1. I didn’t make this.

2. No lie, one of the high points of my entire career.

3. I have the bestest BFF ever.

To celebrate the release of GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY next week, I’m running a competition. But not just any competition, a GETTING OVER prize giveaway! To win a signed copy of the book—plus some extra surprise goodies!—you just have to leave a comment telling me the best way you get over someone.

Maybe it’s blasting angry girl music, maybe it’s going out with your friends; hey, maybe you like to set up targets in the backyard with their face on and hurl rocks while screaming ‘I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!’. I don’t judge! Either way, just leave a comment and next week, I’ll pick one at random to win.

(I’ll also be offering a second prize pack on twitter, awarded at random to anyone who tweets @ me with their answer and the hashtag #GettingOver, so you can double your chances by commenting here and on twitter!)

**

And now for the confession part of the post. Where the idea for the book began. You know that disclaimer at the front? All characters and events are fictional, and not based on any real life people and or/things? No sir, not even a little, not at all?

Yeah, that’s not exactly true. Usually, when you ask an author, they’ll confess it’s actually all based on something – if not the whole thing, then moments. Fragments. A girl from school, way back when. A terrible blind date. That weekend in Connecticut with a guy and his truck and a lake full of water-lilies… But that’s another story. And, in the case of GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY, the book is based on a boy, and a crush.

Not just any boy. THE boy. You know the one. Your best friend, your confidente, your big first crush, your—

As much as I dislike the girl-hating in the video, 'You Belong With Me' kind of nails the crushing!

OK, I may as well stop with the ‘yours’, because as you’ve guessed by now, it’s mine. My big unrequited teen crush that inspired the book, and more than a little of Garrett himself. I’m not going to name names (because God, that boy doesn’t need to think he’s any more special than he already did, and I’d say having an entire book based on you might make you feel a little bit special), but the facts were simple. Like Sadie in the book, I was young, he was older: off being all effortlessly cool and interesting and way more insightful than any of the spitball-throwing idiots I had to spend my days with (lest you think I was like, 12, I’m afraid to say the boys in my school threw spitballs long past then. I was 16 and still picking them out of my hair during science class. Sigh).

And, of course, like Sadie, my wistful crush was unrequited. Or maybe it wasn’t – there was a point where I thought maybe something could have happened, or would have… Except he went and got a girlfriend, and that was that: I was doomed to be the ‘best friend’ forevermore, listening to his plans (with her), his hopes and dreams (about her), and the intimate – and boy, do I mean intimate—details of their young love. I suffered silently for ooh, well over a year, until the whole thing fell apart and I finally woke up to the fact he may not have been worth my adoration in the first place.

Why? you may ask. Why did I put myself through that kind of torment, without establishing any kind of healthy emotional boundaries? Well, you know, I was 16. And, again, I adored the boy. Besides, it’s what we do when we’re deep in a crush, isn’t it? We agonize over every detail, play out scenarios, and torment ourselves when they remain utterly oblivious to our plight… Crushes become obsessions, fed by wishful thinking and sheer longing rather than actual, real-world relationship cues. We cling to them, hoping desperately than the strength of our own fantasies will somehow make our crush realize that the perfect girl was in front of them all along.

For me, I always imagined his epiphany looking something like this. Because I also had time-travelling powers of clare-voyant.

But they don’t. Because that’s the bitch about unrequited crushes: they rarely turn into anything real at all. And most of the time, the object of our affection is just a muddled teenager who secretly kinda likes being adored, and isn’t about to do anything to mess that up. So, like Sadie, we have to figure out what happens next. How the hell do we get over someone who we’ve adored so completely? Where can you even start, when they’re still technically your closest friend? And what do you do, when every time you glance at your phone/check email/leave the house/go to a party, all you want to see/hear/read is HIM?

You’ll have to read the book to find out how Sadie does it, but leave a comment and let us know how you get over your crushes! I tell you, I wish I had Sadie’s 12-step program, and her awesome friends at Totally Wired back then when I was getting over my guy. But I guess using him in a novel ten years later is pretty cathartic too….

That’s right, in just 7 short days, my new YA GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY will be published!

