I’m thrilled to be on YA Interrobang today, talking about writing about girls who like girls, the teenage sweethearts in Pretty Peg, and the need for representation in YA.
Tag: Pretty Peg
Queer YA Speculative Fiction reading
I am privileged to be reading at Folio Books in San Francisco on their Queer Words series in the supreme company of Andrew Demcak and Tim Floreen. We’ll all read from our LGBTQ+ YA science fiction/fantasy books and do a Q&A after.
Tuesday 6/21, 7pm
Folio Books
3957 24th St
San Francisco 94114
Free
Refreshments & door prizes
Pretty Peg giveaway
It has been 2 years since Pretty Peg came out! To celebrate the birthday of my first published novel, I’m offering an e-copy to a lucky reader for free.
Pretty Peg is the story of 17-year-old Josy, a queer plus-sized girl who investigates the murder of her sister — a journey that takes her from her home in Oakland to the Faerie Realm by way of some very enchanting music venues. More about the story here.
To enter: Reply in the comments with a note about your favorite Bay Area band or musician. The winner will be chosen at random on June 10. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Book release party success
I’ve finally recovered from the Pretty Peg book launch enough to brag on the internet about it!
Karen Bjorneby, our deeply gracious and madly enthusiastic host and fine Writing Salon instructor whose class you should go sign up for right now, read from her new novel (so very new I’m not even sure of the title). Jenny McKeel read an excerpt from her award-winning essay “Saigon,” Robin Silverman read from HER award-winning novel Lemon Reef, Matthew Lavin had his debut as a reading writer with an excerpt from his book The Red Hands, and David West read some of my favorite of his poems and one of my favorite Eli Coppola poems. All amazing to be there for, but I was pretty moved to have my friend Eli be invoked at my own book launch, since while she was alive I was just a tiny writer baby who could barely step up to the open mic at one of her features.
I have since learned you have to just about lick one of those Shure 58s to be heard through the PA:
Here’s 3/4 of my writing group (Linda Cleary, our 4th hand, took the picture and ran the merch table) setting up the pizza. And being blessed from above by the patron saint of El Rio.
Book release party!
There’s a party going on Thurs Sept 25 to launch Pretty Peg!
There’ll be readings by David West and Matthew L. Lavin and me, snacking, drinking, and that flattering light on the El Rio back patio this time of year.
The party is hosted by Karen Bjorneby, a wonderful writer and writing teacher whom you may know from The Writing Salon. And! A special chocolate thank-you gift will go home with anyone who buys a book at the party.
Pretty Peg Party
Thursday 9/25, 7-8:30 PM
El Rio (back patio)
3158 Mission St @ Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
No cover / no-host bar
I’m on Sam Kadence’s blog today
Today I’m lucky enough to be a visiting blogger on Sam Kadence’s lovely YA LGBTQ+ blog. This is a jewel of a blog with lots of courageous guest posts on tough topics like PTSD and anorexia, as well as on the many facets of coming out, both joyful and scary. And it’s all designed for queer youth. It’s an honor to be there. Thanks, Sam!
Down the rabbit hole: writing fantasy
I’m a guest this week on Lex Chase’s blog, where I talk about how Pretty Peg came to be a fantasy novel.
I love Lex’s work and I can’t wait to dig into her new book, the much-anticipated urban fantasy Chasing Sunrise. Bonus: 100% of the presale royalties for Chasing Sunrise went to support the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s Domestic Violence Service. On top of all that talent and gigantic heart, Lex is a super nice person and incredibly supportive of other authors. I am a little dazzled. I’ll admit that.
Peanut butter and chocolate: talking with Aidee Ladnier about plus-sized heroines
I’m on Aidee Ladnier’s delightful blog today, Because quirky characters fall in love too…, to talk about Pretty Peg and about writing a plus-sized main character. Being hosted by Aidee is a true feather in my cap. Her blog is sassy and smart and relentlessly positive and just look at that pair of shoes.
I’m on Chris T. Kat’s blog
Today’s stop on the blog tour is Chris T. Kat’s awesome blog. I’m so pleased to be on Love Despite the Odds to talk about the fairy tale inspiration for Pretty Peg. Thanks so much, Chris, for hosting me!
Chris is the author of the Jeff Woods mysteries, the latest being Sacrifices. I love me a good mystery series. I bought Sacrifices last night, and I’m already plotting my next hooky afternoon to be alone with it.
I’m on Deanna Wadsworth’s blog today
Today I’m a guest on Deanna Wadsworth’s blog, Romance with Spice! Deanna is the author of some pretty delightful gay romance. Thanks for hosting me, lovely Deanna!
Skye Allen 