book party, book trailer, book giveaway and more, oh my.

Readers,
On Thursday night, my generous friend, Peter, and the fabulous indie book store, Book Soup, hosted a book launch party for me at Peter's house. It was such a great night, and I felt so lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive friends. I loved seeing people from different parts of my life together in one room. It was also great to see some of my fellow LA-based YA authors, whom I know as a result of a fabulous group called the LAYAS (Los Angeles Young Adult Authors). Paula Yoo, the author of the acclaimed debut YA novel, Good Enough, blogged about the party here.

Here are a few snapshots of the night:
this is me with my husband, Alex:


friends Sean and Miranda with their signed copies
group shot, including one of my teen readers
More friends showing their support
Aliza & Thomas. Aliza is like my sister, only we're not related.
hubby Alex with friends Melissa & Alex
As you can see, it was a most excellent night, and I've been in the happiest mood since. Having a book out really is just like having a birthday, and I do love birthdays.

In other exciting news, The Compulsive Reader had the greatest surprise for me last week. In addition to posting a Q&A with me, she also made a book trailer for In Your Room. An actual video, with the most appropriate song she could have chosen, too ("Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service, featured in the book.) Can you believe it? I was so impressed and flattered. You can check out the interview and video here.

As the featured author this month for Harmony Book Reviews, we're doing a giveaway of a signed copy of In Your Room through her site, here.

I had a lovely afternoon yesterday with Jay Asher, author of the gripping Thirteen Reasons Why, to plan the reading we're doing together at Vroman's on November 24. You can find out all the info for the event here. He showed me the new, re-released hard cover of his book, with some really cool added features. I'm really excited about our reading, and hope you can make it.

Alright. It looks like it's that time. Off to watch some Sunday night television.

J