Susane Colasanti - Journal

One of the concepts I'm exploring in my new book is whether a relationship can have both intensity and longevity. We all love the rush of those passionate first few months of a relationship (or if we haven't experienced that intensity yet, we can imagine how awesome it is). But as anyone who's been in a long-term relationship knows, that initial euphoria fades away after a while. I've been wondering if it's possible to have an intense relationship that remains just as intense past those first few months, something I like to call "movie love." In my experience, the more passionate a relationship is at first, the worse that person is for you.

This issue made me think about Serena and Dan vs. Blair and Chuck. Which couple (if any) are soul mates? It's clear that Blair and Chuck have more fire, but are they better for each other than Serena and Dan because of it? Is it better to be with someone who cares about you and will always be there, or someone you're so insanely passionate about that will most likely fizzle in the near future?

I asked these questions on Facebook yesterday. In my highly unscientific survey, everyone felt that Blair and Chuck are the more intense soul mates, while more people felt that Serena and Dan are better for each other. What do you think? Is movie love possible? Or does it only exist in movies?

TGIM! I thought that Monday would be a good day for some Reader Q&A. I like to answer questions here on my blog if they're not too personal for the reader and I think you guys might be interested in them. Like these:

What is your favorite part about writing? - Raanan

Interacting with my readers is the best part! When I'm writing a new book, I try to write the kind of story that I would have wanted to read as a teen. But writing is a mostly solitary job, so the only way to know if people are liking my books is by hearing from readers. My ultimate goal is to write books that can help my readers feel less alone. If my readers feel better about life or connect with my characters in some meaningful way or can maybe even look at their own problems from a new perspective, then I'm doing my job. I love getting to talk with readers in person. Meeting all of the very important people who encourage kids to read is a joy as well - teachers, librarians, booksellers, and other mentors all rock.

Regarding the writing process, my favorite part is completing the first draft of a new book. At that point, I have something tangible with which to move forward. Right now I'm writing my fifth book and I have to say, it's a bit scary! Even though I have an outline (which is constantly evolving as my characters reveal more of themselves to me) and I'm super excited about the plot, I worry that what I'm writing isn't good enough. Once the first draft of a book is done, I'm relieved that I can begin to shape the story into the best book possible.

How long did it take you to write your books? - Ali

Each subsequent book seems to be taking less time to write. When It Happens took a really long time to complete. Back then, I was mostly writing on weekends and vacays. The original manuscript was submitted in 2001 and the book was published in 2006. There were tons of problems with the manuscript! It went through about nine revisions. Take Me There had maybe four revisions and took about two years to write. Now that I'm a full-time author, I can write a first draft in a few months. Waiting for You and Something Like Fate each had about three revisions. I hope this means that I'm improving as a writer. As I learn more about the writing process, I try to avoid making the same mistakes twice. This is a challenge since I make a lot of mistakes!

Do some of your characters reflect some of your characteristics? - Eden

They do. Sara from When It Happens is very close to me for that reason. I think a first book tends to be the most autobiographical. That's the book you pour all of the emotions and observations you've been storing up into, so my first book was inspired by several of my own experiences. Sara is sensitive, artistic, and longing for a better life - all parts of the person I was at her age. However, I usually like to write about characters with traits that I wish I had. For example, I don't like being tall. So the main character in Something Like Fate is tiny and very pretty, sort of like Rachel Bilson. She can wear all these cute little sun dresses that I can't. I'm jealous.

You said you started the author dream around 16. I was wondering if you were always a good writer or if you just started to write after that point? - trishuhhhr

I've always been a writer. My first story, "The Carrot and the Rabbit," holds a special place in my scrapbook. There are other random things I remember, like my 8th grade English teacher reading my creative writing sample in front of the class. I wrote part of a sequel to The Outsiders in 7th grade. That was the most horrid fan fiction ever. And I did some standard writer stuff like editing the literary magazine. Writing has always been a big part of who I am on many different levels. I've always been a passionate reader. These two things are strongly connected. I don't think it's possible to be a good writer without being a reader. So my reading obsession definitely improved my writing.

