Jersey Girl

It's snowing outside right now (duh. It's not going to be snowing inside, right?), and it's so insanely beautiful when I have nowhere to be. Now, if it continues (which it is supposed to) tomorrow, that is going to suck for our holiday travels. So is the way of Christmas. All stress and rushing and money and fatness. At least, that's what it feels like right now to this Jewish gal.

In non-weather news, GET WELL SOON has been nominated for a Garden State Teen Book Award! Thanks to Brenda for the tip. To all you teens in Jersey reading my blog, please vote here! Maybe then I can visit New Jersey and stop by the Cake Boss bakery! They call me Buddy. And Buddy can make me a special book award cake! Yeah!

Be sure to visit Teensreadtoo.com to read the new, great review of INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER! Thanks, TR2 (um, do you guys ever refer to yourselves that way?)!

In new book news, I have FINALLY finished typing up my new novel. As some of you may remember, I hand-write (like an idiot, I'm starting to think), and then it takes me forever to retype what I wrote. But I can't have someone else do the typing because I do such much revising. But now that it's done, I think I am going to try something and go back and insert a bunch of new chapters from a different character's perspective. I just feel it will give more insight into why that character did what she did, and it will also show you about the two main characters through this character's eyes. Dunno. We'll see how it works. The book is not super-long, and I have a little over a month before my deadline, so I'm going to play with it.

Happy Hanukkah (over, I know, but I'm saying it anyway)! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!

List of Six

My husband, the magnificently talented Matthew Cordell (you should see the new picture book he is working on for Lauren Thompson! It made me cry last night) has a monthly feature on his blog about his top ten favorite things of the month. I don't feel like committing to doing that right now, but I am always up for a list. So here is a list of things in my brain right now (RIGHT NOW!):

1. The Duggars. I can't get enough of the 18 Kids and Counting family. This morning I saw a 16 kids episode. They have to keep changing the name of the show! Because they keep having kids! The mom looked so different! Bizarre bangs surrounding her face. And the kids all wore matching clothes. That were homemade. Not anymore. TV really has changed them. For the better? Don't know, but I can't stop watching them. I have so many questions I would ask them. Do any of them NOT want to have kids when they grow up? Is Mama Duggar just one big mushball under her clothes? Do all of the girls have their periods at the same time? These questions are all kind of gross. Moving on.

2. The JK Rowling documentary on the Half Blood Prince DVD. It made me love her even more than I already do. It made me remember where I was when I first read Sorcerer's Stone-- how it wasn't even ANYTHING yet-- and then it was EVERYTHING. It made me relate to her as an author. Like, I'm an author, and I really am, because all of the things Jo was talking about with her writing is stuff I can relate to. And I never really thought that before. Or at least, not as much as Jo made me. Magical.

3. My DVR. Yes, I love it. Just like you all promised. We watch stuff and fast forward stuff and demand stuff whenever we want. So excellent.

4. My XM Radio is possessed. Seriously. The programmed buttons keep changing. How does that happen? And yet, I like the channels that it chooses for me.

5. Clementines. I can't stop eating them. Not like I'm some healthy freak and I only eat mass quantities of fruit. I eat tons of clementines (at least 4 per day) on top of my candy fix. One of the best pieces of winter.

6. Getting a new car. I think it's time. I drive a 98 Civic, and it is going to need new front tires and front brakes soon. I'd rather spend that money on a new car, with correct safety restraints for Romy's car seat, than spend it on fixing the old car. But can I part with it? And what will happen to my bumper stickers: "I played D&D before it was cool" and "WWBD: What Would Buffy Do?"?

I guess that's it. I'm sure I could add a million more, but for now, I will leave you with six.

A Happy Hanukkah to all, and to all, a good night!

Thursday Follies

I have made a decision to postpone the Proust Questionnaires until the new year. I have several authors lined up, all with books that won't be out until 2010, so I figure I'll wait until their books are closer to being debuted.

In Julie news, I have started obsessing somewhat about Rupert Grint emailing me. Not that he has, but that he hasn't. So pathetic of me. Will he really write me just because I sent him my books and included his name in one of them? Will he, I ask? Sigh. Why do I get all weird when it gets wintry out? I seem to feel more Harry Potterly obsessive this time of year.

I happened upon something quite cool, and I don't remember what I was even searching for when I found it. INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER was nominated to be on the Amelia Bloomer List, a yearly list of the best feminist books for young readers selected by the Feminist Task Force of the American Library Association! That is such a HUGE honor! I was a Women's Studies major in college and am so down with the this list. That would be majorly fantastically cool to make it. Cross your fingers!

I wonder how Rupert Grint feels about feminists?

NCTE Roundup

I don't know if this is actually a roundup, but that's a funny word and I'm hella out of it from the trip to Philadelphia. All in all, a wonderful time in Motown Philly. Back again. Man I'm tired. Anywho, here's the recap:

Arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon. Flight wasn't too awful, with just tiny bouts of Romy crying until we got her to fall asleep (she fights it hard). People complimented us on our handlings of baby on flight. It's so nice that people do that. Will have to remember to do that in the future to others. Our cab driver was odd, but nice, and he originally had XM Radio's '50s channel playing, but switched it it some boring classical stuff. So I said, "Switch it back," and we had a rockin' and rollickin' ride into Philly.

Don't get me started on the hotel suite debacle (which wasn't a debacle, actually, because we did get a free suite upgrade, but were later told by some other hotel guy that you DO NOT ask for upgrades when you are being paid for in a group because that's favoritism. Um, suck it? Because why should I not ask? You have the rooms. Someone's going to get the free upgrade, so why not the people with the baby so that they can put her in a separate room and actually talk to each other and pee and walk around without fear of waking the baby??? And, what kind of manager says, "Next time, remember that we don't do that?" Next time, tell your cronies not to GIVE OUT THE FREE ROOM IN THE FIRST PLACE.). Geez. I guess I got started. We had a beautiful room, and then we walked to the Rosenbach Museum to see some Sendak stuff (they pulled out some original art from "Wild Things." Matt was freaked out. "What if someone sneezed on it?! It wasn't even covered!"). Oh yes, and we had a delicious lunch at a place with a name that I don't remember. Shocking, I know.

