Check out this guy’s mad skillz

by the magnificent Justin Frahm

This is me.  With my pet Unicornbird.  We are flying and I am happy.

love,
Amy

PS: You know what would be really cool?  If you guys sent me pictures of you holding a copy of Beautiful in random places.  Then I could post the picture on here and you’d be famous to like the two and a half people who read this blog.  I’m totally copying what Frank Portman does on his blog, but I’m sure he knows that imitation is the best form of flattery.  Shoot, I owe him a photo of me holding Andromeda Klein.  When did he ask me for that? Like months ago.  Oops.

By the way, you should read that book.  Because it’s rad.

Oh, and send you photos to me at amy_lynn_reed@yahoo.com

A Friendly Challenge to My Fellow YA Authors: Be Crazy, I Dare You!

With all the big awards and Best of the Year and Best of the Decade lists that have come out in the last few weeks, I’m reminded of just how awesome and diverse the Young Adult genre is, and how lucky I am to be a part of it.  When I was a teenager, there were very few books I felt I could hold onto as mine, books that told my story from my point of view.  Now the field is so full, there’s something for everybody: from vampires to sci-fi, from romance to LBGTQ to historical fiction, from  the light fare of Gossip Girl and Lauren Conrad to the depth of Laurie Halse Anderson, from Meg Cabot to Ellen Hopkins to Rachel Cohn to Julie Anne Peters, from Frank Portman to Jason Myers to Sherman Alexie to David Levithan to Marcus Zuzak.  We’ve got subject matter covered.  We’ve got gritty and we’ve got escapist.  We’ve got sex and drugs and rock & roll, and we’ve got cheerleaders and straight-A’s and virginity clubs.  What more could you ask for?

Well, I’ve got something.  Yes, we should be proud of ourselves.  Yes, we’ve come a long way since The Babysitter’s Club.  But that’s no reason to take it easy, to become complacent in our art.  For me, the process of writing is, more than anything, a search for the truth.  Every time I sit down to tell a story, I challenge myself to open my eyes just a little bit more. I push myself to see something new, and then I get to tell you about it.  I’ve committed to telling the stories others are afraid to tell, the stories I very much needed to hear as a teen, the stories I was told not to talk about.  They are the stories that are “supposed” to be kept as secrets, that when hidden turn into the silence that isolates and tears people apart from the insides.  It is an honor and a gift to be able to tell these stories, to speak these truths and give them breath.

But what if we challenged ourselves even more?  What if we not only covered the expanses of subject matter; what if we went even further than that?  What if we focused not just on what we’re saying, but how we’re saying it?  We’ve gotten so good at linear narrative, why don’t we spice things up a bit?  Instead of telling our stories the old-fashioned way of beginning to end, why don’t we experiment a little more with non-linear time and structure and point-of-view?  Let’s tell stories in fragments and spirals, backwards and upside-down and inside-out.  Let’s try to be as diverse in form and perspective as we are in content.  We already have some trailblazers–Ellen Hopkins and Sonya Sones have found their voices in verse–why don’t we follow their lead and shake things up a bit?

Why? you may ask.  Well, quite frankly, because we can.  Because we’re writers and artists and we need to constantly inspire ourselves.  Because words are things to play with.  Because form is fluid.  Because our readers are smart and they want to be challenged and shown new ways of looking at the world.  Because we are their guides and we should give them their money’s worth.  Because the well of characters and stories is endless, and so should be their vehicles.    Because imagination is the greatest gift we have and the world expands the more we use it.

Random thoughts on a rainy day

I guess staying home sick is as good a time as any to write a blog post.  It’s miserable and rainy outside and Peanut’s going crazy because she’s desperate for a walk, but I’m pretty sure once she gets out there she’s going to change her mind.  She’s a prissy girl and doesn’t like getting her feet wet.  If I was feeling better, I wouldn’t actually mind being out there in the rain.  I’m from Seattle after all, and it really does rain there as much as people say it does, and I find it kind of comforting.  I’m going to be a rain snob and say it’s comical what people call a “storm” here.  It rains more than an inch and everybody’s on red alert, the city of Berkeley floods, and people stay home from work.  I wish I wasn’t sick so I could trudge through the rain and show everyone how a real woman does it–without an umbrella, holding a cup of coffee and a leash  and talking on the phone at the same time.