I've been getting lots of email lately from aspiring writers asking for advice. You can find some on the Q&A page of my website and in my Q&A blog tag. Bottom line: Never give up.

Anne Hathaway and I don't have much in common. If we were walking down the street together, I'm pretty sure you'd be able to tell us apart. But for some reason, people keep saying I look like her. When I was a teacher, a lot of my students said how I looked like the Princess Diaries girl. At the time, I didn't know who the Princess Diaries girl was. Now Anne seems to be everywhere and people are getting more aggressive about coming up to me. This guy actually followed me off the subway the other day, all like how Anne is a Scorpio and what am I? I was more disturbed that he knew she was a Scorpio than how he was following me around, until he started comparing every one of my features to hers.

In Waiting for You news, it is now being translated into German! The Turkish edition will be out soon as well. What's particularly cool about these two translations is that I have German and Turkish friends who can actually read them. Typos check! Also, The Compulsive Reader has selected it as her book of the month, so you can head over to read her interview with me.

The Book Girl has a new Friday feature called What a Guest. I'm thrilled to be her first guest blogger! I shared some thoughts about reinventing yourself over summer vacay and taking steps to create your ideal life. I was never really successful with these things when I was a teen, but you can make it happen. The possibilities are infinite.

Dude, I just saw that the latest seasons of Flight of the Conchords, One Tree Hill, and Gossip Girl are all coming out next month. This is awesome news. I can't wait to see what happens. August is heating up and it's only July! Which I still haven't absorbed, by the way. The Fourth of July seems to be tomorrow. Usually, I avoid the crowds and watch the fireworks from a rooftop. But tomorrow I'll be walking down along the river for an excellent view by the Statue of Liberty. Fireworks are fun. I especially like the heart ones. And the smiley face ones!



I'll leave you with the best window box yet this season, brought to you by my friendly neighbor. Happy fireworks!

I'm still buzzing from my High Line experience last night. It was even more amazing than I was expecting! I'll be posting pics later this week.

Some links:

Teens Writing for Teens interviewed me about fear, inspiration, and advice. I just found this awesome site, which was totally created by teens. If you're a teen writer looking for advice, check them out.

Nisha and LIbrary Lounge Lizard recently reviewed Waiting for You.

The Wall Street Journal posted an article about darker YA fiction.

Even though I write back to all of my reader email, I just want to say thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts about Waiting for You. I've heard from a lot of readers who can relate to Marisa's struggle to feel normal, both readers who are dealing with an anxiety disorder or depression and readers who see parts of Marisa's story in their own lives. Your kind words mean more to me than you'll ever know.

My Floor Display Contest is heating up! You guys are made of magic. You have until next Friday, June 5 to enter. However, some of the Waiting for You floor displays that went up early may be coming down before then, so plan accordingly. The most creative photo of you with my books (taken in a bookstore or at home) wins. Here's how to enter.

In all of the book release excitement, my interview at Books Make Great Lovers didn't get a shout-out. I have a lot more to say about teen sexuality, but I think the interview sums up my main points.

Something awesome: Google asked kids to redesign their homepage logo to encapsulate what they wish for the world. I absolutely love this contest! The teacher part of me is always interested in what kids can do with their creativity (which is why I'm so excited about my Floor Display Contest) and these kids did an incredible job. Check out the state finalists.

Super exciting events are happening over the next few days around here. I'll be at the NYC Teen Author Carnival today and BEA tomorrow. There will be so many amazing authors at both events, so of course I'm bringing my cam to document everything for you. Hopefully, I'll be posting a later journal entry tomorrow evening with some news and photos from both events. See you then!

I'm thrilled to announce the winners of the Living In the Now Contest! kd2188 won Waiting for You and Rachel won Take Me There. Winners, please send your names and addresses to me at friendly.neighbor [at] hotmail.com so I can get your prizes right out to you.

Some things regarding my ginormous Floor Display Contest. Not all Barnes & Noble locations have the displays up, so you can take your photo with just my books instead. Your photo can be taken with one or more of the books at home, but Waiting for You has to be included since that's what we're celebrating. Also, I've been hearing from booksellers across the country and it sounds like some displays just got put up. Therefore, I'm extending the contest deadline to Friday, June 5. The most creative photo wins signed copies of all three of my books! Here's how to enter.

