1. As I write this, my house is in total chaos around me. The drywallers were here yesterday, cutting big holes in the ceiling for our new fixtures, and today our electrician is hauling in ladders and boxes of lights to be installed. Thing is, back when we started this whole thing, I was like, “Wouldn’t it be nice to hire some decorators to help us with maybe some, you know, pillows and a new paint color?” Somehow it has morphed into tearing the entire ceiling apart. How did THAT happen? And that new paint color became, literally, 18 Shades of Gray. Could YOU pick the exact right light and dark from this selection?
If so, you are a better and more patient person than I. Because I look at these and just feel..tired. This is also why I was so bad at wedding planning. Give me too many decisions and I get cranky. Clearly, not cut out for HGTV. But it will look good! Whenever it’s actually done.
2. All the new covers have now been revealed: you can check them out by clicking the HOME page above. I’ve read every comment and while the response has been REALLY positive for the most part, I know that a few of you are not exactly thrilled with the changes. I hear you. But do know that I DID have a great amount of input on these and I really worked hard with the designers to get them just right. Change is hard. Believe me, I know: right now my entire house in in flux, and like I said, I’m cranky about it. But I’m really happy with the new look, and the great thing is that if you already own the books, they’ll still have the old covers. Thanks to everyone for following the reveals and all the kind words. I’m so excited to see them in stores! Soon, soon….
3. Earlier this week, I went to the mall and Nordstrom was having a shoe sale. People: I am only human. So of course I ended up trying on a ton of pairs and leaving with, um, a couple. Today I put on these great Splendid wedges I got and they have made me SO FREAKING TALL:
My husband is unnerved, to say the least, because when I have these on I am about an inch above him. It’s making him nuts and I can’t stop teasing him. I’m all like, “Hey, short stuff!” and “How’s the weather down there?” I know, I know, I won’t be laughing when I twist my ankle. But after almost twelve years of marriage, you have to laugh whenever you can. And I am SO TALL!
4. On the reading front, I’m currently loving Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, which was recommended to me by two of the staffers at my favorite local indie bookstore, Flyleaf Books. (If you ever need a book rec, ask an indie bookseller: they know their stuff and LOVE to talk up the books they’ve enjoyed!) It’s just so different from anything else I’ve read lately and I can’t put it down. On the audio front, the TV geek in me is seriously loving Warren Littlefield’s TOP OF THE ROCK, which is all about the rise of Must-See TV on NBC: Friends, Frasier, ER, etc. All the behind the scenes stuff you never knew, like that Lisa Kudrow was originally Roz on Frasier, but got fired after four days. And that Nancy McKeon, Jo from The Facts of Life, was one of the finalists for the role of Monica on Friends. Crazy, yes? And so compelling. I’m totally nerding out while I drive. In my VERY TALL shoes.
5. Finally, blogging will be a bit sporadic next week as we are heading to the beach. This will be our last week in Emerald Isle, my favorite NC coastal spot, until the fall, and I am so looking forward to just exhaling and looking at the ocean. Of course, I’ll also be still having to work on my next book—revisions don’t take vacations!—but the fact that it’s set in Colby will make it easier. I’ll feel like I’m there. Which I guess I sort of will be? Speaking of the new book, because people are still asking, it will be out in May 2013 and—I hope I won’t get in trouble for spilling these particular beans, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough—it has had a title change. Which is SO normal, I can’t even tell you. The last book that had my original title was THIS LULLABY: that was six books ago. THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER was THE FOREVER. JUST LISTEN was originally STORY OF MY LIFE. LOCK AND KEY was LOST AND FOUND. ALONG FOR THE RIDE was THE WORLD OF GIRLS. And WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE was CUT AND RUN. I’ve become accustomed to the title being in flux and this one was particularly challenging because we just couldn’t find one that fit exactly right. The original, THE BEST AFTER EVER, I really liked, but I had a feeling everyone would be calling it THE BEST EVER AFTER and I was right: too confusing. Then we batted around about a million other options. I was starting to panic a bit—you need a title, it’s, like, required—but then, on the last beach trip, I fired off an email with about five options and everyone at Penguin INSTANTLY loved one. I love it too. So the new title is—drumroll!— SOMEONE ELSE’S SUMMER. Hopefully I’m allowed to share it with you. If not, this entry will just disappear unexpectedly. Fingers crossed!
