Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Party On Garth!

Day two of my Simon Pulse Launch Gala promises to be as fantastic as the first day! First order of business, the winners of yesterday’s book drawing!

The Winner of Lisa McMann’s Wake is…. Less than 6 days! (From My Space!)


The Winner of Kristen Tracy’s Lost It is… Hillary! (From Blogger)

Congratulations! I will be in touch with both of you shortly to get your contact information!

Oh, and If you haven't picked up a copy of READ MY LIPS yet, you can find it
here on Amazon.com or in your local bookstore. And if you just
stumbled across my blog and are wondering what the fuss is all about,
read an except of my brand new YA novel, READ MY LIPS, here


Next up is the week’s first SURPRISE!



What’s a party without chocolate? Moonstruck is some of the best chocolate in the world… they’ve even had their chocolate given away in the Academy Awards goody baskets! So not only will I be giving away books from today’s authors, I will be drawing a name from today’s comments to receive a box of Moonstruck chocolate!

(Much whooping and applause ensue)

Next up is my first guest author, the fabulous Robin Wasserman, author of the Seven Deadly Sin series and Hacking Harvard with her fish out of water story!

Welcome Robin!

Thanks for inviting me to your blog party, Teri -- and congratulations on the new book!

I had a surprisingly hard time coming up with a good 'fish out of water' story -- not because I have no experience with that, of course, but because I have more experience than anyone could ever want. My whole life is a fish out of water story.

And I'm not just talking about specific moments of ridiculous out-of-place-ness, although there was plenty of that (the musical theater camp where I couldn't carry a tune, the basketball team where I couldn't dribble the ball, the time in junior high when...well, okay, all of junior high).

It's more than a few million anecdotes -- it's who I am. In almost any group situation, I can be counted on to feel out of place. And by "group" I mean two or more people.

Not that I think I'm unique in this. I suspect that a lot of writers feel like strangers to the world around them, surreptitiously analyzing every interaction like an anthropologist embedded in some exotic tribe. Maybe, like me, they've come to cultivate that sense of alienation, even occasionally (I guess this is the contrarian in me talking) enjoy it.

When I was growing up, I desperately wanted to fit in, but never made much effort in that direction. I think I knew from the start it was a lost cause. (Or I was just lazy.) And the older I got – especially once I hit college, where I could feel like an outsider without feeling like an outcast – I realized that standing apart from the crowd has advantages of its own.

But sometimes, I admit, it's easier to be at the center than on the fringe. Which is a big part of why I started to write. Sitting down in front of the blank page, I get to create a world governed by my rules, a world where everything makes sense to me — a world where I fit in.

HA! I know exactly what she means! Next we have the incomparable, Elizabeth Scott, author of Bloom, Perfect You and Stealing Heaven.

I just spent two weeks traveling across the country, and let me tell you, nothing gives you time to think like sitting in a car for hours (and hours) for days. (And days!)

I was a little nervous about the fish-out-of-water theme Teri wanted me to write about because I didn't feel like I had something to share. Quite honestly, it wasn't until I was about halfway through Arkansas (on the trip out to the West Coast) that I stopped thinking about what fish look like when they're out of water (not good!) and started thinking about people.

But you know what? The people thing just wouldn't stick. As I drove across the country, I saw rivers that had nothing but a bare trickle of water, and creeks that were nothing but cracked, dry earth. And I thought about fish--and everything else that lives in rivers and creeks and watering holes--again.

It made me think about how fragile life is. One moment, you're a fish, swimming along in your stream or creek, and then the water slowly starts to disappear.

What do you do then?

I suspect that fish do what people do. Try to survive. That's all any of us can do, I think. We try to get through life, and hope that the life we live--the water we swim in--won't start to disappear.

What would you do if your water--your life--started to change or worse, began to disappear?

Thanks Elizabeth… that is exactly what my main character, Serena does when she is transferred to a new school-- tries to survive!

Remember, anyone who comments today will be entered into the drawing for a copy of Elizabeth Scott’s new book, Stealing Heaven and Robin Wasserman’s book, Hacking Harvard, as well as a box of Moonstruck chocolate!And don't forget about the Grand Prize!

80 comments:

Keri Mikulski said...

Yummy, chocolate! Great posts! ;)

Lenore Appelhans said...

Eek! Brought back memories of my sad attempts at dribbling on the basketball team. At least I was good at free throws!

What a great surprise - chocolate is my second favorite thing (next to books of course!)

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of this chocolate. Oh well...

I enjoyed these interviews almost as much as the gorilla poop one. xD

-Kelly
notbob43@aim.com

Jessica Burkhart said...

Excellent posts, ladies. I agree with Robin that in our writing, WE'RE the cool kids! :)

books-a-lishious said...

yay chocolate! both of those books look amazing!

Anonymous said...

Happy day two to you all.

Anonymous said...

The chcolate pic had me drooling. Nice post. The mention of gorilla poop in the comments makes me want to go find the original post. LOL.

Congrats on a great blog party from a fellow Momwriter. (is there a female version for fellow? hmmm...something to think about.)

paperxxflowers said...

Yay! Chocolate.

