I Left My Heart in Decatur...

Happy Labor Day everybody! The bosslady isn't letting me have the day off, but that's okay. I'm leaving for Ireland in a couple weeks and I'll be there for a MONTH so I can have a proper vacation then. Came back late last night from the Decatur Book Festival. It. Was. Amazing. There were so many wonderful authors and book bloggers there. I'm not even sure where to begin. I guess I should start with The Gold Star Award for Awesome, which goes to Stacey from PageTurners and Vania Stoyanova for taking such good care of me and the other YA authors in attendance. I pretty much called Stacey the second I arrived because I was lost (shocker!) so she helped me find the author check-in. Vania arranged welcome dinners/breakfasts for a bunch of us authors. I pretty much stalked them the entire weekend. I'm going through a bit of withdrawal today because I can't text either of them to say "What are you doing NOW? Can I join you?" Yes, we authors can be a needy bunch.

Saturday night I got to meet some fab authors (can't believe I didn't get a photo of us!): Myra McEntire, Stephanie Perkins, Jackson Pearce, CJ Redwine, Rachel Hawkins, and Victoria Schwab - how about that for dinner companions? (Of course I spent most of the evening talking poor Stacey's ear off).  Beth Revis stopped by, but I was on the other end of the table so I only got to wave to her. Next time!

Vania hosted an awesome breakfast with a bunch of us and I got to meet some awesome book bloggers. I love book bloggers. Seriously, I'm not pandering. I genuinely have nothing but the utmost respect for people who want to spread their love of books. I guess that's from being the daughter of a librarian! What can I say, I was raised well...

I got to see the Witches panel with Rachel Hawkins, Jackson Pearce, and Victoria Schwab. It was hysterical. Those guys were cracking me up. Who knew witches could be so funny? (Especially since I was scared of the Wicked Witch of the West when I was a kid.) But halfway through their panel I thought, "Crap! My panel is coming up. Better get your A-game on, Eulberg!"

I've been looking forward to my panel for months. I'm huge admirer of my fellow panelists: Stephanie Perkins (LOVED Anna and the French Kiss and can't wait for Lola and the Boy Next Door), Terra Elan McVoy (Terra and I worked together back in the day at Scholastic and have kept in touch. I recently read her latest, The Summer of Firsts and Lasts, and it's SO good, highly recommend it! PLUS, Terra is the Program Director for the DBF so she was responsible for having me there, I was so honored to be invited!), and Jennifer Jabaley (finished her Crush Control on my flight to Atlanta, the book and Jennifer are so much fun).

After the panel, I went down to the signing where I met so many awesome people (I'm aware that I keep using he words "awesome" and "amazing" but I only preach the truth!). Award for best t-shirt goes to Crys who showed her love for the one and only Miss Austen.

I'll admit, when I first saw the shirt I thought, "Oh, I wonder if she's read Prom & Prejudice yet, and if so, that she doesn't hate me!" I know there are a lot of Jane Austen purists out there who don't like it when people do retellings, but so far I've had nothing but positive interactions with fellow Jane Austen fans and Crys was no exception!

I also found out from Karis that Prom & Prejudice AND The Lonely Hearts Club both made the Summer Reading List of a local Middle School. This made me REALLY excited because I haven't heard that before. I made it, Mom! (No seriously, I totally forwarded the link to her. She'd be pretty proud of this, I know I am!)

Sadly, it was time for me to go home. Not before I got a photo with the infamous Stacey!

I can't believe that I didn't get a photo with Vania. That's so not right. Luckily, I'll be stalking, I mean seeing her soon and we'll change that!

Thank you to everybody who came out to the panels and signings, the Decatur Book Festival committee and volunteers for making everything run so smoothly, and, of course, Scholastic for sending me (especially Emma in publicity, aka my airport buddy). You guys ROCK!

XOXO, Elizabeth

Just a note on my comments. I'm having some problems yet again with spam and some comments not even showing up for moderation. I'm a little busy writing to get to the bottom of it, so if you make a comment and it doesn't show up, feel free to contact me on Facebook or Twitter. I see everything there!

SO MUCH CLOSER giveaway!