Did I really just write that long ass paragraph about the weather?  I must really be bored.

In other news, I have way too many books piled up on my bedside table waiting to be read.  A few of them have already been read, but I’ve been too lazy to move them back to the bookshelf.  Here’s a sample: Youth in Revolt, by C.D. Page (I’ve never read this but apparently it’s a classic.  And anything’s that’s been made into a movie starring Michael Cera definitely deserves my time); The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain: A 24-Hour Journal of What’s Happening to Your Brain as You Sleep, Dream, Wake Up, Eat, Work, Play, Fight, Love, Worry, Compete, Hope, Make Important Decisions, Age, and Change (I’m reading this for my work’s book club.  I usually don’t participate because they usually read business books, but I’m a sucker for anything that’ll help me understand that squishy gray mass of crazy in my head–and for subtitles that barely fit on the cover); and Some Girls Are, by Courtney Summers (which I’ve been wanting to read ever since I heard about it months ago, plus Courtney is rad and we share the same rad agent and the same rad haircut, and as soon as I finish it, she’s agreed to do a rad interview for this silly little blog, so I almost want to skip what I’m currently reading–Cavedweller, by one of my all-time favorite writers Dorothy Allison–but I can’t quit now because it’s too freakin’ good.)

So now what should I do?  I’ve written two incredibly long paragraphs about weather and books, my dog needs a walk but is distracted for the time being by a chewing on a rawhide, I’m craving a cheeseburger and fries (which is definitely not allowed on my no-carb, no-dairy diet), I’m still in my pajamas and my hair’s sticking up all over the place, I have a million books I want to read (but I also have cable TV), my body aches, my throat is sore, my head hurts, I’m bored, and do I even need to mention that new novel that needs to be written?

Hmm…. I think I’ll take a nap. Good night everyone (well, good afternoon really).

Holy Smokes! Three Readings in February!

It’s going to be a busy month! Hope you can join me for one of these events.

An Evening of Edgy YA

with Amy Reed and Jason Myers

Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 p.m. @Pegasus Books in Berkeley

2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley (2 blocks from the downtown Berkeley BART station)

I am honored to be joined by bestselling author Jason Myers, author of Exit Here and new release The Mission.  Please join us as we read from our newest works, answer a few of your questions, and sign a few books.

Saturday Night at CIIS

Saturday, February 13, 6:00-8:30 p.m. @ California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco

Namaste Hall, CIIS Main Building, 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco

Celebrating the graduates of the MFA in Creative Inquiry, Interdisciplinary Arts and the MFA in Writing and Consciousness. Performances by storyteller/actor Jovelyn Richards and musician MamaCoAtl. Readings by Judy Jordan, Kelly Lydick, and Amy Reed.

Amy Reed and Daphne Gottlieb

Thursday, February 25, 7:00 p.m. @ Modern Times Books in San Francisco

888 Valencia Street, San Francisco

I am honored to be joined by San Francisco-based Performance Poet Daphne Gottlieb, winner of the Firecracker and Audre Lorde Awards. She is the editor of Fucking Daphne: Mostly True Stories and Fictions and Homewrecker: An Adultery Reader, as well as the author of the poetry books Kissing Dead Girls, Final Girl, Why Things Burn and Pelt, as well as the graphic novel Jokes and the Unconscious with artist Diane DiMassa.

The best books I read in 2009

2009 was a great year for reading.  But as always, I bought way more books than I was actually able to get through.  They’re still sitting on my shelves all shiny and unbent and beautiful.  I stare at them longingly, but first I must finish the amazing book I’m reading now, Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture by my friend Kaya Oakes.  If you have ever attached the word “indie” or “alternative” or “punk” or “DIY” or “counterculture” to yourself or something you’ve loved, you MUST read this book to understand where it all came from.

