LAUREN OLIVER: News, Thoughts, and Miscellany

Without Further Ado... Pandemonium 2012 Tour Dates!

2012-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

It's touring time again and I'm happy to share that my tour for Pandemonium will kick-off on March 2nd! I’ll be at bookstores in Raleigh, St. Louis, and Dallas for book signings, and then... Wait for it!... Wait for it!... I'll be joining the Dark Days tour in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami! I'm so excited to be touring with so many kick-ass authors this spring! And I'm really happy to be able to meet more of you (the fans) while I trek the cities of the marvelous U.S. of A.!!! Here's the scoop on where to find yours truly:

Friday, March 2nd 6:00PM
Oblong Books
Rhinebeck, NY
Joint Event with Kate Ellison / The Butterfly Clues (Egmont)

Sunday, March 4th 3:00PM
Quail Ridge
Raleigh, NC
*solo

Tuesday, March 6th 6:00PM
Pudd’nhead Books
Webster Groves, MO
*solo

Wednesday, March 7th 5:00PM
Barnes & Noble
Southlake, TX
*solo

Friday, March 9th 6:30PM
Books & Books
Coral Gables, FL
*Dark Days event with Claudia Gray (BALTHAZAR) and Dan Wells (PARTIALS)

Saturday, March 10th 2:00PM
Barnes & Noble
Alpharetta, GA
*Dark Days event with Claudia Gray (BALTHAZAR) and Dan Wells (PARTIALS)

Sunday, March 11th 4:00PM
Vroman’s
Los Angeles, CA
*Dark Days event with Claudia Gray (BALTHAZAR) and Dan Wells (PARTIALS) **LIVESTREAM event

Saturday, March 17th 1:45PM
Southwest Florida Reading Festival
Fort Myers, FL

Come holla at your girl! I can't wait to see my peeps!

U.K. Cover: Pandemonium

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! To start the year of the dragon, I am giving you a sneak peek of my U.K. cover for Pandemonium. Here it is, hot off the presses! What do you think? In a way, it tells a story all on it's own. Let's hope it brings me luck! *fingers crossed*

Have a wonderful week!

xoLauren

I have a dream! Writing Challenge

2012-01-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His diligent leadership during the Civil Rights Movement helped change this country for African Americans, but in reality, he changed the world. He moved his followers with his words and the power in which he delivered his speeches was unmatched. Listening to his "I Have A Dream" speech makes me wish I could have been there on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with him back in 1963! I would have adjusted my cat-eye glasses and started marching until my heels cracked! That is what a great orator can do to you, move you to feel what they feel and join their cause.

This week I'm calling on you to write a speech that moves people to act. Now, I won't be able to see you deliver the speech (unless you send me a video, which would be awesome!), but in reading it one should be compelled to go with you to the "Mountaintop"! Submit a speech about anything you want to me at laurenoliverbooks@gmail,com. I don't care if you are advocating for the end of polka dots or for oral hygiene breaks during school hours, as long as it's persuasive and stirring enough to inspire change. Keep it under 300 words, and I'll post a couple of them right here!

Get crackin!!!

Bling Bling, Lauren Oliver-Style!

2012-01-13T11:27:00.001-08:00

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I can honestly say I just love all kinds of jewelry! Especially unique, one-of-kind pieces that no one else has. So when Grace, a blogger/ reviewer for Peace, Love, Teen Fiction, sent me these gorgeous earrings I nearly flipped my lid, in a good way! I can't wait to rock my Liesl & Po earrings and my Delirium trilogy earrings! The hard part will be deciding which to wear first. The detailing is absolutely perfect and they are just the right amount of delicate and bad-ass! Once again, I must say my fans rock! If you don't know what I mean, check out this post from last week. I am so ridiculously blessed! Grace, thanks for making my day, no, my week!

Cheers to the freakin weekend, everyone!

More Magazine Coverage... This Time I'm In TIME!!!!

2012-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Run, bike, ski, do whatever you have to do to get to the newsstands today! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm in TIME magazine's January 9th issue about things to know about for 2012. If this isn't supercalafragalistic, I don't know what is!!! In a really funny article detailing the media, sports, and political face-offs to watch for in the new year, TIME has Pandemonium (the second book in the Delirium trilogy) pitted against Insurgent by Veronica Roth (which is also the second in a YA trilogy). It's on, Veronica!... Just kidding! She's actually a cool-as-heck author I've had the privilege of traveling and hanging with. So congrats to her, too, for having her book featured in TIME! And congrats to me! Cheers!

A Fan's Tribute to Amor Deliria Nervosa

2012-01-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, everyone! As a little pre-weekend treat, I thought I'd share with you something beautiful made by a Delirium fan. Chelsea, who runs a blog called A Curious Reader, created a lovely handbook inspired by Delirium. It's filled with quotes from the book and it's fashioned on what is probably the most gorgeous paper I've ever seen! I'm sincerely touched by Chelsea's tribute to amor deliria nervosa and thrilled that she conjured up such an amazing project. This just adds more evidence to the proof that I have the BEST FANS EVER!!!

Check out her post right HERE! She has even more stunning photos over there.

xoLauren

My BFF and I are Glossy, and I'm Not Talking Lip Gloss, Baby!!!!

2012-01-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

OMG, OMG, OMG! Justine magazine did a super-cute article about me and my bestie, Elizabeth Miles, author of Fury. You have to check it out! It's fun, girly, and gossippy so you all should LOVE it! And yes, I know gossippy is not a real word. ;)

2012 New Year's Resolutions!

2012-01-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!!!! I hope the holidays were good to you and that you have a prosperous and amazing 2012! I am super excited about this year since there are several things in the works, both in my personal and professional lives. You should stay tuned for more posts about upcoming events in the weeks/months to come... although, most of you already know that I'll be releasing Pandemonium next month! Yay!

As this time of year dictates, we must make promises to better ourselves (yada, yada, yada) and put our RESOLUTIONS out there for all the world to see. Well, maybe we ALL don't, but I am! Here they are:

1--Cook more at home, especially Indian and Thai food! Yum!

2--Keep the house cleaner on a day-to-day basis.

3--Make my bed every morning. This is actually a recurring resolution, so hopefully 2012's the charm!

4--Learn how to manage stress better. Punching people in the face and crying into pillows has proven ineffective.

5--Spend at least one night a week on a date with my fiance; one night with friends; and one night reading or doing creative work. (Sock puppets, anyone?)

I'm sure I could use a few more... Feel free to share some of yours so I can steal them! Cheers to another wonderful year with the best fans EVER!

xoLauren

Delirium Trilogy Video!

2011-12-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays, my darlings! I recently filmed a video discussing the Delirium Trilogy and I'd love for you all to see it and tell me what you think! Here it is! Delirium, Pandemonium, and Requiem have truly been as fun for me to write as they (hopefully!) are for you to read. I know I say it a lot, but I really am thankful to all of you fans out there. The letters I receive and Facebook/Twitter shout-outs I get mean so much to me!

Oh, and don't forget to order Hana today (Christmas Eve) from Hodder & Stoughton if you're in the U.K.! Here's a link to their Hana page... Ho Ho Ho and Merry-Almost-Christmas!!! :-D

xoLauren

My Gift to Delirium Fans in the UK

2011-12-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, Hodder & Stoughton (my UK publisher) is releasing my short story spinoff to Delirium, titled Hana! Hana will only be released in eBook format and is written from Hana's point of view. I know many of you Delirium fans have been curious about Lena's best friend... here's your chance to get to know her better!
On Christmas Eve you'll have the opportunity to purchase Hana at a discounted rate and give me a huge present, too. Check out this awesome campaign from Hodder & Stoughton to get Hana to the top of the eBooks chart! There's also a cool DIY Hana Christmas ornament download that features an excerpt of the book! Hey, don't say I never gave you anything!

Merry Christmas
xoLauren

My Favorite Things!

2011-12-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

The holidays aren't just about parties and eggnog. . .they're also about PRESENTS! As the old adage goes, "it is better to give than to receive" (I truly love giving), so let's give our peeps some presents they actually won't return!

With just a little over a week to shop for Christmas (and even less time to shop for Hanukkah!!), I thought I'd lend a hand with your gift ideas. I've composed my own list of faves this holiday season called Lauren's Favorite Things (everything is under $100). Hey, why should Oprah have all the fun?!

1-Juicy Couture Fair Isle Earmuff Headphones are super adorable and double as headphones. No more sacrificing your ears to subzero temperatures because you refuse to ditch your earbuds!

2-Juicy Couture Fair Isle Texting Gloves are not only a perfect match to the aforementioned heaphones/earmuffs, but have convenient slits on the thumb and forefinger for tech addicts who can't stop texting (like me).

3-Hoodie-Footie is the normal person's answer to the Snuggie. It's cozy, comfortable, and most importantly, cute! They come in a variety of colors/styles*.

*All styles are acceptable, except the leopard. Stay away from the leopard!! Also, please note that this is ONLY acceptable gear for INSIDE the home.

4-Kate Spade Gold Playing Cards make a luxurious stocking stuffer! Put the Midas touch on a game of Old Maid and she instantly becomes a hot, single heiress!

5-Pocket Digital Photo Viewer is a photo album and keychain all-in-one!

6-The Cupcake Beanie from Fred Flare is perfect for the girl who always has sweets on the brain. Throw in the Cupcake Shower Cap to keep her head "frosted" at all times.

7-Tory Burch Tortoise Cuff for the logo lovers out there.

8-The Keurig MINI is perfectly sized for a college dorm or small kitchen. I recently bought a Keurig and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

9-Vosges Aztec Elixir Couture Cocoa is literally HOT chocolate! Chocolate and chillies combine in an exotic and delicious treat for only the most daring chocoholics! Try Vosges other distinctive chocolate creations, like their Chocolate Bacon Bar and Vegan Truffles.

10-Last, but not least, Liesl & Po makes a fantastic present for anyone on your list! It's pretty on the outside, and on the inside lies a timeless tale that everyone, young or old, can appreciate! If I do say so myself...

Happy Holidays to you all!!! :)

xoLauren

Spirit of the Holidays Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

Merry (almost) Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a signed and gift-wrapped copy of Liesl and Po! The lucky winner who will be receiving a special Christmas package from me is.... Demijel!

Thank you, too, to all the participating bloggers who helped make this contest a success! All of the winners from the various blogs below will be receiving an email--and, in short order, a book--from yours truly.

www.thereaderbee.com

proudbooknerd.com
www.greenbeanteenqueen.com

chickloveslit.com

booktwirps.com

www.pureimaginationblog.com

www.hookedtobooks.com
www.readingvacation.net/

www.starryskybooks.com

www.stuckinbooks.com

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday season!
xoxo
Lauren Oliver

You Still have Time...

2011-12-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

To enter the Spirit of the Holidays Giveaway contest and win a signed, gift-wrapped copy of Liesl & Po! Hurry up, the contest ends on Dec. 12th. Don't wait another second... ENTER HERE! And remember, you'll earn an extra entry it you tweet about the contest!!!

Thanksgiving Writing Challenge Submissions

2011-12-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies! I received some mindblowingly original submissions for last month's Thanksgiving Writing Challenge, and as promised, I am sharing a couple of them today. I sincerely thank all of you that participated. Your writing keeps getting better and bette

From Elizabeth Douitsis

For Today

“Be thankful today, because you never know what will happen tomorrow.” This is my motto, but Gwyneth, my my eldest daughter already knows that. She has heard me say it many times. She is so sweet to help me out with Thanksgiving dinner, but today she looks worried. My famous blue apron, the one I have worn every time I make Thanksgiving dinner for the past forty seven years hangs around my neck, nearly trailing on the floor, and I hurry to check the turkey in the oven. I put my hand too close, but the oven is not hot at all. Maybe that is why my turkey is not cooking.
I hear Jeremy and Susanna laughing. My two youngest grandchildren always bring a smile to my eyes, but when I go to kiss them they run away. Never mind, they are busy playing. I go to fill the water pitcher, and Gwyneth calls out in concern, “Not that water, Lisa,” Since when does my daughter call me by my first name?
There is a strange man in my kitchen with a curious bracelet around his wrist. He looks rather lost; I should help him. “I will call a taxi for you to get home,” I tell him and reach into my apron pocket for some change. But it is not an apron. A blue bed sheet is draped around my shoulders, trailing on the floor. I call for Jeremy and Susanna, but they do not respond to their names, and this distresses me.
“I need to get my turkey,” I say, moving towards the oven, but there is only a plain, cold, cupboard next to a fishbowl. This room is sweet and sunshiny, but it is not my house.
“Lisa,” Gwyneth says, taking my hand, but her name tag says “Nurse Peggy”. There is a bracelet around my wrist too, and then I gasp as it all comes back to me. The forgetting, the looks on my grandchildren’s faces when I couldn’t remember their names, putting my keys in the dryer, my clothes in the toaster. Nearly burning the house down by accident, and finally coming here, to Wellington Retirement Home. I don’t know what to think, except that maybe I need a new motto: Be thankful today because you never know what happened yesterday.
“You have some visitors,” Peggy says, and I look up, confused.
The door opens and my family comes in. My younger children, Ben and Gracie and their families, my Gwyneth with her husband Paul and their children. Jeremy and Susanna rush up to me with smiling faces. “Happy Thanksgiving Grandma,” They say, and there are tears in my eyes as I kiss them. They came to visit me; they didn’t forget me.
Delicious smells of turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie fill the room, and Ben and Gracie re-enter carrying platters of steaming food as the children gather round. Gwyneth smiles and hands me my blue apron. “Happy Thanksgiving, mom.” She says. And then I do start crying.