Then it was time for me to get ready for the ALAN Cocktail Party. I wore these shoes. They were beyond cute. So beyond cute that every person I met complimented me on them. Seriously. But I could not feel my toes by the end of the night. Seriously again. And my publisher had to call a cab for me (which I shared with two other people), just because I couldn't walk to the restaurant. I'm no diva. I'm just a tool who can't wear high heels. Is it worth it? Why do people love their high heels? I don't get it. Just some sick invention of men trying to slow us women down. I think. Moving on... The party was fun, and I mingled and smiled and said ridiculous things to many nice teachers and authors (although, Sarah Dessen must think I'm a lunatic. The last time I met her I was talking about breastfeeding. And there I was, chatting about breastfeeding again, my apparently go-to topic of conversation, with E. Lockhart, and who should come up to say hello? Sarah Dessen. I imagine the two of them sneaking off to talk about the breastfeeding-obsessed freak of an author. "What was her name? I forget, since she wasn't wearing a name tag [because they spelled my last name "Halperin," that's why. That kind of thing wouldn't happen to Sarah Dessen, no sir.]" Sigh. Then I journeyed along with my publishing peeps (thanks to Tim, Katie, Joy, Jeanne, and Lauren-- am I forgetting anyone? Am I spelling names wrong?) and some GREAT authors (Mary Pearson, David Klass, Paula Jolin, Danica Novgorodoff, and Chris Carlton Brown), and a slew of incredibly nice teachers for a fancy dinner. I sat with some super sweet and fun people and loved talking to all of them. If you're reading this: facebook me! I don't know all of your last names!

The next day was a semi waste, since the museums we wanted to visit were closed on Mondays. The weather was gross, but we ended walking mega far, and Romy slept happily in the stroller (BEST STROLLER EVER). We had quite the food adventure, though. There was a line of people waiting on a food vendor with a shiny silver cart, plumes of smoke puffing out. No signs anywhere, we asked the people what they were waiting for. Everyone in line proceeded to share their food tales, assuring us this guy was like the Soup Nazi, don't ask him any questions, and so on, but the food and the wait were worth it. We left, but decided why not, and came back to wait in line. While waiting, the guy handed out fancy bread slathered in papaya hummus. The resulting lunch was incredible, huge portions of flavory chicken breast (yeah, I'm not a food reviewer. Flavory is such a sad word choice. Yet hilarious.), salad, hummus, falafel, etc. Massive and delicious. Worth the wait and the experience. Then, with the rain and nap time approaching, we just went back to the hotel, each of us taking turns taking naps. Ruby Tuesdays for dinner.

Finally, I presented on a panel with Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones. Nobody told me that when you are on a "panel" with people at NCTE, it means you don't actually have to have anything to do with those people! I was so panicked, since our books are SO different. But I spoke, and then they spoke, and that was that. I signed some autographs, went back to the hotel and snuck around until Romy woke up from her nap, went to the airport (fourth super-nice Philly cabbie, btw), endured the stressful plane ride (I don't know how anyone travels on airplanes with babies without breastfeeding. Sorry, Sarah, had to just say that.)--with more baby-handling compliments!--, and made it back. Today and the rest of my break will be spent unpacking, doing laundry, and trying to finish typing up my new novel. End NCTE roundup.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Kimberly Pauley

Kimberly Pauley is a YA author (Sucks to Be Me and the forthcoming Still Sucks to Be Me), though she is perhaps better known as the YA Books Goodess from YA Books Central. You can learn more than you ever wanted to learn about her at www.kimberlypauley.com

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French. And, once again, the spacing and stuff is all weird.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Kimberly Pauley!

1. What is your favorite word?

Epiphany (though, you know, this changes all the time.)

2. What is your least favorite word?

No.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Random Connections.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Stupidity.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

Little Max giggling.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

That awful beep beep beep sound that construction vehicles make when they back up.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

Um, probably "Dammit!" Sometimes followed by "Janet"

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Artist. Any kind, really.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Anything corporate. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, hated it.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You know, you were right. (Then God would poke me on the nose with his/her finger and giggle.)

Next week is Thanksgiving, so we'll skip the Proust. Until the next week!

D&D and Me! And a contest!

The cold has hit the whole family. It's on it's way into my system, and I hope it would hurry up and get here so it can hurry up and leave before I have to fly with the family to Philadelphia for NCTE/ALAN. Sigh. Or should I say, sneeze?


There's an interview up with me on the Wizards of the Coast website. The interview was done by the awesome Shelly Mazzanoble, author of Confessions of a Part-time Sorceress: A Girl's Guide to the D&D Game. Want to win a signed copy of Shelly's book plus a nifty dice bag? Just go to the Wizard site, read my interview, then send me a message @ julie@juliehalpern.com OR just post a comment here on my blog. It doesn't even have to be about the interview! Just say something nice. Niceness is good. I'll pick two names from the entries. You have until Thanksgiving to enter. Oh! And you can enter to win a copy of my book, INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER at the Wizards site! Us D&D folk gotta stick together.

Back to School

I'm watching Back to School starring Rodney Dangerfield right now. This movie feels very different to me than it used to. I feel old. I relate more to Rodney's character than to his college aged soon (although, truth be told, I have always thought that "young" actor looked WAY OLD. I still do.). So is life.

