Ally's Diary

What I'm doing over my 4th of July vacation

2009-07-02T19:30:00.002-05:00

Want to know a little secret? Publishing--like most things--gets a little bit slower in the summer. Especially over things like the Fourth of July weekend.

Sure, usually I'm neck deep in writing or rewriting something at this time, but this year I actually have a few days between when I've turned something in and when I'll get the notes that tell me what I need to do next and so I'm doing all those things that I probably should have done months ago. But haven't.

Like getting the oil changed in my car, having someone come fix the broken window in the dining room, and hiring a plumber to come install one of those gizmos that give you instant hot water in the kitchen so that I won't spend half my life standing at the sink, waiting for the water to get hot so that I can wash a single pan.

But this got me to thinking: Hmmm....if the plumber is going to be here anyway... And if I've always hated my leaky faucet... And if I miss the days of being able to lay a cookie sheet flat in the bottom of my sink...

So yeah. Things have started to, shall we say, snowball.

But not too badly! I mean I'm really trying to be good. I haven't knocked down any walls or ripped out any cabinets. I'm just going to do the hot water thing. And the sink. And a faucet. And sometimes the faucets come with little soap dispensers. Oh, and maybe one of those little drinking fountain water filtration things.

But that's IT!

I swear.

Really I can't do any more than that because I'm having a hard enough time just on the faucet thing alone.

I think I have it narrowed down to two.

This...

Or maybe this...

Or maybe one of the nine million others I have bookmarked.

Really, it's a good thing I'm absolutely forbidden from venturing farther from the sink.

-Ally

The GG3 Chat Session!

2009-06-30T23:02:00.004-05:00

Hey everybody!

Just a quick note to let you all know that we will be having an "Ally Chat" on the afternoon of Sunday, July 12th at 5:00 Eastern time (that's 4:00 Central, 3:00 Mountain, 2:00 Pacific, etc. etc.). It will last for approximately one hour.

How can you take part in the chat? Easy. The day before the chat I will post the address of a website and a password. At chat time all you'll have to do is go to that website, type in that password, pick a username and chat away.

An important note: this chat is for the purpose of discussing what happened in DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER so it will, by definition, be full of spoilers about what happens in the book. You can choose to come anyway, of course, but consider yourself warned.

Another thing I will ask is that you familiarize yourselves with the frequently asked questions posts that I've done from time to time. We'll only have an hour, after all, so let's not use that time going over familiar territory. Reading over those posts will answer a lot of questions like how many books will there be and who is the girl on the cover and that will free up time to talk about new things--like what happened in GG3!

I hope you guys are looking forward this as much as I am!

Take care and have a great--and safe--holiday weekend!

-Ally

Some very busy Gallagher Girls

2009-06-29T00:02:00.002-05:00

The Gallagher Girls (and guys!) must have been very busy the last few weeks. You know how I know? Because a whole bunch of newspapers and other book tracking organizations have told me!

You see, thanks to all of you, DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER has been on the best-seller lists for the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Bookscan, and IndieBound (the national association of independent bookstores).

And, of course, the series as a whole has enjoyed two weeks on the Children's Series list from the New York Times.

So, yeah, I owe you guys. Big time!

In fact, I've been trying to think of a way to thank you and I think I have a place to start. How about another AllyChat where we can all come together online to discuss a book? And what if that book is DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER?

-Ally

Two NEW events!

2009-06-26T23:24:00.004-05:00

Calling all D.C. area and Georgia Gallagher Girls and Guys! I'm thrilled to let you know about TWO upcoming events!

First, I'll be doing a signing in the Washington, D.C. area next month!

DATE: Thursday, July 16

TIME: 4:30 p.m.

Place: Politics & Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 364-1919

I'm also excited to tell you that I've been invited to participate in the Decatur Book Festival in Decatur, Georgia! Yay!

The festival takes place over Labor Day Weekend (September 4-6). I don't know exactly what dates and times I'll be signing and/or speaking yet, but as soon as I have that information I will let you know!

In the meantime, if you live in the vicinity of either of these events, please mark your calendars!