Have a good weekend, everyone!
LOVE the title! Can’t wait for May!!!
I loved the first title, but SOMEONE ELSE’S SUMMER is fabulous too!
Same…the 1st one was ironic..in a good way
Those wedges are really cute! And the new book covers areeee sooooo nice, makes me want to go buy them all even though I have all the old ones haha! Can’t wait to read Someone Else’s Summer, amazing title!
Can’t wait! I really liked the uniqueness of the first title, but this new one tugs at my heart and I can’t wait to read the novel <3 Your work truly gives me hope, and even at 25 years old, I can appreciate all that you write!
I LOVE the new book covers!
I also love your shoes, and I saw an online picture of Zoey Deschanel wearing a pair almost exactly like those!! I’ll tweet you the picture so you can see for yourself. 
By the way, I am SO SO SO excited for your new book!!! I graduate from Peace in May 2013, so your book is coming out at the perfect time!
Have a great weekend!!!
Sierra
MAY 2013 NEEDS TO HURRY UPP
love the title, tho!
A combination of That Summer and Someone Like You?
Looking forward (way forward) to your new book.
I loved “The Language of Flowers!” I was just thinking about it yesterday, as I trimmed some flowers.
Great shoes!
Love the title for the new book. Looking forward to reading it!
Thought you might enjoy this interview with Oregon YA author Lisa Schroeder who said one of YOUR books inspired her most to start writing! She, too, is an amazing author.
http://novelsnewsandnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-lisa-schroeder.html
Cheers,
~Erin
Okay, one, I would LOVE to change with you on the whole house thing! At my house we’re working on floors and let me tell you, that just isn’t fun when you live in a two story house and the floors your working on are on the top level, which is also your main living space. I haven’t been on a proper kitchen floor in forever and I live in constant fear that I’ll spill something on the floors that CAN’T BE SPILL ON! its crazy, but I also hear you, remolding, what ever it is, is difficult. You have the change, the fact that everything goes topsy-turvy and when your finally done with it, you have to get use to it. None of it is all that fun, but it is nice.
Thanks Sarah.
Second, I did just about cry when I saw that you changed the covers of your books on here. Not that I don’t totally love the new covers, because I do, but I was so in love with your old ones, that it just hurts a little. I will get over it, but I have to buy all of the old versions first, then the new ones, otherwise a part of me will be broken. lol, a little dramatic I know, but your books helped me so much through middle-school, and already so much more in high school, that the old covers became like close friends. But like true friends, they will change a little, but be only the better for it.
I love the shoes too! And the new title, awesome! I really liked the first one, but yes, confusing. And thanks for telling all of the old titles too, its just so fun to find out these small things about books that I love so much. It also gives me some hope, because I’m struggling with a title for my story, it makes me feel a little better that my one of my favourite authors goes through that too.
I really liked the old title, because it was different.. it made me feel like there was a huge relief coming at the end of the story “The Best After Ever”. Now I’m thinking its completely different with “Someone Else’s Summer”. Either way I’m super excited about your new book. I’ve loved all of them! & the new book covers are fabulous. It only makes me sad, because I can’t have both… and your new one is probably going to match the new ones and I want all of my Sarah Dessen books to match!
Oh, Sarah, don’t hate me for this, but I still want to Thank You for replying my tweet. I now that since I’ve bothered you so much, you probably won’t do it again. And I don’t blame you, people say I say too much Thank You and too much Sorry. Is it a bad thing? No? Probably?
