Thursday, June 25, 2009

A surprise book launch party at OCL!

In my library, there's nothing unusual about coming into work on the day of your late shift and finding the back work room empty. It's a busy branch. We're running all over the place. However, it is unusual to have your supervisor say she wants to meet with you in private. I've been there for 2 1/2 years and that's never happened...not even once. So when the head of Info Services said she wanted to speak with me in the back room, I was more than curious. Okay, I admit it. As a chronic worrier, I was stressed.

While I came up with a multitude of possible scenarios about what the meeting was going to be about, a surprise book launch party was not one of them.

Thanks to my supervisor's considerable acting talents and my colleagues' stealth planning, I had no idea it was party time. It's funny how you can be in a total state of shock and yet take in every detail at the same time.


Imagine walking into a room filled with music from the sixties, lots of people, amazing food, the first moon walk video on the TV, a table filled with vintage toys, cut outs of images from the book, Apollo 11 postcards and so much more.

And the food...let's talk about the food. Any morsel mentioned in my book was on that table. Oreo cookies. Apple jacks. We drank Tang! Plus there were tons of old time treats. Remember Pop Rocks! And pop corn.

There was a beautiful home-made cake, shaped like the moon, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on top of it.

This party was filled with surprises. All those goodies they had on the table, they gave me a gift! So now I have kick balls, a Barbie doll (by the way, this is my very first Barbie) a gigantic Slinky, a coin of the moon walk, ice cream cones filled with bubbles, cards filled with good wishes and wonderful memories.

To all those who came to the party and to everyone who planned it, I never imagined anything like this. I am overwhelmed by your support and enthusiasm. And I am grateful for your friendship. Thank you.


Here are some pictures. I don't have one of the incredible food table. But here's the other table.



These are the cut-outs. Check out the attitude on Barbie.



Here are some of the party goers. The woman standing in the very front is Elaine McConnell, director of the entire library system. She's reading the review from BookPage http://tiny.cc/yAcsN which came out on the same day as the party.



Here's me by the Ramble Street sign. Clearly, I am still in shock. I so love the Ramble Street sign.




My amazing cake.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Neil Armstrong is My Uncle Prize Package


In case you're wondering what's in that Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle Prize Package that Cynthea Liu is auctioning off to raise money for a Title I school in her home state of Oklahoma, here are the details.

  • One signed copy of Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me
  • A Slinky (not a cheap plastic thing -- a metal one, like the one in the story)
  • A box of Fizzies (A 1960s favorite. You drop a Fizzie tablet into a glass of water and watch it fizz. The cherry ones are guaranteed to turn your tongue a brilliant magenta. They're also a good source of vitamin C so you get all that fun and good nutrition too).
  • A coffee mug from the incorporated village of Massapequa Park and an I-Heart-Massapequa-Park pin. (Massapequa Park is the setting for the story and my home town. These are classics. It's not like you can walk into a gift store and buy these -- even in Massapequa.)
  • A 1960s-style spaced-aged stress-reducing alien toy. (From the box: "watch your troubles melt away when you make the creature's features bulge out of its head!")
  • A box of Krishes home-made candy. (It wasn't mentioned in the story, but this store was around in 1969. I have no doubt that Tamara, Muscle Man and the rest of the gang from Ramble Street spent many hours here. This candy is famous. One taste of Krishes home-made chocolate and you will wish you grew up in Massapequa Park too.)
  • Oh and yes, those are tootsie rolls in that photo
There are lots of other goodies being auctioned off at Cynthea's Paris Pan Takes a Dare book launch. Check out the rest of the auction. If you're a writer, bid on a critique from an author, editor or agent. The money raised will go to buy leveled readers for a school in need. As Cynthea says, 'take the dare, show you care.' A whole bunch of kids will be grateful for your kindness.




Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Twitter Interview Posted

Here's yesterday's Twitter interview with my editor, Nancy Mercado. It's posted in reverse chronological order so it makes more sense if you start from the bottom and work your way up. These are the tweets with the hashtag #NAIMU.

