tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18814550924138086802024-02-08T00:25:45.453-05:00The Bradford NovelsFlirtyGirl Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15607550078224600475noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-89264176917120385182009-08-13T12:36:00.003-04:002009-08-13T12:49:15.820-04:00It's a Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUXvAPN0zUVLE3YQeOkmZRqnP02Foen1wrSRTSbQ3TXlwIIL0cqgKMwHsGtYPXKVzy64Mt_89DQJ-nXwyTefXcuBqMsPxPM3rugJKdBU1bwfQ34URC8zFCnZj1ofhn1sXyBD-3c3WsqU/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 111px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUXvAPN0zUVLE3YQeOkmZRqnP02Foen1wrSRTSbQ3TXlwIIL0cqgKMwHsGtYPXKVzy64Mt_89DQJ-nXwyTefXcuBqMsPxPM3rugJKdBU1bwfQ34URC8zFCnZj1ofhn1sXyBD-3c3WsqU/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369488755142801410" border="0" /></a><br />Hey friendlies:<br /><br />I'm off upstate near the Delaware River, communing with nature and being vair vair serious about my writing.<br />(Also? Dealing with satellite Interwebs, which is why all of my posting has been so spotty of late. Props to Liz for helping a sister out with the slack).<br /><br />One thing that is NOT serious, however--in that it is ALL ABOUT funfunfun--is that the launch of Fashionista is well underway! My author copies arrived the other day and they are gorj. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gorj</span>, I tell you. You've already seen the ultra-fab trailer that Liz posted the other day (it totally makes me SO CURIOUS to learn all of Mads' secrets, and--DUH!--I'm the one who wrote them!). But between now and 8/25 (our official launch date), you can check out <a href="http://front-paige.blogspot.com">Paige's blog</a>, an uber-insider's account of her time at Zephyr.<br /><br />We're also going to be running new exclusive content on <a href="http://www.bradfordnovels.com">the other Bradfordians' blogs</a>, so if you aren't following those yet, keep your eyes peeled. And <a href="http://glamouristagirl.blogspot.com">Mads herself</a> will be running exclusive interviews with other fashion-type peeps, and offering up awesome giveaways in the process. This will all culminate in a MOST VERIEST <a href="http://twitter.com/micolz">Twitter </a>party, (date TBD), wherein you can test your knowledge of all things Bradford, and win many loverly prizes.<br /><br />What more can I say?<br />Watch. This. Space.<br /><br />Mwah!<br /><br />--MeeksMicol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-27526928558382888592009-08-06T18:13:00.007-04:002009-08-06T19:05:32.561-04:00Fashionista Launchy Goodness!Sorry we've been so quiet recently, but we've been gearing up for an amazing <span style="font-style: italic;">FASHIONISTA</span> launch and working on Bradford #3. But it was worth the wait, because now we've got a bunch of blogiddy goodness for you, counting down to the launch of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fashionista</span> later this month.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">First,</span> hot off the presses (or the iMac, more likely), is the trailer for <span style="font-style: italic;">Fashionista</span>.<br /><br /><object height="270" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=5983102&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=339999&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=5983102&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=339999&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="270" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Let us know what you think of it, and please feel free to repost it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Second, </span>fan-favorite character Paige is going to be sharing her deepest, darkest secrets from her second stint at Zephyr all this month at her blog, <a href="http://front-paige.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Detox Diaries</span></a>, in what we like to call Bradford blogisodes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrormShNuVfsLpHIneTlhjYA3znfv_ndnyWWzVKlvpE8CO5l4u2Zw4CgWrO0o_1ye_Q8gb38PfzoWBndkfZ1bZlIkOgfetwE1h_05-3Z38LPrhoYv2nY7XA1ftlSi-ZWncjlijbOnw0jI/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrormShNuVfsLpHIneTlhjYA3znfv_ndnyWWzVKlvpE8CO5l4u2Zw4CgWrO0o_1ye_Q8gb38PfzoWBndkfZ1bZlIkOgfetwE1h_05-3Z38LPrhoYv2nY7XA1ftlSi-ZWncjlijbOnw0jI/s320/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366990490669203634" border="0" /></a>She'll be opening up the privacy settings on the posts she wrote while she was involuntarily shipped off to the island rehab retreat so you can take a peak. Her posts will bridge the gap between <span style="font-style: italic;">GoldenGirl</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Fashionista </span>and let you know EXACTLY how she feels about Regan weaseling her way into Paige's inner circle and what Spencer did to her at the end of book #1, among other things. So, if you want the inside scoop, be sure to add her blog to your RSS reader, or check her blog during the week for updates.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Finally,</span> with help from the YA blogger who runs <a href="http://alleyofbooks.blogspot.com/">Alley of Books,</a> we're planning a Fashionista Twitter Party with author Micol Ostow for later this month, which will include an online trivia hunt, giveaways, and possible guest appearances from the Bradford girls themselves. (Hmm... wonder how well they're getting along these days.)<br /><br />So, enjoy all the great stuff we have for you today, and keep checking back for the latest updates!Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-91759322427655061232009-07-01T15:04:00.011-04:002009-07-06T16:48:43.983-04:00This Book Is So Punk Rock<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a-jlvIWlxWI5rY2ON7QPUa0NtqSkeuzVHmUpNie7ZDH89fEB861mnHgvZGHa7IdC4hnL6dmT9V8GSk_Br3Qed9DKwRcT2if-EAZb3A6zA0cPvn7vjh1TpRmUV0fsB3kvqWKE4WU1i6I/s1600-h/So+Punk+Rock+cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a-jlvIWlxWI5rY2ON7QPUa0NtqSkeuzVHmUpNie7ZDH89fEB861mnHgvZGHa7IdC4hnL6dmT9V8GSk_Br3Qed9DKwRcT2if-EAZb3A6zA0cPvn7vjh1TpRmUV0fsB3kvqWKE4WU1i6I/s320/So+Punk+Rock+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353577707180021170" border="0" /></a>Micol Ostow is one busy author. When she's not writing the next Bradford novel or creating amazing online content, she writes amazing stand alone books like <a href="http://www.kosherpunkrock.com/">SO PUNK ROCK (And Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother)</a>, a hybrid prose/graphic novel published by Flux that she created with her brother, illustrator David Ostow. It goes on sale today, so if you like Micol's other books, pick it up at your local bookstore or order it online.<br /><br />Micol has really gotten the hang of this multi-platform stuff—SO PUNK ROCK's characters come to life in much the same way as the Bradfordians. Check out <a href="http://twitter.com/rockonari">Ari</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/NJchoirGRRL">Reena</a>'s Twitter accounts and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tribenj">The Tribe</a>'s My Space page.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Check out the trailer, here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object height="250" width="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C5yMgm9VWQU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C5yMgm9VWQU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="250" width="350"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>And let us know what you think about Micol and David's new book!</div><div><br /></div>FlirtyGirl Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15607550078224600475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-72243853964881619802009-06-29T12:21:00.005-04:002009-07-01T20:37:11.641-04:00FASHIONISTA takes the blogosphere by storm!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWqQ8pDMSxKHwYEOtkzOEGth0vqMbKYsnTES-ahAY3TFDPtdS6psoqI2JKrzYEcaJE3D3zjAzcMJ1OEVSbHwKX2n2fa4x2y4VL1XXb6MLYn31n05gmOvpoAn5vvWD1O2TFMbs29u9dYQ/s1600-h/bookkids1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWqQ8pDMSxKHwYEOtkzOEGth0vqMbKYsnTES-ahAY3TFDPtdS6psoqI2JKrzYEcaJE3D3zjAzcMJ1OEVSbHwKX2n2fa4x2y4VL1XXb6MLYn31n05gmOvpoAn5vvWD1O2TFMbs29u9dYQ/s320/bookkids1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352786520507269378" border="0" /></a>Or, okay--if not storm per se, there's a small drizzle happenin' up in here.<br />It's true, folks--the first sighting of a FASHIONISTA review online! <a href="http://kidsblog.bookpeople.com/2009/06/28/sizzling-summer-sequels/">Check it out!</a><br /><br />Courtesy of the fine folks at BookKids, which seems like a totally fabu indie bookstore. Wish I were closer so I could stop by and thank 'em in person for the shout out! We're keeping vair good company in that article, as well. Note to self: stock up on summer sequel reading.<br /><br />Now that the first draft of book 3 is complete, we're gearing up for lots of pre-launch book 2 funnage. Stay tuned!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-77388817156950093012009-05-31T03:10:00.002-04:002009-05-31T03:14:04.094-04:00I was thinking of you lovelies the WHOLE TIME!<a href="http://micolz.livejournal.com/43680.html">Reasons why this blog has been so hushity. </a><br /><br />Also, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5yMgm9VWQU">a trailer</a> for my non-Bradford project. <br /><br />(Don't worry--you friendlies will always be my truest). <br /><br />To bed so I can finish book 3 TOMORROW!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Besos, </span><br /><br />MeeksMicol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-4607918590163615292009-05-21T16:09:00.003-04:002009-05-21T16:14:27.844-04:00NYC Teen Author Carnival!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3nGzMuxQyHkKqP_XRY-E9zWZWHv_5XGuO9iMO12fLFel9h45pnP_Y-S-AIGtRRRbkyyijfSxSL6vbLmPkYTPUALtczZQUqBiTZGLCKXU6jhIaq-kzJSasAXiQL2GQqxv9RiDiKFQgA/s1600-h/ferris.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3nGzMuxQyHkKqP_XRY-E9zWZWHv_5XGuO9iMO12fLFel9h45pnP_Y-S-AIGtRRRbkyyijfSxSL6vbLmPkYTPUALtczZQUqBiTZGLCKXU6jhIaq-kzJSasAXiQL2GQqxv9RiDiKFQgA/s320/ferris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338373052472511874" /></a><br /><br />Hello friendlies: <br /><br />I am tappity-tapping away at an undisclosed location (okay, fine--it's Cafe Henri, try to contain your shock), but wanted to quickly post about this most very of author events taking place in NYC next Thurs: <br /><a href="http://teenauthorcarnival.blogspot.com/">The NYC Teen Author Carnival!</a><br /><br />It is being run by YA bloggers Devyn Burton, Mitali Dave, and Korianne Wey, and rumor has it there may be TREATS and CONNECT FOUR involved! <br />I will be there, as will many, many other most awesome young adult writers. Come carnival with us! <br /><br />And now, back to my regularly scheduled Bradfording....Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-9577658734208162622009-05-05T23:28:00.003-04:002009-05-05T23:37:03.996-04:00Notes from the Underground<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3MFx8l_v0Rj3U0TCrwRX5SgoiOMnupehu0xrEYbDhkbh88LqNuFMuakmRj3y2euv9fRVrVGiJ6a8BIAiAlaCVsuX1CmsQdM1dq_gZ574DD7Olo_rKKegexWDQ-E2Uuyj1vCb_tSrhtg/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 63px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3MFx8l_v0Rj3U0TCrwRX5SgoiOMnupehu0xrEYbDhkbh88LqNuFMuakmRj3y2euv9fRVrVGiJ6a8BIAiAlaCVsuX1CmsQdM1dq_gZ574DD7Olo_rKKegexWDQ-E2Uuyj1vCb_tSrhtg/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332549745419565570" /></a><br />As FlirtyLiz has intimated, I've been squirreled away working on the third installment of Bradford, which is tons of fun, especially since it's very Hollywood and pop culture-centric. <br />I haven't had much chance to come up for air, but I thought you might appreciate a short list of recent Google searches I've done in service of your fine book series: <br /><br />1. M Night Shymalan<br />2. Tarte Cheek Stain<br />2. Lotta Stensson <br />3. Dolce and Gabbana (I really should know how to spell this by now)<br />4. Apothecary Bar, Philadelphia<br />5. Golden Bridge Yoga, LA<br />6. <a href="http://ryderjared.com">Ryder Jared</a><br />7. <a href="http://soireerestaurant.com">Soiree</a> <br />8. microdermabrasion<br />9. Jimmy Choo<br />10. Martin Scorsese<br /><br />Liz would be impressed to learn that despite all of this web-based "research," I have resisted the siren song of Internet shopping. <br /><br />Back to work, people! <br /><br />MWAH!