Male YA Author Month at A Book and A Chat

The amazing Barry Eva, author/raconteur/radio host, is holding "MYM" in November. Male YA Author Month! He'll be interviewing a whole month's worth of male authors and bloggers on his show, "A Book and a Chat."

If you've never experienced internet radio, it works much like real radio: Barry interviews an author or blogger via phone, and you can listen in from the website in real time and then call in with questions. You can also listen to past interviews from his archives to get a feel for how he works - and to hear all the wonderful interviews he's done! Like mine!

Barry is charming and funny and makes everyone feel at ease. It's like talking or listening to an old friend, although one who makes all the right jokes and says all the right things.

So be sure to check out MYM this upcoming month on "A Book and a Chat"!

Don't Forget November is MALE YA MONTH

Celebrating book blogging!

It's a Book Blog Extravaganza over at Everything to Do With Books!

The lovely and talented YA bloggers, Scarlett and Rebecca, are celebrating their blogoversary during the month of March, giving away books and swag and offering all kinds of cool guest blogs - including one from me! Look for it there on Wednesday, March 3rd.

I love to celebrate milestones such as anniversaries and birthdays, especially when it comes to stuff on the web. How often do you see people or companies announce a huge website or blog launch, post all new content every day for a month - and then completely stop? Happens all the time. I'm so leery of subscribing to new blogs these days. I get hooked, only to have them disappear after a few months. Yeah, it's hard work keeping up a blog or a website, difficult coming up with new material all the time. That's why it's so important to recognize when people are doing a great job!

Congrats on the blogoversary, Scarlett and Rebecca!

Interview at a new blog!

Can you believe that I - lowly moi - am the subject of the inaugural interview at blogger Reggie's The Undercover Book Lover? Check it out!

Reggie contacted me about an interview last week, telling me she loved ALL ABOUT VEE, and asking me if I would answer a few questions. They were fun questions - and ones I actually had the answers to! But I didn't realize I would be the very first person interviewed on her site. Whoo-hoo Me! She has since interviewed other great authors, so check them out too.

I love her site design. Very pretty and expressive of her interests yet also practical and well-thought out. Easy to navigate and find things. Of course I love that she loves coffee! My kind of book blogger: a reader of great fiction and a coffee drinker. She's a book reviewer too as well as a poet!

What's also interesting to me is that she's located in the Philippines. For some reason, I get a lot of hits on my website from that area of the world and I don't know why. Nothing in my book is about the Philippines. Isn't that odd? One of my very close friends is Filipino but I doubt that has anything to do with it! LOL!!!

Cheers, Reggie, and welcome to the book blogging world! There are tons of great authors, readers and reviewers here that share your passion.

Blogger-Author Relationships

I have been following Kristi's and Steph's blog posts about the on-line relationships between book bloggers and authors. They, and their readers, bring up some really good questions and concerns. For instance, can we really call these connections "friendships"? If so, what happens when one "friend" reviews another "friend"? Must you be kind to them out of respect for the relationship?

Let me add my .03 (.02 adjusted for inflation):

I should clarify my comment on Steph's post, when I noted that I don't think bloggers and authors can be friends...of course they can be! Friendships are based on so many different things: favorite television shows, common classes, hobbies like knitting or dancing, dislike of Paris Hilton...and yes, favorite books.

What I mean is that *sometimes* authors hang out at blogs, commenting, becoming buds with the readers and blogger, in the hopes of getting a positive review from the blogger or selling books to her readers. A blogger can be forgiven if she thinks this author wants to be her friend. After all, she's certainly acting like one: she reads every post, she comments, she emails, she gets involved...but she wants something.

Now not all authors do this. I hang out at book blogs as market research for the most part and also because I find a lot of them very entertaining! They're fun, the girls are lively and opinionated, and they don't hold anything back when it comes to reviewing. I'm certainly happy when they review my books positively - and I make it a point to thank them when they do - but if they didn't, well, that's the way the cookie crumbles. I never thought they owed me anything and in fact, have worried that they wouldn't want me "hanging around." I'm an adult, after all, not a teen, and ya know, that can be interpreted kind of creepy.

Look, the thing is that the internet is a big place. There are lots of authors, lots of bloggers out there. Sometimes it's hard to navigate the waters and so you look for a friendly face. I know I do! That being said, if a reviewer trashed my book, I'd probably move on and find other blogs to read. I'd be hurt, sure, like any bad review hurts but I doubt I'd spread that word. Who wants to give anyone else any ideas? LOL!