“Charming and poignant… perfect for anyone who’s ever had to mend a broken heart.” - The Fug Girls, authors of Spoiled and Messy.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep blue eyes).

For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to ’80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox!

Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

This book is close to my heart, since we’ve all had to deal with unrequited love (more on that later this week…) so I’ve been thrilled to see the first early reviews come in. Kirkus say “Comedic and candid… Plain Janes and lovelorn teens will appreciate the sound self-help tips and be inspired,” and Publishers Weekly call it an “entertaining antiromance… McDonald turns the tragedy of unrequited love on its head as she traces her heroine’s determined and often comical efforts to find herself and become more independent.”

You can read a SNEAK PEEK right now, and pre-order a copy from amazon or Barnes & Noble, but why not check back in tomorrow, when I’ll be launching a fab contest to win your own – plus more fab goodies!

Just to let you know, THE LIBERATION OF ALICE LOVE is a FREE ebook download for nook and kindle.

Clever and elegant, this novel forces you to think about how far you’d go to find the truth, and how many lies you’d tell to uncover it. Alice Love keeps her life (and boss, and family) running in perfect order, so when her bank card is declined, she thinks it’s just a simple mistake. Sadly, someone has emptied her bank account, spending her savings on glamorous holidays, sexy lingerie, and a to-die-for wardrobe, and leaving Alice with lots of debt. But she soon wonders if perhaps her alter-ego’s reckless, extravagant lifestyle is the one Alice should have been leading all along…

Check out the book critics called, “Refreshing, fun, and sexy” and “chick-lit on a mission”.

BARNES AND NOBLE

AMAZON

That’s right, I’ll be in Chicago this weekend for ALAN/NCTE 2011! I can’t wait to check out some of the amazing panels, and pick up advance copies of, ooh, just about everything.

SCHEDULE:

Sunday 20th, 9-10am: I’ll be signing copies of GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY (and other books) at the Candlewick booth #321 and #323.

Monday 21st, 3.25pm: Discussing ‘Chick-lit with a Conscience’ in conversation with Elizabeth Scott, Hilton Ballroom.

Aside from that, I’ll be around for various dinners and receptions, so if you’re in town for the event, please do come say hi!

Hello! Yes, it’s that time again, the ‘massive update because I haven’t updated in, ooh, months’ update. Because I haven’t. By now, you’ve probably realized that if you want a constant stream of consciousness/kitten musings/TV snark you should be following me on twitter. Here. For occasional book and event news, well, you’ve come to the right place.

First up, THE POPULARITY RULES is making its US debut on October 1^st from Sourcebooks. As you can see from the banner, we have a glamorous new cover, and all kinds of wonderful reviews. Romantic Times gave it 4 stars, and said “Fans of Helen Fielding’s chick lit classic Bridget Jones’s Diary and Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series will adore this one.” Publishers Weekly pitched in with “A gleeful skewering of pop culture, modern femininity, and female bonding,”, and Booklist says, “An entertaining modern take on the classic myth of Pygmalion.” I’ll be posting more about the book this month, including how the story is based on my experiences in music journalism, the long and painful road to publication, and what happens when a book you wrote in 2007 and published in the UK in 2009 gets reprinted in 2011. Hint: outdated references to print media!

I’ve also updated the teen book section with the first exclusive peek of my 4^th YA title, GETTING OVER GARRETT DELANEY, which will be published in January 2012 by Candlewick Press. Check out the cover and blurb, and pre-order your copy now!

Finally, live event news. I’ll be appearing at ALAN/NCTE in Chicago in November to promote Garrett and discuss ‘chick-lit with a conscience’ with the wonderful Maureen Johnson. I can’t wait!

Well, after trying – and failing – to keep the secret, I’m thrilled that I get to officially announce my next-next YA novel, set for publication in 2013.

Liz Bicknell at Candlewick Press has bought Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood by YA author Abby McDonald, a modern-day spin on Sense & Sensibility, the tale of two broke teen sisters as they move from San Francisco into a relative’s Beverly Hills guest house, and navigate their strange new world while trying to keep their hearts (and original noses) intact. It’s McDonald’s fifth novel at Candlewick Press, and Kaylan Adair will edit. Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary Studio was the agent.

