After TBF 2010 and "After the Moment"

Hi Readers!

I’m BAAAAAACK! Did you miss me? I took a hiatus to recover from the excitement of TBF 2010, but now, it’s time to start posting about TBF 2011! (Save the date – May 14, 2011.) 

I just finished Garret Freymann-Weyr’s “After the Moment” and I couldn’t wait to blog about it because I absolutely LOVED it. I almost don’t know what to say about it. You know when you finish a really great book and you want to tell the entire world to read it, but then when someone asks you what it was about, you don’t know how to answer? (Gee, I hope this happens to other people, because it happens to me all the time.) Anyway, that’s how I feel. Like it was so good, that no matter what I say, I won’t be doing it justice.

So … I found a video of Garret Freymann-Weyr talking about “After the Moment” and I think I’ll let her do that talking.

One of the things that I loved most about this book was the way it was written. “After the Moment” is one of those books that has good characters, a good plot, and, most importantly, is beautifully written in lyrical prose. I would put Garret Freymann-Weyr among the ranks of Deb Caletti, Jennifer Smith, and John Green – three authors that I think are brilliant writers in addition to creating good stories. 

So, readers, hurry out to the closest bookstore and library and pick up a copy of “After the Moment” – you won’t regret it! And just in case you’re wondering, the authors DON’T pay me to say that. In fact, I don’t get paid at all. ;)

I’m reading “The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin” now, so that will probably be the next thing I post on. 

Vivian's Pictures

Hey Readers!

This is probably the last post about TBF 2010! :( 

Actually, I say that now, but I will probably think of more things to post in the next week or so …

Anyway, CarlyReads will be going through a makeover over the next few weeks as I update it for TBF 2011. Be sure to keep checking back for the revamp.

I wanted to give you guys the link to Vivian Vande Velde’s website where she’s posted some great pictures that she took over the weekend. Click here!

TBF 2010!

Wow, Readers! 

I can't believe that TBF 2010 is already over ... wasn't it great, though? Here are some pictures I took throughout the day. I'm sure I missed some awesome moments, but I tried to capture as many as I could. Be sure to leave comments with your favorite festival memories!

The Golden Flyer meets Snoopy as they await the authors.

A marching bands leads the limos carrying the TBF 2010 authors to the Shults Center.

The marching band (and the authors!) grows closer to the Shults Center.

One of the limos arrives in front of the Shults Center.

Stephanie, fearless leader of TBF, greets Coe Booth.

Marissa Doyle and Matt de la Pena are greeted by Snoopy upon arrival.

Lisa McMann high fives her fans as she walks the red carpet.

Terry Trueman, Lindsay Cibos, and Simone Elkeles arrive at the Shults Center for TBF 2010.

Simone Elkeles greets Snoopy as Martin Wilson emerges from the limo.

Holly Black and Mari Mancusi walk the red carpet.

Sarah Ockler waves to her adoring fans as Alisa Libby and James Kennedy follow.

Vivian Vande Velde arrives.

Robin Brande smiles as she prepares to walk the red carpet.

Ben Mikaelsen arrives at the Shults Center and walks the red carpet.

The "Walk of Fame."

The crowd awaits the start of the opening panel. 

Terry Trueman makes Jennifer Smith laugh during the opening panel.

The authors prepare for the lightening round of questions that made up the opening panel.

Terry Trueman signs autographs.

Fans stand in line for autographs at the end of the day.

Terry Trueman and Zeke, the stand-in mascot of TBF 2010.

Vivian Vande Velde signs autographs.

Did you know the "J.K." stands for "James Kennedy?"

Shoppers purchase books at the Barnes & Noble table set up in the gym.

A volunteer sells candy to a festival-goer at the TBF merchandise table.

So, readers, it was a great year! I can’t wait until the next one … and I’ll be posting all summer long about TBF 2011 so keep checking back.

Matt de la Pena Don't Lie (In His Interview with Carly)

Hello Bookworms!

I have a happy surprise for you – another author interview! I thought that Jared’s may be our last, but I heard back from Matt de la Peña today so the interview madness continues!

