Saturday, July 30, 2011

State of the ARC

This week has been amazing. Thank you so much to all the amazing people who've come to my signings and to those of you who I haven't been able to see in person but having been flooding my inbox, Facebook, and twitter with wonderful messages. Your support of Nightshade means more to me than I could ever express!

Now that Wolfsbane is out I'm already getting questions about Bloodrose.

If you've finished Wolfsbane you can read Chapter 1 of Bloodrose here. (Spoilers! Don't read it before Wolfsbane)

Bloodrose is the final book of the trilogy and will be published in February 21, 2012.

In the life of a book, it's common for publishers to release Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) or galleys prior to the book's publication in order to give reviewers a sense of what's coming. In the case of Bloodrose we seriously considered not creating ARCs because the final book of the Nightshade series is so loaded with spoilers we wanted to be sure none of them were leaked before February 21.

After much thought it was decided that a limited number of ARCs would be created because booksellers need to know what's in the book before they order it and hand sell it to their customers.

What this all boils down to is that there will be some ARCs out in the world, but not many. We've asked anyone who receives an advanced copy to keep its contents secret. It's so important that the story isn't spoiled. So if you see a tweet or a review (that won't actually give you much information about the book) it's because we've asked everyone to keep this story quiet. It also means that I don't have ARCs to distribute and I won't be giving any away in the lead up to Bloodrose's publication date. I hope when you read Bloodrose in February you'll think it was worth the wait :)

Friday, July 29, 2011

There, and Back Again


Tonight's the night. After a fabulous release day party in San Diego I'm so excited to party with my hometown friends in St. Paul!

If you're in Minnesota I'd love to see you tonight at the Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue. The party starts at 7 p.m.

Happy Friday!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Under the Cut

I will be posting an epic Comic Con recap but today is Wolfsbane Eve. That's right Wolfsbane is officially in stores tomorrow!

As promised I'm posting a deleted scene from Nightshade to celebrate the occasion. This scene takes place as the Calla's and her pack are on their way to see Nev play at the Burnout.

“Aren’t you overdressed?” I turned around and looked Bryn up and down after I slid into the passenger seat of Mason’s Land Rover.

She smoothed her suede skirt and shook her bronze ringlets. “Just because we’re hanging out at this hole in the ground doesn’t mean I have to lower my standards.”

She winked at me. “Besides Ansel likes it.”

My brother was pretending not to notice the low cut of Bryn’s silk top, and failing miserably.

“Right.” I looked at Mason. “Don’t you think as the alpha I deserve more respect from my beta. She’s openly seducing my little brother.”

“I’m not getting involved,” Mason said and put the car into gear.

I turned back to Bryn. “I’m just glad my mother didn’t see you. I spent half an hour explaining why I couldn’t wear a skirt tonight.”

“Not everyone thinks tattered shirts and jeans are the height of fashion,” Bryn replied.

“They aren’t tattered, they’re vintage,” I said.

“Whatever makes you feel good about it, honey,” she said. “I’m right, Mason. Aren’t I?”

He glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Don’t ask me. I take the fifth. Why is everyone trying to get me in trouble tonight?”

“I’m not,” Ansel piped without looking up.

“And that’s why you’re my best friend,” Mason grinned at him.

“Where’s Fey?” I’d expected to find her in the car with Bryn.

Mason’s jaw tightened. “I offered to pick her up, but she got a ride with Dax.”

“They’ve been spending a lot of time together,” Bryn leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of Mason’s seat. “We haven’t seen her outside school in a while.”

I frowned and glanced at Mason. “Too much time?”

“That’s none of my business,” he said quietly. “I’d just like us all to be happy.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Ansel still hadn’t managed to tear his gaze from Bryn’s chest.

“An, could you try to look somewhere else when the rest of us are around?” I said.

He flushed to the ears. “Sorry.”

“Don’t feel bad,” Bryn put her arms around him. “She’ll be just as smitten as soon as Ren smiles at her tonight.”

“Shut up, Bryn,” I snapped.

“My, my. I struck a nerve.” She winked at Ansel.

Mason grinned. “How are things with Ren?”

“This topic is off limits,” I said.

“Says who?” Ansel laughed.

“Says me.”

“I don’t think so, Calla,” Mason said, in a tone that was too serious to be real. “Your happiness with Ren affects the well-being of the pack. That means all details pertain to us. We’re on a need to know basis, and we need to know. Ren’s an alpha, and we’ve all heard the rumors about his talents in certain arenas. But tell me…are you satisfied?”

“Mason!” My cheeks burned and I turned to face the passenger window.

Bryn and Ansel were hysterical.

“This is mutiny,” I muttered.

“No sweetie,” Mason patted my leg. “It’s just life.”

He turned the Land Rover up the gravel drive. The imposing vehicle looked out of place next to the motorcycles and muscle cars that lined up outside the bar.

Bryn sighed and unbuckled her seatbelt. “I don’t know why we had to come here. I’d much rather be at Eden.”

