The Goss

All I Want for Christmas . . .

2011-12-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

This was first posted on the Girls Heart Books site - do check it out for a great read!

Not long now until Christmas! And I for one can’t wait. Every year I ask my friends and family for one present, and one present only – book tokens!

Walking into my local bookshop – Dubray Books in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin – and knowing I can treat myself to those hardback books I’ve been gazing longingly at all year makes me so happy.

In case some of you also get book tokens for Christmas, or are looking for a brilliant read over the holidays, I’ve collected together a few of my favourite books of the year below.

I read a lot of books which are supposed to be for children or teenagers as they’re so darn good! I was a children’s bookseller for years and now I review children’s books for The Irish Independent, but to be honest I’d read them anyway. I like strong characters, clever, original plots and a sense of hope, all of which I get in books for young readers.

My Book of the Year: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

I love, love, loved this wonderful book. Part time-travel novel, part family and friendship drama, it’s original, compelling and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s set in New York too, and I love books set in NYC. It’s a cracking read.

I also loved Skulduggery Pleasant: Death Bringer by Derek Landy, a fantasy-horror adventure about a skeleton detective and his teenage side kick. It’s a hilarious, rip roaring read and I’d highly recommend the whole series. If you like something a little different, this book is for you.

Eva’s Holiday by Judi Curtin is just perfect for girls who like warm, funny reads. Eva loves fashion and hanging out with her friends, so when she has to spend the whole summer in a cottage down the country, she’s not happy. But soon she finds out that there’s more to life than clothes and having the right friends.

And I also adored Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy, the second in her warm, sweet Chocolate Box series. And finally another wonderful book is The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey is the story of Irish teen, Rebecca and her ultra embarrassing mother.

What will YOU be reading this Christmas?
Happy Christmas to all! May 2012 bring you many wonderful things . . . including brilliant books!
Yours in books,

Sarah XXX

Winners of the Young Editor Competition

2011-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ta, da! I can finally announce the winners of the Young Editor Comp. It was so hard to judge - we got so many great entries. But the Irish winner is Yazmin from Shankhill, Dublin and the UK winner is Anna from West Sussex, England. They will be helping me edit the next Amy Green book, Dancing Daze. I can't wait to work with them. I hope it gives them an insight into how a book is written and edited!

As there were so many fab entries, we also have 3 runner up prizes - which will go to Abby, Tasha and Keelin. Well done to everyone!

And we'll be holding another Young Editor Competition next year as it was so popular - so keep reading!

Best,
Sarah XXX

The Ideas Shop Hits Navan - Sarah, Judi and Oisin

2011-10-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 13th October we arrived at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan to be greeted by the lovely Maedhbh from the library services. After tucking into tea and toast in the café with fellow Ideas Shop writers, Judi Curtin and Oisin McGann, we all set up our props and waited for the 350 school children to take their seats.

They came from all over Meath, a lovely mix of schools. As we waited nervously backstage, they spilled into the front seats, grinning, and we sneaked a few peaks through the black curtains at their faces. Waiting backstage for an event to start is scary and I’m always jingling with nerves – will I be OK, will the audience laugh at the right places, will they ask any questions? On this occasion there was nothing at all to worry about, the Meath audience were completely engaged and watched and listened eagerly from the very beginning.

We each spoke first about growing up and what inspired us to be writers. We had a Memory Box on stage – a great big wooden box filled with all our memories. For me it was books I loved as a child, my tutu and ballet shoes and ballet fuzzy felt; for Judi one of her old dolls (very unloved as she pointed out!), old books and diaries; for Oisin an art kit, books, and his special memories of driving diggers and playing in building sites. Oisin lives in Meath and he was a big hit, especially with the boys!

Next we spoke a little about how we write a book – I talked about research and the role that plays in my work, and meeting the elephants in Dublin Zoo; Judi explained how a book is like a Russian Doll, full of different parts (or dolls) that all fit together to produce a story; and Oisin drew a very fab skeleton which he covered in clothes and explained how you add things to the ‘bones’ of a story, a bit like dressing the skeleton.

And finally we al talked about how books live on through our readers – YOU! Which was followed by a lively question and answer session and a super signing.

It was a real pleasure to meet so many fantastic young readers and thanks to CBI, and most especially Maedhbh and her team for organising the event so beautifully. And look out for me, Judi and Oisin – we’ll be doing some more Ideas Shops very soon.

Sarah XXX

Amy Green Signed Copies and T Shirt Competition

2011-10-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

Hi Amy Greensters,

Just to let you know that I've been madly signing copies of the new Amy Green book all over Dublin this week. If you are looking for a signed copy try any of the Dubray shops (Dublin), Hughes and Hughes in Dundrum, Eason shops in Dublin or The Exchange in Dalkey.

There's also a very special Amy Green T-shirt available at the Eason shops and you can win one over on my Facebook site .

Talk soon, and don't forget to enter the Young Editor Competition!

Best,
Sarah XXX
PS The pic above is from the West Cork Literary Festival - hope you like it!

Getting Strangled by Darren Shan

2011-09-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

I had great fun at the Mountains to Sea Book Festival last week - I'm only just recovering. I got strangled by Darren Shan - see the pic! I went for dinner with Cathy Cassidy and Judi Curtin - two brilliant writers that I adore, and fab women too! We had a lovely evening.
I also listened to fantastic talks by Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Derek Landy and lots of other great authors.
Have you ever been to a book festival? If you get the chance, do go! It's most inspirational. Now, back to work on Amy 5!
And don't forget to enter the Young Editor Competition before the end of October and you could be helping me with my plot dilemmas very soon!
Best, SarahXXX

My Young Editor - Kate

2011-08-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

My lastest blog for Girls Heart Books

Back in 2008 when I started working on the book which became Ask Amy Green: Boy Trouble, I had a dilemma. My main character, Amy was and still is thirteen (it’s been a long, dramatic year for Amy!), but it had been a long time since I was a teen. Maybe things had changed, moved on. Maybe girls weren’t as boy, fashion and friend obsessed as I had been at thirteen. I decided that before I went any further I needed to find out how modern teens thought, and most importantly felt about everything. Which is where Kate came in.

Kate was in my son’s class at the time – 6th class at Glenageary/Killiney National School – and was and still is a huge reader. She is smart, funny and chatty, and I asked her to gather some friends - Emma, Sinead and Isobel - and meet me in a coffee shop to talk all things teen. It was wonderfully interesting and informative, and I came away knowing for sure that although, yes, a lot of things had changed for girls since I was a teen, a lot of things were exactly the same. A lot of the hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears and worries sounded so familiar I could almost taste them.

It was both helpful and inspirational – they are such great girls! And it made me realise how cool Irish teenagers are and how much I wanted to write for them, give them the kind of books they deserved: funny, smart, immersive books set in Dublin. Most of the books Irish teens read are set in the US or England. We are a small country of four million people (smaller than Birmingham!) and this year I’m delighted to report that this year many other new Irish authors have started to write books for teens set in Ireland.

Above is a picture of Kate and Emma and if you’d like to find out more about them check out my Amy Green Fanzine here.

Kate is now sixteen and is heading towards important exams, so I’m looking for some new young editors. She’ll always be part of the Amy Green team of course, I couldn’t do it without her!

So I’m holding a competition to find some new young editors in September – when the new Amy Green book, Love and Other Drama-Ramas is out – I’ll put the details up on the Girls Heart Books site, so watch this space!

Hot off the press - the cover of Amy Green 4: Love and Other Drama-Rama

2011-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press - here's the cover of the brand new Ask Amy Green - out in September - hope you like it!
And don't forget you can find other Amy Green fans on Facebook - www.facebook.com/askamygreen - check it out! And stay tuned for more news in early September.

Best,
SarahXXX

The 21 Books I'm Taking On My Summer Holidays!

2011-06-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

Summer Holiday Reading

This is the pile of books I’m taking on my summer holidays, whittled down from a much larger selection. I’ve been collecting them for months and I can’t wait to get stuck in. The best popular fiction, a Patrick Ness short story collection I’ve been meaning to read for ages, some fab sounding teen fiction that’s coming out in the autumn, some non fiction, including Moneyball, about baseball (I love good sports books and films), and a couple of research books for my next adult novel and Ask Amy Green book, which is called Dancing Daze and will be out in 2012.

The problem is, I only have three weeks to read all these books! But I love having choice. Sometimes I’m not in the mood for anything too heavy, other times I want to get my teeth into something a bit more challenging (which is when I’ll pick up one of the teen books!). Different books for different moods.

My idea of a blissful holiday is this: quiet beach, sitting in the shade, reading while my children play in the sand or sail.

What books have you packed?

Yours in writing (and reading!),

Sarah XXX

I’m off to West Cork for most of July, so see you in August. Have a great month, hope you too get some good reading time in.

New Amy Green Covers - Italian and American

2011-06-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

These lovely covers are the Italian and American versions of the first Ask Amy Green book, Boy Trouble. There is also a Polish edition I will post a pic of soon - aren't they lovely? Very different.

And stay tuned for news on the brand new UK and Irish covers.

Best, Sarah X

The Best Things About Being a Writer Part 2

2011-06-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

This is a blog I did for Girls Heart Books - http://girlsheartbooks.com
Hope you like it!

So far in the best things about being a writer list we’ve had:

1/ You can write in your pjs.

2/ The research – writers get to travel and meet fascinating people and elephants (along with their glittery poo!).

Number 3/ is:

Ta, da! The readers. One of the best things about being a writer is definitely having readers. Especially readers who send lovely cards, emails and letters. The other day I got my first email from an Italian reader. Unfortunately I don’t read Italian so I had to get my friend, Tanya to translate it, but it was still thrilling.

I also get to meet lots of readers at festivals (like the one I was just at in Listowel) and school events which is also brilliant. More than anything else, us writers want readers, lots and lots of them! We’re quite a needy little bunch really.

4/ You can stare into space and daydream and imagine strange and wonderful things and scribble away in a notebook and ask really odd questions and be incredibly nosey and curious and no one will think you’re mad.

5/ Best of all you get to invent characters and give them friends and families and complicated lives. You get to create a whole world for them – like your own personal soap opera or drama. And there’s nothing as much fun in the whole entire world. Especially if you love your characters (and I do love my own characters, Amy and Clover very, very muchly – I’d want to, the amount of time I spend with them!).

So if like me you’re a huge and passionate reader, there is no better or more exciting job in the world.

On the flip side – The Worst Things About Being a Writer

1/ Numb bumb – from sitting at your desk all day.

2/ It can be lonely if you are a sociable soul like me.

3/ It gives you less time to read and watch Glee and Grey’s Anatomy.

Please do add to the list if you can think of any, Girls Heart Books blogging team!

For me, that’s pretty much it – nope, can’t think of any more negatives. So in short, be a writer, it diamond rocks!

Stay tuned for the next blog – about my writing uniform – including incriminating photographs!

Yours in books,

Sarah XXX

The Best Things About Being A Writer Pt 1

2011-05-06T02:03:00.001-07:00

This is the blog I did for www.girlsheartbooks.com - a brand new blog for girl readers - check it out! Other authors involved include Cathy Cassidy, Judi Curtin and Cathy Hopkins.
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When I visit schools there are three questions I’m always asked:
1/ How much money do you make?
2/ Where do you get your ideas?
3/ What’s the best thing about being a writer?
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So I thought I’d start with the third question first – and if you stay tuned I’ll add to it and answer the other questions in my next blog.
*
So here you go – The Best Things About Being A Writer Part 1 – Ta, Da! . . .
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1/ You can work in your pyjamas, or ancient tracky bottoms or a giant pink bunny suit – whatever takes your fancy. The postman may get a shock if you answer the door a bunny suit however!
*
2/ Research
Writers get to travel to interesting places to do research. It’s a great excuse to explore the world. Recently I’ve been to Paris, New York, Miami and Budapest to research locations for the Ask Amy Green books. Summer Secrets is set partly in Miami, Bridesmaid Blitz in Paris, and Budapest and New York will feature in future books.
*
You also get to meet really interesting people, like ballerinas, fashion designers, surgeons and even zoo keepers.
*
Last year I spent a wonderful day with one of the elephant keepers in Dublin Zoo. She showed me the industrial looking kitchen where they prepare the elephants’ food, the large beds of sand and straw where they sleep, the hidey holes where the keepers put the elephants’ food to make eating more fun for them.
*
But my favourite bit was the glittery poo discovery. Did you know that in order to track the elephants’ nutrition, they have to test their poo every morning? And to do this they have to mark each elephant’s poo in some way – so they put glitter into their food. Yep, glitter! So each great big dollop of elephant poo sparkles in a very individual way – red, silver, gold, green, blue. Strange but true.
*
Plus their trunks feel like coral, all rough and bone-like – I was amazed, I expected them to feel warm and leathery.
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And that’s what I love about research – you discover the most weird and wonderful things that really can make your books come alive.
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Stay tuned for more in my next blog on 5th June.
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Yours in books,

Sarah XXX

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

2011-04-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

The most common question I get asked is 'Where Do YOu Get Your Ideas?' And the answer is not 'From a big lightbulb in the sky' - even though there is indeed one above me in this picture! No, ideas come from all over the place: *Books, movies, magazines, newspapers *Things I overhear on the train *Dreams and daydreams *Things that have happened to friends and family * Things that might never happen to anyone, but that I worry about! Dramatic things. *And often - real things that happened to me. In the 4th Amy Green book, a character gets very bad stage fright - no spoilers, I promise! This is based on something that happened to me when I was 12. I was Cinderella in the school play and I got terrible stage fright. The curtains opened and I just stood there - frozen - and when I started to sing my solo, my throat was all tight and I just squeaked. So I had to start again. This time it wasn't so bad. But being on stage is terrifying, and I was able to remember how it felt to be so scared and to use this in my book. At least something good came out of the experience - I could use it to make my book scene very realistic! Book 5 is set in Budapest and Dublin and features Claire Starr, Mills's sister who is in a ballet company over there. So recently I visited Budpest for research, and that also gave me ideas. See, I get ideas all over the place. Till next time, lovely Amy Greensters! Best, SarahX PS Look out for the next Amy Green newsletter later in April.