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-3047647638805621402009-04-29T15:09:00.002-04:002009-04-29T15:14:50.001-04:00Happy Birthday!Hello, Bradford fans!<br /><br />Today is a very special day—the anniversary of the birth of Bradford's talented author, Micol Ostow. So let's all wish her the most fantabulous of birthdays!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReG9BKJv19gSdw2Ui1_Bapbau8aAeKl5A88Stjz9Q3E9ejLQh5N0Xvd1i-_pk8x3p25EMFM0X5L6CSGMw0aiYk9HRVl1oFmyEqSjtnko6HzeYbbAoNiHQh8Qzws4Bu5OAeRry-Xq5Io4/s1600-h/micol3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReG9BKJv19gSdw2Ui1_Bapbau8aAeKl5A88Stjz9Q3E9ejLQh5N0Xvd1i-_pk8x3p25EMFM0X5L6CSGMw0aiYk9HRVl1oFmyEqSjtnko6HzeYbbAoNiHQh8Qzws4Bu5OAeRry-Xq5Io4/s320/micol3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330193797713484738" border="0" /></a><br />(Meanwhile, she's toiling away on the third Bradford manuscript, so cheer her on!)<br /><br />I have it on good authority that several Bradfordians actually sent her e-mails to wish her well. How meta!<br /><br />Micol, here's hoping you get to eat lots of <a href="http://www.smoochsweets.com/">Smooch</a> sweets and drink a <a href="http://www.saketinilounge.com/">Saketini</a> to celebrate you special day!<br /><br />Happy Birthday!Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-2513643425388647202009-04-16T16:28:00.004-04:002009-04-16T16:49:21.073-04:00Across the Blogoverse, Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hello, Bradford Friendlies!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Micol's hard at work in a super-sekrit location, writing BOOK #3 of Bradford. (Okay, probably not REALLY secret. I'm guessing she's either in her writing chair, or at Cafe Henri, or possibly watching Veronica Mars on a short break.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My excuse is that we're working with Simon Pulse on some Even More Super-Sekrit stuff, that will most likely include a big Bradford contest & ALL-NEW, ONLINE-ONLY Blogisodes in June to tide you over until FASHIONISTA comes out in August.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, check out these recent Bradfordly links:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Senfaye at </span></span><a href="http://amazeofbooks.blogspot.com/2009/04/goldengirl.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A Maze of Books</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> says "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GoldenGirl lived up to my expectations, and it was awesome!"</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The </span></span><a href="http://feedyourimagination.blogspot.com/2009/03/goldengirl-bradford-novel.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Feed Your Imagination</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> book blog says "Ostow's latest is fun and fast-paced."</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://tencentnotes.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/review-goldengirl/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ten Cent Notes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> says "It's fun, gossipy, not so mean that it's trashy, but definitely a wonderfully fluffy read..." and also posted </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><a href="http://tencentnotes.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/author-interview-micol-ostow/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">an interview with Micol</span></span></a></span><a href="http://tencentnotes.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/author-interview-micol-ostow/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, enjoy these links & keep checking back for more updates about our SEKRIT June online events!</span></span></span></div>FlirtyGirl Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15607550078224600475noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-53618089780413405972009-04-08T09:00:00.004-04:002009-04-08T09:00:00.931-04:00Countdown to FASHIONISTA!<div>If you didn't get enough of Bradford's resident fashionista in <i>GoldenGirl</i>, never fear! Madison's story (and scandals) are featured in the second Bradford novel, <i>Fashionista</i>, coming to bookstores on August 25, 2009. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know, I know. That sounds like a long time before you'll be able to get your Mads fix. But just remember two things:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) You can count the days until <i>Fashionista</i> hits stores with this loverly countdown widget. Share it! Embed it on your blog! Watch the seconds/minutes/hours/days click away!</div><div><br /></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyMzkxNjAzOTc5NjUmcHQ9MTIzOTE2MDQwOTYyNyZwPTEyMDc*MSZkPTZRQzg*dHhkRTlvc2k2eHMmZz*xJnQ9Jm89Yjc1YzM*NmVjMjBhNDYyODgxZTY1MzM5Mzc3ZWQ3NWI=.gif" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="200" height="441" id="spo_6QC84txdE9osi6xs" data="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/6QC84txdE9osi6xs.swf"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="align" value="middle"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="quality" value="best"><param name="movie" value="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/6QC84txdE9osi6xs.swf"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" name="spe_6QC84txdE9osi6xs" src="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/6QC84txdE9osi6xs.swf" width="200" height="441" wmode="transparent" align="middle" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="best"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>2) You can always get more Mads via <a href="http://glamouristagirl.blogspot.com/">her blog</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Madison_Ave">her Twitter feed</a>, or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1420928208&ref=ts">her Facebook page</a> to tide you over while you wait for all the gory deats of her scandalous life! </div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Don't you just love this cover? Mads really knows how to rawk a gold sequin top!