BEA 2011 Mini-Daily Recap

BEA 2011 is officially over...and I had a great time. I'm completely exhausted. Early mornings, passing out at weird hours and walking around for hours (or standing for hours) takes a toll on a person. But it was completely and utterly worth every single second. I'm going to do two or three more posts about this later in the week. But here's the daily recap--what I can remember anyway.

Warning: I say "awesome" in abnormal quantities. I tried to change it but I'm too tired.

Monday
This was the day we went around and got our bea badges. After that morning, we went to the Harry Potter Exhibit with some new and wonderful friends: Jen (Reading With Tequila), Emily (Red House Books), Brianna (Bam Book Reviews), Toshima (Bloody Bookaholic), Lexi (PRationality)and two of their friends. It was totally awesome! Totally. We had some pizza at John's Pizzera (it's one of my favorites ever), went to The Strand (a really, really awesome bookstore) and then made our way to Teen Author Carnival.

panel 1

Here I attended two panels. The first was about the paranormal in reality and featured Leah Clifford, Nova Ren Suma, Carrie Jones, E. Archer, Michael Northrop and Scott Tracey. It was so much fun--especially when Karsten Knight threw them hilarious questions and Chelsea Swigget asked hard ones.

In this snippet of a video, the authors of this panel were asked, "If you could publish one book during the zombie apocalypse before you die, what would the title be?" Hilarious answers.

The second panel was a debut author panel featuring  Carole Estby Dag, Amy Fellner Dominy, Kirsten Hubbard, Bettina Restrepo, Michelle Hodkin, Nick James and Scott Tracey. It too was fun as each author read snippets of their books.

Afterward, Nikki and I got to have dinner with the lovely Amanda Havard, author of The Survivors. It was wonderful as is her book.


Highlight of the day: Harry Potter Exhibit

Book of the day: Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

Tuesday

Alex Bracken!

The first official day of BEA. I'm not going to lie, I was completely overwhelmed. There was a LOT of pushing people, a lot of places to go/see/do. And I heard too much of "oh, you just missed the last copy." Yeah. BUT after a rough morning and a slight crying breakdown, I found Cindy from Books Complete Me and we were numbers 2 and 3 for Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. We went to the YA Buzz Panel, got awesome books in the afternoon and got to know more great people. I also got to FINALLY meet Alexandra Bracken.


Highlight of the day: YA Editor's Buzz Panel (Editors talked about Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber, Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, and Down the Mysterly River by Bill Willingham.)
  
Books of the day: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi; Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater; Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

Wednesday

Richelle Mead

Day 2 was a lot better. I knew where things were so I knew exactly where I was going and what I was doing. Tuesday was a lot of running around, whereas Wednesday was a lot of standing in line. I think I stood in line for most of the day. But it was awesome! I met Lauren Oliver,  Richelle Mead and saw Ally Condie again.

I also got to listen to Kristi from The Story Siren interview Michelle Hodkin and waited in line at Harlequin Teen for five wonderful authors. Julie Kagawa was one of them and she was lovely in person as well. 

Michelle and Kristi

Highlight of the day: Michelle Hodkin interview and lunchy-dinner with Leah Clifford, Scott Tracey, Courtney Allison Moulton and two other blogger friends.

Books of the day: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead; Crossed by Ally Condie; Liesel and Po by Lauren Oliver


Thursday
The morning started off kinda rough, but I got to meet Maureen Johnson when she signed my book. So that was all sorts of amazing. I loved her. She was SO FUN. I waited in line a lot for a long time. I don't really know what to say. It's all a blur of faces, lines, smiles from authors, and tired feet. Lovely. It was awesome.

I did meet some really, really great bloggers. I did this everyday but it just never got old. We also went to a blogger reception and got to meet some really awesome authors and publicists, bloggers.

Highlight of the day: I was first in line for Frost by Marianna Baer and she told me I was the first book she'd ever signed her name in. That was pretty awesome. Maureen was so sweet!

Top books of the day: Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson; Frost by Marianna Baer; Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Malinowski




Friday
Today was the Book Blogger Convention. We got to hang out with other bloggers and go to some workshop panels. One was with publicists--what they look for, how they work, what they want from bloggers. It was VERY informative. We also had Author Speed Dating and even though it was a little unorganized, it was so much fun!!