-Ally

ps...just a reminder that if you would like for me to visit your area, please log your requests here instead of in the comments section so that they can be tracked and utilized for planning future tour stops.

The tour. In pictures!

2009-06-25T21:29:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

I'm just about to get rested up so I thought I'd share with all of you the reason why I've been so sleepy.

You see, I've been doing a little bit of traveling.

A little.

It was wonderful being on tour. I had a fabulous time and I'm incredibly grateful to my publisher for making it possible, all of the stores and schools I visited for welcoming me with open arms, and most of all for all of the people who came (sometimes from hundreds of miles away)!

These pictures won't begin to do it justice, but it's a start!

On Saturday, June 6th, I packed my suitcase, called a cab, and headed for the airport.

The first stop was beautiful San Francisco where I did a writers' workshop at BooksInc on Sunday. On Monday, I was able to visit some schools in the Bay Area

...and that night I had a wonderful signing at Kepler's!

So many awesome Gallagher Girls! Seriously the tour could have ended right then and I would have been happy. But we were actually just getting started because the next morning bright and early I woke up.

And and flew to...Seattle!

Where I had a very cool goldfish named Mike in my hotel room. See? Totally not making Mike up.

I also got to visit several schools in the Seattle area, including this one where I did a presentation in a junior high gymnasium (and that night I may or may not have had nightmares about climbing a big rope and playing dodge ball).

Next we were on to Vancouver!

I had never been to Vancouver before, but I sincerely hope I get to visit again very soon. Simply put, it was a beautiful city full of very nice people. Not to mention one of the most awesome bookstores in the world!

Kidsbooks, you rock!

I got to spend a little time at the store (you know, the one with the most gorgeous windows ever!) And then that night Kidsbooks hosted a fabulous signing at an absolutely beautiful church.

Over 140 people came and listened carefully while I spoke, answered wonderful questions, and then stood patiently in line while I signed books.

The next morning I dragged myself out of bed and boarded a plane for St. Louis. I must say that this was probably the most stressful day of all because there was a very tiny of window of time between when I was supposed to arrive in St. Louis and when I needed to head to the signing, but fortunately all of my flights were on time and everything went great.

The people of St. Louis are so incredibly lucky to have the St. Louis County Library. The librarians and staff there are absolutely amazing!

And for all the authors out there, if you ever get the chance to do an event at the St. Louis County Library I highly recommend it!

From St. Louis I went to Wichita which was a little like coming home because Watermark Books is a store I know and love. Sadly, I forgot my camera for this one, so I don't have any pictures, but I want to thank everyone for coming out--especially Brent Crawford who was kind enough to be on the program with me. It was a blast and his book, CARTER FINALLY GETS IT, is an absolutely hilarious book for older teens.

The next morning saw my third 4 a.m. wakeup call in a row, but I was starting to get used to it. And besides, I knew that I was just one plane ride away from getting to spend two full days in Chicago!

Sunday afternoon I did a FAB event at an absolutely beautiful Barnes and Noble in Oak Brook, IL with an amazing staff full of Gallagher Girl lovers.

And, of course, completely amazing readers!

The next day was absolutely glorious because I got to sleep in (which was good) and then I got to go to Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville--one of the most famous bookstores in the country!

I talked and answered questions...

And then I signed books, including one that was a total blast from the past--my very first book, CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE (which is now out of print and no longer for sale at most stores).

And then I had to say goodbye to Chicago and hello to Nashville!

I did two events in Nashville. One at the Barnes and Noble in Brentwood and one the next night at Davis-Kidd.

But both had one thing in common--the most adorable readers ever!

At one point during the tour, though, we had to enact a firm "no spoilers during Q&A" rule, so as a result we had a lot of whispered questions but everyone got answers.

There were two other highlights from Nashville. One was visiting the Ingram Book Company's headquarters and meeting with people from Ingram, my AudioBook publisher, Brilliance Audio, as well as the people who make the Gallagher Girl books available on playaway.

The second awesome thing was The Parthenon. Yes, Nashville has a perfectly-to-scale replica of The Parthenon. (The Percy Jackson fangirl in me was freaking out. Believe me.)