</div>Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-13323362791758529892009-04-01T13:16:00.004-04:002009-04-01T13:27:56.561-04:00No foolin'!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXG6jxloMwAAgEkxCDKFJ0Sk5jyVQ41ufvG_Ldu1TauYxuMfXNP6Ld9BUhiNpV4ctpWG8VE8rlbzpT0a6ZlLp9xNXPkDo0zhU0pb7vn5Z2lVLF3dvSrBYRRV5K7oF1uyPE67ADg7UKH0/s1600-h/spencer_photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXG6jxloMwAAgEkxCDKFJ0Sk5jyVQ41ufvG_Ldu1TauYxuMfXNP6Ld9BUhiNpV4ctpWG8VE8rlbzpT0a6ZlLp9xNXPkDo0zhU0pb7vn5Z2lVLF3dvSrBYRRV5K7oF1uyPE67ADg7UKH0/s320/spencer_photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319775620391685410" /></a><br />Hello friendliest: <br /><br />I know it might seem that April 1st would be the perfect opportunity to pull some kind of cyber-prank on all of you devoted Bradford followers, but alas, I'm on major deadline (book 3, here we come!), and not feeling particularly crafty today (gotta save all of that scheming for my girlies, right?). <br /><br />Instead, I wanted to give a quick shout out to Wdebo, the blogger behind The Electrical book cafe. Wdebo recently posted <a href="http://theelectricalbookcafe.blogspot.com/2009/04/goldengirl-bradford-novel-by-micol.html">a review</a> of <span style="font-style:italic;">GoldenGirl</span> that I loved, loved, loved! NOT only because she liked the book and had lots of good things to say about it (though, I have to admit, of course that helped), but specifically for this quote:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"All in all, this was a really good book for those who enjoy books like <span style="font-style:italic;">Privilege</span>. Also, for those, like me, who HATE these types of books, read it and I believe you will like them like I do. ( I can't wait for <span style="font-style:italic;">Fashionista</span>!"</span><br /><br />I just adore the fact that my little old book managed to appeal to entice someone to read outside of their typical area of interest. <br />Not that I don't enjoy positive feedback from ALL of my readers--srsly, flattery will get you everywhere, people--but there's an added element of satisfaction in knowing that we've managed to convert one bookworm over to the Dark Side (otherwise known as "blitchlit"). <br /><br />And that's no joke!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-60890675696763959662009-03-31T10:14:00.002-04:002009-03-31T10:17:25.295-04:00The Winners are UP!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8pHWj2HsQYJFW8WDYoGNFME1N7MMTNvNV90-DaKcwC_PJhHivZEHXrQD-m297I1I2SkXy67o9dfSY3OWHHaEFv-J8W1JSABgcFZLiMP2y44hU0KYmv33-3AdYtwD_nXq5hLkGDYISJA/s1600-h/ribbons.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8pHWj2HsQYJFW8WDYoGNFME1N7MMTNvNV90-DaKcwC_PJhHivZEHXrQD-m297I1I2SkXy67o9dfSY3OWHHaEFv-J8W1JSABgcFZLiMP2y44hU0KYmv33-3AdYtwD_nXq5hLkGDYISJA/s320/ribbons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319355743686326066" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yes, you read that correctly, WINNERS. As in, plural. Spencer is giving away TWO prizes on her blog to the winners of her birthday contest. <a href="http://goldengirlspencer.blogspot.com">Check it out. </a>Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-9915491109447300552009-03-30T12:25:00.005-04:002009-03-30T12:49:24.003-04:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY8_AbG0uhs-DcKhTkw0PBpyQVS71tBjM17YQa0WrdNqU-6_2mGeA5j41-7SLeANywhNCVL34D26iPRS6bJ0KKT8PHARj_k-vPp0ue6wW4GVb9nrkI-7BQKNH35s-4RXD7Vbn_k3Um-4/s1600-h/comic+con.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY8_AbG0uhs-DcKhTkw0PBpyQVS71tBjM17YQa0WrdNqU-6_2mGeA5j41-7SLeANywhNCVL34D26iPRS6bJ0KKT8PHARj_k-vPp0ue6wW4GVb9nrkI-7BQKNH35s-4RXD7Vbn_k3Um-4/s320/comic+con.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319017990799814130" /></a>Hello my most friendliest of people:<br /><br />If you'll allow me a moment of self-indulgence, I just wanted to post a brief notice that TODAY IS MY BABY BROTHER'S 30 BIRTHDAY!<br />It's true. David K. Ostow is old as the hills, yo.<br />Some of you who know my work know that Dave is my collaborator and illustrator on the forthcoming hybrid graphic novel project, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/So-Punk-Rock-Disappoint-Mother/dp/0738714712/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238430540&sr=8-1">So Punk Rock (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother)</a>, which will be out in July. See above: us at last year's Comic Con NYC being all professional and conference-like.<br /><br />In terms of his relationship to the Bradford-verse, suffice it to say that one <a href="http://jeremystuff.tumblr.com/">Jeremy Brown's</a> <a href="http://wrens.com/">musical tastes</a> have been heavily influenced by Brother Dave.<br /><br /><a href="http://dkalmanostow.livejournal.com/">Dave blogs</a> about book and non-book stuff over on livejournal; stop by, friend him, and wish him a happy day if you have a mo'.<br /><br />Here's a shot of us from his official birthday celebration this past Saturday night--what on earth do we think I was talking about?!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrezx-0zKQdRzGFgtIqjDsMtIovVp1UeE_7L2J5fSmZTkawxVfxEmnbk31KREHccVpO31_rsHL0NJ8p2bpu3odoBb3MuN4QE7C_db4reOyqc94qcJcMXhmzKQoUs3evi9AZR1Izy65Cs/s1600-h/dave+and+meeks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrezx-0zKQdRzGFgtIqjDsMtIovVp1UeE_7L2J5fSmZTkawxVfxEmnbk31KREHccVpO31_rsHL0NJ8p2bpu3odoBb3MuN4QE7C_db4reOyqc94qcJcMXhmzKQoUs3evi9AZR1Izy65Cs/s320/dave+and+meeks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319020176064062946" /></a><br /><br />Maybe we're still arguing about that acoustic Nirvana CD that went missing sometime in the mid-nineties. We'll never know.<br /><br />Regardless, I hope you have a fabbidy day, David!