Lisi Harrison's Blog, page 21

Name 911

It's after 3pm. I have to be at Barnes and Nobel in Huntington at 7. I am in my office in pajamas with Monday's hair. My nails are scrappy. I have been staring at my computer for the last five hours trying to think of a name for a lead character. Seriously the hardest thing to do ever. I am not kidding. I have checked every flower, tree, baby registry, social security website, class list, and magazine masthead I can find. Nothing suits this girl. I remember having this problem with Melody Carver from Monster High.  It took me weeks to come up with that name. And now it seems so right.

So off I go to get a manicure because I will be signing books tonight. Maybe I will name her Essie or O.P.I. or Paint The Town Red. I am hoping to be inspired tonight. So please, if you have a great name come and see me . I'm desperate.

Barnes and Noble

7881 Edinger Ave.

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

7pm.

TTYW, (or tonight)

Lisi

XXXX

SAY HIGH!

School has made you ladies very demanding. I have never been font-shouted at so much in my life. Seems as though you all have a ton of homework today  and you want me to post so you can get to work. So I will make this fast. (You are soooo busy, right).

Monster High 3 – Where There's A Wolf There's A Way officially comes out on Tuesday, September 20th.

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The RADs are being hunted and forced into hiding. And that means Clawdeen's Sassy Sixteen is off. Or so her parents think. Some girls will risk it all for a good party…Lala and Clawd get cozy at the Hideaway. Melody learns some shocking secrets about her self and her past. Frankie is torn between two lovers. And life in Salem will never be the same.

But that's not the only thing coming out next week. On Wednesday the 21st I'll be at Barnes & Noble in Huntington Beach! Come say HIGH! Give me a hug. Lets take some pictures. I'll sign books, Nooks, and hooks (for all you pirates.) I'll answer questions about writing, life, boys, and my VMA boots–which I will be wearing.

Wednesday, September 21st

Barnes and Noble- 7881 Edinger Ave

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

at 7pm

Now go do your homework. Help your parents around the house. Be nice to your sibling. And stop hitting your snooze button in the morning. Be perfect so your parents will let you come see me. After we hang you can go back to your old ways.

HYNW, (Hug You Next Wednesday!)

Lisi

XXXX

Forever 1975

Introducing a State of The Union from our old friend Massie Block.

IN                                             OUT

Forever 1975                          Forever 21*

Forever 1975? Huh?

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Many of you have no clue what I'm talking about. Maybe because this book was banned so you've never heard of it. Maybe because it was written in 1975 (This is the original cover) so you think it's all moldy and irrelevant. Maybe you're internet access has given you TMI WTE (way too early) so you don't need this "childish" novel. Whatever the reason, we must discuss.

I had two fourteen year old girls stay at my house last weekend. They live in Santa Monica and just started high school. Francesca is my cousin. Kaylee is one of her best friends (and our new cousin cuz we loved her). Anyway we got to chatting about sex. I promised them I wouldn't spill any of the details and I will stand by that. Not that there were many to spill. These girls are solid. They are not giving into pressure from boys. They are not trying to live like reality stars. After a few chats I was shocked. Girls are giving it up so early these days. How do they know what they're doing???

I grew up with out the internet and sleazy TV so all I had were books and mortifying medical pamphlets to teach me. It was years before I could see the word penis without cracking up. I still laugh. But this book, Forever, taught me a lot. It was THE racy novel of our time (Thank you Judy!). Talking to my cousins made me think about this book again so I re-read it. And it's so different to me now. I can see beyond the (minimal) sex scenes and appreciate the message. Which is all about taking your time. Standing your ground in spite of pressure. Talking to your parents about sex. Getting educated on birth control… the whole deal. And still being cool and sought after.

It's one of the most responsible books I have ever read. And yet it was vilified because it was about a girl and her (super sweet) boyfriend exploring sex. But it's very pro-female. It's empowering.