Yay for Teenreads! They totally reviewed Waiting for You and also interviewed me. Find out how I (try to) balance writing with online time, why I love writing about soul mates, and why I have no worries about including pop culture references in my books.

I will be at an exciting event coming up this week here in New York. It's the NYC Teen Author Carnival! The fun will go down this Thursday, May 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 at the New York Public Library at 6th Avenue and 10th Street. Check out the list of attending authors, get the link to watch the event live, or RSVP if you'll be in the nabe - it's free. I'll be bringing some games, so come on by if you want to play!

When people ask me what kinds of books I write, I tell them that I write novels for teens. When they ask what kind of novels, I usually say that I write about soul mates. Soul mates have been at the heart of every one of my books. So technically I write romance, but I would never describe my books that way. Language is an interesting thing. A word that has a negative connotation to me could be totally positive to you. But to me, the term "romance novel" smacks of a helpless girl clinging to a shirtless boy with way too many muscles. I can't get past the cheese factor enough to describe my novels that way. Maybe I need to replace my old word association with an updated one.

Which brings me to the issue of chick lit. What is it? Does it have a negative or positive connotation?

Here's the Kirkus review of Waiting for You:

Kirkus, 5/15

Marisa spent freshman year grappling with anxiety disorder and depression. Now the amateur photographer is heading into sophomore year with some coping skills and waiting for love to find her. While her best friend is IMing older guys and her once-“normal” parents are separated, Marisa thinks she’s finally found romance with popular Derek, her first boyfriend. Why, then, would she rather hang out and discuss her problems, especially her relapsing depression, with her “totally geeked out” chemistry partner, Nash? Maybe while Marisa’s been waiting for love, it’s been in front of her all along. The story isn’t new, but Colasanti keeps it fresh by speaking to teens in their own language. Marisa’s realistic, first-person narration ably captures the importance of typical adolescent problems. The author also offers a hint of mystery (although readers will soon figure it out) with a late-night radio show featuring Dirty Dirk, an anonymous student who reaches out to Marisa. Chick lit for girls who think. (Fiction. YA)

Now, I totally appreciate a good review, and this one seems okay. It's just...um, I wasn't aware that I write chick lit. I'm assuming "Chick lit for girls who think" is a good thing. If we're going by the definition of chick lit recently mentioned in The New York Times, "fiction by and for women," then I guess I write it. But if that's all there is to the definition, then why do so many people perceive chick lit as fluff? It's true that I write about love, but every one of my books deals with serious issues. Some of these include physical abuse, sexual abuse, death, neglect, divorce, infidelity, and depression. Does chick lit define books dealing with serious issues? Or does it imply a light, fun read?

How do you define chick lit?

Book Release Day was super fun! I woke up with that exciting special event feeling. To celebrate, I visited Barnes & Noble and signed some books. More on that later. But first...

Yesterday was Day 10 of my blog tour. The Compulsive Reader asked me three summer-related questions to wrap up the tour. Thanks to everyone who hosted me. It was a total blast!

I'm psyched that several readers have already finished Waiting for You and took the time to write to me. When your new book comes out, you have no idea if it sucks or not until people tell you what's up. So please keep the feedback coming! More reviews are being posted, including this one on S. Krishna's Books.

Waiting for You wasn't the only book released yesterday. It was also the pub day of Sarah Dessen's Lock and Key paperback edition! I was all impressed that my floor display got to reside next to hers:



The tag line on mine said, "First love. Complicated love. True love." And Sarah's said, "Relationships. Romance. Real life." No, we didn't write those. The friendly neighbors at B&N whipped those up. Sarah's display was really pretty. Her paperback covers are the most gorgeous covers I've ever seen. Something about the way the hues, fonts, and images work together to completely reflect the tone of her books is so impressive. Congrats on another outstanding achievement, Sarah!