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-56657067604311227962009-03-24T23:07:00.001-04:002009-03-24T23:08:41.372-04:00Spencer's contestQuick update to let you know <a href="http://goldengirlspencer.blogspot.com">Spencer's blog</a> comments form was temporarily broken, BUT HAS NOW BEEN FIXED!! So please enter to win a signed copy of THE SEASON! <br /><br />Sorry about that!Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-88402751793772808582009-03-23T20:08:00.007-04:002009-03-23T20:42:40.881-04:00The kitchen sink<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQAzGh50bDt16MMXEHxDPdY1RIM9eV4dwHVsBxXJIJf1Mg72OQksqTIFuWwpcJVeMqrEq372IrkWdAqkZyB9xjVx8uNJMR7Ls90OLLSkdGDB8npxuoTGAE1kf3UeC6SLh0oPiifuS27Y/s1600-h/winner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQAzGh50bDt16MMXEHxDPdY1RIM9eV4dwHVsBxXJIJf1Mg72OQksqTIFuWwpcJVeMqrEq372IrkWdAqkZyB9xjVx8uNJMR7Ls90OLLSkdGDB8npxuoTGAE1kf3UeC6SLh0oPiifuS27Y/s320/winner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316540895371693682" border="0" /></a>(Also known as, this blog post.)<br />For serious people, I have many many things to share with you! So exciting!<br /><br />For starters, in Bradford news, yesterday was the Biggest Teen Author Signing Ever at Books of Wonder in NYC. Not only did I get to sign copies of <span style="font-style: italic;">GoldenGirl</span>, but I also got to meet Bradford friendlies <a href="http://sharonlovesbooksandcats.blogspot.com/">Sharon Anne</a> and <a href="http://freneticreader.blogspot.com/">Khyrinthia</a>! I am pleased to report that both are every bit as awesome in person as online.<br />You may recall that Sharon Anne was our grand prize winner from the Bradford Blog Bash! Here's a pic of her humbly accepting her prize package (above).<br />(Please to disregard my slouching! I can hear my mother in my ear with the: "stand up straight!" And she would be correct. But oh, well.)<br /><br />Other things Bradford: Spencer's birthday contest continues! Today, she announced on her blog that she'll be giving away as her present to YOU a signed copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Season</span> by authoress extraordinaire Sarah MacLean. Rumor has it that Sarah will even be doing a short Q&A with Spencer on Wednesday in honor of the close of the contest. <a href="http://goldengirlspencer.blogspot.com/">Swing by Spencer's blog</a> between now and midnight Wednesday and post your own six word memoir, and you'll be entered for a chance to win the book.<br />(And believe you me, it's a good book. Worth the pain of the creative process.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5cuZZrgWV2xQ2Mbfqa8F0MNvD_uybtUescjBMjqsXxxPIpvgbHBvX-WvF9xHPPwCP8vRmodxBHnwW0iD9ULVGFvMuVWcwPDFn6QexdXFbCL4_xlfPbS1XT0H8pOVLvYL9CxLSs9RCxc/s1600-h/season.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5cuZZrgWV2xQ2Mbfqa8F0MNvD_uybtUescjBMjqsXxxPIpvgbHBvX-WvF9xHPPwCP8vRmodxBHnwW0iD9ULVGFvMuVWcwPDFn6QexdXFbCL4_xlfPbS1XT0H8pOVLvYL9CxLSs9RCxc/s320/season.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316541667151977954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You might think that that is more than enough news from my corner of the world. But I have MORE THINGS TO TELL YOU!<br />Namely, that I can be found this week in two places: firstly, at author KC Dyer's <a href="http://awalkthroughawindow.blogspot.com/2009/03/wicked-wednesday-writer-revealed.html">Darby Speaks</a> blog, chatting about--what else?--the Bradfordlies.<br />ALSO, an excerpt for the Ellen Hopkins anthology from SmartPop, <span style="font-style: italic;">Flirtin' With the Monster,</span> (coming in May) can be found <a href="http://teenlibris.com/smartpop.html">here</a>. I was so flattered to be asked to contribute an essay, and let me tell you, it was nice to put those VCFA critical writing skills to use!<br /><br />As you can see, it's been all kinds of bizzy here in Ostow-ville. But I wouldn't have it any other way!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-9993886354715177092009-03-18T17:12:00.003-04:002009-03-19T12:54:32.962-04:00Spencer's Spectacular Birthday Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGlpoOdVF_dKM8zHBKg74Ke47SGKNUuiqRUytWAcYJW7zSvEVa1SKkTOALB8fTu5a6t8h-m0vMZPKa9yqukfPkwQcMWxZ3uv6Pni1ZpP0GTMoEWibjZl-hBrqyngA2W4vYcerark3bug/s1600-h/DSC_7994.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGlpoOdVF_dKM8zHBKg74Ke47SGKNUuiqRUytWAcYJW7zSvEVa1SKkTOALB8fTu5a6t8h-m0vMZPKa9yqukfPkwQcMWxZ3uv6Pni1ZpP0GTMoEWibjZl-hBrqyngA2W4vYcerark3bug/s200/DSC_7994.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314943052414610210" border="0" /></a>TODAY is Spencer Grace Kelly's birthday! And to celebrate the anniversary of everyone's fav GoldenGirl, she's hosting a special contest for all her friendlies over at her blog, <a href="http://goldengirlspencer.blogspot.com/">All That Glitters</a>, this week.<br /><br />Craft your own six-word memoir and post it in the comments section to her post by midnight EDT on Wed, 3/25. She and her BFFs will choose their favorite and award the winner a prezzie.<br /><br />Good luck!Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-78874848747521089852009-03-16T15:51:00.001-04:002009-03-16T17:50:09.592-04:00NYC Teen Author Festival--THIS WEEK!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlDFOgg7AARTVL8aC_jZGckLw6NmDaxeKvJbUcpcU-rZ87BcwS5IMyzHAcMqgUarubPttvzl7XCvVV26ZQmNBgS-D91G0d5YRuqn9b0sdug4wl_o94E7GR3MD2CjNI6jKa5gG3H_deWc/s1600-h/nycteen_author_fest.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlDFOgg7AARTVL8aC_jZGckLw6NmDaxeKvJbUcpcU-rZ87BcwS5IMyzHAcMqgUarubPttvzl7XCvVV26ZQmNBgS-D91G0d5YRuqn9b0sdug4wl_o94E7GR3MD2CjNI6jKa5gG3H_deWc/s320/nycteen_author_fest.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313875762242875186" border="0" /></a>Hey all:<br /><br />Just a quick reminder that today kicks off the first-ever TEEN AUTHOR FEST here in New York City! Throughout the week, you'll be able to attend readings, signings, and panel discussions featuring tons of amazing young adult authors.<br /><br />I'll be reading in Staten Island on Thursday, and signing with about 40 other authors at Books of Wonder on Sunday.