With a new school year kicking off you will most likely find yourself surrounded by drooling males. If that's the case and you don't feel as rock solid as Francesca and Kaylee…pick up a copy of Forever (check with your parents first). The sex scenes (minimal) might make you giggle. But the message will make you think. And when it comes to sex, we have to do all the thinking. Because the males, well…

TTYW

Lisi

XXXX

* No disrespect to Forever 21. It's still in as far as I'm concerned. Massie is entitled to her own opinions.

VMA (Video Music Attire)

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I went. I wore. I conquered.

Here is a photo of me in the bathroom (elegant, I know) wearing a 12 year old dress (held together by a safety pin and an old leather shoe string- see the front tie? I'm not kidding. It was a DIY success story) a vintage coat (thanks mom!), and my new AH-MAZING peep toe booties.

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Yes, I cut off my own head because it was a bad picture of me. Sorry, but you girls and your internet collage boards freak me out. I don't want a whacked out picture of me floating around. So observe the outfit. And be proud of me for not shelling out the cash for a new dress I would only wear once. And then move on. Insert your own head if you want. Or the head of a donkey because I feel like a vain ass for cropping but I'd look like an distorted ass if I left it so…

He's a shot of me kiss-thanking Roo for being my date.

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She ended up asking me to pick up a pair of the same booties for her and I did. So if you have the ability to add a head (see above headless photo) maybe you can rotate this picture and have her kiss-thank me

I wish I had a million insider scoop stories about my night at the VMAs but…well, actually I do but my stories aren't about the celebs. They are about the people I used to work with at MTV and you wouldn't find those very interesting. I, on the other hand, happen to adore those people and had a blast reconnecting with them. It was like a 3-D Facebook extravaganza. And an opportunity to workshop my latest wardrobe discovery. Footwear is queen.

Tune into recap shows for the latest on this year's greatest and then go buy yourself a kick-butt pair of back to school boots. They will make last year's skinny's look like next year's inny's.

Sorry if that doesn't make sense. I clearly have to get back to writing/thinking. All of this sun and fun are dulling the ol' brain cells. Five days left…

Have a great long weekend. And rock your walk back into class. Boots or no boots confidence and a smile will turn heads. Pinky swear.

TTYW, Lisi

XXXXX

IF THE ROO FITS…

I hate to rush this one but I have to meet my new assistant Hallie at Laguna Coffee Company at 3:30 (8 minutes). If I'm late she'll buy my latte and that makes me feel bad so I have to beat her. If you're in Laguna stop by and say hi. We'll be there chatting about my new series for about an hour and a half.

That's right. I finally have an assistant. She's going to help me with research, putting together focus groups, sorting fan mail, and hiring an intern. Having help was one of the many revelations I've had during my month of "air." The other major one was fashion related. Natch.

You see, I am going to the MTV VMAs on Sunday with one of my best friends from New York- Cheryl. I call her Roo (long story). Anyway, I met Roo at the MTV offices in NYC. We shared an office and became buddies before lunch time. She was, however, fashionable challenged. Not that I cared. She was smart, funny, adorable, and a blast to go out with. Anyway, the point is, she sort of saw me as her fashion advisor. A role I didn't ask for but embraced, as you can imagine. I remember spending a weekend laying on her bed advising her what to toss and what to keep from her closet. Most of it went.

She spent the next fifteen years filling it back up again. And we're talking some high end stuff. (As the years passed Roo became a very successful TV producer. She has done a ton of True Life episodes and even started her own company. She can afford it.)

I, on the other hand, work alone in a beach town. I love flare jeans and flip-flops. If I'm tanned I don't wear makeup and I usually leave the house with wet hair. A far cry from the old days.

So Roo is freaking out because she thinks I'm going to accompany her to the VMAs wearing UGGs. Why? Because I told her I would be wearing a dress over jeans to the event. She freaked again and begged me to shop.

Feeling the pressure I took to the mall yesterday and thumbed through hundreds of dresses.  Maybe thousands.

I bought boots.