From Jeremy Westphal

"The Price of Supper"

The old man crept from the farm house out towards the barn. While his thick glasses and slow hunched gait suggested a degree of vulnerability, the axe in his hands was wickedly sharp. He passed through a fence and came to the entrance to the barn. He paused in a moment of indecision. The grumbling of his stomach completed his resolve.
The creaking doors allowed sun light to chase away the last of the shadows within. The soft clucking of dozens of chickens searching for seeds was all that could be heard as the door became still. The farmer looked across the length of the barn. At the other side stood his opponent, the turkey.
The turkey stared over the chickens and across the floor. The old man swallowed hard, managing, "Morning Gobbler."
The turkey's nodded as he spoke, but it was obvious that his polite tone was forced, "Farmer Brown."
The farmer scratched the stubble on his neck as he continued, "Well, you know what day it is." He chucked nervously, "It's the day to be thankful, the day of giving thanks, Thanksgiving."
The turkey raised his wings and slid a single foot back with a scratching sound as he hissed, "Thanksgiving, yes, but it will be my ancestors that will be thankful for the beating that I will be giving you!"
The old man's eyes narrowed and he gripped the axe, "So I see, Gobbler. This is going to be the hard way."
Gobbler responded with mocking politeness, "Tell me Brown, is there any other?"
The old man cried out with anger, "You damn dirty bird, I've got young ones to feed!"
The turkey turned its neck giving forth a popping sound, "Bring it on old man. Lets see how you like the stuffing knocked out of you."
Both combatants charged forth. The air filled with frightened, flapping chickens, desperate to avoid the fury of both warriors. The turkey jumped high, spinning like a top. The old man fell into a slide upon his knees, seeking to dodging the deadly feet of his foe. Gobbler's foot unleashed its violence upon a solid target, but it was not the one he intended. Feather's flew and the impacting shock wave ran the length of the chicken's body like a stone thrown into a pool. The innocent bird was sent flying out of the barn, yolk of not yet laid eggs, flinging from its lifeless body.
The farmer's robe clad wife witnessed from the porch of her home as the chicken was tossed from the barn. She watched curiously, unfazed by the thumps, grunts, and groans within. She did wince twice, first at the sound of breaking timbers, second the sound of shattering glass. She looked on, a displeased look forming on her face. She called out, "Harold? Harold!" She paused, "HAROLD!!!"
From the barn she heard her husband cry, "Yes, Dear?!" followed by a loud crash.
The farmer's wife yelled, "Sally called! The kids are up early! Could you stop giving dancing lessons and hurry up?!" She was only answered by an even louder racket than she had heard before. A spare wheel for the back of the tractor came rolling out past the barn door. She shook her head as she stepped back into the house.
Hours later, the side of a minivan being opened was more akin to horse chutes at a race track. The racers though were three running, bounding children. Full of excitement, they competed for knocking space on the door of the farm house. The farmer's wife answered.
All three children chimed in unison, "Grandma!" There was an exchange of hugs and kisses as the children's parents followed at a more leisurely pace. The children all sniffed deeply and were more brief in their greetings as they pushed passed their approaching grandfather. He chuckled. He couldn't blame their impatience at the smell of his wife's pie.
The younger couple came to the porch to greet the older couple waiting in the door way. The younger woman looked in shock at the black circle about the older man's eye, asking, "Dad, what happened to your eye?"
The old man smiled, exposing several fresh gaps from absent teeth and said, "Just the price of supper."

xo Hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for my next challenge.

Never Judge a Book By It's Cover... Unless It Looks Like These

2011-12-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday! I thought I'd celebrate the almost end of the week by showing you two gorgeous European covers of my books. On the left is the super edgy Czech cover of Before I Fall (it was released there yesterday!). And here on the right is the beautiful Greek cover for Delirium. What do you guys think of these? Pretty awesome, right?

xoLauren

It's NOT TOO LATE TO VOTE!

2011-11-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

C'mon, peeps: let your voice be heard! Make sure to cast your votes (by clicking here) in the final rounds of the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards.

Need extra motivation? Then watch this video!

You only have until November 30th, so come on and get clicking! And don't worry--even if you voted in the original or semi-final rounds, you're free to vote again!

Spirit of the Holidays Giveaway!

2011-11-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Black Friday, everybody! Now that turkeys have been consumed and pumpkins have been eviscerated, I am so happy to announce a massive SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON GIVEAWAY!

The holidays, as we all know, are a time of sharing--and frantic, last-minute gift-buying. In order to do my part to celebrate, I will be giving one lucky reader one signed and gift-wrapped copy of Liesl & Po, perfect as a present for under the tree (or beneath the Menorah!).

I am thrilled to announce that I will be co-hosting this contest along with ten other fabulous bloggers and avid fans of L & P, so be sure to enter early and enter often! A winner will be selected from EACH blog, meaning that ten copies of Liesl & Po will land in the hands of a lucky child this holiday season.

www.thereaderbee.com

proudbooknerd.com
www.greenbeanteenqueen.com

chickloveslit.com

booktwirps.com

www.pureimaginationblog.com

www.hookedtobooks.com
www.readingvacation.net/

www.starryskybooks.com

www.stuckinbooks.com

The contest opens today, 11/25, and winners will be selected on 12/12! To enter on my blog, just comment on this post and tell me what YOU love about the holiday season. You will get an extra entry if you tweet about the contest as well! But remember to visit all ten blogs to increase your chances of winning a copy.

(I'm so sorry to all my international friends, but this is US and Canada-only.)

Good luck, and spread the word!

A very special post--for all the baby mamas and brides to be!

2011-11-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

So, my soon-to-be mother-in-law is insanely creative, and has recently started making the most adorable gifts for brides, bachelorettes, and baby-mamas to me! I have to share because I am so proud of her, and I'm so excited to trumpet her creativity to the world.

Her cupcake boxes filled with four "cupcakes" (actually onesies) are a perfect for expectant or new parents, and can be customized in different colors and styles depending on the sex of the baby (or simply made unisex). How frigging cute are they???

Additionally, she makes smaller boxes that hold little baby socks--perfect stocking stuffers, people!

She also creates fabulous bouquets, which can hold everything from thongs and a champagne-bottle-candle (for bridal or bachelorette favors--pictured), to, again, baby socks and onesies and even a little baby bottle.

She's working on her Etsy site now, so please contact me directly at laurenoliverbooks at gmail dot com if you're interested in purchasing, or just want to share your love for these amazingly delectable gifts! She usually charges $35 for the big boxes filled with onesies, $35 for the bouquets, and $18 dollars for the sock boxes, but anyone who buys before December 1st gets a ten percent discount!

Also, she's still looking for a NAME for these fab creations, so if any of you brainstormers have some bright ideas, let me know in the comments section!

Guys, please spread the word. Huge thanks to Jamie at Broke and Bookish, who is crushing on these adorable creations hard.

(PS--she's looking for some of these bouquets at her bachelorette...hint hint!)

Give Props to Germany!

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

My German readers are loyal fans, so I have to give props to them for showing me so much love these past two years!
Delirium was nominated for the Leserpreis this year in their "Kinder-/Jugendbuch" category (Before I Fall was nominated in 2010). This is a huge honor and I'm so thankful to them for supporting my books, and hosting me earlier this fall when I visited Frankfurt. Voting is open until November 27th, so pay the Germans a visit, and support Delirium by clicking here to vote. I'll be eternally grateful!
And while you're at it, make sure you show your home-country love by voting for me in the latest rounds of the 2011 Goodreads Choice awards!

xoLauren

Thanksgiving Writing Challenge!!!

2011-11-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

Break out your elastic waist pants...It's almost Turkey Day! Time to give thanks, watch football, and pig out with family and friends.
We all know that family gatherings all too often provide a setting for some Epically Uncomfortable Moments: Grandma waxes on about your mom's teenage antics, your uncle turns nostalgic after too many sips of wine...Yes, a holiday dinner can definitely have its ups and downs. Mom's pumpkin pie (yes!), an endless sea of dirty dishes (no!).
And so...Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to launch our latest writing challenge!

Here's what to do: submit a 250-300 word story that takes place during a family holiday dinner. Have fun with this one. Use as many or as few characters as you want, and think hard about evoking setting, food, etc. There's tons of potential for food fights and dramatic revelations here, so get crazy...just like you would if your bro tried to take the last piece of pumpkin pie!

Send your submissions to laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com and I'll post some of them right here at the end of the month! Happy early Thanksgiving!

Pandemonium Giveaway!!!

2011-11-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

I have FABULOUS news for those of you dying to read Pandemonium... Harper is doing a HUGE giveaway on Goodreads and there are 20 copies up for grabs! I'm so excited about this, I'm doing the happy dance at my laptop!!! :)

You have 28 days to enter the giveaway (linked here) so click away. You know you want one! Good luck, peeps!

xoLauren

Tips for the Sickies!

2011-11-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

Winter is on it's way, and the change in seasons is bound to bring on the inevitable (and unfortunately, I'm not talking about hot cocoa with extra marshmallows). I'm talking about getting sick. Trust me, I should know: I've spent the past 24 hours in bed with a bad head cold.

Colds and flus will get around like bad rumors for the next few months. Luckily, if you do get sick, you can always curl up with your favorite home-sick-on-the-couch book (my favorite is Matilda by Roald Dahl) and let a great story transplant you to someplace fabulous!

Here are some more favorite sick-time reads:
A Wrinkle In Time (I mean, it BEGINS with Meg huddled in a blanket on a dark and stormy night--what could be more a propos??)
Harry Potter (Revisiting the halls of Hogwarts always makes me feel better.)
Anything by Agatha Christie! (Look, you may have the flu, but at least you're not trapped on an island with a homicidal maniac who is slowly picking off his dinner party guests.)

And some more perks to being under-the-weather....
1--Sleepytime tea. YUM!
2--An excuse to stay in your pj's all day long.
3--People bring you things! (Like chicken soup and mugs of aforementioned sleepytime tea.)
4--Time to catch up on blogging!

If you're still unconvinced, here are some tips to keep you well:

1--Get you flu shot already! C'mon, it's just a pinch!
2--Wash your hands regularly, and don't just cheat all day with sanitizer.

3--Don't touch your face. Putting your hands on your mouth, nose and eyes introduces germs to your body. Also, this may prevent a few pimples! It's a Win-Win.

4--Get rid of viruses on your computer. I'm talking about the ones living on the surface of your keyboard, not just your hard drive. Invest in disinfectant wipes and keep your computer and your cell phone germ-free.

5--Stay away from sick people! (Obv.)

6--And if you do get sick...do like I do and STAY HOME! Seriously, don't spread the nasties by going to school/work/shopping, just chill at home for a few and drink plenty of fluids (and catch up on that TBR pile of books next to your bed!).

What are your tips and tricks for staying well? And what are your fave books to read when sick?

Movie Tie-Ins

2011-11-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Do you remember seeing Eat Pray Love in the bookstore with the words beautifully scripted in pasta and prayer beads?
Do you remember walking in to the same bookstore and suddenly seeing the cover with Julia Roberts enjoying her gelato?
When a movie based on a book is soon to be released, the books' publishers will usually release that book again with a new cover and watch the sales skyrocket. What sells a book better than Julia's pillowy lips, anyway?! (Personally, I'm more likely to buy based on the pasta...)
This fall, we're being treated to a whole lot of movie tie-ins! Here's a few for you to look out for:

Anonymous starring Rhy Ifans and Vanessa Redgrave (Oct.)

Books: Anonymous: William Shakespeare Revealed and Anonymous and the Shakespeare Authorship Question: The Theories, the Contenders, and the Evidence

Footloose starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough (Oct.)

Book: Footloose

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner (Nov.)

Book: The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara (Dec.)

Book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

And if you have little sisters or brothers...

Puss in Boots voiced by Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek (Nov.)

Books: Puss In Boots Movie Novelization plus picture books

Happy Feet Two voiced by Elijah Wood, Robin Willams, etc. (Nov.)

Books: Happy Feet Two, The Novel plus picture books and a sticker activity book

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked starring Jason Lee and David Cross (Dec.)

Book: Chipwrecked, The Junior Novel plus picture books and a sticker activity book

See folks, there's something for us to do while we wait for...THE HUNGER GAMES MOVIE TIE-IN!! What books would you like to see on the big screen?

Halloween Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Halloween is over, but we're still having fun! Here is the winner of our Scary Halloween Contest, Claudia, in one of her past Halloween costumes. I think she looks like she's in a funky photo shoot on America's Next Top Model! Great pic, Claudia! She has just scored herself a copy of Fury by Elizabeth Miles, Carrie by Stephen King, and Turn of the Screw by Henry James!!!

Also, thanks a bunch to all who participated!!! :) Here's my gift to you... You get to check out this very scary video of me dressed up for Halloween as a sociopathic serial killer!

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards

2011-11-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

Goodreads is hosting their 3rd Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, and guess what? I have been nominated in 4 categories!!! I am so elated, and filled with gratitude for all of my incredible fans out there! Thank you, thank you, thank you--if I could, I would bake you all RAINBOW COOKIES OF THANKS!

Now do me a favor and vote HERE ...so I can actually WIN! Ha! This is one of the few book awards that is awarded based completely on fan votes, so speak up and voice your opinion. As an FYI, I was nominated in the categories below:

Favorite Book of 2011

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Best Middle Grade & Children's

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Best Goodreads Author

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Voting ends on November 30, you have to vote for your faves by November 13 to get them into the semifinals! Don't delay, VOTE NOW!!! :)

xoLauren

Liesl & Po Writing Challenge Submissions!

2011-10-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

First, I want to thank those of you that participated in this month's Liesl & Po Birthday Writing Challenge. In honor of the release of Liesl & Po, I challenged you to come up with a short story in which magic falls into the wrong hands. The responses were great, and I love how you all conceived magic in incredibly varied and unique ways. Check out a sampling of the fab submissions below...

From Lexie Botzum

She falls on her knees before the simple gray stone, hands groping the soil as though she can tear it away and there he will be: smiling, laughing, leaning from his grave to kiss her cheek and tell her it’ll all be okay.

It’s nighttime, but it’s not a gentle nighttime. It’s the sort of nighttime that creeps upon you slowly, slowly, and then it pounces. And you’re caught, because you are alone, in a graveyard, sobbing feet above your boyfriend’s coffin.

“Please,” she whispers. “Please.” She rocks back and forth. She claws at her hair, claws at the soil. Lets her fingers skim the carved words, tracing the dips. That’s all that’s left of him, carved words and stone memories.

“Please,” she repeats again. “Let him go. Just let him go.” Rock back and forth, back and forth. If he were there, he’d press her arms against her sides and hold her tight. But no. He’s not there. He’s not.

“I’ll do anything,” she says. Her hands are fists, nails biting palms, tears biting cheeks, her whole body just one more sobbing broken wreck in a field of broken corpses. “Anything if you’ll let him go.”

She tilts her head back. Sorrow-stained cheeks meet star-stained sky. “I promise,” she says, and her voice is so soft, so dead, that one might think she herself is dying if not for the very live pain in her eyes.

And then something tears.

Something shakes.

Something groans.

Something bursts from the soil beneath her knees.

A hand.

An arm.

A torso, pale collarbone, bruised neck.

And his face.

His face, unravaged, insentient, unseeing.

She reaches out a hand. It shakes. Slowly, as though he might disintegrate beneath her fingers, she strokes one sallow cheek.

“I’d do anything,” she whispers. And she collapses.

From Kiki Hatzopoulou

Of Doom and Mondays

Malory Stone is a conflicted individual.

On the one hand, she is the mistress of Catastrophe, the all-consuming force of Destruction, the ancient goddess of Doom, the creator of Chaos, a hard-working black hole, if you will.

And on the other hand, she is caring, lovable and devoted, easy to please and hard to annoy, kitten-loving, puppy-loving, flower-loving, a sweetheart really, in every sense of the word.

Which only makes her job as undying power of disaster all the more difficult.

So Malory has devised a simple, bedlam-facilitating plan. She allows herself to care and love for something, as love as the ultimate fate of the object of her affection is ruination. A love-you-to-death kind of approach.

She has spent millennia trying to subvert all that seems nice and wonderful about this little greenish planet called Earth, starting with all the things that have to do with humans. A black dot to her otherwise spotless résumé, humans satisfy her greedy requirements; they are both capable of immense accomplishments and quite easy to obliterate. The fact that she allowed for them to be generated in the first place is beside the point; it was a moment of amorous weakness for the maker of all things good, otherwise known as Johnny D. It is a choice she has come to regret each and every day of her life, usually right before bedtime. (One could even go as far as to claim the reason behind her desire to destroy is jealousy that Johnny D was the creator of admittedly the most fantastic creation of all times, but Malory likes to think that she isn’t that petty and besides, she’s had some pretty good moments, too.)