Can you believe summer is almost over? Say it ain't so! I hope everybody's been having a great summer and reading a ton of fun books. One of my fav reads this summer was So Much Closer by super fab author (and friend) Susane Colasanti. I read it over Memorial Day weekend on the beach and let me just say it's perfection caught on paper (yes, I still read good ol' fashioned books)!

From the publisher:

Scott Abrams is the love of Brooke's life. He just doesn't know it yet. So when Scott moves to New York City the summer before senior year, Brooke has no choice but to follow him. It's her last chance to prove to him that they're meant to be together.

But the city is full of surprises that Brooke never expected. Ever since a painful family trauma, she's been closed off to her parents, to her friends, and even to herself. Now, inspired by the thrilling energy of the bustling and creative city around her, Brooke begins to discover a side of herself she never knew existed.

And as she finds out, in the city that never sleeps, love can appear around any corner...

One of my favorite things about Susane's books is her ability to draw realistic characters who you can relate to. I'm also a believer in dreaming BIG, soulmates, looking up, and Knowing - all which are at the heart of So Much Closer. Plus, it has one of my favorite lines ever written: "Sometimes in the midst of all your boy drama, you just need a cupcake." Preach it, Susane!

AND the title comes from one of my favorite Death Cab for Cutie songs, "Transatlanticism." (Bragging time: Susane and I saw Death Cab recently in concert and they were ah-mazing!)

Check out this video if you want to hear Susane talk about the inspiration behind the book (if you look real closely, you'll see my reflection in the window - oops, bad camerawoman!):

Susane has graciously agreed to giveaway not only a SIGNED copy of SO MUCH CLOSER, but she'll PERSONALIZE it to the winner. How cool is that? All you have to do is comment below with your favorite lyric from a song, any song - your choice! (I'm having a hard time coming up with my favorite lyric. The line I most want someone to feel about me is from Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" - "Those three words are said too much, they're not enough.")

Boring contest stuff: one winner will be chosen from random (US only please - sorry!) at 9pm EST on Sunday, August 21st (so I can then watch The Glee Project finale!). Please note, even though I have new spam blockers installed, I still approve comments so it may take a few hours for your comment to appear, but it will get approved!

UPDATE: It seems like my spam blocker is working a little TOO well. I can see that there are some people who have commented, but I can't get to their comments. Please do not worry, I can see the names and e-mails of everybody so if your comment isn't below, you'll still be counted for the contest!

Good luck! XO, Elizabeth

Take a Bow cover!

I'm beyond excited to finally be able to share the stunning (if I do say so myself, but I didn't design it so I think I'm allowed to say it) cover of TAKE A BOW!

Copy from Point/Scholastic:

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

Take a Bow will be coming in April 2012 - I know that seems so far away, but it'll be here before we know it!

XO, Elizabeth

No, Thank YOU Sir Paul!!

Three years ago, I saw the greatest concert of my life: Sir Paul McCartney (read about that here). About two seconds after the concert ended, I thought, I must see him again. Then a couple months ago, I found out that not only was Sir Paul returning to NYC, he was going to be playing Yankee Stadium, on my birthday. I mean, can it get better than that? I think not. Tickets were secured, as was my partner-in-crime for the evening: fellow Beatles fan, YA author superstar, and fab friend Susane Colasanti. [Read Susane's blog about the concert here.]

It was ON.

Before I knew it, my birthday/Sir Paul Day arrived. I want to take this moment to thank everybody for the birthday wishes on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I was truly overwhelmed and moved by each and every message. Of course I was hoping Sir Paul would perform “Birthday,” but luckily Susane agreed to sing it for me if Sir Paul didn’t come through.

It was a gorgeous evening at Yankee Stadium. I had my Sgt. Peppers LONELY HEARTS CLUB Band t-shirt (of course!), Susane wore her brand-new Paul McCartney tee, and oh yeah, I had a Birthday Girl tiara. That’s how we roll.