Sort it Out, Sarah on RTE telly

2011-03-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Here is a clip of my lastest Sort it Out, Sarah on RTE television - the link is below. Hope you like it!
Every month I appear on the show Elev8, sorting out problems. They range from advice on what girls like (boys with a sense of humour!), what to do if your mum is your teacher, to how to cope when friends turn mean, and or you get left out of things.

It's a really great experience, and fun too. I love getting my make up done - there's something very relaxing about lying back on the special chair (like a dentist's chair) and having someone do your face up.

One day I might even make Amy and Clover on screen agony aunts and use what I have found out - what do you think?!

Sarah XXX
http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1093685

Problems, problems . . . from the vaults of Sort It Out, Sarah!

2011-02-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Problems, problems . . .

Every second Thursday I’m Sort it Out, Sarah on RTE telly’s show, ELEV8.
Viewers send me their problems and I try to fix them.

Here are 2 problems from last week and the answers I gave:

Hi Sarah,

My friend always wears the same kinds of clothes as me and it’s really annoying. I get annoyed at her but I can’t say it because then we’ll end up having a fight. How do I tell her to dress differently without hurting her feelings?

Well, that’s a tough one. Your friend is copying your style because a/ she thinks you look cool and b/ she is unsure of her own style. So it’s a compliment to you that she’s copying your clothes. But saying that, she needs to find her own style.

So here’s what I’d suggest:

Be her stylist – all the movie stars and singers have stylists. Go through her wardrobe and pick out some outfits that suit her and show her how to put cool looks together.

Go shopping with her and help her to pick out some great new clothes. They don’t have to be expensive.

Good luck!

Hi Sarah,

When we’re in hockey and we’re picking teams, I find it hard to pick my friend for my team because she’s not as sporty as I am and I don’t want our team to lose but I also don’t like making her feel bad. What can I do?

That’s another difficult one. I’m quite competitive too, so I know what it’s like. You want to win but you don’t want to hurt your friend.

Here’s what I’d suggest:

Tell your friend you can only pick her every few weeks as otherwise it would look like favouritism.

After school or at the weekend practice with her and help her pick up a few tips.

Hope that helps!

Best, Sarah XXX

The New Blog is Here! Don't Miss Out - Read It Right This Second . . .

2011-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Before and after pics from the Irish Book Awards!

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and I’m feeling good . . .

I’ve been reading a couple of other writers’ blogs recently and I came to the conclusion that:

a/ some people put a whole heap more effort than others into blogging

b/ some blogs are boring

c/ no-one (me included) wants to hear about what writers had for breakfast – unless they ate something mad like ostrich eggs

and c/ my own blog is starting to get very *yawn and stretch* BORING indeed!

So I asked my teen son, Sam, is my blog boring. He said ‘Yes, Mum, snoozeville.’ (And he’d only read 3 lines)

So I asked one of my teen editors who was far more polite.

‘Well . . .’ she stalled. ‘I wouldn’t say boring exactly. I’d say informative.’

Informative – not good. School is informative. The Irish Times is informative. Emails from the bank are informative. But blogs should be fun, right? You’re tuning in to be entertained, not put to sleep.

Maybe you’ve had a rotten day in school, your mum’s nagging you about homework again, and you just want something funny to read.

So there’s going to be a change around her, my friends. Starting now, I’m going to say exactly what I like, when I like and no-one can do a thing about it.

Maw-ha-ha-ha! (Evil laugh)

You will learn the secret weird and wonderful workings of my very odd mind. I mean really, who spends hours thinking about school lock downs and how cool a story that would make?

Who spends hours discussing Wimpy Kid books with a gang of third classers just for the hell of it?

I tell you, I’m so far off normal sometimes, I scare myself.

Must be all the cool children’s books I’ve read – they’re seeping into my brain and turning it into a huge glowing ball of strange ideas and concepts.

Every day I wake up thinking something like – what if there was this surfing dog, now that’s interesting. No, no, surfing hamster. No, no, a boarding school for children of spies . . . and on it goes, all day, every day . . .

But that is how all books start . . . the big WHAT IF.

And I know a whole heap of you like writing too, so in this blog I’ll try to demystify (good word, huh!) the whole writing process – and tell you how a book is written from start to finish.

- OK, honest question to teen editor number one, is this blog boring?

- No way! But I hope you don’t mind me saying this – are you OK? You sound, well, different.

- Different in a good way, or in a bad way?

- In a good way I guess.

- Most excellent, my work here is done.

Till next week, Amy Greensters. Friday is blog day so check back every Friday from now on for your weekly blog fix.

Be warned, if you like this post and leave comments it will only encourage me! The more comments, the more blogs . . . it’s in your hands, folks!

Toodle pips as Clover would say.

Sarah XXX

Happy New Year!

2011-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all the Amy Greensters out there.
I haven't blogged for a while - Christmas was kinda busy in chez Webb.
I'm currently working on Amy Green 4 - which is very nearly finished and will be out in May - exciting!
I'm also making notes for Amy Green 5 - and off to Budapest to do some research for the book in March.
And I have 2 Transition Year girls - Amy and Kate - coming in Feb to help me in my office. They both want to be writers, so they will be blogging about their experiences right here!!!
Stay tuned.
January is a funny old month, isn't it? Lots of things starting up. But for me September has always been the month things really begin - I think it's 'cos it was always back to school time.
Anyway, Happy January, and talk soon.
Sarah XXX

How I Write a Book - Step 1 - Ideas

2010-12-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Amy Greensters,
I was posting this blog to my other website - www.sarahwebb.ie and I thought I'd share snippets of it with you guys too!
It's about how I write a book from start to finish. So if you're interested in writing, or in how I write my books, read on.

I’ve just realised I haven’t really blogged about how I write a book from start to finish – from the very first idea to the actual final manuscript. So using the book I’ve just finished, Ask Amy Green: Party Drama-rama (Amy 4) I’ll try to explain how I do this. It might take a couple of weeks as I’m talking details people! ‘Cos I’m that kinda gal. Now first the disclaimer:

Every writer writes in a very, very different way. This is just the way I do it. And I’m certainly not suggesting it will work for everyone. It doesn’t even work for me sometimes! So take everything I say with a large sea rock of salt!

1/ The Initial Idea
This is the number one question I get asked at events and in schools – ‘Where do you get your ideas?’

And it’s a very hard one to answer. If I’m talking to younger readers and writers of say under 14 I tend to tell them about my crazy, mad thought-filled mind and how it never rests and is always spewing up ideas. Like today – I was stuck at home with the kids (snowed in) and thinking about how that might feel if it happened for more than a week – how would we cope. Then – being a writer – I thought, hey, that’s an interesting one for a book. It could be a/ a comedy about a family muddling through and being resourceful and learning to work together after practically killing each other or b/ a Hunger Games type dystopian teen novel where the family really do kill each other – I’d have to throw in some sort of reality tv show then maybe or c/ a romance where 2 neighbouring families are thrown together – maybe a widow and a single mum – and they bond over show shovels. See, my mind works in mysterious ways and there is always, always something cool to write about.

Where was I? Ah yes, ideas. And the idea for Amy 4 in particular.

For me, largely the characters come first. In the case of Amy 4 I already knew all the main characters – Amy, Clover, her crazy 17 year old aunt, Mills, Amy’s best friend, Sylvie, her mum, Art, her Dad, Dave, her step dad and so on.

Before I think about plot, I tend to do a lot of work on the characters. For Amy 4 I had a new character to concentrate on, Bailey Otis. He has a small walk on part in Amy 3 but I needed to flesh him out a lot more. So I grabbed my character note book and started writing pages and pages – what I knew about him – from where he was born, to his childhood, his parents, schools, music he likes, talents, hates, likes etc etc.

Once I’ve got the main characters firmly in my head I think about the plot and the setting.

Plot

Plot is an interesting one. Some writers – especially crime writers apparently – start with plot. But I do have an idea of the type of thing I’d like to write about before I put pen to paper. It tends to swirl around in my head, picking up momentum and speed, before forming into anything coherent.

I knew I wanted to make Amy Green a problem solver. I also knew I wanted to give her an older side kick who could drive and had a job and some money. Clover was originally going to be 21 until my very wise friend, Liz, said that that was way too grown up and younger was better. So I made her 17 instead which worked much better – thanks, Liz!

Once I decided to make Clover a journalist, and an agony aunt for teens, I found my ‘in’ to the problem solving. Basically Amy is brilliant at solving other people’s problems, but not so hot with her own problems.

So then I had my premise and my characters, and I just had to fill in the plot. Which has never been hard with the Amy books as my characters have a lot to say and live very eventful lives!

But basically – ideas come from everywhere – keep your eyes open and one will bite you on the nose. Now, I wonder if that family getting snowed in idea would actually work? Or a teen novel about a Lockdown in a school . . . my son’s school had a Lockdown drill recently, a new one on me, but common now in the US . . . now that’s an interesting one . . .

Writing Competition Shortlist - Wildest Dreams Competition

2010-11-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hi to everyone who entered the competition - your entries are up on the write a rama section of the website.
As they were all so brilliant I picked the three shortlisted ones out of a hat and they are:
Peace (9 to 11)
Sorcha (9 to 11)
and Tia (12 to 14)
Well done, girls! You will now be in the main draw to win a pack of lovely book and glittery goodies!
News on the overall winner next week right here. Stay tuned.
Sarah XXX

Hi to All the Kildare Gang and Another Great Review from Anna

2010-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hi to all the great girls and guys from Kildare I met today in the Riverbank Theatre. Fab questions, lads!

And here's another quick review from Anna in Cork . . .
If you'd like to submit a review for the website, do send it to me - sarah at askamygreen.com

Here is my review on Bridesmaid Blitz

Bridesmaid blitz is a fabulous book and I could not put it down it is one of her best books maybe the best. My favorite characters are Clover and Gracie. I was mad with my self for finishing it because it was so good. A thrilling book with a real Paris feel, I loved it. Full of emotion, comedy, a French feeling, and a whole lot of Sarah Webb. My favorite part is when Amy becomes godmother. Enjoy and remember "A good book shines light on your life"(I made that up)
xx10 outa 10

Anna O' C xx

Niamh Sharkey and Cecelia Ahern go mad for On the Road . . .

2010-11-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

And here's one I took at the Irish Book Awards launch of my mate, Niamh with none other than Cecelia Ahern - Niamh is the one on the left! Don't they look fab, the girls!

Go Niamh!

More celebrity book pics next week!!!

Sarah XXX

Derek Landy and John Boyne

2010-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Cool Writers Part 1 and 2: Derek Landy and John Boyne

I know a lot of you love reading - and guess who I bumped into recently at the Irish Book Awards launch - none other than my fellow writer friend, Derek Landy. I first met Derek about a month before his debut Skulduggery book came out, and I've had great fun following his career and chatting books with him ever since. He's a truly fab and cool guy and I think his novels are getting better and better every year.

But the COOLEST thing about Derek is the way he treats his fans. My son, Sam is a mega Derek fan and Derek kindly drew a wee pic on a napkin at the launch and let me take a pic of him holding it for Sam. Needless to say Sam was thrilled!
Derek rocks!

And ask for John Boyne - he's bfs with none other than Danni Minogue, the best judge in the X-Factor by miles. How impressive is that! He was at the show on Saturday with his sister - I'm green with envy.

I have such cool writer friends. And they write pretty fantastic books too!
More on my writer friends soon, including some rather fab pics of me in a pink limo with none other than Cathy Cassidy - if I can find the bloomin' pics that is!

Sarah XXX
PS expect lots more blogging action in the New Year my Amy Greensters, I'm only warming up!

2010-11-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Sarah with lovely illustrator, Niamh Sharkey

and Conor Hackett, our fab Walker Books 'minder' at the

launch of the Irish Book Awards.

