Speak Loudly Winners!!!

I'm still amazed at the awesome response the YA community has had to this issue and I'm so touched by everyone who told me their story and left such thoughtful comments on my Speak Loudly post. There were 100 comments! I was blown away.

And now....randomizer has spoken and I have 10 winners who will receive one of 10 copies of SPEAK! Ready?

1. Soulfull

2. Keri (Twilighter1981)

3. Ezzy

4. Tina Lynn

5. Allison

6. A.S. Boudreau

7. Ani

8. Tricia J. O'Brien

9. Laura Marcella

10. Sablelexi

EEEE! Congratulations guys!!!!

I'm going to attempt to track you all down to get your info--but feel free to email me first!

If for some reason I cannot contact a winner, I will reselect. Because these SPEAKs need to find homes!!!!

Ok Winners--CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for entering. And I have two small favors to ask you.

1. Please blog/tweet/facebook about SPEAK when you receive it--let's continue Speaking Loudly with a story, a review of the book, who you shared it with, anything.

and...

2. Bear with me as I send it out...I'm going to do this in spurts so I don't give the post office all my money at once.

:-)

Thank you again! You are all amazing!

Why Fall 2010 Rules The Other Falls!

Quick Public Service Announcement--I'll be announcing the winner of my epic SPEAK LOUDLY 10 Book Giveaway Tonight! So stay tuned for that. But in the meantime....a list of why this fall is AWESOME!

1. Because the final book in one of my favorite Urban Fantasies just came out! ALPHA by Rachel Vincent and it rocks!

2. Because Nightshade by Andrea Cremer comes out this Fall and it's my new favorite fantasy!!!!!

3. Because The Vampire Diaries are having some majorly fantastic episodes every week and the recaps have been a blast to write so far!

4. We are just weeks away from THIS!

5. Because we are also weeks away from my first ever public speaking event as a writer!

6. AND....

What about Fall has you guys excited?

Easy A, 10 Things I Hate About You Teen Movie Throwdown!!!

You guys know that my love for 10 Things I Hate About You is DEEP! Like religiously deep. That's how much I love this movie. And I really thought nothing else would ever compare. But then I saw Easy A. Twice. And I am in love!

This movie has it all. Awesome main character with perfect comedic timing, cute boys, HILARIOUS DADS, awesome quotes, and....a totally random dance number!

And so I've decided we need a throwdown!

EASY A VS 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU

Round 1: Battle of the Ballads

Olive's Knocking on Wood versus Heath's Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

I do love that Olive can totally sing and pull off a burlesque show at her high school's basket ball game. But NOTHING I repeat, Nothing can ever really top this!

The WINNER: 10 Things I Hate About You

Bonus Round: Easy A and Pocketful of Sunshine!!!! AKA Best. Clip. Ever.

Final Verdict: 2 awesome song sequences versus 1....aaaah. I say TIE!

Round 2: Battle of the Dads

Dr. Stratford brought us such gems like, "I'm down, I got the 411 and you are not going out and getting jiggy with some boy, I don't care how dope his ride is."

Also, "My insurance does not cover PMS!"

And this peace of awesome!

Dr. Stratford: This morning, I delivered a set of twins to a fifteen-year-old girl, do you know what she said to me?


Bianca: "I'm a crack-whore who should have made my skeazy boyfriend wear a condom"?

Dr. Stratford: Close, but no. She said, "I should have listened to my father".

Bianca: She did not.

Dr. Stratford: Well, that's what should would have said if she wasn't so doped up!

Oh, Dr. Stratford, I've quoted you for years, but there is just something about Stanley Tucci's timing in Easy A and the fact that I find him disturbingly attractive. I mean, look!




The Winner: EASY A!

Round 3: Battle of the Quotes

10 Things:

Chastity: I know you can overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?

Bianca: I think you can in Europe.

Easy A:

Marianne: There's a higher power that will judge you for your indecency.

Olive: Tom Cruise? Hey! Did I just get saved?

10 Things:

Bianca: There's a difference between like and love. Because I like my sketchers, but I Love my Prada backpack.

Chastity: But I love my sketchers.

Bianca: That's because you don't have a Prada back pack.

Chastity: Oooh.

Easy A:

Olive's Mom: No judgement, but you kinda look like a stripper.

Olive: Mom!

Olive's Dad: A high end stripper, for governors or athletes


Winner: TEN THINGS! Sorry, but nothing can outquote that movie.

The Score:
Easy A: 2
10 Things: 2

AAAAAAAAAH! A Tie!

Ok give it to me. Who saw Easy A? Who Loves 10 Things and who really wins the throw down?

