http://browse.deviantart.com/journals/?order=5&q=by%3Amree deviantART RSS for in:journals sort:time by:mree en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Tue, 21 May 2013 21:20:30 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Prodigy-is-2-on-New-York-Times-bestsellers-list-352949544 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Prodigy-is-2-on-New-York-Times-bestsellers-list-352949544 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:22:30 PST Prodigy is #2 on New York Times bestsellers list nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Prodigy debuts at #2 on the New York Times bestsellers list, and Legend comes in at #10 on the same list!

I can't believe it. I really can't. I don't think my high school writing-at-midnight self could ever have imagined this sort of thing coming true. It couldn't have happened without a team of brilliant people and the support of dedicated readers. Thank you all so much. :heart: ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Prodigy-Legend-2-is-out-plus-epic-trailer-349219013 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Prodigy-Legend-2-is-out-plus-epic-trailer-349219013 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:06:35 PST Prodigy (Legend #2) is out, plus epic trailer! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
To celebrate, I have a fantastic surprise for you guys today. Ever wanted to see Day in parkour action? Well, wait no more. Check out this Prodigy trailer of EPIC proportions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdorzCbfff8

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For any in the Southern ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Current-top-cities-Boise-Toronto-Lansing-346008384 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Current-top-cities-Boise-Toronto-Lansing-346008384 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:16:12 PST Current top cities: Boise, Toronto, Lansing nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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Happy New Year, deviants!! Well, it looks like we survived a rather anticlimactic apocalypse--I hope you all had a lovely holiday and that you all had tons of delicious food!

I have a really fun announcement for you guys on th ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/To-the-community-of-Sandy-Hook-CT-342838003 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/To-the-community-of-Sandy-Hook-CT-342838003 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:09:01 PST To the community of Sandy Hook, CT nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Legend-game-is-finally-open-and-OMG-342476655 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Legend-game-is-finally-open-and-OMG-342476655 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 07:13:17 PST The Legend game is finally open, and OMG nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
CITIES OF LEGEND (Open Beta): Now available to play. Click here to go have some fun, guys.

(To see a fabulous, gorgeous, epic game trailer to accompany it all, check out Games.com's exclusive coverage and scroll down: http://blog.games.com/2012/12/11/cities-of-legend-launch-trailer-exclusive/)

I really can't exaggerate how close to my heart this game is. So let me tell you a little about the behind-the-scenes of it all.

Anyone who remembers how I originally started writing ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Some-books-you-should-check-out-342087835 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Some-books-you-should-check-out-342087835 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 17:11:51 PST Some books you should check out nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
[NO COVER YET]

PROXY by Alex London (Jun. 18, 2013): Are we allowed to list the person who tagged us? Oh well, I don't care--Sandy doesn't have to do this post all over again, but I just couldn't help tagging his upcoming Young Adult sci-fi, PROXY. It's about a wealthy boy named Knox, and a poor boy named ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-made-it-to-Goodreads-Awards-round-2-336028737 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-made-it-to-Goodreads-Awards-round-2-336028737 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 08:49:26 PST Legend made it to Goodreads Awards round #2! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Best Young Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction: http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice/2012#74593-Best-Young-Adult-Fantasy-&-Science-Fiction

Goodreads Author of the Year: http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice/2012#74595-Best-Goodread ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-selected-for-book-set-325287442 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-selected-for-book-set-325287442 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:10:05 PDT Winner selected for book set! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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Update: The contest is now done! Will have a winner posted shortly. Thanks so much, guys!

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So I have something fun to give away today. :)

First of all, the significance of today is that it is the launch day for the lush, thrilling book Origin, by debut author Jessica Khoury. Origin is the first of five Fall 2012 books from Penguin ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Thank-you-lt-3-324397383 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Thank-you-lt-3-324397383 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:48:47 PDT Thank you <3 nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Some-game-concept-art-320598117 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Some-game-concept-art-320598117 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:53:55 PDT Some game concept art nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Early concept art of Los Angeles's slum sectors.

