I get emails a lot asking me where I come up with the names for my characters. Is there a specific formula or a particular way to do it? Absolutely not! LOL! Most of the time, I come up with my character names in the most peculiar ways. You want to make sure that your characters' names fit their role in the story...as well as fitting the overall theme of the story.
Here are some tips for naming characters:
1. Choose something that mirror's your character's personality. If your character is a science geek (like Celia Nichols in GHOST HUNTRESS), give them a name that fits their interests. My first manuscript was about a naive twenty-something working her first job in the tech industry, traveling to tradeshows, and unfortunately giving away a company trade secret. Her name was Vanessa Virtue. It was perfect for her. Could you imagine Thor with any other name? If he was Irving, it just wouldn't work.
2. The character's name should be pronouncable and easy for the reader to understand. Think of how the name sounds if you say it out loud. Is there a harmony or a ring to it? Avoid names that no one knows how to say. I respect all of the urban fantasy out there these days, but some of the names are just...unrecognizable. Being creative with a name is great, but not if you reader has no clue how to say it in their head.
3. Make sure the character's name fits the time period. You wouldn't want to write a contemporary YA and name the heroine...Ethel. (My grandma was Ethel...so apologies if I offend anyone.) If you're writing steampunk or historical YA, make sure to use names from the time period. I don't think anyone back then would be named Brittney. LOL!
4. Use the names of people you know...friends, family, colleagues. When I first sold my SORORITY 101 series, all of the guys at my sales office wanted to be in the book. So I put them in as random fraternity guys, teachers, and fellow students. I carried this tradition on with my GHOST HUNTRESS books. The character of Rebecca is one of my best friends (see below.) She's not a goth chick at all, so she loves reading her "alter ego." Be careful with this technique as you don't want to make anyone look bad or make the character reflect something you can get sued over. Always get the person's permission to use their name. Funny enough, the name Kendall Moorehead, the heroine of the GHOST HUNTRESS series came from an offensive lineman that played for the University of Alabama when I was in school. I always loved the name and wanted to use it. So I did.
5. Obituaries are a great place to find unique and personality-filled names. Now, before you throw rotten tomatoes at me, a LOT of authors do this. It's a tribute to the person in that their name carries on and, you can read a lot of about who they were in their obituary, and pay tribute to their life.
6. There are numerous online sources you can use for naming characters. If you're writing about someone that was born in a particular year, why not visit the Social Security website that ranks the popular names by year. Or, you can use any "name your baby" website. There are also name generator websites you can use, as well. Use a surname generator for your family's history
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YA Authors from Berkley JAM, Flux, Dutton, Puffin, Delacorte, HarperCollins, and Harlequin KimaniTru discuss writing, promotion, and of course, hot guys...
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By: Marley Gibson,
on 5/11/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing tips, characters, ghost huntress, Marley Gibson, Wriing, Add a tag
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 5/10/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I'm in the middle of my first past revision for the second book in the Sweet Venom trilogy, which is due in to my editor June 1st. Although my writing and revising process tends to change from book to book, there are a few essential supplies I must have in order to get through it.
1. Sticky Notes — I use these, in various colors (sometimes color-coded by type of comment, sometimes by character, like in Sweet Venom) to: mark my daily page goal, flag the first pages of chapters, and to add large sections (a sentence or more) to the manuscript. Right now, I'm using green ones for Grace's notes, orange ones for Gretchen's, and pink ones for Greer's.
2. Highlighters — These are mostly for fun. I'll either highlight the chapter title (color-coded to which girl's POV I'll be in for that chapter), use them to mark up my countdown calendar (green for writing days, orange for revising, pink for days off when I can get life stuff done), or just to pretty up pages of notes in my book notebook.
3. Pen and Pencil — These are for the real work. For marking directly on the manuscript page, I use a mechanical pencil (Pentel in .9mm lead, if you want to be specific) so that I can erase and rewrite (over and over again) as I'm trying to get the line just perfect. For longer additions on the sticky notes, I use a pen (Uniball Vision Elite in micro) so it doesn't smear when I smooth the sticky note into place.