I'm not sure how long the floor displays will be up, so if you're interested in my Floor Display Contest (which requires a photo of you with my floor display), I recommend visiting your local B&N soon. First prize is signed copies of all three books. I'm not only having this contest to give away books, but I'd love to assemble a collage of you guys showing off your creative skills. That would be freaking awesome! Looking forward to your entries...

The waiting is over. Tomorrow is the release of Waiting for You!

::runs down street flinging sparkly confetti at random strangers::

As part of the celebration, I'll be reading tonight with these friendly YA authors at the New York Public Library Jefferson Market Branch. The library is at 6th Avenue and 10th Street. Starting at 6:00, everyone will read a bit from their latest books, followed by a Q&A session and mingling. Please stop by if you're in the nabe.

It's Day 9 of my blog tour, hosted by Laura's Review Bookshelf. You can enter to win a signed copy of Waiting for You just by leaving a comment at her blog. Other ways to win my books: our Soul Mates Contest and my Floor Display Contest.

Hope to see you tonight!

For Day 8 of my blog tour at Pop Culture Junkie, I discuss what my typical day is like. Alea is also giving away a signed copy of Waiting for You, along with all other hosts of my blog tour. Yesterday's tour stop was over at Shooting Stars Mag with High School Myth #7, which is all about the karma. I also discuss the Waiting for You playlist.

And there's more!

• Reading Keeps You Sane interviewed me about the Waiting for You title and cover.
• The Book Girl Reviews reviewed Waiting for You. I love the notebook format of that blog!
• Dissecting Perfection posted an impressively detailed review of When It Happens.

Here's a sweet gift from the Universe: The Waiting for You pub date, May 14, is also when the season finale of The Office will air, which is also their 100th episode! I can't watch it since I have to wait for the DVDs to come out, but I am anticipating this season more than any others. I love having fun things to look forward to. Book Release Week rocks!

Welcome to Day 6 of my blog tour. You can find me over at Reading Keeps You Sane. I just loved Kelsey's questions! She also shared her review of Waiting for You.

On Wednesday, May 13, I'll be reading with some other friendly YA authors at Teen Author Reading Night here in New York. We'll be at the Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library at 6th Avenue and 10th Street. The reading starts at 6:00, followed by a Q&A session. If you're in the nabe, stop on by! I'll be joining these authors (who all have new books with awesome titles):

Nick Burd, The Vast Fields of Ordinary
Cecil Castelucci, Geektastic
Sarah Cross, Dull Boy
Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus, The Real Real
Kieran Scott, Geek Magnet

My biggest contest to win signed copies of Waiting for You and the paperback edition of Take Me There begins on Monday. See you then!

Only one week of waiting left until Waiting for You is out in the world!

For Day 5 of my blog tour, I discuss my dream library with Bookluver-Carol. You can enter to win a signed copy of Waiting for You just by leaving a comment on her blog!

I still haven't heard from the He Was There All Along Contest winner, aboldstory . Please send your name and address to me at friendly.neighbor [at] hotmail.com. If I don't hear from you by Sunday, I'll have to pick a new winner (from the neighbors who entered last week).

Our Soul Mates Contest is still going strong! If you haven't entered yet, check out the prizes and find out how to enter.

Breaking news: 24 is going to be set in New York next season. Score! I mean, of course I've already met Kiefer Sutherland since he's my neighbor and all. You know we're tight like that. But it would be so cool to watch some scenes being filmed. I'm totally sensing a Times Square moment coming on. I'll keep you updated on the Jack Bauer haps, of course.

I also have your back with the Sex and the City movie sequel filming, which should be starting in the near future. When Melissa and I were filming our contest video, a resident who lives next door to Carrie's stoop asked if we were with the film. Some residents are not looking forward to more filming that takes over their street. We'll see how the drama plays out. If Carrie and Big are married in the sequel, they might not even need the stoop. Or maybe they're not...

Some numbers:

• It's Day 4 of my blog tour. Today I'm over at The Story Siren, where I reveal which author I'd trade lives with for a day.
• There are only 8 days of waiting left until Waiting for You is released!
• Reviewer X is giving away 2 copies of Waiting for You.

