Critique Group Love

This morning I woke up just feeling total love for my critique group, the wonderful FNC chicas, Donna, Sara and Janine! We had a kind of momentous night--our writing professor, Gretchen Haertsch, who teaches the Writing for Children class where we all met in the fall of 2007, invited us to come and speak to her spring 2010 class. We got to relay the story of how we all met and came together--at the very spot where it all epically happened--which was seriously cool and made me all nostalgic and just happy at how far we've come together as a group but also as friends. We're so lucky to be a critique group that lives in close proximity to each other so that we not only get to meet regularly for critique meetings, we get to meet up for fun and just hang out.

Talking to the class was very cool None of us are really that shy--3/4 of us are teachers and so that kind of smites the shyness right out of you--but sometimes it can be intimidating to get up in front of strangers and talk without a plan for almost an hour and a half. But its nice to know that you have some of your best friends with there talking beside you who totally get everything you're saying and can add in the point you missed, or laugh at the joke you're making. Plus just being together usually makes us laugh, so we may have been a little more entertained by our talk than the class. But it was a seriously fun experience, returning to the moment where it all began and it was fun to see our origins--literally--and then see where we stood now.  I'm really proud of everyone.

Of course then we went out for drinks:-) Which is almost as much fun as running a panel on writing, critiquing, blogging and querying.

Anyway I just had to gush, and then I'm off to dance all night at Rakkasah Spring Caravan which is the largest most fabulous belly dance festival on the east coast.

Hope you all enjoy your weekends!

Zombie Dreams

So last night I totally had my first official zombie dream. I know, some of you are probably thinking, what's wrong with you? Why haven't you dreamed about zombies before? While more likely the majority of you are going, ummmm WHY would you dream about zombies in the first place?

To which I must answer, I have no clue.

I mean, I am kind of reading Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth and there was this post by The Bloggess which may have inspired me. But for the record, I am NOT a zombie person. At all. So much so in fact that even in my dream, I had a moment of total clarity while I hid in my car and watched zombies running back and forth on the street biting people and I thought, ummmm, Frankie? You know you're not a zombie person right?

And I answered myself, right.

You know this might all be Carrie Ryan's fault, right?

And I agreed with myself, right.

But you've also read Shiver three times and you never dreamed about werewolves before, right? And I thought, right! So then WHY ON EARTH are you dreaming about zombies. You are NOT a zombie girl.

At which point a man was pinned to the ground right outside my car and was bitten for the 5th time. Mind you, despite the fact that I was totally out of my element in a zombie dream, my authorly self was still thriving and so this meant my dream included world building. Yeah! And hard core world building rules. And in the land of Frankie and zombies, apparently you can be bitten by a zombie and not turn into one, UNTIL you've been bitten 5 times. So when that 5th bite appeared on that man, I high tailed it out there and drove so far...I drove into another dream.

So I think I can safely say my zombie days, or nights...dreams...whatever, are over. Which is good. Because veganism and zombiesm do not mix. At all. Unless I can be a vegetarian zombie.

Then I might be ok.  But probably not.

Stat Counter Confessions

Alright, so me and the stat counter are having a grand ole time together. I can't believe I never really understood until recently that there were a bunch of buttons you could click on to learn more things about people and your blog. And oh the things I'm learning.

Like for instance, Playboy loves my blog! Seriously, least expected thing to ever see on my stat counter, but this amuses me to NO end. Really, the amusement is ENDLESS. And also a great source of pride for me since apparently the good people of Playboy have not yet visited Simon's blog and he really wants you guys to go over there, so if you don't mind....I guess you can blog hop (but I know I have your true loyalties).

Also, the most popular google search to lead people to my blog yesterday....searches for examples of bad vlogging. I didn't even know people tried to find those things on purpose, usually you want to steer clear, but as I am so awesomely bad at vlogging, I guess this one at least makes sense. I bet no one else gets bad vlogging google hits. Le sigh....sideways vlogging...

And finally, my current favorite google hits....quotes from Clueless...appparently just about any Clueless quote can lead you my way. YES!  Thus my mission is complete.

Epic Contests!