But anyways, Malory, queen of Malice, recognizes a small perk to the birth of man; without him, the absolutely perfect candidate to test all her vicious demolition plans on, life would be so much duller.

First she tried the sinking of whole islands; that went exceptionally well. She has always been an avid fan of all things watery and Atlantis was simply an amazing construction of both man and nature, too amazing to survive her admiration and wrath.

Then, there was the spectacular stint in Africa. The sandy continent was a particular favorite of hers: the obsolete landscapes, the colors at night, the witty zebras and the studious lions. It was, and still is despite all her efforts, a beautiful piece of land. Unfortunately, it is also the place where the first humans lived and prospered and that was just the final drop; Africa had to go. Malory conjured up droughts and famine, tsunamis and tornados, but none of them seemed to seal the deal. And then it came to her, surprising her with the brilliance of its obviousness: on the fight of nature against man, man would always come on top. All Malory had to do was put man against man; that would be a battle to remember. So she caused a random earthquake and buried a whole forest underground, creating man’s ultimate demise, the almighty oil.

And yet, there is one of her creations that will always be close to her heart, despite the fact that most of her fellow deities, not to mention man, would not turn to look at it twice. Malory had been the mastermind behind uranium and infidelity―for humans were too lovely to just have one―and she had started the global wrecks that are known as World War II and the final season of Lost, but there is nothing she’s more proud of than the idea to create Monday mornings.

From Alexis

Karen glanced down and inspected the book in her hands. It was hefty and battered, like it had survived a hundred storms. The stories relating to the book ranged from bad to worse, and the main characters in the tale usually ended up dead or maimed. That fact hadn’t stopped her though.

As she opened up the first page, the magic almost immediately flooded through her veins like water from a spout. Karen could read the seemingly random markings on the page because she was a witch. A white witch as a matter of fact. She had always been forbidden from the dark arts, and now she had the biggest book of dark magic known in the world.

“Who goes there?” shouted a voice from behind her. She had left the library at around nine, so the alley-way she was walking down was almost pitch-black. Karen put the thick tome in her arms and ran at a dead sprint. She couldn’t, she wouldn’t, be caught with the book.

No matter what the cost.

Karen rounded the corner of the block, and after looking behind her to see if she was being followed, she stopped with a huff, opening the book again.

This time the magical feeling she got was less foreign and more natural.

“Here we go,” Karen muttered to herself.

She pulled out her wand from where she had put it in her boot and glanced once more around to make sure no one was watching.

“Take me somewhere safe, take me to my mother’s arms,” Karen chanted. Suddenly, the book opened up like a mouth and pulled her in, like a vortex to a world unknown.

***FYI*** Don't forget to enter the Halloween Contest/Giveaway! Today is the last day! Good luck...

Hey Philly and Chi-Town!

2011-10-24T04:37:00.001-07:00

COME PLAY WITH ME! I'm back from Europe and headed your way this week, to round out my epic month-long tour of insanity. Holla! (Can you tell I'm hopped up on caffeine?)

This is the time for you to listen to me read from my latest, Liesl & Po, and to ask me all of the probing questions you're dying to have answered, such as: "When did you start writing?" and "Which brand of ketchup do you prefer?"* So check me out at one of the dates/locations below, and spread the word!

Tuesday, October 25th, Haverford, PA:

7:00 PM Children’s Book World

Reading/ Q&A/ Signing

17 Haverford Station Road

Haverford, PA 19041

Wednesday, October 26th, Naperville, IL:

7:00 PM Anderson’s Bookshop

Reading/ Q&A/ Signining

123 West Jefferson

Naperville, IL 60540

*Trick question...there is NO brand of ketchup besides Heinz!!

Rock the Vote!

2011-10-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Guys, you have to check out this book trailer for Delirium, which is up for School Library Journal's Book Trailer awards! It was created by a librarian named Sherry Thompson from Flower Mound, Texas. I love the music she used and the photographs, she nailed the tone of delirium and created a ton of suspense! Let's support Sherry, and Delirium, by checking out the trailer and voting! Please take a look, then scroll down (the poll is way at the bottom) and vote!

xoL

Liesl & Po Writing Challenge Re-Post!

2011-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Peeps, get your submissions in! In case you missed the details of the writing challenge, I posted it again below!...

After months of waiting, my baby's finally here! Liesl & Po, my first middle grade novel, is in stores today! So run, skip, bike, hitch a ride, or teleport yourself out there and get yourself a copy! Here's the Goodreads summary:

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

So, in honor of Liesl & Po's release, here's your writing challenge assignment: submit a 250-300 word submission featuring magic that falls into the wrong hands. Questions to ask yourself: what kind of magic is it? How was it lost/switched/stolen? What drama will ensue as a result?

Send your pieces to me at laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com and I'll post a few of your wonderful submissions right here!!!

I'm on the LIST!

2011-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I come to you this morning to humbly report that Before I Fall is on the YALSA's 2011 Teens' Top Ten! In case you're wondering, YALSA stands for Young Adult Library Services Association. It's the YA division of the American Library Association. I'm so excited about this, and I'm super grateful to all my readers, especially those who voted for Before I Fall! My fans make me so happy, I could cry! :-D

Check out the winner's video... it's so cute!

xoL

Scaaaary Halloween Contest + Giveaway!!

2011-10-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here in a few weeks so it's time to get your costume on! Eventually, we all get too old for trick-or-treating (well not me, but maybe you do!), but you are never too old to bust out that princess tiara and get all gussied up! Luckily, the laws of fashion go out the window and for one night you can literally wear whatever you want and get away with it... as long as you aren't wearing any of these.

So this giveaway will consist of a contest (costumes are optional, but heavily rewarded). It'll go like this:

Comment with your email address = 1 point

Tweet about this contest = 2 points

Facebook message about this contest = 2 points

Mention contest on your own blog = 3 points

Post a picture of you in one of your wondrous Halloween costumes past = 6 points!!!

Now, for the super scary prize... the winner will receive a Halloween-themed trio of fear-inducing novels. FURY by Elizabeth Miles, CARRIE by Stephen King, and a third book TBD. And who knows what other spooky stuff may be lurking around in this giveaway... you'll have to enter to find out!

xoL

Top 10 Things About Germany!

2011-10-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Frankfurt Book Fair that's held in Germany every year. It's the largest trade book fair in the world, and dates back all the way to the 15th century! The first book fair was held not long after Gutenberg invented the printing press. I'll be among 7500 exhibitors from over 110 countries buying and selling rights to thousands of books, but I also get to tour the rest of the country immerse myself in the richness of German culture for a few days! So, without further ado, here is my top ten list of fabulous things about Germany...

10-- German sausage. It's not necessarily my thing, but with over 1500 varieties, they must have something for everyone!

9-- The bread... Hello, pumpernickel! Good day, rye!

8-- Liesl (of Liesl & Po) is from there, or at least her name is!

7-- Cars... Karl Benz built the first car there in 1885 and Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen and Porsche are all manufactured there.

6-- Oktoberfest! Too bad I already missed it. (It's actually in September.)

5-- Berlin! After that pesky wall came down two decades ago, Berlin became one of the coolest cities in the world with it's bustling art scene.

4-- Geniuses: Einstein, Bach, Beethoven, Nietzsche, Kant, Marx, just to name a few.

3-- The Black Forest. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also the birthplace of black forest ham and black forest cake! Yum!

2-- German beer! From the Bavarian brews to Beck's and the Munich-bred Dunkels, there's no reason to drink anything else!

1-- I'm here, duh! Lauren Oliver in the house!!! :) Plus my girl Lenore of the fabulous blog Presenting Lenore will be throwing down with me! Hollaaaaa.

L&P, Internationally

2011-10-12T08:36:00.001-07:00

Hi all--

Greetings from 30,000 feet! I'm currently on my way back to NYC after Leg #1 of my tour. I'll get a luxurious four hours at home to do laundry and smooch my fiance, and then it's off to Germany tomorrow. (Stay tuned for my Top Ten List tomorrow--I'll let you know all the things I'm super psyched about in the land of spaetzle and beer!).

I've had a few FAB events in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Midwest does it best! Check out some cutie pie pics from my time at Wild Rumpus, where I discovered my innate love for ferrets (so floppy!) and was interrupted by a vocally insistent cockatoo during my reading.

One more cool thing. I happened upon this awesome Spanish rendition of the L & P cover online. It's VERY different from the US cover (if you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for??), but I kinda dig it. What do you think?

Conquer the Silence!

2011-10-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I contributed to an anthology called Dear Bully, which was released last month. I was grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with teen bullying and take part in such an amazing project, along with about 70 other YA authors. If you haven't already picked up your copy, well, you know what to do. Get your butt down to the nearest bookstore and get it already! (No, I'm not bullying you, just politely reminding you that Dear Bully is in stores. :-)

I have received mail from many fans who were touched by Dear Bully, but I can truly see the powerful impact of this book in the response of Sarah McManus! She is a young blogger that was inspired to create a website called Conquer the Silence (http://www.conquerthesilence.blogspot.com/). On Sarah's blog, contributors are free to communicate their stories in any written form they wish, and can even post anonymously. I'm proud of Sarah McManus for taking a stand against bullying, and I'm proud of all of my young followers who sincerely want to make a difference in this world.

Let's support this step in the right direction and speak out against bullying by posting to and spreading the word about this new blog page! Conquer the silence, people!

California Love

2011-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Liesl & Po tour, Days 1-3!

So far this week, I have learned several invaluable life lessons:

1--Children are adorable. Also, children in California are better-mannered than children in New York!

2--Ackee is a delicious kind of Jamaican vegetable that grows in a pod, and very much resembles scrambled eggs in looks and texture, although not in taste.

3--The Hotel Palomar in Los Angeles makes delicious homemade pickles.

4--I am not a morning person.

Okay, so, one of these things I already knew, and two of them are food related, but DON'T JUDGE ME! So far, I'm having a great time on tour: at the B & N in Huntington Beach, CA, I got to see the west coast side of my family, which was very special; plus, I got to leave a note for my best friend Elizabeth Miles, who was visiting the store the following day with Becca Fitzpatrick and Moira Young!
In NoCal, I visited a school literally nestled in the midst of a magical, mystical redwood forest. It made me a) want to return to being a child just so I could attend and b) aspire to write an elvish fantasy set in just such a place. Kind of. More the former than the latter, actually.

Anyway, check out these assorted pics and keep on following my adventures on the road...

Liesl & Po Birthday + Writing Challenge!!!

2011-10-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

Send your pieces to me at laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com and I'll post a few of your wonderful submissions right here!!!

Leaving on a jet plane...

2011-09-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Peeps!

It's that time of year again... I'm heading out on tour to promote my new book Liesl & Po! The upside: meeting cool new people and my amazing readers/fans, hanging out in awesome cities, and having a legitimate excuse to partake in copious amounts of takeout.
The downside: packing a bag with a month's worth of essentials and living out of a suitcase. Ugh! Now, if I could only figure out what is REALLY necessary... Something tells me my new Keurig coffee machine won't make it past the metal detectors.
Help a girl out! What are your travel essentials? What do you bring with you for just that extra bit of comfort on the road?

xoL

A round-up of Liesl & Po reviews!

2011-09-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends!

The clock is ticking: my very first book for middle grade readers, Liesl & Po, comes out on Tuesday!! Yayyy! If you are still debating whether or not to buy/read it, you should! But DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Check out a round-up of some recent reviews, which will hopefully help sway you!

The Readiacs
The ReaderBee
Proud Book Nerd
Chick Loves Lit
Green Bean Teen Queen
Hooked To Books
Addicted 2 Reading

So go on and pre-order Liesl & Po...because everybody's doing it!! :)

xoL

Liesl & Po Tour Dates!

2011-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

All right, kiddos. I'm packing my bag with granola bars and portable ketchup packets (yes, I bring them when I travel), and I'm hitting the road to tour my latest book (and my first middle-grade read), Liesl & Po.
As Pitbull so eloquently says: You know you want me. So take note of the dates/locations below and come see me already!

Tuesday, October 4th: HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Barnes & Noble

7881 Edinger Avenue

Huntington Beach CA 92647

Wednesday, October 5th: OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

A Great Good Place for Books

6120 LaSalle Avenue

Oakland CA 94611

Thursday, October 6th: OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Rakestraw Books

522 Hartz Avenue

Danville CA 94526

Friday, October 7th: LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Barnes & Noble

19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway

Lynnwood WA 98036

Saturday, October 8th: PORTLAND, OREGON

WORDSTOCK FESTIVAL, PORTLAND!!!

WORDSTOCK FESTIVAL

Oregon Convention Center

777 NE ML King Boulevard

Portland, OR 97232

5:00 PM

“Facing Fears in YA Fiction” Panel

Widen + Kennedy Stage, Room C#124

Authors:

Kimberly Derting, The Body Finder

Patrick Carman, Dark Eden

Moderator: Suzanne Young, A Need So Beautiful

5:50PM Book signing at the Powell's Books signing area

Sunday, October 9th: PORTLAND, OREGON
MORE WORDSTOCK!

3:00PM Solo Presentation with Jonathan Auxier

Knowledge Universe Children’s Stage

Main Exhibit Hall C

3:50PM Book signing at the Powell's Books signing area

Monday, October 10th: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

6:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Wild Rumpus

2720 West 43^rd Street

Minneapolis MN 55410

Tuesday, October 11th: GLENDALE, WISCONSIN

6:30PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

North Shore Library

6800 North Port Washington Road

Glendale WI 53217

...And then, after a brief interlude in which I travel to Frankfurt for the book fair...

Tuesday, October 25th: HAVERFORD, PENNSYLVANIA

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Children’s Book World

17 Haverford Station Road
Haverford PA 19041

Wednesday, October 26th: NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS

7:00PM Reading/Q&A/Signing

Anderson’s Bookshop

123 West Jefferson

Naperville IL 60540

Phew...and then it's home to sleep for the next month. Anyway, spread the word, gas up the car, and come join me on the road! Hope to see you there. xo

IT'S ALIIIIVE! SAY HELLO TO THE LIESL & PO WEBSITE!

2011-09-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am THRILLED to tell you that the gorgeous new Liesl & Po website (www.lieslandpo.com) is live. Please click here and start exploring. Give yourself time to play. Click on "Characters" for sketches of Liesl, Po, and the rest of the supporting cast; go to "Extras" to watch the stunning trailer and hear the book's haunting theme song; and don't forget to scroll down to read an excerpt!

Share it with friends, family, any kids you know, the local UPS guy...you know, pass on the good word! And don't forget that Liesl and Po hits shelves October 4.

xoxoL

Dear Bully--Winner!

2011-09-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks for everyone who responded for a chance to win a copy of DEAR BULLY, the beautiful nonfiction anthology edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones, featuring essays from authors including Aprilynne Pike, Carrie Ryan, Jon Scieszka, Mo Willems, Alyson Noel, Ellen Hopkins, Carolyn Mackler, Lauren Kate, and moi. (Read more about it here or here.) SOME of you who shall remain nameless neglected to leave contact info/email addresses...just a word to the wise for next time!

Congrats to the winner, Love Between Pages, who commented:

This book is a work of art! I find it wonderful that a group of writers come together to address an issue as important as bullying.