Next weekend I'm traveling with the fam (always with the fam; never again without. That is my vow) to Philadelphia to hang and speak at the NCTE (National Council for Teachers of English) conference, specifically at the ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) Workshop. I am super nervous, but not about the conference stuff. Maybe I should be, but traveling with a baby trumps all nervousness of any other kind. What will I have to remember to bring? What will I forget? Will she fuss on the plane? Will she get Matt's cold just in time for the trip? Will I? That, on top of heaps of booktalks at work this week, is making me a loon. And to top it off, I just can't decide on which pair of shoes to buy to go with my dress that I plan to wear to the conference cocktail shindig (where all of the authors at ALAN will cocktail about). This is making me batty. Like, I can't stop buying shoes just in case they are the right pair to wear. I need the PERFECT pair of shoes. But why? Why does it matter anymore? Ever since I had Romy, I have such a guilt about spending money on shoes for myself. And now I have one week to choose the perfect pair. Or... or what? None of this addresses the fact that I have to present on a panel about writing humorous stories. But that's not until Tuesday morning, well after the cocktail party where I must wear the correct shoes to attend. Now that I think about it, what shoes will I wear to the panel? Will people be able to see my feet?

Update: Romy has a cold! Which is good because it will hopefully be gone by next weekend. But the question remains: when do I get mine?

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Nina Hess!

Nina Hess and I met years back when I was doing some freelance writing about reluctant readers. We hit it off famously and have been buds ever since. I wish I could see her more than less than once a year (or whenever we happen to be at a conference at the same time). Nina will be my guest of honor when Rupert Grint invites me back to his lair, I mean, to Hogwarts. Nina is the author of the most excellent A Practical Guide to Monsters, as well as an editor extraordinaire. Read all about her monsters here.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French. And, once again, the spacing and stuff is all weird.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Nina Hess!

1. What is your favorite word? I can’t pick just one so I will say: Thesaurus

2. What is your least favorite word? No

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Smart, funny open-minded people and great books

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Negativity

5. What sound or noise do you love? Silence

6. What sound or noise do you hate? Loud clangy music in public places

7. What is your favorite curse word? Poo!

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Elementary school teacher in a place that actually pays a living wage for teachers

9. What profession would you not like to do? Accountant

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Go home!

Next Thursday's author: Kimberly Pauley!

My Interview with Rupert

Well, it's not an interview with Rupert, but it is an interview with me on a Rupert Grint fansite! I am both excited and a little, what's the word? Not embarrassed, but more like, exposed, I think. As much as I have shared my obsessions with my blog and book readers, this feels so much more out there than I have been since high school as a fan of anything. Maybe not. Maybe people who know me well are like, Julie, you've always been a fangirl of some capacity. We are not the least surprised that you have a poster and Peeps of Rupert Grint in your library (the Peeps were for a contest! All the kids made dioramas of books! It wasn't just me sitting around making Weasley Peeps! I swear!). Anyway, here is the link. One of the commenters called me weird. To what story is she referring? Anyway, I am going to put a cap on the Rupert blog posts for a bit. At least, until he calls me to thank him for the plug. {Fantasy sequence begins: "Your ticket to Hogwarts awaits!" End fantasy sequence.}

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Jill S. Alexander!

Jill S. Alexander is the author of the delightful THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY. I say delightful, although I have not yet read the book (I will! I swear it! I'm a school librarian and am always 2-3 season behind in my reading. But I promise I will!), because the cover is delightful and Jill herself seems delightful. Enough of that word. She has a great looking website, jillsalexander.com, and a wonky blog (her word, not mine) called "Welcome to the Wonky Tonk," where she muses often about Southern things. I look forward to reading more and hearing more from Jill. (if she ever speaks to me again. I was being sincere about wanting and planning to read the book.)

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Jill S. Alexander!

1. What is your favorite word?
Swanky

2. What is your least favorite word?
Booyah! Time to stop with the BOOYAHS, folks.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Music inpsires me.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Whining. I don’t do whining.

5. What sound or noise do you love?
I absolutely love the sexy rumble of a ’69 Mustang Boss 429 engine.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?
The monotonous drone of a treadmill.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
Ri-damn-diculous

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
In my dreams, I teach country and western dancing. Two-step, Waltz, Swing, The Slide, line-dancing – the whole HonkyTonk package.

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Chris Brown’s publicist

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
You hear that? That’s your grandfather leading the Hallelujah Gloryland Full-on Gospel Choir, and he’s been expecting you.

Next Thursday's author: Nina Hess!

My Mind is a Blur of Rupe

Love this review from the Grintastic webzine:

As ICM announced back in August, the main character in Julie Halpern’s new book “Into the wild nerd yonder” would be a huge Rupert Grint fan.
Julie Halpern herself had left a message in our comments: “Thanks so much for mentioning my book, INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER, on your page! I’m a big Rupert fan, and the main character of the book has pictures of him hanging around her bedroom”.
So, of course we made sure to check out the book, which has only been released on 29th September 2009.
I tried to keep the spoilers out so you can all enjoy the book yourselves, and therefore this review turned out to be pretty short.

---

The plot itself is simple:
Jessie Sloan has just started her sophomore year. Her two best friends, Bizza and Char, decide to become punks, and one of them goes after Jessie’s long-term crush Van. Jessie’s brother Barrett, in his final High School year, gives up his life as punk because of his budding romance with the homecoming queen. Which leaves Jessie to figure out who she is, who her friends are, and: What makes someone a nerd?
With Jessie as the narrator, the story is told in a funny, witty and somewhat sarcastic tone and describes typical teenage situations everyone can relate to: your best friends seem to be way cooler than yourself, the girl sitting next to you in class is just weird, and unlike you, even the nerds manage to find a boyfriend.
Instead of the “typical” teenage books, Jessie is not the school’s beauty queen, nor is she the outsider who will turn into the beautiful swan who gets the most handsome bloke ever. She’s a normal girl with normal problems. And with a crush on Rupert Grint.

