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06:43 pm
4/23/08

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writergrl
Whew!

Okay, so I'm back from New York City, where I flew up for a quick twenty four hours to attend a party in honor of my publisher, Viking Children's Books, turning 75. It was kind of insane, doing a reading Monday night, then racing home, grabbing a few hours of sleep, then going to the airport, flying North, running around the city catching up with friends, then hitting the party, a quick dinner afterwards, back to the hotel, up at crack of dawn the next am to come back home. Yikes! Factor in leaving my baby overnight for the first time and we're talking serious whirlwind. But it was REALLY fun, I got to see so many of my favorite authors and publishing folk, and my baby seems to have missed me, well..not at all. If anything, she and my husband are now even more of BFFs, which is really great but also made me a little sad. I wanted to be missed at little bit, at least. Is it so much to ask to be to be indispensable?

Thank you to EVERYONE who has written in about Lock and Key. I'm so excited people are finding it and reading it and (most importantly) liking it. I went into a Barnes and Noble near my hotel yesterday, and sure enough, there it was front and center, which was VERY exciting. And in the little mini-Borders at Newark Airport this am, it was out as well. Which means I have achieved one of my lifetime dreams: to be in an airport bookstore. I know, super lame. But I have been waiting for this moment! Too bad it was, like, 7:15 am and there was no one to really share it with. Still. Super exciting.

One request: if you HAVE already read Lock and Key and leave a comment about it, warn us if you're giving out plot spoilers. I know a lot of people haven't had a chance to read it yet and want them to get all the surprises when they do. Thanks!

Because my trip to New York was crazy-fast, I was yet again denied the pleasure of doing ANY shopping. That's two trips in a row! I've got to find a way to fit in an extra day (or even a couple of hours) next time. At least I got some good food. The best? The little appetizers available at my hotel during cocktail hour. My best friend Bianca and I were blown away that they had both Tater Tots AND Pigs in a Blanket on the menu. Super gourmet Tots and Piggies, of course, because this IS a fancy hotel in New York. But it was still kind of hiliarious. I mean, look at these pigs in a blanket:

Courtney, can you even believe this? We clearly need a fancy plate and sauce next time we make them. Regardless of appearance, though, they were delicious, as were the tots. It would have been nice to buy a new dress or some shoes while I was away, but if I had to get only one thing, Pigs in a Blanket is a pretty good choice.

Thanks again to EVERYONE for your kind words and support. I'm going to go collapse now, before doing it all again on Friday in DC.....

Have a great day everyone!
traffic analysis

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On April 23rd, 2008 10:48 pm (UTC), [info]hesitant_solace commented:
That's just not fair... posting a picture like that when I'm starving. Hahaha...

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I ran out and bought Lock and Key yesterday evening after work and started reading the instant I got home. I am loving it! I was so scared they wouldn't have it at the book store, but thankfully they did. Otherwise I might have said some big words to the rather cute guy who works there. Hehe...

I'm sorry you didn't get to do any shopping. But you're right. Pigs in a Blanket is a pretty good consolation prize. :)

*off to read more* :D

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On April 23rd, 2008 10:52 pm (UTC), [info]drea12301994 commented:
Hey...Lock and Key
Hey Sarah,
I read the first two chapters of "Lock and Key" yesterday, no spoilers...don't worry people, all I am going to say is I am IN LOVE with it so far. Your writing is fantastic. I love Ruby already. The only thing thats not really a spoiler: I love Roscoe! He reminds me of one my dogs, who also pees everywhere!
I can't wait to finish reading it. That MUST be exciting to see your book out everywhere! Weird. LOL! But exciting nonetheless.
You have a great evening Sarah! Rest up.
Thank you so much for your amazing writing!
I hope all is well!
%%
Drea♥
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On April 23rd, 2008 11:04 pm (UTC), [info]bojangleslady commented:
Those pigs are amazing!! Are they resting in cheese? I need them.
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On April 23rd, 2008 11:07 pm (UTC), [info]jjpdg replied:
Agreed!
What kind of sauce IS that?!
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On April 23rd, 2008 11:09 pm (UTC), [info]areyoucominhome commented:
this was right after your post on my friendslist and it made me smile
http://community.livejournal.com/literaryquotes/5793551.html
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On April 23rd, 2008 11:29 pm (UTC), [info]seaheidi commented:
Started LOCK AND KEY yesterday. Chapter 3--love it!!
Such a good set-up from the intro and I love the brother-in-law. =)
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On April 23rd, 2008 11:32 pm (UTC), [info]bookgirl12 commented:
lol, Jamie is one of my new favorite characters! He is such a great character... kept me laughing :) Reading Lock and Key over, and its just as good the second time!
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On April 24th, 2008 12:01 am (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Hey, Sarah... I haven't had a chance to crack open Lock and Key yet, but I am diving in as soon as I have some free time... I can't wait! (Also, I get to see you on Friday, and I'm super excited!) Oh, I would like to say, though, that I've been checking out the cover and I think it rocks... how it has the hand, but you can't see it when the jacket's on. Love ya!!!
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On April 24th, 2008 12:14 am (UTC), [info]thisishowweburn commented:
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Lock and Key
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Lock and Key!

