Cover Story + Win-It Wednesday: Specials by Scott Westerfeld

The winner of last week's copy of the signed copy of Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen is... Cyndi! And the winner of the TESS skincare kit is... Paradox! Email me your addresses so I can send out your prizes. And thanks, everyone, for the youtube links. I got no work done last week, so, mission accomplished! This week, however, I have a new book idea that my agent is into and I'm psyched. Now, because of my political interlude on Monday, I neglected the Cover Story for this week. I therefore have a brief "cover story" to share about Scott Westerfeld's Specials! This one involves me telling the story, because I just so happened to be at a friend's barbecue in Brooklyn this summer where I saw an acquaintance named Katerena Alkhimova, whom I knew was a model. We started talking about how she saw her photo on the cover of a YA book recently, and I was intrigued! "Which one?" I asked. "A science fiction one," she said. "What was it called?!" I asked. "It had a one-word title," she said. "And they put tattoos on my face." I had just finished Uglies and Pretties, the first two books in the four-book Uglies "trilogy," so I knew it was Specials! Then I made her turn her head and I could just see the cover. It was so cool! Here's what Katerena, who's originally from Russia, says: "The shoot was very easy and fast. We only had to do that one picture which did not take even two hours to make. It was three years ago though, so it is hard to remember particular details." I got to tell her that her character is both painfully gorgeous and devastatingly evil. I think she liked that. When I saw Scott Westerfeld later, I asked him if he'd mine me posting this story, and he graciously said that would be fine. I just wish I'd snapped a photo of bbq Katerena, but here are some other shots of her so you can see what she looks like in non-science-fiction situations (two modeling shots and one casual): So that's that. And don't you want to win my autographed copy of this book?! Full disclosure: I haven't read the whole thing yet, but I've read Uglies and Pretties, and it's a great series, so I feel confident recommending Specials, and I can't wait to read it. How do you enter? Tell me about someone cool you met recently. Could be an unexpected new friend, a fascinating co-worker or someone who's been on a book cover. Haha! I really love meeting people and hearing their stories--and everyone has something interesting to share. Can't wait to hear your comments. PS-Win a copy of Violet on the Runway at author Carmen Rodrigues's blog! PPS-Elizabeth Scott always has great contests, and I love the question she asks this week, so go enter to win books there too!

Does anyone else think...

that Kim just looked so much cooler when she was on ANTM? vs. As a VJ she's gotten a little generic. I'm not trying to be mean, I just miss that pixie cut and boyish style, Kim! PS-While we're talking ANTM, my friend Julia highlighted this article for me (I do love me some Jezebel, but they post so much I can't keep up!). It's about Cover Girl and their use of lots of varied types of models--different races, gay and straight, Top Model winners, etc. My opinion? I'm all for it. I don't even care if they're pandering; it's important for people to see all shades, shapes and sizes of beauty in makeup ads. I say cheers to Cover Girl (though I can't speak to the evils of Proctor & Gamble... see Jezebel comments if you want to get into that part...). What do you guys think? Also, I totally stole their pics. Thanks, Jez!

Monday: The Launch of YA for Obama!!

We interrupt our usual Cover Stories because today is the launch of the fantastic YA for Obama site, the brainchild of Miss Maureen Johnson, she of wonderful books and blog hilarity. I did say that I wouldn't get political on this blog, and I really won't go on and on about why there's one particular presidential candidate who is, um, more favored by me. Promise. But I'll totally get political on YA for Obama, so become a member if you want to join me. Seriously, everyone is welcome. Dissenting view? COOL! We want discussion, thoughtful commentary and a wide range of opinions. And we want people of all ages, voting eligible or not, "Young Adult" or not. This is your space (but not in that scary college admissions way). Lots of your favorite authors are over there, including Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld and so many, many more. I'll keep that widget on the left of this blog so you can click through anytime from here. Promise to friend me if you join! Also, you may notice that there's a widget for the Best Buy IMO survey, which is for teens ages 13-17, so if you fall in that range, click through for a very quick set of questions. I love that they're measuring political opinions of smart teens who aren't officially voting yet, but who certainly have something to say! Okay, political talk over. Later this week I promise to post a cover story. I just couldn't ignore this launch day! Happy Monday.

First vlog for this site!