I have enjoyed getting to know some of the bloggers aside from the whole book review process. I made Liviania a pair of leg warmers simply because she admired the ones I had posted pictures of on my blog - I pretty much love connecting with dancers or former dancers because that's the other part of my life that's important to me. I have emailed Chelsea the Page Flipper about her writing about Laurie Halse Anderson because I think good writing and a passion for writing needs to be encouraged. And I always make sure to read Taren's Chick Manifesto and comment on the brilliance that are her VC Andrews' recaps.

Are these 3 bloggers my friends? Ya know, I'm not sure I even know their real names. :) But I like hanging out with them. As I said above, there are a lot of blogs out there and I don't waste my time following ones I don't like. If I'm a follower of yours, it's cuz I dig you and what you have to say. If I'm not, then I might just not know you yet!

Where else is C. Leigh Purtill?

Aside from my blog and my website and my Facebook and my MySpace and Goodreads...

...that sounds sooo egocentric, doesn't it? And yet, other people have even MORE of an online presence with multiple blogs and Twittering, etc. I barely have time to keep up with myself on these few sites.

On Wednesday, March 4th, Liviania will be posting an interview she did with me on her blog, In Bed With Books. I have to say, she asked some amazing questions! I know it can be hard to come up with questions for authors, especially when we are all over the place, talking to different reviewers and posting things on our own websites and blogs and honestly, most of us (and I mean me, really) don't have that much going on to discuss.

Seriously, this is why we write: so we can make up cool stuff. So when a blogger comes along and asks great questions and really makes you dig inside yourself for the answers, the effort is truly appreciated.

So head on over there and check out the interview as well as her schedule for a full month of birthday/blogiversary fun!

My end of the year thank you...

Fans of MEG, fans of VEE, readers who've sent me emails and posted on my MySpace and Facebook pages, blog followers, friends...I feel very lucky to be a writer in an age when there can be immediate feedback between reader and author.

This year has been one of unbelievable highs (2 books published in April!) and super-duper lows (let's not get into that). I finished 3 brand new manuscripts, rewrote another, met some amazing editors I'd love to work with - and also watched as publishing crumbled into a giant heap with lots of terrific people losing their jobs.

You win some, you lose some. But I'm not going to dwell on the negative and instead will concentrate on the good stuff:

--I took 2 trips to the east coast for 2 reunions and several school and library visits, sold out at the Borders in Farmington where I was reading, spoke at book fairs and conferences, and did 2 local television appearances.

--I started teaching ballet again in March and now have 7 classes of my own and a whole bunch of students whom I adore! I've also been fortunate to find a new teacher to take classes with and to learn from - and who can inspire me so I can inspire others.

--Through the magic of the interweb, I've met some fantastic authors who have since become friends. Lots of great YA writers - and some adult writers too - live in and around LA and I am so honored to know them. Go LAYAs!

--LOVE, MEG was included on the 2008 Kansas Education Association Recommended book list for High Schools as well as the 2009 California Collection for the State of California's High Schools.

Good, bad, high, low, up down...life is a series of adventures, not an end to itself.

Happy New Year to all, including the many wonderful reviewers and readers who've been so terrifically supportive of me this year like, Teen Book Review's Jocelyn, In Bed With Books' Liviania, The Book Muncher's Rachael, The Page Flipper's Chelsea, the lovely ladies at YA Fresh, Harmony Book Reviews' Harmony, Jessica at Teen Free Book Friday, Holly at Woman Tribune, Khyrnithia at Frenetic Reader, Bloomacious, Rachel at My Very Own Blogetary, not to mention all the amazing people who posted comments and reviews of my books at Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, and their own sites.

Thank you.

The I Heart Your Blog Noms

The lovely and amazing writer Kimberly Derting (THE BODY FINDER) nominated me for an I Heart Your Blog Award!

Tell me how touched I am! Go on, tell me!

No, it's more than that.

Yup, more than that too...

There ya go! That's exactly how touched I am by this honor. I adore reading her blog, The Road to Publication. It helps me relive all the joys I have felt along the way to having my own books published - and reminds me of how grateful I am for all that I have.

Now, that being said, here are the rules for the nominations:

1) Add the logo of your award to your blog (done!).
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you (see above!).
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs (see below).
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog (you got it!).
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs (will do!).

So here are my choices...the first couple are blogs I love because I totally dig their pro-girl stance, despite being so very different.

1. The Chick Manifesto - Go, Taren! Taren seasons her book and movie reviews with a heavy dose of sentiment and just the right amount of sarcasm.

2. Menstrual Poetry - Go, Holly! Holly posts about all things girls and women should pay attention to, from politics to entertainment.

Next are some writers I adore and whose work I hope to be able to showcase very soon.

3. Christina Rundle - Yay, Christina! Christina is in the midst of several YA novels- her blog chronicles her progress on her projects as well as the sweet treat she's enjoying that day.