Hopefully I’ll get to all my gorgeous books this year, but the truth is I’ll probably buy more to add to the unread piles, and the vicious cycle will continue.  Book buying (and hoarding) is like an addiction, but I don’t feel too bad about it.  As far as addictions go, it could be much worse, and someone needs to keep the publishing industry alive.

With no further ado, here’s my list of the best books I read in 2009.  They’re in no particular order, except for the top two which are tied for the number one spot.

• The Book Thief, by Marcus Zuzak
• The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
• The Adderall Diaries, by Stephen Elliott
• Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson
• To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
• King Dork, by Frank Portman
• Geek Love, by Katherine Dunn
• Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, by Novella Carpenter
• Bridge of Sighs, by Richard Russo

What are the best books you read in 2009?

Thank you 2009, Hello 2010!

Well, today’s the last day of 2009 and I couldn’t be more ready for it to be over.  Not that 2009 wasn’t a great year, but a lot of huge things happened, and even though most of them were good, it was still pretty stressful. My first novel was published, I turned thirty, I got a dog, I made major life changes for my health, and now it’s December 31 and I’m ready for a nap.

I’m hoping 2010 will also be full of joy and adventures, but maybe the more soothing kind would be nice.  Like maybe I’ll get to sleep in on weekends a little more often, and maybe I’ll get to cook more and work out in the garden.  Maybe I’ll get at least seven hours of sleep every night, and exercise every morning, and take my dog on more walks.  These may seem like pretty boring wishes, but they sound like heaven to me.  Because I’ve found that the quieter my life is, the more I’m able to fully appreciate all the amazing things I have to be grateful for.  When I’m running around all the time, I can forget to stop and look around and see all the blessings in my life, and there are so many.

On this last day of 2009, I’d like to take a moment to appreciate all of the things that make my life so wonderful:

My husband Brian, for being my best friend and soul mate and partner in crime.

My fabulous, loyal, loving friends–the old ones who have put up with my antics over the years, and the new ones who don’t know what they’re in for.

My family, for supporting and accepting me through both difficult and joyous times.

My health, for coming back to me.

My home, for being sturdy and warm.

My job, for surrounding me with amazing people and supporting me in this difficult economy.

Oakland, for being quirky and full of stories and a great place to call home.

The Book Thief, for being the best book I read all year.

Amy Tipton, Anica Rissi, and everyone at Simon Pulse for giving me the opportunity to share Beautiful with the world.

And finally, everyone who has read Beautiful, especially those of you who have shared your thoughts with me.  I write to share my soul with you.  That you accept it is the greatest gift I could ask for.

Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!

Love,

Amy

Dear Anica Rissi: Happy Editor Appreciation Day!

Dear Anica,

Thank you for believing in me and Beautiful, and for giving me the rock star treatment when I came to big bad New York City for the first time.  Thank you for insisting on buying me a cupcake.  And thank you for making me a sign.  A sign!  No one’s ever made me a sign before.  Thanks for all the books you send me, especially the one about Burning Man and the Magnolia Bakery Cookbook.  I’m trying the  Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chip Cookie recipe this weekend, by the way.  You and everyone at Simon Pulse have been so supportive of my little book, and it means so much to have you on my side.

Hugs,

Amy

Oh Lord. Time for New Year’s Resolutions.

It seems like I’ve been making slightly different versions of the same New Year’s resolutions every year for my whole life.  The top one usually involves some kind of diet, which lasts for a week or two if I’m lucky.  Then I happen to catch a whiff of something delicious and fattening like fresh pizza out of the oven, and, simple as that, the diet is over.  Same goes with exercise.  I’ll be good and get up early for a few days to go running, then one morning I’ll be tired, and then the next, then I’m hitting snooze again and dreaming of donuts.  Why the need for this depressing ritual?

