Photo Friday: Lisa McMann and Suzanne Young!

Got to see a couple of amazing authors this week. Unfortunately, my flash was acting up, so I got two really dark pictures.Here's me with Lisa, whose third book in the WAKE trilogy, GONE, comes out next week (enter to win a copy here!): And me with Suzanne, whose book The Naughty List came out yesterday!: Suzanne even filmed a shoutout to readergirlz (see that here). And so did Lisa, but it's under wraps until GONE is out! Again, sorry about the lame-o darkness. I promise next Photo Friday will be brighter!

Photo Friday: Carolyn Mackler Reading!

Last week I got to go to a reading for Carolyn Mackler's newly released TANGLED (see the video of her reading on readergirlz!). The book is really great -- it's from four points of view, and each one intertwines with the others in such a compelling way. At the end, you feel magic and resolution! CM is a master.Also, she had heart-shaped cookies that mirrored her book's cover: And she posed with me (no idea why these photos get so fuzzy when I post--sorry!): You know, Carolyn was the first author I went to when I had a book idea -- we'd known each other a little through magazines and our shared alma mater. And she was definitely the one who made me believe I could succeed. I remember she told me, "You'll get published! Melissa Walker is such a great author name!" Love it. Happy Friday! PS-Had to point out this awesome Laurie Halse Anderson post about Book Pirates. Please don't steal books online! (Libraries, people.) Thank you.

Photo Friday: Rio, One More Time!

I'll stop after this, but I just had to get a few more Rio photos in. Hey, whenever I get my passport stamped, it deserves two Photo Fridays.Here's Erin and me outside at Pier Maua, where the shows were: Of course, the week wasn't all work... there was some beach reading (btw, how insane is Breaking Dawn? I think it was my favorite of the series for its utterly compelling bizarreness, and that dreamy cottage): I also got to float in the pool a bit: And we made some fabulous friends, like Ingrid and Basil from Canada's Fashion TV, who went with us to Copacabana Palace: And here's one fashion show, just for fun. It's Espaco Fashion, and though I'm not the best videographer, you can get an idea of the feel of things: It really was fun. It's a year of travel! Happy Friday!

Photo Friday: Her Name is Rio

I believe I've mentioned that I was in Rio for a week. Sigh. I'm back now, but the memories live on. And you know how I like to share...So there was definitely lots of fun stuff on the runway, like blue-flame hair at Coven: Erin--who's blogging Rio Fashion for glamour.com (check out her gallery of male models)--and I got front row, and even in front of the photographers' pit, at most shows (which was unexpected and awesome!): The audience was lovely also--these girls were dressed to the nines every day: And there was fun style too--like this Lady Gaga tee that I specifically snapped for my friend Julia: Also at the shows: fried cashews! Heaven. And one lounge had Coco Chanel chairs! A runway favorite of mine: liquid legs at Juliana Jabour. Oh, it all made me want to write another Violet book! I'll post a video or two later if I can get my uploads together, and I'll share some more casual pics (it wasn't ALL fashion all the time there) next week! Meanwhile, I covered the shows for NYLON.com, so check it out if you want to hear more. Happy Friday!

Photo Friday: Garth and Julia's Wedding!

Weddings are like adult proms. But, you know, without all the angst and chaperones. Delightful!On 12.12, I went to the wedding of my college friends Julia and Garth. Their first dance song? "Never Tear us Apart" by INXS. Give 'er a listen while you view the photos. It really sets a mood. G & J are gorgeous: And I am a photo hog, obviously (sorry, Megan!), but aren't my college friends cute? They are my Prom King and Queen for sure: Happy Friday! PS-Photos by (the obviously very talented) Michael Simon.

Photo Friday: Holiday Food!

When I'm home in Chapel Hill, I get cheese fries at Linda's (yes, these made a cameo in Violet in Private too): And I get breakfast at Breadman's, with cheese grits, of course: And this year I was reminded of Betty Elliot's amazing Haystack cookies (have you guys had these?!). They involve butterscotch chips, Chinese chow mein noodles and peanuts, all melted together. Heaven! And now I'm back in NY snow, bundling up to get my New Year's coffee. Happy 2010! Eat well this year! PS-One more shot of Crazy Swayze (okay, four more):

Photo Friday: Pug Rescue!

It's Christmas and I'm home in Chapel Hill, so here's a quick one, via facebook update yesterday (all true!):"Rescued a lost pug in the road, put up signs and craigslist post, reunited it with its owners (family with elated little girl). I'm like my own Hallmark special today!" Merry, merry!

Photo Friday: The New Kitten!

So we did end up getting two kittens (thanks for everyone's advice!). The second one's name is Winona (Winnie for short, and when she's in a cheerful mood). Here she is, sitting pretty, with attitude: And here's Swayze, eyeing the baby Christmas tree: The two of them get along... sometimes. Dave captured a still moment: I'm so glad we have two! You guys were right--Swayze is much happier with someone to bully, and she swats him right back. Happy Friday! PS-Aspiring authors: Have you heard about how the awesome authors from The Longstockings are offering writing workshopping/critiquing to 12 lucky readers (one each month in 2010)? Very cool. Go see!

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... Charles on the flying trapeze. He's getting really good! (I didn't do it... scaredy cat.) Dave overseeing Rod's name-writing on the (cold, windy) Malibu beach. But hey, Beach! Charles and me--college BFFs--on the sand. Happy weekend!

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. 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! PS-Watch my guest vlog about the holidays over at Reading is Bliss and enter to win a signed copy of Lovestruck Summer. And don't forget to keep bidding for the marked-up copy at Leave a Mark (it's for charity!).