on a panel with Linda Urban and Gennifer Choldenko, and will be doing a couple of book signings. Stay tuned for whatever happens!
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Pencil(s), Post-Its and Arthur Levine's Problem
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Apr. 22nd, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
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"THUNK!"
We last left off when a mysterious package had been flung on my doorstep . . .
It was the copyedited manuscript for ABSOLUTELY MAYBE, my young adult novel. I almost fell over when I saw all the comments/Post-its. Then I recalled Linda Sue Park had a similar-Post-it situation, and thought, "Hey, if this happens to Newbery winners, then it's okay that it happens to me."
(Above: Lisa's manuscript)
(Above: Linda's manuscript)
I was all set to get to work, but suddenly was faced with the dreaded Colored Pencil Crisis.
Okay, here's what happens. You've written a first draft. You've written a final draft. And even a draft or two, in between. All this is done electronically and you e-mail your manuscripts to your editors in NYC.
Once everyone is (pretty) happy with the book, a copyeditor is called in. This person checks the facts and the flow. For example,if you say in one chapter, "She only loved Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy." You don't say in the next chapter, "She only loved Johnny Depp." (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
But here's the weird part. At this point in the process, all the changes now are made with old-fashioned pencils. Yep, no more computers. This is how it's done:
Editor #1 (Arthur Levine) makes his marks/comments/changes in blue pencil and on the manuscript itself or on lilac or pale yellow Post-its.
Editor #2 (Cheryl Klein) does the same, only with a graphite pencil on orange, bright yellow, blue/white, and brown/white Post-Its. Still with me?
Copyeditor makes her marks in red pencil on the manuscript. No Post-its.
Author (that would be Moi) is then supposed to make her changes with green pencil and then erase anyone's marks/comments/changes she/me/I don't agree with.
Tragically, I didn't have a good green pencil or eraser . . .
So, Sock Monkey and I visited Rite Aid to solve our CPC. (Though Peepy is my travel companion, Sock Monkey is my writing muse.) We were a bit overwhelmed with the writing instruments . . .
. . . but settled on an okay green pencil and some erasers.
Then, knowing that time was precious and that we should get right back home, we checked out the magazines--in case there was some pressing news we didn't know about . . .
And, of course, we had to stop for more writing supplies . . .
At last we were ready to get started . . .
As you read this, we are working hard. So hard that we may need to make another chocolate stop. In the meantime, Arthur, who's also this world-famous author's editor, has a problem. He needs questions and has asked to guest blog this . . .
"I’m (that's Arthur speaking) scheduled to do a Q&A session at this coming weekend’s SCBWI conference in Washington, that has the following description:
“What the heck is an eff’’n Gee?”: An editor answers your questions about the mysterious language of publishing.” And further description might be: Come prepared with questions you’ve had about the publishing process: from confusing technical language you’ve heard and read, to difficult concepts you’ve struggled with in group and individual feedback. Arthur Levine will do his best to demystify and englighten.”
What I’m (that would be Arthur, again) looking for are some other good examples of confusing or opaque lingo that I should come prepared to discuss at this session."
Now is your chance (this is Lisa speaking) to ask this talented, dignified, got-his-own-imprint-named-after-him man (that would be Arthur) questions.
Post your questions in the comments section of this blog and I'll make sure Arthur gets them. And while you're thinking of those, I'll be finishing my final changes. Then on Friday, I'm attending the LA TIMES Book Prizes ceremony.
And on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., I'll be speaking at the LA TIMES Festival of Books (UCLA Humanities room A51). Also on the panel will be fellow Sid Fleischman Humor Award winner Gennifer Choldenko and Linda Urban. Our topic? Tween Writing: Stuck in the Middle with You moderated by LA Times writer and motorcycle enthusiast Susan Carpenter.
Oops. Almost forgot to add, I'll also be signing at the Festival at Whale of a Tale on Sunday from 1 - 2 pm!!!
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Primarily Peepy in Pennsylvania
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Apr. 19th, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
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With the Democratic presidential candidate race underway, all eyes are on Pennsylvania. Everyone, from CNN, to ABC, to ALA is asking the same thing: "Lisa, what else did you and Peepy do while you were there?" Well, lemme tell you . . .
There was serious work to be done on Day Two of our visit to Fred S. Engle Middle School. Yep, food. In between assemblies and author chats, we had to eat TWO LUNCHES . . .
Okay. Well, we didn't have to, but we did. Students were selected at random to have lunch with us . . .