“Nev doesn’t play at Eden,” Mason said. “Besides, it’s good to be well-rounded.”

“Trust me, this is better than Eden.” I shivered at the thought of returning to Efron’s club.

Ansel slid his arms around Bryn’s waist and pulled her from the car. “You’ll have a good time and you know it.”

She pushed her lip out until he kissed her, and then she beamed.


Hope you enjoyed the scene!!! Thanks so much for sharing Calla's journey with me. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Next Few Days

The reality of just how close WOLFSBANE's release is (7 days!!!!) is starting to sink in. One of my flaws is that I utterly lack patience. Thinking about next Tuesday and the wait until then makes me want to crawl out of my own skin.

Fortunately I have a big distraction to help pass the time. Tomorrow I'm getting on a plane and heading to San Diego. In what is an amazing fulfillment of this geek girl's dreams I'm on two panesl at Comic Con.

If you're going to be there and wondering about my schedule:
On Thursday, July 21 you can catch me signing at the Penguin Booth (#2913R) from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Also on Thursday I'm one of the panelists at Magic and Monsters from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Room 25ABC)
I'll be signing again after the panel from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, July 22
Back at the Penguin Booth to sign from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 23
Penguin Booth signing 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Mysterious Galaxy signing (#1119) 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Get an early copy of Wolfsbane!!!!

Sunday, July 24
What's Hot in YA Panel (Room 23ABC) from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Autographing session 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

As you can see if you're hoping to get a signed book there are plenty of opportunities. When I'm not signing I'll be wandering the convention, playing the flaneur (there's a good vocab word for you and one of my favorites.)

It's a safe bet that I'll be at all things Buffy related. If you see them carrying me out of a panel it's because I fainted after being overwhelmed at being in the same room as Joss Whedon.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Got Ren?

One week and one day 'til Wolfsbane!

Beginning tomorrow the Wolfsbane blog tour kicks off. You can see the schedule here. And today there's a special treat for Team Ren over on Down the Rabbit Hole.

The wait is almost over!!! Here's a song from the Wolfsbane playlist - full soundtrack will be posted after the release date.

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Accidental Premiere

In honor of all things Harry Potter: I thought I'd share one of my favorite Potter moments, which came as a big surprise was I was in London on July 8, 2009.


Things I didn't expect to do yesterday:

1) Get battered by torrential wind and rain

2) See Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter up close

3) Willingly get battered by torrential wind and rain so I could see Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter up close

I was headed for the Leicester Square tube when I walked right into the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince world premiere. No joke. The square had been refitted to look like a quidditch field and crowds of teens were being managed by London police.

I've never seen a movie premiere and I'm not much of a celebrity follower. But I love Harry Potter and I thought, "Hey, how many times am I going to see movie stars walking down a red carpet?" Answer: Probably never again.

So I found a good vantage point and stayed put. Through wrath-of-god wind and rain and lightning directly above our heads. And it was completely worth it, though unlike Daniel Radcliffe I did not have some nice chap to hold an umbrella over me. I did not have an umbrella at all.

But Helena Bonham Carter didn't either.

It's my last night in London and to bring this trip to a memorable conclusion I went to see War Horse at the New London theater. While I had high hopes for this production, I have to say it absolutely blew me away. It could well be the best play I've ever seen. The story follows a boy and his horse as they are caught up in World War I. It is astonishing, the horses are unbelievably real, the story compelling, and the score, a combination of classical compositions and folk tunes, deeply moving. I was particularly inspired as the play was adapted from a children's novel by Michael Morpurgo.

Next post will be from Minnesota, so for the last time pip, pip and cheerio!

Note from the future: War Horse is currently being transformed to film by Steven Spielberg.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Winners! News!

Thanks to everyone who sent pictures of Nightshade in paperback! Getting your comments, tweets, and Facebook posts made me so happy!

Here are the two randomly selected winners:

Amy

Dani_Nguyen

Email your address to andreacremerwrites@gmail.com to claim your prize :)

And because I just received a fabulous box of FINISHED Wolfsbane, instead of a pre-order you'll get a shiny, signed hardcover in the mail! Woo hoo!

In fifteen days Wolfsbane hits stores. I can't wait!! I am dying for you to know what's happening to Calla and her pack. I'm also really excited for you to meet a new cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the series.

Leading up to Wolfsbane's release and continuing through its first week in stores I'm thrilled to announce that Mundie Moms is hosting the official Wolfsbane blog tour. From July 19 to August 9 you can find interviews with me and with characters from the book. At each stop you can enter for a chance to win Nightshade and Wolfsbane!

One more quick squee-filled announcement - the official 2011 San Diego Comic Con schedule has been released! I'm on two panels - one on Magic and Monsters at 3 - 4 p.m. on Thursday and the second is What's Hot in YA from 10 - 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you'll be at Comic Con I hope I'll see you at one or both panels.