So, what about Rupert? First off, Rupert Grint only gets mentioned four times. Beware, though, as these are moments where most of us will almost cringe because the situations are very well-known to every proper “Roupie Groupie”.
However, the entire book is peppered with little descriptions that will make you think of our gorgeous red-head or his film characters : A bloke called “Van” (we all know Rupert’s most famous vehicle), another guy with too-short jeans and far-to-white sneakers. The main character sharing the names with a co-star from HP and the stills photographer from Cherrybomb. The cool big brother (coincidence that his punk hair is orange?), funky t-shirts and a guy whose fringe keeps covering his eyes; and jealousy over a BJ…

So, yay or nay?
Definitely a big YAY! The book is easy to read, and I needed only one day to finish it. It is very funny and witty, and it is easy to feel with Jessie, who is a normal teen instead of the classical “teen-novel character”. Not to mention that Rupert (or what might be interpreted as hints to Rupert) keeps popping up in the most unexpected moments.
How much Rupert is there really? The more you know about Rupert and his films, the more you can pick up, laugh about, cringe at and agree to. If you only know his name and link him to Harry Potter, it’s not that much. If you know characteristics of the characters he has played, his co-stars, Rupert’s behaviour and interests, it’s quite a lot.
But maybe I only found that much Rupert because I’m a nerd.
And nerds can be pretty cool, too…

I wonder how much I actually subliminally did write about good ol' Rupe. I love how there is a photograph of his name on the page of the book. I had no idea when I wrote the book that I would reach Rupert fans. It's such a cool, unique fanbase. Thanks to The Ice Cream Man site for spreading the word about NERD!

Radical, Dude!

For some reason, this post has all sorts of weird fontness going on.

The title of this blog is because I have some radical items to discuss, and because some of my students dressed like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Halloween. Still? The cool-as-pizza news is that I have a few excellent interviews coming up. I don't know exactly when, but just know that one is associated with Dungeons and Dragons and the other is associated with Rupert Grint. Just those enticing details should have you all panting for more. I know I would be, if I weren't already.

Other grand news is that INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER will appear in Indiebound's Winter 2009-2010 Kid's Indie Next List --- "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers." It's not out yet, but it's quite a good thing, fer sure. I'm bringing that back, by the way. Fer sure. Fer sure, radical, dude, and maybe even a little gag me with a spoon. I'm bringing 'em all back.

And now for another great NERD review! This time it comes from Booklist. There may be a few spoilers, so don't read it if you want to be REALLY surprised. I kid. Or do I?

Jess loves audiobooks, sewing skirts, and the first day of school. She even gets along with her family,
including Barrett, her rock-god older brother. She is, in short, a nerd, and feels immediate dread when she
starts to grow apart from her two best friends, Bizza and Char, who underwent a punk makeover to fit in
with Barrett’s band. After Bizza goes after Jess’ longtime crush and winds up with an STD, Jess ends the
friendship. Karma, like Bizza, can be a bitch. With no clique to hang out with Jess is lulled into the
clutches of the Dungeons & Dragons crowd—and finds herself falling for one of them! Halpern (Get
Well Soon, 2007) realistically writes about teens coming to terms with their coming-of-age. Jess waffles
anxiously about embracing her inner nerdlinger, but emerges from the transformation secure in her self
worth and seeking out the people that will support her. Reinvention is rarely so delightfully nerdy.

That's five great reviews out of five! Outta sight! On second thought, I'm not bringing that one back. Fer sure.

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Josh Berk

Josh Berk is the author of the upcoming novel, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin. That's how we met, actually, cause I was all like, that's really close to my name! And he was all, are you a fat, deaf guy? And I was all, say what? Then he interviewed me. He is also the star of the hit sitcom "Berkin' It Up." His book does not come out until February 9, but until then you can enjoy his Berkness at joshberkbooks.com.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Josh Berk!

1. What is your favorite word?

My favorite word in any language is tush (also tushie, or the proper Yiddish "tuches").

2. What is your least favorite word?
Blogosphere.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

I am constantly inspired by the dada-ist sensibility that the only logical response to the hypocrisy of society is a furious burst of laughter. Also fart jokes.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Pretentiousness.

5. What sound or noise do you love?
I believe that the sound of an electric guitar, fuzzed out with distortion and amplified very loud, is the most beautiful sound in the world. Magical even.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?
Laugh tracks piss me off.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
I use all the regular English ones far too often, but again I have to go with the Yiddish. So many to choose from! Putz is good, but schmuck is probably my absolute favorite. All the best curse words have that angry "k" sound.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I often think I'd like to be a doctor, until I think of the approximately 45,000 reasons why I'd be a terrible doctor (such as I don't like touching people and am afraid of blood). Being in a band was something I used to be sort of good at and I loved very much, so I'm going to go out on a wild limb and say rock star.

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Anything to do with the military. I have a moral objection to violence in most cases, but also I hate getting up early and suck at push-ups.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Hot wings half off? Or maybe: "You did all right, son." Then God would give me a noogie and I'd punch him in the arm and we'd wrestle a bit. And then eat some wings.


Next Thursday's author: Jill S. Alexander!

