Welcome to my first blog, and my new and improved web site. I hope you enjoy looking around. If there’s anything you don’t see here that you’d like to, please leave a comment below. You’ll notice on my contact page that my email address has changed.
I’ll be using this space partly to talk about book stuff—what books I’m loving, what new projects I have going on, and fun stuff like the fact that my first novel, A Mango-Shaped Space, is going to be made into a Manga comic in Korea! Mango/Manga, I guess it was fated to be.
I’d really like this to be interactive. Feel free to say what’s on your mind and I will too. I’m big on making lists. I honestly couldn’t function in life without a daily list. I even have to write “shower” on my list or else I might forget. So, in no particular order, here are some things on my mind today:
1. Since my New Year’s resolutions (things like work out more, eat candy less) usually just get transferred to the list the following year, I’ve decided to go easy on myself this year and do something that I might actually have a chance of sticking to. In 2008, I resolve not to click on any headline that has the words “Britney” and “Spears” in it. If I had back all the time I’ve spent reading about her antics (and those of her celebrity peers), I could have written another book! Plus, I’m starting to feel sorry for her. Can you imagine if your every waking moment was documented for the world to see? I shudder at the thought.
2. Quote of the day: “Most of the shadows in this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson. I used this quote in Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life because I liked it so much. Emerson was talking about how we put limitations on ourselves and hold ourselves back. Life has a way of doing this all on its own; it doesn’t need our help. If we always tell ourselves negative things, we’ll start to believe them. I invite all of you to join me in this one—dwell on the positive, give yourself a break, don’t block your own sunshine.
3. When I write a book I always have to figure out the title before I can start writing. I work really hard at coming up with the right title to reflect the kind of book it is. Some are easier and some take more time. For instance, it took me weeks to come up with Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, while Leap Day was pretty obvious since the book takes place on Leap Day. So when I see a great title on a book in the store, it always catches my attention. Favorite book title of the day, spotted in Borders in Rockaway, NJ: Stop Dressing your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank. Love it!
4. My mother recently made me a scrapbook of my childhood. I couldn’t believe the things she’d kept. My pre-school diploma! A photo of me in our driveway where the snow is taller than I am. The stuffed purple shark I got a “D” on in sewing class in eighth grade (do they still HAVE sewing class??). She also saved my diary from 5th grade. It ends abruptly when one of my sisters found it hidden under my mattress and told the boy I had a crush on that I liked him. I never kept a diary again. Lesson learned: never hide anything under your mattress, that’s the first place snooping sisters look! In my next blog I’ll include some funny passages from the diary.
5. Ok, it’s getting late and I have the second half of Season Three of LOST to watch on DVD before Season Four starts in a few weeks. I’ve gotta say, this Writer’s Guild strike is giving me a lot of extra time at night with no new sitcoms to watch. Although as a card-carrying member of the Guild, I do hope it ends soon so everyone can get back to work. (Not too soon though. It has also come in handy when my husband asks me to do something around the house. I simply shake my head and say, “I can’t, I’m on strike.”)
Cheers, and Happy New Year!
Wendy
Comments (22)
umm....hi..this is bianca and im am soo glad that you have changed your website ( i think it looks Fantastic!) and the blog is just super! ( hehe those are not the only words i use..) and by the way i have nothing to tell thats wrong because everything is doing great!
Thank you so much for the great book writing ( your books keep me occupied when there's no shows on Tv because of the Writer's Strike.And by the way your my favorite author!)
~thank you!!
Posted by Bianca Yugar | January 14, 2008 9:54 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 09:54
As for resolutions, I take the Katie Couric approach of having the same of one year after year -- floss more.
I mean, the person who declared the need to saw string between his or her teeth, day after day, really had a keen eye for detail or not much of a life. Maybe both.
Easy Slide Mint Waxed, let's try it again, shall we?
Love the site's new look. Cheers and all the best in '08 ...
Posted by Kevin | January 14, 2008 2:09 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 14:09
Wow, I love your site, Wendy! I also happen to love your books. :-D My favorite ones are A Mango-Shaped Space and especially Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall. I think you should consider writing another novel in verse since you did that one so well! I can't wait until your next book is available.
P.S. I love the title Stop Dressing your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank, too! In fact, I wish I could buy the book for a mom I know - I think she could probably get some use out of it. ;-)
Posted by Tyto Alba | January 15, 2008 8:49 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 08:49
OMG it is so nice to be talking (kinda) to you. I love your book "Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life" it was the best book i have ever read. I stayed up until 2am last night so I could finish it. I was so sad when I finished. You should so right a sequal. Thank you so much for righting this book. It truly has shown me the meaning of LIFE.
A VERY grateful fan,
Lillie
Posted by Lillie | January 15, 2008 7:37 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 19:37
Lillie, i totally agree with you on that book, Jeremy Fink and The Meaning of Life (and A Mango-Shaped Space) is ( are) the best book(s)i have ever read, Wendy is a great author, and I also think that you should go strait to the sequal.
~bianca ^.^
Posted by Bianca | January 16, 2008 11:53 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 23:53
Hey Wendy! Yup, we do still have sewing class. I had to make a drawstring bag and I aced it!(luckily...) I have officially read all your books and am a HUGE fan! Thanks!
Posted by Allie | January 18, 2008 12:57 PM
Posted on January 18, 2008 12:57
Kudos on the new site!