Fabulous peep-toe ankle boots the color of a sun-kissed camel. I brought those suckers home and tried them with my old dresses. Every one of them looked new again.  The search was over. I was sold. Boots last. Dresses are a one off. Boots are the new dress.

I couldn't wait to rub this one in Roo's face. To tell her I was above dress collecting. To tell her I was confident enough to repeat outfits. To tell her just because I didn't shop all the time I still had style. So much style I could turn boots into an incredible outfit.

So I did.

And you know what she said? "Funny, I just did the same thing."

Man, I'm a good teacher.

I'll give you plenty of scoop from the VMAs and hopefully post a picture or two of the boots.

SHOUT OUT TO ROO. See you Sunday!

Lisi

XXXXXXX

Regret or Forget? That is the question…

As you know August is my month of "air".  Meaning I am taking time off from writing to breathe. To let my thoughts breathe. To let my office breathe. I am back to work when you guys go back to school but in the meantime I have been flexing creativity into a beefy mental bicep.

Last week it was the Bucket List. (SHOUT OUT: JULZ for posting her awesome list and for doing mine!) This week it's the Shovel List. A list of five things from my past that I would like to scoop up with a shovel and toss off this spinning planet. These are things I would like to forget. Not things I regret.

I let my high school boyfriend walk all over me. But I don't regret that. The emotional hell he put me through fueled my writing. I know what heartbreak is. I know what love is. I know what longing is. I know what lust is. I know what jealousy is. I know what anger is. I know what it feels like to finally get over someone.

I got a perm in the ninth grade and dyed it red. But I don't regret it. I know what it feels like to look like Ronald McDonald.

I got arrested for shoplifting Bonne Bell lip gloss from a drug store when I was 14. But I don't regret it. I know what it feels like to be terrified. I know what it feels like to disappoint my parents. I know what it feels like to never want to get arrested again.

These are life expereinces. Most of mine were great. Many were embarrassing. Some were horrifying. All of them are keepers. These contribute to my work and my character. These help me create and connect.

The shovel list, howevs, are the things that did nothing for me whatsoever. They are my junk food experiences. The ones with no nutritional value. They messed me up for no good reason.

LISI'S TMI SHOVEL LIST

1. I smoked cigarettes for 15 years. Quitting was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was a five-year marathon of non-stop willpower.  I gained 15 pounds in the process. I had to work hard to lose it. What do I have to show for it? Permanent wrinkles above my lips and lungs that hate me.

2. I skipped a lot of school. And not to go on wild adventures or read poetry by the river. I wish. I skipped school but didn't go anywhere. I just hung around outside and smoked cigarettes. I couldn't sit still in class. I couldn't absorb the lessons. I probably had ADD and didn't know it. Granted, school is one system and not every child thrives in that system. But Still. I wish I had tried. I always wonder what I would be like now if I had been a good student. Smarter, that's for sure.

3. I spent too much time after school with my boyfriend. I wasn't an athlete. I wasn't an activist. I wasn't a musician. I gave HIM all of my free time. Worst investment ever.

4. I went to McGill University in Montreal because I got in and I couldn't believe it. I also went because my best friends were going. I had no desire to go there. It was a massive university that didn't have a writing program. I was a film major because film was the closest thing to something creative I could find. But it was all theory and soulless lectures. It wasn't for me. Instead of taking time off to explore my options and honor my passions I went because it was the easy and impressive thing to do. I got nothing out of it but  more skipped classes and social drama. Not even the kind that makes good art. More like the kind you block out because it was so dark and pointless. I eventually transferred to Emerson College in Boston and suddenly the lights in my brain switched on. Um, nineteen years later.

5. When the going got tough, the tough grabbed dull scissors and cut her bangs. I couldn't stop. It went on for ten years. If I was stressed or restless I would snip. Right after I heard my grandfather (loved him madly) died I cut my bangs. Not a dusting. A mow. Short and stubby. Bad conversation with my crush? Snip. Overwhelmed at school? Snip. Grounded for a week? Suh-NIP! It didn't enhance my art. Just my photo album of mortifying pictures. It wasn't inspiring. Just ugly.