4. Manuscript — I feel like an eco-fraud every time I get my manuscript printed out for my revision pass. But I have discovered that my brain just does not process revisions in the same way on the screen as I do on the printed page. And I do get the manuscript printed on recycled paper, to offset the waste. I contain the manuscript in a big white 3-ring binder with a cover page that has the working title of the book.
So that's what I need to get through my revision process. Do you have any special supplies that you absolutely must have can't live without while you're writing/revising/doing homework?
Hugs,
TLC
teralynnchilds.com
@teralynnchilds
By: TinaFerraro,
on 5/9/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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There is an old saying that goes, “The mirror never lies.” In other words, you can think you look a certain way, can want it or wish it, but when you gaze into a mirror, you see the truth.
But do you really?
For the past 10 years, I’ve been a regular shopper at a women’s clothing chain near my house. I can always find something on their racks that I like, and when I model it in front of their mirror (situated outside the dressing room for all patrons to use), I usually get a shot of confidence, too...
Somehow the outfit makes me look sleeker...longer even...and maybe even a little royal. Like all I’d need is a big, silly hat and I could be taken for Kate Middleton’s American aunt.
But inevitably, back home, that magic is gone. Of course, I still like the clothing or I wouldn’t keep shopping there. But I know why I never got my royal invite.
I have cheerfully asked the sales staff if they realize their customers are looking into a Skinny Mirror, and their faces have gotten very tight. Apparently these are not words that earn you calls to special sales or discount coupons. But...whatever, right?
Then last month, I was on an airplane and popped into the bathroom. Only to immediately discover, with a glance in the mirror, that I’d suddenly grown a good two inches and dropped about ten pounds. Which definitely amused me, and drove home my belief that Skinny Mirrors exist.
Later I did some on-line research and found out that, quite simply, no two mirrors are the same, and if you were to visit a store specializing in mirrors, you could easily find them that distort in all directions.
So I stand by my statement that my local clothing store is using a Skinny Mirror. (And wonder if they have a higher-than-usual product return rate to “reflect” this?) Although I do think in the airline’s case, it was a fluke.
Have you ever come upon a Skinny Mirror? Any thoughts on all of this?
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
How to Hook a Hottie
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By: TinaFerraro,
on 5/8/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Since Marley is on the road today, I'm stepping up to announce the winner of her Discovery prize pack. Chosen from 58 comments by a random number generator, it is:
donnas
Donnas, please send your contact information to this address: marley_gibson AT yahoo dot com.
Congratulations, and thanks to all who entered!
By: Dona Sarkar-Mishra,
on 5/7/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By: stephhale,
on 5/6/2011
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Congratulations to Marley on the release of the FIFTH (can you believe it?) book in her Ghost Huntress series. The Discovery is available now so make sure you get yourself a copy! You also have a chance to win an autographed copy along with many other great prizes just by commenting below.
I have the bad habit of going straight to Yahoo! the minute I turn on my computer every day. It took me a while to realize how all this instant access to news was affecting my mood. While not all bad, I would say at least seventy-five percent isn't exactly cheerful fodder for my day. I decided that I needed some websites to visit each day that would make me happy. I've discovered two that I love.
By: Wendy Toliver,
on 5/4/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ghost huntress, Marley Gibson, book launch, Book give-away, Add a tag
ame ski clothes. (People wondered if we were on the Swiss Ski Team!) She likes to go snow mobiling, but as you can read HERE I am banned from that particular sport so I have yet to join her. I really love it when she's in town because I get to vacation right here at home!
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 5/3/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Since I became vegan more than a year ago (wow, has it been that long?) I've had to cook a lot more of my own food that I used to. Vegan options aren't always plentiful or tasty. So I'm always on the lookout for great new recipes. I have a few key sources for trustworthy ones.
