Melissa C. Walker's Blog, page 62

Win-It Wednesday: Trickster's Choice + Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce

Okay, so these two books are epically awesome, and tonight on readergirlz, we'll be chatting LIVE! with Tamora Pierce from 9pm-10pm EST (that's 6pm Pacific). You can learn all about the books and the legendary TP on readergirlz, too. [image error] Here's how you can win:1. To enter for Trickster's Choice, just leave a comment below and tell me what book you most want for the holidays. (Post your wishlist on Raschel's contest too--still going on!).2. To enter for Trickster's Queen, you've got to show up at t...

My Reading in Color Holiday Book Exchange Gift!

[image error] I signed up for Ari's Reading in Color Holiday Book Exchange, and I just got my gift from the lovely Kelsey (The Book Scout). It's a copy of Debbie Rigaud's PERFECT SHOT (for which I just posted the Cover Story earlier this month!). Ari's site is fantastic because it explores diversity in YA books, and she writes great reviews (check out her holiday gift guide).

Thanks, Kelsey and Ari. I love book exchanges, and I can't wait to read this one!

Cover Stories: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I have two amazing authors here today, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Since they're both talking, I'm going to Q&A this Cover Story. Their book is the very-buzzed-about Beautiful Creatures . I haven't read it yet, but I can't wait!Here's the story behind that gorgeous cover: [image error] MW: Did you have an idea in mind for your cover as you were proposing/writing the book?
Margie: We did. My sister-in-law, who is a graphic designer, even mocked it up. It was a black and white image of an enormous moon, w...

Why a Book?

[image error] Love this indiebound campaign that Nicole pointed out to me. It's true, right? And some great paperbacks cost as little as $6 NEW! *cough* Lovestruck Summer *cough*I said this in my newsletter, but I'll repeat it here: If you're buying any of my books as gifts this holiday season, email me your address and I'll send you a signed bookplate--dedicated to whomever you wish, even yourself--in the mail. Signed books are extra special. I have a whole shelf of them that I completely treasure!Happy S...

Photo Friday: LA

A quick trip to LA where I forgot to take pictures with my other fabulous friends Kara, Katherine, Shay, Taffy and the famous Alexa Young (you guys know her, right?). Anyway, I had fun. And here are some shots I did get, with the boys (and the blowfish):The blowfish over the table at the oldest restaurant in Santa Monica... [image error] Charles on the flying trapeze. He's getting really good! (I didn't do it... scaredy cat.) [image error] Dave overseeing Rod's name-writing on the (cold, windy) Malibu beach. But hey, Bea...

Win-It Wednesday: Hotel Hiatus

I loved hearing about the time periods you like to read about--so fun! Now, at random, the winner of Sarah MacLean's fabulous The Season is... Beth! Send me your address, B. [image error] I am traveling this week (in cold but sunny LA!). I just had breakfast with the awesome producer who is working hard on Violet-for-TV (fingers crossed 1,000x). There's a farmer's market outside my hotel where I got strawberries and chocolate milk to snack on as I finish up my draft of Small Town Sinners. (See messy hotel r...

Cover Stories: What I Wore to Save the World by Maryrose Wood

[image error] The lovely Maryrose Wood is here to share the stories behind the beyond-amazing covers of her Morgan series (you guys must have read/seen these magical books, yes?). The third title, WHAT I WORE TO SAVE THE WORLD, was just released, so now seems the perfect time for Maryrose's Cover Story. Here goes:"I didn't have an idea for the cover. I love the visual arts and find them a great source of inspiration and creative rejuvenation (perhaps because they force my hyper-verbal brain to think on the...

Photo Friday: Flea Market Find

My friend Marie found this photo at a flea market and decided this woman had to be a long-lost relative of mine.

[image error]

I love her! And I'm flattered, mostly because she looks like a really happy person, and I'm glad Marie sees me that way too. Also because I love her style.

I also adore old photos--my family, other families, anyone really! Aren't those sepia tones cool?

Happy Friday!

Bonus Cover Stories: Perfect Shot by Debbie Rigaud

Debbie Rigaud is part of the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, and she's also the proud author of a new Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy, Perfect Shot. It's about a volleyball star who enters an online modeling competition to get closer to her crush. Soon, this tomboy finds herself off the volleyball court and the middle of the fashion world... and she wants to win. I like this plot (surprise)--lots of models actually did play volleyball at some point because it's a tall girl's game!Here's Debbie: [image error] "The S...

Win-It Wednesday: The Season by Sarah MacLean

Last week's thankful-for-coffee winner of The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas is... Jamie! Send me your address, J. [image error] This week, I'm giving away a copy of Sarah MacLean's The Season. Some of you may have read this one already, but if you haven't, you should know that it's a treat! Think the London Season (i.e. social debut time) in Regency England, three whip-smart girls who are BFFs, dashing suitors and a murder. Love, mystery, friendship, witty banter... what more is there in life?...