Early concept of the bank tower in downtown Los Angeles, where the Los Angeles Central Hospital and Laboratory is also located. Formerly known as the U.S. Bank Tower.

Games.com recently covered Cities of Legend's announcement: "Cities of Legend launches us into a bleak future on Facebook" http://blog.games.com/2012/08/08/ ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Something-strange-and-deadly-and-free-317896649 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Something-strange-and-deadly-and-free-317896649 Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:34:06 PDT Something strange and deadly and free :) nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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Something a little different today, dA folks! Today I'm very proud to be included as part of a blog tour for 1 fabulously lovely author friend and 1 super awesome novel that she wrote.

The author in question? Miss Susan Dennard. The novel in question? The thrilling, dark, and charming Something Strange & Deadly, now out from HarperTeen.

First of all, I'd like to announce the prize winner of the 7/29 Giveaway (on author Amie Kaufman's blog http://amiekau ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Announcing-Legend-game-giving-away-Prodigy-314217468 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Announcing-Legend-game-giving-away-Prodigy-314217468 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:23:36 PDT Announcing Legend game, giving away Prodigy! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
The official game trailer for "Cities of Legend"

I've partnered with CBS Films (who also own Legend's movie rights) and social game developer Wicked Sweet Games to make a Facebook game for Legend, with our launch scheduled for early fall of this year! "Cities of Legend" combines Puzzle, Battle, and Strategy in a game where you can fight FOR or AGAINST the Republic of America's dark ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-schedule-and-panel-312342384 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-schedule-and-panel-312342384 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:01:48 PDT Comic-con schedule and panel! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Anyway, for those of you who are going, I'll be on the "Hungry for Dystopia" panel on Thursday, July 12th from 3:00-4:00 PM in Room 25ABC! Signing to follow. Stop on by if you can. :)

We are also giving away (i.e. for free)....drumroll.....a special, limited edition version of Legend at the Penguin Booth (1134) made exclusively for Comic-con, which includes a shiny new cover and an excerpt from Prodigy (Legend #2)!

Also will be at the Penguin Booth to sign/give away advance copies of Prodigy, at the following times:

Thurs (7/12): 10:00-11:30 AM

Fri (7/13): 3:00-4: ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/quot-Legend-quot-movie-update-from-MTV-308554020 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/quot-Legend-quot-movie-update-from-MTV-308554020 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:13:34 PDT "Legend" movie update from MTV nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
I have some super fun news for you guys. Wyck Godfrey (Twilight, Dear John) is the producer on the Legend film, and chatted with MTV about the movie's progress at the MTV Movie Awards. His interview can be seen below at MTV Hollywood Crush!

'Legend' Script Is 'Fantastic,' Producer Says:  http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2012/06/07/legend-marie-lu-movie-script/

Otherwise, we are gearing up ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-s-Japanese-cover-amp-BEA-in-NYC-305809800 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-s-Japanese-cover-amp-BEA-in-NYC-305809800 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:59:45 PDT Legend's Japanese cover, & BEA in NYC nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Um. Oh My God. The artist for this cover is the great Tatsuyuki Tanaka-san, the artist behind the Akira anime film. Yes, THAT Akira. And I am so in love. :heart: He even added in the red streak of blood in Day's hair! Mr. Tanaka-san, you are amaaaaaazing. Thank you!

And secondly, the promotion for Prodigy (Legend #2) is officially starting. I'm off to New York City on Sunday to attend BookExpo America, where my publisher Penguin will be giving away the first advance reader copies (ARCs) of Prodigy. I' ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/PRODIGY-Legend-2-cover-reveal-amp-Chapter-1-299844393 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/PRODIGY-Legend-2-cover-reveal-amp-Chapter-1-299844393 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:32:23 PDT PRODIGY (Legend #2) cover reveal & Chapter 1 nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Also, the first chapter has been posted there as well, and you can check out the beginning of Day and June's continuing journey:

"Where are they going for the sequel? Not Disney World — Las Vegas. Military-trained whiz kid June and Robin Hood-esque Day met in the first book, and now are off from Los Angeles to Sin City in Prodigy (G.P. Putnam's Sons), out in bookstores Jan. 29. The Elector Primo of the Republic has died, with his son assuming power."