I’m almost 19 (June 23rd) and I still get nervous and cranky when decorating my room. Can’t even imagine when I have to do it for a house. My walls were two white, and one green and the other aquamarine. It was really pretty, if I can -and if I may- I’ll send you a picture of the wall beside my bed through twitter. But I got tired of the colors, really, and my sister (who is studying interior design) asked my aunt if we could pain the room all white. And it changed so, so much. Of course, now she’s saying the room, even with the curtain the light reflects on the wall and it’s much brighter. But I still like it. I love light.
I can’t even imagine how hard it must be having so much shades from which to choose. I would go crazy. But I think the best advice is to go discharging the ones you and your husband agree that doesn’t work for you two. For your tastes. It’s a slow and hard process, but I think it’s the easiest way. That way you can match the ones you both like and maybe you’ll come up with something.
Just advice. I’m feeling a little talkative today.
I agree of what you said about the covers. When I scroll down on my phone to put my own comment, I see other people’s. But I think there was a bigger part of fans that really loved your new covers.
I do, I love all of them. the colors, the people in them, the instrument, the iPod, the guitar. I really love them all. And even if I’m in Venezuela (where your books only reach the capital, and barely two or three) I want to get my hand on them. I’ll try to make them special and I’ll wait ’till there a signing opportunity I can attend so they become even more special. It’ll be win win for me! Oh, dreaming costs nothing.
Those wedges ARE tall and gorgeous. And you must feel very powerful being taller than your husband for a few hours a day when you put them on, it must be awesome.
Wow, I can’t picture ANYBODY as Monica from Friends. Seriously, they were the best of the best choice for the characters. But I know I think that way because I know no other.
It’s a really hard thing to have a say in a book’s title when you haven’t read it, or when you don’t know exactly what it is all about. So I know whichever name you choose, it’ll be the right one. No one knows your book better than you, the writer, right?
Have a good vacation!
LOVE the new title! That book will be my graduation present! I graduate from high school May 2013. Your books have helped me all throughout high school and now I get to wrap school up with a brand new one! So excited!
I love the new covers, and I love the title, and cannot wait for Someone Else’s Summer, SO excited! Have a great weekend!
LOVE the new title! Cant wait!!!
Question, is What Happened to Goodbye getting a new cover also? I love the new covers!
May 2013!! So excited! <3
Random, but you HAVE to see this and I could not post it to your Facebook. Yo Gabba Gabba’s got nothin on Mr. Rogers!
http://now.msn.com/entertainment/0607-mister-rogers-remix.aspx#scptm2
I liked the old covers. I like the new covers. From a marketing standpoint I am sur eit is good idea to put out new, fresh looking editions. However, what really matters most is what is inside the cover. There you are a master.
Oh my gosh I am SO excited for the new book I can’t even tell you! The title is amazing; just as I knew it would be.
Also, congrats on all your cover changes! While I do still love the old ones more (I know think of them as classic), the new ones are gorgeous too.
Have a great time in “Colby”! Wish I was there.
I love the new title! I’d probably be one of the ones screwing it up beforehand.
Hope you have a lovely time at the beach! I’m excited to head down to NC in two weeks myself.
Someone Else’s Summer for the new title is so interesting! Now I really want to read the book and find out why it’s named that! Cannot wait until next May(: Hope you had a great birthday and also have a good vacation! (:
I love those colors- we painted our living room a practically-white shade of grey, and a dark greyish-blue. It looks fantastic with our white sofas and gives quite the statement: I love it, and am sure you’ll love yours as well !
Someone Else’s Summer sounds fantastic. I’m looking forward to reading it- I started reading your novels when my 16 year old and 14 year old twin girls kept raving about them. Now I have gotten into reading your blog as well: you are a very gifted writer and it is encouraging to see people that value their god-given talents!