- blogs like Chef Chloe, Healthy. Happy. Life., and vegalicious
- books like Appetite for Reduction, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, and Veganomicon
- sites like Allrecipes, Epicurious, PETA, VegWeb
Do you cook a lot or are you more of an eat out kind of person? Would you rather drive through, sit down, or stir up something on the stovetop? If you have a great source for recipes (vegan or otherwise) please share.
Marley's giving away a very cool prize pack this week. Comment on my post (and every post this week) to enter.
Hugs,
TLC
teralynnchilds.com
@teralynnchilds
By: TinaFerraro,
on 5/2/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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We are talking about discoveries this week, in celebration of the fifth book in Marley Gibson’s wonderful Ghost Huntress series, The Discovery.
Here she is, with a handful of her books! 
Seeing Marley with her books, and thinking about discoveries, made me reflect on some wonderful moments with my kids when they discovered favorite new authors. Authors such as J. K. Rowling, Gordon Korman, John Green, Stephenie Meyer and Gary Paul. What a joy it was to know I was passing along my love of reading, and have them, in turn, share their new favorite authors with me!
In celebration of Marley’s release, she is hosting a week-long giveaway of an awesome gift pack which includes a signed copy of THE DISCOVERY, a dowsing pendulum, incense, an incense burner, a hematite and jade bracelet, and a homemade "I <3 Ghost Hunting" bracelet.
To be entered, simply leave a comment here, telling us the name of a favorite author you have discovered!
Congrats to Marley on her release, and good luck to all who enter this giveaway!
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
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The ABC’s of Kissing Boys
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By: Marley Gibson,
on 5/1/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Please forgive the late post. I've been traveling today and then at a friend's wedding. Just now getting to post an awesome announcement and giveaway for the week.
Today is release day for my new book, GHOST HUNTRESS: THE DISCOVERY! This is the fifth book in the series and I'm so excited about it! Kendall and her friends are back for more adventure and mystery. After some time off, Kendall’s ready to begin ghost hunting again. But her life is still in flux. She misses Patrick, her new love. She needs to find a photographer to replace Taylor. Plus, she may have discovered who her real father is, but to be sure, she has to convince his family she’s not a fake. And then there’s a certain doll that seems to be out to get her and her friends. A doll? How could that be? Unless, perhaps, it’s not just a doll. Maybe it’s a vessel containing the soul of a man so evil in life, not even death could stop his reign of terror. This could be Kendall’s most terrifying and deadliest encounter yet.
And to celebrate release week, I'm giving away an awesome gift pack including...a signed copy of THE DISCOVERY, a dowsing pendulum, incense, an incense burner, a hematite and jade bracelet, and a homemade "I <3 Ghost Hunting" bracelet.
To be entered in the week-long celebration giveaway, just leave your name in the comment trail letting us know about a discovery you have made in your life. Join us all this week for the celebration!
Hugs,
Marley = )
By: Marley Gibson,
on 4/27/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: winner, Book events, ghost hunting, the other side, the discovery, Add a tag
We've been talking about blips in our booksignings this week. Fortunately, I've had a good run with my signings, but I do have two stories to share.
First off, when my SORORITY 101 series debuted, I had a launch party in Boston with all of my work friends, a ton of writer friends, my agent, my sister, brother, nieces, and cousins. It was a huge blowout and I was hot, sweaty, nervous wreck. As I gave my speech toward the end of the night, I looked around the room to thank certain people. When I saw the person's face, I thanked them, and proceeded around the room. However, I pulled a Hilary Swank. I forgot to thank my then husband! It wasn't totally my fault because he was standing behind a pillar and I couldn't see him. I did correct the mistake, but I was horrendously embarassed!
The other oopsies was when my book THE OTHER SIDE: A TEEN'S GUIDE TO GHOST HUNTING AND THE PARANORMAL was released, my co-authors (my now fiance, Patrick Burns, and Dave Schrader) and I were having our launch party at Dave's Darkness Radio event at the Queen Mary. Only problem was, the books arrived a week after the event. Talk about egg on the face! We had 200 people there who wanted to buy our books. So, our amazing publisher got the attendee list and addresses and mailed them all a FREE copy of it. That was incredibly generous!