I couldn't agree more that this anthology tackles a complex, topical, and important subject, and I really do hope that all of you will find a way to get this book onto your shelves.

xoLauren

Liesl and Po--LOVE FROM EVERY ANGLE!

2011-09-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have to say, the thrill NEVER dies. There is nothing like getting a first, hardcover copy of your own book in the mail. Talk about an experience that can't be replaced by the e-reader...

That's right, peeps, finished copies of LIESL & PO have arrived at last!!! It is such a gorgeous book, from the jacket, to the images printed on the hardcover itself (check out pics below), to Kei Acedera's gorgeous sketched illustrations, which look exactly as I imagined them in my head.

(Front!)

(Back!)

HURRAY!!! Mark October 4th on your calendars, guys...this is one book that just won't look as good on the kindle, trust me!

xoxo

Dear Bully

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last year, I was given the opportunity to contribute to an anthology about a difficult and all-too-topical subject: bullying. The anthology, edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones, comprises stories, memories, and essays submitted by a vast array of celebrated teen authors, including Aprilynne Pike, Carrie Ryan, Jon Scieszka, Mo Willems, Alyson Noel, Ellen Hopkins, Carolyn Mackler, and Lauren Kate.

Bullying--and the topic of meanness/cruelty more generally--is an important theme in my first book, Before I Fall, and I was honored to have the opportunity to address it from a nonfiction standpoint in Dear Bully.

The book has now been released, and I am giving away a copy! Simply respond to this post and you will be entered for a chance to win a signed finished copy. For the rest of you, PLEASE don't neglect this book. (You can find the USA today review of Dear Bully here, and check out the book's Goodreads page here for more info.) A portion of the proceeds go to an anti-bullying organization, so this book is a worthwhile purchase any way you slice it.

Liesl and Po contest winners for August!

2011-09-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I've been so swamped with news and crazy back-to-school (or, um, work) duties, I have barely had time to blog! But I'm thrilled to announce my August Liesl & Po galley winners, along with their childhood reading faves...

cegluna...

"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Lenmeo...

Bridge To Teribithia by Katherine Paterson Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster
These are just a few examples of my favorite books from childhood. To pick just one is insane. :)

Blogging Books ...

My favorite book would have to have been Bed Time for Frances by Russell Hoban. I loved her alphabet song!

Congrats to you all! I'll be popping those puppies in the mail very soon. And remember, for the rest of you...ONLY ONE MONTH REMAINS until Liesl & Po hits the shelves...which means that only a lucky three more winners will get galley copies in the mail! If you haven't already entered for consideration, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? Enter here.

Revenge Is (Sometimes) Sweet

2011-09-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Oooh!! The submissions for my Revenge Is Sweet Writing Challenge, which celebrated the release of my BFF Elizabeth Miles' new book FURY, were skin-crawlingly creepy and scary! I LOVED them! I have to say, I've always been a sucker for revenge stories, even when the revenge sometimes outstrips the original crime (as in Elizabeth's book). Add in a good shaking of old-fashioned bloodlust, and maybe a dose of psychopathy, and you have a winner in my book!

Without further ado, here are two of my favorite submissions from the challenge:

From Teresa Szandtner—“Push”

Champagne could feel the air seeping through her blouse and under her skirt. She couldn’t see, since a school tie covered her eyes. She could hear her captors arguing with each other, but she couldn’t recognize their voices. She was trying to conceal her terror by being angry at them. Anger was far easier than fear, as it allowed her to function.
“She looks scared,” said one of the voices.
“About time, if you ask me,” said another.
“Let’s get on with this, O.K.? Who wants to go first?”
“I will,” said a voice. “I testify that you made fun of my clothes.” A pair of hands pushed against her chest into the rest of the members of the circle.
“I testify that you made fun of my acne,” said another, joined by another push.
“I testify that you made me feel invisible.” Push.
Champagne noticed that the pushes were getting faster, and stronger. Then it happened. After one particularly hard push, she missed the landing pad of the other bodies and broke through them like some twisted game of Red Rover. Suddenly she was falling and rolling down the side of a hill. She heard someone swear from above her. As she rolled down the hill, she could feel the impact of every pebble and branch tearing into her skin.
“Is she dead?” someone shouted from above.
“I just saw her move. She’s still breathing.”
The voices receded and she was left alone, shivering in her school uniform.

From Natalie Ward

Her Death

..would you kill to save a life?

..would you kill to prove you’re right?

∞TSTM∞

I should have been able to protect her.

I should have been able to protect her because I loved her and she was everything to me.

But they should have protected us.

They trained us, taught us, sent us in there and then they abandoned us when it all went wrong.

Now they were going to pay. All of the hatred and anger and rage and guilt that I held for failing her was going to be taken out on them.

She was pregnant when it happened. Pregnant with my child and they carved her up and ripped it out of her like it meant nothing. I had come home to find her like that. Broken, bloody, lifeless. Everything I had wanted, everything I had needed, gone.

I had hunted them down with a vengeance. All of them. I spared them no mercy.

It felt good. The pain I inflicted, the last breathes that I stole, the blood that I leeched. Everything they took from me magnified by every piece of pain and betrayal I felt and then thrown back at them.

If only I had known what it would do to me. What it would turn me into, what I would become.

It would have destroyed her to see me like this, but I had to do it.

For her.

But in doing so, I knew I had become one of them.

And below you'll find my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SUBMISSION from this challenge--with a fabulous twist-ending, to boot. Valerie will be receiving a Revenge Is Sweet T-shirt courtesy of Paper Lantern Lit. (Check out the design here.)

From Valerie Armour

“If we love him, then why are we going to hurt him?” I ask her cautiously--she’s been so volatile lately and the last thing I want is for her to be angry with me.

“Dear god, do I have to explain everything to you, like you’re a baby? Look, he hurt you first didn’t he? He said he loved you and he hurt you-“

“Yes I know that, but I don’t want to hurt him” I interrupt her. I know what she’ll say- I always know what she’ll say next.

I feel her anger boiling in my blood, a foreign and yet exhilarating experience. The rush of adrenaline makes my head feel clouded, like I’m dreaming. There’s an edge to my depression that I never noticed before now, and I’m beginning to see for the first time what she’s been driving at.

“You do want to hurt him, see? You understand now why this is so important?” I hear her words from a distance, like I’ve fallen into a hole somewhere inside my mind, and her voice is echoing off the walls down to me.

“Yes.” I reply, because now I do understand, she will do what I can't. She’ll kill him for hurting me.

“Ashley,” I hear my Mother’s voice in the hallway, “who are you talking to in there?” She pushes the door open and pokes her head in.

She looks into my Mother’s trusting eyes, and replies honestly, “No one, Mom. I’m just thinking to myself.”

Come On, Irene: Writing Challenge Responses!

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in my Come On: Irene, Writing Challenge! The challenge was to evoke a scene in which two people who absolutely hate each other are trapped under bad/inclement/apocalyptic conditions. I loved reading your responses. I've selected three submissions that demonstrate the range of claustrophobic situations you all imagined for your characters...Interestingly, however, there was a significant romantic thread to almost all of them! What is it about Doomsday scenarios that puts us in a lovin' mood, I wonder? :P

Enjoy!

From Lisa Aldin:

I used to think it was only my imagination that Becky Lyons hated me.

But about ten minutes ago I came to the conclusion that Becky Lyons truly, deeply hates me. No imagination or rumors involved.

How do I know this? Well, emergencies illuminate the truth. If she hates me while we're huddled under this pool table, the windows rattling from the claws and teeth of those things outside, then she would hate me anytime, anywhere.

"What are those things?" she asks, brushing a strand of black hair from her cheek.

"Bats," I reply, even though I have no idea what I'm talking about. I don't know why I feel like I need her approval. I do not like Becky. I cannot like Becky.

She glares at me. "You're an idiot."

"How kind of you to notice."

"They look like..." She leans forward, gripping the table leg with her trembling fingers. Through the glass, the sky appears dark, but it's daytime. One minute I was walking along Main Street, a stack of fresh comic books under my arm, and the next thing I knew these creatures had flooded the sky. Their wings blocked out the sun, forcing anyone who was lucky enough to see the black swarm in time to hide, shiver, and fear. The unlucky ones were carried away like fish plucked from the water by a hawk's claw. "They look like angels," she finishes.

I roll my eyes, trying not to notice the green flecks swimming in her hazel eyes. "Now who's the idiot?"

Crack.

Her beautiful eyes go wide and soft. "Oh, God. They're...coming inside," she whispers, curling her arms around my neck, holding me close. My heart pounds. Crack. I lick my dry lips and whisper in her ear, "Run."

From 16-year-old Janel Lee:

“I can’t believe they’ve put me with you!” I growled as the woman with the clipboard basically shoved me into Ethan’s arms. She gave me one glance that said she could care less about what I thought and moved along, calling out names and pairing people for partners.

“Well,” Ethan started, a smirk on. “Your demeanor screams weak and mine, of course, screams strong and savior-like, so of course they’d pair you with me.”

I glared and looked away, out the window, where the land was barren and dry, begging for water. “Of all--”

“Save it, priss,” Ethan muttered, sounding angry back. I took a glance at him--his brows were furrowed, his eyes angry and focused. “If they paired us, they paired us. Now it’s just a matter of sticking together and pulling through.”

“Since when were you all about surviving? I thought you were the living type,” I snapped back, smacking his hand when it came close to mine. The lady was beginning to instruct us to take hold of our partner, no matter the gender, and all, except us, were following suit.

“I am the living type! Now if you would just--!” He went for my hand again but I pushed him and fell out of line. The instructor looked at me with ice eyes and I stepped back in line. Ethan grabbed my fingers and squeezed them, hard.

“All right!” the lady shouted, standing on a platform. “The goal is to move out as far as you can, searching for water, with the rations we’ve given you. Remember, half of the journey is coming back safely, so ration wisely. The devices on your wrists are our tracking devices--they’ll let us know your health. If it should beep, you either must turn around, or we recognize that you are in danger. Got it?”

I heard Ethan breathe in as cold set in my spine. I only felt his hand holding mine, reassuring and solid. “All right,” he breathed. “Here we go.”

From Dot Hutchison, "Hurricane Party":

Damn mandatory evacuations.

“You know they’re not letting us out of this closet until they’ve heard some action, right?”

I glare at the closet’s other occupant and go back to pounding on the door. “Lily, Amber, let me out or so help me I will skin you in your sleep!”

Drunken laughter spills against the mostly hollow wood, followed by a thunk as one or both of my suitemates falls against the door. “You need this, Delilah!” one of them yells. “You’ll thank us for it later!”

“The hell I will!”

The smell of Tide, Zest, and Axe assails me as Sam turns me so my back’s against the door. Crap. It should not be legal to be that good-looking. Especially given what an ass he is.

“You have to be the only person in this apartment afraid of Postman’s Knock,” he mutters.

“I am not afraid! And it’s a hurricane! Why is there even a party?“

“As long as have to evacuate the dorms anyway, why not have a party?”

“Because it’s irresponsible?” I grumble, but it only makes him laugh.

“A whole semester gone by, and you’re still a freak.”

With a silent apology to my mother and how hard she’s worked to raise me as a young lady, I belt him in the stomach. He doubles over, wheezing, and I can hear my traitor roommates giggling like hell on the other side of the door. I rattle the knob but it’s locked from the other side; they won’t let us out until they hear us making out.

He kisses me suddenly, sparking a blaze that curls low through my stomach, then spreads a fierce flush across every inch of skin.

When the door opens to catcalls and cheers, he walks away without a second look at me.

HAPPY FURY RELEASE DAY!!!

2011-08-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Please join me in congratulating my BFF Elizabeth Miles on her debut novel, FURY, which hits bookshelves today!! If you've been living in a blog cave and haven't yet heard of this book, check out the fabulous website here.
And please make sure to stop by Elizabeth's blog today and send her a note of congrats! Let's show support, people.
For all of you who entered by FURY revenge writing contest, first of all, you rock, and second of all, I'm going to be reading through and selecting winners by next week!

xoL

Monday Procrastination!

2011-08-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, nothing helps ease you back into a work-week as, well, refusing to do any work and instead spending the day watching various YouTube videos. Here's another one to queue up--in it, I speak about the inspiration for my very first middle-grade book, LIESL & PO, which will be released on Oct 1.

On the subject of L & P, I'm thrilled to say it has just received a starred review from PW! Check it out below.

*Liesl & Po
Lauren Oliver, illus. by Kei Acedera. Harper, $16.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-06-201451-1
The sun has not shined for 1,728 days and counting in YA author Oliver’s (Delirium) first book for middle-grade readers, a gloominess that underscores a plot in which adults seek personal gain at the expense of children. Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure: a young girl locked in an attic, a wicked stepmother, an alchemist, an orphan boy running from a cruel master. Add two nearly identical boxes—one containing the ashes of 11-year-old Liesl’s recently deceased father, the other holding “the Most Powerful Magic in the World”—and mix them up, and excitement begins to break through the bleakness. Po, a presence from “the Other Side,” brings Liesl a message to bury her father’s ashes underneath a certain willow tree, inspiring her to escape her imprisonment in her stepmother’s attic and head for the train. An exhilarating chase ensues, as characters pursue the runaway children and the mixed-up boxes. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

I've been giving away three ARCs per month, and the tradition lives on...stay tuned, because later in the week I'll be selecting and contacting August's winners!

Happy "work" week!

xoLauren

Come On, Irene: A Writing Challenge

2011-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

As NYC, including yours truly, gears up for a historic hurricane (Hurricane Irene, a category three), the grocery shops are packed, the bars are empty, and candles are experiencing a sudden resurgence of popularity. The city that never sleeps is hunkering down for the weekend, which gave me an idea for a writing challenge. Please submit 250-300 words on the following prompt:

--Two characters who intensely dislike each other are stuck together in a room due to a natural/apocalyptic/supernatural disaster.

Please evoke these characters, and tell us something about why they are in the room together (i.e., what is happening outside). Let me point out that this is perfect practice for INTRODUCING and EXPLOITING conflict--it is conflict, and subsequent reconciliation, that causes tension and makes books interesting.

Okay, people, you know the drill. Email me at laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com and I'll post some of the submissions up here. Also, please remember that the FURY REVENGE WRITING CONTEST is still ongoing (click for details here), and will be until 8.30.11, when Fury goes on sale. So get cracking on your computers! (And if you live on the eastern seaboard and your power goes out...hey, paper and pens were invented for a reason!)

Everyone please stay safe and dry this weekend.

xoL

Elizabeth Miles and Lauren Oliver--tag team!

2011-08-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

Bonjour, mes amis! I’m sorry for being so MIA…I’ve been sunning myself in the South of France with some of my besties, and was without working wifi all week (how’s that for alliteration?). I’m thrilled to bring you a very special interview today with an author whose debut novel, FURY, publishes on August 31^st! (Check out the fabulous website TheFurySeries.com for more info.) Not only is FURY terrifying and suspenseful (Lauren Kate, author of the bestselling FALLEN series, calls it "achingly gorgeous"), its author is one of my oldest, dearest friends (we even share identical tattoos on our backs). Elizabeth Miles and I have been BFFs since eighth grade, when we bonded over a shared love of cooking and Alanis Morissette. Don’t ask. We’ve been going strong ever since. I interviewed her recently about the experience of being a debut novelist…and about her cats, our high school memories, and various other bits of miscellany from her life. Enjoy! And if you haven’t pre-ordered FURY yet…get your act together and do it now!!