Rupe Mail

Well, I have done it.I have mailed a copy of INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER to Rupert Grint. I also mailed him a paperback of GET WELL SOON (I waffled over paperback vs. hardcover and went with paperback because of the black cover and the interview with me in the back.). I also included an absurd letter that is now gone into the air and far away, so I will not have the opportunity to look back at it and kick myself for being such a dork. Will he get the books? Will he care? I forgot to mention that the whole reason I sent him my books (um, and if you need me to clarify that “him”, Rupert Grint, is the guy who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, than I feel very sad for you. Because Rupert is AWESOME.) is that the main character of NERD, Jessie, has pictures of Rupert on her bedroom wall. I never would have thought to send him the book, except that a Rupert Grint fansite actually highlighted NERD a while back when they heard (from Green Bean Teen Queen's blog) that the book had a couple Rupert mentions. That gave me the idea to send because, why not? I doubt he’ll even get them. I mean, the address I sent the books to is c/o Nigel Grint. Rupe’s dad, perhaps? What if he reads the books and thinks I’m a weirdo and never gives them to Rupert? Or what if he’s like, “Rupert doesn’t read! I’ll just chuck these in the bin.” Only time will tell. Or not. I did have a British friend send me a British airmail stamp so that I could give Rupert an official SASE. Whatever. I promise I will not check my mailbox every day in a psychotic manner. Not yet anyway. I mean, we have to give the books time to get to Rupe and give him time to read them, right?

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Kristina Springer

Kristina Springer is the adorable author of the new release, The Esspressologist. I shared a cab with her and Margarita Engle this past summer at ALA. We probed Margarita about what it was like to have a million golden awards covering her book. Kristina has a beautiful and bubbly website, kristinaspringer.com. And she has four kids! Way to go! Must be all the coffee.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Kristina Springer!

1. What is your favorite word? love
2. What is your least favorite word? poop
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Quiet (because I don’t get a lot of it) and meet ups with other writers usually gets me recharged.
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Chaos and a calendar that’s way overfilled.
5. What sound or noise do you love? My kids laughing.
6. What sound or noise do you hate? When all four kids are screaming at the same time. OMG. It’s loud.
7. What is your favorite curse word? Shit. But I don’t really curse too much. Trying to be good in front of the kids!
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Talk show host.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Politician.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? The chocolate river is on your left, that giant cappuccino fountain over there never turns off, and oh, did I mention there are no calories here? :-)

Next Thursday's author: Josh Berk!

NERD Gets a Star!

I just did one of my MANY searches (this is what authors, and I'm sure most regular folk do, too. Not that authors aren't regular folk. Most of them, anyway), where I type "Into the Wild Nerd Yonder" (in quotes, Boolean style) into google. And this is what I found (under the "show options" tab, "past 24 hours") from Publisher's Weekly:

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder Julie Halpern. Feiwel and Friends, $16.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-312-38252-0

Sophomore Jessie Sloan is having a bad year. Her two closest friends are turning punk and boy-crazed; one of them even pursues Jessie's longtime crush. To make matters worse, Jessie's beloved older brother will soon be leaving for college. Jessie feels adrift and spends her time sewing skirts and listening to audiobooks. Halpern's (Get Well Soon) story picks up pace when class nerd Dottie introduces Jessie to Dungeons and Dragons, which Jessie (to her surprise) actually enjoys, leading her to a new group of friends as well as a heartfelt, if a little clichéd, crush on a cute boy with his own nerdish tendencies. Jessie is a thoughtful, sympathetic narrator (“How is it that someone becomes a dork?... What makes some people like punk music and Denny's and other people like costumes and Dungeons and Dragons?”), and her fresh voice will reveal to readers just how independent and exceptional she is (even when Jessie can't see it herself). The relationships and dialogue ring true; readers navigating the stratified social structures of high school will relish an ending that celebrates true friendship. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)

Huzzah! (as Jessie and her nerd friends would say) That's my fourth great review for NERD, but there's some extra special goodness in the star. And I love that it's pink. A pink star! Um, I have to go teach a class now. But I just had to share. Gush!

Oh, and an extra gush for my awesome husband, Matthew Cordell, who did his first reading of his picture book, Trouble Gum, this weekend at The Book Stall in Winnetka. You did a fantastic job, honey!

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Carol Lynch Williams!

Carol Lynch Williams is the author of the chilling The Chosen One about a girl living in a polygamist compound. You will never look at a book mobile in the same way. Interesting fact #1: Carol's new website is about to be up and running, so look out for that. Interesting Fact #2: My book group is discussing The Chosen One today. Therefore, I proclaim today Carol Lynch Williams Day! Please do not celebrate by marrying multiple people.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Carol Lynch Williams! (for some reason the formatting is a little weird from my cut and paste)

1. What is your favorite word? Hmmm. I’ve always loved the word gurgle. It just sounds nice. It’s baby-ish, don’t you think? Unless someone was gurgling out a last breath. Or gurgling up blood. Then I wouldn’t like the word as much.

2. What is your least favorite word? I’m not one much for swearing. There is one word I hate so much that I don’t want to even put initials to it. I’ll give you a hint—it’s not the Eff word.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Something that touches me emotionally can make me want to write. It doesn’t matter the emotion. I might be laughing my butt off and think, hey, this would make a great scene. When I heard about a young girl whose father was trying to get her to marry her own uncle (his brother) it made me so angry I knew that I would write about that. Several years later, I started my novel The Chosen One.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? When I’m feeling down about something. Then I just feel like eating something yummy or watching movies. Or both.

5. What sound or noise do you love? Babies laughing or talking.

6. What sound or noise do you hate? People (especially children) crying out in pain. That just sickens me. I can’t even think of that.

7. What is your favorite curse word? I’m not much of a curser. So maybe I would choose damnhell. For best effect, you must say this quickly. And, like, three times in a row.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Oh, this is good. I’d love to sing professionally. I think I could have been a Country singer. And I would write my own songs. One song would go like this:

Gimme what I want, bay-bee.

Gimme what I need.

Help me plant the crops outside

Help me get to the weed (FYI—to the reader—or listener, if this song goes big. I do NOT mean pot [marijuana], but weeds like those bushes that have pricklies on them and spread really fast.)

So what if I love diamonds

Mercedes, good chocolate, fine steaks.

That just means I’m a fancy girl

Who’s finally gotten a break

So gimme what I want, bay-bee

Gimme what I need

And if you’re smart (and rich and wise and funny and good looking)

I’ll let you in my ol’ heeeaaart!