Let's hope neither of those things happen again!
Last week, I put up a giveaway for C.C. Hunter's BORN AT MIDNIGHT...and the winner is...
*****TEPEE*****
Please e-mail me offline with your name and address at marley_gibson AT yahoo dot com. Congrats!
Next week...the launch of my new book GHOST HUNTRESS: THE DISCOVERY!
Hugs,
Marley = )
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 4/26/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Shannon Hale, book signing, Book events, Tera Lynn Childs, Add a tag
Inspired by Shannon Hale's Mortification Monday (thanks Wendy!) this week some of the Buzz Girls are sharing book event fiascoes with the world. Now, hopefully I'm not jinxing myself (*throws salt over shoulder*) but I've never had a true book event fiasco. I've had some near misses, though, so I'll dish on those...
- For my debut launch party at Houston's Blue Willow Bookshop, my parents were planning on flying down from Oklahoma City to join the party. It was their only child's first book and they wanted to be there to celebrate. They packed their overnight bag, went to the airport, and... realized that they had misread the landing time as the departure time. They had missed their flight! Luckily, they caught the next one (it's only a hour long flight, thank goodness) and, despite cutting it quite close, made it just in time!
- My next signing was at Katy Budget Books, also in Houston. Unfortunately, that was the time when my mother was in the hospital and I was up in Oklahoma City to be with her and my dad. She was still in the hospital, but stable, and I didn't want to flake out on the booksigning. So I bought a ticket down and back on the same day, leaving myself plenty of time to get to the signing. Three hours extra, in fact. Guess how late my plane took off? Yep, three hours! I made it, though... barely. However, it was summer vacation, and apparently everyone who had been in the store the week before had been buying books for their trips because, literally, two people showed up. And I knew one of them. It was a very emotionally draining day, but meeting the one fan who came in already having read my book and asking me to sign the cover with silver marker, to take pictures with her for her blog, that made it all worthwhile.
All of my other events have been pretty smooth (*knocks on wood*) with only the typical no-one-shows-up dramas and do-I-have-to-read-pages worries. If those are the worst things that ever happen in my booksigning career, then I'll county myself lucky. (*goes in search of four-leaf clovers*)
Hugs,
TLC
teralynnchilds.com
By: Wendy Toliver,
on 4/22/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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As you might know, RWA (Romance Writers of America) holds its national conference every summer. Last year, it took place in Orlando, FL. Since it was the summer Lifted came out, I was especially excited because I was eligible to sign at the gigantic book event that takes place the night before the conference. Authors, writers, and readers flood into a ballroom in hopes to get books signed by Meg Cabot, Nora Roberts, and Wendy Toliver. 
, if only to brush by me and grab a free bookmark. Brandishing my "Yes I'm supposed to be here" pass, I strolled through the rows and rows of authors (nicer to stalk this way than in the bathrooms). 
By: stephhale,
on 4/22/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Here in the Midwest we've been teased with a few beautiful seventy-degree days over the last month only to plunge back into the thirties before we even had time to break out our shorts. Tulips bloom giving me hope that spring is indeed on it's way even if it doesn't arrive when the calendar says it should.
My favorite sign that spring is finally here is finding a robin's nest in my front tree. We have lived here for eleven years and every single spring there is a nest built on the same branch. I kept waiting and waiting this year trying to spot a momma robin building a nest. But no nest.
I decided to console myself by breaking out the new set of pots and pans I bought myself. Yeah, I know, my life is super exciting. So I was washing out the pans and gazing out into the backyard when a robin flew by the window. I leaned over to see where the obviously pregnant robin was headed only to be surprised to see a giant nest built on our privacy fence. I nearly leaped for joy. I can practically gaze into the nest from my window and this way my kids can see everything without the fear that they might accidentally touch the nest. So even though my furnace is kicking on at the moment, I'm still going to dig my shorts out!