Funny you mention Colby and Emerald Isle… When reading ”Keeping the Moon”, I truly imagined Colby as Emerald Isle. We have had a beach house there for the past few years and just love it- it is such a fantastic spot… ENJOY!
I really love those shoes- they must especially look great with a cute sundress. ‘Gotta love Summer clothing, right?!
This being said, have a fantastic week and treasure every moment of your deserved vacation. Have a safe trip home as well!
Wendy.
I love those SHOES! I am five ft. one but hate wearing ”skinny” heals, especially during the Summer. Those kind of shoes are fantastic and they are great considering my husband is 6 ft. 3!!!!!
Enjoy your vacay!
‘Lookin’ forward to reading your new book!
Love the title! So cant wait for the new book, I find myself counting down the days and have done this since I started reading your books. Im sure it will be great like all the rest of them! May cant come fast enough. Thank you! -Lauren
Can’t wait to hear about it. Also, May 2013? That’s my last full month of high school before I graduate in June 2013!! I am too excited about this, considering that I have another full year left of high school before I can leave. Sigh…well, maybe I’ll be more patient after summer vacation (if I can stand 3 close friends being gone)
Sorry for the narrative, but I had to let that out. Enjoy your vacation!
I really LOVE all the new covers they make you want to pick up the book so much more! and cannot wait till this book comes out, i just love reading all of you books especially the ones set in colby!
I am so very excited for the new book release! I am asking my husband if
He will please get all the new bookcovers
for me:) I can’t wait!
Hi Sarah,
My Name is Dawn and i have recently gotten into your books. I used to read horror and mystery but decided it was time for a change and started reading romance. I love your books. I know you might get this all the time, but i think i have a good story starter for you if you want it. What i have in mind is you write about twins and the main character is the twin who is in her twins shadow. No one really notices her except for as so and so’s sister, or the other one. Then in their senior year a guy transfers from another school and he doesn’t see the popular twin. His friend shortly follows him and comes to this high school as well. Well he is getting to know the not-so-popular twin and his friend wants to get to know her as well.
I will let you make up your mind from there. Make the twins’ background with their parents, and whatever else you would want to add in there. You are an amazing writer and i love reading your books, and if you decided to use this idea i can’t wait to see what you do with it. Thank You for your time.
Sincerely yours,
Dawn
I love the name of the new book: Someone else’s summer. May 2013 seems so far away from right now! It’s like a whole 11 months away! Grr. I wish it was 1 month away cuz that’s when my birthday is and then i can look forward to get it as gift for my birthday! Ok I’ll talk to you later bye. Btw I love all ur books Sarah!!! <3
I am thinking about you when I heard the news about Robin Roberts this morning. She is such a brave woman.
I’m excited that your next book takes place in Colby! I always love the books that take place there, especially since it’s coming out in May and by then I’m on summer break. Perfect! Also, I really like the new title!
I still like Cut and Run better that WHTB, but I really love the new title for the new book! I can’t wait!
omg i’m going to Emerald Isle this summer!! and i love all your books. the new title sounds great, can’t want for may!
Just reading that little bit of information on the next book got me so excited! I can’t wait! I love the title, Someone Else’s Summer and the fact that it’s set in Colby is just so amazing because my favorite book by you is Along for the Ride.
I can’t wait! Less than a year to go guys!
I. LOVE. THOSE. SHOES.
Hello Sarah, I just got your book, Lock and Key after getting so many recommendations from so many people!!!:)
My heart is aching! I cant wait till may, I adore your books. It took me long enough to actually sit down and read This Lullaby, once I started I couldn’t put it down and had it done cover to cover. Once I was done, I jumped on Google and looked for the sequel. Although I was disappointed there wasn’t one, I was told about Just Listen and my heart grew for you and your books. Your an amazing author, and have no idea how much it has inspired me and helped me in so many ways. I cant wait for the new one to add to my collection, thank you so much for everything. Hope there is more to come!