BTW, I just made that song up, right on the spot. As you can see, I'm a natural.

I’d also like to be the librarian who just has to read for her job and show people terrific books. Or a dancer.

9. What profession would you not like to do? Anything math-ish. Eeew.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Oh, I so believe heaven exists. So I guess I’d love to hear God say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ Then He would give me a big hug and say, ‘Where are all your daughters?’

Next Thursday's author: Kristina Springer!

I Accept Your Oscar and Raise You One Slimey

Below is the 9th episode of The Neverending Commute. In today's episode, I talk about how I shall dress and what I shall say when I win my Academy Award. For what, I don't know. Happy listening.

Episode 9

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Jay Asher!

Jay Asher is the author of the sad, suspenseful, compelling and addictive read, THIRTEEN REASONS WHY. The audiobook for this is fantastic, and the book completely lends itself to being listened to (since half of the book is a boy listening to the tapes of a deceased girl). Jay is one of the authors appearing at the NCTE conference this fall, where I will also appear (doesn't that make us sound like magicians? Or not.). Follow Jay's blog here.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Jay Asher!

1. What is your favorite word?
cottage

2. What is your least favorite word?
onion

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
kindness (especially when it's uncalled for)

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
unnecessary rudeness (yes, sometimes it is necessary)

5. What sound or noise do you love?
my wife laughing

6. What sound or noise do you hate?
cars skidding to a stop

7. What is your favorite curse word?
fart (saying it just makes you feel better immediately)

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would love to write and illustrate a daily comic strip!

9. What profession would you not like to do?
accountant

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"I'll sign your book if you'll sign mine."

Next Thursday's author: Carol Lynch Williams!

The Lates

That's my new way of saying "The Latest News." You like?

Lots of stuff going on, but not lots of brain to remember it all. Matt, baby and I drove to Cleveland Friday (over six hours of driving = at least 8 hours car time with baby) to the GLIBA conference. I was there to sign books (and barely made it to my signing), and Matt was there to attend a dinner of booksellers and authors. It was a whirlwind, and we drove out the next morning. Matt and I both met some lovely booksellers that we will hopefully see again in the future at their respective bookstores. Honestly, I was so tuckered that I mostly recall how I knocked on the door of the room next door to ask if they thought they were going to be loud all night so I could change my room if they were. They, of course, said they weren't going to be loud, and then proceeded to wake me up numerous times throughout the night with their door slams. When I was able to sleep, that is. Romy slept like a, ahem, baby. On the drive home we stopped in Amish country and had a miserable time at a restaurant where I a) couldn't help notice everyone was coughing and sneezing and b) had to give Romy the baby Heimlich because she choked on an ice cube (AWFUL) and then had to deal with the fact that NO ONE asked if she was OK. I lost it completely when we finally left the restaurant, my food barely touched, at how horrid people can be. Man.

In tralala much happier news, here is another great review for INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER from Horn Book:

When her two longtime best friends show up for sophomore year all punked out, Jessie feels betrayed—not that she would’ve shaved her head, like flamboyant Bizza, but still. Turns out, the betrayal runs deeper: Bizza is after Van, Jessie’s forever crush. So where to find new pals? Fans of everything geek will adore Jessie’s induction into the world of nerds, one that includes the band geek lunch table, Dungeons & Dragons, and a genuinely fun-filled weekend in a field immersed in a medieval role-playing game. Halpern’s story may not hold surprises, but readers aren’t hoping for any; besides, Jessie’s narration is the real draw and is as witty and true-to-herself as she, conveying, among other things, her anxiety about joining the geeks (“I suddenly panic. I just helped a dork study for a math test. Wouldn’t that make me an even bigger dork?”). While Van turns out to be a big loser (he gives Bizza gonorrhea), Jessie comes out a winner, scoring the coolest nerd friends ever, entrée into the brainy, creative world of D&D, and—bonus!—a cute, super-sweet geekster guy to call her own. (Reader warning/appetite spoiler: a discussion of the glaze on a certain brand of donuts is hilarious but may result in a strong aversion to said donuts.) j.m.b.

Thank you, Horn Book! Speaking of HOOOOOOORRRNN!-- the final book in the Georgia Nicolsen series by Louise Rennison is out today. I can't wait to read it, and yet, I don't want it to end. I love the Ace Gang! No one tell me how it ends!

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Jill Wolfson!

Jill Wolfson is the author of several award-winning novels, including What I Call Life; Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies; and her newest book, Cold Hands, Warm Heart, the summary of which begins, "Dani was born with her heart on the wrong side of her body." How can you not want to read this book? And remember that cartoon about the boy whose organs were on the outside of his body? I wonder if he ever paid a visit to the Indiana Sand Dunes. But I digress... Visit Jill on the web at jillwolfson.com.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Jill Wolfson!

1. What is your favorite word?
Right now, it’s “absquatulate.” I love the sound of it and its whimsical origins. It dates to the American Midwest in the 1800s when people were coining lots of these funny-sounding, pseudo-Latin, high-sounding words, like skedaddle and discombobulate. Absquatulate means to depart in a hurry and probably brings together the prefix ab-, "away from," with a base of squat – to sit. Very creative. Okay, I’m going to absquatulate from this question now. On to the next!

2. What is your least favorite word?
Pustule. I have no particular aversion to medical terminology. I love psoriasis and cadaver, for example. But pustule makes me cringe.
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Being in tune with the belly laugh at the center of the universe.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Anything done purely for cash or fame.

5. What sound or noise do you love? Silence.

6. What sound or noise do you hate? Too much silence. My own thoughts drive me crazy. Turn up the music!

7. What is your favorite curse word? Kish mir in tuchis. (Kiss my ass in Yiddish). I heard it my entire childhood.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Captain of an intergalactic space craft

9. What profession would you not like to do? President of any country existing today

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Thank goodness, you finally understood what I was trying to tell you! It took long enough."

