Lisa Yee's Blog, page 15

Footloose at FAME

When last we blogged, we were in Florida, HERE. And we still are! (Well, at least in Blog World.)

One of the coolest things about all the travel is getting to meet other authors, like James Preller and Paul Griffin . . .



During the FAME conference our friend Tracy had some exciting news -- Cindi Lauper was in the building! Since Tracy is a HUGE Cindi Lauper fan, she thought of a brilliant way to meet her . . . give the singer a book. And why not? Girls just want to have fun, right?



Oh! And I don't want to forget this -- I signed my first iPad as seen HERE . . .





Why, look! Here I am with Roland Smith and Gordon Korman again. We're all part of the Scholastic Family and the three of us were signing at the Scholastic Book Fairs booth . . .

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Hey, Lisa, what's that you're holding? Why, it's a special Book Fairs paperback version of WARP SPEED!



The Book Fairs bunch was so enthusiastic. However, they confused the FAME conference with this FAME . . .



. . . and would periodically break out dancing . . .


(Or perhaps they thought they were starring in the remake of Footloose? I can totally see them starring in the movie, can't you?)

All too soon it was back to the airport. We shared a ride with author David Macinnis Gill and librarian Cecelia Solomon was kind enough to drive us . . .



NEXT BLOG: An embarrassing "incident" occurs at book signing, plus, why Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy is drinking a Starbucks . . .



Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Lisa Yee








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Finding FAME in Florida

It seems like we're on the road all the time these days. However, our last trip was back home. Well, sort of.

Peepy and I traveled to Orlando, FL where I used to live when I worked as a writer/producer for Walt Disney World, and then later as co-owner/creative director of Magic Pencil Studios. Librarian Debbie Rothfeld picked us up from the airport. Here she is wearing an ABSOLUTELY MAYBE wig! (It was only fitting since the book starts off in Kissimmee, FL.)


(Debbie's wig looked pinker in person.)

However, we were there for FAME . . .



Why? Because BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) is on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award Master List!



Peepy was thrilled with her swag-laden gift bag, and especially liked playing with the magnifying glass . . .



There were lots of really cool booths on the convention floor, and we signed lots and lots of books at The Reading Warehouse . . .



We ran into Claudia Mills and Lisa Wheeler right before our panel . . .



Michael Delaney and Natalie Lunis were also on the panel, and we figured out how to fix the economy! Only, no one took notes, so we forgot what we were supposed to do . . .



Later, we ran into David Macinnis Gill. The last time we saw him we were in Orlando! Deja vu? Well, yeah . . .



And then there was Gordon Korman, who/whom we had just seen at the National Book Festival in Washington . . .



At the reception that night, Peepy got to meet Kiersten White, and the three of us had dinner later . . .



Fueled my chocolate and more chocolate, and even more chocolate, courtesy of The Reading Warehouse, we gave a couple of presentations to smart, attractive, talented librarians . . .

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As always, Peepy was interested in one of her main hobbies . . . lunch . . .



In the evening, everyone chilled out at the bar and raised their glasses to their favorite Peep . . .

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It was fun hanging out with Roland Smith (on left) and Gordon. The last time we saw Roland, we were dancing together on stage at the ALA Conference. However this time, we sat it out . . .

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(Roland is in both photos. Can you spot him?)

NEXT BLOG: FAME dancing

Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Lisa Yee







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Books and Cake and More in Mission Viejo

(Author's Note: Er, I'm not sure why all the photos are GIGANTIC this time.)

So then, last week I was at the Mission Viejo Reader's Festival . . .

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Peepy admired the giant books . . .



There was a really, really, really long chalk board where people wrote their favorite books -- and drew their favorite Peep . . .



The awesome Whale of a Tale sold our books, plus had a table filled with costumes you could try on and fuel your imagination . . .



Speaking of imagination, we saw a knight, and look! It's Fancy Nancy illustrator, Robin Preiss Glaser . . .



Speaking of illustrators, we saw our illustrator pals, Ken Min, JH Everett and Wilson Swain. They were all so inspired by the beauty that is Peepy that they drew her . . .



Soon it was time to go to the Green Room and get ready for our panel . . .


(Every author got a CAKE!!! Did I mention that every author got a CAKE??!!!)

Peepy was smitten by the reading dog. That is, the dog that kids can read to . . .



Wait! Who's that with the dog? Why, it's Linda Evans from Dynasty. She wrote a book, too . . .



We had a blast hanging out with (from left) our magnificent panel moderator Teen Librarian Allison Tran and fellow panelists Gretchen McNeil and Cindy Pon. We all got framed prints of our books!


(Look! It's Marlene Perez, our other panelist, on the far left.)

Squeee!!!1 We had a packed house -- and look, they're all Star Trek fans!!!!