So…your first novel is about to be published! How do you feel? Nervous? Elated? A combination of both?

Of course, I am extremely excited and proud. I feel lucky to have such a supportive team behind me -- from editors and publicists to friends and family. I'm looking forward to sharing this fun and scary story with engaged readers. But yes, I'm also nervous (shocker!). I'm nervous about how people will receive the book, I'm nervous about the energy it will take to promote it, I'm nervous about moving into the next stage of this amazing process. For such a long time, the release date seemed like this nebulous time in the future. Now that it's actually here...it's time to step up. (And dance!)

What’s your favorite aspect of living in Maine?

Maine boasts some of the most beautiful natural places I've ever seen: mountains, meadows, oceans, rivers. That's my number one. Number two: Lobster rolls.

Do you, perchance, have any cats? If so, please tell us about them.

The cats (combined with therapy and modern medicine) kind of saved my life by being so silly and uncomplicated and loving. They are Ender and Bean (named after characters in a great sci-fi book, Ender's Game). Brothers, orange, sweet dispositions. Keagan, the man I live with and love, gets a kick out of torturing them. In turn, I get a kick out of shrieking and pretending that they need to be saved.

How do you get “inspired” to write? What’s your process like?

Someday, fingers crossed, I'll establish some sort of regular writing routine (like you). As it stands right now, my process is rather erratic and deadline-driven (I am a journalist by trade, after all). I am prone to lengthy bursts of creative inspiration followed by a few days of drought. Mechanically speaking, if I'm feeling stuck I'll often skip a section and come back to it. I frequently start in the middle of a chapter and come back to the beginning once I feel like I'm "warmed up."

You’re very involved in the theater world. Do you think your training as an actress has helped you with your writing? What was your favorite theatrical role of recent years?

I absolutely think that my work in theater has helped me write fiction by making me think hard about character development and make-believe worlds. My job when I'm onstage is to welcome the audience into a fantasy world; my job as an author is very similar. One of my favorite roles of recent years was Marta in Stephen Sondheim's Company. The role itself is relatively minor, but she has one fantastic, crazy song ("Another Hundred People") and the musical itself is an incredibly moving meditation on love, relationships, and loneliness.

What was it like when I came to Maine to research Delirium? Can I visit again?

I *really* enjoy (slash crave) alone time, so I have to admit that I was a little nervous as we planned your (rather lengthy) visit. My apartment at that time was very, very small. I feared that the space would feel, um, cramped, or I would have to "entertain" you at every moment. Much to my delight, you were an excellent, considerate, independent house guest who needed very little "tending to." As I recall, we laughed a LOT ("oh excuse me" and BEBS are both joke-babies from that time), ate many delicious meals, explored the local geography, and I never once felt like I had to babysit you. In fact, I believe you were out of the house earlier than I was most mornings. Please come again soon!

We used to keep a shared high school journal. What advice would you give 16-year-old Elizabeth Miles?

Honestly? Just chill out. (Which is the WORST and most annoying thing to say to someone and 16-year-old me would HATE 28-year-old me for saying it...but still, it's true. There are enough things to worry about later.) Also, don't smoke.

We also used to have a list of “Hook-Up Rules”—deal breakers and makers for people we would hook up with. Any you’d like to add to the list?

That list was amazing.

Breakers: Makes me feel like he's doing me a favor. Doesn't like cheese.
Makers: Can cook. Nice arms.

Can we be best friends forever?

Yes please.

What’s your best memory from high school? Your worst?

My best: "Getting ready" for dances with the "Pop Squad" -- the group of about eight girls that we hung out with in high school.

My worst: Toss up between my parents not letting my go with you guys on Spring Break senior year and general social anxiety.

(E and I in Paris last fall!)

(Elizabeth is in the bottom right--I am laughing on top! We're here in Cape Cod several years ago with our group of "four"--girls we've known since high school or longer!)

PANDEMONIUM ARCs have arrived!!

2011-08-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe I'm not EXACTLY emulating her expression...but you get the idea! PANDEMONIUM ARCs have arrived chez moi, along with several finished covers, and OMG YOU GUYS!!! They are so, so beautiful...seriously. They defy my powers of description!

Here's a little teaser from the book, which is excerpted on the back:

"So what was your name before?" I say, and she freezes, her back to me. "Before you came to the Wilds, I mean."
For a moment she just stands there. Then she turns around.
"You might as well get used to it now," she says with quiet intensity. "Everything you were, the life you had, the people you knew...dust." She shakes her head and says a little more firmly, "There is no before. There is only now, and what comes next."

Peeps, I'll be doing some massive giveaways, but not until later in the fall...so stay patient, and stay tuned!

xoL

Keeping a Reader's Attention: High Stakes/Low Stakes

2011-08-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Weekend Writing Challenge, in which (based on plotting discussions we had during our writer's workshop) I asked everyone to submit examples of bad (i.e. low-stake) and good (i.e. high-stake) needs and wants for their characters. Defining a goal for your characters--an aim that they are trying to achieve--is critical to generating narrative interest. Check out the examples below, and you'll see what I mean. Which would you rather read--Books A or Books B??

From Rhiannon Paille:

Book A:

Johnny needs his grandma to pick up his groceries or else he'll have to leave the basement and his beloved World of Warcraft.

Book B:

Johnny needs to find the secret formula to immortality so he can kill the immortal girl that's plagued his family for centuries. Can he do it before he dies?

From Ishta Mercurio:

Book A: Suzie has to buy red food coloring, or else she won't be able to make her BFF a birthday cake with pink frosting.

Book B: Suzie has to hide her power of telekinesis from the government spy who is masquerading as her BFF's boyfriend, or else she'll be locked up forever and the world will be overrun by the evil Mr. Magnet.

And, my personal favorite...

Screams From Within:

Book A: Alerra must find her headband or her hair will be in her face all day.

Book B: Alerra must fight against the demon inside of her to save her humanity and mankind, or else she'll evolve into nothing more than a vicious killing machine and humanity will meet it's doom.

Great examples, guys!

REVENGE Writing Challenge

2011-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

In honor of the soon-to-be-released novel written by one of my best friends, Elizabeth Miles (here are some pics of us throughout the years to prove it!), I'm hosting a special writing challenge--complete with a special prize!

Here is the synopsis of FURY from the lovely website www.thefuryseries.com:

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

Creepy!! Because this book is all about revenge and karma, the writing challenge will deal with these themes as well. So: in 250-words or less, write about a situation in which one character is (rightly or wrongly) getting revenge on another character. Got it? Please send submissions to laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com.

You'll have until August 30th, when FURY is officially released (although you can go ahead and pre-order it now!)...and I will, uncharacteristically, be selecting ONE winner to receive a fabulous Revenge Is Sweet t-shirt, which you can see right HERE.

And remember...Sometimes Sorry Isn't Enough! ;)

DELIRIUM Special Edition: On Sale TOMORROW!!

2011-08-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

I know some people have seen it popping up in random bookstores, so definitely keep your eye out...The Special Edition of DELIRIUM (featuring a spanking new cover, a Q & A with yours truly, and an excerpt from PANDEMONIUM) is officially on-sale tomorrow!

And guess what?? I'm giving away a copy! Respond to this post (with an email address, please) for +1 entries, tweet about it for +2, and blog about it for +3! Get cracking--you only have until August 10th!

xoLauren

Weekend Writer's Challenge

2011-07-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of our conversation at the Writer's Retreat this week has related to how to generate and raise the stakes in fiction. In basic terms, giving a novel "stakes" means, simply, giving the reader reason to care: a goal that the main character is trying to achieve that the reader can invest and believe in. This is usually framed as "Character X needs to achieve Y or else Z". Below I've listed "stakes," from least to most interesting.

1. Casey needs to buy toilet paper, or else it will be really embarrassing next time she goes to the bathroom.

2. Casey needs a date to the prom, or else she will be all alone on the dance floor and everyone will know she's a loser.

3. Casey needs to figure out the mystery of the murder next door, or else she might be next.

4. Casey needs to find the Bermuda Triangle and the secret key located within it, or else the whole world will explode.

So THIS challenge will be slightly different. Rather than having you all attempt a paragraph/passage, please write 1 example of a BAD/LOW stakes premise, and 1 example of a good/HIGH stakes premise. As always, I will post responses on my blog!

Happy writing.

xL

July Liesl and Po Winners!

2011-07-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

To make up for my inexcusable negligence of June (read: totally flaking on picking three winners to receive beautiful ARC's of LIESL AND PO), I've selected SIX winners, below! Congratulations, guys. I'll be writing you soon for addresses so I can pop those puppies in the mail. For the rest of you, please remember that I'll be giving away another three ARC's in both August and September as we gear up for the release date, so keep the faith alive, go on, and keep entering! And congrats again to our month's WINNERS:

Misty: I have gone through a lot of book phases, even as a kid, but there were a few that remained constant:
as a young kid, I was obsessed with The Velveteen Rabbit. I mean obsessed, too, that's not an exaggeration.
As I got a little older, they were almost all classics, especially Oliver Twist, Little Men and Anne of Green Gables, all of which still hold a special place in my heart (especially Anne).

Darcus: I didn't have a single favorite novel from when I was a child, but I was insanely in love with the Fear Street novels by R.L. Stine. Especially the Fear Street Saga, which told how everything began, basically. I still have some of those books and I will always remember cracking into a pile that I had just checked out from the library. Whether it was Goosebumps or Fear Street, R.L. Stine will forever be a part of my childhood and I only hope that someday my children will have an author like that for them.

Tiffany Drew:
The BFG by Roald Dahl was my favorite book as a little kid. To this day, it remains my all time favorite childrens book. I have since passed it down to my kids who also enjoy it :) [Ed note: Matilda's my fave, Tiffany, but I love BFG too!]

Julianna Helms:
I am going to be unoriginal, and say that my favorite book as a child is the Harry Potter series. :)

Kainne:
My favourite book would have to be the Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne.

Molly (a dazzling distraction):
It's hard to choose a favorite book from childhood, because I read ALL the time...but I guess The Witches by Roald Dahl, Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, and Witch Hunt by Wendi Corsi Staub are probably up there...they are certainly the most worn out from re-reading them!

Update from the Fire Island Writer's Workshop!

2011-07-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hi all--

Hope everyone is staying cool in this brutal heat (at least those of you on the eastern seabord)! I've been hanging in Fire Island (aka re-reading Harry Potter while submerging my feet in the freezing ocean), and now we're kicking off a week-long YA writer's retreat! So far, the star players are moi, Courtney Sheinmel, author of the recently released All The Things You Are, as well as Positively and Sincerely; Leila Sales, author of Mostly Good Girls and the forthcoming PAST PERFECT, and Lexa Hillyer, my partner in the literary development company Paper Lantern Lit and poet extraordinaire.

One of the best things about being a writer is the opportunity to come into contact and befriend so many other like-minded and talented writers. So far, the conversation has ranged from: the distinction between telling and showing, and how to understand and evoke that in text; what makes a good guacamole; how to avoid a riptide; and generating characters with agency as opposed to dependency (i.e. I did this versus this happened to me!).

Stay tuned for a retreat-themed writing challenge later in the week!

All Things L & P

2011-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, guys:

This blog is going to be a little bit of bragging, a little bit of giving...

I got two wonderful reviews for my new middle-grade (pub date: October), Liesl and Po, and as this book is incredibly important to me--and, additionally, represents my first foray into writing for younger readers, I wanted to share them with you.

The first comes from Jenny Brown at Shelf Awareness, and the link is here. She even compares me to Dickens! :-O (That is roughly what I looked like when I read it).

The second, which you can find right here, is from the lovely blog Once Upon A Bookcase.

Okay, now that the bragging is out of the way, let's talk...SWAGGING! Last month was so crazy I COMPLETELY forgot to pick three readers to receive signed ARC's of Liesl and Po (missed the contest? Check it out here!), which means that this month I am going to pick six winners. Oh, yes, my friends. Six! So go ahead and enter now...because I promise that this month I won't flake!

Hope you all are staying cool...

xoL

Your Opinion--Required!!

2011-07-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hi lovelies--

Paper Lantern Lit is giving away some lovely t-shirts to help celebrate the August 30th launch of FURY, by my BFF Elizabeth Miles (check out the book's brand new website here.). And we need your help picking a design!

Check out the four t-shirt designs on Paper Lantern's blog and post a comment for a chance to win an ARC of FURY and a cutie petutie t-shirt!

And remember...revenge IS sweet. (And the best revenge is looking cute!) :)

xoL

MAN YOU GUYS TYPE FAST!! SPECIAL EDITION COVER REQUESTS FILLED!!

2011-07-15T16:18:00.001-07:00

Hi guys--

So, so sorry for those who were a little late on the ball, but please note that all fifty requests for the DELIRIUM special edition cover requests are now FILLED. I'll be collecting the fifty first mailing addresses and sending them along to Harper; I will send you an email only if you were one of the first fifty.

To everybody: thank you for your enthusiasm and excitement, and remember that if you did NOT win the re-jacket and have any cash to spare in August, the special edition will be available for purchase and includes a Q and A and the first chapter of PANDEMONIUM!

xoL

DELIRIUM Special Edition Cover Giveaway!!

2011-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, my pretties!

There has been lots of buzz about the new look of the Delirium series, and I know that some of you lovelies who bought the original hardcover are sad because you won't have pretty matching books for your shelves. Sooo...Harper has kindly agreed to print fifty special edition dust jackets, which you can use to RE-JACKET your very own, hopefully very loved, copies of Delirium! How cool is that? Just in case you haven't seen it, this is what the special edition cover looks like:

So here's the deal: the first fifty people who send an email to laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com with an address will receive one! Please put DELIRIUM SE COVER REQUEST in the subject. I'll post when we've hit the fifty mark!

xoL

P.S. Apparently it was NATIONAL PANDEMONIUM DAY yesterday!! Who new?

Better Late Than Never?

2011-07-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a teensy bit late to the blogosophere party on this one, but hey...I've had some important things (er, blue-eyed boys) on my mind.

Actually, I had NO idea that I was allowed to even reveal the new cover of PANDEMONIUM, which will be a continuation the artistic direction of the special edition of Delirium (set to release in August, so mark your calendars, people!!) until I saw it pop up on various blogs yesterday. I guess this means my book has moved from babyhood to big-girl adolescence...she's sneaking around behind my back and I don't even know it!

Ain't she a beauty? I have to say, I loved the initial Delirium cover but I heart the direction of these covers SO MUCH MORE. They're just so fierce and expressive, and they're going to look so darn good sitting next to each other on the shelves.

Holla and let me know what you think!

xoL

A Picture (of an engagement ring) Is Worth A Thousand Words...