Hey Guys...so I've been kind of quiet on the blog lately...some of you have noticed and left me private messages wondering what happened to me and begging me to return and practically bribing me to write more claiming that your days are incomplete until you read my latest post.

OK, so I may have exaggerated that last part.

A little bit.

But not really.

Think what you will.

So anyway, I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE I have had good reason for being quieter than usual and all things will be revealed in the near future. I can't say much more than that, but it will involve a contest.

And...

Maybe a Hermione Granger costume...

And a video of me dancing...but hey that brings me to the point of this post!

I have two amazing contests to tell you about! Yay!

OK, first up is the fabulous contest from Carol at Carol's Prints! In honor of reaching 300 followers (Go Carol!) she is giving away  signed copies of David Levithan and John Green's opus. Some of the books are signed by BOTH of them--EPIC! So go over to her blog now and enter and let her know I sent you. It's easy to enter, but you can gain a lot of extra points by dancing. Yep!

And second, in an epic contest to blow your socks off, celebrating 500 followers is Shannon Messenger (who is still deep in revisions with her own uber agent). You can also win some epic signed bookage from David Levithan, John Green, Shannon Hale, Gayle Forman (OMG) and more!! Seriously, this is too epic for words!!! So go there now and enter and tell her I sent you and also tell her to finish her revisions because it's too quiet when she's gone.

Ok, I hope you're all having a fabulous Monday!

*UPDATE*

Simon is having a contest too! I think he may have cried a little that I didn't mention it. Maybe not. But he probably did. So now I'm fixing that and telling you to go over to his contest!!!

How To Meet Famous People + Other Things

I'm guest blogging today over at Sarah With a Chance's aka Sarah Wylie, aka up and coming hot new author, aka Girl Made of Awesome.

And there you must go to read all about my infamous encounters with Adam Sandler, Maybe-J.K. Rowling and just how close I got to Dan Radcliffe....ALL of Dan Radcliffe. Plus how you can be friends with Libba Bray!

Want to know all of my secrets for fame? Then go there now and leave some comment love, or Sarah won't let me come over anymore. No really!

Also...things I think you need to know right now about me.

1) I've fully discovered how to use my stat counter.

2) I know now that part of my readership comes from the Playboy Mansion! Hi playboy bunnies!

3) I have some SERIOUS fans over in Utah--or one who is googling me like mad...FUN!

4) Yesterday I stared back so deeply and meaningfully into the Barnes and Noble Cafe barrista's eyes while she punched in my member number...I got her to look away.

5) SCORE!

6) Ok now go read my guest post!!!

Updates from the BN

I can safely report that the whole EYE STARING phenomena I've noticed is totally alive and strong. Which is great. Because for a second I was really worried there. Seriously, if you're at a Barnes and Noble where they don't stare deeply into your eyes while punching in your phone number, you should demand they see a new copy of the employee handbook.

Also, a great way to become friends with people in the cafe is to freak out when they bump their notebooks off their table because you happened to walk by and somehow decided it was your fault and then start apologizing profusely and asking if their notebook is hurt because deep down inside you're having anxiety issues about someone one day knocking your laptop off a table and....yeah. Just saying. We're cool now.

Another thing....drinking soy vanilla lattes can be hazardous when a 4 year tries to climb into your lap. And can result in you spilling half of it all over yourself. Somehow lattes magically know to burn you and you alone and leave the 4 year olds out of it. Which is nice. Also be prepared to smell like vanilla the rest of the night.  Then again, this isn't anything new for me--I already smell like vanilla. And Britney Spears.

Lastly, if you should find yourself in a stall without toilet paper...as long as the store is closing in 15 minutes, it's totally appropriate to bathroom hop and find a much better stocked stall. <--Now that's a life lesson.

Somehow none of these events top the time I found the painted green shoe with the origami swan inside that said open me. But I still hope something will. I have faith.

So I Walked Arthur Levine to the Bathroom...

Ok, time to fess up on at least one of the super secret things I've got up my sleeve...there's some uh other things...but that'll have to wait. Anyway, I said I was going to have dinner with a famous editor and it all started with a bathroom walk. And now--here's the story!