USA Today's reveal of the cover and first chapter: http://books.usatoday.com/bookbuzz/post/2 ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/And-the-title-release-date-of-Legend-2-is-296515139 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/And-the-title-release-date-of-Legend-2-is-296515139 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:48:09 PDT And the title/release date of Legend #2 is.... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Legend #2's final, official title is Prodigy!

And it comes out on...

January 29, 2013!

We got to announce this today on a Breathless Reads chat, which is now archived here if you want to watch me chat with my fellow fabulous Breathless Gals, authors Andrea Cremer, Beth Revis, and Jessica Spotswood. :heart: http://www.spreecast.com/events/breathlesschat ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/A-little-bit-of-everything-293292056 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/A-little-bit-of-everything-293292056 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:07:11 PDT A little bit of everything nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
I just got back last week from the Bologna Book Fair in Italy. Lots of fun. Lots of DELICIOUS FOOD. Lots of awesome foreign publishers. If you live in Europe and have read/liked Legend, I may be coming to a European country near you this fall! More news to come....

Oddly enough, one of the food highlights from Bologna was a homemade Greek yogur ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Assassinating-289394952 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Assassinating-289394952 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:12:54 PST Assassinating! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
This means that for the past few weeks, the conversations in the house between me and Boyfriend have gone like this:

Boyfriend: *upstairs in the home office, working*

Me: *downstairs attentively playing Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.....after I finished my daily writing, of course :) *

Boyfriend: *comes downstairs, stretches* Man, this new client project is so complicated. We had originally agreed on 35 items but now they're asking for variations on--

Me: GOD I LOVE ASSASSINATING PEOPLE WITHOU ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-and-the-Hunger-Games-288969442 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-and-the-Hunger-Games-288969442 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:58:26 PST Legend--and the Hunger Games nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Anyway, March is shaping up to be a very, very interesting month. For starters, I found out that Legend has a full-page ad (featured with Ally Condie's Matched) in People Magazine's The Hunger Games collector's issue, which is now out on stands! https://twitter.com/#!/Marie_Lu/status/177163674811760 ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/LEGEND-book-tour-begins-tomorrow-279096228 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/LEGEND-book-tour-begins-tomorrow-279096228 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:12:29 PST LEGEND book tour begins tomorrow! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
I have the final times for all of the Breathless Reads tour's public events! To recap--I am going on a book tour from February 15 - 26! Penguin has announced their Breathless Reads tour, which will include myself and three amazing authors: Andrea Cremer, Beth Revis, and Jessica Spotswood. If you happen to be living in or near one of the following cities, I would love to see you. Here's our itinerary:

Wed., Feb. 15, 2012
Chicago
Anderson's Bookshop at 7:00 PM
23 West Jefferson, Naperville, IL 60540

Thurs., Feb. 16, 2012
Washington, D.C.
Beth ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/This-is-the-month-to-do-it-277339671 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/This-is-the-month-to-do-it-277339671 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:48:32 PST This is the month to do it! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2012-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Also, thank you SO MUCH to those who have picked up a copy of Legend already! Seriously, words cannot express how thankful I am. :heart: If you enjoyed the book, please help me spread the word to your friends! The first couple of months in sales are so critical to a book's success....thank you so much in advance!

In more ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-Holidays-275829926 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-Holidays-275829926 Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:16:15 PST Happy Holidays! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-is-finally-here-An-emotional-day-271459239 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-is-finally-here-An-emotional-day-271459239 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:25:17 PST Legend is finally here. An emotional day. nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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Today is November 29, 2011. It is the day my first novel, Legend, releases in bookstores.

