You know those quotes at the beginning of books that praise the author and her writing? I’m going to be one! Lookie! I reviewed Kelly Meding’s book As Lie the Dead last August, and apparently her publisher (or someone involved with the process…) thought my exuberance deserves to be shared. This is so cool! So …
Melanie Hooyenga
Summer ‘ku
Thoughts from a late night perusing friends’ friends lists and other posts on Facebook… Freakfest on Facebook. Spray tans + protein, oh why did I give you up? … My long-ago crush has a toddler named Owen. The universe speaks! … Oh vague status posts… If only you intrigued me as your poster planned. … …
Getting Out of Your Head
I watched The King’s Speech with Colin Firth last night and the techniques used to help Bertie overcome his stammering got me thinking: most of the hang-ups we face, the things that prevent us from accomplishing what we want or make us think we aren’t good enough—they’re all in our head. At some point someone, …
My New Writing Space
It’s been a busy week! Since last Wednesday I’ve moved, painted, and almost completely unpacked into my new place. Owen’s adapting well to his new home (aside from the spontaneous yelps in the middle of the night that shock me from sleep every hour on the hour) and has already made friends with the neighbor …
#YAsaves : What YA Means to Me
On June 4th, the Wall Street Journal published an article by Meghan Cox Gurdon titled Darkness Too Visible, in which she states, “teen fiction can be like a hall of fun-house mirrors, constantly reflecting back hideously distorted portrayals of what life is. There are of course exceptions, but a careless young reader—or one who seeks …
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Guess what? Next week I will be the proud renter of my very own apartment! Over the past few weeks I’ve repainted/stained/finished a set of outdoor furniture, an ornate mirror, a kitchen table and chairs, an old chest, and this weekend I’m tackling my bedroom furniture. I’ve purchased just about everything I’ll need and have …
Aim High
Phew! I needed that break. I hope you all had as nice a long weekend as I did. I went an entire THREE DAYS without turning on my computer, and aside from a farmer’s tan that would put an actual farmer to shame, it was fabulous. Sunday I played 2-on-2 volleyball with a group of …
Happy Memorial Day!
Yes, I realize the holiday is still five days away, but I’m taking a break from posting until next week Wednesday. I have a TON of things to do to get ready for my new place (I’m moving June 10th!!) and sanding, painting, and spray varnishing don’t go well with a computer. Tomorrow night Erica …
The Second Day of the Rest of Your Life
*looks around* Everyone still here? Good. With all this talk of doomsday and questions of what you’d do if the world WERE about to end, I can’t help but look at this as a chance for renewal. A time for reflection and maybe a couple resolutions (if I believed in that sort of thing.) I …
Reliving My Yout.
In one week I’ll be doing something that’s brought up ALL KINDS of memories from my early teenage years. I’m claiming it’s research for my next book, but really I’m just geeked to be a part of it. Any guesses what it is? (If you already know, please don’t say until it’s guessed.) Do you …