(Above: The authors vie to become America's Next Top Model.)

Later, we ran into our friend, author Wendy Mass. . .



What a great day!


Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee








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Squeee . . . On Stage at the National Book Festival!!!

On the second day of The National Book Festival in Washington, DC, I was scheduled to speak. We ran into Percy Jackson illustrator, John Rocco in the lobby and shared a ride . . .



I got there early so I could sign stock for Barnes and Noble. Signing stock means pre-autographing books. That way if someone can't make it to get your autograph in person, they can still have a signed book . . .



We worked in assembly-line formation with someone opening the book, me signing, and then someone else stickering it. Here's an Oscar-worthy 10-second film of us in action . . .

There was a break between signing and getting to the stage, so we headed to the Green Room where I signed the Librarian of Congress's book. It was cool looking at all the authors who had been to the National Book Fest before . . .



We bumped into Tom Angleberger. He had asked John Rocco do draw a Origami Yoda, so we asked Tom if we could create one, too. Can you tell which one is ours?



It's funny, we live just a couple of miles away from Amulet's Kazu Kibuishi, but the last time we saw him was at Comic-Con in San Diego, and now here in D.C.



Hey, look, it's Sherman Alexie. It was a bummer that we were both going on at the same time. Little known fact: Sherman was a consultant for American Girl's Kaya books! Here he is with Kanani, a doll based after the American Girl - Girl of the Year books I wrote . . .



Before going on stage, I had to get miked. Um, no, that's not the guy's name, it when they put the microphone on you. However, it has to be hidden in your clothes . . .



It was fun goofing off with Disney's Choo Choo Soul and Genevieve who introduced us . . .



Soon it was time to go on . . .



The 20 minutes FLEW by, and then it off to book signing!



We had to hurry out to catch a plane, but as we left the author near us was still signing. Can you guess who that is?



Hint: " . . . where the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average."

What a glorious time we had.



For more photos, check out Publisher's Weekly take on the event HERE.

Oh! BTW, are you a AAA member? Well, even if you're not, here's a cool review of WARP SPEED from AAA's Westways magazine . . .


Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

Lisa Yee








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The Washington Post Author's Breakfast, Lauren Myracle is Arresting, and More

After the Library of Congress Gala, where KidLit authors dressed all fancy, it was up early (well, early for me) for the Washington Post Author Breakfast . . .


(Above: Loren Long, Moi and Jarrett Krosoczka via my iPhone.)

Before the breakfast began, we ran into the KidLit contingency in the lobby . . .



We gathered for a photo, then realized someone was missing . . .



There he is, yes, Allen Say joined us!



From left to right, Brian Selznick, John Bemelmans Marciano, Jarrett, Gordon Korman, the Girl, Allen, Jon J. Muth and Loren . . .



Of course, Brian Selznick had on yet another glorious pair of shoes . . .

(On left are Brian's Library of Congress Gala shoes, the red ones, and in the photo on the right are his Washington Post Breakfast shoes.)

There was yummy food, including glasses of . . . French toast? Mais oui!



We shared a table with NY TIMES bestseller, Candice Millard . . .



Distinguished speakers included, former Poet Laureate Rita Dove, famed biolgrapher Edmund Morris, and President of the Washington Post, Stephen Hills . . .



As fabulous as the morning was, Loren, Jarrett and I got sad . . .



Why?

Because we were missing our good friend. (Please don't tell her we had a great time. We don't want her to get jealous.)



(Above: That is not Jeannie, it is a printing press from The Post.)

That afternoon, Peepy and I headed to the National Book Festival. We weren't speaking until the next day, but nothing can keep us away from a celebration of books . . .



Oh dear. We saw our friend Lauren Myracle. She had gotten into trouble, again. So we bailed her out . . .



Later, Lauren and I went to the Barnes and Noble bookstore . . . book tent? It was PACKED. Hooray! People buying books made of paper!!!



Brian Selznick has everyone in awe as he talked about Wonderstruck . . .



Peepy was getting tired, so we headed to the Green Room where the authors (and Peeps) hang out . . .



Recharged, we were ready for the next day when it was our turn to go on the Target Stage . . .




BTW, I just celebrated my eight year author-versary! On October 1, 2003, my first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius debuted!

NEXT BLOG: Day Two of the National Book Festival

Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee








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KidLit Stars Shine (and act silly) at the Library of Congress Gala Reception

It was so thrilling to speak at the National Book Festival. However, the adventures began when I arrived at Dulles airport. I wasn't sure if this person was waiting was for me . . .



Later at the hotel, I thought I spied bed bugs . . .



Hotel management turned the room upside-down and nary a bug was found. Oops.

Still discombobulated, I didn't see the sign took the wrong elevator and ended up in the hotel kitchen . . .