Well, I’m doing it again.  My husband and I are planning to do a one-month cleanse to start off the New Year.  We did it a couple years ago with amazing results, but didn’t quite last the whole month.  No dairy, no sugar, no wheat, no processed foods, and yes, our skin was glowing and we lost lots of weight.  But it was mildly painful to feel deprived of so many delicious things.  So we cheated.  And cheated some more.  Then it was back to normal in no time.

This year, instead of focusing on what we can’t have, I want to focus on what we can.  Instead of the no’s, I want to focus on the yes’s of the cleanse: all the beautiful and energy-packed organic fruits and vegetables, and….well, I guess that’s it.  But I’m going to feel and look great! I also want to think of my other resolutions as gifts to myself.  Like making more time to write–that’s a GET to do, not a HAVE to do.  Funny how easy it is to turn something you love into a chore.  Let’s see, what else…Getting more sleep–that will be enjoyable and make me feel good.

This year has gone so well, I’m excited for the next one.  Bring it on!

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions?

Dear Amy Tipton: Happy (Unofficial) Official Agent Appreciation Day!

In case you didn’t know (which you probably didn’t since this is the first time ever), today is Agent Appreciation Day.  You won’t find it on any calendars, but a hodgepodge of YA authors decided that our beloved agents needed their very own holiday, so here it is.

Amy Tipton of Signature Literary Agency is rad for several reasons.  For one, this is her agent photo:

Who else but an awesome person would have this as her agent photo?

Secondly, she called me that winter morning two years ago and told me she loved the book I put my heart and soul and dreams and tears into writing.

Thirdly, it took her less than a month to get me a great deal with a great publisher and a great editor, Anica Rissi at Simon Pulse.

Fourthly, she has an amazing sense of style.

Fifthly, she encourages me to challenge myself and to write the best possible book I can, one that I will be proud of (not just one that’ll sell).

Sixthly, she is strong and brave and tenacious and ferocious.

Thank you, Amy, for all you do.  You’re an inspiration, and I am a lucky girl to have a warrior like you on my side.

Hugs,

Amy

PS:  Here’s a list of all the writers (and their agents) taking part in today’s festivities: http://lisa-laura.blogspot.com/

What a list!  We YA authors are quite a loving bunch.

When I was a one-woman army…and some other stuff I was obsessed with as a teen

I got really nostalgic the other day listening to an Ani Difranco cassette tape in my car.  I haven’t listened to her in years, but I still remember every single word, every inflection of her voice, every little warble and giggle.  I found myself singing at the top of my lungs with a big grin on my face, my voice cracking, on the verge of sentimental tears.  I remembered the concerts, being surrounded by hundreds of singing women, feeling that surge of energy and love and pride in my chest, feeling like anything was possible.

It was so easy to fall in love with things back then.  Not that I don’t any more–I’m reading Cormac McCarthy’s The Road right now, and I can’t stop gasping out loud while reading it on the train to work, and I can’t stop telling people how in love I am with it.  But it seemed like I fell in love so much more often when I was younger.  Was I just easier to impress?  Was I less jaded and cynical?  Were things really that much better?  I don’t know.  All I know is I’m glad I had a little Ani blast from the past in my car the other day, and I’m grateful for all the amazing stuff I got to discover as a teen.  I know I meant it every time I exclaimed “This is the best _____ ever!”  And I’m positive all my little obsessions back then have a great deal to do with who I am and what I love today.

In no particular order, here’s some stuff I know I called “The best ____ ever” at some point during my teens and early twenties.

• Ani Difranco
• Tom Robbins
• Anne Sexton
• Elliott Smith
• wearing jeans under dresses
• My So Called Life
• The Grateful Dead
• Girl, Interrupted
  
• Heathers
• Pump of the Volume
• The Pump of the Volume soundtrack
• Gregg Araki
• the album Hips and Makers, by Kristen Hirsh
• the album Black Eyed Man, by Cowboy Junkies
• Dan Savage
• Harmony Korine
• PJ Harvey
• Brave New World
• Atlas Shrugged (I’m sorry!)
• sloths
• Pablo Neruda
• coffee

What’s on your list?