What a great surprise :]

This is getting even more interesting.

Brooke Taylor said...

Aw, Elizabeth--Now I'm worried about those poor waterless fish! And Robin, so true! I've always been best in one on one situations--groups just take so long to feel a part of--but when you stick it out it can be the best thing in the world!

Thanks for hosting such great guests, Teri!

Anonymous said...

These posts are so much fun to read. I've heard a lot about this book. Now I'll be craving chocolate all day. . .

I'm loving this contest, Teri. Can't wait to see what you have up tomorrow! :)

Alea said...

This is definitely a big to-do! Imagine trying to have a party like this before blogs, the internet. Man! I'm so thankful for all these book loving people out there! It's great to have people to share it with. Most of my friends, family do NOT feel the same way I do about books and reading. SO YAY TO BOOKS, READING, AND CHOCOLATE!

Rachael Stein said...

loved the fish-out-of=water stories :D they were fun to read.

and chocolate=yum!

Anonymous said...

ooh, enter me please (especially for the chocolate!)

Samantha
ssclarinet@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

These posts were great. I love these authors.

Melissa Walker said...

Robin's book always draws me in at the bookstore... it's near the Violet books (let's hear it for the "W" last names!) and I can't wait to read it!

Khy said...

Great posts.

And chocolate? Yay.

Lexi said...

Interesting question, Elizabeth! I would hope to be brave enough to find a way to survive and keep my sanity. No promises, though!

Anonymous said...

Yum, Chocolate

Emily Marshall said...

Okay, you had me at free books. But how could I not post a comment after you threw chocolate in the mix. Excellent fish-out-of-water stories, ladies!!

Joanne Rendell said...

this party is rockin'!! i want free books and lots of chocolate...!

tetewa said...

And the party continues, I have a copy of Hacking Harvard and enjoyed it. Glad to be here today!

Kimberley Griffiths Little said...

I NEED chocolate so I can write today . . . seriously.

Lauren Baratz-Logsted said...

I guess I'm too late for yesterday's drawing but I could sure use some comfort chocolate!

Anonymous said...

After reading what the authors had to say about being a fish-out-of-water, I finally understand why I'm often pegged (by others) as being a shy or reserved person. (Which I'm absolutely not!) Because I take time to observe my surroundings, sense the personalities around me, and NOT be the center of attention or the witty/quippy one, they think I'm shy. I'm just an acute observer. Which is why I guess I often feel like a fish out of water - how do I gracefully survive this situation? Thanks for making me think, and making me crave chocolate!

Anonymous said...

CHOCOLATE!!! YUM!!! Just what i needed to make my day :) Robin Wasserman and Elizabeth Scott are such awesome writers!!! I loved their stories!!!

Add me in the contest please :)
Astrid:
astridrondeau@hotmail.com

Daniel said...

This party just gets better and better!

Kelsey said...

Yay! Chocolate! Great posts! Hmmm...I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Anonymous said...

that does look pretty darn good!

Anonymous said...

Yay for quiet people! (and chocolate!)

Katie
kt_shopsalot@yahoo.com

Rylie said...

Ooh, chocolate... great party!

Rylie
bcanyon at hotmail dot com

Kerry Blaisdell said...

Okay, you got me. Bribery by chocolate works -- chocolate plus books, even better.

Great stories, BTW. Loved the dried, cracked riverbeds of Life!

Sarah Rose Evans said...

Loved reading this! Interesting posts and yummy chocolate.

The Compulsive Reader said...

Very cool posts! This is one rocking book launch party!

Anonymous said...

Chocolate never disappoints! Thanks for another great party day, Teri!

Anonymous said...

chocolates are a girl bff lol

Unknown said...

Awesome!

Email is kate.wardwell (at) umit.maine.edu

holly cupala said...

What a great idea, Teri! I remember when you first broke the news of your sale to the teen lit list and being so impressed and excited for you. Congratulations! Loved the interviews!
Holly

Elainareads said...

Great guest authors!! Please enter me for the chocolate and Stealing Heaven. I already have a copy of Hacking Harvard.

=D

Anonymous said...

Wow, I've read Bloom and Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott and i've loved them both. I'd love to read another one of her books.

Anonymous said...

yeah for books and chocolates! I love both these authors so i'd love to win a book by them!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE Chocolate! I'm kind of hoping a win that over the books =)
-Ryan

Travis said...

Mmmm... Chocolate!

Breanna said...

I'm loving these posts, they're great!

Oh man, and that chocolate looks sooooo nummy! My mouth is definitely watering right now, mmm.

I'm loving your release party Teri!

-Breanna

Renee said...

My first instinct when seeing the water start to disappear is to panic. Or denial. And from there, of course, I do the only thing I can do, I fight the best fight I can to survive. Because i know, that somewhere, at the end of my struggle...is that nice box of chocolate. :)

dd said...

Lol, I totally know what you mean about being an outsider!
It's really weird but the whole fish out of water thing reminds me of Blubber, the suicidal fish in Amelie!
That's a tough question Elizabeth! Are we still fish or humans? Well, if I were a fish I would (hopefully) stumble upon some radioactive waste, which would mutate me into a superfish that didn't need water to survive. And could fly. =D

~Lucy D =)

Anonymous said...