To vote for Sarah (or Niamh) log onto

www.irishbookawards.ie and click on the vote button at the top. Ask Amy Green:Bridesmaid Blitz is in the senior children's category.

Thanks for voting!

Sarah XXX

Ask Amy Green Party Drama-Rama - some clues

2010-11-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

So what's in store for Amy and Clover next? Well, lots of you have been asking about the next Amy Green so I have some news for you.
First of all it will be out in May 2011 - 5 months to go I'm afraid. But stay tuned here and to the newsletter for more details.
Mills and Seth are back of course, along with Clover - naturally! Try keeping her away.
Clover's going to college but she's really nervous - for very good reason. There's someone in college she really, really doensn't want to meet up with.
And Bailey Otis is back - he of the cheek bones and amazing green eyes. Bailey has a secret, and Amy's determined to find out what it is.
But of course, Mills falls head over heels for him . . . she always has some sort of boy trouble on the go, being MIlls!
I'll tell you more soon, promise. And as Amy says, 'A promise is a promise'.
Talk soon,
Sarah X

Fantastic Review from Anna from Cork

2010-11-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Boy Trouble is a fantastic book, I did not want to put it down at night when I was reading it. It is a fab read and makes you not want to stop turning the pages. When I finished it I held it to my chest as if to say I did not want the story to end! Luckily I have her 2nd book Summer Secrets to read now! Yippee! Sarah can make anything work and I keep dreaming about what will happen next (even in school shh.... ) My favourite character is Amy's aunt Clover (she is 17) I wish I had an aunt like Clover. Amy has some great and awful times but is still great and can stick through anything. My favourite part is when Amy sneaks off at night. You'll have to read it to find out more, 5 OUT OF 5
And remember books are a girl's best friend !!!! - Anna O' C from Cork

Tour photos - Your Wildest Dreams Tour 2010

2010-10-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of me, Sophia Bennett and Judi Curtin on our tour -

see details below.

Our tour started in Limerick where we talked to some fab Limerick girls (and guys!) about writing and how our dreams came true. Then we hot footed it to Cork that night and had dinner in the city which was fun. Writers talk a lot when they are out as they are usually locked away at their desk writing new books!

Then we drove to Macroom and talked to a lovely bunch of girls in the Briery Gap Theatre - they were a great bunch of girls and they asked some fantastic questions. I also got the chance to meet some Amy Green fans who had travelled from Kinsale to meet me which was lovely!

Back to Dublin then for a wonderful event in the Mermaid Theatre with over 200 keen readers, including girls from my old school, St Andrew's College. Who were fab naturally!

And more chatting to fans on Friday afternoon in Eason and on Saturday in BT2s. PHew!

All over now, and I'm back at my desk.

But a big hi to all the girls I met on the trip - thanks so much for coming along to meet us and don't forget to enter the competition - see the write a rama section of the Amy Green website for details .

A tired but happy Sarah XXX

Sarah on the Telly!

2010-10-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I was on the RTE show, Elev8 today - talking about our upcoming Wildest Dreams book tour and dancing - yes, my son is mortified! He thinks his mum is so uncool. However the 4 year old kissed the telly screen when I was on apparently which is cute.

You can catch it here: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1082132
And I'm 7 mins 50 seconds in - along with the lovely Judi Curtin of course.

Off on tour on Tuesday - so I'll keep you posted on how it's going:

And don't miss the public events on Friday 15th Oct in Eason, Dun Laoghaire at 4pm
and Saturday 16th in BT2, Grafton Street at 1 to 3

See you there!

Sarah XXX

Your Wildest Dreams Tour - Check out the fab prize!

2010-10-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Your Wildest Dreams Writing Competition

Check out the fab prize

Books

Special Wildest Dream T-shirt and bag

Wildest Dreams notebook

Amy Green luggage tag

To enter see the Write-a-rama section of the Ask Amy Green website!

And get writing!

Closing date - end of Oct

Mercy Me! Sarah Meets the Mercy Heights Girls

2010-10-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 29th Sept I was waiting in Skibbereen Library, watching the library clock's hands creep past two. OK, Mercy Heights weren't going to make it. They obviously had really important stuff going down in the school, like double Irish or PE.

'They're on their way,' the lovely librarian, Ken assured me. I didn't really believe him. I sighed inwardly. If they didn't turn up I'd have to go back to work - yikes.

But they certaily did appear - and how. Minutes later the whole of 1st year trooped into the library and squeezed themselves into the children's space. From the start I knew these were great girls - funny, interesting, lively and witty, with lots to say.

I told them about growing up in Dublin - my mad mother, my bad ballet experiences, my slightly better Cinderella play experiences, and how I became a writer.

Then they asked some fab questions about writing/books/teen diaries/all kinds of things and we chatted for ages.
I think I even told them about my boy lists at the back of my teen diaries - oops!

Then they signed my special events book, and I signed their books, fanzines and bits of paper!

It was fun. So a big hi to all the fab girls at Mercy - with the fab names: Chloe, Grace, Helen, Aine, Lily, Aoife, Aisling, Niamh, Leah, Loraine, Sinead, Fiona, Maisey, Alanna, Karen, Sarah C, Orla . . . and all the rest of the gang - it was a pleasure to meet you all!

What I liked about Mercy Heights - they were bright and funny; they had some great questions; they laughed at all the right places (vital!) AND they liked my stickers and ink stamps. People who like stickers are good. Moi, obsessed? No! (But if you get a chance, check out the paper chase website - if you like stickers, it rocks!)

Sarah X

Nail biting time - book 3 is finally out

2010-10-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today is official publication day for Amy book 3 - Bridesmaid Blitz. It's always a bit of a nerve wracking (and wrecking!) time. Will readers like it as much as the last books? Will it be lost in the sea of brilliant new books out? Oct is a busy, busy month for bookshops as all the big Christmas titles start coming in.
This month is packed with book related events - library events, bookshop signings, even an RTE appearance - Elev8 on Thurs 7th Oct (this week!) at 4.00/4.30.
Check out the events section of the website for details of where I'll be and when!
Sarah X

Bridesmaid Blitz is out!

2010-10-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Bridesmaid Blitz is out! I've seen it in a few shops already. It's always really exciting seeing your books on the shelves - I never get tired of it. It makes me feel like a 'real' writer.

This month is packed with Amy Green events and signings - check out the events blog for details. I'll be visiting Cork, Limerick, Dundalk and loads of other places.

And I'm also going on tour with the fab authors Judi Curtin and Sophia Bennett.

Right now - I have to fix my hair for a photo shoot for the Irish Times. Look out for me in the paper next Saturday!

Happy October!

Sarah XXX

PS thanks for all the lovely emails and facebook messages!

Ask Amy Green: Bridesmaid Blitz Sneak Preview!

2010-09-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

From Chapter 1

‘I’m soooo depressed,’ I moan. ‘I can’t believe we’re back at school tomorrow. Kill me now.’ I grab my best friend, Mills’s GHDs and pretend to stab myself in the heart.
‘Oh happy dagger. Let me die.’ Then I stagger backwards, fall onto her bed and squash her against the star-patterned duvet.
‘Ow, Amy. Get off me, you eejit,’ she squeals.
I laugh and roll sideways. We both lie on our backs, staring up at the ceiling.
There’s something stuck to it. A photo. I squint up my eyes, then grin. Ed Whooley’s tanned face is smiling down at us.
‘Nice pic,’ I say.
Ed is Mills’s cute as Christmas boyfriend. However there’s one rather gi-normous relationship glitch, he lives in America. They hooked up over the summer hols while Mills was working as an au pair in his home town, Miami, and they’ve been exchanging smoochy emails ever since.
Ed also happens to be Matt Munroe’s little bro – yep, that Matt Munroe, the actor who makes R-Patz look ugly. My crazy aunt, Clover had to interview Matt in Miami for the teen mag she works for – The Goss – and guess who got to travel to the US of Amazing with her. You got it, lil’ ole moi.
Turned out Matt Munroe was only pretending to be American and is actually 100% guaranteed Irish beef and Clover scooped the story for The Goss. It was quite the trip!
Mills goes pink at the mention of the photo. ‘You weren’t supposed to see that.’
I grin. ‘And how is Ed the Head?’
‘Fine.’ Long pause. ‘I think. I haven’t heard from him all week. I’ve sent eight emails now. I tried ringing his ‘cell’ but he didn’t answer and I rang his house twice but his Dad said he wasn’t there. He hasn’t rung back yet and Mum’s going to kill me when she sees the phone bill. Maybe he hasn’t been getting his messages and there’s something wrong with hotmail. Should I send another email?’
I wince. ‘Not unless you want him to think you’re a serious stalker. Sorry, Mills, it doesn’t sound good.’
‘Maybe he’s just really busy?’ she suggests hopefully.
Poor Mills, Ed is her first proper boyfriend. I have to tread softly. ‘Maybe. Methinks you should leave it a few days, see if he gets back to you.’
She sighs deeply. ‘Relationships are tough.’
‘I hear you, amigo. Seth’s been acting odd this week too.’
‘At least you both live in the same time zone. Plus you’ll get to see him in school tomorrow.’
I groan. ‘Don’t remind me.’
Mills eyes open wide. ‘I thought it was true lurrvve. Have you gone off him?’
‘Course not, Seth and I are grand,’ I say, then add in a stage Irish accent ‘Sure he’s the joy of me heart, me acushla.’ I conjure up an image of my boyfriend’s face in my head - warm smile, messy blond surfer hair, new sun freckles sprinkled over the bridge of his nose, and his startling sky blue eyes.
‘I was groaning about school, Mills. Speaking of which, when’s your trip to Paris?’
‘In two weeks. I can’t wait,’ she squeals, then hugs herself with excitement. As soon as she sees my fed-up face she stops.
‘Sorry, Ames. I wish you could come too. It won’t be the same without you. And Seth’s not the only one who’ll miss you like crazy.’ She rubs her head on my shoulder and makes sad puppy noises.
I sigh. ‘If I’d known there was a trip involved I would have chosen ze froggy language with Loopy, instead of Spanish. Plus her classes sound way more fun.’
Mills laughs. ‘Miss Lupin does try to keep us awake all right. The best was the Paris Fashion Week role playing. We all had to pretend to be models, or designers, or fashion journalists and act in character. I was Anna Wintour from Vogue. It was hilarious.’
She pauses and her expression shifts. ‘Until Annabelle and Sophie had a cat fight over who was going to be Kate Moss, and Sophie swung her bag and nearly took one of Annabelle’s front teeth out.’
I chuckle. ‘I remember that. Mrs Hamilton threatened to sue Loopy for endangering her daughter’s perfect smile.’
Annabelle Hamilton is Queen Bee of the D4s, the school’s resident mean girls, named after the postcode of one of the poshest areas in Dublin, Dublin 4. None them actually live there, except for Annabelle herself - her girls-in-waiting, Sophie Piggott and Nina Pickering live in Foxrock and Cabinteely - but that doesn’t stop them acting like they’re better than everyone else, and way cooler.
Mills pulls a face. ‘I’m not looking forward to seeing Annabelle and her cronies again. I bet the D4s all have sparkling new start-of-term gear. And I’ll be stuck in the same scuffed ballet pumps I’ve been wearing all summer. I’m in for a right D4 slag-a-rama in last year’s uniform and sad old shoes.’
‘There’s always sabotage,’ I suggest. ‘I’ll help you pull the sole off or something. Then you’ll have to get a new pair.’
Mills sighs. ‘Wouldn’t work. Mum would just get them fixed. You know what she’s like – Miss Eco Friendly. The only person on the universe who still darns socks. No, I’ll just have to put up with it.’
‘If it’s any consolation, I’ll be in my old Dubes. We can be the sorry shoe twins.’
‘Annabelle’s bound to have new designer shoes,’ Mills says glumly.
‘Bound to. Très depressing.’
We both sigh and stare up at Ed again.
‘Ames, what am I going to do?’ Mills says softly. ‘About Ed I mean.’
‘I’ll ask Clover.’ Clover’s seventeen and uber worldly. I figure the bad news is better coming from Clover than from me. Clover’s great at solving problems. As agony aunt for The Goss teen mag she’s had buckets of practice. She loves answering all the readers’ problem letters. And I get to help her. Lately they’ve started printing my name on the page and everything. How cool is that?
Yep, if anyone can help, Clover can.
‘Thanks, Ames. But don’t tell her it’s me, OK? It’s so embarrassing.’
‘Promise.’ Unfortunately Clover’s so smart she’ll probably figure it out in a nano second.
I check out my watch. ‘Oops, better motor. Mum threatened me with year long grounding if I wasn’t back by eight.’
Mills clutches her neck and pretends to choke herself. ‘Last night of freedom before we meet our dooooom. See you at the post box. Usual time.’
I wink. ‘It’s a date, honey bun.’

To find out what happens next, you'll have to read the book - out on 1st Oct!