Next Thursday's author: Jay Asher!

NERD Release! And Contest!

INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER hits stores today! It's so weird when your book is released into the, ahem, wild. I know it's the release day, and you know, now that you're reading my blog, but it's not like there's some red carpet event. In fact, I'm wearing jeans and am feeling a little greasy today. Not red carpet-ready at all. Oh well. I did find a great new review of the book on the blog The Hiding Spot. Super sweet.

Now begins my plan of Rupert Grint contact. I need a catchy title to my plan. Let me think on it... I am partial to Conquest: Rupert. HA! Yeah, that's the title. See, the plan is that I send ol' Rupe a copy of NERD and tell him that the main character has pictures of him on her wall. The guy's gotta at least send me some form letter, right? At the very least? And at the very most, he will call me personally telling me that he's buying me and my family tickets to visit him and the entire cast of Harry Potter 7 (part 2) on set. Right? I'll keep you posted when I hear from him. Cause I will. And I'll post all of my pictures from the set.

Now to the contest: In honor of NERD's release, I will be giving away a signed copy of the book. All you have to do is go to a book store and find NERD on the shelves. Either take a picture of it, or just write down what book it's sitting next to. And you should also put it cover out so more people will want to buy it :) Then just send me the picture or send me the book neighbor's title, and you will be entered into the drawing. Woo hoo! Send all entries to julie@juliehalpern.com. I will draw a winner on OCTOBER 9. That should give people enough time to go to a book store and enough time for the stores to unpack their shipments. Sorry, Rupert, but you are not eligible because you are already getting a free copy [as if he will actually receive the book. Some mail handler will probably covet it. I know. I'm not that crazy.]. Good luck to all, and to all a good night.

A Happy Story, an Interview, and a Podcast

I was going to tell a funny and slightly interesting story about this woman who sold me a coat last weekend. OK, maybe I'll still tell it, in miniature. The woman asked the name of my baby, and when I told her Romy, she asked, "Like the movie?" (as they all do), and I said "Yeah." Not that I named her after the movie, but it is the same name. And I like the movie very much. Anyway, the clerk starts saying (and loudly), "I'm the Mary! You're the Rhoda!" over and over again. It was slightly frightening. In the same interaction, I also got a fabulous deal on said coat, plus the woman next to me in line let me use her extra coupon. Wow.

Two links comin' at ya. The first is a great interview with the newly minted YA author, Josh Berk, of the February release THE DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN (that's actually how we got to be friends; his book title is almost my name. Really). The second is my follow-up episode of The Never ending Commute about what inspired my last episode, all about my internship on "The Adventures of Pete and Pete."

Episode 8 Part 1

Episode 8 Part 2

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Billy Bones/Christopher Lincoln!

Christopher Lincoln is the author of the new middle grade series Billy Bones, about a skeleton living in a closet. I have not read the books yet, but they look delightful and thoughtfully designed (which is probably due to the fact that Christopher is an art director. Perhaps. I'm just guessing.). I am facebook pals with Billy Bones, but the questionnaire below was filled out by Christopher, so I was a little confused as to who I should say is the special guest. Visit Chris and Billy on the web at chrislincoln.org/ (and now I'm even more flummoxed-- is Chris a human or an organization? The mysteries continue!)

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present-- Billy Bones (or Chris Lincoln-- I'm not sure! I know I could have just emailed him to clear all this up, but I think it's more fun and mysterious not to know)!

Filled out by Christopher Lincoln (the man who types up my stories).

1. What is your favorite word?

Codswallop

2. What is your least favorite word?

Can’t

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Most anything that is creative, spiritual, or emotional. Oh, and funny, too.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Very serious things like accounting.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

Sound effects from Don Martin cartoon strips.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

Screeching metal and angry people.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

BLAST!

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Fulltime author would be great. I’m an advertising art director at the moment.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Politician. I’m a bit too shy for that.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You’re in!

Next Thursday's author: Jill Wolfson!

Skipping Podcasts

I had recorded an episode of The Neverending Commute (that was actually a rerecording of several stories that I thought were too dull the first time around), but it ended up being too large for me to upload. So until I have the time to split it, it will be known as "The Lost Episode."

Today's two part episode is a good one. In it, I talk about my internship in the mid-nineties on the Nickelodeon TV show The Adventures of Pete and Pete. For those who have never seen the show, it is a must watch. The music, the cute kids, the heartwarming stories, the downright kookiness of it all make it one of the greatest kids' shows of all time. And I worked on it! For a summer! For free! Each piece of the podcast is about twenty minutes long and well worth the listen. And I have already recorded the follow-up, which details why exactly I started talking about my internship in the first place. Podcasts galore! Enjoy.

Part 1

Part 2

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Janette Rallison!

Janette Rallison is the author of nine books for teenagers, three of which have been chosen for the IRA Young Adults' Choices List. Her latest books are My Fair Godmother and Just One Wish. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as "an eccentric cat lady." She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) You can visit with Janette at www.janetterallison.com.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present-- Janette Rallison!

1. What is your favorite word?

That depends if you mean to hear or to write or to say. To hear: Yes. (when I ask my kids if they did their jobs, when I ask my editor if he liked my latest manuscript—it just works so well in so many arenas.) To write: Just. I write it way too much and have to go through my manuscript de-just-ifying it. Oh look, there it is in the beginning of this answer. To say: my husband’s name, because it means he’s near.

2. What is your least favorite word?

No. We all hear it far too often in life.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Being around other people who are upbeat, creative, and charged. Also, taking walks by myself.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Getting my editor’s revision letters. I usually decide to quit writing and raise ponies every time I see his stack of comments.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of my kids getting along together.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

The sound of my kids fighting. (Wow, I’m beginning to sound like my mother. How did that happen?)