And there were two lunch periods, so we didn't want anyone to feel left out. Besides, there were homemade cookies and cake. And we like cookies and cake. A lot. Peepy and I had practiced eating two lunches the day before, so we excelled at it.
In addition to eating, and speaking to the 8th grade, Peepy got to meet her new fan club . . .
During our author chats on both days great questions came up. One student asked why, if my next book is called ABSOLUTELY MAYBE, then does say in the back section of the After Words version of STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME it's called, CHARM SCHOOL DROPOUT? (Whoa! That was an awkward sentence.)
My reply? "Uh, oops."
Well, as many of you know, I don't have much luck with titles and they change on me all the time. But at least luck was on my side when this person was in charge of my visit . . .
(Above: Denise Ciancia with Peep and Moi.)
And finally, teacher Doreen Holly was not about to let Peepy and I go home empty-handed. We were treated to a BIG BOX of locally grown mushrooms. And boy, I gotta tell you, they are DELICIOUS!!!!
Here's what Son and I did with them . . .
 
 
Yummy! Next up, why this is making me eat a lot of chocolate . . .
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Peep and Penn
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Apr. 17th, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
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Last year, my wild and crazy pal Jordan Sonnenblick . . .
spoke at a school in Pennsylvania . . .
(Above: Actual posters from actual school.)
Then he played matchmaker, telling me about the wonderful school, and telling them about me. So one year later guess where I headed?
My traveling companion and I began our east coast trip with another glamorous airport meal . . .
(Above: See the PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese? Hint. Hint.)
Yes! You are so smart. We flew into to Philadelphia and then journeyed to beautiful West Grove, PA. Did you know that the area is the mushroom capital of the universe? Oh. You knew that?
Well, did you know that we stayed at Paris Hilton’s place? I was given room two keys. (One for me, one for Peep?) Unfortunately, at dinnertime, I left them both in the room we and got locked out . . .
The next day I spoke at this school . . .
Here’s the first of four assemblies . . .
Um. Well, that was BEFORE everyone came in. Honest! The kids were so enthusiastic, and we had a blast.
Next blog . . . we're still in Pennsylvania and Lisa eats two lunches a day, plus Peepy gets a present. Also, Hillary and Barack are here in Pennsylvania, too. Both want Peepy as their running mate. However, Peeps says she wants the top job or none at all.
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| » Child Lit Group, Licorice and Bios Galore |
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Recently, I was invited to join the Board of Directors for the Children's Literature Council of Southern California. I had to miss the first two board meetings because: 1) I was sick, and 2) I was in sick and in Dallas giving a speech. However, I was neither sick nor in Dallas for this event.
The festivities took place at the Glendale Public Library . . .
(Above: This is the doorway to the children's department. The actual event was in a really nice big ol' room.)
I wanted to impress the other board members with my skills, so I volunteered to assist with the refreshments. After all, I began my career in food service. Yes! I wore polyester and worked at Arby's in high school.
It being National Licorice Day, Peeps and I were asked to put the candy is a jar in an attractive array. This was the best we could do (the licorice was so fresh it wouldn't stand up) . . .
However, the other food looked spectacular, thanks to the refreshment committee. (That would be Kay) . . .
The featured keynote speaker for the Biography For Children and Young Adults workshop was Diane Stanley . . .
(Above: If you squint and get really close to your screen, Diane is on stage behind the podium.)
Also speaking was the delightful Susan Goldman Rubin. Susan and I got to sit together last year at The Brian Selznick Show. Oops, I mean, at this awards ceremony where we were both nominated . . .
(Above: See the Andy Warhol book she's holding? I bought it for Son and he gobbled it up the minute I got home.)
The totally cool Elizabeth Partridge was also a featured speaker. I loved hearing about her Printz Honor book about John Lennon. I first met Elizbeth at this conference. (I believe she is the person in the first photo with her head turned away as Susan Patron gets her photo taken with Peepy.)
Peepy was particularly thrilled after the workshop and is convinced that three biographies about her will be written soon.
Tomorrow I head to the airport. Oh the joy. I hope the planes are taking off! I need to get to Pennsylvania where I'll be visiting West Grove.
Lastly, many times we read about people after they have died. I first came across the amazing Last Lecture of Randy Pausch and blogged about it here. Earlier this week there was a TV special about him. He doesn't have long to live, but you'd never know it to see him . . .
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Apr. 13th, 2008 @ 10:14 am
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| » Teen Surprise, Part Deux |
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At the dramatic conclusion of the last blog, I had surprised Teen with a trip to New York . . .