C: I heard that you wrote a picture book, to be published in January 2011. How was writing a picture book different from writing novels for teens? Did you encounter the same challenges and reap the same rewards?

MP: I never thought I'd write a picture book, to be honest. It just wasn't on my radar. But I've long been a fan of Kadir Nelson's paintings and illustrations, and when I found out I had the chance to work with him, I jumped at it. I just saw the finished illustrations -- they're amazing! But it was much different than writing a teen book. With teen lit you get to go all out with the voice. You can be dramatic and take risks. With the picture book I had to be way more concise and, obviously, less edgy. 

C: You’re one of our returning authors and you said in your 5 Fun Facts that TBF 2009 was the most impressive festival that you’ve been a part of! What did you like so much about TBF 2009 and what are you most looking forward to for TBF 2010?

MP: Authors talk. And we all cross paths out there on the road. I've yet to meet one author who doesn't consider TBF one of the best conferences in the country. It's incredibly author-friendly, and I love that the focus is on the actual teens. The committee members are super smart and energetic. And it's a great idea to get a few authors out into the schools before the festival. It gives the kids a sneak peek into what they'd be seeing. And everybody is nice. I like nice people. 

C: Your book “Ball Don’t Lie” has been made into a movie, to be released soon. What was it like having your book adapted for the screen? Did you have a say in the changes that they made (or didn’t make)? 

MP: It was surreal to see these famous actors, like Ludacris and Nick Canon, saying these lines that I'd written alone in a tiny Brooklyn Apartment. I'm actually headed to LA this summer to help write, with a few other people, a TV spin-off of Ball Don't Lie. They're going to release the movie just before shooting the TV show. But I'll tell you what's interesting. In terms of the movie and TV show, my opinion matters least. I'm just one of the writers, even though all of this stuff is based on my novel. It's very interesting. 

C: What was the last book that you read for pleasure?

MP: I just read Fat City by Leonard Gardner. It's an amazing little sad novel. Beautiful prose. Maybe the best action writing I've ever encountered. It came out in 1969. Not sure how I waited this long to pick it up. 

C: What author are you most looking forward to meeting and/or seeing at the Fifth Annual TBF?

MP: I love connecting with the authors I see here and there throughout the year. And I believe Terry Trueman owes me a beer. So I plan to collect on that at some point!

It seems like this is the weekend for Terry Trueman to pay up (James’ $134.43, Matt’s beer …). Matt, thanks so much for taking the time to answer these interview questions! We’re looking forward to meeting you in only 34 hours!

TBF Updates

Hey Readers,

There are only 41 hours until the Fifth Annual Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival. WOW! Can you believe how fast this year went? I feel like last year’s festival was only a few months ago, but in actuality, it was more than a year ago! 

A few quick updates on the festival: unfortunately, Patrick Jones and Kay Cassidy will be unable to join us for this year’s festival. We apologize for the cancellations, but we hope that you will attend some of our other authors’ presentations, instead!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with how the day works, I thought I’d go quickly through the schedule. 

Our authors will arrive at 9 a.m. (in style, by limo!) and we welcome the public to come and watch the authors walk the red carpet and see their Hollywood-inspired stars. 

At 9:15, the gym (in the Shults Center) will be open and TBF merchandise, books, and more will be for sale. Shop ‘til you drop while you wait for the opening panel to begin.

The opening panel will begin at 10:15. All of our authors will answer questions about their books, their lives, and their teenage years. The opening panel is ALWAYS a good time. :)

Then, at 11:45, our author breakout sessions will begin. There are four breakout sessions scheduled and authors will present at three of the four. Programs handed out the day of the schedule will give the details as to when each author is presenting. Attend three out of four sessions and take a lunch break, or skip lunch (or brown bag it) and get to see four breakout sessions!

Then, at 3:30, our authors will all gather in the gym to sign autographs. Have them sign books, your program, your TBF teeshirt, whatever! 

Got questions about TBF and how the day will run? Leave me a comment! I’ll be checking back every few hours …

I can’t wait to meet you, readers, at the Festival. I’ll be in a purple teeshirt and I’ll have a name tag, so if you happen to see me, please stop by and introduce yourself!