We met some really great upcoming authors and got to talk to Lisa McMann, Elizabeth Scott and the very funny Daniel Nayeri, among others. The last 20 minutes we got to chat up Michelle Hodkin--and she signed stuff for us. She even hung out with Nikki and I (and some other bloggers) for another hour. She's so freaking great. I love her!

mmm....

Highlight of the day: Both panels were really great! I enjoyed them. I loved hanging out with Michelle Hodkin! And Nikki and I got this Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. Amazing.


Top books of the day: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin; Open Wounds by Joseph Lunievicz

So, all in all it was an awesome week!! I'm definitely coming again. I had a blast. If you couldn't tell, I also adore Michelle Hodkin. She's all sorts of cute and awesome.

Michelle and Me!

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

In twenty days this lovely book called Hourglass by Myra McEntire comes out into the world. I love this book. Here's a vlog I made that tells you all the reasons why. I recorded back in February so some things are no longer true.

1) This is not my first vlog review anymore.
2) This book comes out JUNE 14 now.
3) I did intentionally play that song at the beginning. Even though I didn't admit to it. I had a lot of coffee that day.
4) My bangs are no longer this awesome. :(

ENJOY!!



Here's a summary review!


Emerson has always seen things that aren't really there, ghosts or figments of her imagination. She's never had an answer, a reason why they appear to her, but they do. When the visions start to ruin her life, a boy named Michael is hired by her brother to help her. Michael turns out to be part of a secret organization called Hourglass that deals with people like Emerson, and like himself. Emerson learns she isn't seeing ghosts--but time slips, moments of the past that appear in her timeline. And Michael, he sees time slips too--of the future. The two team up to solve a murder and prevent the horrible future from happening, they get more than they bargain for. This is a WONDERFUL story. It's the perfect blend of humor, mystery and romance. Toss in some time travel, strange twists and a kick butt main character, Hourglass is certain to entertain every reader! It's awesome yall. AWESOME. Go read it.

Welcome BEA 2011 Vistors! *sticky post*

Hello new lovely visitors to my little corner of the world!

I'm glad you stopped by. Sit. Have a cupcake and a cup of coffee. Take a rest in this frenzy and let's enjoy a good book or talk about writing. That's what we do here, good books and writing.

Maybe I met you in line at BEA or BBC or an author signing. Maybe you're an author, publisher, blogger or PR person I spoke with at Javits or another event in New York during the week. Maybe you heard me talking excitedly about something and loudly with unhidden passion, because I do a lot. I'm also tall, so maybe you just saw me towering over the others. I'm cool like that.  (Kidding.)

However you found me, yay! You did. Now the fun starts. My name is Danielle and I've got the super awesome fun task of talking about things I love here on Frenzy of Noise. You can check out more about me and this blog on the About Me page and My Review Policy. I also do fun author events/interviews. You check those out in the labels "interviews" and "Author Focus Week."

The thing about my blog: I only review books I enjoyed. I think it's important to talk about things I love. As an aspiring writer, I don't like to talk negatively about books. So when you're here, we discuss the things we like and share life and community with writing, random happenings and fun. Check out some of the books I've reviewed by title and any of my author focus segments with the interview tag or the Author Focus Week. And if you'd like to contact me, you can do so through email or Twitter.

And my other lovely followers,

I haven't forgotten you. I'm going to post a vlog review this week (and maybe more) and update you on the week. While I'm here at BEA, I'm hard at work gathering things for my blogoversary which is approaching quickly. So, I'll come home with goodies for you as well! Feel free to leave me some random happiness moments and updates on your week in the comments. You know I love connecting!

If you need me for anything, you can still contact me through email or Twitter, though it may take me slightly longer than usual to respond.

Have a lovely day! *passes you a cupcake*

A Frenzy of Wicked Awesomeness: Day 1

I'm in my beloved city--New York! (er, Brooklyn currently) with Nikki and we decided to vlog our daily happenings during this little trip. I'm so excited for tomorrow. We've got some fun things in line--and we'll be picking up our BEA badges! I wish I could wrap all of you in a suitcase and bring you here with me. Aww..