And yes, she was totally surprised, as in four hours into the flight surprised . . .
So, while on our wonderousitywoowoo trip, a Teen, a Peep, and Moi saw another Broadway show . . .
And took the subway everywhere . . .
Teen went to the super-famous Astor Place Hair in the Village and got red streaks . . .
We went on a tour of NYU . . .
We met up with uber author Elise Broach -- her wonderful book WHEN DINOSAURS CAME WITH EVERYTHING just won the E.B. White Readaloud Award given by the Association of Booksellers for Children. . .
. . . and we had coffee (well, I had hot chocolate since I am self-caffeinated and have issues with COFFEE!!!) at the celebrity infused Balthazar (although the celebs were in hiding when we were there) . . .
We went to Books of Wonder to see bestselling author/pal Phil Bildner sign books and host a Teen Extravaganza of singing and dancing and fun times. Plus I finally got to meet a teen-book-reviewer-pal-o-mine in person . . .
And we capped off our trip with an indescribable show called Furhefjbefjbefbsbfehbeb. Well, that’s how I pronounce it. Others can say Fuerzabruta. Right before the show we bumped into my editor Cheryl Klein at a Korean fast food place . . .
(Above: This is when we were in Cheryl's office earlier in the day. It is not the Korean fast food place.)
Peepy convinced Cheryl to join Teen, my brother and Moi for the show—which had been featured on America’s Next Top Model the night before. (Had we gone the night before, I am convinced we'd be American's Next Top Model(s).)
The show happens next to you, above you, all around you. It's hard to explain. For the most accurate view of what we saw, hold your computer above your head, crane your neck and look up . . .
(These people were SWIMMING about two feet above us.)
It was a marvelous trip. One that Teen and I will remember, always.
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Apr. 9th, 2008 @ 10:26 am
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| » A Total Teen Surprise! |
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Teen had a major birthday recently and wanted to go to New York City really, really, really, “Oh Mom, just you and me in New York, pleeeeeeease, please, please,” badly.
(Above: This is Teen when she made a cameo in a Cartoon Network show.)
I said, “No, I was just there. But I’ll take you to San Francisco instead.” (New York is over five hours by air from our town. San Fran is less than an hour.)
Hee hee.
I got tickets to New York. Only, I didn’t tell her. I wanted to see how far through the airport Teen would get before she noticed we weren’t going to San Francisco.
And now here’s the incredible/no-way/you-have-got-to-be-kidding part . . .
We checked our luggage.
We went through security.
We boarded the plane.
We put on our seat belts.
We listened to them announce, “This flight to New York will take five hours and . . .”
And still, and still, and still, Teen was unawares. (Let me take a moment to say that Teen is a smart girl. But she is of the Teen Persuasion.)
Immediately after taking off, Teen took a two-hour nap. Then woke up and ate lunch. Still no clue. It was FOUR HOURS into the flight when Teen became suspicious. She looked at the map on the TV and noticed that we had flown past Indiana . . .
That’s when Teen asked where we were going. Perhaps you heard her squeal with happiness when she found out we were going here . . .
Teen got a tour of Writers House . . .
And I got to see my agent Jodi Reamer and sign contracts for some chapter books I'm writing . . .
Immediately after, we pigged out at Emily Eber’s favorite restaurant, Serendipity 3 . . .
One of us had too much . . .
And if that wasn't enough sugar, right around the corner was Dylan's Candy Bar . . .
Even the stairs are made of candy . . .
We did a TON of shopping, and saw the first of three shows . . .
Peepy, Teen and I were even on LIVE TV. We're not sure what the news story was, but we walked past while the camera was rolling . . .
We also partook in a fabulous lunch at trendy Bar 89 in SoHo with those divine Scholastic marketing and author appearance Dining Divas. (Note: These women are such serious foodies that as we were eating we discussed other meals.)
Oops! This is getting to be a loooong blog. More about the trip later. Until then, here’s Peepy with her new best friends in Times Square . . .
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Apr. 5th, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
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| » Jefferson and Maybe |
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A BIG thank you to everyone who weighed in (over 149,398 pounds in all!) on the subject of what my next book title should be. After thinking, thinking, thinking, then closing my eyes and pointing, then thinking and consulting with my editors, the title is . . .
ABSOLUTELY MAYBE (!)
(The exclaimation point is there for dramatic effect. It will not be in the title.)
On other news, late last week I was here, thanks to the PTA who sponsored my visit . . .