It was fun to be in the hubbub of the cooks and chefs and waiters running around. Unfortunately, they didn't feel the same about me, and I was escorted out.

That's okay though, because soon it was time for the most awesome and cool Library of Congress Gala Reception . . .



It began with the Author's Program hosted by James Billington, the Librarian of Congress . . .



Speakers included Leon Fleischer, Edmund Morris, Toni Morrison and Rita Dove (who was staying on the same floor as I was in the hotel, and I rode the elevator with her twice – although not the time I went to the kitchen, accidentally.) KitLit's own Katherine Paterson, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, gave a wonderful speech . .


(Above: Something weird happened when I tried to take photos. That's Katherine Paterson, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, only in person she does not look like a ghost. Really.)

From there, we got to explore Library of Congress. It was fancy and elegant and gorgeous, and we felt quite grown up . . .


(Um. I am aware that the last photo is sideways, but I did that on purpose. Yes. That's my story.)

We were on our best behavior. Well, at least I was . . .


(For the record, I have no control over what my Peep does.)

It was so fun to see so many author friends. Oh look! It's Gordon Korman and also Gordon Korman as a blonde . . .



Why, "Hello, Kadir Nelson and Sarah Dessen!"



All hail Loren Long. He illustrated President Obama's book, and one for Madonna. However, Loren's still holding out for the big one. Yep, he wants to illustrate Peepy's memoir/fashion tip epic.



Whoa, who's that presidential-looking fellow? Why, it's Jarrett Krosoczka. I'd vote for him, wouldn't you?



Psst . . . I spy Erik Wight and George O'Connor . . .



Brian Selznick and his awesome shoes left us Wonderstruck . . .


(BTW, I'm not used to wearing heels and my feet were killing me! Ouch. Next time, if I ever get invited back again, I am going to request they carpet the whole place.)

I got to finally meet lots of people I knew via blogs and facebook and twitter, like Origami-esque Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell . . .



Our pal Jon J. Muth created the magnificent National Book Festival poster . . .



As we roamed the breathtaking Library of Congress building, which was near the White House, we ran into John Bemelmans Marciano . . .



There was live music and an icy Abe Lincoln . . .



One of the high points for me was to go behind-the-scenes and see the card catalogues. Yes, I am a library geek . . .



Uber teacher-librarian Mr. Schu was roaming around too, and we saw each other on the stairs . . .



Meanwhile, we spotted Alicia Curtis from American Girl and Rocco Staino from School Library Journal. I am fairly certain that we caught them playing Angry Birds . . .



The Main Reading Room was breathtaking. All the kidlit authors and illustrators were giddy just to be there. We stayed until it closed and would have stayed all night if we could . . .



Who's that there? Why, it's me and the guys . . .


(From the left: Tom Angleberger, George O'Conner, Loren Long, the Girl, Jarrett Krosoczka, John Bemelmans Marciano and Erik Wight)

Later that night, at the Hotel George bar, we ran into Brian Selznick, John Bemelmans Marciano and William Joyce having a private talk. Of course, Jarrett and I were certain they wanted us to be part of the conversation, but were too shy to ask, so we took part without them even knowing . . .


(Above: William Joyce really wanted to talk to Peepy, not Brian Selznick.)

NEXT BLOG: The Washington Post – Library of Congress Breakfast and Day One of the National Book Festival



Looking for literary fun this Saturday? Join me at the Mission Viejo Readers Festival. I'll be there at 2 p.m. on a Teen Panel with Marlene Perez, Cindy Pon and Gretchen McNeil.

Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee








Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!



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Children's Hospital Fundraising Kick-Off

Wow, we packed a lot in during our short visit to Louisville, KY. I only wish we had more time to see the sights and hang out with all the wonderful people we met.

Okay, so last blog had us dining with Hillbillies and talking about writing to high school students. Well, we also were honored to be the guest speaker at the Kosair Children's Hospital American Girl Fashion Show fundraiser kick-off!



It took place at Barnes and Noble and WOW! was there a lot of fun . . .



Peepy saw her American Girl doll friends getting pampered, so she insisted on getting the full treatment, too . . .



A record number of over 250 turned out . . .



And look! There was even a brave boy in the crowd!!!!



To see even more fun, CLICK HERE.

The next day it was off to Girl Scout Headquarters to teach a couple of writing workshops . . .



Peepy did some exploring and came up with a kayak and a pile of mattresses that she said was from The Princess and The Pea . . .


(Now my Peep is convinced she is a princess.)

We taught two groups of girls. This is what the room looked like before everyone arrived . . .



This is what is was like when it was filled with two groups talented young writers . . .



And here are the writers at work . . .



Of course, Peepy was hard at work, too. After all, someone had to watch over the snacks!!!



