Auntie Heather is feeling random today. So…I have some questions for you Minions.

1. How many of you are there? 500? 1000? 5000? 50000000000? Any guesses?
2. Which do you prefer, turkey or ham?
3. Did you know I’m going to Dragon*Con in two weeks?
4. What cool marketing stuff would make you buy my books, if you had no idea my books existed?
and 5. Olives – hate ‘em or love ‘em? Discuss.

So. News.

It is not a movie deal, so let’s just all get that out of our heads for the moment (but keep your fingers crossed!). This news is hugely huge, though, and requires a bit of backstory.

For so long, my loyal Minions, you’ve asked that fateful question, “Will there be more Vlad books?” and for so long, Auntie Heather has answered you directly and honestly. No. There will be five books about Vlad. No more. His story will end with TWELFTH GRADE KILLS.

But there is another story, about another boy, that demands to be told. And my publisher, Dutton, is making that possible.

I’m proud/ecstatic/thrilled out of my ever-lovin’ mind to announce a new series that will debut in September 2011, a five-book spin-off series inspired by one of my fave characters from The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. Ladies and Gents, loyal Minions, fiendish fiends, I give you….The Slayer Journals, an entire series exploring the life and times of Joss McMillan!!! Here’s the link to the PW announcement (ignore the typos).

I’m just so, so happy that I’ll get to tell Joss’s story, Minions. And I hope that you’re happy that you’ll get to read it.

And in honor of this announcement, I’m going to give away a vampire slayer kit. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment. I’ll draw a winner Friday morning.

(Edited to Add)
AND THE WINNER IS…

Joshua!!! Who commented on August 13, 2009 at 4:24 pm. Please contact me with your info, Joshua, and I’ll get that out to you soon!

Okay, Minions, gather ’round! For those of you who frequent the forum, here’s a bit more info on the upcoming Snow Ball. For those of you who don’t…I’m hosting a Snow Ball! (surprise!)

Details are sketchy still, as I’ve only been planning this for a few weeks, but what I do know, I’ll post here.

What: A prom-like dance in the theme of the Snow Ball from The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. The entire place will be decorated in snow and ice, complete with a Vlad smiley ice sculpture. We’ll have a DJ and dance floor, munchies and drinks. Books will be available for purchase and Auntie Heather will hang out with you guys the entire party. There will be tons of contests and prizes – definitely worth the trip!

Where: Somewhere in Southeast Michigan – right now it’s looking like Grand Blanc, but it may end up in Detroit.

When: A Saturday in February 2010 (I’m firming up the details with my publisher now – going on tour that month limits my time). Time-wise, the party will be from 8pm EST to midnight EST.

Why: to celebrate the launch of ELEVENTH GRADE BURNS (which debuts on, I believe, February 4th) and to spend time with your fellow Minions.

Attire: You should think “prom” and then think “snow” or “ice” and dress accordingly. We’re aiming for semi-formal to formal, leaning heavier on the formal side, because it’s fun to dress fancy! It’s been asked if dressing in “Gothic aristocratic” type clothing (top hats, tails, and canes) is okay, and the answer is YES! If it’s fancy and dress-up, it’s perfect for this event.

Stuff to remember: There will only be 200 tickets made available for purchase (and no word yet on when they will be made available). You can buy as many as you like while they’re available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. There is no minimum (or maximum!) age to attend the Snow Ball. Once you purchase a ticket, a formal invitation containing the party details will be sent to you with your ticket.

How much will a ticket cost?/Where can I buy a ticket? This has yet to be determined, but I’m guessing around $20-$40 a ticket. I’ll set up a paypal deal once all the details are finalized. As soon as I know anything more, you’ll know!

Why can’t the Snow Ball be in Saint Louis/California/New Jersey/on Mars? Because it can’t. I have my reasons for choosing Michigan, Minions – though I wish I could find a place that’s accesible to every one of you. However, that’s not likely. But, if you’re interested in hosting smaller Snow Balls where you live, you should talk to your local librarian. And send Auntie Heather plenty of pics!

Where can I find plane tickets?/What about hotel? Auntie Heather is a big fan of www.expedia.com. But www.travelocity.com and www.orbitz.com are good too. The Snow Ball may be held in a hotel, though, so hold off on those reservations.

If you have any more questions, please ask them in the comments here and I’ll update the post to answer them.

So…who’s excited??