SPEAK Quotes

Ever since the #SPEAKLOUDLY campaign began I've been continually moved, touched, amazed, and inspired hour after hour. I'm trying to respond individually to every single comment I've recieved on YESTERDAY'S POST. The stories you guys are telling me are amazing.

If you have not read SPEAK, or you know someone who needs a copy, then please enter my giveaway. I'm giving away 10 copies of SPEAK--because that's how much I believe in this book.

So today I thought I'd share two of my favorite quotes. It's time to see SPEAK quotes celebrated for their raw beauty and honesty, not taken out of context and turned into something grotesquely misunderstood.

The first quote from earlier in the novel is sad, but it moves me and is one that I think a lot of people can relate to if they've ever felt depressed. And the second quote towards the end of the novel is far more hopeful and empowering.

I know my head isn't screwed on straight. I want to leave, transfer, warp myself to another galaxy. I want to confess everything, hand over the guilt and mistake and anger to someone else. There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the inside of my ribs. Even if I dump the memory, it will stay with me, staining me. My closet is a good thing, a quiet place that helps me hold these thoughts inside my head where no one can hear them (51).

I have survived. I am here. Confused, screwed up, but here. So, how can I find my way? Is there a chain saw of the soul, an ax I can take to my memories or fears? I dig my fingers into the dirt and squeeze. A small, clean part of me waits to warm and burst through the surface. Some quiet Melindagirl I haven't seen in months. That is the seed I will care for (188).

Isn't Laurie Halse Anderson amazing? For those who have read SPEAK, do you have any favorite quotes?

P.S. I just finished drafting a proposal for a class called Writing the YA Novel that I hope *fingers crossed* I'll get to teach. And the first book I included on my required reading list...SPEAK!

#SPEAKloudly + Giveaway

Wow. I've just read so many posts about the latest book banner and his attack on Laurie Halse Anderson's brilliant, amazing and should-be-required-reading SPEAK!

I don't think there is anymore I can say at this point that hasn't been said if you're reading through the blogosphere. I am completely against book banning--I personally do not believe that anyone has the right to decide what someone can and can't read. At all!

Book bannings happen unfortunately all the time.

But this latest attack is beyond disgusting. To actually refer to the rape in SPEAK as soft porn is the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard.

If you need some catch up, here is the link to Laurie Halse Anderson's blog and response.

CJ Redwine also wrote a heartbreakingly beautiful post on why this book is so important to her.

We have to SPEAK up about SPEAK!!! I didn't go through the same horrors Melinda did, but I did suffer from depression in middle school. I never publicly admitted this before, but... for a period of time, I was a cutter. I cut because I was in pain, because I felt alone and because I didn't think anyone cared.

Having a book like SPEAK could have been tremendously helpful to me, because the message in there goes beyond speaking out against rape--this book is for anyone who has ever felt alone, anyone who has ever been depressed, anyone who has ever been assaulted, or any other horror and felt that they had no voice. If someone is lucky enough to never go through any of what I mentioned than at the very least they should be aware that you never know what another person is really going through. One of the most heart breaking moments for me in SPEAK is when Melinda is harassed by another student for breaking up the party--if the student had any idea what Melinda was going through I'm sure she would have reacted differently. This is a book for everyone.

Taking away SPEAK is one of the worst offenses I can think of. And the kind of ignorance spouted by the banner needs to have some light shed on it.

So what can we do?

Laurie has suggested ways to speak out on her blog and there's also a campaign on twitter to get SPEAK back on the New York Times Best Seller list--a place that this book really ought to live in forever.

I'm so proud of the way the YA community is banding together. I've never been so proud to be a part of this community. So here's what I want to do to help.

I feel SO passionately about this issue, about this book and about having SPEAK reach more readers that I am purchasing 10 copies of SPEAK.

And I'm giving them away.

If you've never read SPEAK, comment below. Or even if you already own a copy-- if you know someone who hasn't read SPEAK and might benefit from it then comment, if your library doesn't currently carry SPEAK, comment below, if you'd like to give it a to a teacher, or a counselor or anyone who might get it into the right hands, comment below. If I get 10 comments, I'll give a copy to each commenter, if I get more, I'll draw randomly. Whatever happens, I'm determined to get those books into readers' hands.

There are no rules for this giveaway. But there's one thing you should do. Comment below and ALSO if you are on twitter and/or facebook you can add the SPEAK LOUDLY twibbon to your picture by clicking HERE! I have the twibbon on both profiles.

SPEAK LOUDLY!

Philly Lit Night: Official Details

What: Philly Lit Night

Huh: It's this awesome event where writers and bloggers and literary people in general who live in or near or sort of near the Philadelphia area can come and hang out and actually talk about writing and blogging and reading....and drink...if they want!