So that's my list. TMI? Perhaps. I know better than to expect you guys to fess up with lists of your own. Or maybe you have to be older to make one. To have years and years to choose from like I do. Whatever the case may be, whenever you're trying to make a difficult decision ask yourself it belongs on a bucket list (will make your life richer) or a shovel list (will fill you with empty regret). And then…

SHOUT OUT: Talia for sticking with me since the beginning and for being such a great friend to the "girlies"

TTYW,

Lisi

xxxxxx

KICK (START) THE BUCKET

The stock market may be down this week (way down) but we, my friends, have taken flight! 1526 comments as of post time!!! I mean that is quite an improvement since last week. Thanks to all of you who spread the word. If anything it proved that you guys are loyal. And because of that, and a massive creative breakthrough, I have decided to make that adult series I was talking about for you instead. I can't spill the details yet. My agent is working out the details. I promise I will fill you in as soon as I can.

Rethinking my idea got me thinking. It's funny how new things come to us when we take the time to look at things differently. Our world opens up. We feel inspired and excited again. At least I do. Nothing sparks my creativity more than change. And since I am taking this month off to fuel my imagination I came up with a mini bucket list to help jump-start the process.

A bucket list, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, is a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket" (read: die). My list, howevs, was a little different. It only had five things on it, and I gave myself one week to do it. Last Blah-G Day to this Blah-g Day. Here's what was on it and here's what I did:

1.  Do something cultural. Do it alone so you actually focus.

2.  Challenge your body.

3.  Make extended eye contact with a cute boy. Even if it starts to feel creepy hold the stare.

4.  Contact someone you really like but haven't spoken to in forevs.

5.  Do something selfless and kind of annoying.

So that was my list. I had so much fun doing it I am going to do one every week. I had a bunch of new experiences as a result. And any writer knows experiences equal sharp details. You don't have to be a writer to benefit from this. Just a human looking to get the most out of your life. Here is what I did.

1.  Do something cultural. Do it alone so you actually focus.

I had a meeting in LA on Friday. I drove up three hours early and went to the Museum of Contemporary Art and saw the most killer exhibit on street art and graffiti.

2.  Challenge your body.

I swam laps. I never do that. I made it to 40. I've had indents in my eyes from the goggles for the last three hours. As long as I don't look in the mirror I feel fabulous.

3.  Make extended eye contact with a cute boy. Even if it starts to feel creepy hold the stare.

There was a really cute plumber at my house yesterday putting in a new toilet. Doesn't sound hot but trust me he was ah-dorable. He was telling me about some calking (pronounced: cocking. Yes, I know, hard not to laugh) and I glared deep into his blue eyes. Normally I would have stared at my wedges because he's cute and that makes me all awkward. But I held it the whole time he calk-talked. It felt like not being able to breathe but I managed. Man, how do those seductresses do it?

4.  Contact someone you really like but haven't spoken to in forevs.

I called my cousin Michy when I was driving to LA. She was my closest friend when we were growing up. She still lives in Toronto and sadly, we kind of lost touch. We had the best chat while I was stuck in traffic on the 405 North. We cracked each other up and hung up with smiles on our faces. Totally worth the roaming charges.

5.  Do something selfless and kind of annoying.

I picked up a stranger's trash on the beach last Sunday. Tons of ketchup stained burger wrappers and crushed soda cans. It was annoying because I got a stranger's ketchup on my wrist. Then, as if that wasn't enough, I removed a floating Band Aid from the pool I swam in. I almost barfed doing it. I hate floating stranger Band-Aids almost as much as I hate wet mounds of toilet paper in public bathrooms. But I said it had to be annoying so I have myself to blame.

I'd love to see your lists so post them, will ya? If I pick something off your list and add it to mine I'll give you a big old shout out.

In the mean time SHOUT OUT to all 1526 of you. Thanks for investing in me.

