1. Story Masters – This week, the YA Muses are talking about the Story Masters workshop that we attended in Houston, TX.

1. PW Galley Talk - This review completely made my day. Completely.

2. Story Masters! I wrote up a short thing over at YA Muses. It was epic. Highlight for me: I got to sign one of my ARCs to Chris Vogler, whom I’m a huge fan of. Chris Vogler, whose teachings I use to write the book I signed to him. omg it was awesome. I might have teared up.

I was in Oakland yesterday for NCIBA. I got to spend time with Talia Vance and Katy Longshore, my fellow Muses, and I came home with a bag full of ARCs of books I’m so excited about! Here are a few:

A MILLION SUNS by Beth Revis
PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver
SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Steifvater
FRACTURE by Megan Miranda

Once I’ve read them, I plan to do some giveaways to spread the wealth so stay tuned! UNDER THE NEVER SKY was at the HarperCollins booth; it was amazing to see that.

The best part of NCIBA, however, was meeting Northern California book bloggers, who are some of the nicest people, and who are so passionate about books. Loved meeting them, and only wish I could have spent more time with them.

1. Video – I put together a little video of my writing process. Check it out — you’ll see how closely I work with my assistants.

2. We’re talking about writing inspirations over at the YA Muses Blog. A great week of posts so far, be sure to stop by!

3. Take a look at my dear friend’s cover for her YA historical, GILT. Absolutely gorgeous, right? This novel is so lush and fabulous. I can’t wait for you all to read it next May!

4. Bookanistas! Lots of great recommendations today:

1. Comic Con – Friday, I had the privilege of being at Comic Con in New York. The day started with a panel at 10:45 – Zombies, Fallen Angels and Other Paranormals Give New Meaning to Undying Love. This was my first panel and I had a blast. 

Tahereh Mafi, author of the upcoming SHATTER ME, was among my fellow panelists. Many of you may know her from her blog or twitter, but I wish you could meet her in person. She’s kind, stylish and so well-spoken. I was already inclined to like her, because I adored SHATTER ME. Now I’m thoroughly fangirl for her.

After the panel, Tahereh and I signed ARCs at the HarperCollins booth. Another first for me, and also a blast. It’s truly amazing to see UNDER THE NEVER SKY make its way out into the world. Thank you to those who came by to pick up a copy.

2. Sneak Peak of UNDER THE NEVER SKY – Check out the Facebook fan page for a glimpse of an early chapter!

3. Cover News – Finally, I’m thrilled to share an updated version of the UNDER THE NEVER SKY cover.

You’ll see the differences are subtle, with the addition of a new color and the streamlining of the font. I love it. I still can’t believe it’s my cover. I hope you love it, too.

Things:

1. A sad day for all, with Steve Jobs’ passing yesterday. I have mad love for my Apple products, and massive respect for his contributions and his genius. I vote for this as a new permanent logo:

2. I turned in the final FINAL copy for UNDER THE NEVER SKY yesterday. Yikes. Also. YAY.

3. Fun news coming up with respect to the COVER. Whoa. What could it be? Stay tuned.

4. My buddy, Jackie Garlick Pynaert, is guest blogging over at the Muses today. She has reviewed THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern, a book I’m dying to read. Stop on over and make Jackie feel welcome if you have a chance.

5. I was in New York earlier this week meeting with my agent, editor and the marketing folks at Harper Collins. It was awesome. It’s amazing to me how many people work behind the scenes, and I feel very lucky to have met some of them. I love my team. I have a gazillion pictures and much to share, but I’m under the deadline gun, so stay tuned for the lowdown next week.

6. It’s Thursday! That means Bookanista book recommendations:

And… back to work!

1. Check out Banned Book Week on the YA Muses blog this week!

2. I’m going to be speaking at the CWC meeting October 8th. If you’re local, I hope to see you there!

3. Book recommendations from the Bookanistas!

Elana Johnson interviews Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise
LiLa Roecker discusses S R Johannes’ e-book experiment
Christine Fonseca  is wowed by The White Assassin – with giveaway
Shannon Whitney Messenger loves Lola & the Boy Next Door – with giveaway
Beth Revis delights in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer – with giveaway
Shelli Johannes-Wells falls for Fracture
Carolina Valdez Miller adores Ashfall – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby marvels at The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Shana Silver steps up to Audition
Corrine Jackson is crazy about Cracked
Stasia Ward Kehoe swoons for Swan and To Dance

1. Harper Collins is giving away TEN copies of UNDER THE NEVER SKY. Check it out!

2. Paul Rudd is awesome. (This is only one of many reasons.) Who else has managed to hang onto an AOL email account? Raise your hands. Let’s not live in shame any longer!

Paul Rudd in US Weekly

3. DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor releases tomorrow. Go. Buy. It.

That is all.

1. Guys. Guess who gets to be on a panel at Comic Con in NYC?

By far one of the coolest things to ever happen to me. I guess I should wait until after I go before I say that? Nope. Don’t need to wait. Mark Hamill is going to be there. Jason Mamoa. Kim Harrison. Brandon Sanderson. Tahereh Mafi, whose SHATTER ME just shattered me, really… gah!!! I’m. So. Pumped!!!

2. Have you seen the book trailer for THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER? Amazing! That’s how you do a book trailer. Congratulations to Michelle Hodkin, who is a great person & class act. I can’t wait to read MARA next week!

3. Quotable Friday. This week, my husband’s words from a few days ago. Spoken in one of many recent pep talks given to encourage me through the pressure of deadlines for one book, marketing demands for another. I thought this was quite smart (but don’t tell him I said that.)

You can’t teach experience.

Some things you have to just slog through and figure out on the fly. And there’s a certain release in that. I don’t know how to handle much of what doing. Learning as I go. Bungling about a little, but I’ll figure it out. And so will you. Here’s to learning as we go, everyone.

4. Finally, for no particular reason, I give you Ivan.

I spent the past weekend with Talia Vance, Donna Cooner, Katy Longshore and Bret Ballou, my blogging partners at YA Muses. We secluded ourselves near Estes National Park and spent the days writing, relaxing, critiquing and laughing.

A few thoughts I had over the weekend:

• Nothing is as inspiring as being surrounded by talent.
• Nothing is more grounding than a group of friends.
• Nothing is as good for the soul as laughter.
• Critique sessions are better with a fire and s’mores.
• Elk are gorgeous but they make funny sounds.
• I need to see more of Colorado.

I’ll dig in a little deeper over at the YA Muses on Thursday, but for now here are a few pictures.

YA Muses in front of Bear Lake

Big Fella, the Elk bull with the mostest

The walk to Bear Lake. Gorgeous.