Ballerinas

2010-09-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Amy Greensters,

I managed to sneak into town to see the wonderful Ballet Ruse today - 2 fantastic ballerinas in their own special show about the hardships of ballet. It was funny, touching and brilliantly danced - I only wish it had gone on longer.

I studied ballet for years - and I've always been a huge, huge fan. I still have the tutu and blocks to prove it! I love watching ballet, and I'm so in awe of the dancers - it's such a tough job.

In the Amy Green books Mills's sister, Claire is studying ballet in Russia and in book 5 she makes a special appearance. I just can't wait to write it. But I have to polish up book 4 first - that's very important.

Until then, I'll just dream about ballet I think.

What do you dream about?

Talk to you soon,

Sarah XXX
PS Bridesmaid Blitz is out in 2 weeks - 2 WEEKS - how exciting is that!

Exclusive Tour Details - Your Wildest Dreams Tour - Oct 2010

2010-09-13T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Wildest Dream Tour 2010 - it's coming soon, folks! For details of all my Sept/Oct events - and there are many, see Meet Sarah - What's On - section of the website

What’s your wildest dream? To be an actor? A professional dancer? To win the X Factor? Or maybe even be a writer?

Sophia Bennett, Judi Curtin and Sarah Webb (moi!) all dreamed of one day becoming writers. Discover how all their dreams came true and more on this very special tour of Limerick, Cork and Dublin as part of the 2010 Children’s Book Festival.

The Writers’ Manifesto

Sophia, Judi and Sarah are all dedicated to writing about:
Real girls
Real drama and young teen issues
And telling the truth to their readers.

No vampires
No werewolves
No boys that go bump in the night in their books!

The Tour Dates

Wednesday 13th October – 10.30 am - Belltable Studio, Limerick - schools event

Thursday 14th October – 10.30 am - Briery Gap Theatre, Macroom, Cork - schools event

Friday 15th October – 11.00 am - Mermaid Theatre, Bray, Co Wicklow - schools event

Friday 15th October - 4.00 pm Monster Signing in Eason, Dun Laoghaire - all welcome

Saturday 16th October – 2 pm - BT2 store on Grafton Street, Dublin - all welcome

(tell your teacher about the tour and hopefully she might bring your class along - she/he can contact the theatres directly for more details or ask Tom about it - details below)

More About Sophia and Judi

Sophia Bennett won the The Times/Chicken House Award for her first book, Threads, which has been described as ‘the next Princess Diaries, only hotter’. Her latest book is Beads, Boys and Bangles (Chicken House), for readers of 10+. Sophia is based in London, and is currently working on the third book in the Threads trilogy.

Judi Curtin is best known for her bestselling Alice and Megan series. Her latest books are the Alice and Megan Cook Book and Eva’s Journey (O’Brien Press), both for age 9+. She was recently shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. Judi lives in Limerick with her family.

Booking details: Tom Donegan at CBI 01 8727475 or tom@childrensbooksireland.ie

Can't wait to meet you all!

SarahX

Have Lunch with Me in Dun Laoghaire - Mountains to Sea Book Lunch!

2010-08-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

If you live near Dun Laoghaire - here is a cool event just for you - come and have lunch with me at the -
Monster Book Lunch – on Sat 11th September
Sponsored by Walker Books, to celebrate their 30th birthday

An author or illustrator at every table, including moi!

Fifteen authors will host fifteen different tables, and one of those tables has your name on it (don’t worry, you’ll get to meet all the authors!).

Meet and chat to KATE DICAMILLO (how cool is that?!), Marita Conlon McKenna, Don Conroy, Joe O’Neill, Judi Curtin, PJ Lynch, Sarah Rees Brennan and a host of other authors and illustrators. Plus readings and a Q and A.

Everyone will go home with a goody bag and there will be a bookshop on site to buy signed copies of all the authors’ books.

See you there!

Time: 12 to 3.15
Venue: Royal St George Yacht Club, Seafront, Dun Laoghaire
Cost: e15 children e20 adults

Tickets are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking: 01 2312929 or book online at www.mountainstosea.ie

Letter of the week - from Tammy

2010-08-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here’s my letter of the week, from a lovely girl, T. I’ll call her Tammy!

Hey there, Sarah,

I recently finished reading your second book and decided to get in touch. I was just wondering how you managed to come up with such a great storyline? The books. There isn't any words for them. They are just so good.

I'm trying to write a book myself and was just wondering if you have any tips? Also are you planning on making the books into a film if you haven’t already.

I'm waiting for the next book come out. i even ordered one that isn’t due out until next year. rather sad I know, but they are the kind of books that are really hard to put down, and when you've finished, you just wanna go straight to the next book. I hope you get in touch.

Tammy x

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for your lovely email. I'm so glad you liked Amy Green's adventures. I'm working on the 4th book at the moment - it will be called Party Drama-rama and is about Sylvie's hen party, a very unusual boy called Bailey Otis who will first appear in book 3 in October.

I don't know where I get my ideas really! First I come up with the characters for a book, and then think about the kind of things they might get up to, and then the stories just seem to write themselves as the characters take over.

But I do use some 'real' things in the books. In Boy Trouble the Bebo bullying story was based on a story I read in the paper. And in Summer Secrets, Lough Ine is a real place - and it inspired that storyline.

And in Bridesmaid Blitz (out in Oct) the Paris hotel is based on a real hotel I stayed in, and the trips Amy takes in Paris are trips I took myself and also loved. Like visiting the Mona Lisa, and checking out the shops in Monmartre. It’s such an amazing city.

Writing tips - read a lot for a start, write every day if you can, and don't give up. If you start a story, try to finish it. There are more tips on my website also. Good luck!

All the best,

SarahXXX

PS Yes, film rights have been snapped up, but no more news as yet – keep checking the website for news!

The First Book I Ever Read

2010-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick q and a I just did for the Readathon - can you remember the first book you ever read? SarahXXX

Can you remember the first book you ever read by yourself?

I was a late reader, I didn’t read fluently until I was 9 ½ but as soon as it all started to click I flew through all the Enid Blyton school stories. But the first book I can remember being read aloud to me is A A Milne’s poetry books.

What was your favourite book as a child?

As a child and now, my favourite books are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, and Are You There, God, It’s Me, Margaret by the wonderful Judy Blume.

Is there any children’s book which has been handed down through the generations in your family ?

Yes, lots – Richard Scarry books, The Secret Garden, Ballet Shoes, Fairy Tale collections and my prized possession, a signed Mary Lavin ‘The Second Best Children in the World’, a brilliant picture book.

What is your favourite book of all time?

See above!

Is there a reading or book related memory/tip that you would like to share with young readers around the country?

In my job as a children’s bookseller I’ve been very lucky to meet a lot of authors over the years – including J K Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson and Judy Blume. And they all have one thing in common, they are all passionate readers. So if you’d like to be a brilliant writer like Jo or Jacqueline, read, read, read!

My Fave Review of the Week - Thanks MB!

2010-08-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my favourite review of the week - and thanks to M B for letting me post it - you rock!

SarahX

Amy Green, Teen Agony Queen Series.

This is my definite favourite EVER book series! I’m not joking, every time I pick up these books to read I fall in love with them again! These books explain the life of a typical Irish thirteen-year-old living in Dublin. Amy Green has all sorts of challenging problems; school, her parent’s divorce, her dad getting married to some one she hates, her mum’s boyfriend who she is not too fond of, boy trouble and two terror toddlers. But then Amy's breath taking aunt Clover finds a job in the magazine the Goss and Amy can’t believe her luck! To even be around Clover is a laugh and amazing fun but Clover asking Amy to help her is an honour and a fantastic experience. And even though Clover is only seventeen she needs the eyes and ears of a thirteen-year-old to help her. And, as Clover gets more into the job and is getting asked to do an interview with a certain famous actor she needs some one to go to America with her…....and maybe answering other people’s questions may find the answers to Amy’s…..

I really enjoyed these books, you feel that you can relate to them, it’s as if the story was about you in some chapters and I feel that the author, Sarah Webb captured that very well! The book is written very thoughtfully and a lot of effort probably went into this to make it as good as it is now. It’s very funny, and will have you giggling through out the book. The two books out at the moment are Boy Trouble and Summer Secrets, there is the third novel named Bridesmaid Blitz being released in October and Sarah is currently writing the fourth book named Party Drama-Rama. My favourite book would be the first one, boy trouble but I enjoyed the other one thoroughly too. I definitely give them all 5 stars.

Check out my interview from Beauty Couture

2010-08-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

HI All,
Here is my interview from Beauty Couture - 'cos us writers are v stylish don't you know ;)
Sarah X

By: Niamh, August 03
We have a good old natter with super fantastic Irish author Sarah Webb, about her upcoming book, her top advice for budding writers and her secret ballerina ambitions!

Sarah tell us what you are doing with yourself these days?
‘I'm currently working on my 10th novel, The Shoestring Club, set in a clothes shop. It will be published next year, all being well.’ (and 4th Amy Green too!!!)

How did you get into writing?
‘I wrote my first books as a single mum, working full time in Waterstone's. At first it was a financial thing to be honest, trying to make ends meet. I started writing articles for local newspapers, magazines and finally wrote a nonfiction book for children, my very first book. But then I got the fiction bug and I've been writing novels ever since and loving it. I now write full time so I'm very lucky.’

What is it you love about writing?
‘Working for myself; creating characters I grow to love as much as real friends; meeting readers and other writers. It really is an amazing job. Solitary and lonely at times, but generally wonderful.’

Do you prefer writing for younger or older audiences?
‘I like both. The teenage books are shorter though which is kind of nice!’

Would you ever like to see one of your books be turned into a TV or film adaptation? Or do you think a film can never live up to a book?
‘ The film rights for the Ask Amy Green books, my series for age 10+ have been bought, so fingers crossed. I'd love to see any of my books on the big or small screen, it would be fascinating to see what a screen writer and director brought to the stories.’

Why do you think the Irish are so world successful when it comes to writing?
‘We love telling stories, to anyone who will listen! And we are also huge, huge readers. Readers often become writers, it's a natural progression.’

There are a lot of successful Irish women authors out there, how did you manage to get yourself noticed in the beginning?
‘ I think the only thing a writer can do is to a- write a darned good book and b- write a darned good book!!! I'm very lucky as I also like writing for magazine and newspapers so that helps in that I can write columns and other pieces. And I also have a background in children's books as I worked as a children's bookseller for so long, so I have plenty to talk and write about.’

Who is your favourite author?
‘I love Marian Keyes, Judy Blume, Cathy Cassidy, Anne Tyler and Dr Seuss.’

What is your everyday, staple beauty product you’d never leave home without putting on?
‘Clinique City Base in Factor 40 - I burn amazingly easily.’

What is your beauty regime like day-to-day?
‘ I use Clinique products like the Foaming Face wash which I find great and not too harsh, and their Dramatically Different Moisturiser. I keep it all pretty simple as I don't have much time.’

Who is your biggest style influence?
‘Honestly? My best friend, Tanya. She's bang up to date with all the trends and has an amazing eye for what suits people. She should have been a stylist.’

Favourite high-street haunts?
‘Top Shop. Pennys for belts, hats etc. And River Island.’

Favourite designer destinations and designers?
‘Seagreen in Monkstown is a fav as it's down the road from me and they have great sales. I love Lainey knitwear and try to invest in a cardigan or jumper every few years in the sample sales. I also love BTs. I could spend hours in their shoe department!’ (Beautycouture.ie HQ is with you on that one Sarah!)

Heels or flats?
‘Flats by day, heels by night.’

Best bargain ever?
‘Probably a black and gold knitted dress by Temperley. I bought it second hand shop for €100 and it looks fab with black boots.’

As a bestselling author how do you juggle family life, friends and your work etc?
‘With difficulty sometimes! I write when the kids are at school, then take a break to do the school runs, then do admin - emails etc - in the afternoon. I also work three evenings a week, replying to readers' letters, copy editing books, and writing articles and reviews.’

Any advice for writers out there?
‘Yes, bum glue! Stick your bum to your seat and stay there. Read a lot. Write a lot. And never give up. Rejection is part of every writer's life.’

What did you want to be when you grew up?
‘A ballerina.’

Cute Letter

2010-08-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi,

This letter from Sophie arrived this week and made me smile. Thanks to everyone for all the great emails, keep them coming! sarah@askamygreen.com
I'll post some of the extra nice ones here! ;)

Hi Sarah,

I have just read one of your books (Summer Secrets),and OMG its the best book I have ever read - you are now my favorite author of all time.You see I'm from Cork myself - East Cork that is - and I don't really know why I've never been to West Cork and Lough Ine looks beautiful (I looked up pictures of it) and now I have decided to go there and see it myself.