By: Heather Davis,
on 4/21/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I'll be in Italy next week! O.M.G.
Though I've been planning the trip for a long time (and have been learning Italian since September) I can't believe the time is finally here.
I haven't traveled this far on my own before, so it should be an interesting adventure. And, I haven't been to Europe since I was in college and never to Italy for real, so I'm very excited. So far, my plans are pretty simple: See some art. See some ruins. Write. Eat gelato in massive quantities.
I've always wanted to go to Italy, so I'm really happy that I'm making the dream come true. Going on my own feels a little intimidating, but the prospect of putting it off until a friend or significant other could come with me feels like wasting time. And so, I go into the unknown -- to enjoy myself, to use my questionable language skills, to learn more about the world, to meet people and soak in some life. I'll try to put up a post from the road, but if I somehow don't, I'll give you a full Buzz blog recap when I return.
Is there somewhere special in the world you want to visit someday? Where would you like to travel and why? And, any last travel tips for me?
A presto,
Heather
www.heatherdavisbooks.com
The Clearing - 2011 Rita Finalist - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Wherever You Go - November 2011 Harcourt
Never Cry Werewolf - HarperTeen
By: Marley Gibson,
on 4/20/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Easter, Marley Gibson, passover, Book give-away, c.c. hunter, contest, Meg Cabot, winner, Add a tag
Some good news to share is the WINNER of my Meg Cabot book giveaway. A copy of AVALON HIGH CORONATION goes to...
************1110cg************
Congrats! Please e-mail me at marley_gibson AT yahoo DOT com with your name and mailing address.
Now...to this week's giveaway. (Isn't this fun?) I'm giving away a copy of my fellow St. Martin's Press author, C. C. Hunter's book BORN AT MIDNIGHT. The cover is reallllly dark and cool.
To enter the book giveaway, please leave a comment letting us know what you and yours are planning for the Passover/Easter holidays. Anything yummy to eat? Family traditions?
Hugs,
Marley = )
www.marleygibson.com
www.ghosthuntress.com
The next installment of the popular Ghost Huntress series
Coming May 2nd! Everything's not as it seems...
GHOST HUNTRESS: THE DISCOVERY
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 4/19/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: travel, Writing, conference, writer's life, Tera Lynn Childs, writers' conference, other writers, Add a tag
After a twelve day sojourn that took me from Oklahoma to Los Angeles to Houston to Austin to Houston and finally back to Oklahoma, I am finally home in Poketown (aka Stillwater, OK). This is just my temporary home, of course, because I am working on getting to Seattle this summer, but my bed and my puppy were waiting for me, so home it is.
One of the things I love most about conferences and conventions (besides meeting fabulous fans and readers and bloggers and librarians) is getting to hang out with other writers. This always energizes me, recharges my writerly batteries and I come home eager to write-write-write.
This is an especially good thing right now because I have a book due, like, yesterday. (Okay, June 1st, but it feels really really close.) And, while I won't admit my current page count (it's pretty small) or how much I plan to write in the next two weeks (it's a lot) I will say that I'm going to be nose-to-the-grindstone to get Sweet Venom 2 done early enough to revise it before sending it off to my editor by deadline.
Before I left on my big trip I ordered a new Alphasmart. My old one had been my dear companion for many years, but the keys started getting sticky (even after I took them all off and cleaned off the sub-key gunk) and it hurt my wrists to type on it for very long. So my shiny new, non-sticky-keyed Alphie is charged and ready to go. I'm charged and ready to go. Operation: Write That Book is about to begin. (Sophie Jordan and I are going to do daily #deadlinedash check-ins on Twitter, if you want to follow our progress.)
With all the book inspiration I've accumulated in the last two weeks, I'm ready. Wish me luck!
Hugs,
TLC
By: TinaFerraro,
on 4/18/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Last week I announced a giveaway of a copy of Meg Cabot's RANSOM MY HEART, in celebration of the good times had at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. And that winner is...
RENEE G!