I was one of the winners for the ARC from readergirlz, which finally came last Saturday. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of trying to finish Suite Scarlett when it arrived, so I couldn’t read it right away. But I stayed locked up in my room all morning Sunday and finished it in record-breaking time – with minimal bathroom breaks! My only complaints were that there was never another confrontation with Ruby’s mother, and the subtle hinting around about Ruby’s father that never went anywhere (again, I was hoping for a confrontation of sorts). Other than that, I thought it was wonderful. It’s definitely up there with my favorites, Just Listen and The Truth About Forever. :)

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On April 24th, 2008 12:16 am (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
ahh, I'm dying to read the book, but I haven't gotten a chance because of school. Once junior year is gone, I can't wait to focus on your books again!
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On April 24th, 2008 12:25 am (UTC), [info]covered_in_spit commented:
I finisihed Lock and Key a few hours ago, and I loved it!
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On April 24th, 2008 12:38 am (UTC), [info]french15 commented:
Loving "Love and Key" LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
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On April 24th, 2008 12:58 am (UTC), [info]lexie_b commented:
Lock and Key was amazing. I read it in one sitting - the ending wasn't what I expected, but was completely perfect. If I ever get published, I can only hope that my books are half as awesome as yours.
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On April 24th, 2008 01:00 am (UTC), [info]blueducky89 replied:
My copy of Lock and Key is being shipped to me as I speak! I cannot wait to read it Sarah, I am sure it will not disappoint.
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On April 24th, 2008 03:22 am (UTC), [info]lovevmars04 commented:
I am sooo excited my copy is coming in on Friday!!
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On April 24th, 2008 03:40 am (UTC), [info]natalialalala commented:
Lock and Key was dead center at the bnn in my town...I totally squealed when I saw it. Also, I don't know if this is as good as having your books sold at the airport, but I was at a&p the other day, and among a stack of books on the shelf was This Lullaby (my personal favorite). I'm pretty sure I squealed when I saw that, too. =D
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On April 24th, 2008 05:58 am (UTC), [info]nicolemalena commented:
I cannot wait to purchase Lock and Key. I have no money so it's really sad that I can't get it right now :(
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On April 24th, 2008 12:24 pm (UTC), [info]chunkybutt0506 commented:
Read Lock & Key in about two hours, I'm a nerd. What can I say? I loved it just like I love your other books. (Loved the little nod to Just Listen with Owen heehee). But something was itching me as I dove further into Ruby's world....Nate. I wanted to know more about him. More about was going through his head, his world. Ruby's world got better through the book, and I wanted to know how Nate's got worse and worse. I know, you're probably thinking, "Lame fan!!! Don't dwell on it! Just read the book and be happy!!!!!!". But I really want to know. I want to know Nate's full story, not just bits and pieces and conclusions. The whole thing. Why is parents divorced? Why did his dad always have financial problems? Why did him and Heather break up? His life before Ruby is what interests me.

Sincerely,
Elli.

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On April 24th, 2008 06:00 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader replied:
A note From Ali (SPOILERS)
He and heather broke up because she couldnt stand the fact that he wouldnt let her help him or at least let her in enough to do so.
Just as he wasnt letting ruby until the end
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On April 24th, 2008 01:04 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Already completely engrossed in the book. I love it!
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On April 24th, 2008 04:37 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
yay
i had been trying to get lock and key for a while on pre-order and it hadnt been working, but in the end i went to barnes and noble, and found lock and key everywhere (well not everywhere but still). almost done with it, and im loving it! great job=)
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On April 24th, 2008 04:49 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Caution!!! Spoilers Ahead!!!
Sarah,
I love the fact that you decided to put a lot of your former characters into your book this time. It's nice to know that Annabel's still on the radio, and hopefully with Owen!!! And I enjoyed finding all the other charcters, like Barbara Star and Bert and Kristen, even Rogerson too. I was sad though not to find out about how Wes and Macy were, Remy and Dexter, and even Kaitlin. Hope to hear more about them in the next book...(Come on, we all know there'll be one).
I especially enjoyed this book, I think it may be your best book yet.
Keep up the good work, your a great writer and a true inspiration to all your readers.
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On April 24th, 2008 05:17 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Lock and Key
I don't want to spoil anything for people who have not read it yet. But i just have to say Ruby is my new favorite narrator. I just loved how strong she was especially in her relationship with Nate. So i just wanted to say thank you again for another great book. I never get tired of reading them!
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On April 24th, 2008 05:25 pm (UTC), [info]a_forgottensong commented:
just finished it, loved it but i already knew i would!
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On April 24th, 2008 05:55 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
A Note From Ali
It sounds like a insane couple of days!
slight spoiler:

I must say that I just finished Lock and Key and it is by far, the best book that I have ever read! I love that in the last 24 pages, their seemed no good ending, and then, without rushing it, you came up with a flawlessly perfect ending! It is genius! I have been telling everyone that I know. I actually, was finally able to get my 15 year old brother to read Just Listen, and he is usually a fantasy type of guy. I did however, tell him about owen, and seeing as my brother is a TOTAL music freak (not in a 'he is crazy weird!' sort of way, in a obsesive sort of way!) but he said that he really loved your writting style!
I was so happy. I have actually been keeping everyone I know posted on my progress in the book via gmail chat. My reading a fantastic book by my all time favorite author, is like what you said in the dedications of Just Listen, it is a town event.
Congratulations on making the airport by the way! That is really exciting, the almost always only have harry potter, book club books, and memoirs by famous people. It is sad what this country has come to.