7. What is your favorite curse word?
Crap, if that counts as a curse word.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I always wanted to be an actress, but I thought it was too impractical, so I became a writer instead. If you are a sensible person, you should be laughing at that statement, because being a writer is as impractical as being an actress—I just didn’t know any better. Sometimes ignorance can help you in life.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Food service. Been there and done that and still remember what it felt like to rush around a restaurant making sure everyone’s water glasses were full.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You did everything you were supposed to do.

Next Thursday's author: Billy Bones!

57th Street Children's Book Fair

Today was perfection. The type of day where I keep thanking life over and over again. We (me, Matt, and Romy) drove an hour and a half South to the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, where President Obama's Chicago home is, to attend the 57th Street Children's Book Fair. 57th Street Books is a fantastic book store that I had never been to, with a really cool, winding basement layout and a cute little bathroom (which I appreciated after the long drive). The store had a table set up where they invited local authors to come and sign copies of their books. Copies, I might add, that the bookstore paid for and then gave away to kids FOR FREE. How cool is that? And the area was so gorgeous, filled with unique and vast city homes, tasty restaurants, and old, leafy trees. We truly had the nicest day. On the ride home, we podcasted about the experience. So, for the first time, here is a podcast from Matt's car. Note the sound isn't as good (I don't think. Maybe because I'm holding instead of wearing the mic? Maybe the car is louder?), but the podcast does include an interview with Matt about his new picture book, TROUBLE GUM. Enjoy! And don't forget to check out my new book trailer on You Tube (see previous post). I'm super proud of it. Can you tell?

The Neverending Commute Episode 5

INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER: The Trailer

As promised (to myself?), here is the trailer for my new novel, INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER. I'm so excited about it, since I worked quite hard on this, however, I may need to upload a higher quality version of it. Send me some feedback as to how it looks. I have tested it on four computers; on two it looked good, two it looked fuzzy. I prefer it look good. Huge, giant thanks to Meredith and Eastman for your contributions! Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Children of all ages (actually, the book is recommended for 14 and up), I present... The Trailer.

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Brian James

Brian James is the author of numerous children's books, including the Pirate School series and the Catkid series. He's also the author of several YA novels: Pure Sunshine, Tomorrow, Maybe, Perfect World, Dirty Liar, Thief, Zombie Blondes, and The Heights. Mr. James has the envious ability to summon ice cream trucks at will. Visit him on the web at http://brianjamestheauthor.blogspot.com/.

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present-- Brian James!

1. What is your favorite word?
soft

2. What is your least favorite word?
I love all words

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
strangers' faces

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
self-doubt

5. What sound or noise do you love?
rain

6. What sound or noise do you hate?
wounded animal cries

7. What is your favorite curse word?
fuck

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
teaching

9. What profession would you not like to do?
gardener

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Now you are free to do whatever you wish"

Next Thursday's author: Janette Rallison!

Questions I Have

I see all of three people have listened to my latest podcast Part One. And ZERO people have listened to Part Two. I'm such a loser. That's not going to stop me from podcasting, but possibly listening to audiobooks is. I may get back into that because my commute is beyond tragic. Damn you, construction and landscaping!

In exciting book news, I am almost finished working on the trailer to my new novel, Into the Wild Nerd Yonder. It should be ready by the end of the week. I think it's pretty good. It was fun to make, anyway, and I used drawings and music by some of my old students. Nice.

I am also considering paying for digital cable so that I may use a DVR and record programs and fast forward through commercials and not waste my precious time that I could be hanging with Romy by watching commericals. But, should I waste my money that could go towards my precious Romy? Like her college fund and stuff? Does anyone else have serious guilt about paying tons of money just to watch TV? Cause I'm worried about that. As a librarian and an author, I'm worried. Thoughts?

I'm on a Road to Nowhere

TGIF, am I right? But seriously, folks. Take my wife-- please!

I hope everyone has a great three day weekend (if you have one). I have another two part podcast to offer you. In it, you can hear a few bizarre traffic stories, including one entitled "Circus Viaduct." Intriguing, no?

Neverending Commute Episode 4 Part 1

Neverending Commute Episode 4 Part 2

Also, please visit Mary Burkey's blog, Audiobbooker, to read an interview with me about, um, audiobooks.

I wish I had more to type, but I'm poooooped after my first week back at work. Labor day, indeed!

Proust Questionnaire Thursday! Today's Special Guest: Yvonne Prinz

Yvonne Prinz is a very sweet facebook friend of mine who has three novels under her belt and an upcoming rock epic (um, I just made that up, but I think it might be correct) called The Vinyl Princess. In fact, her Proust questionnaire was actually answered by The Vinyl Princess! So I'll let her introduce herself:

"My Name is The Vinyl Princess. I collect Vinyl records obsessively and listen to music almost all the time. My book will be out in December (Harper Collins) buy it, you’ll laugh." Read her blog at http://vinylprincess.blogspot.com/

The following questions are based on James Lipton's questions from Inside the Actors Studio, which, in turn, are based on the Proust Questionnaire. One of the questions is about swearing, so please excuse our French.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present-- The Vinyl Princess!

1. What is your favorite word?

Vinyl

2. What is your least favorite word?

MP3 (is that a word?)

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Music is my food, my religion, my life.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Christians with a “Message”

5. What sound or noise do you love?

A back beat, a nicely played guitar solo, that crackly sound a record makes when it gets to the end.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

Angels singing.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

I like Asshole a lot. It always seems to get the job done.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I’d like to attempt rock star but I doubt I’d be good at it. I’m nervous in crowds and I start to stutter like an auctioneer.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Anything that requires a desk and a chair. If I had to do something like that I’d go out the window.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Keep Moving…”

Next Thursday's author: Brian James!