I spoke at three assemblies. Here are the enthusiastic sixth graders. Can you find Peepy . . . ?
In the evening, Son and I returned for the Scholastic Book Fair . . .
. . . and to do a Q and A, and sign books. It was great fun and the questions were terrfic, expect for the math ones . . .
And in more other news, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALAN SILBERBERG for being named the new Thurber House Children's Writer-in-Residence. (I guess that make me the "old one.") I'll blog more about Thurber House and what Alan has to look forward to later. But for now, YAY Alan!!!
Next blog . . . the BEST ever super secret surprise I have ever pulled off in my entire life!!!!
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Apr. 2nd, 2008 @ 12:13 am
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| » Definitely Maybe Not |
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Judge a book by its title? We all do it. Sometimes we do it for fabulous prizes and worldwide glory, like when I have my Bodacious Book Title Contests . . .
However, naming a book can be soooooo hard. You think you've got it and then find out, you don't. Like, the original title of this book . . .
. . . was THE LITERARY MEMOIR OF MILLICENT L. KWAN. Not only did we have to change the title because (I was told) I had come up with a truly awful one, but the main character's name was changed because people though that MILLICENT KWAN, GIRL GENIUS was the biography of this ice skater.
Then there was this book . . .
My first title was SOME SORT OF HERO, which I was told was a somewhat awful title. My editors liked the word "flunked" so I came up with lists with flunked in the title . . .
Eventually, this editor . . .
. . . came up with STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME.
I scored on this book . . .
. . . and we kept my title, although it wasn't the first one I came up with.
And for this book . . .
American Girl editor, Jennifer Hirsch, came up with the title.
And now . . . DEFINITELY MAYBE, which used to be called CHARM SCHOOL DROPOUT, but when it magically morphed from a middle grade novel to a young adult one, the title morphed with it.
DEFINITELY MAYBE was THE PERFECT title. Lemme tell you about the storyline . . . Maybe (named Maybelline after the mascara) is a goth girl living in Kissimmee, FL. Her mother runs the local charm school and specializes in training beauty pageant contestants. Married, six times, Maybe's mother is getting ready to marry again. Only, after a devastating event, Maybe runs away to Hollywood to find the father who doesn't even know she exists.
It's a picture book. Oh! Wait, I mean it's a young adult novel. The theme is searching for identity.
However, there's this movie with the same title (although there's has a comma) . . .
So my editors . . .
. . . and I have come up with a HUGE list of alternate titles. Here are a few of them. Your thoughts?
Won't be:
DEFINITELY MAYBE
May be:
MAYBE, MAYBE NOT
ABSOLUTELY MAYBE
WHATEVER MAYBE
MAYBE SOMEDAY
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Mar. 27th, 2008 @ 11:42 pm
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| » Yoo and Me |
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This past weekend was my iPhone class. I was really looking forward to it, especially since I had (very nearly) destroyed mine in a tragic Wet Wipes accident/incident.
I got to the Apple Store early and sat in the front row, iPhone in hand, ready to be enlightened. Sadly, it was not to be. I had shown up for the iMusic class.
Sensing my dejection, Chris, the Apple Store Guy, asked if I had any questions for him. So I said, "If your protagonist is clearly in the wrong, but a minor character who has bad breath offers him/her a mint, how long is the train?"
Not really! I did ask things like, if you don't use a Wet Wipe then HOW DO YOU CLEAN your iPhone?
WAIT! WAIT! OMG, when I went to find a Wet Wipes link, so I could highlight the words, I found out that I've been saying "WET WIPES" when I really meant, "DISINFECTING WIPES."
I had NO IDEA that Wet Wipes is the term for something ENTIRELY different. (How embarrassing.)
Okay, let's just move on to a new subject. Peeps. My pal Carolyn Fain from Westlake Porter Public Library fame sent this slideshow of Peeps. And then mere moments later, the uber talented Cecil Castellucci sent me this amazing site. There's alotta fabulous Peeps out there!
Speaking of fabulosity--Paula Yoo. Yes, mega talented musician, WEST WING TV show writer, and author of GOOD ENOUGH, Paula Yoo and I had lunch. Of course, her friend Bartlett, and my pal Peepy came along, too. Here's Paula in my office . . .
Bartlett and Peepy were messing with my computer, even though they were told not to . . .
We had a delicious lunch at Bistro de la Gare. That big potato is really the Croque Monsieur a La Parisienne, a "classic French ham sandwich with melted Gruyere and Bechamel" . . .
After our meal we stopped at Hubby's workplace . . .
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