May 14 isn't only the pub date of Waiting for You. It's also when Take Me There will be released in paperback. To spread the word, Tatyana Cabrera created a Take Me There book trailer! I interviewed Taty last year, since she contributed to the book. An excerpt of her poem, Rebel, appears in Take Me There. To create the book trailer, she took photos all around the West Village, where the story takes place. Among the many scenes she captured are Rhiannon's house, Magnolia cupcakes, sunset on the river, and the place where some serious iPod dancing went down. Infinite thanks to Taty!

It's Day 3 of my blog tour. You can find me over at Frenetic Reader for High School Myth #3 and what I like the most about being an author. Khy also asked me one of my fave questions of this blog tour: Why do you include both a failed relationship and a new one in each of your books? Sharp observation!

Only 9 more days of waiting until Waiting for You is out in the world!

The only thing that can cause almost as much excitement as my new book release is getting to see Jon Stewart for a taping of The Daily Show. Have I ever mentioned that I worship Jon Stewart in a godlike way? Oh, I have? Yeah, I have because he freaking rocks the house. I had tickets for last Thursday, April 30, which you can watch on Hulu.



When I'm passionate about something, there's no limit to my devotion. I really love how Jon is making the world a better place, so I'm a hardcore fan. Which means that I had to be first in line. You can line up until 4:30. The doors open at 5:15. I got there at 1:05. I was first in line. Score!

I've seen the show before, so I knew where to sit on the empty sidewalk to start the line. I was completely alone for almost an hour. That was one strange hour. Nice New Yorkers kept saying stuff like, "Way to wait it out!" as they walked by. A guy riding his bike past with a visitor was explaining how by 3:30 there's a huge line. Then he saw me and he yelled, "Right on!" One dude sat next to me for a while even though he didn't have tickets. Then he was like, "Oh, you need tickets?" Dogs came up and sniffed me.

It was like I was on a reality how called The Longest Wait. I almost expected people to start throwing scraps of food at me. However, this was not necessary. When you're preparing to wait in line for several hours, provisions are important. I had snacks. I had a small bottle of water (no bathroom access, but need to stay hydrated). Tissues are also good, since about ten pounds of 11th Avenue dirt accumulate on your face while you're waiting.

When SP showed up around 4:00 and found me first in line, he was all, "You are the biggest Daily Show nerd." Yes! Best compliment ever! Here's part of the line, with me staring down the girls next to me. Those girls aren't next in line. They're at the back of the line! Which wraps around! And goes around the corner down the block!



For the show, my seat was right next to Jon. I read from his teleprompter and watched the video clips from this camera screen. This one time he was supposed to say "good," but instead he said "terrific." He's so fun to watch when he's not on screen! He totally cracks up while he's watching the clips. He rolls his chair back and forth a little, all energy and excitement. Love that.

Hugh Jackman fans should know that you'll never see more ripped arms on a smaller dude. I was sitting about fifteen feet from his biceps. And triceps. And every other muscle group in the arm, all of which were clearly visible. You don't want to throw down with Hugh. Unless you're Jack Bauer.

I'm going back in the fall for my next Daily Show fix. Perhaps I will invest in an inflatable mini chair.

Welcome to Day 2 of my blog tour! Today you can find me at Presenting Lenore. My interview on Day 1 of the tour wasn't posted yet when I blogged, so in case you missed it you should head over to For the Love of Books. Taylor also included her review of Waiting for You. Also, you can win a signed copy of Waiting for You at each blog tour stop!

The winner of last week's He Was There All Along Contest with Elizabeth Scott is aboldstory . Congrats to you! Please send your name and address to me at friendly.neighbor [at] hotmail.com and I will send your signed copy of Something, Maybe.

You have until June 1 to enter the Soul Mates Contest I'm running with Melissa Walker. We've already received so many great comments. My books always involve soul mates, so I'm having the best time reading about all of your fave TV and movie soul mates. In case you missed the original post, here's how to enter.

Thanks for your May Day birthday wishes. Of course I celebrated with a Crumbs cupcake:



Also, I gave myself the gift of tickets to The Daily Show because I worship Jon Stewart in a godlike way. I'll be telling you all about it tomorrow!