Anyway, here's the vlog from Sunday! It's really...uh...random. We were tired. Enjoy!



:) Lovely.

I'm excited to share this week with you in this way. Let me know if there's something/someone you want to see!

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Publisher: Graphia
Date:  April 4, 2011
Series or Standalone: Standalone
ISBN: 9780547363066
Format: Paperback, 240 pages
Description: (Shortened) At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee...and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay? Learn More on Goodreads

First line: Sitting near Darcy Madison on the school bus is enough to put anyone with woman-sprout issues over the edge.

Amy Holder puts a new spin on an old story. The Lipstick Laws is a Mean Girls meets Clueless with more of a story, more snark and more fun characters than possible in one book. Holder has a fresh, fun, funny voice in a world of YA that's overrun with angsty and sexy boys--not that those are a problem for anyone. :)

There were a lot of things I liked about this book, and a few I didn't. I loved that from beginning to end I was smiling. Smiling is good. Some of the characters were really well developed and I loved the idea that these girls had "laws." My favorite line of the book "Avoid red lipstick." Because that's the whole story.

April only wants to fit in--and with her best friend gone, she's got no one. That's why when Brittany and her group take notice of April, she pretends to be a new student and is soon part of their world of "Rank a Scank" and no clearance shelves. When Brittany and friends pull out the lipstick laws--a paper outlining the seven rules of popularity--April puts on the dreaded red lipstick and seals her fate with a kiss. That is, until it all comes crashing down and April goes from top of the world to scum. Now, she's forced to fight back and join forces with other lipstick law-breakers to give Brittany a taste of her own medicine.

Sounds fun right? That's because it is. It was hilarious and flirty, while still hitting bigger issues of body image, self-confidence and not judging people based on what they look like. Brittany was an atrocious character and you really, really want April to succeed in payback.

The story was full of little twists--and lots of fun moments. Sometimes, April was so frustrating to me in her naivity, but in the end she learns more about herself than she ever expected.

If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted read, then check out this great debut!

BEA is in less than a week!

Aw, I miss you little blog and followers! *hugs* I thought I'd give a random update in a list and with pictures! I like all those things. Here's what May has been for me, aside from work, work, work, work, work, sleep, work, work, work. :) 

1) I didn't finish my novel. (yet!!!!) BUT I've made incredible progress thanks to #wordwars on twitter. We're doing them every night this week at 10pm EST if anyone wants to join.

Not THAT kind of #wordwar...the kind where people write for an hour (varies) to see who can write the most amount of words. It's oddly productive and fun.

2) I also consumed all three seasons of Merlin in a week. My life is complete and full. I'm a happy girl. Why did no one tell me about this before?? Now, I'm lamenting in being done and waiting.




3) I'm knee deep (more like ear deep) in preparation for school. So excited! Also, freaked. Also, overwhelmed. Scared. Horrified. Good stuff. CRAZY. I'm petrified. Petrified is a good word. *breathes*

4) I wrote some book reviews! So you can expect those pretty soon. *applauds self* I'm also debating blogging/vlogging from BEA. Thoughts on that lovelies?

5) I love Tumblr. I waste so much time there fangirling over Doctor Who and Merlin. Lovely. Follow me!

6) Susane Colasanti is coming to do a signing at my store on Friday night!! I'm super pumped about meeting her. She writes fun books. :) I'll probably give one away. Speaking of, I need to send out that package from NW giveaway. (Sorry! It's coming I swear! I haven't sent my mom's mother's day/birthday gift yet either so...)

If you're in the area you should come! It's at 4pm. There will be cupcakes!!

7) I'm reading an INCREDIBLE book. Like whoa. WHOA. It's good.

8) Apparently, this month, I've done a really great job at wasting time. Why? Because I made this. If you're a Merlin or Doctor Who fan then you will hopefully like it.