I'm sitting in the little living room of the bungalow I share with my boyfriend, buried under a pile of dogs (I have three—two corgis and a Chihuahua), ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-releases-this-week-269420580 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-releases-this-week-269420580 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:20:28 PST Legend releases this week nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
*twitch*

Also, another reminder to any Southern California folks: if you're in or around the Los Angeles area on Dec. 1st at 7:30 pm, please come out to Legend's official book launch party at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Redondo Beach, CA!

Legend Launch Party Info

Where: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, 2810 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, California 90278

When: Dec. 1st, 2011 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm

What: Legend's official launch event, which will include signing, possibly some talking, and a lot of books

(If you'd like to say "Attend" on Facebook, the event page for thi ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-love-NYC-and-November-to-Remember-266686465 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-love-NYC-and-November-to-Remember-266686465 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:07:00 PDT I love NYC, and November to Remember nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Anyway, Penguin is doing this amazing November to Remember campaign featuring 5 book titles coming out in November, and Legend is one of them! There's a chapter sampler from Legend included in this online campaign, which you can check out here: http://tinyurl.com/NovtoRem . Please pass this along to any friends who you think might be interested, too.

We are now at T-minus 28 days until Legend launches in the U.S.! Holy friggin crap. Where is my oxygen tank. *panic* If you are thinking of pre-ordering, now is the time you ca ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/And-the-winner-of-the-Legend-ARC-is-260504512 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/And-the-winner-of-the-Legend-ARC-is-260504512 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:20:42 PDT And the winner of the Legend ARC is.... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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~drosana's entry: "I'd go by Puck. It's the name of the impish character featured in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (hehe, Even Robin Hood has taken his name from this character! Puck is also called Robin Goodfellow. Robin Hood's mother even called him Robin-Puck!)

Like him, I like to joke around and act a bit silly, even more so, I love to be mischievous and sneaky. I am good at lying and misleading, leaving most to believe they know me well, when in fact, they're more acquainted with one of my facades. I am a master of disguise without the need of a mask (or fake mustache, thought it cannot be said that I haven't t ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Stay-hungry-Stay-foolish-254834768 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Stay-hungry-Stay-foolish-254834768 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:28:36 PDT Stay hungry. Stay foolish. nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Steve Jobs resigned as Apple CEO today, possibly because of his health: http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/24/technology/steve_jobs_resigns/index.htm Taken from his official resignation letter, he says, "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."

This, coupled with a few emails I've gotten from readers and aspiring writers over the last few days, has made me really pensive. So I'm going to quote Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement address below:

"Remembering that I'll be de ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-in-Wall-Street-Journal-today-245860177 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-in-Wall-Street-Journal-today-245860177 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:42:55 PDT Legend in Wall Street Journal today nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Online article: 'Twilight' Producers, Penguin Are Betting on 'Legend' http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/08/01/twilight-producers-penguin-group-are-betting-on-legend/

Print/Subscription article: Penguin Puts Marketing Muscle Behind 'Legend,' a Dystopian Debut http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903341404576480173794409848.html
]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-photos-Legend-UK-cover-Fuzz-Academy-244755211 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-photos-Legend-UK-cover-Fuzz-Academy-244755211 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:00:41 PDT Comic-con photos, Legend UK cover, Fuzz Academy nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.228290480543653.53779.187568117949223

In other news, I still haven't been able to fix the hacked Fuzz Academy site. I'm so sorry, guys. This is really bumming me out, because whatever happene ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/My-Comic-con-schedule-242987608 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/My-Comic-con-schedule-242987608 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:44:10 PDT My Comic-con schedule nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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"No Damsels in Distress" Panel, Room 25ABC, Thursday at 4:00 PM

I'll be speaking on this panel about Legend and its characters. I will be in the amazing company of the following panelists:

Chloe Neill – Chicagoland Vampires series
Jeanine Frost – Night Huntress series
Jeanne Stein – The Anna Strong Chronicles
Jocelynn Drake – Dark Days series
Carrie Vaughn – Kitty Norville series
Seanan McGuire – The October Daye series
S ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Tweaked-titles-of-popular-stuff-230771612 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Tweaked-titles-of-popular-stuff-230771612 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:33:51 PDT Tweaked titles of popular stuff nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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My boyfriend has a really quirky habit of not remembering the names of movies/books properly. Instead, he'll say what he THINKS is the name of something, but it is often hilariously off. Case in point:

Real title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Boyfriend's memory: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Sorcerers

Real title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Boyfriend's memory: Jason Jones and the Argonauts

Real title: The Golden Compass
Boyfriend's memory: Curse of the Golden Compass

Real title: Sno ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-Day-art-food-poisoning-217330235 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Comic-con-Day-art-food-poisoning-217330235 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:25:39 PDT Comic-con, Day art, food poisoning nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Nurse: "Wait here. The doctor will be in to see you shortly."
Me: "Okay."
Nurse: (hands me a thick wad of that hospital butcher paper) "I'll need you to take off your pants."
Me: "Excuse me?"
Nurse: "You'll need to remove your pants. Wrap this around you when you're done."
(nurse leaves)

In hindsight, I found t ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Still-a-Sonic-fangirl-apparently-215491268 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Still-a-Sonic-fangirl-apparently-215491268 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:14:11 PDT Still a Sonic fangirl, apparently nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
GAH. LOVE. :heart:

I loved everything about it. I think it's a thing of beauty. The camera zooming in and out took a few minutes for me to get used to, but once I did, it was all smooth sailing. Green Hill Zone looks AMAZING, and I love that the full game will let you switch between Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic. The music is, as it seems to be with almost all the Sonic games (with the exception of those awful ones that have lyrics--ick; I much pr ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-think-I-m-an-awkward-person-217941684 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-think-I-m-an-awkward-person-217941684 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:51:02 PDT I think I'm an awkward person nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Scenario #1: Boyfriend and I step into our local diner.

Hostess: "Hi! How are you?"
Us: "Great, thanks! How are you?"
Hostess: "Oh, doing fine, thanks."
Boyfriend: "Busy day?"
Hostess: "No, not really."
Me: "Oh, that's good."
*awkward silence*

What I meant: Oh, that's good, because I'm glad that you didn't have a stressful day dealing with huge crowds of people.
What it sounds like: Oh, that's good, cuz your restaurant's gonna TANK.

----

Scenario #2: Tw ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Mafia-birthdays-amp-Legend-ARC-giveaway-218203956 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Mafia-birthdays-amp-Legend-ARC-giveaway-218203956 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:05:41 PDT Mafia birthdays, & Legend ARC giveaway nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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So Boyfriend and I were talking in the car the other day:

Boyfriend: I have a cool surprise trip planned for your birthday.

Me: Oooooh. What is it?

Boyfriend: It's a SURPRISE.

Me: Can I ask you yes/no questions to try and guess it?

Boyfriend: Okay fine.

Me: Is the trip in California?

Boyfriend: Yes. ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-not-racist-but-218215181 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-not-racist-but-218215181 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:57:07 PDT I'm not racist, but... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Found this site through two friends who tweeted about it: "Not Racist But" http://www.notracistbut.com/ , a guy who searches for "not racist but" on Facebook and then posts about how not racist the comments are.