And then there was only one city left: AUSTIN!

I've been hearing for years about BookPeople, one of the best bookstores in the world, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to finally be there!

I talked. I signed. And most of all I got to spend one more day with the best readers on earth!

Thanks again to my publisher, to the bookstore owners and managers, to the moms and dads who drove so many girls to the events and, most of all, to the girls themselves.

I had a blast and sincerely hope that you did too.

Now, don't worry, I'm going to go get started rewriting GG4 (title and release date to be determined).

-Ally

ps...before you ask, let me remind everyone that I don't get to choose the cities I visit on tour. I have no idea if there will be more tours in my future. I hope so, but there are none scheduled at this time. To request that I visit your city, please note that requests in the comments section are not tracked or logged, so if you want to your request to matter please go here.

A (fictional) conversation with George Clooney

2009-06-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

GC: Ally? Is that you? Are you alive?

AC: Yes. (Yawns) I'm just.... (yawns again) Still a little sleepy from tour?

GC: Did you die?

AC: No. But I might have slipped into a coma for a day or two.

GC: Are you eating?

AC: Uh...I've made four trips to the grocery store in three days, what do you think?

GC: Are you working on the rewrites of GG4 yet?

AC: Sorry, George, but I've got to go. It's really time for my nap.

-Ally

Home again, home again, home again. Home.

2009-06-19T20:42:00.002-05:00

Hello world.

Today I checked into a lovely...house.

It feels a little dejavu-y, if you want to know the truth. And there are pictures of me everywhere. And the closets are full of clothes--MY clothes!

I think that maybe this is MY house!

But that can't be, can it? I thought I no longer had a home.

The bed looks really comfy and there is TiVo full of shows that I love, so this is either my house or the most accommodating hotel room I've seen in a while.

But on the other hand every time I pick up the phone and dial 0 and ask for room service or a wake up call the operator is really rude and hangs up on me, so maybe not.

-Ally

The Gallagher Girls hit the series list!

2009-06-17T16:42:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I just got a call from my (very excited) agent who informed me that the Gallagher Girls will be #6 on the new NEW YORK TIMES Series Bestseller List.

Whoo hoo!

Come help me celebrate at Davis-Kidd tonight at 6:00!

-Ally

Thank you, Nashville!

2009-06-16T21:55:00.002-05:00

I'm in my beautiful hotel room (this one is really pretty and nice! yay!) eating a Moon Pie. I'm in the South now!

Tonight's signing at Barnes and Noble was absolutely great! Thanks to the staff and everyone who came--some people from as far away as Atlanta--four hours away!

And I just noticed this post that recaps last night's signing at Anderson's in Chicago!

Tomorrow night I hope to see another great crowd at Davis-Kidd at 6:00!

-Ally

I Heart Chicago and How to Get an Autographed Book

2009-06-15T22:19:00.004-05:00

Wow. Thanks to everyone who came tonight to make the Anderson's Bookshop signing so wonderful. We had people drive FIVE HOURS to be there. Talk about a dad who deserves an amazing Father's Day gift!

I know a lot of you have been sad that I'm not touring in more cities, but I do have some good news! You see, at almost every store I visit I hang around after the signing is over to sign any and all copies of my books that the store still has in stock.

So if you're really dying for an autographed copy of the book(s) then I highly encourage you to look up the stores where I've toured, call them up and see if they still have autographed copies in stock and will sell over the phone and ship them to you.

Some stores may not do this but many do. Anderson's, for example, just told me that they LOVE phone business and ship all over the country, so check that out if an autographed book is something that you really want for yourself or a friend.

Tomorrow...Nashville!

Come see me at the Barnes and Noble in Brentwood, TN at 7:00 tomorrow night and at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Nashville at 6:00 on Wednesday!

Six cities down...

Two to go!

-Ally

Thank you, Chicago!

2009-06-14T20:26:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who attended the signing this afternoon at the Oakbrook Barnes and Noble. It was AMAZING! So many awesome readers with amazing questions--about 100 of you at last count.

Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed by it all!