So Renee, please e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll get that book in the mail to you!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
How to Hook a Hottie
The ABC's of Kissing Boys
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By: Wendy Toliver,
on 4/17/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Ogden, Battle of the Bands, Craig Bielik, Cherry Bomb Salon, Weber High School, Standard-Examiner, Add a tag
By: Heather Davis,
on 4/14/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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It's a really fun thing happening all over the country (and maybe in other parts of the world?) today. Many authors and fans will be tweeting and blogging about their drop. You can get more deets about the mission over at -- Readergirlz.
Have any of you "Rocked the Drop" today?
Or -- better yet -- have any of you found one of the dropped books?
Hugs,
Heather
www.heatherdavisbooks.com
Wherever You Go - Harcourt - Nov. 2011
The Clearing - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Never Cry Werewolf - HarperTeen
By: Marley Gibson,
on 4/12/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Meg Cabot, giveaway, ghost huntress, Simone Elkeles, Book give-away, foodie, the discovery, RT Convention, Buzz Girls, food, Add a tag
It was so awesome hanging out with the Buzz Girls in Los Angeles at the RT Convention. As others have said Teen Day rocked the house. We had a fabulous booksigning, then a party where teens, their friends and parents, joined over twenty YA authors for free books, pictures, and signatures. It was amazing to see the smiles on the girls' faces when they delved into their goodie bags of books to see favorite authors and new ones to enjoy.
(Heather, me, Simone, Dona, and Tina in front)
It was also fun to hang with former Buzz Girl, Simone Elkeles, who is now a big time USA Today and New York Times bestseller. But she's still Simone...and her fans love her. She's a blast to hang out with and we miss her smiling typeface around here. 
(Tina and me with Simone)
Tina and I had a fabulous dinner with her. Here's a pic of my filet and shrimp....mmm....you know me and my foodie-ness!
I, too, got a huge stash of books. Even accidentally packed "The Teachings of Budha" book that was in the hotel room. Oopsies! There were so many books around...who knew? There are just so many cool reads coming out this year (including GHOST HUNTRESS: THE DISCOVERY in 18 days!) that it's hard to keep up with everything. 
(My fur baby, Boo, modeling my stash.)
So, I'm going to give away my copy of Meg Cabot's graphic novel, AVALON HIGH-CORONATION. Just leave a comment in the trail here about books you're looking forward to this year and I'll pick a winner and announce next week.
Hugs,
Marley = )
http://www.marleygibson.com/
http://www.ghosthuntress.com/
Ghosts don't hang up their sheets after Halloween
GHOST HUNTRESS series - The Awakening, The Guidance,
The Reason, The Counseling - available now!
By: Tera Lynn Childs,
on 4/11/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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As you might have noticed, a few of the Buzz girls descended on L.A. this week. I'm still on the road, so I'll have to rely on the others to share full details, but suffice it to say (is that an insanely lame phrase?) we had a great time.
My first unofficial conference event was a big YA author party at the home of Melissa de la Cruz. It was all out and just a wonderful time. Here's the one Buzz girl pic I have here on my phone:
This was before Marley showed up. I have to say that Teen Day far exceeded my expectations and it was great to meet so many awesome teen readers. If it's going to be that great again next year, I just might have to make the trip to Chicago.
Hugs,
TLC
http://www.teralynnchilds.com
http://twitter.com/teralynnchilds
By: TinaFerraro,
on 4/11/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Meg Cabot, Elaine Spencer, RT Convention, Add a tag
Last Thursday, Heather posted pictures and an update on the fun that the five of us Buzz Girls were having at the Romantic Times Booksellers Convention!
Here's one more picture, of our Marley Gibson with Knight Agency super-agent, Elaine Spencer (who just happens to represent both Dona Sarkar and me):
Saturday was TEEN DAY! Hundreds of teens and their adult companions joined the 1,000 or so readers already in attendance in a mega-signing that featured a football sized room full of romance authors. The Young Adult authors got their own row, making it fun for the readers and authors alike. (For instance, the alphabet being what it is, I got to sit between Simone Elkeles and Marley Gibson!)