3 years ago back when I didn't know anything about publishing, back when I didn't even blog...ok maybe I was blogging, a little, but like, I was bad at it and no one read my posts....anyway, so 3 years ago, I joined the SCBWI and decided that for my first conference, it would be totally awesome to go to NY!

Yeah...

Here's the thing about me, when I decide to do something, I REALLY DO IT. So no starting at a little conference. And going with people you know? Psssh! I just threw myself in with like a thousand other people and went for it.

Ok, I did know ONE person who was also there. A friend of mine from my Writing for Children class at Arcadia.

Anyway by the 3rd day of the conference, my friend Marlene and I decided it was time we said HI to Arthur Levine who was there for a panel on picture books--also to sing Happy Birthday to Lin Oliver. Like Marilyn Monroe would. No joke. Because Arthur Levine is kind of made of awesome. Oh and he's the one who brought Harry Potter to America...you know?

So... after staring at him like a total star struck girl for 10 minutes, Marlene is like "Come on! Let's go talk to him!"

This was obviously back in the day---like the day before I suddenly realized I had enough confidence to talk to anyone. Anyways, Marlene drags me to Arthur's side and we wait for him to finish his convo and then finally...finally...say "Hiiiii!"

And he says..."I have to go to the bathroom."

You can't make this stuff up.

And Marlene and I kind of look at each other like...now what?

So we of course offer to escort him there. We'll walk and talk. Stop at the boy's only sign.

SO we did, and we told him where we were taking classes and he said he loved speaking at schools and I said we'd love if you'd come speak to us and he said that'd be awesome. And I said sweet, I'll tell the head of the English Department to send the e-vite.

Or you know, something like that happened.

Anyway fast forward to today AND, he's finally coming to talk. And then we're going to dinner, at the restaurant where I had dinner after graduating from grad school. SQUEEE!

So there's the story. But WAIT it gets better.

If you live in the PA (Pennsylvania) or somewhere near and you want to come to his talk, you can! For free.

So here's the deets! You should totally swing by if you're local.

A Conversation With Arthur Levine

Friday, May 7th, at 3:00 p.m.

in the

Mirror Room

of Grey Towers Castle, Arcadia University

Come hear the publisher who brought Harry Potter to America talk about the world of publishing for aspiring children’s and YA writers! Learn what a major publishing house is looking for from its authors!



A book sale will follow Mr. Levine’s presentation and the question-and-answer period.

This event is open to one and all, and requires no prior registration! Don’t miss this valuable opportunity!

Friday Five

1) So....I went to Barnes and Noble after my epic Barnes and Noble post and...this is SO embarassing....I don't even think I can admit it....but I will, because this is my blog and that's what I do. But...um....they didn't stare at me today! Granted...the girl in the cafe was brand new. So...I have to believe that she hasn't yet gotten to the keypad memorization---super eye contact--customer service---meaningful deep stares--portion of her training. I mean, I KNOW its in their handbooks. And every employee is supposed to get one! Right?

Also....my book cashier didn't stare at me either...


But he was 60.


His employee handbook is CLEARLY dated.


I still maintain that they stare at you while they put in your member code.

For real. Figures as soon as I post about it this would happen!


2)I am the MOST excited about May! I'm going to the following book signings....

Richelle Mead, Melissa Marr, and Cassandra Clare and Holly Black.

I may die of excitement.


3) I don't want to jinx this by announcing anything too soon, but...it looks like I'm having a very special dinner in May.

With one of the most famous children's editors in the world. (At least I think he's that famous) But I'll have more on that soon. This dinner has been 3 years in the making and it starts with a trip to the bathroom---like all good things do....


4) I have a new power cord/battery adapter thinger majiger and it rocks.


5) But my comp has been running a little slow...and I'm scurred I might need a totally new one soon and...that's it for Friday.

:-)

Random Thoughts On My Barnes and Noble Member Card

So if you're like me, you've probably at least once stepped into a Barnes and Noble.

And...if you're really like me, you have a Barnes and Noble Member Card.