<br />You can find a link to all of the Teen Author Fest events <a href="http://teenlink.nypl.org/teen_author_festival.htm">here</a>!<br /><br />Hope to see you!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-4617045553690357492009-03-09T09:00:00.003-04:002009-03-09T09:00:01.043-04:00The Head of the Class<div>Hello, Bradford friendlies!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've just read the RAVE review of GoldenGirl at the <a href="http://vitadei.blogspot.com/2009/03/reviewgoldengirl-by-micol-ostow.html">Vita Dei</a> blog. She rated it an A++++ and said "It was awesome! I loved it and I say that about books very rarely." Thank you, Jessica! </div><div><br /></div>There's also a really great review of Micol Ostow's previous book, <i>Popular Vote,</i> over at <a href="http://juiciliciousssreviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/popular-vote-review.html">Juiciliciousss Reviews</a>, so check that one out as well.<div><br /></div>Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-4466059364690995632009-03-09T00:10:00.003-04:002009-03-09T00:13:30.404-04:00My bookshelf, my self...Happened to blog on my author blog (that is, the non-Brad-specific blog over at livejournal) about the ways in which we judge and are judged by what we read and what books we display. The topic was spurred by a post at Jezebel asking, when is a bookshelf a dating dealbreaker? <br /><br />Would love to hear your thoughts, if you've got 'em. Come visit me <a href="http://micolz.livejournal.com">here. </a><br /><br />Happy Monday, people! We survived Daylight Savings!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-44265800175038009772009-03-06T21:57:00.006-05:002009-03-07T10:57:13.476-05:00Prize-alicious and Swag-tastic! Blog Bash winners REVEALED!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR5DuSf4vG9GPqdNpRTlrjcZzSDe7155wMERXcrYRvekzbNI7WCv_RxFezBNb0JhRsopALDvRtbNmqnYYmOfCIR-Kz6ZmoCxLSTr3kD7eIqJQpkd3ZYCg72GLLBHN19t9FzaxqeK4vQE/s1600-h/shopping_bags.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR5DuSf4vG9GPqdNpRTlrjcZzSDe7155wMERXcrYRvekzbNI7WCv_RxFezBNb0JhRsopALDvRtbNmqnYYmOfCIR-Kz6ZmoCxLSTr3kD7eIqJQpkd3ZYCg72GLLBHN19t9FzaxqeK4vQE/s320/shopping_bags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310278950477413394" border="0" /></a>For those of you pretties who thought this day would never come, the wait is over--lo, we have tallied the various prizewinners from our month-long Bradford Blog Bash, and giveaways will be going out STAT!<br /><br />(Though we may wait a week until the gorj new Bradford bookmarks and magnets come in so we can add them to some of the prizes. That's worth the wait, right?)<br /><br />But first, I did want to thank you very very muchly for all of your supportive friendliness during our mucho-exciting new series launch. I had a great time meeting new people out there in the blogosphere (and spending time with old friends!), and my Bradford girlies had a great time getting to know you all, too! If you haven't already, be sure to check them out on Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, and on their own private blogs (links can be found on the sidebar to your left) to catch updates, additional plot reveals, and even some online-only story arcs to help you get your Bradford fix between now and June, when FASHIONISTA releases.<br /><br />But I believe we were speaking of swag.<br />I'm sure that Spencer would agree that pressies are always most very.<br /><br />AND THE WINNERS ARE:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*Widget download giveaways:</span><br />Katie Johnson<br />Meredith Foster<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mondays With Micol winners</span>:<br />Allie Jones<br />Faith<br />Marjolein<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Guest Blogger winners:</span><br />Lynn Weingarten ("Wherever Nina Lies"): Shalonda<br />Cynthia Leitich Smith ("Tantalize"): Paradox<br /><br />(Quite Extremely) Grand Prize:<br />Reader Rabbit<br /><br />and...<br /><br />THE MOST, ULTRA, EXTRA, VERY Grand Prize:<br />Sharonanne!<br /><br />Woo hoo!<br /><br />If you've won a prize, and for any reason I don't have your information, I shall be contacting you shortly.<br /><br />THANKS FOR PLAYING ALONG (and for partying with us)!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Besos,</span><br /><br />MicolMicol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-32772944135770863192009-03-05T22:35:00.003-05:002009-03-05T22:43:59.360-05:00The Dog Ate My Blog Post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtXiA6d1ytm7YpZ2smeH8uzYfwzP1Hgw04a3joFjH5Vj2-19yj-mODDi_ansQWGotGPadFZta5Ud0O5sa5eb_R7qLvrWluYqzMxODUvVeYJv3renAoiZNNw0uenp9h_Yt_2b8tfdHyHA/s1600-h/dogpic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtXiA6d1ytm7YpZ2smeH8uzYfwzP1Hgw04a3joFjH5Vj2-19yj-mODDi_ansQWGotGPadFZta5Ud0O5sa5eb_R7qLvrWluYqzMxODUvVeYJv3renAoiZNNw0uenp9h_Yt_2b8tfdHyHA/s320/dogpic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309915125818196034" /></a><br /><br /><br />I know, I know, that's so TOTES not an excuse! I am filled to the veriness with apologies for the fact that the BLOG BASH WINNERS have still not been posted! I could babble on about how completely and unexpectedly insane these last two months have been--which would be utterly and completely true*--or I could just swear on Chanel and Zac Posen to have the names up for you tomorrow, just in time for the weekend! <br /><br />And just to raise the stakes--if I'm lyin', and the info doesn't go up by 11:59pm EST tomorrow, I will give away one whole entire extra surprise prize package at random. <br /><br />For realsies. <br /><br />*(said craziness did indeed include not one but TWO marathon plotting sessions for new books in the Bradford series--d'you forgive me now?)<br /><br />TGI (almost) F, my most prettiest friendlies!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-69424373369420829822009-03-02T09:00:00.000-05:002009-03-02T09:00:00.366-05:00Across the BlogoverseMicol's been all over the blogoverse this week. Check out these interviews at <a href="http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-micol-ostow.html">In Bed With Books</a> and <a href="http://innovativeteen.blogspot.com/2009/02/bookshelf-welcome-to-micol-ostow.html">Innovative</a> to get to know her a bit better.