You will be happy to know that I am now going to buy all the Amy Green books and read them so thanks for writing them and please write some more books about Amy Green PLEASE as they are so good. I hope you get this Email thanks again

Love, Sophie, aged 12, Co. Cork Ireland
xxx :)

Well, Sophie, there will be at least 6 Amy Green stories and book 3, Bridesmaid Blitz, will be out in Oct. Thanks for your letter! And do visit Lough Ine (featured in Summer Secrets) - it's so beautiful.
SarahX

Summer Writing Workshops

2010-06-23T15:33:00.001-07:00

Lots of you have been asking about summer writing workshops - well, here you go - in Cork and Kildare - hope to see you there!

Summer Workshops with Sarah Webb – July and August (that would be me!)

If you’re interested in writing, or just like playing with words and story ideas, these workshops are for you!

Skibbereen Arts Festival

Wednesday 21st July
www.skibbereenartsfestival.com (July 18th to 31st)

Write-A-Rama - Creative Writing Workshop with Sarah Webb

How do you create a cracking story? What makes a character so real they almost jump off the page? How do you keep readers interested?

Join Sarah Webb for a special write-a-rama workshop, featuring lots of character, word and story games. During the morning, the group will focus on creating characters that jump off the page, how to make ‘boring’ sentences more exciting, and using memory and emotion to colour your writing. Get your creative juices flowing with this fun workshop!

Age 10+
Places limited to 15
Please bring a notebook and a pen or pencil, and, if possible, your favourite book.

To book, please contact the arts festival office – info@skibbereenartsfestival.com
Or have a look at their website for booking details

I will be running a similar workshop at the:

Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare

As part of their Summer Programme

On Friday 6th August at 10.30 to 12.30

Booking details – 045 448330
info@riverbank.ie

www.riverbank.ie

Thanks for Voting - You Rock!

2010-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you lovely Amy Greensters, I'm now on the Queen of Teen shortlist, along with Cathy Cassidy and Jackie Wilson. I'm hugely grateful to all those who voted for me. It's a real honour to be on any list with writers like that I can tell you!

If you'd like to vote for me again - here's the website details:
http://www.queenofteen.co.uk/vote.html

The award ceremony is on 10th September and is a tres swish affair with a pink theme - pink limos, pink drinks, pink cup cakes. I can't wait. I'll take lots of pictures, don't worry!

SarahXXX

June - Book News for Amy Greensters!

2010-06-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Apologies for the lack of posting recently - I've been working away on Amy Green 3, Bridesmaid Blitz. I'm delighted to say it's finished now and I'm really pleased with it. It's out in October and I'll post a sneak peak of the first chapter soon, but until then, here's the first few lines:

Chapter 1

‘I’m soooo depressed,’ I moan. ‘I can’t believe we’re back at school tomorrow. Kill me now.’ I grab my best friend, Mills’s GHDs and pretend to stab myself in the heart. ‘Oh happy dagger. Let me die.’ Then I stagger backwards, fall onto her bed and squash her against the star-patterned duvet.
‘Ow, Amy. Get off me, you eejit,’ she squeals. ‘And stop with all the Shakespeare. I don’t want to be reminded of English class, thanks very much.’
I laugh and roll sideways. We both lie on our backs, staring up at the ceiling.
There’s something stuck to it. A photo. I squint up my eyes, then grin. Ed Whooley’s tanned face is smiling down at us.
‘Nice pic,’ I say . . .

Stay posted if you want to read on.

And coming next month - info on an Amy Green event in Kildare in August and also the Armed, Pink and Dangerous tour with Sophia Bennett and Judi Curtin in October.

SarahX

News on Amy 3 - but in the meantime you could read . . .

2010-04-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, Amy here again!

Lots of you have been asking when the new book featuring my most excellent and thrilling adventures is out - well, that would be October. Sarah tells me it's finished and it's absolutely fab if she says so herself.

It's called Bridesmaid Blitz and all the old gang are back - Amy and Clover obviously, Mills, Seth, and the ancients - Polly, Sylvie, Gramps, Dave. Plus a rather mysterious new character called Bailey.

But in the meantime if you just have to read something and you've already devoured Boy Trouble and Summer Secrets dozens of times (that would be you, Michelle C, don't deny it!), check out Threads: Beads, Boys and Bangles by Sophia Bennett. Set in the London fashion world, it's full of cool dresses, cute ballet boys, mad friends and Indian adventures. I LOVED it.

And more news - Sarah is touring Ireland with Sophia and another fantastic Irish writer, Judi Curtin in October - the Armed, Pink and Dangerous Tour 2010. More details soon.

Talk soon,

Amy XXX

Spring Break, Dublin Style

2010-04-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Is there anything better than school holidays? I think not! Unfortunately my annoying female parental thought I was having far too much fun sleeping, hanging out with my friends, and catching up on Glee and decided to put me on baba duty for the afternoon while she went to the dentist.

At least that’s where she said she was going – I have my doubts – can a filling really take two whole hours? Please! Her teeth are not elephant tusk sized.

So I got landed with Alex and Evie, my little brother and sister. And I was supposed to be meeting up with Seth and Mills. They kindly offered to help me with the babies, so I pushed Evie in the buggy, and Seth put Alex on his back and we headed off to the park.

Alex nearly gave Seth a black eye with his sharp little heels, but apart from that we all got there in one piece.

Then we made the mistake of giving the babies ice cream cones, which they got all over their faces, hands, hair and clothes. Evie even got ice cream up her nose – yuck! I had to dig it out with the corner of a tissue.

When we got home Mum nearly had a fit.

‘What happened?’ she demanded. ‘Why are they both so sticky and what’s that gloop in their hair? Amy!’

‘It’s only ice cream, Mum,’ I said. ‘It’ll wash out.’

She narrowed her eyes. ‘Did Dave put you up to this?’ (Dave’s my kind of step dad)

‘Up to what?’

‘He told you, didn’t he? That if you do something badly I might not ask you to do it again.’

‘No! And I wasn’t trying to be a rubbish babysitter on purpose if that’s what you’re implying,’ I protested. ‘I was doing you a favour. Look, I’ll put them both in the bath for you. OK?’

She softened up a bit then and gave me a tenner. Score!

Hope you don’t have to babysit too much over the holliers, my friends!

Until next time -

Keep smiling!

Amy XXXX

Paddy's Day Palaver!

2010-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well my dear friends, I'm still a-shaking and a-quivering all over!

Mills and Seth had this great idea yesterday - to go to the funfair at Bray. OK, I thought, that's coolaboola - I can just watch and catch some rays (the sun was actually out yesterday - hello stranger!). I'm so not into being hurtled around in the air, my stomach lurching into my mouth.

Then Clover decided to tag along too. Brains (her boyf) was playing a Paddy's Day gig in the evening with his band so he was off setting it all up, and she had the afternoon free.

But when I got there Clover said 'Come on, Beanie. Don't be such a chick-chick-chick-chicken.' She folded her arms under her armpits and did a flapping impression. 'Bwalk, bwalk, bwalk, bwalk, bwalk.'

'Fine,' I said huffily. 'I'll go on one ride. Something that doesn't go up in the air, understand?'

So she pulled me towards the swings by the arm, Seth and Mills following behind. Before I knew what was happening, I was strapped into a seat, my body suspended in the air. I looked up - the two chains looked safe enough but I was still nervous.

Clover was sitting on one side, Mills on the other and Seth just behind us.

'What does this do exactly?' I asked Clover.

Clover smiled. 'It just swings around a bit, you know. The clue's in the title - the swings.'

'Don't be such a smartie pants,' I said. The machine sprung into action and all the seats started to lift in the air. And lift, and lift, and lift - until we were dozens of feet off the ground. YIKES!

'I hate heights, Clover,' I shrieked. 'You know that.' I screwed my eyes shut.

'Hum, we are quite high up, aren't we?' she shouted back over the noise of the ride. 'But what a view.'

'I'm not opening my eyes,' I said. 'Tell me when it's all over.'

I hung to the chains for dear life and wished I'd stuck to my guns.

Well, I lived to tell the tale. But I'm never, ever going near a fun fair with Clover again, eva!

Catch you soon,

Amy XXX

Rin on the Rox

2010-03-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

My friend, Kate sent me this link of Rin on the Rox - two American girls who truly rock! Check them out singing on You Tube - they are sooooo addictive.
See ya,
AmyXXX
The You Tube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWShAAbjr4

Happy World Book Day and Thanks for Reading!

2010-03-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

First of all, I got several emails this week saying how much you're enjoying reading my blog. Thanks so much for checking it out! You guys diamond rock!

Well, I have good news - Sarah says I can keep writing the blog as long as I have something to say. Yeah and double yeah!

Hum, better find something to say then.

Happy World Book Day for a start. To celebrate a copy of Boy Trouble (my first book, but you know that, right!) was left at the end of Dun Laoghaire for some lucky - ahem - person to find. Wonder who it went home with? Can't wait to find out. It's called book crossing - you release a book into the wild for other readers - pretty cool, eh?

You can check it out here: www.bookcrossing.com

Otherwise all is pretty cool chez Green this week - nothing major to report. Mum's been dropping hints about Mother's Day - don't forget - it's Sunday 14th. Big hints - like 'If you guys forget Mother's Day again I'm going on strike! No washing, no cooking, no cleaning.'
'What like normal you mean, Sylvie?' Dave said, grinning.
Mum swatted him with a tea towel. She wasn't amused. I thought it was kinda funny myself.

OK, she's yelling at me again, dinner's up. Spag bol - tres exciting, not! Hope it's edible - Mum's not exactly Jamie Oliver. See ya soon,

Amy XXX

Rachel's Ode to Maths

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is a cool article sent to the Goss by a student in 6th class in Dunboyne (nice place in Ireland) - Clover passed it on to me - it's pretty good so I thought I'd publish it here on my Amy Blog.

I've added my own comments on it of course! If you've read my books you'll know I'm a maths geek, sad but true!!!!

Amy XXX

Make Maths a Friend! by Rachel
:)

To me, Maths has no personality. It’s like a dead person, it doesn’t exist. (How can you say this, Rachel? Amy)

There’s nothing deep about it. You can’t leave your own mark on it. It doesn’t express who you are as a person, because in maths there’s always an answer but only one. You have no choice. You can’t leave your own stamp on it. But maybe I’m missing something? There could be some secret to maths no one knows. Something deep hidden behind the numbers. (See, Rachel, you're getting it now - Amy)

All subjects can be thought about in different ways, In the end I think it all depends on our attitude towards it. Maybe if we think about Maths in a more positive way, it will appeal to us differently. We just think of maths as a bad subject because it seems like that subject everyone just has to hate and groan about, because if you think about it, it’s not very popular is it? (Except with me!)

Maybe maths seems bad to us because it is one of those subjects we just love to hate. Pretend for a minute maths had feelings, I don’t think it would like being complained at so much, would you?

I know I wouldn’t be the first person you’d think of running to for tips on maths but here are some on how you can help improve your attitude towards it. (You go, girl!)

Tips:

1. Think of maths positively. If you think about maths in a positive way. It will come out like that on the paper.

2. I know I said before maths has no personality, but as hard as it is try your very best to pretend it does. Pretend Maths has feelings like a person. Pretend he’s...Max! If Maths was a real person you wouldn’t wan’t to hurt his feelings would you? So try your best doing the sums for him, and not only the teacher will be pleased.(I know this sounds crazy, but try it out and it might work.)

3. Try come up with different ways to get the answer . You don’t have to figure it out the same way as everyone else. Everybody is different and has a different approach. Even though I said there is only one answer there are still a hundred ways to get it. (Abso-doodle-lutely, Rachel!)

4. Tutor! Yes tutor. If you feel you have a strength in a certain area don’t be afraid to help someone who doesn’t. Once you know you’ve helped someone get an answer you’ll feel much better about yourself and tutoring also is a brilliant fun way to learn as you can still learn by teaching someone.

5. There are so many different areas in maths that if you feel you’ve given up (Never Give Up!!) in a certain area don’t be afraid to give a go at another one, you never know, surprisingly you might like it, it’s always good to try new things.

6. Ok so this is my last tip and so for the final one I think overall it’s all about how we look at things. Like me you may think that maths is boring or nothing to it, or not deep in any way. But try turn those bad thoughts the other way round, you know all the moaning and bad thinking won’t make it any better. Pretend Maths is all the things you think it isn’t and you just might believe it! So that’s it I think by writing this down I’ve seen maths in a different way and you should too because I guess really in the end the numbers don’t bite! (Rachel, you are so right! Numbers don't bite. But my baby sis, Evie does - ow, ow, ow. Have to go, she's got my leg . . . . Amy)

Yeah for Mills and Clover

2010-02-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

I have decided that this week is National Yeah for Amy's Friends week. There's an old Czech proverb that goes 'Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.'
Apparently people live longer if they have good friends - honestly - Mum read it in The Irish Times today!

I could have told them that - friends are vital - like lip gloss, UGGS (yes, I'm still wearing them, sorry!), Converse, and, um, Johnny Depp. Can't live without them.

And I'm so lucky to have 2 fabber than fab friends in Mills and Clover. I know technically Clover's my aunt, but I still count her as a bestie. She certainly saves my skin enough to qualify!