I'm loving this party!

~**the bookaholic**~ said...

mmm that chocolate sounds good! this is such a good idea for a book release :)

Jessa Slade said...

Oh, thanks for bringing back the horrors of high school. Bleh. On two distinctly remembered occasions, I managed to hang with the cool kids. The first time I ended up getting locked in a closet (nobody locked me in; the universe was just conspiring to keep me separated). The second time, it turned out the cool kid was a raging b... Anyway, that cured me of coolness. And yeah, I think writers do best chained to their desk chairs. As Charles Bukowski once noted, "I'm the hero of my own stories, baby."

Anonymous said...

I think as writers we have special separation from the world. I am a very outgoing person but until I read this post - I never could understand why I felt so isolated. I think it is two things in a way - one we have to be separate to understand human nature so we can write about it and the other is we are so used to being in control of the world we write that it's almost uncomfortable to be in the hands of someone else.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for READ MY LIPS!!! Congrats, Teri. Party on...

Anica

traveler said...

Your post is wonderful. Those chocolates look delectable. Thanks for this great party.

Aimee said...

What decadent chocolate and a wonderful post!

anne said...

Your interviews are wonderful. Thanks. Chocolate and books are a fab combo.

ruth said...

Congrats on the best blog party ever. Drool over those chocolates.

ellie said...

The books look enticing and so does the lovely chocolate. Great party.

diane said...

Great posts today and love those yummy chocolates. Books are so tempting as well.

Unknown said...

omg books AND chocolate? *drools excessively* it couldn't be better :)

Anonymous said...

Chocolate!?!?!
i love chocolate!
Enter me please!!
haha
Grace L

Meredith said...

Mmmmm. Chocolate... Can't wait to read some more books by some of these authors!

Anonymous said...

Wow, inspirational stuff.
Pretty cool.
I wish I could write inspirationally, but I'm all for the stories. :)

But, again, very cool posts.

Future OB/GYN said...

Yay! I'm entered!

Anonymous said...

Hello again. I love these stories from the authors because it proves that it's not only normal everyday people who have horrible experiences! Love this :D

Anonymous said...

I need to get your book....

YAY FOR CHOCOLATE!!

Anonymous said...

oooo chocolate! What a yummy prize :)

Jae said...

It's so funny how it seems like everyone, no matter how popular and well-adjusted they seem, seems to have a fish-out-of-water experience at some point in their lives. It must be a common human experience.

Daryl said...

Man I love these stories, they're so interesting. I just love Elizabeth Scott's writing, it's amazing. I haven't read anything by Robin, but I definitely want to. I can't wait to read the new book, Terri.

Anonymous said...

OMG. That chocolate looks delicious. Great guests, today, Teri!

Daryl said...

Oh, and Terri, having deaf grandparents and a mother that's completely deaf in one ear and about half in the other, it's so nice to find a story like this that doesn't make being deaf into some strange thing. Just shows it for what it is. Normal.

And I love the fact that she doesn't know sign language because that's normal for so many. The deaf culture is so interesting. It's a shame so many people don't know anything about it.

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna have to echo Karen B. here: I finally have a rational way to explain my tendency to want to observe rather than actively participate. As one of my high school teachers said about me, "If we were all in a sandbox, Michelle would be the one standing just outside of the box observing and jotting down notes about all of us." ;)

Anonymous said...

Im not much of a writer but i definitely know what it feels like to be the fish out of water. I loved the posts, it is always nice to know that other people have gone through the same experiences that you are currently going through.
:)


plus chocolate is amazing.

Anonymous said...

i soo wanna try this chocolate ive never heard of it before. and i could alwasy use a new book



Sarah k.
email is bbllchc125@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Great post! I loved Elizabeth's Bloom book a lot :)

Emily
eavheart@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the book launch!

Anonymous said...

Mmm. Chocolate.
The interviews were amazing :D

I Judge Books By Their Covers said...

I just recieved your new Read My Lips book in the mail. Im so excited to start reading it!! I liked reading the interview with Elizabeth Scott. Keep up the good work! :]

Plot Whisperer said...

Amazing interest over chocolate or you have a huge group of loyal fans. Or both, I hope.....

The End of the Beginning is just that - the old world is gone and now what?? launches protagonist into the very heart of the story world itself.

http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/

Barrie said...

Teri, you are hosting a marvelous launch week! Great posts, chocolate, giveaway! Yay!

LiterallyLauren said...

Just the name of those chocolates had me. :)

The books, of course, looked amazing as well!

-Lauren
laurenreynolds@swbell.net

Authorness said...

Fantastic blog party, Teri! Congrats on the release of your book.

Vanessa :)

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Yes Yes, I know I'm too late to win anything, but I still wanted to say congrats on the good stories ladies! And I bet it is like that for authors...you're the ones that get to "rule the school" as you would..
And very true: sometimes you just have to keep going and try to survive.

sorry I couldn't post yesterday...had my wisdom teeth out. OWWIE!

Lauren