Tomorrow (Monday) night at 7:00 I'll be at Anderson's in Naperville. I can't wait to see you all there!

-Ally

Some FAQs from the road

2009-06-13T20:16:00.004-05:00

I've noticed some trends appearing both in the questions that I'm being asked on the road and in the questions being asked here, so let's answer a few of them, shall we?

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR THE GALLAGHER GIRL BOOKS?

I tell the whole story under the "Story Behind the Story" link on the LYKY page of AllyCarter.com.

WILL THERE BE A GG4?

Yes! Right before I left on tour I turned in a very rough, very early draft of GG4. I'm not sure when it will be out yet or even what it will be called, but I am certain that it will reach you eventually.

WILL YOU BE ADDING NEW CITIES TO THE TOUR?

Probably not for this tour, but there's always the possibility that I will tour again in the future for another book.

WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE NEW BOOK ABOUT THIEVES AND WHEN WILL IT BE OUT?

The title is still under wraps, but I can say that it should be in stores in February.

I WANT TO BE A WRITER, HOW DO I GET PUBLISHED/GET MY WORK NOTICED?

First you have to have actually written something. Not just something--something really, really good. Talking about being a writer is not the way to become a writer. WRITING is the way you become a writer.

After that, you have to do your homework, put in the legwork, and not rely on others to tell you the secret. There IS no secret.

You can start by researching here--right on this very site. I've said many things on this subject through the years, so you can start by going to the "for writer" section under the "Ally" portion of AllyCarter.com. Also, there are some good things under the "Tips for Writers" link located on the sidebar of this blog.

HOW MANY GALLAGHER GIRL BOOKS WILL THERE BE?

Six. Probably. Maybe more maybe less but probably six.

IS THERE ANY NEWS ON THE LYKY MOVIE?

Not really that I can blog about at this time. Stay tuned for details.

IF YOU COULD CAST ANYONE IN THE LYKY MOVIE WHO WOULD IT BE?

I'm afraid teen actors grow up so quickly that by the time I've heard of it they're way past their prime. And probably middle-aged.

ARE YOU TIRED YET?

Uh...yeah.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

Wichita. I think. But I could be wrong about that?

SHOULDN'T YOU BE GOING TO BED.

Yes. And good-night.

-Ally

ps...Oh, Chicago, I'm coming your way! Tomorrow (Sunday) I'll be at the Barnes and Noble in Oak Brook at 3:00. Monday, come see me at 7:00 at Anderson's in Naperville!

Hello, Wichita!

2009-06-13T12:36:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!

Today I find myself in... (consult agenda)... Wichita! Hello, Kansas!

At 2:00 I'll be speaking and signing with Brent Crawford (author of the brand new book, CARTER FINALLY GETS IT) at one of my favorite bookstores, Watermark Books here in Wichita.

I hope all of you can come!

And remember, I'll soon be coming to Chicago, Nashville, and Austin. Check here for tour details!

-Ally

Heading to St. Louis

2009-06-12T08:26:00.002-05:00

Good morning, world! It is very early in Vancouver. How about where you are?

But amazingly for the first time in my life I didn't mind getting up at 4 a.m. Why? Because that's what I had to do to make it to St. Louis in time for the big to-do at the St. Louis County Library tonight!

I hope to see many, many, many of you there!

The events so far have been a BLAST and I have every reason to believe that St. Louis will be no different.

--Ally

Spoilers

2009-06-11T19:36:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!

I'M IN VANCOUVER! It is so beautiful here. I really, really love it. It makes me feel almost guilty about the long nap I just took (but not quite).

Remember, tonight I'm going to be doing a big event through KidsBooks here in Vancouver. The event starts at 7:00 and it's at the West Point Grey United Church Sanctuary. If you don't have a ticket, that's okay--you can get one at the door.

And watch out St. Louis, tomorrow I'm heading your way!

A final note tonight to remind everyone that GG3 is still a very new book, and while many of you have already purchased and read it (which is awesome--thank you!!!) many people have not. For that reason, absolutely no comments with spoilers will be approved. Also, (and I know I can't control this but it won't hurt to ask) if you have a personal blog or review site or anything I'd appreciate it if you'd hold off on including spoilers there as well.