TTYW

XXXX Lisi

FULL DISS-CLOSURE

Heyyyyy,

I was all geared up to move past the low attendance thing. I promised myself I would not look at the number of comments this week (as of post time 107). And I vowed that if my eyeballs slipped and I saw the number (108 as of this second because I just approved someone new) that I would rise above it and not care. And I don't. Truly. Some weeks you're up and some you're down. It's only a number, right? Right! Still, I'm staring off into the distance…

You see, it's not the amount of comments (Still 108) that concern me, it's the content. Take Arianna's for example:

LISI!!!!!!

Can you please tell us if you're writing another series or not? The blah-g died after that first post of the year and The Clique ending. If you want your comments to rise again from the ashes then give us something to read an love like th Clique did. Monster High is great, but embracing my freaky only gets me scolded and shunned at school. I rather be myself and fit in than be myself and stand out. For me, the Clique had a better message and it was SO much more relatable. It also seemed more real because it came from YOU! Not a toy company. Yes, I realize you have creative freedom with the books, and they are good, but it doesn't feel the same when I read them. I felt closer to you with the Clique, and with Monster High I feel closer to nothing. I haven't learned any life lessons from Monster High, and maybe that's also because I've grown up, but shouldn't that make it where you would want to write something for your readers that have been with you since the beginning? 7 years, Lisi. That's how long I've been with you. Most o these girls were in kindergarten whenever I started reading your books. Couldn't you write a series dealing with the problems your original fans are dealing with? I feel forgotten Lisi because your books deal with tween problems, not teenager ones. I realize I haven't been the nicest person these past few weeks, but I've been forgotten and ignored and I can't stand that.

Please Lisi, write a another series for your original fans, not your new ones. I'll finish reading Monster High just because I love you and your writin that much, but I can't promise you I'll read another tween series. We grew up, I hoped you'd grow with us.

LLAP

Arianna

First, thank you for being constructive and for sharing your thoughts. I'm not in the habit of changing my agenda to suit others. But at the same time I don't want to stop connecting with you guys so I take these comments seriously. That said, I am giving you full disclosure on my plan, or what I thought it would be. Now I'm not so sure.

The whole idea was for me to take the summer off and recharge. 29 books in 8 years. I mean, who does that? Then I was going to start developing an adult series in the fall. But after reading your comments I can't help wondering if, with a few minor tweaks, my adult series could just as easily be a teen series. It would be way more risque than the Clique. And I'm not sure I want to go there with you guys. Then again, why shouldn't I? Ugh…I dunno.

These are the things I am contemplating on my break. Not very break-y is it?

Two years ago I got a spa gift certificate and just had time to cash in yesterday. I spent a glorious day alone, sitting by a pool reading Writer's Digest with a highlighter and making notes. Again, not very break-y. But I truly love what I do and realized it's not a break I'm looking for, just some air. A little space between projects so I have time to consider comment's like Arianna's and explore the possibilities. The goal being to make the right decision. Not the quick one. So that's what I'm going to do. I am going to explore my idea as a teen series. Then an adult series. Then I will come up with a bunch of other ideas-some good, most bad. I will announce the new project in the fall. In the mean time will you guys post topics you like to read about. Especially you Arianna. Help me help you. And together, with a little sunshine and air, we will grow something ah-mazing. Pinky Swear.

I'll keep you posted and you keep posting. Deal?

SHOUT OUT: To me and my life crush Kevy. It's our nine year anniversary today.

TTYW,

Lisi

I ART U

Happy Wednesday my faithful friends. How have you been??? I've been reading your comments and yes, I know attendance was down last week. I have a few theories.

1) As Massie would say, computer screens are out. Sunscreens are in. It's time to be outside. I get it.

2) I was away for three weeks and then late last week. I guess I'm paying for that.

3) Everyone is reading Monster High.

We may never know. But I ah-ppreciate you looking out for me (Alica!).