You know, the irony of the Asian ones is that when I go to China, I hear MUCH more blatant and vicious racism there than anything I've ever heard in States, directed toward every possible race (Chinese included). Not sure what to make of that. Should I be disgusted that racism is alive and well and (even worse) masquerading as "not racism" in the States, or gratefu ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-book-signing-NYC-amp-hot-military-boys-218421489 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-book-signing-NYC-amp-hot-military-boys-218421489 Tue, 31 May 2011 11:43:09 PDT Legend book signing, NYC, & hot military boys nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/China-breaking-into-house-and-Legend-s-director-218806053 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/China-breaking-into-house-and-Legend-s-director-218806053 Thu, 12 May 2011 16:55:10 PDT China, breaking into house, and Legend's director! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Finally back in the States after ten days in China! I loved China, but man, it feels good to be free of their "great firewall". No access to Facebook/Twitter and limited access to Gmail just....is kind of a bummer. I did see a lot of yaks, though, so it all balanced out. Plus, FOOD! I had so much amazing food it was to the point of ridiculousness. I wish I had a good way of smuggling egg pancakes past Customs. Now I'm majorly jetlagged, and passed out twice today (and yesterday). I have all these sleep indents on my face from my laptop keys. It's very attractive. :)
]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Lots-of-excitement-today-For-one-219141403 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Lots-of-excitement-today-For-one-219141403 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:09:00 PDT Lots of excitement today! For one... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Um. CHECK OUT THAT PAGE. (teaser screenshot below)

Beautiful!! I'm in love. I'd love to hear your thoughts on chapter one, too. It's Day narrating. Go get thee on over, if you are interested to see Day's first official words!

In other exciting news, CBS Films has posted about the Legend movie on their Beastly fan page, and created a Facebook page for the Legend movie (if you want to stay updated): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Le ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/You-want-an-early-copy-of-LEGEND-219269720 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/You-want-an-early-copy-of-LEGEND-219269720 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:06:16 PDT You want an early copy of LEGEND? nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
As stated below, they are paperback, unlike the final book which will be a hardcover. But even the paperbacks have a lovely embossed symbol!

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That's right--I just saw on Twitter that PenguinTeen (i.e. Penguin Group, my publisher) has announced an ARC (advance reading copy) contest for two people to win copies of Legend. (To explain for those wondering what an ARC is--it's a limited edition copy of Legend before it officially comes out. They're used to start building buzz and word- ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Pansy-Love-Scene-219313786 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Pansy-Love-Scene-219313786 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:41:30 PDT The Pansy Love Scene nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
It's no secret that the U.S. has a bit of a 'warrior nation' syndrome. Do our hackles rise at excessive violence in our books and media? Meh, sometimes...although you'd never know it, what with all those SAW sequels. We may grumble under our breath now and then about gratuitous violence, but by and large we accept it as a nece ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Whitewashing-of-AKIRA-219935097 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Whitewashing-of-AKIRA-219935097 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:55:41 PDT Whitewashing of AKIRA nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
http://www.racebending.com/v4/featured/akira-adaptation-courts-white-actors/

Now, let's think about this for a minute. AKIRA. Neo-Tokyo. Manga. With Japanese characters. Who is Warner Bros thinking about casting for Tetsuo and Kaneda? Here are the actors they reached out to:

If this isn't a blatant example of whitewashing, I don't know what is. There are few roles as it is for Asian American male actors in Hollywood, but if we can't even get cast in the lead roles for an obviously Asian story, what hope do we have? What kind of ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Thoughts-for-Japan-220276955 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Thoughts-for-Japan-220276955 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:47:41 PST Thoughts for Japan nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
And CNN link for those tuning in: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1

For any of you living in an affected area, my thoughts are with you and your families. :heart: ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/New-interview-about-Legend-220388973 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/New-interview-about-Legend-220388973 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:37:55 PST New interview about 'Legend' nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
http://yabibliophile.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/interview-with-ya-author-marie-lu-about-her-book-legend/

I've started writing the first few chapters of Legend 3. You know, every single time I start a book, I feel like this is the one that I'm not going to be able to finish. But eventually you power through, and then somehow you reach the end. It's like a friggin' miracle every time, though. O__o

