Alex Flinn, author of Beastly (HarperCollins, 2007): from the YA Authors Cafe.From Page to Screen" David Cunningham's 'The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising' by Claire E. Gross from The Horn Book.
Free Autographed Bookplates from Children's and YA Authors, or How to Get Your Book "Autographed" by an Author by Cheryl Rainfield. Features information on YA/teen authors, picture book authors, and other children's authors. See also Teen Books that Have Something to Say from Cheryl.
Character Building with Alma Fullerton: a chat transcript from the Institute of Children's Literature. Visit Alma's site.
More Personally
I spoke to a boo-fest bevy of teen (and grown-up) fiends at the Plano Public Library (outside Dallas) Oct. 13 about Gothic fantasy literature and Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007). The event room was gorgeously decorated with (paper) candles hanging from the ceiling, a Sanguini's table set up (cake, punch, nuts, etc.), signs tying into the book, tombstones, pin-the-tail on the werewolf, a smoke machine, strobe lights, and much much, more. In addition, stations were set up for temporary tattoos (fang and scratch marks), buttons (chapter titles represented were "predator," "prey," "Fangs Are Us" and "Baby Got Bite"), and photos of the much-costumed guests. I also was presented a corsage (complete with teeth), and a gift bag filled with a Gothtini, framed event announcement, mug, candies, and pen. The event opened with the stations and food. Then I offered a PowerPoint presentation on my own book and recommended several other YA Gothic fantasies. We wrapped up with a signing, costume contest judging, and giveaways. Note: I don't feature kid/teen photos online without permission, but we had a boisterous, gloriously vamp-ish crowd. Thanks to Deban and pals for a spooky fantastic event!Plan to attend the Twenty-Fifth Annual Children's Book Festival and the Twenty-First Annual Young Adult Conference hosted by The Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University Nov. 3 in Huntsville. Featured speakers are: Joan Bauer, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, and Mo Willems.
Attending the Texas Book Festival Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 in Austin? I will be among the YA authors featured at the Not-For-Required Reading Event from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar (1120 S. Lamar). Authors also will include: Sherman Alexie, Jacques Couvillon, Adrienne Kress, April Lurie (author interview), Perry Moore, Neal Shusterman, and Brian Yansky (author interview). Note: I'll be a little late as I'm driving in from Huntsville that evening with Greg and Mo. I'll also participate with authors Adrienne Kress and April Lurie on the "Tough Girls" panel, moderated by author Julie Lake, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in Capitol Extension Room E2.012. See schedules for Saturday and Sunday.
Reminder:
Attention MySpacers! On the online events front, I'm honored to be featured as one of 31 Flavorite Authors by the Readergirlz on Oct. 29! I'll be chatting about Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007).