If' you're really, really like me, you never carry your card around because...um, who wants to remember an extra piece of plastic, I have more important things to worry about thank you very much, oh you'll take my phone number and look up my membership that way? Awesome--thank you--I love you.

....

If you're really, really, really like me OMG get out of my head---you frequent at least 4 different Barnes and Nobles (one of which I saw an arrest go down in the cafe--awesome!).

So here's the thing. I buy A LOT of books. And I drink A LOT of soy lattes. And so...I've kind of noticed this thing that the Barnes and Noble employees do when they punch in your membership number.

They STARE. RIGHT AT YOU! They absolutely refuse to look at their registers or where their fingers are hitting the keypads. They just stare and and stand there and you recite your number and wonder if they're going to EVER look away.

I kind of brushed it off at first, and then chalked it up to like a thing, a code, or...an epidemic if you will at one Barnes and Noble in particular (and btw Im friendly with all the people who do this, but I've NEVER mentioned it to them).

But then I started to notice that they do this EVERYWHERE. At all of my Barnes and Nobles!

And...it's kind of weird. Right?

I mean I sort of get it. They punch in so many numbers they don't have to look at the keypad. Their fingers are like Magic! They have the amazing ability to multi-task--get your member discount and stare meaningfully into your eyes. Or...they're just trying to prove to the other employees they can do this neat trick. I don't know. All I know is I'm starting to see this everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

So what do you guys think? Have you experienced the meaningful eye staring? Do you look away? Or are you like me--do you stare right back at them?

Blog Wars Champ!

Oh yeah, baby! I just got word that I totally pwned BLOG WARS! Shannon finally conceded and put up the white flag...quite literally actually...

I would feel a little bad about those puppy dog eyes and and pout and stuff if it weren't for the fact that despite surrendering, Shannon chose to continue lying and denying that SHE started blog wars. Not me. Come on people. Don't believe that innocent looking face.

And really!

Remember this?

Yeah! Nothing tops that! Nothing! You try perfecting your sexy telephone operator voice and see how well you live with yourself the next day!

And her reasons for surrendering? Having to do some like...revisions...for her agent? Pssssh! What is THAT all about. I mean, really!

Anyway, I'm just going to sit here and smile, with my crown! Literally. And check out those shoes.

"Queen of the Blog Wars!"

Also, I know well enough that I've won the battle, but the war will still be brewing...in the shadows... as foretold in the stars...lying in wait like a snake in the grass...or whatever it is that blog wars do while in wait...go offline? Anyway, I have no doubt in my mind that one day, Shannon, you will retaliate for this epic defeat. And when you do, I'll be ready.

With my crown!

The next time...I want a sceptor!

Dear Power Cord

You know me and you have been together for awhile. We've even traveled together--outside of the country! I mean, me and you going straight to Scotland when we'd barely been together for a week may have looked like we were moving fast to some, but I just knew in my heart that you were the one.

At least you were.

For about 2 years.

But lately, you've been sort of shirking by on your duties. You're not holding your charge like you're supposed. Heck, you're not EVEN charging like you're supposed to.

As in...not at all!

Now I was willing to blame other things. My battery. The lifespan of my lap top. The electricity. The plug!

But, I can no longer deny that YOU are my problem. YES YOU! And you know what? Having part of your cording stripped away to reveal the wires inside is NOT a good look for you. Maybe you were inspired by some of my own designer jeans with rips in them and trust me, I understand you want to be stylish, but seriously? Cords are not supposed to go for style. You can't pull off the ripped look.

It makes you look fat.

Ok, it doesn't, but I'm not happy with you and it seemed like the best insult I could muster.

Ok, how about this!

Your wires are showing. Yeah. Anyone can see. And trust me, you looked better when they were concealed.

And now don't blame me. I took perfectly good care of you.

Excuse me?

Leave my back pack out of this. He's innocent. He just held you.

A lot.

In the trunk of my car.

Whatever, my driving is awesome!

Yes, it is!

OK! You know what! The next time you think it's smart to lay across the floor where people can step on you or twist yourself up or whatever in the world it is you lap top adapter, power cord thingies do to try and look cool, I'm going to throw you in the trash...or recycle you...or whatever it is you do with cord things that don't work--you'll be gone so fast--you won't even KNOW what hit you.