When: Friday, September 24th at 8pm

Where: The Irish Pub (20th and Walnut)

Who: This is the brain child of me and Simon C. Larter. But other fun faces shall be there, like the girls of the FNC! And everyone who is in the area is invited! And everyone who isn't in the area is also invited (expect tweets). This means YOU are invited! Yay!

Why: Because how else can you go out, tweet, practice using live hashtags, get crazy fodder for your blog, meet other writers, pull out a book when you're bored without getting looks AND get inspiration for your story? That's right. No where else! Also because we're all curious to see how strong of a Scottish accent Simon really has.

So we really hope to see you there!

I Want To Have Lady Gaga's Baby!

Holy Freaking Cow! Lady Gaga's concert was the BEST show I've ever been to! I LOVED it! I loved her, I loved her personality--she's surprisingly funny and down to earth in real life--and the choreography rocked and yes...I even loved the costumes yay no meat suit!

There were few times I wasn't dancing like crazy. And I don't think I've ever been as excited to hear a song live as I was Alejandro.

Seriously, if you can see Lady Gaga you have to do it. The next time she's on tour, nothing will stop me! I can't stop listening to her songs now.

All in all it was a fabulous evening with the small exception that I spent 20 minutes positive my car had been stolen....only to discover we were in the wrong parking lot having what Donna calls "one of our blonde-brunette moments." In our defense, we'd seen a lot of Gagas--so many people were dressed up in the most hardcore costumes and we were a little starstruck...and or still singing Alejandro...

New Vampire Diaries tonight too! Wheee!

Distracted

So I'm trying to come up with a coherent post for you guys but in reality, I only have one thought in my head.

I am going to see Lady Gaga!


TONIGHT!

Squeeeeeeee!

Don't call my name, don't call my name. Alejandrooooooo!

Needless to say I won't be getting any writing done tonight, but... I think it's all for a good cause. Donna from the First Novels Club will be with me so I expect shenanigans.

Any Lady Gaga fans out there? What's your fave song?

Come See Me Talk About Stuff!

So in case you missed it, I'm going to be giving a talk at Arcadia University on October 15th about everything I know so far about writing and publishing. I'm also running a workshop/critique session on YA novels that afteroon for Arcadia students.

But my talk is free and open to the public AND...it's in a castle! True story!

So here's the link to the SITE!

And here's the stuff they wrote about me:-)
________________________________________________

Arcadia University’s Writers Return to Campus Presents Frankie Diane Mallis, Oct. 15


Glenside, Pa.—Friday, Sept. 9, 2010—Arcadia University’s Writers Return to Campus presents Frankie Diane Mallis ’09M, a Philadelphia-based author, on Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Grey Towers Castle. Arcadia University is located at 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, Pa. The event is free and open to the public.

As a graduate student in the master’s in English program at Arcadia, Mallis wrote her first novel, Stolen, which landed her a literary agent within a year after graduation. Her writing genre is fantasy for young adults.

Mallis will speak on “Breaking Into the Biz: Everything I Wish I Had Known About Publishing.” She will discuss the process of getting into the publishing industry, prepping your manuscript, the importance of networking, branding, attending conferences, querying, pitches and what happens once you land an agent. Her first novel manuscript is currently on submissions with editors.

She is currently working on her second novel, as well as teaching. Mallis writes frequently on her blog, Frankie Writes, as well as with her critique group, composed of fellow Arcadia alumni, The First Novels Club.

For more information about arts and cultural events at Arcadia University, visit www.arcadia.edu/arts.
_________________________



So if you're in the Philly area, you should totally come. I hear they're serving chips and pretzels. AND...you can also hang out with me at THIS!

Friday Five (or more)

1. Vampire Diaries was AWESOME last night, holy crap! I'm working on the recap for it right now.
2. Well not technically this second because I'm writing this post.
3. So you know, figuratively speaking.
4. My point is you'll get to read it soon.
5. Also, yesterday I taught my first nutrition class.
6. I showed them this movie.

7. And I successfully traumatized my entire class into going organic.
8. If they're all vegan by the end of the semester...
9. Well, I may or may not have had something to do with it.
10. Also...next Wednesday I'm seeing LADY GAGA!!!!!
11. And in two Fridays, I'm doing THIS!
12. This might be my most random Friday Five Ever.
13. Or not.
14. Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you're doing anything fun or exciting:-)
15. *writing something here just because 15 is a multiple of 5*

Calling All Philly Writers

Or writers who are near Philly (suburban PA, NJ, DE, etc etc).

The infamous Simon C. Larter and I are holding the first ever Philly Lit Night on Friday night, September 24th on South Street.

More details....like exact timing and an actual location will be coming soon, but we wanted to get the word out to mark your calendars for the 24th because we are coming out to party and we expect you to be there with us!

