by Melissa | Sep 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
(File under “Photos I Wouldn’t Ordinarily Take”.) Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a Rainbows and Flowers kinda girl. I’m more likely to “Awwwww!” over a baby turtle than a kitten. Well, okay, I’m a dog person, but...
by Melissa | Sep 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
Once upon a time (of course I had to start my Irish tale with that), there was an American girl who fell in love with an Irish boy. This boy lived in New York City, having fled his homeland as fast as his rugby-toughened legs would carry him. This made the girl sad,...
by Melissa | Aug 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
Well, okay, after a rahther long break. But for what it’s worth, I’m back, and will be posting weekly. Why the hiatus, you ask? Simple. My family and I have moved from Philadelphia, where I’ve been since college, to Dublin, Ireland, where my husband...
by Melissa | Mar 13, 2012 | Uncategorized
Interested in writing for a young audience? Have questions about the biz? I’ll be doing a Q&A/chat about YA lit next Wednesday, the 21st, at the Penn Bookstore (36th and Walnut) at 6pm. Free admission. No purchase required. 🙂  I’d love to see you...
by Melissa | Feb 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
It’s time. Here’s how it’s gonna work. Every few days, we’ll pick a Truth and a Dare. You’ll answer or act, whichever is required. Then you’ll Tweet your answer to the truth and/or a photo (even better, a video!) of you being daring...
by Melissa | Feb 16, 2012 | Uncategorized
Finally! The Fine Art of Truth or Dare has arrived. And, of course, ToDay’s post has to be a playlist. So, here it is, for Ella and Alex… Must I Paint You a Picture – Billy Bragg It’s Only Time – The Magnetic Fields Mambo Italiano – Dean Martin Let My Love...
by Melissa | Feb 14, 2012 | Uncategorized
At the turn of the 11th century, Sei Shonagon was an attendant to the Empress of Japan. During her time in court, she wrote a Pillow Book, a sort of poetic journal comprised of musings, gossip, and lists. We don’t know much about her–no one is even...
by Melissa | Feb 8, 2012 | Uncategorized
Finally. Two of my mad panel were temporarily unavailable. But here we have it, the winner. From Jess: Â A Short Tribute to the Immortal Joe Strummer White Riot Train in Vain Should I Stay or Should I Go Love Kills Unknown Immortal Burning Streets Johnny...
by Melissa | Jan 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
So here’s the winning list, chosen by my fab mad panel of experts (on me, at least; their musical expertise has been called into question). It was almost unanimous. One voice called for the list with the Kates (Nash and Bush) which was great, but I gotta say,...
by Melissa | Jan 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
So this is a day late, but…the theme for this week’s giveaway contest is “Best of the 80s”. Send me a playlist of fab 80s songs and, if you win, I send you an ARC of The Fine Art of Truth or Dare. Some people think ToD is like a contemporary...