Thanks so much!
Ali

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On April 24th, 2008 08:29 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
A Ruby song
There is a song by Kaiser Chiefs called "Ruby". I think you will really like it. Also all your books are amazing. Every single one!
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On April 24th, 2008 09:37 pm (UTC), [info]icexqu33n commented:
I just finished Lock and Key! It was so amazing. I cried for a long time. You are my hero, Sarah Dessen. Thank you so much for enriching my life. :D
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On April 24th, 2008 09:50 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Lock and Key.
SO, my mom surprised me by buying me Lock and Key as soon as it came out and I was very happy to say the least. I immediately went and read it and though I did finish there will be no spoilers. But I am in love with this book. Everything about it was amazing. I really couldn't put it down, :).
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On April 24th, 2008 11:12 pm (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
:)
I'm not sure if you will get this, Sarah, but I just wanted to thank you.
My name is very unique and I was very pleasantly surprised when I started reading Lock and Key that one of the character's name is Cora!!
I'm a huge fan, and I got a signed copy of Lock and Key at my bookstore as well. So sweet! :)
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On April 25th, 2008 12:24 am (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
Of course... Lock and Key
Sarah-
Lock and Key is so great!
I am inthe middle and can't wait to finish it but at the same time i don't want to.
Jamie
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On April 25th, 2008 12:36 am (UTC), [info]orly_welldamn commented:
Okay, so I don't really think this is a spoiler or anything, but some people might think it is, so they've been warned.

I loved Lock and Key! It was wonderful!
But.
My favorite part of the whole book was seeing or hearing about so many of the other characters from your other books!
I about died at the return of Rogerson, I was that excited, really.
And the music freak from one of Jamie's employee's anger management class? I was on the bus on the way home from a field trip and everyone was screaming and I squealed. No kidding.

Great book, super great. I'm so psyched Amazon got it to me as fast as they did.

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On April 25th, 2008 12:37 am (UTC), [info]orly_welldamn replied:
I meant that everyone was sleeping. Oops.
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On April 25th, 2008 03:27 am (UTC), [info]natalialalala replied:
totally random
I noticed that and LOVED it, too. It was such a subtle return of a character...love ittt.
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On April 25th, 2008 12:38 am (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
a) I am about 4 pages away from finishing the book and
**kind of spoiler?**

b) I need a Gervais. Now.
Thanks for the fantastic read!

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On April 25th, 2008 01:28 am (UTC), [info]thecannons commented:
That sounds like a few exhausting days!

SLIGHT SPOILERS.

I rushed out on Tuesday the minute school ended and bought Lock and Key, which my friends were more than happy about because I'd been counting down the days until its release for more than a few weeks. I love it so much. Its definately one of my favorites right now, even though I haven't finished. And I'll probably get closer to Nate as the story goes on, but I love Jamie. He's one of my favorites out of your characters.
So I just wanted to let you know how much your books have meant to me these past few years, and how inspiring your writing is. I really hope you write more about the Lakeview kids. Which reminds me, I love all of the character references in this book. I was so happy that you included Rogerson and slipped in Kiki Sparks, Queen Homes, Annabel, Bert, and Kristen. It made me smile. I'm done gushing now. YAY FOR LOCK AND KEY.

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On April 25th, 2008 03:46 am (UTC), an anonymous reader commented:
I'm an Australian reader who was happily surprised when yesterday I was shopping for my 2yr old niece's birthday present and I saw lock and key right there in front of me, so coming home with a pair of fairy wings for her and lock and key for me made it a fantastic shopping trip!

I unfortunately haven't been able to read all of your books yet, as my library doesn't stock all of them, but i've bought 3 and they have all been fantastic, the truth about forever is my favourite =) I just have to say thank you for being such an amazing author.

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On April 25th, 2008 06:03 am (UTC), [info]cdelphine commented:
How do you make tater tots gourmet? Anyways I'm not a mommy yet but it has to be so hard to love someone so much without getting much confirmation in return. How old is baby? About 8 months? If it makes you feel any better it is completely normal for her not to "miss" you. And even if she still doesn't throw herself at you when you return in about a year it's still okay because that will probably mean that she just has an outgoing and confident personality which will be awesome for later in life. *Okay psych major will now stop spewing information you probably already know* :)

On another note, I can't wait to be home for the summer so I can read Lock and Key and I wish I could come to your reading in DC but unfortunately it's last day of classes for me so kinda important.

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