Let me know if you can make it or want to come...this might become a regular event if all goes well:-) But for now RSVP in the comments here or at Simon's blog and once we have a decent headcount we'll email/post with a more exact location and time.

Signed Pretty Little Liars Winner!

OMG, you guys! Since I got sick, I totally forgot to let randomizer pick a winner for a signed copy of Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. And...I also forgot to announce it! But, I'm making up for that right now!!!!

So...without any further delay....

The Southern Princess Wins!!!!

Courtney! You have some kind of crazy contest-winning mojo! So congrats and thanks everyone for entering and hanging out here with me and still being here even though I went crazy last week and started talking about Metallica.

Happy Release Day THE DUFF

I am SO excited that The Duff by the uber fabulous and totally adorable Kody Keplinger was officially released today. I got to read The Duff a few weeks ago and all I can say is I LOVE THIS BOOK! I absolutely adored and identified with Bianca, the protagonist. I could totally relate to feeling like The Duff in high school, in college, and crap, that feeling never really goes away.

I thought that the set up between Bianca and Wesley was full of fireworks and when the two of them got together, the sparks were flying no matter what state their relationship was in--antagonistic, hateful, sexy, sexytimes, romantic, sweet, loving....it was fab!

I also thought her friends were fun and though I was never as brave as Bianca was in high school, I loved that she chose to deal with her issues head on--even if some would argue that she was actually denying her issues, she was still doing something and eventually came to terms. I loved the message in this book and how it was so organic and explored the way that words like Duff and Whore can really hurt people.

True story--I was once called The Sluttiest Girl in middle school in one of those polls--this to anyone who actually knew me was beyond ironic. But even so, that was definitely damaging to my self esteem.

So I was totally cheering through the whole story and when Bianca and Wesley finally both realized how they felt I was practically clapping!

When I finished The Duff I had a huge smile on my face that lasted all night. The Duff was awesome!

College Bloopers

I used to write about grad school bloopers on this blog, like the time I totally pissed off my rhetoric professor on the first day and had him condemn me to failing out of the program in front of the class--I got an A, but we had a rocky start.

Anyway, now it's time for more bloopers, but I'm on the other side of the desk.

So today was my first day teaching my writing class at Arcadia University. And of course! I am SICK! SICKSICKSICK!

Out of nowhere the other day I woke up hacking and gagging, my nose running, post nasal drip, the works! And being unable to breathe out of my nose, my mouth has been open too long for too many hours and my throat is dried out. So when I talk...and I actually sound more coherent than a few "uuumpphhs," and "nuuuuuhhhhhs," and "wjcfjdnkdsjs" my voice sounds SUPER SEXY in that "I've smoked a pack a day since I was 2" kind of way."

Actually, I sound a lot like the woman at the end of this Metallica video!

Don't you wish I'd make a vlog? Don't answer that.

Did I just go up in cool points for blogging about Metallica? Or down?

I'm not sure.

Hopefully this post is still making sense, my head is cloudy...anyway moving on.

So I walk into my class which is supposed to have 17 students enrolled in it. And when I walk in, I discover....there are 25 students!

OMG!

For a split second, I'm kind of like, ooooh wow. People WANT to be in my class so bad they are sneaking in! Awesome.

Then I realize that's crazy because I'm just a lowly adjunct and I'm listed on course enrollment as STAFF--uber glam.

So anyway, I mumble something about how I'm sick and I'm sorry and if I cough up a lung, don't worry it won't happen in the next class. And because I'm only capable of speaking for 30 second intervals before losing my voice, I literally THROW my syllabi at them. Here! Read this!

So the syllabi are going around plus my unit break down and a class info sheet. When suddenly, there is a commotion in one row of chairs.

I shoot the commotion makers a sideways glance--WHAT'S This?!?!? Talking on the first day of my class?

And I discover the problem.

1/5 of my class is NOT my class. Although it took my cloudy brain several moments to parse this out.

It turned out a bunch of 101 students crashed my class. I teach 201!

And they swore up and down that they were in the right room.

So I start to stand up thinking OMG! I'm totally teaching the wrong class. Some 101 teacher is about to come in here and whoop my a$$ for stealing their first day thunder where elsewhere are my real students wondering if they can leave because it's been 5 minutes.

Well, it turned out there was a last minute schedule change and the freshmen--101ers didn't get the memo.

After running across the hall to the English Department with my arms flailing--mildly, because I'm sick and don't move that fast, we sorted everything out.

In the end, I was right. They were wrong.

We expelled the 101ers and reveled in our 201 status and I attempted to go over the syllabus in my sexy voice. This quickly turned into--ooh you're all literate. You can read this yourselves. Talk amongst yourselves. And have a great day!

And thus...Fall semester has started.

*going in search of more cold medicine*