Much as I love my job, some weeks, it hurts. Right now I'm just trying to limp through my third VCFA packet and get back to my crazed S&S deadline (6 weeks to write a novel? Suuuuure.)

But though I hate to admit it, it's not always all about me:

I have a boyfriend brag today which is that N's film, "Tehilim," is screening at the Moma this week (http://www.moma.org), so if you're in the NYC area, you should check it out. It premiered in competition in Cannes last May, but this is the US debut. AND it was reviewed in yesterday's NYTimes. The review itself was "meh" (I'm reasonably sure the reviewer checked out once she sensed the faintest whiff of religious rhetoric), but it was a nice big article with a picture and overall, we'll take it!

Here's the link to the review:

http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/mo ... lim&st=nyt

I'd better get back to the packeting. Sunday we're hosting all of the French film partners and I believe I am expected to prepare brunch for twenty...

Current Mood: energetic

Just a quick plug for my sweetie's movie, which is back in the US for another limited engagement:

2.1 Films, Shilo Films and Transfax Films are very pleased to announce the screening dates and times for 'Tehilim' at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Dates and times are below and tickets are on sale now, however they can only be purchased in person. There will be a Q&A with Director Raphael Nadjari following at least the April 10th screening.

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Friday, April 11, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Friday, April 11, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 3:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Sunday, April 13, 2008, 2:30 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Monday, April 14, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2
Organized by Laurence Kardish, Senior Curator, Department of Film.

"the film gets under your skin, and stays with you, as if you were part of it."
- Joan Dupont, International Herald Tribune
"Raphael Nadjari enters today into the realm of the greats."
- Ciné live

"A metaphysical fable which cultivates emotion."
- Elle

'TEHILIM'
A film by Raphael Nadjari
with Michael Moshonov, Limor Goldstein, Yonathan Alster
Producers: Geoffroy Grison, Fred Bellaiche, Marek Rozenbaum, Itai Tamir
Co-Producer: Noah Harlan
A BVNG/Shilo Films and Transfax Films Co-Production
In association with 2.1 Films and Arte Cofinova 2
With the participation of Canal+, Centre National de la Cinématographie, Cinema Project - Rabinovich Foundation
International Sales: Films Distribution
French Distribution: Haut & Court

Current Mood: cheerful

It's been a big week for me. Really big. So much so that I've passed out from the sheer emotional overwhelm the past two nights.

(Couldn't be the Champagne. Nope).

First off I am thrilled to report that as of Friday evening, my very last sock has crossed the threshold of 60 Leroy. I am officially living in sin! Thank goodness my parents are cool with turning the other cheek.

N and I have been redecorating and cleaning like mad, and our goal is to have all of our boxes unpacked in time for a quiet brunch with friends in two weeks. Which seriously means I need to get on the de-boxing thing. Whereas I only just recently learned to run the dishwasher. Trial by fire. And duct tape.

In other huge and exciting news, I've just received confirmation that I will be doing a three-book series (or technically, I should say, the first three books in a series. Clearly it will be an enormo success and will run in perpetuity) with the fine folks at Simon Pulse, via the powerhouse packaging company (and the geniuses behind the NYTimes bestselling Cathy's Book, back in their former lives as editors) FlirtyGirl Productions. It will be a YA private school series with a big old web component, which is what those flirty girls do so well. Interactive is where it's at!

Series title and other fun info are still being hammered out, so watch this space for updates! The first book is set to release in spring '09, so my upcoming dance card is looking full: POPULAR VOTE in fall '08, TRIBE and the new series in spring '09, and the SASS super-special (co-written with N) out sometime in summer '09.

Hmm...suddenly my exhaustion is making so much more sense....

That's ok--that's what coffee is for!

Current Mood: cheerful

Just a quick note to remind people:
There's one more week left to the Simon Pulse blogfest, where myself and many other amazingly talented Simon & Schuster teen and tween authors field all sorts of questions from our oh-so-devoted readers.
(Judy Blume, Kathleen Duey, Scott Westerfeld, Melvin Burgess...and *me?*)

Come check it out, and if you're so inclined, comment on my posts! I'll make me feel popular...

http://pulseblogfest.simonsaysblogs.com/

Current Mood: tired

It should come as a surprise to exactly no one that I love to read. My bedroom (and living room, and dining room table) are cluttered with "to be read" stacks, and, I mean, I named my *dog* Bridget Jones. After the book, of course (you'd be shocked at how many people ask).