Also, I ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Writing-a-query-letter-for-your-novel-220458991 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Writing-a-query-letter-for-your-novel-220458991 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:59:28 PST Writing a query letter for your novel nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
For those new to the publishing industry, a query letter is a one-page letter you write to a literary agent explaining what your novel is about. The goal is to get the literary agent interested enough to email you back requesting the first few chapters of your novel. Query letters are the first step to take in the whole process. If the agent likes your query's description of your book, they request sample chapters -> you send sample chapters - ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-and-more-foreign-deals-220607003 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-and-more-foreign-deals-220607003 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:08:35 PST Interview and more foreign deals nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
I recently did an interview (with the lovely Christine Donatello) for ScienceFiction.com about Legend. Now it's live! You can check it out here:

http://sciencefiction.com/2011/02/23/exclusive-interview-with-author-marie-lu/

Also, Penguin's foreign rights team has now brought the total of Legend's foreign rights deals up to 6! We recently sold Italian, Greek, and Hebrew rights. This means that so far, Legend will be published in (not including U.S.):

- UK/Australia/New Zealand
- Italian
- Spanish/Catalan
- French
- German
- Hebrew

I think those are all the ones, although I might be forgetting one.....

Anyw ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-s-soundtrack-220652047 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Legend-s-soundtrack-220652047 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:57:01 PST Legend's soundtrack..... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Final Hour (X-Ray Dog): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo2_s7J8-JA I *love* this song. This is so completely, totally fitting for Legend. I wish I could make a trailer for Legend with this!

She (Abney Park): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWHckwiqpho Because Abney Park is steampunk and Legend's ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Insecurities-220713116 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Insecurities-220713116 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:44:58 PST Insecurities nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Again, thank you all very much. :hug: You make me smile even on the worst days!

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(Can you tell I'm having one of my random days of insecurity? :) )

Artists and writers tend to be fragile cre ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Big-news-LEGEND-s-movie-rights-sold-221193832 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Big-news-LEGEND-s-movie-rights-sold-221193832 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:33:37 PST Big news--LEGEND's movie rights sold! nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
CBS Films has bought the movie rights to my book Legend, with Temple Hill's Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen (Twilight Saga, Nativity Story, Dear John) to produce! My amazing book and film agents, Kristin Nelson (NLA) and Kassie Evashevski (UTA) brokered the deal. I love them with the intensity of a thousand suns!!

News article (from Deadline): http://www.deadline.com/2011/02/cbs-films-makes-franchise-play-with-marie-lu-novel-legend/

Variety: http://www.variety ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/A-Writer-s-Familiarity-with-Failure-221541068 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/A-Writer-s-Familiarity-with-Failure-221541068 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:27:16 PST A Writer's Familiarity with Failure nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
And that leads me into a blog entry I've been meaning to write for a while ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Great-Pizza-Debacle-221837065 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/The-Great-Pizza-Debacle-221837065 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:50:57 PST The Great Pizza Debacle nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2011-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
(Scene. Boyfriend, me, 3 of boyfriend's cousins, numbered as Cousin #1, 2, and 3. Living room of our apartment. Cousins have been to our apartment several times before. UFC is on in a few minutes.)

Boyfriend and me: What does everyone want to order?
Cousins: Pizza.
Boyfriend and me: Well, you guys can go ahead and order ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Favorite-foods-222420073 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Favorite-foods-222420073 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:15:38 PST Favorite foods nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
My Favorite Foods

- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Soft and moist and chocolate-y (but for some reason also red-colored), with that rich cream cheese icing. Best cupcake ever.

- Deep Dish Spinach Artichoke Pizza: I know New Yorkers will kill me for saying this but I don't care! Deep dish pizza is the best kind of pizza. Taking a giant bite and letting your teeth sink all the way through that thick soft doughy cheesy crust. YUM.

- Xiao long bao dumplings: I'm a vegetarian ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Spanish-French-rights-sold-for-Legend-222500749 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Spanish-French-rights-sold-for-Legend-222500749 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:48:18 PST Spanish, French rights sold for Legend nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
In other news, I'm still chugging away on Legend 2 and working simultaneously on the standalone Legend game site http://steampunk-nation.com/game/files/home.php whenever I can. Legend 2 is currently at 47,585 words.