JANE AUSTEN GOES TO HOLLYWOOD will put to use all my crazy new LA adventures, as well as give a fresh new spin on what I think is one of Austen’s best stories. The romance, class struggles, and juicy sister dynamics have always made Sense & Sensibility a classic tale, and I can’t wait to give it a modern, comedic update!

Argh, so much news I need to update here. And I will, but in the mean time:

• THE ANTI-PROM is out! Yes, it wasn’t supposed to publish until mid-April, but for various reasons it’s shipping early, and IN STORES NOW; shiny and glorious and – thanks to a signing spree – available as an autographed copy in most Los Angeles-area Barnes & Nobles.

• I will be appearing as a guest speaker at the Children’s Literature Festival at the University of Salisbury next week (April 4th – 6th)…

• …To accept the Green Earth Book Award, which BOYS, BEARS & A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS was just awarded! It’s a big honour, and I’m thrilled to be invited to speak. I’ll be doing local media / TV during the trip, so check back for updates.

• In other appearance news, I’ll also be a panellist at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, speaking about YA, more details as they come!

I’m so thrilled by the response to THE LIBERATION OF ALICE LOVE; I had the best time writing it, so it’s wonderful to see you’re all enjoying reading it!

Some recent blog reviews:

“I was hooked from the first sentence and I had a hard time putting the book down.” – Cindy’s Love of Books

“Wonderful original plot, great characters, well written… A must read, especially for chick-lit fans.” – Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

“Abby McDonald spins an entertaining chic-lit novel.  Carefully crafted, the pages just fly by… If you’re looking for a great beach read this summer, or want to while away some hours on a lazy evening, pick up The Liberation of Alice Love!! Laugh out funny and a relevent story for today’s society!!” - Minding Spot

“The Liberation of Alice Love is a barrel ride of laughs, witty characters, and a book that you will want to make a permanent spot on your bookshelf!” – Cheryl’s Book Nook

“A fun, charming romp – perfect for the days you want something light but not predictable. McDonald will be added to my must read list sooner rather than later.” – Bellas Novella

The book is in stores now, and if you live in the LA area, swing by Barnes and Noble in Santa Monica, Westwood, or the Grove to pick up a signed copy!

I’m so excited: today is the publication of my US adult debut, THE LIBERATION OF ADULT LOVE! The team at Sourcebooks put together a fabulous package, and I can’t wait to see it in stores. I dropped by the Girlfriends Book Club to chat about my inspiration for the book, and Harmonious Madness just gave it a fab five-star review.

Alice Love keeps her life (and job, and family) running in perfect order, so when her bank card is declined, she thinks it’s just a mistake. Sadly, someone has emptied her bank account, spending her savings on glamorous trips, sexy lingerie, and a to-die-for wardrobe-and leaving Alice with lots of debt. As a dashing fraud investigator helps her unravel the intriguing paper trail, Alice discovers that the thief is closer to home than she ever imagined. What’s more, it seems like her alter ego’s reckless, extravagant lifestyle is the one Alice should have been leading all along. As the little white lies begin to stack up, how far will Alice go to find the truth

And whose life, exactly, is she fighting for?

To celebrate, I’m running a special, ahem, teaser contest for the first chapter excerpt. Anyone who blogs or retweets the opening paragraph will be entered to win a signed copy, and $35 gift card for Babeland. Just comment with a link to your post below or @abbymcdonald with the RT! Good luck.

The teaser:

It began with a vibrator. A smooth, stainless steel, jewel-encrusted vibrator that—according to the ribbon-trimmed user manual—cost over seven hundred pounds. Even Alice, who valued her orgasms as much as the next woman, had to wonder what delirious pleasures it could possibly deliver to justify that kind of expense…

Good luck!

And if that’s not enough for you, here’s what some other people are saying:

“Delicious in so many ways, you’ll find this one hard to put down.” -Laura Dave, Author of The Divorce Party and London is the Best City in America

“A lot of little lies add up to a whole lot of fun.” - Publishers Weekly

“Refreshing, fun, and sexy…a perfect beach read.” -Closer

Find out more on the book page, and order now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble (WARNING: the editorial reviews online are chock-full of major spoilers, so beware!)