Yeah, I love books.

I *also* love my new neighborhood.
I've been going on for ages now about how I've been moving downtown (and yes, I'm well aware that the process has taken at least six months). I think I've been moving one sock at a time, honestly. Because I am lazy. And busy. And addicted to reality television when I'm not writing. But here I am, now. Down on Leroy Street, in the heart of Greenwich VIllage.

If you've never been to NYC, I should explain: The Village is a charming little enclave all unto itself. Down here, the streets wind in and out as opposed to following "the grid," and many people live in lower brownstones or townhouses as opposed to towering skyscrapers. We've got amazing specialty restaurants and lots and lots of famous movies and tv shows have filmed on location down here.

Another thing we've got: a literary tradition.
Now that I'm moved in for reals, I've been working from the Hudson Park branch of the NYPL. It's not the biggest or brightest branch of the library, but it's two doors down from my house, with wireless internet and lots of space for me to spread out and space out over my work.

It was during just such a spaceing the other day that I saw it: a small bookshelf labeled: GREENWICH VILLAGE AUTHORS. And it must be said, though my own books were not on that shelf (I've only been a GVA for about two months now, ya know?), there are a lot of "us." We include: the Beat poets, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Edgar Allen Poe, and Henry James, just for starters. Oh, and for all you YA fans, even Louisa May Alcott.

Jack Kerouac, Dylan Thomas, and Norman Mailer were devoted patrons of the White Horse Tavern (pic below), a watering hole that is these days more popular with tourists than would be scribes. But that's okay. I don't need the White Horse. I consider myself the *dark* horse as far as keeping up my end of my neighborhood's literary cred.

No, I may not have made my way to that very special bookshelf just yet...but I'm definitely getting closer. Both literally and figuratively.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a legacy to uphold.

Current Mood: cheerful

Hi book-type friends:

I received the below letter from a publishing colleague of mine and wanted to be sure to spread the word. Teen Central is an invaluable resource that needs your support!


Dear Publishing Friends,

As you probably know, in Fall 2008 the Donnell branch of the New York Public Library will close. It will reopen three-and-a-half years later—a state-of-the-art, but much smaller, facility. Due to size constraints, Teen Central, the portion of the Donnell that houses the young adult collection and serves as a teen hangout, will not have a place in the new library. Teen Central hosts many author events and other programs, provides free internet access to teens, and generally serves as a cool place for kids who like books to spend time.

Right now the NYPL is still deciding upon Teen Central’s fate. It may be split into two separate locations, one uptown and one downtown. That’s certainly better than nothing, but keeping a central Midtown location is very important to the teens who have come to rely on Teen Central. Why? Many of the teens who come to Teen Central are from low-income families. They live in neighborhoods with few free after-school programs. Some are gay, but they aren’t out at or close to home. Some are made fun or for being smart, or for what they wear. It’s very important for these kids to have someplace to go away from where they live, away from the people they see every day, where they can come together with other likeminded teens from all over the city.

Will you take a moment to write a brief email to Anne Hoffman, Chief Librarian at the Donnell to ask her to make a place for Teen Central in Midtown?

ahofmann@nypl.org


As children’s and young adult publishing professionals, this is our opportunity to speak out in order to save an extremely valuable institution for teen literature. Please forward this email along to others in our field.

At VCFA, we do a little thing on the online forums called "Friday Brag." And inexplicably, this week, I am all kinds of braggy pants.

For starters, we've officially been given a release date for Dave and my graphic novel project, I'M WITH THE TRIBE. It's going to come out in 7/09 from Flux, and there will also be some nifty ARCS about nine months beforehand. Hopefully those will generate lots of buzzy-buzz. Check out this snazzy character profile of our protagonist, Ari Abramson:





Secondly, I just learned that FIRST KISS (THEN TELL) was named a Teen magazine recommended book for winter 2007. Okay, so, yeah, I have but the one wee story in that anthology, but it's a fab collection with some amazing contributors (no idea when I'm going to be rubbing pub-elbows with other National Book Award Finalists again).




And finally, the fabulosa Kelly Parra (Graffiti Girl) has posted a fun little interview with yours truly on her blog, YA Fresh. Have a look:

http://yafresh.blogspot.com/2008/02/whats-fresh-with-micol-ostow-hi-micol.html

They say that good things happen in threes. They also warn against pushing one's luck (they are very bossy, these mysterious "theys"). So with that in mind, I think I'm going to make my exit, stage left, while I've still got a graceful out.

