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I'm working on revisions for Hollyweird and I'm trying to work out a sticky plot point, but I haven't come up with the perfect thing yet. I know eventually I'll be zapped with an "Aha!" moment, but I hope it hurries up. LOL. I don't like feeling stuck. In the meantime I'm doing research and looking for inspiration everywhere. I want to nail this ending!

This weekend I'm going to the Colorado Teen Lit Conference and I'm really looking forward to it. I get to visit with some authors I only get to see at these events (Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Amy Kathleen Ryan) and I'm looking forward to meeting new authors Amy Efaw and Becca Fitzgerald (who I've only spoken to on email). 

I'm also really excited to FINALLY meet Ellen Hopkins. We had stories together in the anthology Breaking Up Is Hard To Do and I have an essay in the anthology about her work, Flirtin' with the Monster. Ellen and I have talked on email, and both Lynda and Nic have met her, but I've yet to have that pleasure. 

Even more fun will be having two of my creative writing club teens attend with me. :) I know the Kels(e)ys are going to have a blast! 

This conference is always a favorite of mine. And this year the weather is supposed to be much nicer than last year so attendance should be higher.  

Can't wait!

Tomorrow is May 5th, which is turning out to be a significant date for me. Last year on that date Breaking Up is Hard to Do was released. I completely adore this anthology! One, because I had an absolute blast writing Don't Mind Me and two, because I got to put this book together with Lynda Sandoval, Niki Burnham and Ellen Hopkins. If you haven't checked out our fun, funny and empowering stories of overcoming break-ups, I hope you will.

Strangely, but very cooly, I have another book coming out with Niki and Ellen. Flirtin' with the Monster officially hits shelves tomorrow. If you're a big fan of Ellen--and who isn't?--you'll want to nab a copy of this book. Here's the deets:

Where is the line between truth and fiction?

Why do love and addiction so often go hand in hand?

What does the real “Kristina” think about the way her story is told in Crank and Glass?

Crank and Glass have always been more than just stories. Join their author Ellen Hopkins and a host of other writers as they delve deep into Kristina’s story, from the straight truth on the physical effects of methamphetamine addiction to the psychological consequences of keeping secrets (and how Hopkins’ books have encouraged so many teens to reveal theirs). [<-- The secrets essay is mine.]

With an essay by Ellen’s real-life daughter (the basis for the character of “Kristina”) that tells her version of the events that inspired the books—along with perspectives from “Scott,” “Jake,” and 11-year-old “Hunter,” the baby from Crank—Flirtin’ with the Monster is a compelling journey through the complexities of Hopkins’ beloved bestselling works.

You can read an excerpt here and enter to win a copy, along with Crank and Glass, here.

First off, I just want to thank all of you who participated here and on my myspace blog (myspace.com/terristake). I really enjoyed reading about the books that made a personal impact on you. Looking back, I have so many books that have stuck with me in various stages of my life -- E.B. White's Charlotte's Web was the first book to make me cry, I adored Trixie Belden, begged my mom to buy me a new book from the series anytime I could (I still have them all) and fell in love with a fictional boy for the first time, The Diary of Anne Frank moved me and made me appreciate the freedom we all have,  Judy Blume shaped and informed my teen years, V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic series horrified and enthralled me, Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird was a required reading book I completely fell in love with and Danielle Steel's Palomino was the first adult romance I ever read.  Each of these books holds a special place in my heart and having this discussion with you all has reminded me what true gifts books are. :)

Now, without further sentimental rambling, I announce the winner: 


MISS PIGEON! 

Congrats! You are the lucky person selected by the Custom Random Number Generator. Please message me privately with your address and I'll get those books out to you.

As for the rest of you...please check back soon because I'll be holding a contest to give away my newest book...Flirtin' with the Monster, an anthology all about the incredible Ellen Hopkins.