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-45357739385715096422009-02-23T12:01:00.008-05:002009-02-23T14:40:20.453-05:00Gag Reel & Oscars Update!The Bradford Blog Bash may be over, but we're still having fun over here at the Bradford Novels Blog!<br /><br />The Bradford author video we posted last week seemed so professional and effortless, didn't it? Well, today we've got a HILARIOUS gag reel from it that proves it's a lot harder being an author than it looks. (And you didn't even have to buy the DVD to get it!)<br /><br />I literally LOL every time I watch it. Enjoy these outtakes, and let us know what you think in the comments section! (BTW, the disembodied male voice in the vid belongs to Micol's fiance and cameraman, Noah, who put this collection of funny clips together.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="197" width="350"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3311833&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3311833&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="197" width="350"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG6R4D4iDLyEaizZmq9rKid97m2t9_rWC4PWI1biIHVxundMdr_VbE7-nViL3vJR0MOqh-nYlT3bBrRA_y6HsPdWNTWXS1qUXx7sci0QZifjXNdtctLWSSE7P5FQXa1cdxqhlYLkR7fc/s1600-h/Madison+headshot+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 81px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG6R4D4iDLyEaizZmq9rKid97m2t9_rWC4PWI1biIHVxundMdr_VbE7-nViL3vJR0MOqh-nYlT3bBrRA_y6HsPdWNTWXS1qUXx7sci0QZifjXNdtctLWSSE7P5FQXa1cdxqhlYLkR7fc/s200/Madison+headshot+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306043603708402514" border="0" /></a>Also, don't forget to check out Madison's Oscar fashion roundup later today at her <a href="http://glamouristagirl.blogspot.com/">Prêt-a-Party blog</a>.<br /><br />She also live-blogged the Oscars, so check out the play-by-play on her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Madison_Ave">Twitter feed</a>.Elizabeth Encarnacionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077031315333536163noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-37099143972589473302009-02-21T11:00:00.000-05:002009-02-22T12:19:38.659-05:00Guest Blogger of the Day: Gwenda Bond!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMVJwMR65BQ4ehzzpdrZYot_1GxaxR64t-AAvQ9iqUQv8OjBHKkUJj31H1Q4oGV-XIRtP_0EcRYYVfcJhZuNDnhzJYPG40iyqN6W6RFjWJ7VqY7JdW_UDJ3aOtC3Y9N8yZttIKVecu2g/s1600-h/Gwenda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMVJwMR65BQ4ehzzpdrZYot_1GxaxR64t-AAvQ9iqUQv8OjBHKkUJj31H1Q4oGV-XIRtP_0EcRYYVfcJhZuNDnhzJYPG40iyqN6W6RFjWJ7VqY7JdW_UDJ3aOtC3Y9N8yZttIKVecu2g/s320/Gwenda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303828750094640850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I had the great fortune to get to know <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gwenda Bond </span>through our MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts; she and I were fellow Revisionistas, and learned on our first night, over several glasses of wine and chatter, that we had many friends and colleagues in the YA-verse in common.<br /><br /><br />(Here we are at graduation with the rest of our kick-a$$ class; cute, right? And ps: how SHORT am I?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiUTe1I713ohYfb8MCCe34y2U5-hxqgSwKGS9MHAIn6XG42Hm3nmREhY5YlvRxcGqrBY2fdcEYZ0op7v6ibl_h5OTv6d2K7WQIuCWLF58avJdxSnlqcoxVA5ojOVm2esd6Mbe85nCzdU/s1600-h/grad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiUTe1I713ohYfb8MCCe34y2U5-hxqgSwKGS9MHAIn6XG42Hm3nmREhY5YlvRxcGqrBY2fdcEYZ0op7v6ibl_h5OTv6d2K7WQIuCWLF58avJdxSnlqcoxVA5ojOVm2esd6Mbe85nCzdU/s320/grad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303830563390220978" border="0" /></a><br />To date, she is one of my first stops when I'm looking for feedback or an opinion on industry stuff (she has also been one of the beta readers for my Deep Dark Secret Spec Project, for which I'm eternally grateful!).<br />Gwenda blogs about all things lit (and pop culture, and cupcakes, and pets) over at Shaken And Stirred—when she isn't hard at work on a novel that promises to take the teen book world by storm.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blog:</span> Shaken & Stirred <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">URL:</span> <a href="http://gwendabond.typepad.com/bondgirl">http://gwendabond.typepad.com/bondgirl </a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blogs are a central part of the Bradford Novels universe. They are also, more and more, a central part of the YA-writing universe. When and why did you start blogging?</span><br /> I should know, shouldn't I? The oldest post the editor shows on the old version of my site is in 2002. So, we'll say 2002. Anyway, who can say exactly when I started? Not me, apparently. But, wow, seven years-ish. That's a long time ago. I do remember why I started though. It was because I was constantly e-mailing articles -- particularly <span style="font-style: italic;">New York Times</span> articles -- to my friends, and I figured it would be less bothersome if I had a place to put them where they could nab them if they wanted, and ignore if they didn't. It was also a way to reduce the amount of e-mail I had to do. Several of my close friends started blogging around the same time, and so we could track each other's movements too. Clearly, that evolved over time. My posting got a lot less personal once strangers started reading the site, and once I discovered there was a whole burgeoning community of people writing about books (thanks to my friend Barb and the infamous Jennifer Howard <span style="font-style: italic;">Washington Post</span> article in 2003 about how insular litblogs were), I recognized that was what I wanted to do. With room for miscellaneous posts about TV and dogs. I should also say that I discovered very quickly that litbloggers weren't insular at all. There's a real sense of community. