Now that Auntie Heather’s cold is finally clearing up (just a bit of a cough and sore throat left now), I thought I’d catch you all up with what’s going on in my life. First, the Twilight movie: I haven’t seen it yet. I’m going to. Definitely. But I’m really, really nervous about it. Of course, I’m always nervous to see a movie based on a book that I adore, but I keep hearing awful things about it, so I’m taking my time getting to the theater.

Second, I am in full-on holiday mode. Seriously. I want the lights up, the tree decorated, gifts shoved under the lowest branches, and Santa down the chimney while I blare Transiberian Orchestra’s Carol of the Bells on the stereo. Black Friday is coming up and Auntie Heather and Uncle Paul go out every year at 3:30am. Turkey Day is almost upon us with the promise of cranberry sauce and family chatter. I’m ready for the holidays. Anxious, even. Bring it on, sleigh boy.

Third, writing. I have been super, super busy. Not only am I writing a creepy short story that will be included in an ITW anthology (proceeds go to RIF), but I’m also working on ELEVENTH GRADE BURNS, which is a monster to write. so much is going on and so much that I didn’t see before I started writing it. A lot of stuff comes to a head in this book, and Vlad’s life will change forever. I can’t believe I’m almost done writing this series! Just one more book after this: TWELFTH GRADE KILLS. When I’m not working on those projects, I’m working on something new. But I’m keeping my lips zipped on that one. What I will say is that I’ve not felt so drawn to a story since Vlad…so that has to mean something.

That’s about it for me, Minions. What about you? Catch me up on your lives and tell me I’m not the only one ready for the big guy to squeeze down the chimney.

It’s Vlad’s birthday! In honor of that, if you want to win an advanced copy of TENTH GRADE BLEEDS, check out Want My YA!

In other vampy news, the TWILIGHT movie is out, but I haven’t seen it yet. Someone please tell me it’s worth the money.

A very happy 15th birthday to my son, Jacob, who has absolutely been inspiration for Vlad, and who has made my life worth living. Jacob is known as “Pravus” on the forums and you can find him here on MySpace, Minions. Stop by and wish him a fangtastic birthday!

Sorry about the silence lately, Minions. First Auntie Heather had this weird cold-like bug, then a stomach virus, and now she has another cold/flu-like bug again. Sick for about a week now. And…I think I sprained my right pointer finger. Sucks to be me, right?

I did manage to get out to see a rather horrible rendition of Sweeney Todd, but other than that, I’ve been pretty much glued to the couch in the living room…or what is now referred to as the Den of Pestilence.

So, forgive your Auntie for her silence. She feels yucky.

For those of you who dig audiobooks, EIGHTH GRADE BITES and NINTH GRADE SLAYS are now available for download!

The big day has finally arrived! Go forth, my Minions, and pre-order the third book of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, TENTH GRADE BLEEDS!

To celebrate, I’ll post the first chapter in the forum. =

Go forth, Minion Horde, and chat. You have a new forum!

Okay, not really, but they feel like they could at any moment.

I’ve been staring at this Word doc for hours now, and I can’t seem to finish this story the right way. The story is for a YA Thriller anthology, thanks to ITW (which rocks!) and Penguin (which rocks even more!). The proceeds will go to RIF, which is definitely a cause I believe in. So I wanna make the story worth reading.

But my eyes could bleed at any moment.

Still, I trudge forward…

So that’s why the blog is so quiet lately, Minions. Your pressie is on its way. Just give me time.