1. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I have to admit that even though it’s my second as a mom, I still find myself always thinking about it like a daughter, not a mother. My first priority is making sure I have a gift for MY mom, and cards, etc, forgetting completely that I now fall into this category myself. Maybe, though, this is because only now that I’m a mom do I really get all she went through for my brother and I. Sleepless nights, so much worry, wiping runny noses, changing diapers, doing everything you can to make someone else’s life as good as possible. It is not an easy job. You deserve a week of celebration, or maybe even a month. But if it’s just a day, make it count. I love you, Mom!
2. Sunday is also graduation day at UNC, which is always both happy and sad as well. It’s the official end of the semester, everyone clears out, and there’s always a shift for us, too, as we invariably lose a babysitter to summer travel or internships. If we’re lucky, though, another returns, which is happening this year. I have been SO LUCKY to have the greatest sitters helping me out with Sasha over the last twenty months. Without them—and my parents, and in-laws, and cousin Barb—I never would have written another book or had time to do this blog, or any number of the other things that always need doing. Along for the Ride is partially dedicated to the girls who kept Sasha so I could write it, although some of them don’t even know it, and probably never will, as they aren’t readers of my books. (They all love Twilight, though. Every single one of them!) Still, a thank you counts even if no one hears it. It’s like a tree falling in the forest. Or something. Right?
3. In other news, just a reminder: you have until MIDNIGHT on Sunday, May 10th to enter our Lock and Key paperback contest. Then, we’ll stop accepting entries and start what I think will be a VERY hard process of narrowing down and picking a winner. We’ll hope to announce results sometime next week, maybe in the Friday Five. Stay tuned! If you need details on the contest, go here.
4. You know how when you’re feeling stressed, there’s nothing better than doing something that makes you feel accomplished? In the weeks leading up to a book release, I always find myself sort of at loose ends, feeling antsy and nervous. Exercise helps. Writing does too, if I can focus enough to do it. One thing that really works, or so I discovered yesterday, is solving OTHER people’s problems. I went over to my parents’ house, and in about an hour had helped one of my mom’s friends work out a bunch of issues with her iPhone, hooked up a new printer for my dad, and helped my mom sync her iPod with her computer. Sure, I was still nervous about the book and everything else. But SOMETHING was done, and done correctly. Now, I’m looking for other things to fix around the house. Where’s my screwdriver?
5. Finally, it may be totally self-serving, but I just have to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to Adele of The Sarah Dessen Diarist, who is running a series of blog posts leading up to my birthday next month. I swear I did not pay her to do this, or force her in any way. She is just that sweet. I’m turning 39 in less than a month (even typing that number, I honestly can’t believe it) and all the kind words on this site—especially those from Melissa Walker, fellow Chapel Hill girl, which got me all verklempt)—are making accepting that a lot easier. So thank you, Adele. I really, really appreciate it.
Okay, I’m off to fix something. Or everything. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Sarah, (1) thanks for mentioning our little celebration of you! (I attest to the fact that you were non the wiser until yesterday, it’s been super secret lockdown for over a month)…(2) Melissa Walker is one of the most unbelievably sweet people in the entire known universe, including all those suspicious black holes and…(3) having read all of the posts in honour of you already, I can guarantee that there is much verklempting in your immediate future!
Enjoy…and happy countdown to your happy birthday!
Just want you to know, I read Twilight and loved it! and I was recently banned so I was having trouble finding another book that filled my gaping hole, and your books did miss Sarah!!!
they fail epically for liking twilight >__________<
I would never, in anyway say that 39 is old, but I truly can not believe that you are going to be 39 soon! I have truly never thought you were a day over 32/33. You look so incredibly young! Please, enlighten us as to what type of skin care regimen you use! Haha.
And of course, I hope you have an absolutely amazing Mothers Day!
Your the best!
I mean who doesn’t love Twilight? But really your books are amazing too!!! I am 21 and I just got into them, but I am loving every minute! I am starting from the beginning and working my way up!!
Thanks for writing such amazing books!! And Happy Mother’s Day!!
I can’t believe your baby-sitters don’t read your books! They should get on that, stat! haha
Happy Mother’s Day!
hello
Hello.
i was wondering if you could keep writing more and more books and never stop.
your great at Writing, no lie.
I thought of you yesterday when I was taking my AP Literature and Composition test. A Prayer for Owen Meany was one of the choices for the essay. I read it a few months ago after you mentioned it in your blog as one of your favorite books. It was a great book and now it’s helped my on my AP exam. So thanks for the recommendation!
-Rosalee
How could they not read your books?!
Okay, I’m going to try my best not to ramble right now.
But this year was my first year of University.
I met a girl there, and we bonded instantly over our love for music.
We very quickly became inseparable, but noticed we have almost nothing in common. We’re complete opposites, aside from our shared love of music… and of your books
I had three of them (The Truth About Forever, Just Listen and Keeping the Moon) and she had three (Dreamland, That Summer and This Lullaby).
This summer, before we left each other for four months, we traded, so we could read the stories we’ve been telling each other that we can relate so much to.
So basically this ramble is to thank you for bringing me closer to a random stranger who became my best friend. If you ever get nervous again, just remember that you’ve accomplished that
I totally appreciate my mom more now on like ANY holiday. Even just my birthday. I feel like I should buy HER a present or something. Feel and do are different though, lol.
I’ve been an avid reader of your blog (and books!) for a while now and when I read the part where you mentioned your birthday being next week my first thought was “37…right?” And then I kept reading and couldn’t believe it when you said you’ll be turning 39! I remember your post from when you were turning 36 and it literally feels like that was only a year ago. I was a clueless high school freshman 3 years ago and now I’m a senior about to graduate and WOW it went by fast!
awesome
today i just got your book just listen, and it was awesome!!! i just finished it like a couple of minutes ago and i absolutely loved it!! i loved how it wasn’t predictable and how i found myself being shocked from chapter to chapter. you are a great writer and really are an inspiration, i’m definitely going to buy the rest of your books!!
Destiney
Emma
No way, 39? You don’t look a day over 34!
I can’t believe the babysitters read Twilight but not your books.
Twilight is okay but your books are 100000 times better!
Anyway, I’m super excited for AftR! Can’t wait!
Your Books:)
Hi, Sarah.
I’m Emily, I’m 14, and the only book I haven’t read of yours in Lock and Key…which I will soon get in paperback:) The Truth About Forever is definitely my favorite. Wes seems really cute;) Anyways, I was just wondering if you ever thought of writing a book from a boy’s point of view? It might make girls feel better about themselves knowing that all boys aren’t facetious buttheads. Just an idea!
Thanks for writing awesome books,
Emily
Mom’s day
For the first time in 3 1/2 years together, my hubbie bought me flowers and a card for mother-to-be. Our daughter is due July 22.
It was very touching and lovely. I didn’t know there were mother-to-be cards!!