Did you see, did you see? I’m named as one of Dead End Follies’ Ten Literary People That You Absolutely Need To Know! I’m super flattered. Thanks, Ben.
Some publishing stuff:
FREAK is officially in production. After a couple of rounds of intense revisions (mostly big picture stuff – which about killed me, but the book is so much better for it) and then a couple of rounds of line edits, FREAK has finally come together… and dare I say it doesn’t suck? (This is the most I’ll ever be able to praise myself.) I have seen a cover and I’m dying to show you, but I’m waiting a bit because the hardcover doesn’t come out till August. Want to be awesome and pre-order it already? Pretty please?
And psst… it’s been hinted that the FREAK cover will have special effects. I’m quivering.
I have also seen a cover for the mass market edition of CREEP, which I’m told is also due out in August. Not sure if the cover is final yet, but if it sticks, I can tell you it looks nothing at all like the hardback cover. They went a totally different way, and it’s quite feminine and sexy and haunting, if I do say so myself (and not a handcuff in sight). I’m not even joking when I say I’ve won the cover lottery three times so far in my short career. Those Gallery Books cover artists don’t mess around.
Meanwhile, as I wait for FREAK to come back to me for the dreaded copy edit process, I’m working on first pass page edits for the mass market version of CREEP. Lots of coffee is necessary for this.
And by the way, CREEP has been doing really well in the UK and has gone into reprints. REPRINTS! *cartwheels* My UK publisher Sphere sent me copies of the newest edition, which looks the same except for one little line inside that says Reprinted 2011 (twice), 2012. Oh yeah, baby.
11 Questions:
I’m catching a flight Thursday morning for a much needed, long overdue girls weekend. Back Sunday night. But before I go, my lovely pal Nancy Thompson tagged me in 11 Questions:
1. What is the first line of your current WIP?
There was something fucked up about a job where cocaine was overlooked, but cigarettes would get you fired.
(Okay, so I dropped an F-bomb in the very first line… but I’m still pretty sure there’s less swearing in this book than the last.)
2. Would you rather have one book published that became a classic or have multiple books that sell well but eventually go out of print?
I was asked this in a workshop a few years back, and my answer is still the same. Someday, I want my own cardboard stand in Barnes & Noble and Chapters. So, I will go with multiple books, please.
3. What was the weirdest moment of writing inspiration you’ve ever had?
It happened in the bedroom. Let’s, uh, leave it at that.
4. What was your favorite book in 2011?
Tina Fey’s BOSSYPANTS. It made me laugh and laugh.
5. Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King. I can’t imagine this will ever change. His body of work is too extensive, and he’s written so many books I love.
6. Who is your favorite, Bill or Ted, and why?
No preference. I was never really into their excellent adventure.
7. Plotter or pantster?
Fortunately or unfortunately, I fly by the seat of my pants. Always. It’s why my revisions are so effing painful.
8. If you could go back and do anything over again, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have stopped writing in my twenties. I think I’d be a stronger writer now if I hadn’t dropped out for an entire decade, though interestingly, I don’t believe I would have been published any sooner.
9. What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Well, I got published. I guess that’s pretty cool.
10. If you could meet the President of the United States, what would you say to him?
I’d politely ask for a green card so I’d have the option of moving back to Seattle. (Yes, it’s all about me.)
11. What is your favorite quote?
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~ Anais Nin
Hope your week is going well. What was your favorite book of 2011? I’m always looking for recommendations.