Thanks!
Ally

So you can't come to the tour...

2009-06-10T22:51:00.004-05:00

Today was so much fun! First, thanks to Third Place Books who arranged for two awesome school visits and then let me come hang out at their AWESOME store and have lunch. Yummy.

And then tonight was an absolute BLAST! I was told we had 40-50 readers and parents come through the meet & greet at the BN cafe, and I had so much fun sitting and talking with everyone.

I'd be happy to stay in Seattle for weeks, but early tomorrow morning I must head north to Vancouver (which, I'm told, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so it isn't much of a hardship).

For everyone in the area, please oh please come see me at the West Point Grew United Church where I'll be doing an event courtesy of the great people at KidsBooks!

As awesome as touring is, I know that not everyone is going to be able to make it to one of the events. That's why I'm so happy that

the awesome people at Kepler's bookstore in Menlo Park, CA, we're able to bring a little bit of book tour to you!

So much awesome, so little time

2009-06-09T21:01:00.003-05:00

First things first: THANK YOU to everyone who went out to purchase DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER today. Or yesterday. Or last weekend. Or are planning to purchase it in the coming days. Today at a school I was asked what the best part of being an author was and I didn't have to think long about the answer: you guys!

So just knowing that you guys were out there buying and reading the book made me incredibly happy all day.

Which was important because today I had to get up very early.

And fly to Seattle!

Hello, Seattle! You are indeed a very pretty city.

My lovely media escort (the person my publisher hires to drive me around and get me places on time and without being lost, cofused, dirty, exhausted, hungry, etc.) and I visited Gateway Middle School this afternoon and then I signed a TON of books for University Bookstore, so if you live in the area and want an autographed copy--check it out!

I also signed stock at the Barnes and Noble and Borders in Seattle's downtown shopping district.

And, of course, don't forget that tomorrow, Wednesday, June 10th, I'll be hanging out in the cafe at the Barnes and Noble in the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, WA at 5:30 p.m., so PLEASE come by! I'll be signing books, talking with readers, and just in general have a good ol' time at the cafe.

But it will be significantly LESS fun without all of you!

And now for the BRAND NEW INFORMATION:

My wonderful publisher, Disney-Hyperion has finally declassified a brand new website--http://www.gallaghergirls.com/!

I will, of course, maintain my website, http://www.allycarter.com/, but this is a site dedicated entirely to Cammie and Co.

There are book excerpts, info about the series, and a brand new video, so please go check it out! Hopefully we'll be adding new information all the time, so check back soon!

And now for some room service. And some bed.

Nighty night,
Ally

Thank you, San Francisco

2009-06-09T00:25:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!

Wow. Just...wow. The Kepler's event tonight was AMAZING! Everyone there estimated the crowd was about 120 people strong, and I got to meet so many amazing daughters, sons, moms, and dads. It was simply great.

If you're ever in the Bay Area I highly recommend a trip to Kepler's Books. It's truly everything a great bookstore should be--amazing people, fabulous books, and the feeling that anything is possible.

For more details about yesterday's awesome writer's conference at BooksInc. you should check out this!

In other news, I can barely believe that, as I write this, it is already June 9th in much of the country. DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER is officially out in the world today. I really, really hope you like it!

-Ally

Greetings from San Francisco!

2009-06-08T00:47:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

First I have to thank everyone at BooksInc. here in SF for a fabulous day today! Also all of the great writers who came to discuss the craft.

Tomorrow I have an early morning and a long day ahead, culminating with an event at one of my favorite bookstores, Kepler's in MenloPark, CA.

If you live in the area and have time, please come by at 5:30! I'll be speaking and signing all books--including the early-released versions of DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER!

Nighty night, everybody!
Ally

Hello, San Francisco!

2009-06-06T21:06:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

I'm here in San Francisco, safe and sound! Please come out tomorrow to BooksInc where I'll be doing a session for writers. On Monday I'll be signing early-released GG3s (and other books) at Kepler's!