G'nite, all!

Current Mood: exhausted

This is the view of the Rex theater, across the street of a Parisian cafe from whence N has been engaging in big-time international film-guy wheeling and dealing.




Not too shabby, right?
Never mind--I already told him I'd be snapping a similar shot of the Essex Green Sony (off of Northfield Ave in glamorous West Orange, NJ!), sometime later this evening.

There is clearly no need for jealousy as we are both leading such go-go-go lifestyles these days.
Sigh...

Current Mood: cheerful

Here's a lovely sneak peek at my upcoming novel, POPULAR VOTE, due out from Scholastic (when else?) in November:


Politics, romance, and scandal...the American way...
A vote for Erin is a vote for Micol!

Current Mood: relaxed

How sweet it is:
(Nearly) 30 books in (almost) 30 days!
February means the most romantic book giveaway ever! S&S and The Genius over at Teens Read Too have cooked up the (Nearly) 30 Books in (Almost) 30 Days contest. Simon Pulse will give away five copies of a Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy for every day of the month. That's 145 chances for you to win. Visit Teens Read Too (www.teensreadtoo.com) for details on how to enter, and tell your friends!

Go, us!

http://sethabramson.blogspot.com/2007/03/2007-creative-writing-mfa-rankings-top.html

Current Mood: sleepy

...and it's not even mine!
I came home from my VCFA residency (so sleepy, btw) to discover that one of my Media Bistro students has SOLD THE NOVEL WE WORKED ON LAST SEMESTER!

I will leave it to her to post details, of course, but wow. I am so, so proud.

Current Mood: ecstatic

(Because blogging and obsessively searching Amazon is *almost* the same as working, right?)

Here's a totally gush-tastic review from teensreadtoo.com on the new Bloomsbury collection, FIRST KISS (THEN TELL):

Author Cylin Busby has brought together some of young adult's funniest and most talented authors to reminisce about their real-life first kisses (or the second, or the third, or the twenty-fifth). In a collection that ranges from funny to bittersweet, from cringe-worthy to downright disgusting, this is one anthology that is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud.

A slimy first kiss that wasn't even wanted, the breathless anticipation of a first kiss that never came, and the first kiss horror stories that should exist nowhere but in nightmares -- the authors hold nothing back when it comes to their memories (that is, when they can actually remember).

The book is also interspersed with quizzes about kissing, lists including historical kisses in movies, funny (but sometimes not-so-helpful) first kiss advice, and much more. It's a quick, easy read that's sure to appeal to both girls and boys, young and old. And since a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book benefit NPR's Youth Radio, you'll be doing both yourself and other teens a favor by picking up a copy of FIRST KISS (THEN TELL).

Aw, thanks Jen!
Obvs I can only take credit for my teensy, tiny part of the compendium, but still--flattery will get you everywhere.

Current Mood: cheerful

...in that one way to make one's adolescent angst useful later in life is to repurpose it for inclusion in a short story collection AVAILABLE NOW FROM BLOOMSBURY!

Check it out:

First Kiss (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments.

25 teen authors recount the story of their first kiss. Mine's called "First Las Kiss." And I'm in some truly excellent company.

Now, if only I were making royalties off of all of those painful memories....

Current Mood: cheerful

December has a split personality. It's freezing cold in NYC, and all I want to do is snuggle in bed. Meanwhile, people are dashing off to cocktails parties right and left, being all extra social and stuff. Everything is winding down: my second semester at Vermont (!), my first semester teaching through Media Bistro, the final death rattles of my life as a single woman (yes, it's true, as of this month, I've got myself a permanent roommate. Good thing he's cute 'cause he's a snorer). But of course, we're thinking about the future: the holidays, some vacation if we're lucky, and the new year.

There's a reason the gym's so freaking crowded in January, right?