9) HARRY POTTER COMES IN OUT IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. That deserves all caps. I can't remember the official count. I was going to say 56 days, but if I'm wrong by best friend will flog me. Well, it's not that she reads this...so in 56-ish days. :)

I love you all. I will return to regularly scheduling blogging momentarily. You know....after....after the beep.....Meanwhile, leave a message and tell me how YOU are.

Winner!

It's time to announce the winner of Victoria's Favorite Things and THE NEAR WITCH.

Donnas!

And if you didn't win, don't fret! All five of us will be giving two more signed, first editions of The Near Witch on June 2 and July 2. Come back then for a chance to win again!

The Near Witch Secret Project!!!

It was a dark, cold Febuary night when I stumbled into a conversation on Twitter where Victoria and Gail were discussing V's upcoming book--The Near Witch. It's a bit of a blur to me now, but I know a few things. I know Gail said the writing was fantastic. I know I said, "Someone should write a song." (I have no idea why I said that.) I know Victoria said, "I would love that."

And then: "I'll do it!" I tweeted. "I'll write a song! A RAP song." From there it's all a blur. Three hours later--The Near Witch Rap was born. Followed by plans to record it, a group of people to help (self-named The Book Pimps) and a release date. Today, I present this to you and I hide from awesome embarrassment.

Before I show you the video, you should know a few things.

1) The Near Witch is one of the best books I've read. It's creative and beautiful and lyrical and almost all these lines were taken from the text in some way.
2) The Near Witch comes out exactly THREE MONTHS from today!
3) Victoria Schwab is all sorts of talented and I have no doubt that you will enjoy this book, future books and just getting to know her through her career. Seriously. Meet her. And she bakes wonderful cookies.
4) You are totally allowed to laugh, to re-watch and to have this song stuck in your head. All of which you will probably do anyway.
5) Press play now.



Direct URL is http://youtu.be/rTIXANb2ahc

I'm not sure what to say. Wow. Feel free to watch it again. Uh....Today is a celebration!!
Today marks the THREE MONTH mark until The Near Witch hits shelves. We think a good way to celebrate is to tell you a little bit about the author. My fellow Book Pimps and I will be hosting a short q&a with Victoria Schwab on each of our blogs. We're also each hosting a giveaway featuring some of Victoria's favorite things! All five of us are giving away DIFFERENT items as well as a signed, first edition of The Near Witch. 

This is why we're all in hats in the video. V loves this hat.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

I remember frighteningly little from my childhood, which I take to mean it was one of contentment. I say that because the times I DO vividly remember are ones of stress or difficulty. I don't mean to be ambiguous, but it's true. I was a daydreamer, with these big blue eyes my family joked could look through people instead of at them, and so it seems odd to me that so little stuck. Maybe because I was always looking up.

What is the single-most (as of right now) significant turning point in your life?

Since I graduated college in 2009, I've felt so constantly in flux, constantly making decisions that unsettle me, sometimes purposefully (like deciding to road trip around the country for three weeks, or deciding to move to the UK), sometimes by accident. There is no doubt that the biggest change has been getting a book deal. It's changed my writing, my process, and without a doubt, it's changed ME.

What do you have in common with Lexi? What are the biggest differences between you and Lexi? What trait does Lexi have that you'd most like to embody?

I think both Lexi and I have a need to prove ourselves. But I want her strength, her conviction. She KNOWS herself. I feel like there's always a question mark at the end of anything I feel, do, think, want. I covet her conviction.

If you follow Victoria on Twitter, then you know she has an obsession with baby animals, loves Neil Gaiman and baking. For my giveaway, I have this: 

• A copy of THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman
• 2 bookmarks (baby penguins and a cupcake)
• A very soft and very cute plush baby bunny
• A signed, first edition copy of THE NEAR WITCH (this will be available from Disney*Hyperion close to the release date in August)

The contest is US/Canada only and ends at 9PM EST on Saturday, May 7th. Click here to enter.

Be sure to stop by all these other blogs to see what everyone else is giving away.

Gangsta G at Ticket to Anywhere
Mad Molly at The Book Cellarx
Nikamon at Wicked Awesome Books
Disappearing D at Overflowing Shelf
Camerawoman Jen at Secret Life of A Bibliophile
and the fabulous author Victoria Schwab!