All is well on the road so far. Peanut M&Ms, check. Wireless internet, check. The overwhelming desire to purchase something from the SkyMall magazine on the plane, double check.

Oh, and the linen dress arrived virtually wrinkle-free. I AM A PACKING GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!

-Ally

Free Book Friday!

2009-06-06T00:07:00.001-05:00

Hey gang,

There's a brand new interview with me up over on Free Book Friday--go check it out.

-Ally

FAQs! The GG3 release/tour edition

2009-06-04T16:56:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone!

I'm thiiiiiiis close to finishing the FIRST first draft of GG4 (yes, Gallagher Girls FOUR!!!) but I wanted to take a second to answer some of the questions I've been hearing a lot regarding the release of DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER and the upcoming international (I heart you, Canada) tour.

So here we go, Frequently Asked Questions--The GG3/tour edition!

WHEN WILL GG3 BE RELEASED IN COUNTRIES BESIDES THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA?

Well, that's a very good question and, unfortunately, one that's almost impossible for me to answer. You see, my wonderful publisher, Disney-Hyperion, publishes the books in the U.S. and Canada but in every other country the books are published by whatever publisher bought the rights to publish the book there.

Some countries have already snapped up rights to GG3 and are planning releases in the future. Some countries haven't had a publisher buy the rights at all. Really it varies immensely, and I'm afraid all I can do is advise you to check with a local bookstore to see if there are release dates scheduled for where you live.

The only thing I know for certain is that it is already out in Australia and has been for a couple of weeks.

IS GG3 GOING TO BE IN HARDBACK OR PAPERBACK?

Hardback for now. I suspect the paperback will follow in about a year.

I CAN'T MAKE IT TO ONE OF YOUR SIGNINGS, SO WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO SEND YOU A BOOK TO AUTOGRAPH?

I'm afraid I'm not really set up to accommodate that at this time. I'm sorry.

IS ZACH IN GG3?

You will know the answer to that question very, very soon now.

ARE YOU NERVOUS?

Yeah. Crazy, insanely nervous if you want to know the truth.

WHY?

Because worrying is one of the three things I do well. (And as soon as I finish GG4 this afternoon I will commence with the other two--baking and sleeping.)

WILL DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER BE ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST JUST LIKE LYKY AND CROSS MY HEART?

Um...it's sort of...complicated.

First of all, it's impossible for anyone to know whether a book will be a bestseller before the book is released. Despite many rampant rumors to the contrary, the list is based on sales--actual sales. Spots on the list aren't purchased by publishers or manipulated by large advance pre-orders or anything like that. People have to buy the book. (Here's a great article on the subject for anyone who wants to read more.)

The second thing that makes this complex is that the Times list is sort of weird because once upon a time there were these little books called Harry Potter. And for a while there the the NY Times Children's bestseller lists were so dominated by Harry Potter that Harry Potter was pretty much all there was on there.

So that's why a few years ago the NY Times started a new section of the list. Now children's bestsellers come in four categories: Picture books (like for little kids), Chapter books (which include hardback versions of anything older than a picture book but younger than an adult book), Paperback books (the paperback version of the chapter books list), and the relatively new Series list.

A book that is the first in a series goes on the Chapter or Paperback lists (depending, of course, on whether it's a hardback or paperback.) The second book in the series--or the sequel--also goes on the Chapter or Paperback lists.

These lists are where LYKY and Cross My Heart were fortunate enough to reside in the past.

But when book three comes out the entire series will be picked up and hauled over to the Series list and dumped there among the major, earth-shatteringly-huge, heavyweights of our business.

Twilight.
Percy Jackson.
House of Night.
Wimpy Kid.
Mortal Instruments.
Etc. Etc. Etc.

From this point on no single GG book will hit the Times list--it will be the series as a whole or not at all. Come June 9th the Gallagher Girls are going to be in the big leagues and, to be perfectly honest, it would take something of a miracle to run in that company for long.

And that's okay. Really it is. Being on "the list" is an amazing feeling, but honestly it's not the best part of this job. Not even close.