4. Dreaming in Red - Yay, Chandra! Chandra's book, THE TAROT CAFE NOVEL, will debut in January 6, 09 from TokyoPop...

5. My Very Own Blogetary - Yay, Rachel! Rachel writes lots of short stories and is also working on a novel. Her blog reflects her liberal politics and creative brain.

And finally, two writer friends of mine from Los Angeles whose novels debuted in 2008:

6. Paula Yoo - Whoo-hoo, Paula! Check out her book, GOOD ENOUGH, from HarperTeen...

7. Jordanna Fraiberg - Whoo-hoo, Jordanna! Look for her book, IN YOUR ROOM, from Razorbill...

It was really tough for me to narrow down the blogs I love to just these seven. Here are some other fantastic blogs I follow on a regular basis and I won't officially nominate them because they have all been nominated by other people: Bookluver Carol's Reviews, Reviewer X, The Page Flipper, The Story Siren, The Book Muncher, Literary Rejections on Display, Woman Tribune, Pub Rants, In Bed With Books, Harmony Book Reviews, YA Fresh, Stupid Blog Name...

...am I forgetting anyone? I hope not!

Great dance resources

Yesterday, while searching the internet for a concise dictionary of ballet terminology I could use for my new basic beginning ballet class, I found some amazing sites:

Dianne's blog, Ballet Shoes and Pointe Shoes, is a tremendous resource for dancers of all ages, although she does focus on young dancers and the issues that face them. Truly, the information she provides is very, very helpful for anyone who dances. Plus, she put a picture of my leg warmers on there which I thought was an amazingly nice thing to do (Thanks, Dianne!).

My new class is for the very new dancer so I wanted to provide a list of common terms and maybe some helpful photos. I found Learn to Dance dot com which had some on-line instruction as well as this fantastic list of ballet terms, their pronunciations and their definitions.

And then I discovered a terrific compendium of images (Do vs. Don't), tips, and technique at Dance Hug. This was the material I cribbed ultimately since it gives the new dancer some very specific things to look for and mimic on their own bodies.

Interview at Book Girl Reviews

Double-post Monday!

Check out the interview The Book Girl did with me for her blog. I have to say, she asked some really interesting questions, very thought-provoking. Typically, people ask me about my writing influences or favorite authors but Book Girl dug deeper and wanted to know about the real me (and who wouldn't want to know about the real me?).

LOL!!! I am seriously not that enamored of myself. Honest!

Random Thoughts on a Friday

1. I'm a Wikipedia entry! I'm so excited about this I can hardly stand it. I use Wiki like, a million times a day, and here I am, listed and everything. Check it out....Leigh in Wikipedia!

2. The winner of a free signed hardcover of LOVE, MEG will be announced next week. You can still enter to win over at Teen Book Review's blog where I was a guest blogger. Just post a comment, something like, "Leigh, you're the most awesome writer that ever lived!" or maybe just, "Hey, give me a free book!"

3. And speaking of blogging, I'll be a guest blogger at Young Adult's blog next week. Not sure of the date yet but you can come check that out too.

4. Next week I'll be on the east coast, doing some east coast book-type things. On June 26th I'll be reading and talking at the Wallingford Public Library (Connecticut) at 7PM and on June 29th I'll be reading and signing at the Borders in Farmington (Connecticut) at 2PM. I'm pretty excited about both of those visits - as you know I love libraries and who wouldn't love people who sell books? Especially mine!

5. The first rewrite of the book I finished last week is almost done. My deadline for getting it finished was this upcoming trip. I hate having things hanging over my head. Now I will be free to think about the rewrite of another book (I swear I do love rewriting) and developing a brand new idea which I am super-duper thrilled about. I can't wait to allow my mind to explore a new story with new characters - so many possibilities!

And last but not least...
6. Who watched Celebrity Circus on Wednesday night? Come on, raise your hands! How much fun was it to see Peter Brady (a/k/a Christopher Knight) set himself on fire? Or Wee Man tumble around in a wheel? Personally, I'm rooting for Rachel Hunter, who is the most graceful of all of them. Maybe she's not as athletic as the others but she looks fantastic!

Guest Blogging and a Free Book!

Free has to be the best word in the English language! Who doesn't like something that's free?

Free money.
Free food.
Free gas.
Free love...

We'll stop right there. Oh wait, one more: free book!

Today I am Jocelyn's guest blogger at Teen Book Review and I'll be giving away a signed copy of the LOVE, MEG hardcover to a random commenter. Honestly, I don't know how that happens but Jocelyn says she will take care of it. I think all you have to do is post at the blog.

I mean, it would be nice if you had something to say to me or about me or my books but I think just posting your name and saying, "Gimme a free book" will work.