And right now, Im looking into replacements. YEAH! I am!

So you sit there in your super perfect, specific position, because you won't work unless you're laying just so and I'm going to get myself a new cord.

Forget Scotland! It won't work!

No, I don't care about the memories or the good times. The good times are over. Put your wires away!

I mean it!

Power cord! It's over!!!!

Where In The World Is Frankie Diane?

Just wanted to pop in quickly and let you know that this weekend I'm heading for the mountains....or rather...an inn...but an inn that's near the mountains, so it's like I'm going to the mountains. And for the record, I have climbed one (in Scotland) just saying--in case you wondered whether or not I had strong bones from all the soy/hemp/almond/rice milk I drink. But, my point is...I'll be away all weekend.

Why? Because the FNC chicas are attending the SCBWI Eastern PA Writer's Retreat! YAY! This is my 3rd year going (2nd with my girls). And it is AWESOME.

And you know what else is awesome?

We're live-blogging the whole thing all weekend long over at the FNC! YA! Also, we're going to talk about blogging there. :-)

So....I may or may not be updating here until next week--I don't know, it depends on what kind of shenanigans I get into--and knowing me, I probably will.

Before I go though I must leave you with some advice.

You should never approach a mama goose sitting on her nest of eggs. Just saying, they don't like it--they hype their wings up in a really scary v-shape and hisssss at you--like a snake!

See, there's totally a goose couple camped out in the parking lot at one of my Barnes and Nobles and I was ummm you know, concerned about dehydration and stuff and so me and my aunt put some water in a bowl to leave for the mama because really, they're in a parking lot and it's hot! But we got within 3 feet of her and she went into vulture mode and then the dad FLEW across the parking lot at us and the night ended with us running and screaming toward our cars. So yah. For the record, that was the second time I've seen geese get violent. You think they're peaceful creatures, but I'm not so sure.

Anyway, maybe they drank our water. Or at least have some way of getting what they need from a land of cement--the pond is on the other side of the road with all the other geese, but I guess maybe they wanted privacy. Either way, that's all I've got.

Check the FNC! We'll be updating A LOT!

Seriously? My So Called Life Rules!

I have to admit that when one of you said you didn't know who Angela Chase was, I was surprised. But when several of you admitted this...my mouth may or may not have dropped open because My So Called Life was the best tv show around ever! EVER!

If you did not watch it...and you do not understand the tragedy that is Angela's pimple, or the horrors of the poll, or the truth behind the gun that murdered a soda can, or....or...Jordan Catalano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Um, please go to Hulu now and remedy this---don't worry, there's only 19 episodes, it won't take you that long.

And now I will tell you the Top 10 Reasons Why My So Called Life was the BEST SHOW EVER! And absolutely essential viewing for all YA Writers.

10) Because contrary to popular belief, it was Jordan Catalano, not McDreamy who perfected the art of leaning...leaning against doorways, leaning against lockers, leaning against cars, leaning with his eyes painfully closed, leaning with his eyes beautifully open. Just trust me on this, you can't appreciate the tortured soul of a hot guy who leans until you see Jordan Catalano do it.

9) Because a zit CAN become the entire focus of your universe and determine every decision you make and determine your mood and the way you feel and the way your hair looks and whether or not you pass your geometry test or not. No really! It can! And if you've forgotten how this feels and you write YA go watch the zit episode now!

8) Because Angela is your average girl, she's not a freak, she's not popular, she's not in the band, or on the school paper or anything outstanding. She's just Angela and I dare you to find someone who can't relate to her. Claire Danes was brilliant, portraying her, and she was pretty, but not too pretty, yet so not a Mary Sue, and she'll make you nostalgic for Seattle grunge style flannel t-shirts.

7) Because her love for Jordan is EPIC, and just as consuming and tantalizing as say...Twilight...but, we're reminded that love amongst just humans can be epic and sometimes the social lines drawn in high school can be more heart wrenching and difficult to maneuver than treaties and ancient wars between different races. Sometimes, nothing more than a silly rumor can tear people apart. This show captures those feelings perfectly and shows things like they really are.