2011-07-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

After my last post, in which I announced news of my engagement--thank you, by the way, for your words of encouragement, congratulations, and advice--I received many requests for pictorial evidence. Just so you know that I take your needs/wishes seriously, I am herewith presenting you with photos of my gorgeous ring and my even-more-gorgeous (inside and out) fiance:

I'm telling you, this man stepped straight out of a fairy tale...after pit-stopping at a few tattoo parlors, of course. :)

xo
The Happiest Girl In The World

Real-Life Amor Deliria Nervosa

2011-07-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all--

I've been extremely bad about blogging, and I apologize...but I also have a great excuse.

I GOT ENGAGED THIS WEEK!!!!!

It has been a whirlwind romance...I met my fiance about a month ago and it was pretty much love at first sight (or, actually, love at first conversation). He's a wonderful guy and I'm so lucky I get to share a future with him.

And in honor of the fact that I'm pretty much living a real-life romance out of Delirium, I have a fabulous new trailer straight from the UK to share with you here.

Let me know what you think! (Of the trailer, not my engagement...although you can let me know what you think about THAT, too.)

xoL

Mega Contest from Paper Lantern Lit

2011-07-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Question: What goes perfect with summer?

Answer: Reading on the beach!

If you're like me, you love swag, and Paper Lantern Lit has some MEGA swag for you guys so I thought I would share (including the adorable totes you see above--yes, I'm obsessed!) Head over to Paper Lantern Lit's blog and enter to win one of 6 PLL tote bags stocked with a selection of new and upcoming titles. Or you could be one of 5 lucky winners of an empty tote for you to carry your books to the beach in style!

Grand Prize #1
Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn’t Have)
Amen, L.A.
The Day Before

Grand Prize #2
Die For Me
Passion
Starcrossed

2nd Prize #1
Legend - Signed ARC
Glow - ARC
The Space Between - ARC

2nd Prize #2
Ashes - Signed ARC
Shattered Souls - ARC
The Probability of Miracles - ARC

3rd Prize #1
The Taker - ARC
Where It Began - ARC

3rd Prize #2
Shelter - ARC
Dark Eden - ARC

5 Runners Up will win an empty PLL Tote!

Hot, right?? Good luck!

Show Me Some Love!

2011-06-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm so very proud that DELIRIUM was featured in this NPR round-up of YA titles suitable for all ages. Check it out here.

And for all of you who know that YA love extends far beyond your teen years, please "recommend" or comment on the post. If NPR gets a sufficient quantity of comments, the piece will go on air!

xo

A Word on PANDEMONIUM

2011-06-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

The release of the goodreads summary of PANDEMONIUM has, appropriately enough, inspired its own bit of pandemonium! I've been deluged with facebook messages and tweets about the direction of the series--some expressing excitement, some disapproval, and some anger. So I wanted to take this opportunity to respond.

I'm actually super grateful for all the discussion, dialogue, and debate; it proves how richly my fans have become invested in the world of Delirium, in Alex, and Lena, and Alex and Lena together; it proves, too, how strongly books begin to belong to the readers themselves, to their mental and emotional landscapes. Readers make predictions; they stake their hopes on certain outcomes.

I totally get it. I, too, feel that way about books I love. And I want to say: thank you for reading, and thank you for caring so much.

I also want to say--please be patient with me, with Lena, and with the unfolding of the story. Pandemonium took me to some very unexpected places. It is a different book from Delirium, just as Requiem will be a different book than the ones that preceded it. I need to follow the thread of the character; I need to be authentic to her growth. Lena lived through a deeply traumatic experience--her vision of the world needs enrichment and expansion. She is a young woman on the cusp of great change.

Please have a little faith! :) I promise, promise, promise, that ultimately I do not think my fans will be disappointed by the direction of the series, although I also promise that in my novels, as in life, there may be many twists, turns, and bumps in the road before we hit any truly happy endings.

But of course, it must be that way. As old Billy Shakespeare so eloquently said: The course of true love never did run smooth.

Sincerely,
Lauren

Meta: A Definition

2011-06-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you read a lot, you've probably come across the term "meta", used to describe a type of current fiction that often explores or exposes the conventions of fiction. In popular culture, it is often used more loosely to describe any set of circumstances that is a kind of commentary on the circumstances themselves. Witness this definition from Urban Dictionary:

1. A term, especially in art, used to characterize something that is characteristically self-referential.

Example: "So I just saw this film about these people making a movie, and the movie they were making was about the film industry..."
"Dude, that's so meta. Stop before my brain explodes."

Still confused? Wondering what my point is?

Check out this Kirkus video in which I discuss the genesis for the idea for Delirium--and, additionally, discuss whether or not love can be considered a dangerous disease--only an hour before I had to kick my lyin', cheatin', scummy ex-boyfriend to the curb!

Dude. It's so meta.

(But don't worry, loyal readers. Like Lena in Delirium, I have recently discovered that the only cure for the dangerous side effects of amor deliria nervosa is simply to fall in love again!)

:)

xo Happy Weekend!

Delirium: The Makeover!

2011-06-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

Delirium is getting an updated wardrobe for fall, along with some tricked out new features! Check out the special edition cover:

What do you think?? I think it's gorgeous, personally. I think I may like it even better than the original cover! The special edition also features an exclusive Q & A with yours truly and...drum roll...the first few chapters of PANDEMONIUM! (Don't all squee at once.) xD

Let me know what you think, lovelies!

xo

Summer Writing Challenges: Your Submissions!

2011-06-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of you who entered this month’s writing challenge; your submissions continue to inspire me. I guess the warm weather is getting the creative juices flowing! There were a ton of fabulous submissions this month, and as always I could only pick a few:

From Jenny Porat:

The first time I saw Kyle, I was standing in between the Dunk-A-Dunce booth and the Hoop Hop, wrestling with a giant stuffed panda. Not the best way to make a good first impression.

It was a humid June day, the sun beating down on my head, heat clinging to me like a blanket. The smells of funnel cakes and sweat drifted through the air. Clutched in my hand were a few slightly sticky game tokens, their once shiny surface dulled over years of toddlers’ greasy fingerprints.

I remember the day clearly; running over to the Hoop Hop, gazing up at the giant stuffed panda hanging from the stand. I handed the girl working the station some coins, and took at shot, praying for the panda. I watched with anticipation as the ball circled around the hoop- time seemed to slow down. As the ball slowly tumbled in, I reached for the panda, longing to feel its soft fur when the girl running the booth reached across the counter and plucked it out of my arms.

Like a typical eight year old, I grabbed it back, only too slow to get it. Tears burning my eyes, I turned away to see a group of kids about my age crowded around a boy, the sun reflecting off his golden waves. I looked at his nametag. KYLE.

The smell of funnel cakes and sweat clung to Kyle, tangling itself in his hair and warm embrace, reminding me of the summer we met.

Want to know something unbelievable? Jenny is only fourteen! Can you believe it? I’m blown away by her talent., and also by her commitment to her craft at such a young age. Remember the name, peeps—you’ll be seeing it on the shelves someday!

From McKay Jervis, You and Me:

The first time I saw Kyle, I was standing in between the Dunk-A-Dunce booth and the Hoop Hop, wrestling with a gigantic stuffed panda bear. Not the best way to make a good first impression. He, on the other hand, left a great impression. He was crowded by people as he strummed on Ibanez acoustic guitar, his audience clapping and dancing along as he sang, “Cause you and your heart shouldn't feel so far apart…”
I swear, his voice was magical. It was soft and smooth, like waves crashing onto the sandy shore. The evening sun glittered his damp salty hair, dark brown and chopped wildly. His eyes gleamed the color of water droplets on a leaf. His tan showed he was local. My best friend, Brandie, was behind me, chattering away about the love of her life-- a senior she would never be able to date back home in Cranberry, Pennsylvania.
Her words went in one ear and out the other. I was mesmerized by this boy at the Labor Day Fair on the shore of Boynton Beach, Florida on this Summer Vacation, not even 500 feet away from me. Me. Lexa Darnley. This boy would surely never talk to me—not the girl who was still trying to find a comfortable way to hold that god awful bear.
And yet, here he was, waltzing towards me and my stalker-staring brown eyes, his guitar swinging from its shoulder strap.

“Hello,” he said.

This makes me want to go to a country fair and steal a kiss from a stranger! Summer lovin’, people. Miracles happen, I swear….

From Laura Wettersten:

The first time I saw Kyle, I was standing in between the Dunk-A-Dunce booth and the Hoop Hop, wrestling with a gigantic stuffed panda bear. Not the best way to make a good first impression.

Not that he was doing any better. A thick stripe of chili sauce dripped down his white shirt – evidence that not only did he dare to eat Frank’s Famous Frankfurters, he also considered them a fashion statement.

I didn’t give him a second glance and continued my efforts to tug the monstrous panda over my shoulders.

“Need some help? It looks heavy.”

I turned to him, a rude retort about how heavy his mama probably was on my tongue, but he’d moved closer to me and on second glance, I realized that the chili sauce on his shirt was just a red herring. This boy was CUTE.

I swallowed down the comment about his mother and tried to play it cool, like he wasn’t the prettiest boy I’d ever seen. I narrowed my eyes at him, regarding him with theatrical distrust. “How do I know you’re not going to run off with it as soon as I hand it over?”

His smirk almost made him cuter. “You really think I’d try something like that after I just saw you threaten that carnie’s life over this thing?”

“I didn’t threaten him. Not exactly.”

“So you don’t consider, ‘Give me that panda or I’m telling the Rent-a-Cop that you’re a swindling, fraudulent rat bastard’ a threat?”

I love the first few lines of this submission. Laura manages to insert humor and realism into the piece right away; the narrator has a saucy (no pun intended) unique point of view that is immediately apparent. And who can resist verbal sparring of the kind she evokes in this dialogue exchange?

From: Teresa Szandtner, Data

The first time I saw Kyle, I was standing in between the Dunk-A-Dunce booth and the Hoop Hop, wrestling with a gigantic stuffed panda bear. Not the best way to make a first impression, but I hadn’t been inside the Program before. Part of my brain told me this wasn’t real, but my senses begged to differ. I marvelled at how my arms were free of IVs and my surgery scars were gone. In here, I was beautiful. I gingerly put down the bear, which smelled of polyester, and bravely walked over to Kyle. He wasn’t real anyway, so what was there to be afraid of?

“Hi,” I stammered. “I’m Sara.”

“Hey Sara, would you like a balloon?” he asked, offering be a pink sparkly one. His fingers grazed mine as he handed it to me, sending a chill down my spine. His smile reached his eyes, as if he meant it.

As we walked along, I noticed a beeping noise that was steadily becoming louder. I looked around, thinking how the noise didn’t fit into this beautiful place. I felt Kyle’s hand on my back as I fell to my knees. When I opened my eyes, someone was placing an oxygen mask on my face, the strap bristling against my shaved head. A male nurse above me was speaking.

“Hi, my name is Kyle. I’m going to be your nurse this evening.” I sighed. Reality had returned.

I was really impressed by this submission as it took a relatively straight-forward writing prompt and twisted it into something sophisticated and sci-fi. This is an intriguing beginning. Well done!

Weekend Workshop!

2011-06-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

I've been more than a little slack in my writing posts, but in the spirit of Wednesday's Mission Statement about craft (thank you, all, for your amazing, heartfelt, and reassuring responses!), and my constant efforts to improve my writing—as well as to help others improve (check out the work we do at Paper Lantern Lit)—I thought I should get back into the Weekend Writing Workshop bandwagon.

I've been doing a lot of editing over the past few weeks, and I've noticed a particular device used, and overused, in many young writers' submissions. I'm going to call it Action Anticipation. Here's an example:

I was day-dreaming about that one second when Andy leaned into me, when it almost looked like he was about to kiss me, when a voice pulled me rudely from my thoughts.

"Hey, Lauren! Nod-off, much?"

I whipped around. Chris was standing behind me, smirking.

There's nothing WRONG with this, but please note that the bolded portion of the sentence anticipates—and thus renders slightly redundant—the dialogue. Also, this is not exactly in line with how we experience interruptions. The interruption HAPPENS, and we process it afterward. Take this revise:

I was day-dreaming about that one second when Andy leaned into me, when it almost looked like he was about to kiss me…

"Hey, Lauren! Nod off, much?"

I whipped around. Chris was standing behind me, smirking.

This achieves the exact same effect, doesn't it, using slightly fewer words? It has the added bonus of being more "real" to our experience. That is: the reader has an experience while reading that is closer to the experience of the characters. The reader's train of thought is interrupted, just as the character's is. Does this make sense?

Similarly, take this example.

Staring out over the stillness of the water, the motionless boats moored in the harbor, with their white brushstroke masts standing vividly against the purple sky, it was impossible to imagine that anything could go wrong.

Until, that is, a loud explosion sounded behind me, and I dropped to my knees, cursing.

"What the hell was that?"

Versus this revise:

Boom.

A loud explosion sounded behind me and I dropped to my knees, cursing.

"What the hell was that?"

Again, the goal is to move the reader's experience and the character's more closely into alignment, and not provide the reader with information that the character does not yet have.

Action Anticipation can be used as an effective tool occasionally, but it's important not to over-use it, because it places a divide between the reader and the story—like all "devices," it reveals the "craft" behind the novel, and thus takes the reader out of the story itself. It is a little bit like showing the seams on a piece of clothing. Every so often, that can be cool and avant-garde. But too much, and it just makes you start thinking about the stitching.

A wee bit of a rant...

2011-06-13T08:07:00.001-07:00

It's my policy to abstain from reading my reviews as much as possible. It's not because I don't care—it's because I care too much! I think it's really hard to do authentic work if you're always obsessing about what other people think about your writing, just like it's really hard to be an authentic person if you're always obsessing about other people's opinions of you!

But recently I stumbled across a semi-review (I say "semi" because it wasn't actually a review of my new book, Liesl & Po, which the author of the review had not read, but more of a review of my whole career thus far and Personhood) that I thought deserved a response. The author of the Semi-Review criticized me for genre hopping, and specifically seemed irritated that—after jumping from contemporary YA (Before I Fall) to YA dystopia/fantasy (Delirium)—I should now be so brazen as to "think" I can write middle-grade (Liesl & Po, coming out this October).

Well, you know what? She's right! I DO think I can. Maybe I read the story of The Little Engine That Could one too many times when I was a child, but I believe that if I work hard enough at something, I will eventually be able to achieve it.

Sorry, lady! That's just my sty-lo.

The Semi-Review also exhorted me to stick with what I already know how to do—i.e., contemporary fiction in the style of Before I Fall. This is problematic on a few different levels. First of all, it's arbitrary, by those standards, to say that I know how to do contemporary YA well. I only wrote one contemporary YA book—what if I ONLY know how to write contemporary YA books about a high school senior named Samantha Kingston who dies and relives the day of her death multiple times? Should I just kill poor Sam off another half dozen times?

Second of all, I was twenty-five when I wrote Before I Fall. Should I assume it is the best, and the only, thing I can ever achieve in my life? How can I possibly know what else I'm good at, unless I try a variety of things? If people never tried anything new—including things they might risk failing at—they would never learn to ride bikes, play tennis, SPEAK, kiss, do cannonballs into a pool…they would never learn ANYTHING! C'mon, now.