HEY! Live in Orange County, CA (or have access to a car, train or plane)? Then come to the Mission Viejo Readers Festival next Saturday, October 1st. I'll be there at 2 pm for a YA panel with Gretchen McNeil, Cindy Pon and Marlene Perez -- CLICK HERE for more info!

NEXT BLOG: The Library of Congress Gala Reception and the National Book Festival in Washington, DC.



Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee








Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!



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Or you can click this for a RSS feed...

Lovin' Louisville!!!

I've been traveling a lot lately.



At last blog, we were in San Luis Obispo.



Can you guess where we are this blog? Here's a hint . . .



If you said, "I know! I know! Montana!!!" Well, nope. However, if you said, "I know! I know! Louisville, Kentucky!!!" Well, yes!

Our first night we ate at a totally awesome local restaurant called Hillbilly Tea . . .


(Peeps was especially pleased with the mushrooms wrapped in a pastry crust set on a bed of greens.)

The next morning, it was time to head to Presentation Academy . . .





We made sure to get their early to make sure our equipment worked, and it did!!! (Phew.)



Good thing, because we spoke to these totally terrific high school girls . . .



We had lots of fun, and the fun kept coming. Why? Because after we got to dine with our middle school friends, Elizabeth and Elizabeth . . .



Peepy enjoyed her lunch, but REALLY loved her dessert(s) . . .



That night we had a total blast, and we'll be blogging about it next -- including an explanation of what's going on here . . .



And as a reminder, if you're in the Washington, DC area, I'll be at the National Book Festival this Sunday at 1 p.m. on the Target Stage!

This is taken from the official program. Um, not the best photo of me ever taken . . .







Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee







Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!



Email:




Or you can click this for a RSS feed...

Loving' Louisville!!!

I've been traveling a lot lately.



At last blog, we were in San Luis Obispo.



Can you guess where we are this blog? Here's a hint . . .



If you said, "I know! I know! Montana!!!" Well, nope. However, if you said, "I know! I know! Louisville, Kentucky!!!" Well, yes!

Our first night we ate at a totally awesome local restaurant called Hillbilly Tea . . .


(Peeps was especially pleased with the mushrooms wrapped in a pastry crust set on a bed of greens.)

The next morning, it was time to head to Presentation Academy . . .





We made sure to get their early to make sure our equipment worked, and it did!!! (Phew.)



Good thing, because we spoke to these totally terrific high school girls . . .



We had lots of fun, and the fun kept coming. Why? Because after we got to dine with our middle school friends, Elizabeth and Elizabeth . . .



Peepy enjoyed her lunch, but REALLY loved her dessert(s) . . .



That night we had a total blast, and we'll be blogging about it next -- including an explanation of what's going on here . . .



And as a reminder, if you're in the Washington, DC area, I'll be at the National Book Festival this Sunday at 1 p.m. on the Target Stage!

This is taken from the official program. Um, not the best photo of me ever taken . . .







Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee







Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!



Email:




Or you can click this for a RSS feed...

Artsy Writing Workshop & Window Seat

Chewing, chewing, chewing . . . oh, excuse me, I was just chewing gum and sticking it on this wall . . .



So then, the next day (yes, we're still in San Luis Obispo, CA -- this is blog world right?) it was time to teach a SCBWI workshop . . .


Yes! The workshop was held at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art . . .




This guy was sure surprised when he bent over to take a photo at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME I bent over to take a photo of Peepy . . .



However, the real act and artistry was taking place behind closed doors at museum. That's because it was my writing workshop . . .



Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, sure Peepy was there encouraging everyone, but what else was she doing? Well, she was checking this out . . .



She also feel asleep during my presentation . . .



And then later, she claimed she was too tired to help clean up. Right, like we really believe her.

So others did all the work. Although it looks like the writers on the left worked a little harder than the writers on the right . . .


(Can you tell the difference between the two photos?)

Afterward, in honor of the SLO SCBWI, there was a sidewalk chalk fest right around the corner, and in front of the old library!!!



All too soon, it was time to take the train back home. However, I learned something travel-esque. Here it is -- on the way to San Luis Obispo, this was my view . . .



Okay, it was nice. However, here's my view when I sat in a different seat on the way back!



Next Blog: Louisville, KY . . .



BTW, going to the National Book Festival? If so, come see me on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Target Stage!!




Disclaimer: No proofreaders were harmed (or even used) in the creation of this blog.

CLICK HERE to find out about Lisa's newest book, WARP SPEED!!!

Are you an American Girl KANANI fan? If so, here's a free online story I wrote about Kanani in New York!!

Lisa Yee







Subscribe to Lisa Yee's Blog and get her fresh baked blogs e-mailed to you!



Email:




Or you can click this for a RSS feed...