Malinda Lo

* Updated with additional signing at ALA *

Today, July 1, 2009, is exactly two months before the official publication date for my first novel, Ash. Two months before this book that was seven years in the making will be available for anybody to read and like or dislike at will!

Cue minor panic attack!

So, yes, this is a little bit freak-out-inducing, but I’m also excited because it means I have many things to tell you about.

First, here’s a peek at some awesome swag I just got in the mail:

Posters are 12x18 inches

My publisher has made these fabulous Ash posters, which will mostly be sent to libraries, booksellers, and other Important Undisclosed Locations. But I have a bunch, too! And I am going to be giving some away! I just haven’t figured out how or where or when yet. Stay tuned, as they say.

Additionally, I have confirmation on several actual, real-life events where I’ll be showing up to sign books (these are like sneak peeks before the official launch):

Date: July 13, 2009
Where: American Library Association Annual Conference
Chicago, Illinois

Signing #1: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Little, Brown booth (#2212)

Signing #2: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. * New! *
BWI  Booth (#4611)

I’ve been told that I may be signing actual final copies of Ash, but if not, they will be ARCs (advance review copies). I don’t believe this event is open to the public (somebody correct me if I’m wrong), but I am super excited to meet tons of librarians, as well as several of the 2009 Debutantes during the conference.

Date: Aug. 24, 2009
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: KidLit Salon at Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd.
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-0960

I’ll be part of a panel of five debut young adult authors: Lauren Bjorkman (My Invented Life), Cheryl Renee Herbsman (Breathing), C. Lee McKenzie (Sliding on the Edge), Sarah Quigley (TMI) — and me! We’ll be talking about our paths to publication and taking questions from the audience.

The Kid Lit Salon is for writers and readers of children’s and YA books, and annual membership in the salon is $120. However, I have been told that the first meeting is always free! And if you buy a book while you’re there (you don’t even have to buy mine — although my book will indeed be there!), I’m sure it will be OK for you to attend.

I am also busy planning my book launch, which will happen in September in San Francisco. I’ll let you all know as soon as I have those details worked out.

Hard at work planning!

Next up: a good cause!

I know that many of you are writers who are hoping to be published yourselves someday. I know this because sometimes you email me and ask me for advice, which unfortunately I don’t always have time to give. So I’m happy to tell you that I’ve volunteered a critique package as part of author Cynthea Liu’s amazing Take the Dare: Show You Care auction, which benefits Tulakes Elementary School in Oklahoma. Go here for more details.

What does this actually mean? It means that if you have a book that you’ve written and are getting ready to submit it for publication, I can take a look at parts of it (the first chapter, synopsis and query letter) and give you my suggestions for how it can be improved. All you have to do is go here and bid to win my critique package (bidding starts at $35). Lots of other authors and editors have donated their time and expertise, too, so you don’t even have to bid on me!

Also, I will let you in on this little secret: My critique package says that I will critique your YA fantasy novel, but really, I’ll critique whatever kind of novel you have, as long as you win the auction. Currently, nobody has started bidding (!!) so you’ve got a great chance at winning. The Auction is open until July 8.

Giles says:"What are you waiting for?"

Lastly, I have a few precious ARCs of Ash left, and I’m planning some special ways to give them away. Let me just say now that one of those ways will indeed involve Twitter. So if you are on Twitter, please do follow me to keep updated!

Wow, that was quite an info dump. Any questions?