I'm a Twitter newbie and had no idea it could be so much fun. Thanks to everyone who participated and tuned in. And thanks to Nancy Mercado for coming up with this Twitter chat/experiment idea and for being so awesome!




  1. Tam SauerTammi RT @taralazar: Interesting chat bt mg author Nan Marino (@nanmarino) and her editor Nancy Mercado (@editorgurl). Follow #naimu to eavesdrop. about 9 hours ago from TweetDeck
  2. 1 day ago from TweetDeck
  3. Nan_normal editorgurl @BrandiDougherty thanks brandi for listening! it was fun to try. kind of like an IM conversation. #naimu 1 day ago from web.
  4. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl This was fun! #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  5. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl YA/MG, books on writing, some zen/martial arts books #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  6. Nan_normal editorgurl Thanks all for tuning in, RTing, and participating in our little experiment. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  7. Nan_normaleditorgurl Okay @nanmarino, I know you have to head to a school visit, so we can end our chat here. So fun doing this with you! #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  8. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino For fun, I read: New York magazine, Jezebel.com, YA and MG books from other publishers, and some adult non-fiction. You? #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  9. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino that's what sequel's are for! :) #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  10. Nan_normal editorgurl interesting q, @WriterRoss. I think if we can understand why the character's the way they are, then the rough edges aren't an issue. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  11. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl I was having so much with the characters that it was hard to let them go #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  12. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl What do you read for fun? #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  13. Nan_normal editorgurl In your case, I just felt like the story was done. If you get several editors in a room, they will always have a different take! #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  14. Nan_normal ditorgurl @nanmarino I don’t always know! Sometimes my gut tells me, sometimes I feel the author has gone as far as they are going to go. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  15. Notebook_normal WriterRoss @editorgurl @nanmarino Even a flawed character with some rough edges that may not appeal to One Size fits All readers..? #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  16. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl How do you know when the editing process is done? As you know I had problems letting go of this. #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  17. Nan_normal editorgurl I believed both "voices" in this book. Tamara b/c she is so human, so flawed. Muscle Man b/c of his ability to wear Tamara down! #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  18. Nan_normal editorgurl For me it comes down to how much do I believe this voice? If voice says something "true" about human nature and I feel it in my gut. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  19. Nan_normal editorgurl "Empty your cup", i like that! My friend/author @pjacx says he just "pretends I'm right" for a few days and sees if that works. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  20. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Everyone talks about voice but what makes it compelling? #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  21. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Ah thanks.I tried to "empty my cup" to hear what you had to say. Sometimes it took some time to internalize. #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web