As long as you guys are reading and enjoying the books then that's all that really matters to me.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PUT THE SERIES ON THE TIMES LIST?

Buy books, my friends. Buy lots and lots of books.

DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR GG4?

Short answer: no.

Long answer: it probably depends on how the rewrites go. As you guys know, it takes A LOT of drafts to get a book right and I'm just now finishing the very first draft. I'm personally hoping that GG4 will be in stores sometime in 2010. I will, of course, keep you posted if/when an official release date is announced.

WHY AREN'T YOU DOING ANY EVENTS ON THE EAST COAST?

I guess it just didn't work out this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the future, though.

I'M COMING TO SEE YOU ON TOUR. WILL I BE ABLE TO BRING MY BOOKS FROM HOME TO HAVE YOU SIGN THEM TOO?

It's my understanding that the individual stores that are hosting the events will all have different policies on this. My advice is to check with the store you're going to be visiting to see what their specific policies might be.

CAN WE TAKE PICTURES AT THE SIGNING?

As far as I'm concerned, yes! (So long as you promise to immediately delete any pictures where I look like a doofus.)

That being said, however, it's probably a good idea to teach your mom/dad/friend/teacher/neighbor, etc. to use your camera ahead of time just in case there's a long line and we need to keep things moving.

I WON'T BE ABLE TO GO TO THE STORE UNTIL WEDNESDAY--WHAT IF THEY'RE SOLD OUT?!?!?!

Well, I really don't think that will be a problem, but if you're really, truly worried about it you can always contact your local store and have them pre-order or reserve a copy for you. Most stores are more than willing to do this.

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER MIGHT BE ON SOME SHELVES BEFORE NEXT TUESDAY?

Yes. It is possible. June 9th is the official release date, but sometimes stores get their shipments early and sometimes those shipments find their way onto shelves.

Really stores are only worried about what we in the business call a "hard lay-down date" when the book is mega-huge like Harry Potter or Twilight. So it's very possible some of you might find GG3 early, but it is in no way guaranteed.

WILL YOU BE BLOGGING WHILE YOU'RE ON TOUR?

Yes. I am certainly going to try. It might be tough some days, though. Luckily, it's pretty easy to update my Twitter from my phone, so check there for the latest news.

WILL DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER BE OUT ON AUDIOBOOK SOON?

Yes! I'm thrilled to tell you that Brilliance Audio is planning on releasing the audiobook versions on Tuesday, June 9th as well!

WHAT ABOUT KINDLE?

Yes! The Gallagher Girl books will all be available on Kindle in the very near future. (Maybe not June 9th, but soon.)

DON'T YOU HAVE TO GO FINISH THE FIRST FIRST DRAFT OF GG4 NOW?

Yeah, I really do.

-Ally

ps...remember to check here to see if I'm coming on tour to a store near you!

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More great tour news!

2009-06-03T18:55:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Hot off the presses tour news: We've got two more events to add--including one in Seattle!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10: Seattle
TIME: 5:30 PM
Barnes & Noble Meet & Great in the B&N Café
19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Phone: 425-771-2220

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17: Nashville
TIME: 6:00 PM
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
2121 Green Hills Village Dr
Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 385-2645

Yay! I'm so happy about both of these because, of course, I've always heard what an amazing store Davis-Kidd is and I'm thrilled to finally be signing there. And I'm sooooo happy to be able to find a great store to replace the event that was canceled in Seattle.

Double yay!

Hope to see you there or somewhere else along the tour.

-Ally

The First (and possibly last) GG3 Deleted Scene

2009-06-02T14:34:00.002-05:00

I asked for suggestions and, again, you guys came through with some great ones. Since almost everyone wants a deleted scene or a sneak peek at the opening chapter, I decided that I'd give you some of both...

The deleted opening chapter of DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER!

Please remember that what follows is simply a draft and, in fact, it never made it into draft 2, so I'm sharing it with you merely for your enjoyment. It does not reflect on the actual, finished book.

Also, please note that there are not many entire scenes that were deleted from GG3 along the way so there really is no use in asking to see more--there aren't any, I'm afraid.