Doing something I'm already good at over and over sounds like a great big SNOOZE. I am writing because I love writing. I want to push myself, always, to be better and better at it. I think about craft and narrative; I read voraciously; I dream about writing and think about writing when I run and when I shower and when I eat and when I'm out at parties. I will write books that are good. I will write books that are not. I will—maybe, maybe!—get out a book or two that is great. But I will never find greatness if I am unwilling to embrace failure, too.

So anyway, thank you for your opinion. I really do value and respect it; in the immortal words of the cast of the Jersey Shore, it's important that You Do You.

I'm gonna do me…and honestly, I hope I don't yet know all of the things that doing me entails. In fact, I hope I never stop learning.

Monday Procrastination? I got you covered.

2011-06-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I hope you all had a great weekend. As you do your best to avoid settling into the weekday routine, don't worry: I got your back. I have about fifteen minutes of solid procrastination available for you right here, in the form of fabulous and funny videos shot during my Canadian tour with the lovely Veronica Roth, author of the excellent Divergent. So go ahead...forget about your inbox/To-Do list!

Click here--Veronica and I are chatting about bookish things!

Here it's just Veronica alone! Isn't she cute??

Now I'm going solo! (If you're lucky, I might even be SINGING at the end.)

NOW WE ARE MAKING CHOCOLATE HAND-PRINTS for the Moroco Chocolat Wall of Fame!! Yum, yum. Better than Hollywood, baby.

Happy Monday! And may the force of procrastination be with you.

xoL

Writing Challenge: The June Edition!

2011-06-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

It has been far too long since I’ve posted a writing challenge. Blame it on post-tour exhaustion, lots of napping, and a decent amount of blowing off work to frolic in Prospect Park! But I’m back on the blog and I expect you to be back at your computers, too.

This month’s challenge is about—what else?—Summer Lovin.’ Your challenge is to complete a 200-250 word submission that begins with or incorporates the following sentence:

“The first time I saw Kyle, I was standing in between the Dunk-A-Dunce booth and the Hoop Hop, wrestling with a gigantic stuffed panda bear. Not the best way to make a good first impression.”

Please note that Kyle might be either a girl’s name or a boy’s name. And the submission can focus on a romantic entanglement, or it can just explore the brand-new friendships that often seem to sprout around June and wither away by Labor Day.

Get writing! I’ll expect your submissions by June 18^th. Remember to send them to laurenoliverbooks at gmail dot com.

And in the meantime…happy summering!

xoxoL

Contest Winners!

2011-06-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered My #1 Crush Contest, for a chance to win the fabulous new anthology about first love (check out my post about the collection here). The winner is...

Devon! Here's what she had to say about first love:
Oh goodness...young love. I swear I had a new crush every year at the beginning of each grade. I think my first one was in first grade and I think his name was Tim. My middle school crushes stick out the most in my memory though because everyone's love lives were so dramatic. My favorite part that I remember was receiving the notes in class with the question "will you be my girlfriend? Circle yes or no."

For the rest of you, never fear! You can order a copy of Crush for your shelves right here.

And for May's THREE Liesl and Po winners (and their favorite childhood books)...drum roll....

Jason Lalljee: My favorite book when I was a kid was Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davis. Wonderful story and beautiful illustrations. "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to."

Coffee and a Book Chick: My favorite book series when I was a kid was either anything by Beverly Cleary or Anne of Green Gables!

Bee: My favourite book was the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. I lived for those books!

Congratulations, everyone! And remember...I'm giving away THREE copies PER MONTH all the way up until October...so don't be shy about continuing to enter here.

Happy Friday, everyone!!

xoL

BEA: Better Every Annum!

2011-05-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy (belated) Memorial Day, everyone! Now that I'm safely ensconced on the other side of the crazy, crazy week that is Book Expo every year, I thought I'd give a little run down of the highlights.

On Monday, I got to crash a blogger preview to celebrate the launch of one of my VERY BEST FRIEND'S DEBUT NOVELS, coming out this fall. (Check out her blog about the S & S preview--and the soundtrack she made for her book, Fury, here.) It was pretty awesome, actually, because I knew, like, half the people in the room. Yay, blogosphere! And it was equally awesome to see my girl celebrated and treated like the star that she is. Check out the pic below of me and Elizabeth in Portland, Maine in December...fyi, I stayed at Lizbeth's house when I was researching Delirium!
Later in the evening, HarperCollins threw a beautiful party to introduce various booksellers to my new middle-grade, Liesl & Po. It made me feel like a movie star at the beginning of a press junket--the venue, Beauty and Essex, was absolutely gorgeous, and I think I ate about eighteen delicious miniature sliders. (18 sliders = 1 burger, right?) I chatted with a ton of wonderful book industry people, and it was wonderful to be in a room with so many supportive and enthusiastic readers and booksellers. It really was a magical celebration, and it reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to do what I love for a living.

On Tuesday I attended the ABA Awards luncheon, where Before I Fall was an honor book in the YA category. I was so grateful to have been honored by the independents, who consistently provide me so much warmth and comfort when I'm on tour, and have supported my books from the beginning. The one bumpy spot? I was completely taken by surprise when I had to actually speak in front of the crowd, and somehow, in my bumbling speech, forgot to thank my publisher. Of course Susan Katz, the head of HarperCollins Children, was sitting right next to me. Worst. Author. Ever. I'm sorry HarperCollins...please don't drop me!!

Wednesday I had an early a.m. signing and was SHOCKED by the number of amazing people who turned up at 9:30 a.m. (and even earlier) to stand on line. I've posted some pics below, although they're very blurry, and it doesn't give the best sense of how crazy the line got. We even ran out of books! But everyone was so nice and gracious about it, and I got to chat (briefly) with a ton of my lovely fans.

In the afternoon I sat on a panel with Colin Meloy (the lead singer of The Decemberists) and Carson Ellis (his wife, and an illustrator extraordinaire whose work I have geeked out about for years) to discuss Magic and Myth in middle grade. The panel was short and sweet, and I went home with a signed ARC of Wildwood, Colin and Carson's book, which I of course began immediately devouring. (Find more info about it here.)

After my whirlwind week, I got slammed with a sudden fever and basically laid out for two days--literally. I slept for forty hours in two days! I obviously needed it, because on Saturday I woke up totally refreshed...although sad that I'd missed a YA sleepover hosted by my friend Leila Sales. (If you haven't ever read her blog The Leila Texts, you've been missing out.)

Next up: rest, recuperation, and writing time!

I hope everyone else had a great BEA. Check back the blog later in the week for the lucky winners of both my Crush and monthly Liesl & Po giveaways! And next week a writing challenge will be coming your way, so get ready....

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone!

2011-05-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

I hope you get to do this today:

xoxo
LO

#1 Crush

2011-05-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for summer lovin'...and fittingly, three copies of the wonderful anthology Crush, edited by Andrea Richesin, and all about puppy love, first crushes, and early heartbreak (and healing). The anthology is chock-full of amazing essays by fabulous writers like David Levithan, Daria Snadowsky, Jacquelyn Mitchard, and of course...moi!

Want a signed copy? You know you do! Just reply to this blog post by 6/1 and tell me how old you were when you had your first CRUSH. (If you're really brave, feel free to include a name, too). :)

And don't worry, all...the collection is OUT in stores now, so even if you don't want to spill the details of your first love (and possibly heartbreak), you can order a copy of this awesome anthology by clicking here.

And don't forget to enter to win a copy of my very first middle-grade, Liesl and Po! Enter by checking out the contest here.

xLauren

Canada, The Wrap-Up

2011-05-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is all. After a three-month period of travel, touring, lost socks, misplaced luggage, cramped airline seating accommodation and more hotels than I can count, I am finally going home FOR A WHOLE THREE MONTHS.
I really didn't think this day would come.
What did I learn?

1. Granola bars and water can sustain a person for weeks.
2. 'Tis better to tour with others than 'tis to tour solo.
3. Really nice hotels charge exorbitant amounts for wifi, while really bad hotels provide it free. Conundrum?
4. Even at the ripe old age of 27, it's possible to get homesick.
5. Boyfriends come and go, but the pleasures of room service are forever.

Seriously, though, I had an amazing time in Toronto these past whirl-wind few days, as evidenced by the fact that I am going home with a suitcase newly stuffed with letters, a beautiful fan-made poster, and CHOCOLATE! I think I've eaten more cookies since I've been in Canada than since I was a child, and yesterday, a fabulous fan gifted Veronica Roth and me with goodie-bags filled with all the great sources of caffeine: coffee, and Canadian cocoa derivatives. Clearly, she knows me!
Veronica and I even got to make our mark by leaving chocolate-stamped hand prints on the wall of the adorable cafe/chocolatier Moroco Chocolat (if you live within driving distance of Toronto, so worth a stop!). Check out the pics below:
(Veronica had just been invited to sample the chocolate on her hand--a mix of 99% cocoa that apparently does NOT taste very sweet.)

It wasn't all chocolate and macarons, of course. We met so many engaged and avid readers and booksellers and fans--it was a pleasure and a surprise to see how many of our Northern neighbors have responded so strongly to our books. So Canada: thank you for being such a fabulous way to round out this crazy, crazy couple of months. Stay delicious, and I hope to see you again soon!

Canadian Tour, Day One Recap!

2011-05-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm sold. All I have to say is, our northern neighbors really know how to make a girl feel like a princess. Last night I arrived in drizzly Toronto and was soon warmed up by the AMAZING suite at the Four Seasons (yes, all--that is a couch, a table, and a separate seating area...and if you look closely, you can even spot the ketchup!).

For those of you who are wondering, this is my version of unpacking:

After an early dinner (Linner?) with the lovely Veronica Roth and some of the sales and marketing team of Harper Collins Canada, we headed over to the fabulous Indigo Bookstore, where many adorable readers were already waiting for us. One girl had been in line since 1:30 pm! Getting to chat with the rising superstar Veronica was a great pleasure, as were the thoughtful questions from both the audience and the moderator. One of my favorite questions came from a fan of only thirteen years old, who asked whether the dystopian societies we created in our books were a reflection on the pressures of conformity that exist in modern life. I told her she should go to Harvard!

Or ART SCHOOL, because then she gave me this amazing and beautiful poster, a joint effort she had put together with her best friend, who was also in attendance:

I nearly cried. Isn't it amazing?? Thank you, Jen and Gillian, sincerely and with all my heart. And thank you, Canada, for being so wonderful!

Canada: Prepare Yourself!

2011-05-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is it, people. I know I've been a crap blogger recently, and I can only excuse myself by saying that for the past three months I have been on the road almost continuously. (I've only spent twelve nights in my own bed since January--yep, I counted.)

But this week is the grand finale. The wrap-up. The swan song.

And it's happening in Canada.

I'll be touring with Veronica Roth, the fabulous author of the tremendous Divergent, so please come and see us. (Let's hope the dystopian theme applies only to the content of our discussions, and not weather patterns and/or flight delays, as happened the first time I went on tour for Delirium!) Mark off your calendar, call in sick to work, skip school--do whatever you have to do. (I'll help you with your algebra homework, I promise!)

Tuesday, 7:00 PM: EVENT: INDIGO BOOKS – YORKDALE MALL

Location: 3401 Dufferin Street

Wednesday, 7:00 PM: EVENT – CHAPTERS BARRIE

Location: 76 Barrie View Drive

Thursday, 7:00 PM: EVENT – CHAPTERS BRAMPTON

Location: 52 Quarry Edge Drive

Be sure to follow @indigogreenroom on twitter for exclusive photos and updates on my trip to Toronto! For that matter, make sure to follow me @OliverBooks!

I'm so excited that I finally get to show our northern neighbors some love. Canada, see you soon! (If I can find my passport, that is...)

Feel The Love

2011-05-06T05:31:00.001-07:00

I am happy to report that this week's make-up DELIRIUM tour went ENTIRELY better than the original! I had a great time in Winnetka meeting Robert of The Book Stall and talking poetry, and I had amazing school events in both Illinois and Texas, and I rocked it out at some of my favorite indies: Anderson's in Naperville, and Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston.

But more importantly...I got PRESENTS!!

Anyone who knows me well knows that I looooove getting gifted (I love giving gifts, as well--Christmas in my house always looks like Santa Clause's elves threw an enormous celebratory kegger). So thanks to the wonderful Mindy Janicke and Michele Moore Luker for the AWESOME Delirium-themed shirt ("We don't follow--we stalk"), which really helped me feel the love. I plan on rocking it all around NYC and then showing off the pics here.

Thank you, too, to the students of Pasadena Memorial High School, for the INCREDIBLE gift bag they put together full of all of my favorite things. Seriously...their gifts to me came from the result of an author study, and each one is tailored just for yours truly! They gave me dozens of individual packets of my favorite substance in the world--ketchup!--each of which was wrapped up in a quote from one of my books. They also gave me a bag of coffee (*tears up) and gatorade for post-workout inspiration. Soooo amazing. After the sweet-as-pie librarian at Oak Ridge High School today surprised me with a beautiful bracelet, I'm thinking I could totally get used to this southern hospitality thing....

Liesl & Po WINNERS--Announced!

2011-05-04T12:13:00.001-07:00

Hi all!

Thanks to everyone who has entered to win a copy of my very first middle-grade, LIESL AND PO! I'm pleased to announce the first three winners. Check out some of their favorite childhood book pics, below!

whoRuBlog said...

One of my most favorite books in grade school was MANDY by Julie Edwards (Julie Andrews). I bought it with my own money and I still have it. :)

Mia said...

My fave book back when I was a kid was Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal

Zareen said...

My favorite childhood books were definitely the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and the Animal Ark series by Ben M. Baglio.

All amazing picks! I'll be contacting the winners soon for their addresses. In the meantime, for those who DIDN'T win this month, don't worry! You still have plenty of chances--15 chances, in fact, since I'll be picking three winners each month from now until October! Haven't entered yet? What are you waiting for? Enter here.

Guess Who's Back?

2011-05-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

After a restful 36 hours at home (I've honestly spent so much time in hotels of late, I kept being tempted to roll over in my bed in the middle of the night and dial room service), I'm hitting the road again! For those of you who missed me in Chicago and Houston during the Delirium Tour #1, due to a period of inclement/apocalyptic weather systems, never fear: the Tour, Remix, is about to kick off. And as far as I know, no blizzards are predicted for the next week...

So spread the word and I'll see you soon! x

Tuesday, May 3rd, 4:30PM:

The Book Stall
811 Elm Street
Winnetka, IL 60093

Wednesday, May 4th, 7:00 PM:

Anderson’s Bookshop
123 West Jefferson
Naperville, IL 60540

Thursday, May 5th, 7:00 PM:

Blue Willow Bookshop
14532 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079

Friday, May 8th, 7:00 PM:

Barnes & Noble

1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #3008

The Woodlands, TX 77381

What do a Tibetan monk, an aging hippie, a playboy preppie, and a woman made of plastic have in common?

2011-04-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

They were all sitting next to me at lunch yesterday!

No, no, for real. That is actually an accurate description of the table next to mine yesterday. I had a blast trying to figure out what they might possibly have in common. Also in the restaurant was: a star of a very popular TV show, a “lady” of the night and her ahem, more aged gentleman companion; and various pulled and wrinkle-free women throwing down bottles of champagne at noon.