And Mills - well we've been bfs 4eva. And I hope we'll grow wrinkly together. And looking at Mum's furrowed Star Trek brow, that won't be all that long . . . yikes. She's pretty stressed out at the moment.

Hope you have at least one fab friend too. Makes life much more fun, doesn't it?

Yours in friendship,
Amy XXX

Cool Play List from Kate

2010-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Check this out - my friend, Kate came up with this play list! Cool, eh? She really knows her stuff.
Thanks, Kate!
AmyXXX

Some Pop Type Music:
1. Christina Aguilera - Candyman. Fun tune - And extremely talented, just like most of her stuff. She composes her own music and writes the majority of her lyrics. She is just amazing. One of my favourite artists!
2. Britney Spears - Baby One More Time. Her older stuff definitely is more fun, and filled with fabulous bubblegum pop. I mean, yeah, people still like her no matter what though, just 'cause she is Britney!
3. Taylor Swift - Fifteen. Easily connectable with many teens. She writes the best country pop love songs out there.
4. Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River. He's hot, and extremely talented. The male version of Britney or Christina.
5. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Now. This Band make the most perfect pop rock music out there. They have awesome love songs, and headed by gorgeous Cassadee Pope.
6. Miley Cyrus - See You Again. She is the new Britney - and Disney's current leading lady. She makes a good mixture of pop, rock, and dance music. Worth a listen.
7. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance. She is said to be the new Madonna, but i believe her to be much more than that. She has an amazing voice, and is way original in her music, fashion, and ideas.
8. Paolo Nutini - any of his songs from the Sunny Side Up album - a Scottish singer/songrwriter - listen to Candy, or Growing Up Beside You ... great ballads and good poppy tunes (he has been up at the top of the UK and Irish charts for a while now)
9. You could also take a listen to Katy Perry and Florence and the Machine - Katy Perry in the charts now with Starstrukk and Florence and the Machine have been doing very well with You've got the Love
9. And finally - some Black Eyed Peas perhaps? Meet me Halfway.

Indie - Pop - Rock:
1. Panic! At The Disco - New Perspective. This band has gone through many changes, as a band, and in their direction of music.
2. Fall Out Boy - I Don't Care. How do you not love this alternative rock band? They have come a very long way from travelling in a small van touring for three years, to each having their own personal mega huge tour bus. Now, on a hiatus, I would not be sure if you would want to mention them. They do have amazing music though... and their bass guitarist is Pete Wentz who is probably one of the most politically/socially conscious artists around - does great work e.g. on Invisible Children http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php
3. Paramore - Brick By Boring Brick. Like Taylor Swift, they are young, and have the ability to connect with their young audience. They make pop, acoustic rock mainly, and have managed to beat out legends like Madonna, and Mariah Carey, this year in the album charts! They were on the Twilight soundtrack. http://www.paramore.net/
4. Now, Now Every Children - Cars. This little band from Minnesota, are actually the definition of awesome. They have catchy indie pop tunes that will make you very happy! Listen to the single - Cars. http://www.myspace.com/nownoweverychildren
4. Tegan and Sara. Smart pop music. Truly amazing.
5. We The Kings - Check Yes Juliet. I love this powerpop band - They have a fairly unique sound. Also, They sound really amazing live.
6 + 7. Blink 182 or Green day. Everybody loves these two trio's! Legends...
8. Cobra Starship - check them out - http://www.cobrastarship.com/

Irish Bands:
1. Jody Has A Hitlist - Walk It Off, Son. These pop punk musicians, have a really huge fanbase, for being unsigned. Live, they are amazing and have awesome covers, of big charting pop songs.
2. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved. It is amazing how big they have gotten. They make very catchy, beautifully written music.
3. Take a listen to Mick Flannery - http://mickflannery.com/videos/ maybe not your average teen girl's music - but good.

Thanks, Kate! You diamond rock, girl!!!

Yeah - Saw Seth

2010-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Saw Seth today - yeah! And finally got my Valentine's Card. He was supposed to call around on Sunday but things didn't quite work out the way we'd planned. Life's like that, isn't it?
Mum wanted us all to go to Milano's for family lunch - family food fight more like. Alex is a little devil with the dough balls - they never stay on his plate! Evie just chews on the pizza crusts and then spits them out - it's gross!
Anyway, Seth's card was so cute - red with a cut out picture of a house on it. Says:
My home will have no windows, doors or floors. Nor bricks or mortar.
My only home is in your arms and nowhere else.
Aaaahhhhh! So cute!!!!!!!!!!!
AmyX

Half Term Blues

2010-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Half Term - Hurrah!

Here's the thing - I love not having to get up for school - yeah! I love not having homework - double yeah!!
I love being able to see my friends every day and going to the cinema and checking out the new gear in the shops but . . .
And it's a big BUT

Mills has flown off to Bristol to visit her aunt, and Seth is busy looking after Polly at the moment (Polly's his mum and she's pretty sick so he likes spending lots of time with her) so I was all on my ownio most of today.
Hate to admit it, but I'm feeling kinda lonely right now.

Thank goodness for a/Glee b/ Facebook and c/my books. :)

I'm re-reading Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever at the mo - so sad - brilliant book!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Ask-Amy-Green/157542427175?ref=ts
and that's my facebook page - drop in and say hi!

And as for Glee - I've recorded the whole thing so far on our SkyBox and I'm off now to check out my fave clip - the boys' mashup of It's My Life and My Confessions - genius. Just the thing for a quick cheer up. Addicted to Finn - moi? Absolutelo not!!! Ahem.

Check the song out on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Tqdi5NZ3Y

Hope to see Seth tomorrow - if nothing rubbish happens - cross your fingers for me!

Amy XXX

Oh la la!

2010-02-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

OMG as the D4s would say - I'm so, so sorry. I meant to tell you all about non uniform day and I quite forgot - oops!
Well, it was hilarious. Annabelle and Sophie were both wearing navy shorts with gold buttons down the front - kind of a nautical look. They nearly had kittens when they realised they were wearing practically the same outfit. Annabelle made Sophie put on her tracky bottoms and Sophie wasn't amused!
Then Sophie got her own back by 'accidentally' pushing Annabelle into the sand pit at the bottom of the long jump during break. She had this shiny spray stuff on her legs (don't ask - I think it's supposed to make your legs look thinner or longer or something) and the sand stuck to it. She looked like a piece of sand paper.
She spent all afternoon giving Sophie killer looks.

So what did I wear? Skinny jeans, blue glittery Converse Clover gave me, my new Fraggle Rock T and my denim jacket. Normal stuff really. I didn't want to stand out too much.
And Seth - jeans, new checked blue and white Diesel shirt his mum, Polly got him - she has great taste - not like my sad female parental. He looked edible.
And Mills - jeans and a pink hoody.

What else? Half term next week - yeah, yeah, yeah! Can't wait to catch the new Percy Jackson film with Seth and Mills. And watch Glee over and over and over and over and over again!!!
Toodle pips.
Till next week.

Your bestest friend,
AmyXXXX

Have you read Summer Secrets yet? No! And why not pray tell??????

Monday - Amy's Diary - No Uniform Day

2010-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Monday

Amy’s Diary

OK, first up my new book is glittering away on the shelves right now - I spotted it on Saturday in the Eason shop in Dundrum Shopping Centre – big yeah! You can't miss the cute shiny pink cover.

Me and Mills were in Dundrum (the biggest SC in Ireland) looking for cool new Ts for our No Uniform Day (tomorrow) in aid of Haiti. Our school’s called St John’s and it’s in Blackrock, near Dublin city in Ireland. It’s pretty OK most the time. Except when the D4s* start pushing everyone around. But let’s not talk about them – too tragico for words.

Anyway, I found a cute black Fraggle Rock (weird Muppet puppet dudes) T in Zara, and Mills went for a white one with a girl’s face on it and a big red Minnie Mouse bow.

I can’t wait to see what all the D4s turn up in tomorrow! Tiny cheerleader skirts probably . . . they think Quinn Fabray (the Glee head cheerleader – I heart Glee!) is the business. Sad or what? Go Rachel I say. Although for a Crombie**, Finn’s kind of interesting.

Anyway, till tomorrow . . .

Hugs and kisses,

Amy XXX

*Girls who live in (or aspire to live in) a posh area of Dublin called Dublin 4. They wear UGG boots, say OMG a lot, and tend to move in orange fake-baked packs. Prone to meanness.

** Irish guys who play rugby and wear a lot of Abercrombie and Fitch. Fave expression ‘lege’ eg ‘Brian O’Driscoll, now he’s a lege.’ D4s find them wildly attractive – figures!

Quelle excitement - Amy's hijacking the blog in Feb!

2010-01-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

Amy here.
Yes, my friends, it's true.
To celebrate the launch of my second book, Summer Secrets, I'm taking over the Goss blog, with some help from Mills and Seth, oh and Clover of course.
So watch out for some fun and games over the next few weeks - and do tune in!
Amy X
Talk to you on 1st Feb!

2009-12-22T04:18:00.000-08:00

News for Amy Greensters

Hi there!

First of all, Happy Christmas and have a fab New Year. Hope Santa is good to you and brings lots of moolah, vouchers, music, iphones, clothes etc etc

I’m hoping for book tokens myself – there are some great books out and I can’t wait to reading gorge over the holidays. And I’m getting back seats for my little classic Mercedes, yeah! At the moment it only has front seats so my two best friends have to fight over who gets to go in it.

Here’s a red version (above) – mine’s light blue but it’s in storage for the winter – too wet in Ireland to leave it outside. Cute, eh? I call mine Jennifer after this old telly show called Hart to Hart. Jennifer Hart drove one.

Book News

Breaking news – there are two brand new Amy Greens out in 2010, Summer Secrets and Bridesmaid Blitz.

Book 2, Amy Green, Teen Agony Queen: Summer Secrets is out in February. Set in Dublin, West Cork and Miami, it’s full of secrets, lies, arguments, drama-rama and cute boys. I know you’re going to love it.

Here’s a tiny sneak preview:

Chapter 1

‘It’s soooo unfair,’ I moan, my head on Seth’s lap. We’re lying on Killiney Beach, our special place. Seth’s my boyfriend (I love saying that – boyfriend!) and it was on this very beach I first noticed his amazing sky blue eyes, not to mention his wash board stomach.
His dog, Billy is rolling around in the sand beside us and yapping happily. Seth throws a stone into the sea and Billy races after it, lunging into the water, his tail wagging from side to side, like a windscreen wiper.
Seth winds my hair around his fingers. ‘I know, but it’s only three weeks.’
‘Only three weeks? A lot can happen in three weeks.’

And a lot does happen! You’ll have to read it to find out what.

Book 3, Bridesmaid Blitz, out in October. More about that one soon.

Other Future Book News

Candlewick have just signed up American rights to Amy Green – yeah! They will be publishing all six books in the series, starting in Autumn (Fall) 2010 and it’s mega exciting.

Oh and the first Amy Green has just come out in Polish – what fun!

Shopping

I found black urchin Annie boots (low heel, lace up) in a wee shoe shop in Blackrock and I’m delighted with them – it’s hard to find nice flat boots that don’t look like wellies on my big feet (size 6).

And then I found black knee high boots with a cuban heel in Brown Thomas (cool dept store in Dublin) that I just adored so I had to have them too. Oops. And apologies to Katie in the Walker office in London. I think she may have the same pair – I admired them so much when I was over there a few weeks and I couldn’t help myself. But as we live on the far side of the pond from each other I’m sure she won’t mind.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and talk to you again in February.

Much love,

Sarah XXXX

Alex Girls

2009-10-09T05:09:00.003-07:00

Hi to all the girls in Alex - nice to meet you this morning! Keep reading.
Best, Sarah

Meet Sarah, Judi Curtin and Marita in Oct!

2009-09-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Bubblegum Club Book Bash – Monster Book Fun!

Saturday 3rd October 2009 (During the Children’s Book Festival)

At the Kingston Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
12pm to 3.30pm

The first ever Irish literary lunch for children and teens. An author or book guru at every table! Come along and meet:

Derek Landy, Mr Skulduggery Pleasant himself! Winner of this year’s Irish Book Awards.
Marita Conlon McKenna, much loved and multi award winning author of Under the Hawthorne Tree
Sarah Webb, author of the hugely popular Amy Green series and bestselling author for mums and big sisters too!
Don Conroy, writer, artist and much loved Uncle Don from Den TV
Joe O’Brien, author of the Alfie Green series and other brilliant books
Judi Curtin, creator of the mega cool Alice and Megan books
Celine Kiernan, author of the Moorhawk fantasy/adventure trilogy
Claire Hennessy, teen writing sensation who started her career at age 13!
Alison Walsh, uber experienced editor Ivan O’Brien, publisher, O’Brien Press
Plus more amazing writers - David Maybury, Maeve Friel, Jane Mitchell, Roisin Meaney, and Sarah Rees Brennan. And David O’Callaghan, book guru from Eason.