I was at Comic Con last week in San Diego, CA where Mattel unveiled the new Ghoulia Doll. It was a special NecroCon addition (the Ghoul's version of Comic Con). It came complete with a comic book, tote bag, and fab clothes. But the best part was the amazing turnout. I got to meet so many fans and see a ton of ah-mazing costumes. Click on the OF U section in my navigation bar and check out some of the pics. This girl, Bebe Le was also at my Huntington Beach signing a few months ago. I love me a repete customer. She had real fangs!

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This is what the OC Register had to say:

3:25 p.m. Friday : Lisi Harrison arrives at Comic-Con with her hair streaked pink and glitter on her cheeks. You know authors — they go a little nuts when you let them out of their lonely caves.

But that's not entirely fair to Harrison, the Laguna Beach author of such mega-successful young-adult series as "The Clique," Alphas," and now "Monster High," the series that brought her to the Mattel booth on Friday. We barely know her but she seems like the kind of fun-loving woman who might actually sit down to write in pink hair and glitter.

"I think this is a really good opportunity for character fans to take their inner freaks for a walk," Harrison says of the appeal of Comic-Con to its devotees. She mentions seeing on young woman dressed up as Draculaura , one of the Monster High characters, here as well as at a book signing earlier this year in Huntington Beach.

"She's like my first Trekkie!" Harrison says, laughing at the thought.

At the Comic-Con signing, Harrison is joined by several Mattel designers who worked on the "Monster High" toys and website and animation, components that extend the world of the books she writes well beyond the final pages. As young girl fans reach the table, Harrison speaks with them, poses for a photo, and signs books or doll packages for them.

Now let's move on to the ART of the matter. Several weeks ago I challenged your inner artist to bring a scene or character from a Monster High book to life. Not in a Viktor Stein sort of way, more in a Lichtenstein sort of way. (see Roy Lichtenstein in Wikipedia if you haven't heard of him.)  And accept that challenge she did. And here are the top 12:

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Heather Purvis




Rebecca Lamhut




Jarde' Dennis




Stasia Higgins




Bonnie Cessna




Ogeyi Ukpo




Lisa Lamhut




Tess Young




Neisha Brynn Lockwood




Michelle Nguyen




Alexa Coolkitty Lowery




Lindsay Willson

Click on FROM U in my navigation bar to see their unbelievable masterpie! (Plural for masterpiece? Should be.)  Then click on each photo to see the scene they have interpreted (If you cant figure it out).

Certain criteria were taken into consideration while selecting the top finalists: artistic talent, knowledge of the book, and the number of times they entered.

To claim your prizes, go to monsterhighlisi@gmail.com Identify yourself in the body of the email with your Facebook username, name, date of birth, email, phone number and mailing address. If you are under 18, you will need a parent/guardian to verify their information via email as well.

Nice going ghouls!

SHOUT OUT TO: LISI HARRISON!!!! (It's my birthday on Friday- July 29th.) Webmaster JJ has a whole surprise day planned for us. I'll post pictures if they aren't too scandalous

TTYW,

LISI

XXXX

Back and Dumber Than Ever

Massie: Hey Lisi are you a slack mail-carrier?

Lisi: No, why?

Massie: Then what's with the late post?

(OMG that's not even funny. I've got total beach brain.)

It's not midnight yet, which means technically, I am not late. But if I'm being totally honest I'll admit It's taking longer than usual to get my motor running. I guess that's the price one pays for spending three weeks straight on a beach. The brain is still salty and weighted with barnacles. I've been back in Laguna since Monday and just realized the fig leaf I have been rocking is not appropriate for city living. And I need not spear fish for protein. There are sushi bars for that.

How quickly one forgets.

Speaking of Comicon, (I know we weren't but I'm too brain dead to come up with a good segue) I have missed our weekly banter and would love to see you guys before my tan fades. So please. Go to Comicon in San Diego this Friday. I will be there from 3:30-4:30 signing books, Nooks, Kindles, iThings, and arms. You bring it and I'll sign it. Pinky swear. If you can't make it I will do my best to post pics next week of the freak flag flying fans who attend the annual comic book convention. Everyone is in costume paying homage to their favorite characters–or are they taking their alter egos out for a stroll? Whatever their motivation it's a blast. Try to be there if you can.