Nan_normal editorgurl You were so open to feedback and precise in your revisions (adding only what was needed!) that it made editing this bk a breeze. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  1. Picture_7_normal egoodlett RT @taralazar: chat btwn middle grade author Nan Marino (@nanmarino) +her editor, Nancy Mercado (@editorgurl). Follow #naimu to eavesdrop. about 10 hours ago from web
  2. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino or when you haven't gotten back to an author yet and know they are waiting! the guilt, oy, the guilt! #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  3. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino the worst part of editing is when you aren't sure. when you are questioning the path ahead. #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  4. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino I'm sure many authors would agree, waiting is the worst. I should try & estimate the ETA for comments a bit better! #naimu about 10 hours ago from web
  5. bout 11 hours ago from web
  6. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl First heard mc's voice when a friend's daughter said something wasn't fair. Kids are very into what's fair. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  7. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl What about for you? What is the worst part of the editing process? (be honest too) #NAIMU about 10 hours ago from web
  8. Blogger_icon_normal bonnieadamson "blinded by our love of the main character" Listen in on chat between author & editor: #naimu about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
  9. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Waiting for your reply after the sending the 1st rewrite was hard. Worried that you'd read it and change your mind. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  10. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino Speaking of your mc, how did you find Tamara's voice? When was the first time you "heard" her? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  11. Nan_normal editorgurl Ha, that is so true. We are blinded by our love of the main character and we can't see the truth. Good thing, then, for reviewers! #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  12. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Best part? The back and forth. Talking about the characters. And I learned so much about writing from you. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  13. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Me either. A friend said that parents never know when their children are bullies. So maybe it's true for this too? #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  14. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino And what was the worst? (Be honest!) #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  15. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino Let's talk a little bit about the editing/revision process. What was the best part of that for you? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  16. 29935_normal CarinBerger RT @taralazar: chat btwn middle grade author Nan Marino (@nanmarino) +her editor, Nancy Mercado (@editorgurl). Follow #naimu to eavesdrop. about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
  17. Nan_normal editorgurl Funny, b/c I’ve NEVER seen her that way. To me Tamara's just a little girl who’s hurting. I understand the "why" behind her actions. #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  18. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Did you think my mc was a bully? #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  19. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino yes, readers tell you things you never thought about your own book, eh? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  20. Nan_normal editorgurl @emalexander Comments and questions are most welcome. Thanks for yours! #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  21. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Having people tell me things about the character and the story that I hadn't considered. Like my mc is a bully. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  22. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Time lag is making this interesting. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  23. Tarajunesmall_normal TaraLazar Interesting chat btwn middle grade author Nan Marino (@nanmarino) and her editor, Nancy Mercado (@editorgurl). Follow #naimu to eavesdrop. about 11 hours ago from web
  24. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino Both, actually. I buy books that challenge me as an editor, and also books that teach me more about being human. #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  25. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino So what has been the most surprising thing about being published for you? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  26. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Interesting answer. Do you mean teach you as far as the editing process goes or do you mean something else? #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  27. Notebook_normal WriterRoss Nan and Nancy: that's not weird. You have to love the book you're going to be moving in with for the rest of your life. ;> #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  28. Nan_normal editorgurl This sounds weird, but I feel like I publish a book b/c the book has something to teach me and I have something to offer back to it. #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  29. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino Whoa, you really run the gamut! Your turn for a question. #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  30. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl More questions about editing? What makes you buy a book? #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  31. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl A seafaring ghost story, a careful what you wish for story, a historical verse novel, a very poor picture book #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  32. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino What were the others like? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  33. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl Heck no. Ive' been writing for years. I have others. Some finished. Many others not finished. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  34. 11-6-2008-08_normal quirkywriter @editorgurl Finding out what happens next in the story. Sometimes I don't know until the words pour out. #naimu about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
  35. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino Neil Armstrong is My Uncle is your first published book, but was it your first completed manuscript? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  36. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl I am never in control.Or they'd come much more often. I wait.. but it's all worth it when they arrive. #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  37. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino And does it feel like you are in control of those moments? Or do you just have to wait until they arrive? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  38. about 11 hours ago from web
  39. Nan_normal editorgurl Building trust with an author and getting a revision back and seeing how it’s “magically” changed in ways I couldn't have imagined! #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  40. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino Oh is it my turn to ask a question? What do you like best about editing? #NAIMU about 11 hours ago from web
  41. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino And does it feel like you are in control of those moments? Or do you just have to wait until they arrive? #naimu about 11 hours ago from web
  42. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino Those moments of discovery, when everything comes together and you learn something new about your character and your story. #NAIMU about 12 hours ago from web
  43. Neil_the_cover_normal nanmarino @editorgurl I sure am. This is going to be fun #NAIMU about 12 hours ago from web
  44. Nan_normal editorgurl I’ll start with an easy one: What is your favorite thing about writing? #naimu about 12 hours ago from web
  45. Nan_normal editorgurl Hi @nanmarino! Are you ready to rumble?? I changed my profile picture in honor of our chat. Ready...set...go! #naimu about 12 hours ago from web
  46. Nan_normal editorgurl @nanmarino and I are going interview each other on twitter, next Wednesday morning (6/10) at 10 am. Please tune in! #naimu is the hash tag. 5 days ago from web