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Completely agree! What's your favorite thing about blogging? </span><br />The sense of connection with the larger literary world I associate with it. I think I would get very lonely, writing and reading in my little corner, reaching out via e-mails to people who are also getting too many e-mails. I like talking about pretty much everything, and I like getting to know really interesting people. I like making recommendations, and drawing attention to other people saying worthwhile (or infuriating) stuff. Blogging has been a great gift to me, in terms of both discovering new books to love and in all the friends I've initially met through the site over the years. I try to give gifts back whenever I can. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's the difference between a blog and a diary? How confessional do you like a blog to get? What sort of blog posts most appeal to you? What are some of your favorite blogs (book or otherwise) out there right now?</span><br /> There are some great confessional blogs, but I mostly don't read them. Although I do ADORE reading other people's friends-locked livejournal entries. Those are more like diaries than traditional blogs, I think, and so it's a bit like getting a peek behind the curtain into someone else's real life, not just their online one. Plus, the secrecy is very appealing. But, as I said above, the thing I like best about the blogosphere is the conversation of it, and I find the confessional sites frequently to be less about having a conversation. So they're just not my thing? This is one of the reasons I'm now addicted to Twitter. It's one big endless, flitting discussion. The exception would be The Nervous Breakdown, where I'm a new poster. Many of the posts at this massive group blog of mainly writers are more personal essay in nature, but they're so funny/true/well done that I find it completely addictive. <br />Blogs I love: God. There are so, so many. I think Colleen Mondor does amazing work both on her own site, Chasing Ray, and as the mastermind behind Guys Lit Wire. Carolyn Kellogg has made the LA Times Book Blog Paper Cuts a must read. I still love About Last Night, one of the first blogs I ever discovered. Sarah Rees Brennan is hilarious. Oh, and Justine Larbalestier is so fabulous as blogging --far more thoughtful about it than I'll ever be. Betsy Bird. Cynthia Leitich Smith. And I'll stop now, because I could on and on and on and on. Clearly. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">GoldenGirl</span> is full of scandals and exposed secrets. What was the biggest scandal at your high school? Did your classmates discover any of your deep, dark secrets? </span><br />Biggest scandal... Hmm... I honestly can't think of anything that was huge! And my secrets are very well-protected. It was probably a bit of a scandal the couple of times I got detention, given that they announced your name over the loudspeaker in first period and I was the principal's daughter. Also, during my Jim Morrison phase, pre-driver's license when I still rode to school with my mom she once said, "I pledge allegiance to The Doors" during the morning address, because we'd just been fighting about how loud I wanted to play them in the car. I have about a million stories like this. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What’s the worst thing you ever did to a friend (or vice-versa)? Are you still friends with her or him?<br /></span> I'm actually a pretty good friend, I hope, and more on the dangerously loyal side. That said, I think it was probably in college. I dealt poorly with a friend's crush, once I figured out he was serious and that I didn't reciprocate. Sadly, we actually did fall out of touch after that, but neither of us handled it that well, so that's some small comfort. As far the vice versa, I refer to my high school/early college best friend as Satan. Make of that what you will. <br /><br />S<span style="font-weight: bold;">ounds like she'd fit right in at Bradford! And...since Bradford is all about the rumor mill: rumor has it you've got some exciting book news on the horizon, too! Anything you want to share?</span><br /> Um, I recently had the good fortune to sign with Jennifer Laughran at the Andrea Brown Agency.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Oh, exciting! Can't wait to hear more good news! And thanks for stopping by!<br /></span>Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1881455092413808680.post-75221498747302762212009-02-20T18:23:00.003-05:002009-02-20T18:29:56.272-05:00Party Pics!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhCPQujeXwWMV8Czg0smrfYJygI1gZNalG8-2fgl4Lk5biR6Oyj92EPtm1JLdV4f_JNXNAAaHrUzd3EP43YgcASk8ZyI5D1wf5FOrwCEH-F1OvC0JiNAM0BI1-PWyDEfUijgxakbLVRo/s1600-h/Jill+and+Micol.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhCPQujeXwWMV8Czg0smrfYJygI1gZNalG8-2fgl4Lk5biR6Oyj92EPtm1JLdV4f_JNXNAAaHrUzd3EP43YgcASk8ZyI5D1wf5FOrwCEH-F1OvC0JiNAM0BI1-PWyDEfUijgxakbLVRo/s320/Jill+and+Micol.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305024988634780146" /></a><br /><br />More pics to follow soon, but here's a link to MediaBistro's sponsored slideshow from last night's Bradford launch!<br />(The one above is yours truly with author/editor/writing instructor extraordinaire, Jill Santopolo. And if you watch the slideshow, you'll see shots of FlirtyLiz and Noah, too!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/media-bistro/sets/72157614110394405/show/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/media-bistro/sets/72157614110394405/show/</a><br /><br />I've been teaching young adult writing through MediaBistro for almost two years now, and have had two students sell their projects that we worked on in class. It was great to be able to celebrate my new series with students, colleagues, family, and friends. We had a fab turnout and a wonderful time toasting to all of our new Bradford friendlies!<br /><br />Here's to many more ultra-extra-very Bradford releases to come!Micol Ostowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00432601846296713150noreply@blogger.com2