That's pretty much it for this installment. :) Try out the beta game site if you'd like!

Q for others: What writing project (or art project) are you currently working on? I'd love to hear about it; it helps stoke my creativity and convince m ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Want-to-beta-test-the-new-Legend-site-222590153 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Want-to-beta-test-the-new-Legend-site-222590153 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:25:26 PST Want to beta-test the new Legend site? nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
I'm working on the beta of the new Legend site, which is a standalone version of the Facebook app. In order to add in and test some of the stuff, I need a few people to create accounts and play a little bit. :) This is a site I will be demo-ing to Penguin in late January in New York so it'd be nice to have some people on there for them to see. So if you're interested in giving what's currently up there a test run, please feel free to register and create a test character! (NOTE: Games are NOT up yet. Currently you can earn Notes by dueling others and attacking others.)

http://steampunk-nation.com/game/files/home.php

Thanks so much ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/What-race-is-your-character-222787415 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/What-race-is-your-character-222787415 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:58:15 PST What race is your character? nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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Today I want to discuss the issue of race, specifically minorities, in fiction (or just media in general).

Now, what triggered this entry wasn't fiction at all but the following news clip:

http://www.youtube.com/v/OWOUyFOYR2E?fs=1&hl=en_US

This insults me, and probably not for the reason most people think. I side with the plastic surgeon, who explains that many of his Asian patients who opt for double eyelid surgery (i.e. Chinese/Koreans/etc who make their eyes look larger by gettin ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/When-your-characters-take-you-hostage-222870354 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/When-your-characters-take-you-hostage-222870354 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:04:59 PST When your characters take you hostage nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Blog lapse recently is due to the fact that I'm camped out in Houston for the week (I live in Los Angeles), visiting my stepdad and mum (and her awesomesauce cooking). :) Houston is where I grew up and went to grade/middle/high school, and I still think of it as my hometown. All mosquitoes aside, it's not half bad.

In book news, I've finished my revisions on Legend, and am back at work on Legend 2--although it always takes me a few days to get back into the groove. Currently L2 wordcount is at 32,085. I think my writing goals might be sporadic at best throughout Thanksgi ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Paranormal-activity-223017182 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Paranormal-activity-223017182 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 08:35:41 PST Paranormal activity?.... nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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There have been some strange occurrences in my home lately.

Two days ago, I was feeding the dogs. I keep all their kibble in this big plastic jug, and so I unscrewed the jug's plastic cap and put it face up on the counter. Then I turned away to pour ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/More-good-news-about-my-novel-Legend-223203683 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/More-good-news-about-my-novel-Legend-223203683 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:41:00 PST More good news about my novel, Legend :) nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
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I just got permission from my editor to post this good news about Legend (my dystopian novel about my boy criminal Day coming out from Penguin in December 2011). This is for my international deviantArt watchers!

It's now official--Legend will be published in Germany (by the amazing publisher Loewe) and the UK (from Penguin UK)! For my UK folks, it will be released at the same time it's being released in the U.S. (Dec. 2011). For any German folk ]]> http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Questions-about-writing-publishing-industry-223145151 http://mree.deviantart.com/journal/Questions-about-writing-publishing-industry-223145151 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 10:23:10 PST Questions about writing/publishing industry nonadult journals/personal mree http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/m/r/mree.jpg Copyright 2010-2013 *mree @Marie_Lu
Legend 2 progress: Finally had some decent writing yesterday and today after about a week of false starts and crappy chapters. I'm officially at 27,759 words. Hoping to get in at least 1,000 today, without having to go back and delete all of it like I've been doing. :) Day just got whacked in the face by someone. Poor boy.

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A commenter on my last entry suggested I should post some of the questions and my answers about writing/publishing in a new j ]]>