Mango Manga congrats . . . I'm picturing it mostly in B&W, with colour illustrations bursting out when she sees them.
Your mom sounds thoughtful and sweet.
Posted by Little Willow | January 19, 2008 1:13 AM
Posted on January 19, 2008 01:13
Hi Wendy!
I love your books, and your new site. :)
And by the way, yes, there are still sewing classes. Not fun. ;)
Anyways, again, I love your new site :)
xxooxx,
jordan. :)
Posted by Jordan | January 19, 2008 11:55 AM
Posted on January 19, 2008 11:55
I love your website. It is much easier to get around than before. I still have to read Heaven Looks a lot like the Mall because Borders doesn't have it. I've been looking for it since September and haven't found it. Borders has been very dissappointing lately. It's not only your book I can't find. I'll have to get my mom to drive me to Barnes and Nobles tomorrow. I can't wait to read Heaven looks a lot like the Mall and your upcoming books.
Posted by Mary Jo | January 19, 2008 7:37 PM
Posted on January 19, 2008 19:37
Dear Wendy,
I have only read one of your books but I am going to read all of the others. I read A Mango Shaped Space. On some of the pages there are little crinkly spots from where my tears landed. I am forcing my friends to read that book.
The real reason I am writing is because I am a fellow writer and I am having writers block. Even though I am still a kid... it can happen. I thought, since I loved your books...why not ask you for advice? So what I am asking is, Can you add to your blog things for fellow writers like me? Like how to choose a topic, a title, and a bunch of other things.
I love writing and even though my teachers at school give me stratigies, it's not the same. The point of writing is to write down what you want to and your feelings. And in school you write down pretty much what they want you to write down.
Thanks...Rachel
Posted by Rachel | January 20, 2008 11:30 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 23:30
I got a D in a 7th grade sewing project.... I thought the teacher would be impressed with my creativity when I made up my own pattern instead of using the teacher's....
um, no.
Nice new website! xo
Posted by Julia DeVillers | January 21, 2008 2:21 PM
Posted on January 21, 2008 14:21
Hi Wendy,
Your new site looks great! So cool!
Hope all's well with you, and hope to see you again soon.
Best,
Sarah
Posted by Sarah Beth Durst | January 21, 2008 3:54 PM
Posted on January 21, 2008 15:54
Hi Wendy,
Great site, great blog, great things to ponder.
Hope your 2008 is filled with the stuff dreams are made of.
All the best,
Robin
Posted by Robin Friedman | January 22, 2008 11:51 AM
Posted on January 22, 2008 11:51
Gotta say, major props on the site makeover. Hmm.. Extreme Website Makeovers? The old layout threw me into a state of confusion. My eyes widened when I hit the enter button; I almost thought I had typed in the address wrong. But nope, there's the name WENDY MASS in big, bold, violet letters.
Good Luck with future books! =D
Posted by iToast | January 27, 2008 10:22 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 22:22
Wow...I have absolutely no idea what to say... You are like the best author ever! I was at Barnes & Noble one day, and I had no idea what to get so I basically just picked up a random book and bought it, which is something I never do...I mean NEVER. But I am SOOOO glad that I did it that day, because if I hadn't I would never have read A Mango Shaped Space. I think it was meant to be!!! :D I really want to read your other books, but I can never find them at Borders!!! ROAR!!! I must go to Barnes & Noble again...I haven't been in two years, but they seem to have a much better selection than Borders. Really sorry, I ramble a lot when I'm nervous. But anyway, to the point: A Mango Shaped Space is my favorite book ever, and I have read a lot of really good books. Excellent website by the way!
Thanks! One of your many #1 fans,Bryonna
Posted by Bryonna | January 29, 2008 10:05 PM
Posted on January 29, 2008 22:05
Hi I am Mary. I am 13 years old and am in miidle school. And I love your books I have read Heaven looks alot like a mall and leap day. But I think you should write more girl books. It feels like the main character is right next to you and you are talk to her and listening to her problems. All I ask is to write more girl books.
Posted by Mary | March 11, 2008 6:43 PM
Posted on March 11, 2008 18:43
I love all of your books and am glad that I read them.
Posted by Abby | March 17, 2008 12:47 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 12:47
Hi Wendy! I LOVE your books. My favorites are the "Twice Apon A Time" series. I wish you would write more. Maybe Cinderella, or Little Red Ridding Hood. That would be awesome. Anyway, I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!
Posted by Paige Wergin | April 2, 2008 8:26 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:26
I LOVE your books. I hope you get this message! XOXOXOXOXO Paige
Posted by Paige Wergin | April 2, 2008 8:30 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:30
I love your book Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. You should make it a series. I love it! Also thanks for all your hard work.
-thanks
Wendy H.
Posted by Wendy | May 1, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 16:39
Hi Wendy,
I'm getting ready to read Mango with my classes and I figured I'd do a quick google to see if I could find anything new. What a great surprise to see your new website. It looks fantastic! Can't wait to begin sharing Mango with my classes. How cool that they're turning it into Manga.
Best,
Lori
Posted by Lori Skoller | May 8, 2008 9:31 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 09:31
I love your books!!
YOu are my favorite author.
Posted by Sarah M. | May 12, 2008 10:02 AM
Posted on May 12, 2008 10:02