A fantastic, once in a lifetime chance to talk to these amazingly talented authors.

Plus Derek Landy will entertain you with tales from the depths of his wickedly creative mind. And our crack team of book trade professionals will answer all your questions on how a book is created and how you too can get published.

It gets even more exciting – every young reader will go home with a goody bag, and there will also be an Author Auction - win a writer to visit your school, or signed books by Darren Shan and other cool writers, plus a bookshop on site.

Please note tickets are limited and early demand has been unprecedented, so please book now to avoid disappointment. Children e20, adults e25 (child and adult tickets both include lunch – and child tickets include free goody bags)
All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Booking: email - bubblegumclubbookbash@gmail.com
Tel: 01 2360456 or 086 2628888 or check out www.bubblegumclub.ie for details
Children’s Book Festival info: www.childrensbooksireland.ie

Meet Sarah in September 2009

2009-08-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Books 2009 Festival - Dublin City Centre

Sarah will be hosting a Magic Writing Workshop for all those interested in writing in the Shaw Room at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin at 1.30 on Sat 19th Sept. She will also talk about how she came up with the idea for Amy Green and answer questions on writing. Numbers are limited so do book asap if you'd like to join her! Age 9+
Check out the details here: www.bookevents.ieHere is the booking link: http://www.bookevents.ie/event-details.php?prod=SarahWebb

Sarah will also be appearing at the Mountains to Sea Festival in Dun Laoghaire on Sunday 13th September in Dun Laoghaire Park. The Books in the Park event starts at 1.00. Sarah will be on at around 3. Other authors include Marita Conlon-McKenna, Joe O'Brien and Oisin McGann. Check out www.mountainstosea.ie for details Admission free! No booking needed.

Sneak preview of the cover of Summer Secrets, Amy Green Book 2

2009-08-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Hope you're having a fab summer!

The lovely people at Walker Books have sent me this cover to show you - it's of the new Amy Green book which will be out next Feb.

The butterflies and hearts are silver and the green is metallic.

I love it! Hope you like it to. Do let me know what you think: sarah@askamygreen.com

SarahX

Letters from Churchtown NS

2009-06-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

The 6th class girls and boys at Churchtown NS in Athy, Co Kildare sent me a lovely package which I got in the post today - each of them had hand written me a thank you letter, I'd helped them write a story when they visited the Dublin writing centre called Fighting Words - www.fightingwords.ie - and their teacher had also written to me.

It's so nice to get letters in the post. A lot of the letters I get these days are via email (which I also love), but there's something really special about getting things through your letter box, isn't there!

I think snail mail reminds me of birthdays - my aunts and uncles in England and America always remember my birthday and send me a special present in the post. And some of my friends post me my birthday card as they know I love getting them.

Do you like getting post?
Hope you get lots of it if your own birthday's coming up!

SarahX

Paris Trip - Ooh la la!

2009-06-10T01:49:00.001-07:00

Paris

I was in Paris last weekend doing research for Amy Green book 3 and also celebrating my birthday!

The pics show me looking at the Mona Lisa with all the crowds of tourists; and then me at the top of the steps in front of the Sacre Coeur church.

It's such a beautiful and romantic city - I had a ball!

Amy and Clover visit Paris in book 3 - look out for it next year!

SarahX

Noah's Ark

2009-05-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

The guys at Killiney/Glenageary National School rock! They put on a production of Noah's Ark this week in school and they were amazing.

I wrote the words for the play and they really made every character come alive.
And the singing was also excellent.

It was tres weird seeing my words come to life on the stage like that - but weird in a nice way.
It's the first play I've ever written and it was fun.

Hum, wonder what the play will be next year . . .

Congrats to all the choir gang and 5th and 6th class - you're all fab!

SarahX

Bisto Irish Book of the Year

2009-05-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd won the Bisto Irish Book of the Year Award yesterday. It's for teenagers and is set in Northern Ireland. I liked it, but I really wanted Eoin Colfer's Airman or Kate Thompson's Creature of the Night to win.

Eoin Colfer's an amazing writer and a lovely guy - so funny! I adore his Artemis Fowl books and Airman is an amazing book - set in Wexford - about a boy who escapes a prison island by making . . . well, I won't spoil it in case you want to read it one day.

Book awards are great for getting people talking about books, aren't they?
What's your favourite book of the year so far? Do you have one?
Do let me know - sarah@askamygreen.com

Always delighted to hear from fellow book fans!

SarahXXX

Irish Book Awards

2009-05-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

I was at the Irish Book Awards last night - it was great fun and a very glitzy night. Derek Landy won the children's award with his fab Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire.
His speech was so funny - I really deserve this, he said. And it's true, he does! It's a really funny book.
Read it if you get a chance, I think you'll like it . . .
SarahX

Do You Like to Write?

2009-04-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Do you like writing? If so you must enter the special Write Up My Street writing competition. There are lots of great prizes, including the chance to have your story published in a special book.

For more details see the write up my street website - londiswriteupmystreet dot com

I'm one of the judges and I'll also be visiting the winning school as part of the prize - yeah! I do love meeting readers.

Best of luck if you enter.

Sarah X

PS I'm rather fond of funny stories!

Writer's Retreat and Summer Secrets

2009-04-17T07:09:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I'm off on a writer's retreat tomorrow - for a whole week. I hope to finish Amy Green 2 - Summer Secrets - and start no. 3 - Bridesmaid Blitz. So fingers crossed for me.

Talk when I get back.

Or check out http://www.bebo.com/askamygreen to say hi while I'm away.

Sarah X

Happy Easter Holidays!

2009-04-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

My gang get their Easter holidays from school today - 2 whole weeks.
We are off to West Cork for Easter egg hunts, catching up with friends, and hopefully some sailing if the weather holds. And I intend to curl up and read my new Sarah Dessen book - can't wait!
Have a very happy Easter and enjoy the holidays.
Hope you get lots of Easter eggs!
More news when I get back.
Sarah X

New Bebo Site

2009-04-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

Hi,

My new Amy Green Bebo site is now up and running - check it out -

www.bebo.com/askamygreen

You can post your stories or reviews there too if you like.

I do love making new friends!

Sarah X

Where the Wild Things Are Movie

2009-03-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak is one of my fave books of all time - and the film will be out on 16th Oct - I can't wait. Here is a sneak preview - from You Tube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--N9klJXbjQ

It's one of the greatest picture books ever!

Enjoy. Great song too - Arcade Fire I think.

Sarah X

New Video of My Study

2009-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hi,

A sneak video look at my study - it's never been so tidy I should point out! I cleaned up just that day - so the camera gang wouldn't think I was a terrible slob.

Here's the link: it's from a special primary school website - just click the box -

http://www.fisbookclub.com/

Hope you enjoy it!

Sarah X

Visiting St Clare's Primary School on Friday

2009-03-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm off to St Clare's Primary School in Harold's Cross on Friday to do a writing workshop with 5th and 6th class. I have been to 16 schools during Feb and March so far and it's been great fun.
I have a trip to Co Mayo next week for 2 days to visit lots of different schools, and then I have to get my head down and finish editing Amy Green book 2 - Summer Secrets.
It's got a brand new cover - a beautiful sky blue background with tiny silver butterflies - and as soon as I can post it here, you'll be the first to see it.
I hope the sun's out where you are too! That truly will bring out the real butterflies.
Sarah X

Castleknock National School

2009-03-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Another school visit today - Castleknock National School - fab pupils, lovely teachers. I spoke to 4th, 5th and 6th class and once again, they all asked great questions.
Hi to all the gang in there.
Best, Sarah X

Hi to all at St Damien's School in Walkinstown

2009-03-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is Derek Landy - author of Skulduggery Pleasant - one of my Irish writer friends.

Hi to the gang at St Damien's in Walkinstown. I visited 5th and 6th class this morning and had great fun talking to the boys and girls about writing, books and um, cars and dog breeds!

I hope you all enjoyed it too. I will of course say hi to my friend, Derek Landy for you on Friday as requested - I'll see him at the special Friday 13th event in Eason's O'Connell Street, Dublin. Should be spookily good!

Derek's new book - out in April - is fab - watch out for it in the shops. Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones.

Sarah X

Happy World Book Day!

2009-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy World Book Day to everyone. I celebrated today with Griffeen Valley Educate Together and the gang from Children's Books Ireland - we had a tea party - how fun is that!?

This is a pic of me at the tea party. I'm the one in the hat - I borrowed it from 'Jessie from Toy Story 2' - who is sitting beside me with 'Judy Moody'. All the pupils were dressed up as book characters, isn't that cool?

Sarah X

Hi to all the girls in Rathdown School

2009-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

I visited a school called Rathdown today - it's just down the road from me in Glenageary. One of the girls in 2nd year - Kate - helps me with my Amy Green books (she's thanked on the first page in fact) and I promised I'd visit her school to say thank you.

The girls were great - very into books and reading. They loved authors like Jackie Wilson, Cathy Cassidy, Sarah Dessen (yeah, I love Sarah Dessen - Truth About Forever rocks!), and of course Twilight, surprise, surprise.

They asked some fab questions and gave me a purple orchid to say thanks for talking to them - sweet. And they asked me back in a few months to talk to them again. Suckers for punishment I say!

I was in Skerries Community College last week - 4th, 5th and 6th class - mixed school this time - and they were also great. 6th year were huge - loads of 6 footers - they made me feel like teeny-tiny woman - I'm only 5 foot something and I'm convinced I'm shrinking.

I do love visiting schools - I've done loads of school visits over Feb - but I'm going back to the writing now - full steam ahead! I have to get the second Amy Green book edited and ready for all you eager beaver readers.

Thanks for all the lovely emails by the way - so nice to hear from you all and I'm thrilled that you like the first Amy Green book.

Keep reading!

Sarah X

(PS special hi to the fellow Harriet the Spy fan out there - I do adore Harriet!!!)

Judy Moody in Dublin

2009-02-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

Judy Moody's lovely creator, Megan McDonald, was in Dublin yesterday to celebrate the launch of her new book, Judy Moody Goes to College.

I met her in a tres chic restaurant called 'The Saddle Club' in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin city centre. She was wearing a blue shirt and darling blue and pink earrings and she has such a lovely warm smile I instantly liked her.

She's even read Amy Green, isn't that amazing?!

Her new book, The Sister Club is out in May - look out for it, I've just started reading it and it's fab. Just like Megan.

I do love being a children's reviewer - it's sooooooooooooo much fun!!! I'll post a sneak preview review of The Sister Club really soon.

Sarah X

Congratulations to Orla Heatley

2009-02-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

Huge congrats to Orla Heatley who has won the World Book Day writing competition. Orla's story will be published in a special book and she's one of only 3 Irish children to win.

I'm presenting her with her prize tomorrow in Wicklow where she goes to school - I can't wait to meet her - her story is fab. All about a school with no rules.

I'm always blown away by the story and book ideas you guys have - some of them are truly brilliant. Keep up the writing. And look out for some writing tips on the Amy Green site soon. Oh, and a brand new Bebo site - stay tuned for more info.

Happy Pancake Day!

Sarah X

Judy Moody in Dublin on Thursday - Hurrah!

2009-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

And guess who I'm meeting on Thursday evening - Judy Moody herself, Megan McDonald - how exciting is that?! I can't wait - I looovvveee Judy Moody.
Sarah X

Can You Keep a Secret?

2009-02-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

Pssst. I want to tell you a secret.

Are you listening carefully?

Any Cathy Hopkins or Darren Shan fans out there?

Well - they're going to be in Ireland soon for a very special event.

And you'll be the very first to know.

More details soon - but I can tell you this - it's over the summer hols and it's going to be fab!

Sarah X

School Visits

2009-02-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hi,
This week I'm visiting Killiney/Glenageary National School - 5th and 6th class - hi guys! That's my daughter's school.
I'm also visiting a school in Wicklow to give a young writer an award for her work - more about that on Thurs.
And finally Skerries Community College to talk to 5th and 6th years (17 and 18) - who will all be taller than me I'd say - I'm a bit teeny - 5ft 3 just about.
I'll let you know how all the visits go - and give a shout out to all the readers I meet along the way.
Sarah X

Mothers and Daughters' Book Club

2009-02-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

The book club went really well last night. First we had a quiz - how well do you know your mother/daughter? It was good fun and everyone found out lots of things about their mum or their daughter.

A photographer from the Fingal Independent came to take snaps of all the girls and their mums.

Then we talked about favourite books, favourite characters and why they liked them. All the girls loved Jacqueline Wilson and the club decided the next book they would read would be Jacky Daydream, her autobiography. None of the mums have ever read Jacqueline's books and I think they'll really enjoy reading it.

Lots of the girls brought copies of Amy Green along so I signed them and talked a little about the background to writing it.

It was fun! Thanks to eveyone who attended. Happy reading!

Sarah X

PS Do you know your mum's favourite flower? Or her favourite band when she was teenager? Or who she'd like to meet more than anyone else in the world?
Ask her and find out!!!