So cheers and come on over for a visit! And check out Jocelyn's archives for some awesome book reviews as well as other author guest blogs.

From Around the Web...

One of the things about being a "new writer" is that every little thing seems so cool. Like every time I'm mentioned on the web, I get wicked excited.

I love to read posts about my books or to see where I'm reviewed.

I love getting MySpace and Facebook friend requests.

I love visiting my stats and seeing where people come from who view my blog and website.

I love seeing new things happening!

On Amazon, for instance, you can now view inside my books. You know that "Search Inside" feature? Well, my books have that now. Check it out here with Vee and here with Meg.

I'm also listed on the Borders website for an event I'm doing at the end of June in Farmington, Connecticut. See it here...there I am right at the bottom of the page. And when you click on my name, it'll tell you more about my book. I was so psyched to see that! It makes it, like, real!

Then there are blog mentions. Like here at Christina's blog, and here at Rachel's blog, and here at the Breaking News blog. Who wouldn't get excited about that? Maybe jaded writers, those who've been around a lot longer than me and have been through it all. But until I get there, I'll simply enjoy getting my tiny thrills.

Random Friday Stuff You Should Know

1. Television watchers should know that LOST is back, baby! And better than ever! Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse are clearly demi-gods. Last night's Ben episode was so flippin' amazing, I may have procrastinate a bit and see what the chat boards are saying.

2. Netflixers should know that “American Gangster” is a fantastic film that they should put in their queue. Directed by Ridley Scott, written by Steve Zaillian and starring the amazing Denzel Washington, it’s so well-done, you find yourself rooting for the bad guys.

3. Authors should know that there is a great article on blogging by Chandra Rooney here. She gives some great, practical advice to authors who want to blog or who are blogging and want to know if there's more they should be doing. I know it was good advice for me!

4. Readers should know that I will be signing ALL ABOUT VEE at the LA Times Festival of Books this Sunday, April 27, from 2 – 3PM at the Book Soup booth, #329. So come on down and check out VEE and me!

Random Friday Stuff

1. I can’t wait to see ALL ABOUT VEE on bookshelves. If anyone sees it anywhere, PLEASE snap a photo and email it to me! Or post it on your blog or something and let me know because that is just about the most exciting thing for an author. That and seeing it in someone’s hand as they’re reading it (and I don’t mean my mom or dad!).

2. I’m super-thrilled to be guest blogging today at Paula Yoo’s site. Come check it out! You know from reading my blog that I loved LOVED Paula’s book, Good Enough and I can’t wait for her next one, so if guest-blogging gives her time to finish it, then bring it on. Go, Paula! Write, write, write!

3. I couldn’t watch Idol Gives Back on Wednesday. I mean, yes, I could but I just couldn’t. The show makes me too sad. I watched last year and it was really depressing. I’m sure there was a lot of great stuff going on and I’ve read about all the terrific performances but I just…I couldn’t. I did, however, watch last night’s results show…

4. …and I couldn’t believe Michael Johns was voted off! Well, I guess I can, based on his ascot-vest combinations and the fact that he doesn’t actually understand the lyrics of the songs he sings (e.g. the Beatles “Across the Universe” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On”). He’ll do fine – heck, they’ll all do fine – but certain of them will do more fine than others. Like David Cook who has been humbled a bit after all his great perfs.

5. It’s finally getting warm again where I live which makes me feel soooo much better. I adore warm weather and sunshine, even if it does distract me from my work. My excuse for not getting my pages done these past couple of days? My new book is out! Whoo-hoo! Yay, VEE!!!

:) leigh

Little Willow Likes Vee!

Well, now, who wouldn’t like Vee? I certainly do!

Yesterday Little Willow posted a beautiful review of ALL ABOUT VEE on her Bildungsroman website. Take a read here.

I love that she put the book on her new list, “But I DO Want to Be Famous!” This is a selection of terrific books about characters who seek fame and fortune in the arts. Vee is in great company: E. Lockhart’s “Dramarama,” Lola Douglas’ “Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet,” and my friend Liane Bonin’s FANTASTIC, “Celebrity Skin,” which I highly recommend to anyone who likes any of the other books on this list.

Little Willow previously created a list called, “But I Don’t Want to Be Famous,” which is another great collection of stories about characters who are pushed into the media spotlight and don’t necessarily want to be there. Rachel Cohn’s “Pop Princess” is on this list – a fave of mine.

As always happens with me, I will start looking around LW’s site and get distracted for an HOUR! And the list of new books I want/need/must read grows and grows and makes me think of even more books and then absolutely no work gets accomplished.

Thank you for the mention (and the distraction), Little Willow!

xoxo leigh