6) Because every single line that Rayanne says cracks me up! And because she's real, and very heavily flawed and does horrible things, but you still root for her anyway. And because...ok come on, she spent an entire episode handcuffed to Angela's parents bed. Seriously, they don't make tv shows like this anymore.

5) Because every girl knows that the color of her hair, or the style, or the length, or the way it falls can make or break your day. True story. Ok not really. But you know how that feels.

4) Because sometimes we just hate our parents for no reason at all. Angela's feelings toward her mom and dad are epic and so true to life--they aren't absent parents, or overprotective, or pushy, or abusive or anything. They're normal, and fairly innocent (minus the little affair storyline with her dad toward the end of the series) but you don't need to have any big reason to dislike your parents or to feel alienated from them. When you're a teen sometimes, you just do.

3) Because you're so beautiful, it hurts to look at you.


2) Because Angela doubts herself on everything. She has insecurities everywhere--that we all do. And because even though Jordan Catalono might be the love of her life/soul mate/destiny (thanks for cancelling the show ABC now we'll never KNOW!) not every kiss with Jordan is perfect, sometimes its really awkward. Sometimes he says the wrong thing. Sometimes he says the jerky thing. And even though she loves him, she refuses to have sex with him. Just because... What she felt and decided were so real. And yet, she came to her own decisions and didn't allow some guy to change her or pressure her.

1) Because I'm doing this dance at my wedding.


Because this scene HAS to make you swoon!



Because ok, I can't really come up with a number 1 reason, but seriously, this show was made of win! Have I convinced you to watch it if you haven't? And if you did watch it, what was your favorite scene? Or episode? Or storyline?

Because Sometimes Angela Chase Really Can Explain It All

I found this and I had to share! I mean...seriously, I still kind of think this way about a few things...OMG, I know...it's bad. But back when I was an itty bitty middle schooler me and Angela were-like-this! And...maybe we still are...ummmm, ENJOY!

The Body Finder Signed +SWAG WINNER!!!!

Kendra: Buffy, move! Let me see the computer.

Buffy: You don't even know how to use one! Let me read Frankie's post about the winner and I'll let you know.

Giles: Buffy...I'm the uh...well for all intents and purposes librarian at Sunnydale High, perhaps I should read the winner.

Kendra: When I find out I'm the winner I'm going to pull my stake out of my The Body Finder Tote Bag  Stake Holder Bag and smack you, Buffy.

Giles: The Body Finder Tote Bag Stake Holder Bag? I thought it was a Watcher's Diaries Holder Bag.

Buffy: Shhhh!

Kendra:...

Giles:...

Buffy: Crap!

Kendra: I won?

Giles: I won?

Buffy: No! Crap! I had all those extra entries too! Ugh! I'm going to go slay someone.

Kendra: Wait, who did win?

Giles: Yes, tell us so we can...

Kendra: Track her down...

Buffy: And demand she hand the prize pack over to us!

Frankie: Um guys...chill out! You were never going to win my contest--you're tv characters and you can't track down the winner and try and steal her prize because...well you're not real.

Buffy: Nice, Frankie. Way to make my day even better. Do I go around reminding you that you're real?

Frankie: But I am 

Buffy: Oh, right.

Frankie: Will it make you feel better if you get to announce the winner?

Buffy: Maybe...and if I can have ice cream too?

Frankie: Fine, but you know I only have soy.

Buffy: Mocha almond fudge?

Frankie: Yes.

Buffy: Ok! Well then the winner of The Stake Holder Bag Watcher's Diaries Holder Bag Body Finder Tote Bag, signed bookmark, signed poster, stickers and Personalized Signed Copy of The Body Finder from Kimberly Derting is....


                                                 MELISSA!!!!!!!


Yay! Congrats, Melissa! Don't worry, I'll keep Buffy, Kendra and Giles away from you. Send me an email with your address!

Thank you so much everyone who entered the contest. I have so much fun doing these...stay tuned for the 500 followers contest...looks like it'll be coming soon:-)