Photo Friday: A Great Violet Contest Entry!

I have to celebrate some of the entries, so anyone who's given me permission to publish your entry: Watch this spot!Today, I have to show you what the lovely Hailee did. She reenacted the cover of Violet in Private! How cool is that? She got the pose just right, down to the light fingering of her skirt and the attitudinal bent arm. Thanks, Hailee! I loved this entry! Happy Friday.

Guest Vlogging at Linda Gerber's Launch Party... and Skinny 90210

I'm over at Death by Latte author Linda Gerber's blog today, so go leave a comment to win a signed copy of Violet in Private!Meanwhile, I'm totally impressed by Entertainment Weekly's attention to the way-too-thin 90210 actresses (which I read about on ypulse). Way to go, EW! What do you guys think? I say: Scary Skinny--help them become more Blair-and-Joan-like. I heart Blair Waldorf. And Joan Holloway from Mad Men--who is a total babe. See below for proof. PS-I'm following all the Mad Men characters on twitter--and they are following me! How cool is that? I'm a giddy fangirl when they send me messages. I know: Dork.

Win-It Wednesday: Skincare and Sarah Dessen

The winner of the Fairy Ring Necklace is... Sara! And a copy of Frenemies goes to... Kayla F! Send me your addresses, ladies. This week, I'm giving away the "Almost Normal Skin" Kit from TESS, which stands for Teen Everyday Skincare System and was developed by moms and daughters. I am a sucker for a packaged kit like this (so cute, and you can take it on airplanes!), and this one includes: Strawberry/Jojoba Facial Cleanser, Apple Facial Toner, Peppermint Blemish Stick, SPF 15 Lavender Oil-Free Lotion, Strawberry Moisturizing Lip Gloss and Vanilla Nighttime Moisturizer. In short, it's the total package. I'm also giving away a copy of Sarah Dessen's Someone Like You. The vlog below, which I did as a guest vlog for author Amanda Ashby, pretty much says how I felt about it. Oh, and it's signed! So, comment below to win one of these two prizes (winners will be chosen randomly next Wednesday). Today, let's see... tell me about your favorite youtube video of the week (because, you know, I need more ways to procrastinate writing a new book...).

Sadie Magazine, "Red Hook High," and the Author/Model Connection

I'm loving this new magazine, and not just because I wrote a story for them about the skinny models thing. Visit the site if you're into cool, smart, funny girls. Trust me. Also, I'm so proud of my friend Trac, who directed a pilot of "Red Hook High" and was featured in The New York Times yesterday. He calls the show, "the anti-Gossip Girl" and although I love GG, I'm also up for loving the anti-GG. The Times says: "Red Hook High" is set in a Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood that is teetering on the edge of gentrification. The actors are local teenagers, some of whom attended South Brooklyn Community High School in Red Hook, where the pilot was filmed. There was no script, just a story outline and character profiles. The teenagers developed the dialogue themselves over the course of a seven-week acting workshop held after school. Mr. Vu found the students through three local youth arts programs. Isn't that awesome? Read the full story here. A tiny view of Red Hook (see a photostream here--it's a gorgeous neighborhood!): And, I had so much fun on Saturday at the Rye Free Reading Room in Rye, New York. The crowd was engaging and everyone had great questions--Selena and I had a blast (I read a Violet scene, then she tells her real-life experience in the same situations)! My fabulous writer and pop-cultured friend Kwana even showed up and posted a photo of us on her blog. Thanks, Kwana. Lastly: Good TV last night. I can't keep up on Sundays and Mondays, but I did manage to watch Gossip Girl and Mad Men. Delicious! Happy Tuesday.

Cover Stories: Violet by Design (Over at E. Lockhart's Blog)

I'm excited to be guest blogging at the smart, funny and always gracious E. Lockhart's place today! I'm talking about the cover of Violet by Design, and the story behind the final image. Once you've peeked over there, I'd love to know: What do you think--is casual better? And which couture look is your favorite? (Reposted here).

Sunday Hometown Papers and Australian Accents

It's always the best when your hometown papers cover you. Yay! (Click to enlarge if you wanna read it.) Bye, bye, Fashion Week! See you in February! PS-I love this audio review of Violet on the Runway by Summermoon! I forgot to post it earlier, but go listen if you have time.