This past year I actually managed to get my butt back in shape--no easy feat, given my fledgling freelance career. So that's covered. But I should probably either give up giving up processed sugar, or quit whining about it. Anyway, in honor of my very favorite literary romantic comedienne (and yes, I'm aware that this pic is from the movie but THERE YOU HAVE IT), my hopes for '08, such as they are:

-unpack the overflowing suitcases of clothing spilling all over the floor in the "new" apartment; also, pay rent from last two months

-be better about opening important mail like rent bills and such

-stop expecting my father to do my taxes and learn to be a grown-up

-develop a better filing system than the Family Guy folder I've been using for two years now

-floss

-stop lying to my mom about the flossing I'm not doing

-spend less time thinking about going to the gym (note that I am *not* suggesting more time at the gym. Just *less* with the thinking)

-commit to changing out of the pajamas at least once a day during the week, even if only to put on a track suit and my fleece-lined clogs (yeah, you don't get a picture of that)

-maintain more emotional distance from stars of "reality" shows like The Hills. Stop wondering *why* MTV would have us believe that Lauren and Brody are actually dating!

-less procrastination, more full-on avoidance

-more sleep

-more quality time with friends and family (but with less resenting of my future sister-in-law for her naturally quick metabolism)

and, of course...more writing--and reading--for all of us!

Happy holidays, all! I'm off to paint my nails by the silver tinsel Chanukkah bush downstairs.

Current Mood: cheerful

Cheery Channukah, people, and happy third day!

Current Mood: chipper

Since Carrie was kind enough to tag her whole friends list with the five things meme:

1. My dog has an allergist. An expensive allergist. More expensive than any of the specialists that I've ever seen.

2. My boyfriend is currently filming a series of commercials for Southwest airlines. This seems kind of glamorous and grown-up, especially to someone who is still wearing her gym clothes from Pilates this morning.

3. I love writing, but hate revising. I need to work on this.

4. I am, of late, addicted to the Weight Watchers "Core" diet (tm), and am suddenly fitting into my pre-freelance jeans again (don't worry, it won't last).

5. I'm working right now on a pitch for a middle grade project. Middle grade! As I live and breathe. And here I never ever thought I would cheat on YA.

Well, any of you who escaped Carrie's radius can now consider yourself likewise TAGGED.

Current Mood: tired

This one over in Asia! We're so international.
Obviously, when N passed the news along, I realized that I would have to brag:

2.1 Films is thrilled to announce that 'Tehilim' has won the Grand Prize at the Tokyo FilmEx Competition on Sunday night!

In addition to presenting the award to the director, Raphael Nadjari, the festival's jury issued the following statement:

"The mysterious loss of the father of an average Israeli family brings to the fore a universal problem of today's world - the lack of orientation. It is left to the individual whether to see this as a human subject matter, an intimate story or a reflection of Israeli society today. It is told in a personal style, which - as world cinema- transgresses borders and religions."

In addition, 'Tehilim' will be premiering in New York in January. Please stay tuned for more infomation and showtimes!

"the film gets under your skin, and stays with you, as if you were part of it."
- Joan Dupont, International Herald Tribune

"Raphael Nadjari enters today into the realm of the greats."
- Ciné live

"A metaphysical fable which cultivates emotion."
- Elle

So I'm all about the visual aids (and sleeping in. But first, the visual aids). Today I was super-excited to get a sneak preview of a VERY preliminary cover for my new book from Scholastic:




I love that cover model. She's exactly how I picture Erin. Bless those designers and their magical ways!

Also, as N and I are in the city tonight, we headed to a movie. But while killing time between dinner and the show, we wandered into the Union Square B&N and were pleased as punch to see all three of my S&S romantic comedies proudly showcased in an endcap in the teen section:




Not only am I surrounded by my fellow genius ro com authors, but I'm in the SAME DISPLAY AS LOIS LOWRY?

Now that's just crazy.

So yes, lots to be thankful for.

Happy turkey, all!

Current Mood: cheerful

The Winter Blog Blast Tour rolls on!
Check out Lisa Ann Sandell at Chasing Ray:
http://www.chasingray.com/archives/2007/11/she_stayed_with_me_through_the.html

I was lucky enough to meet Lisa through the NYPL's Teen Central Jewish Book Month panel last Thursday, and let me tell you, girl can wear a shiny green skirt (the be-jeaned of us were jealous). I also did not know until last Thursday that her first novel, THE WEIGHT OF THE SKY, was written in verse. Now I extra totally have to read it.

As for moi, if I were a candle, I'd be burned to a tiny, blackened nub. Packet went in at 2am Friday, at which point I commenced power-napping. I only awoke as of 4pm yesterday, and now it's back to the home stretch of POPULAR VOTE. Wake me when the deadlines are all gone?

Current Mood: drained