Speaking of refreshing websites (I know we weren't but I told you, it's the salty-barnacle brain.) have you noticed the changes I* made to LisiHarrison.com? If not, click on each heading in the navigation bar and hit "reload". I* added an FAQ section, a 4 U/From U/ Of U section, more wallpaper and icons and pics. As the weeks go on I* will be adding more content so please keep reloading and refreshing.

* (by I, I mean Webmaster JJ, she did all of the webby stuff. She was up until 3:00 am last night working on it. Shout out to webmaster JJ)

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And speaking of Formspring (salty-barnacle segue)–remember before I left? You guys asked me questions via the Formspring widget? Well, as promised, here are my answers. If you have any other questions please post them in 'leave a reply' and I will answer them in the FAQ section.

1. When will your 3rd book of Monster High be out?

A: The third Monster High will be out on September 20th, 2011. It's called, Where There's A Wolf There's A Way. Big things happen for the RADs in this one. Along with Frankie and Melody, you also get to know Clawdeen Wolf better.

2. Which character in the Monster High series are you most like?

A: Frankie. She has this innocence about her that I definitely had when I was growing up. She thought her green skin was voltage (which it is) and didn't realize it's something to be ashamed of (which it's not) until society made her feel that way (evil society). I remember when I was in 7th grade I got a retainer. You know those geeky wires that come around the side of your face and then attach to the back of your braces? Well, I thought it was the coolest thing so I wore it to school even though it was only for night time. Everyone made fun of me. It was a major Frankie moment. Also she has a strong sense of what's right and wrong and doesn't give in just because people tell her to. I'm like that. I never follow if I don't believe in what I'm doing. Even if it means I'm not part of the cool crowd. I believe no matter what I'm doing it's the thing to do. Frankie is like that.

3. What was the hardest part about writing Monster High?

A: The deadlines. I've had to write 4 books in 19 months. It's been really challenging. Other than that it's been incredibly fun.

4. Is Melody a siren?

A: Um, do you honestly think I'm going to tell you that?

5. Hey Lisi! What inspired you to write the series? I know, for the Clique, it was your job at MTV, but what about this one?

A: The monster genre was becoming so popular, but all of the books felt so similar in tone. I wanted to write the kind of monster book Clique fans would like. The kind I would read. Ghouls for Glams. I wanted humor, pop culture, and sass. Dark and brooding is not my thing.

6. Hi my name is Holly and I'm from Australia. I love to read books especially your Monster High series I am counting down till the next one comes out. I have been inspired by authors like you to write my own book. Any advice?

A: Hey, mate. Write the kind of book you'd like to read. Forget about what's popular at the time or what feels like literature. Just do your thing. Own it. It's not your story that people will love, it's your characters, their personalities, and your voice. So you have to be you in an unapologetic way. Trends change. Good writing is good writing. G'day.

7. How do you find your voice?

A: JOURNAL! Use a pen and paper, not a computer. And write freely. Forget about spelling and grammar. This is not a test. It's about hearing what you sound like. Don't let anyone read your journal ever. If you do, you will be inhibited. And that's no fun. Also read. Again, don't read what you think you should read. Read what you want to read. The idea is to love this.

8. What is one thing you want your readers to "get" from the books? Message? Theme?

A: The Clique was about fitting in. Monster High is about standing out. Letting your freak flag fly. Embracing our differences instead of trying to cover them up. And appreciating the differences in others without judging. If we we're all the same this would be one boring, unproductive world.

For more check out my profile at http://www.formspring.me/LisiHarrison.

I will spend the next few days working on my segues and hope to be sodium-barnacle free by next week.

TTYWOAC (Talk To You Wednesday Or At Comicon)

Lisi

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