Later came talks from YA authors, book readings, face-to-face chats, and finally, a teen party with a mega book giveaway. Great fun!
The one thing I felt I missed was something called Mr. Romance, where male cover models vied for that coveted title, because it conflicted with my author schedule. However, never one to let things totally pass me by, I did get to spend time with this hottie:
And on that silly note, please tell us in the comments the name of the super-hero that you'd like to meet, and be entered to win a copy of RANSOM MY HEART by Meg Cabot! The winner will be announced next Monday!
Good luck!
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
How to Hook a Hottie
The ABC's of Kissing Boys
www.tinaferraro.com
By: Heather Davis,
on 4/7/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Teen Day, Josephine Angelini, RT Convention, Buzz Girls, Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Melissa de la Cruz, Add a tag
Here I am with Dona, decked out for Melissa de la Cruz's awesome dinner party for YA authors at her home here in LA. Not only does fabulous Melissa have a to-die-for home, but she's also got the cutest husband and kids ever.
And, the guest list was extraordinary! From Melissa Marr (hard-working organizer of the RT-Con Teen Day Event on Saturday) to Alyson Noel and Carrie Ryan, there were interesting YA authors filling ever square foot. We ate, drank, and wrapped ourselves (ok, I did) in cozy blankets, hanging out on her deck until well past dark.
Here is Buzz Girl Tera with Sophie Jordan (Firelight) and debut author Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed).
It was fun to hear about all the new books coming out, and to talk about the state of the industry in general.Here are Marley and Dona with the aforementioned YA goddess Alyson Noel, who is not only a great writer, but is also super sweet.
Here are Tina and Dona, I think right after the red velvet cake and chocolate mousse cups arrived. See those satisfied smiles? The food was really, really yummy!
Marley's holding up the fruit, but we really ate turkey burger and grilled cheese. All this writer talk makes us hungry, obviously!
Although we're missing our bee sisters Wendy and Steph a ton, we're having a great time so fa
By: Marley Gibson,
on 4/6/2011
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: RT Convention, travel, winner, giveaway, ghost huntress, Marley Gibson, Book give-away, Add a tag
Last Wednesday, I offered up an advanced copy of the next GHOST HUNTRESS book, THE DISCOVERY. And the winner is...
Congrats Amanda! Please e-mail me at marley_gibson AT yahoo dot com with your contact information so I can get it in the mail to you. A really cool thing...I'm blogging from 35,000 feet. Thanks to a nice $5 connection from Southwest, I'm able to wave down at you from the friendly skies as I'm headed out to Los Angeles for the RT Booklovers Conference. I'm really excited to see fellow Buzz girls, Tina, Tera, Heather, and Dona, and our former Buzz girl, Simone Elkeles and so many others. My agent, Deidre Knight, and I are doing a panel on how agents sell film rights to books. I'm participating in CLUB RT, giving away a fun ghost hunting basket, and, of course, I'll be participating in Teen Day!
As Tina and Tera mentioned in their posts, I'll be among the teen authors appearing at Teen Day at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention on Saturday. Something cool is the teen authors will have their own rows, all together, for easy access. Then all of the YA gang will move into various activities like meets-and-greets, interesting talks, author readings, one-on-one "speed dates," and then all followed by a teen party. This is my first RT conference and I can't wait!
Come by and say hello!
Hugs, Marley = )
www.marleygibson.com www.ghosthuntress.com Ghosts don't come out only at Halloween! THE DISCOVERY, available May 2nd!
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Wow! Thank you! I always have trouble naming characters! Thanks!
-Meredith
I am forever writing down names in my notebooks--my favorites being slightly unusual but, like you said, pronounceable. In my book, THE ABC'S OF KISSING BOYS, the "mean girl" is called Chrissandra. I have no idea if that's a common name or if the mother of the woman I met made it up, but once I heard it, I knew I was going to use it!