But there is this one and I'm happy to share it with you now.

Take care,
Ally

DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER

Draft 1 of Chapter 1

DELETED SCENE

Spies have hideouts and safe houses; deep hidden vaults filled with cash and passports in almost every major city in the world. We have places we can go to sleep, to think, to disappear. My friends call me the Chameleon, because, believe it or not, I have more of those places than most. But there are some places where even the most seasoned operatives can’t hide.

“Cammie,” a voice carried on the wind and found me and I made a mental note that most counter-intelligence professionals have nothing on grandmothers when it comes to tracking someone down.

“Cameron Ann, I know you’re out here.”

“Hi Grandma,” I said, swinging from the rafters of the barn and dropping to the dusty floor beside her.

“Ooh!” she snapped, bringing her hand to her chest as if I’d just scared the breath out of her. “Don’t do that!”

“Sorry,” I told her.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Homework.”

She looked at me, her eyes asking a hundred questions ranging from “what sixteen-year-old girl voluntarily does homework in the middle of summer vacation” to “why would you do your homework in a barn rather than an air-conditioned house?” But her lips didn’t utter a single word. (Which was a very good thing because I didn’t want to say that this particular homework was for Dr. Fibs’s science class and even I couldn’t lie well enough to explain the aromas that even massive amounts of cow manure might not disguise.)

“Well, come on inside,” Grandma said, turning and starting toward the barn doors that stood open, framing a scene of the Sandhills that rose and fell behind her.

“In a minute,” I said, already starting for the ladder to the hayloft above.

But Grandma turned and snapped, “Now.” She rubbed her hands on her apron, and I knew it wasn’t a request. “You have a call. Long distance.”

-*-

As I trailed behind her my thoughts flew on the dry wind.

I thought about my classmates who seemed to scatter to the far corners of the world whenever school wasn’t in session. I thought about my mother who had put me on a plane the first day of summer break and hadn’t sent so much as a postcard since.

And finally I thought of two boys: one who probably wouldn’t have a clue how to call me; and one who didn’t really strike me as the telephone type. Performing a classic single-operative surveillance operation while tracking me through the local Wal-Mart, sure. Calling a girl up like a normal person, not so much.

“Which one of us is the old woman?” Grandma asked, walking faster, but still I lagged behind, searching the wide horizon because even though two semesters of Covert Operations training had taught me that the Morgan homestead would be a surveillance nightmare, I still looked around for eyes I could always feel but never quite see.

To our right, sheets hung on a line, flapping in the strong wind. In the west, a storm clouds grew, so I called, “I’ll come back and get the laundry before it rains.”

“It’s not gonna rain,” my grandmother told me as she started up the steps.

“But—” I pointed toward the dark clouds.

“That rain isn’t for us,” she said in the manner of someone who has learned long ago that the Sandhills can play tricks on you. A dry patch of highway can catch the sun and look knee-deep in water. A grain elevator can seem like it’s just down the road, when in truth it’s forty miles away. Clouds can bellow and brew, but then three plump drops of rain might land in the front yard, sending plumes of dust up in their wake, and that will be all of the storm.

“Things, Cammie,” Grandma said, pulling open the screen door, “are not always what they seem.”

My grandmother is wiser than all the geniuses I know put together sometimes. She knew what my school has spent more than a hundred years teaching—what every spy has to know in her soul. But I didn’t appreciate it then like I do now. I heard the sound of the ranch around us—a gate swinging free inside the corrals; newly weaned calves pacing fences, bawling for their mothers; and the noise of an old, boxy television blaring the sounds of the six o’clock news.
I listened to all that, but I didn’t I didn’t truly hear my grandmother’s words until much, much later.

If I had, I probably wouldn’t have picked up the phone.

Want to know what the finished version looks like? Or what happens next? Well, I can hardly believe it but you will know very, very soon!

I.O.U.

2009-06-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

I feel as if I owe you guys a truly stupendous blog entry since I've been sort of neglectful lately what with Book Expo America and deadlines and all, but I'm drawing a blank.

So I'm taking suggestions starting...

NOW.

-Ally

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