Mothers and Daughters' Book Club Tonight

2009-02-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

I'm hosting a Mother and Daughters' Book Club tonight in Balbriggan Library in Dublin. I hope it goes well. Cross your fingers and toes for me. I'll report back on it tomorrow.

Sarah X

If you want to find out more, there was an article on the club in The Irish Times this week - here's the link:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0217/1224241278397.html

Meeting Writers

2009-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

One of the lovely things about being a reviewer (I review children's books for the Irish Independent) is meeting new authors.
Last night I was at a tres swish dinner in Roly's in Ballsbridge with the fab Sarah Rees Brennan. Her book is called The Demon's Lexicon and it's out in June. It's quite a dark tale, with lots of creepy happenings, very Twilight indeed.
Sarah is very smart and very bubbly and it was a real pleasure to meet her.

And next week I'm out to dinner again - with the amazing Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody books.I'm one lucky girl!

Have a good day.

Sarah X

Aine in Gorey

2009-02-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Final post of the day! A big hi to Aine in Gorey who's been telling all her friends about Amy Green. I met Aine last year when I did a writing workshop with her class and she's a great reader and very good at the old writing too. A future star in the making.
Right, better get the kids to bed now! It's their half term so they are having a ball.
Until tomorrow . . .
Sarah X

2009-02-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hi to Sophie and all the girls I met on my book signing day last Friday. I met Sophie and her friends in Dundrum shopping centre (also featured in Amy Green - fab place for shopping!). I also met a very talented young writer called Ciara in Liffey Valley shopping centre. You girls have such brilliant ideas for stories - I'm in awe!

I'll post some writing tips on the site soon - as I know some of you are very interested in writing.

And thanks for all the lovely emails, girls, keep them coming!

Best, Sarah X

Lucan and Joe - Writing Magic

2009-02-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

I was at Lucan Library this morning doing a 'Writing Magic' Workshop with Lucan Educate Together and Joe. We wrote a story together called 'Mmmmmmm Vanilla', about a little fairy called Vanilla who loved ice-cream and was afraid of humans.

Hi to all the gang - you were great - loved the ideas. And what clever questions also!

Here's the story:

Mmmmmmmmm Vanilla
By Lucan Educate Together and Joe (with Sarah)
16th Feb 2009

Vanilla the Fairy was trying to get vanilla ice-cream because if she didn’t she would explode.

She was looking for ice-cream in Big Boy’s fridge.

Big Boy was the local farmer who made ice-cream out of the milk from his special cows. He was the size of a cow, with huge purple teeth from drinking too much blackcurrant.

Big Boy walked into the kitchen and saw a tub of ice-cream floating in the air.

‘Holy ice-cream!’ he said. ‘Why is my ice-cream floating in the air?’

Vanilla got such a fright that she dropped the carton on his head and knocked him out. She felt so sorry for the farmer that she hid in an egg cup and stuck her head over the edge to watch and make sure he was all right.

Big Boy woke up and there was melted ice-cream running down his head. He was cold and shivering. The knock on the head has paralysed him and he couldn’t move his arms or legs.

‘Help!’ he shouted.

His wife, Big Girl, was upstairs in the bath. ‘Don’t bother me,’ she said. ‘You’re a big boy now, deal with it yourself. It’s not as if you’re paralysed or anything.’

‘But I am,’ he said. ‘I got knocked out by floating ice-cream.’

‘You’re crazy,’ she said. And she didn’t go to help him.

By this stage Vanilla was feeling very guilty and wanted to help him even though she was afraid of him. So she flew down . . .

Continue this story and tell me how Vanilla the Fairy saved the day!

Hi to all the Clondalkin Gang

2009-02-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

I visited Clondalkin Library to do a writing magic workshop this evening. There were 20 girls and boys (but mainly girls!) at the event and they were brilliant at coming up with characters and plots.

We wrote a story together about vampire twins - called Touch of Blood - and then each person added his or her own ending to the story.

I'll post Tara's ending and picture tomorrow as it's cool - and well done to everyone at the workshop for your brilliant stories!

Here's the story we wrote together:

A Touch of Blood

By the Clondalkin Library Gang
Feb 2009

One day the vampire twins, Jordan and Cian were out trying to steal blood from the blood bank when they bumped into two girls, Chloe and Kate. They were there to give blood.

‘What are you doing?’ Kate asked Jordan.

Jordan said ‘We’re part-time surgeons.’

‘That’s so cool,’ Rosie said. ‘But why are you holding that blood in your hand?’

‘Um, I’m just in from an operation,’ he said, ‘and this blood is from my patient – I’m donating it to the blood bank.’

Just then the sun went down and it began to get dark outside. The boys felt themselves turn into vampires.

They hadn’t eaten for days – they’d both had bad report cards and their dad locked all their blood in the dungeon. Then he’d locked the boys in the shed but they got out through their secret trap door.

Cian bit into the bag of blood and it gushed out everywhere.

Rosie said ‘Oh my God, what are you doing eating that blood?’
When the blood hit her she started to turn into a werewolf.

Then a tall man walked out of the surgery and glared at the twins and the girls. He was tall with pale skin. He had an evil grin.

‘What are you doing here boys? I thought I’d locked you up in the shed.’ It was the boys’ father.

‘How could you lock them up you evil man?’ Kate said. ‘You’re a bad father.’

‘Don’t tell me what to do with my sons,’ he said. ‘You’re just a stupid werewolf.’

‘Who are you calling a stupid werewolf, you ignorant vampire?

Each of the gang added their own ending here – why don’t you see if you can write a good ending? Send it to me if you like – sarah@askamygreen.com – and I’ll post it here on The Goss.

Happy writing! Bye, Sarah X

Hi to all at Rathfarnham National School

2009-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

Hi to 6th class from Rathfarnham National School - what a fab bunch of lads and lasses. We wrote a story together this morning about Evan who wanted to be in a rock band and Evalina who was Simon Cowell's god-daughter and the judge of a rock band competition.

All the suggestions were brilliant and I really liked some of the endings the students wrote.

We all agreed that the best books and stories were exciting and interesting, had brilliant characters and lots of action. Some people liked their books to be scary or sad, and everyone liked funny books.

Rathfarnham's own story was certainly most of those things - it was a cracker.

Do you like writing stories too?

Best, Sarah X

Thanks, Girls

2009-02-06T02:58:00.000-08:00

Hi to Jess and Aine and Ella and Helen and everyone else who has contacted me, and thanks so much for your emails. I'll answer them all over the weekend, I promise! It's so lovely to hear from readers - keep them coming - sarah@askamygreen.com

And thanks so much for all the fab comments on the book - it means a lot to me!

Sarah X

Chicklish

2009-02-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

The lovely Luisa at Chicklish interviewed me for her great website - check it out:
http://keris.typepad.com/chicklet/2009/02/interview-sarah-webb.html

Chicklish is a fab website - lots of reviews of fab books for girls - plus competitions and author interviews.

Sarah X

Amy Green Party

2009-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely Amy Green launch dinner last night - lucky me! It was fun to see some old friends and also to meet some new ones too, like Sarah, editor of Kiss magazine (Hi, Sarah!), and lovely Alice from Walker Books who is my pr guru person.

Poor Alice was stuck in Gatwick for hours 'cause of the snow - boo! But she still managed to make it to Dublin - hurrah!

I'll post some pics of the dinner tomorrow.

I was on Seoige this afternoon - RTE telly - and I'll be on again in the morning (it's repeated). Did you catch me? I was talking about some of my favourite books, including Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. Fab book. Read it if you get a chance.

That's all for now.

Sarah X

Snow in Dublin!

2009-02-02T10:50:00.001-08:00

Ah, yes well you may have to tilt your head to see my family's little snowmen on the gravel in the back garden - oops!
I can't believe it - a few days ago I was complaining at the lack of snow - and boom - snow! See my igloo photo for proof. As Scooby Doo would say 'Spooky'!
I hope you are enjoying the snow wherever you are. Keep cosy.
Sarah

Events Coming Up

2009-01-30T05:50:00.001-08:00

I just thought I'd list some of the events coming up from now until mid February case you'd like to come along - some are school visits but I'll mark the open, library events in bold - like this.

Thurs 5th Feb
Castletymon Library (school visit)

Monday 9th Feb
Ballyroan Library (school visit)

Wed 11th Feb
Loreto Bray (school visit)

Thurs 12th Feb
Open visit to Clondalkin Library - 5.15 to 7.30
I'm giving a Writing Magic Workshop - to book a place, ring 01 4593315

Monday 16th Feb
Open visit to Lucan Library - 10.30 to 12.30
Another Writing Magic Workshop - to book a place, ring 01 6216422

Wed 18th Feb
St Damien's (school visit)

Thurs 19th Feb
Open event - Mums and Daughters' Book Club - Balbriggan Library
6.30 to 8.00 - to book a place for you and your mum, ring 01 8704401

More events to come! I'll keep you posted.

I'll also be at the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry on Wed 8th July with Judi Curtin. Darren Shan and Cathy Hopkins are also speaking so it should be a great week if you're in that part of the world.

Best,

Sarah

Hi to all the St Andrew's gang

2009-01-30T05:42:00.000-08:00

This morning I visited my old school, St Andrew's College in Blackrock, Co Dublin. I talked to a packed gym hall of 4th to 6th classers and they were all lovely. A big happy birthday to Evita - it's her birthday today.

Someone asked me had the school changed much since I was there (20+ years ago!), and I have to say, not really. The roof still leaks a bit, some of the teachers I had are still there (hello Miss Cooper and Mrs West!), and it still has the same smell - kind of a musky, warm smell - but that may have been 'cause of the rain and the heating!

I'll post some pics of me when I was in school next week.

Until then, have a great weekend - and keep out of the rain!

Sarah X

Valentine's Day Mystery

2009-01-29T02:34:00.000-08:00

It's just over two weeks to Valentine's Day. Here is my first 'real' Valentine's card - from a boy and not from my dad! To this day I have no idea who sent it. As it was posted 25 years ago, that's a long mystery, isn't it?

But it's quite nice to have a secret admirer - looking at the card still makes me smile.

Why not send a card to your best friend - anonymously of course - you might just make her day!

Sarah X

2009-01-27T04:25:00.001-08:00

I was chatting to my mum at the weekend about snow. I love snow and I was complaining that we never get any decent snow in Ireland. But look what she found - an old photo of me and my little sister, Emma in an igloo we'd built in the back garden. Isn't it cool? We had so much fun building it - I think it took 2 or 3 days - and my friend, Wendy and her brother helped too.

I'm the one in the red hat!

Emma is four years younger than me and I also have a sister called Kate who's in the middle. I'm the bossy big sister. They used to call me 'Granny' in fact. And they didn't mean it in a nice way.

We used to fight a lot, but now we're the best of friends. Sisters, gotta love them!

Right, I'd better get back to work. Enjoy your day.

Sarah X

Sunny Monday

2009-01-26T03:41:00.000-08:00

I'm looking out the window of my study (avoiding work!) and it's actually sunny! Yeah! Where have you been, sun? I've missed you soooo much. Please stay and hang out. It hasn't been the same without you.

I'm travelling to Belfast on Wed to read to people at Belfast Central Train Station - how weird is that? Writers have to do the strangest things sometimes. I'll be there between 11.30 and 12.30 in case you're from Belfast.

No 1 weirdest book thing I ever had to do - let me see: it has to be pumpkin carving in Limerick - true story - went down to sign books in a shop and ended up carving pumpkins (which I'm actually ok at, so it wasn't a total disaster). Bet Jackie Wilson never had to pull out the slimey entrails of a pumpkin though!!! Or maybe she did - must remember to ask her sometime. (I also work as a children's reviewer and bookseller - so I get to meet fab writers all the time - isn't that jammy - most famous is prob JK Rowling.)

And I'm talking at my old school on Thursday and Friday - St Andrew's College in Dublin. Which will be tres weird also. Some of the teachers are the same - 20 years on. Yikes!

I'll let you know how I get on. Did I like school? Sometimes. I made some great friends there, friends I still have now.

Better go and do some work - Amy Green 2 is waiting . . .

If you've read Amy Green, 1 - Boy Trouble - let me know what you think: sarah@askamygreen.com

Talk soon,

Sarah XXX

Welcome!

2009-01-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

Hi,

My first The Goss blog – how exciting is that? And imagine having your very own website – cool, isn’t it? I’m so lucky. I do hope you like it, I think it’s fab.

I have to admit, this week I’m in bits. My nails are a state – I’m a terrible nail biter – a girl has to have her vices. The first book in the Amy Green series – Boy Trouble – has just hit the shops and I’m a nervous wreck. I sooooo hope readers will like it. My fingers and toes are all crossed.

It’s always such a thrill seeing a book with your name on it on the shelves in a bookshop. Being a writer is extra special for me – I couldn’t read on my own ‘till I was 9. It just goes to show, if you want something badly enough, and work hard, dreams really can come true.

Keep dreaming!

All the best,

Sarah XXX