That’s right, everybody…I’m in LA! Today I had lunch with the lovely women of Fox 2000 (the studio that has optioned both Before I Fall and Delirium), at the super-swank Polo lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel, a Hollywood institution. Pretty much every single car in the lot was either a Porsche or a Benz, and I had the most delicious $26 shrimp cocktail I’ve ever had in my life! (Okay, granted, it’s the only $26 shrimp cocktail I’ve ever had in my life.)

I have to say, I have NO idea how anyone gets any work done out here. If I lived in LA, I’m pretty sure I would spend my whole life lounging by a pool with a cocktail. (Witness pic below--but at least I was surrounded by business cards, which makes it SEEM like I was working!)

Actually, though, my meetings have all been pretty fab—I’m getting to know some of the other people at Fox, and we’ve been buzzing about possible directors (and shoes, and boys, among other more pertinent topics). So keep your fingers crossed for me!

Introducing...LIESL & PO!!

2011-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am so, so, excited about what I have to share with you today...Advance Readers Copies of my new middle-grade book, LIESL & PO!! Some of the sketches aren't final, but the ARCs come swaddled in this absolutely gorgeous box; check out the pictures below. Isn't it magic??

DON'T YOU WANT ONE???

Well, GOOD. Because I'm giving away THREE COPIES NOW, and I'll give away THREE COPIES EACH MONTH until the book comes out in October.

You might be asking--Why am I so nice? Because I love you, of course!

You might ALSO be asking, how do I enter to win?? Well, in this round, I'm going to keep it simple. You get +1 entry for responding to this post (with your email, of course), and telling me what your favorite book was when you were a little kid. (Mine was probably Matilda, by Roald Dahl, or the Redwall Series, by the brilliant and recently deceased Brian Jacques). Please remember to include your email address!
Additionally, you get +2 for being a follower of my blog, and + 3 for twittering about it. If you do a blog post about the contest/my first foray into middle-grade, you get a whopping +4!

Calling All Writers...

2011-04-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

I know I've talked about Figment.com, a great new site for writers and readers, and now I'm putting my money (er, time and books) where my mouth is! This week I'll be judging an awesome contest for Figment--you can find all the details here. Winners get copies of my books, and featured spots in Figment's blog and newsletter! PLUS you get entered for the chance to win a Kindle!

What are you waiting for?? Hop to it! Deadline's April 24th so you better get those ideas flowing....

Good luck!

xoxoL

Venice Challenge--Your Responses!

2011-04-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who submitted! It makes me so happy that more and more people turn in pieces every week. I get so inspired by the variety of voices I see, and by the different creative choices writers make in response to the same cues. As always, I have read and enjoyed everything and posted only a small sample, due to space constraints!

From the lovely Liz Douitsis:

Fairies & Mermaids

The boat rocks back and forth. Mummy says it’s called a ‘gondola’. She is talking to the man who owns the boat while I sit with my friend Tanya in the back. Tanya has purple wings and orange eyes. I tell her all of my secrets. Tanya says something that makes me laugh, and mummy looks at me with angry eyes like when I make too much noise in church.

Mummy was yelling at the man, but I don’t know what she was saying. Something is wrong with mummy today. I think she is scared. Maybe she is afraid that the boat will tip. I want to tell her that I won’t let us fall into the river, but Tanya tells me to be quiet. We float past people’s houses, with boats outside of their doors like cars. Tanya wants to go swimming.

Mummy still looks cross. She is not talking to the man anymore. She is staring at the river. Sometimes I think mummy has a make-believe friend too. Maybe it is a mermaid. I would like to meet mummy’s mermaid friend.

The man smiles at me. I smile too. Mummy is not happy. She yells at him again. Mummy never yells like that unless I have been bad. I wonder why is mummy so mad today? It is a pretty day. I would like to stay in this gondola for ever. I do not want to go back to our house. It is lonely with just mummy and me. We do not have rivers.

Mummy says it’s time to go. The man looks sad. He says something to mummy, and then he talks to me. His eyes are green, like mine. I don’t know what he says, but I like his voice. Mommy takes my hand and pulls me away. She doesn’t talk to the man.

Tanya tells me he was speaking in a different language, and ‘Papa’ means ‘daddy’.

The thing that most impressed me about this submission is that I think it really captured the voice of a young child. I find that so often, writers are NOT able to convincingly evoke a child's voice and POV. Well done, Liz!

The following piece comes from 14-year-old (!) Jessica Dailey, a first-time submitter:

My fingers dance through the reflections of Italy. I pull my hand over the edge of the boat and
rest it on my leg, feeling the warm river soaking through my jeans.
The setting orange orb in the sky is suddenly overcrowded by black, menacing clouds. Warm gusts of air blow loose strands of hair into my face. I turn to meet the wind but instead, I am greeted by a wave of rain. The small droplets race down my cheeks and fall to the river, sinking deep into the depths of the canal. My translation fails me as I try to convey to the gondolier that I wish to get off.
The man in stripes returns my poor Italian with a puzzled look and stumbles with the rocking of the gondola. With the waters now gaining speed and current, my fingers grasp the edge of the wooden boat. I turn to find the captain of our small shipsitting down in order to keep from falling into the clouded depths of the canal. His eyes widen slightly as he gazes past my head. I turn.
A dark, liquid blanket rises up out of the water. Flowing with swirls of rain, the river jumps at the férro. Snapping my eyes shut and my mouth closed, my body grips the gondola as we are tipped
and swallowed by the narrow Italian river.

I was really impressed by the first-line, which serves to both insert us directly into the action of the story and convincingly evoke the background--we're introduced to both narrator and setting in eight words alone. There is some lovely description here, and I was also very impressed that Jessica took the time to research the word "ferro!" Obviously, this is a writer dedicated to her craft. :)

From Natalie Ward:

Buongiorno

This was the closest he’d been to her in the four days he had been watching. Today, it had to be today. He knew this, but for now he just wanted to watch. Rialto Bridge they called it. That was where he stood as she floated on a gondola in the water underneath.

He couldn’t see her face, hidden behind a black hat, but her legs…those he could see. Long, tanned legs stretched out, crossed at the ankles. Her right hand was trailing in the water as the boat moved slowly along. She was heading towards him, in another few minutes she would float right underneath him. His body tensed.

He had only had two instructions, it had to happen in Venice and it had to be discreet. She was leaving tonight, so today was his last chance, he knew that. He knew how to be discreet too. The problem lay in whether he could do it. Did he want to?

He was beginning to think no. She was mesmerising. Those long tanned legs didn’t hurt, but it was surely more than that. As she passed beneath him, he couldn’t help but glance down. She didn’t look up. As her gondola floated to the jetty, he moved off the bridge and towards her. Confident steps, ready with a hand as she stepped out of the boat. She glanced at him now and he saw it, a brief flicker of recognition, definitely. Smiling, he took her hand “buongiorno”.

This has the wonderful, fast-paced quality of a good pulp fiction mystery, and I love how Natalie convincingly assumes that voice. I also love how she layers in a lot of suspense in a short span of time and text. WHAT does he have to do? (Kill her?) WHO gave him these instructions? WHY? And of course, WILL he do it? This could be a great opening to a longer piece.

Goodbye, Paris. Hello...Texas?

2011-04-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

From the Eiffel Tower to the place of towering hair...Texas, here I come!

My last few days in Paris were a whirlwind of promotional activities to support the launch of Before I Fall (french translation: Le Dernier Jour de Ma Vie, or The Last Day of My Life), including MY FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL TV APPEARANCE (I'm at minute 5:30, for those of you who are impatient to see my face!). Additionally, I had a FABULOUS event at the Virgin Megastore on the Champs-Elysee...I felt like a total rockstar!

Now I'm off to the Texas Library Association in Austin, Texas, which happens to be one of my favorite newly discovered cities. For those of you who follow my blog regularly, you MAY remember that I stopped in Austin on my book tour earlier this year, and had a whirlwind 24 hours of fun featuring new tattoos and brunch in the sun (read all about my first taste of Austin here).

If you're going to be at TLA, please come say hi to me at my signing, from 11:30-12:30 on Wednesday, April 13th!

A Picture is Worth...200 Words?

2011-04-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first-ever edition of the Photo Writing Challenge! I'm sure you've all heard the adage "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words." I won't bore you hear with a lecture on my feelings regarding the difference in mediums, and how images and words convey meaning in fundamentally distinct ways, and we'll instead take this statement at face value. Actually, for the purposes of this writing challenge, we're going to place images on a steep discount. A picture is now worth only a bargain two hundred words!

The rules of the game are simple. Write 200-250 words inspired by the image above, a recent snapshot from my trip to Venice. That's it. You'll need to find a narrative perspective--(who's telling the story? A visiting tourist? A 90-year-old local? A cat on a windowsill)--and as usual, it's helpful to try and generate a problem, conflict, or tension right away, to keep the reader's interest. But the goal is also simply to draw inspiration from a new source. Writers have to train themselves to see stories everywhere, just like (I imagine) photographers have to train themselves to see interesting photo opportunities. (Full disclosure: in high school, I nearly failed Photo 1. Apparently I was too busy finding story opps!)

As always, submit to laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com. As always, I'll read everything and post several responses. Let's give it a week and a half...and say we'll have submissions in by 4/18 (a Monday).

Enjoy, and happy inspiration!

xL
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

I know I'm Prolific...But I'm not THAT prolific

2011-04-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I was coasting through Goodreads (I love goodreads--don't you??), and I came across a book that apparently I wrote, and never knew I wrote! It is called Graham-the-Kind-Hearted.

I am sure it is a wonderful book but it is NOT WRITTEN BY ME!! (Unless I wrote, submitted, and published it in my sleep). Just a disclaimer/FYI. Does anyone know how to contact the administrators at Goodreads?

Love,
Lauren-The-Vaguely-Perturbed

Paris, Je T'Aime!

2011-04-05T00:15:00.001-07:00

So show me some love in return, people!

(Alors montre-moi de l'amour en retour!)

I'll be at the Virgin Champs-Elysee tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6:00, for the French launch of Before I Fall, and I expect to see YOU! Yes, YOU!

(Je serais au Virgin du Champs-Elysee demain, le 6 Mercredi, a 18:30, pour le lancement francais du DERNIER JOUR DE MA VIE, et j'ai hate de te voir!! Oui, c'est a TOI que je parle!!)

Make me happy and come celebrate with me! Rend-moi heureuse et viens feter avec moi!

See you tomorrow/a demain :)

--L

Dear Email Scam: Please Proofread Your Work Before Submitting

2011-03-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's one thing to be spammed by people soliciting your bank account information. It's quite another to be spammed ungrammatically by people soliciting your bank account information. It does not--how shall I put this?--inspire confidence.

Thus, the following post.

Dear Email Scam:

I would really prefer that you proofread your work before submitting to my attention. For example, let us take the following message.

It is obvious that you have not received your fund which is to the tune of 5.8million dollars due to past corrupt Governmental Officials who almost held the fund to themselves for their selfish reason and some individuals who have taken advantage of your fund all in an attempt to swindle your fund which has led to so many losses from your end and unnecessary delay in the receipt of your fund.

Oh, la, la. Where do I begin?? First of all, it is customary to include a standard greeting or salutation at the beginning of the message. Something as simple as: "To Whom It May Concern," will do, although if you would like to form any kind of interpersonal relationship with me before requesting that I give you my social security number, you might bother to look up and include my name--spelled correctly, of course!

Second of all, your description of both the sum I am allegedly due and the corruption of the officials who have delayed its receipt is, I'm sorry to say, a hopeless run-on. How can I possibly take an interest in the procedures I will need to take in order to recoup my money--which, as you specify further in the email, involve providing you my current bank account info--if I am still floundering through a forest of interlinked independent clauses?

Let's take the next section:

The National Central Bureau of Interpol enhanced by the United Nations and Federal Bureau of Investigation have successfully passed a mandate...

Hmmm. I'm not sure "enhanced by" is the right word choice. Do you mean "supervised by," perhaps? Or maybe "with the cooperation of"? And careful--you're missing some commas!

...to boost the exercise of clearing all foreign debts owed to you and other individuals and organizations who have been found not to have receive their Contract Sum, Lottery/Gambling, Inheritance and the likes.

Again, I'm uncertain of your word choices. I'm not sure that either boost or exercise convincingly emulates the language of a valid financial communication, and I'm disinclined to permit my checking account to be emptied out by someone unfamiliar with the correct past participle form of the verb "receive."

Thank you so much for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to trapping your emails in my spam filter in the future.

Love,
Lauren Oliver

Le Havre, A Recap!

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have something very exciting to share: the gorgeous French cover of Before I Fall!

(My favorite part? The wraparound "belt" that proclaims the book an international bestseller!) Interestingly, France released Delirium in February, but Before I Fall doesn't come out until April 6th. (Pour les Parisiens, j'espere vous voir a la fete pour le lancer au Virgin du Champs Elysee!)

Isn't it lovely? I'm happy with the title change, too, which translates into: THE LAST DAY OF MY LIFE. That would have been too literal a title in America, I think, but Before I Fall, once translated to French, sounds kind of clunky and awkward and doesn't connote as many symbolic meanings.

On the subject of showing the french some love, I had a charming visit to Le Havre on Saturday. Before my event, I managed to sneak in some writing in the park (I'm working on Requiem), which was followed by a lovely story hour and some conversation with my french fans, who were very understanding of the fact that I was still under the weather.

Today I am off to take a two-day spin through the BOLOGNA BOOK FAIR!! And the international tour continues...

Did you miss the chance to meet me in person in the UK??

2011-03-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Is it because you were sick?

Or because, perhaps, you live somewhere other than London??

Or because you're allergic to teacups???

Whatever the reason, thanks to the miracle of semi-modern technology (i.e., videocameras) you can now get in on the action by watching this incredibly moving video of my recent Blogger Appreciation Event at Eat, Shop, Do in London. I have probably watched this about five times now, and each time I get choked up by the commentaries at the end, and of course by the gorgeous and haunting soundtrack, which was provided by the lovely folk band Minnie Birch. (This wonderful trio of ladies has a Myspace page here.)

So, okay, I understand that watching a video is not EXACTLY like being at the event in person because there was cake there, but if you eat cake and watch the video, you'll get almost the full experience!

xo

Cheerio, England! Salut, France...

2011-03-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my whirlwind UK tour, prominently featuring:

1. Night Nurse/Day Nurse
2. Many packets of tissues
3. Adorable British accents
4. Four different train stations
5. Three different schools (witness pics below from two of my visits)
6. One delicious cardamom pudding
7. An extremely expensive (for me) trip to Waterstone's in Piccadilly Square

And NOT prominently featuring:

1. Jude Law, since I apparently missed encountering him on a film set we accidentally stormed through by about three minutes.

Now I'm back in Paris, and reunited with two of my lovely friends, who are visiting me from New York. Jess Rothenberg is a fellow YA writer and Lexa is the co-creator of Paper Lantern Lit. Don't they look french??

Tomorrow I'll be in Le Havre doing a reading and book signing at the Librairie La Galerne at 3 pm...so come show me some love if you're in the area.

And PARISIANS! DON'T FORGET that I will be at the Virgin on the Champs-Elysee at 17h30 on April 6th to launch Before I Fall--"Le Dernier Jour De Ma Vie"--so come party with me!!