*dramatic pause*

At any given moment, I’ve been alternating between a zen-like attitude and panic. This is the moment of letting go, after two and a half years of brainstorming, researching, writing, revising, revising, revising. Of hoping that it’s good enough and that it entertains and moves people–hopefully many people. I know it will fall short of some reader’s expectations. Not every book hits the right notes with me, either, and that’s okay. We all have our preferences. But I do hope that the majority of those who pick up NEVER SKY find their time with the story time well-spent.

Who am I kidding? I hope they love it.

One thing I’m sure about: I love that book. It’s not perfect, but I do love it. And it’s ready for you, World.

Now, onto super fun things:

BLOG TOUR OF AWESOME — The Teen Book Scene is hosting a blog tour for yours truly. I had so much fun with this crew–thanks for having me! Please stop over and visit their blogs. And mega-thanks to Kari, for putting everything together!

BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION — Over at the YA Muses, next week is UNDER THE NEVER SKY launch week. Come by for prizes and much merriment! Details here.

FIRST RECORDED SIGHTING IN THE WILD — Check this out… I know that book. I know it really, really well. Excuse me while I pass out for a moment.

Here’s one I took recently on my trip to New York. You really have to work to see the sky in Manhattan, but it’s so worth it when you see all the gorgeous architecture against the big blue.

Update:  My mom and dad are in the countryside outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil right now, visiting family. I haven’t seen them in weeks and weeks. I just emailed my dad asking him to contribute a photo to the Facebook page. He sent this:

And you know what? It’s amazing to see what he’s seeing. And even more amazing to think that it’s the same sky, way over in Brazil. And that he was looking at it and thinking of me, and I now I’m looking at my sky thinking of him. Anyway. Very cool.

So how about it? Where are you? What does your sky look like? Would love to see it!

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.

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.

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.