Sir Paul started the show with “Hello/Goodbye” and I was freaking out. I mean, Sir Paul flippin’ McCartney (that’s right, I said flippin’!) is singing a Beatles song!!! It’s very, very surreal. It’s almost hard to comprehend. Honestly, there are so many moments to talk about so here are just some of the many, many highlights of the night:

I was really, really, really hoping he was going to sing “Something” in honor of George Harrison again. There was an adorable twelve-year-old girl behind us who was a George fan and when I told her he did when I saw him three years ago, she got so excited. I have a special place in my heart for George. When I’m asked who my favorite Beatle is, it’s really so hard. Usually I say it’s a tie between Paul and George because as much as I LOVE Sir Paul, I think George is extremely underrated. Two of my favorite songs: “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” were written by George. He is considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of all time. And he’s just AWESOME. Paul brought out his ukulele and started talking about George. Honestly words cannot describe how beautiful this moment is, so luckily I found this from his concert in Liverpool back in 2008: I just cried watching it. One thing to note, at the beginning of the song, the camera cuts to two women. You might recognize one as Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s widow (she’s in the hat), to the left is Olivia Harrison, George’s widow. Another side note, when an attacker broke into the Harrison’s home in 1999 and stabbed George, Olivia fought off the attacker with a fire poker and lamp until the police arrived. I mean, how bad-A is that? At the end of the song, she blows a kiss to Paul. It destroyed me this morning. I really miss George… Okay, back to the concert. Sir Paul played “Something” and the whole crowd sang aloud to one of my favorite parts of any Beatles song: “You’re asking me will my love grow, I don’t know, I don’t know…” Gah, so good! And I’m pretty sure the twelve-year-old’s year was made with that performance. I know mine was!

Of course, Sir Paul had to pay tribute to John Lennon. He did this twice, first performing the song he wrote after Lennon’s death, the extremely moving “Here Today.” I teared up during that song. He also ended “A Day in the Life” with a sing-along to “Give Peace a Chance.”

Oh and I can’t forget that Sir Paul thanked me! That’s right, Sir Paul McCartney thanked me! Okay, he didn’t say “Thanks to Elizabeth Eulberg!” But after “Blackbird” he thanked all the guitar students out there who have learned to play the song. And that’s ME! So, pretty much, Sir Paul McCartney personally thanked me on my birthday.

For the first time ever, Sir Paul performed “The Night Before” – could not believe it. I also couldn’t believe he did “All My Lovin,’” “I’ve Got a Feeling,” and “I’ve Just Seen a Face.” There were some songs I was hoping he would play that he didn’t get around to, but even if the concert lasted 24 hours, there would be something missing. He has that many classics. Try to name one other artist with as many… It’s impossible.

Wow. There’s so many more moments to share. It’s a little overwhelming. “Elearnor Rigby” was another one of those somebody pinch me moments. Crazy fireworks and pyrotechnics during “Live and Let Die.” Singing along to “Drive My Car’s” Beep-Beep-MM-Beep-Beep-YEAH! “Paperback Writer” since, um, I’m a writer and The Lonely Hearts Club is out in paperback. So obviously that song was written about me (pay no attention to the fact I wasn’t even born when it was written).

Oh, and can I just say that Sir Paul is a ROCK STAR. He’s 69 years old and rocking out like a kid. A few times I used the word “cheeky” to describe him. He joked around with the audience, told funny stories, had us repeat him (at once point he got us all to bark like a dog, and I did it. I’d do anything Sir Paul asked me to. “Hey Elizabeth, shave your head and then walk around naked.” Me: “Would be okay if I at least had sunscreen on?”). But what I loved the most was that at the beginning, he asked the audience to give him a moment so he can soak in playing at Yankee Stadium for the first time. I loved this. And I also noticed that most of the audience enjoyed the show and didn’t spend the entire time recording it on their phones or texting (don't get me started on that). Everybody was in the moment.

As much as we were hoping he’d play “Birthday,” he didn’t. Which in retrospect was probably a good thing. Anytime we thought there was a possibility, Susane and I would start freaking out. I really think I would’ve died had he played it. But at least I would’ve died very, very happy!

After nearly three hours, two encores, and thirty-five songs(!!!!), Sir Paul sang the final line, which was absolute perfection: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

Sir Paul left the stage and as sad as I was to see him go, he gave the entire audience an unforgettable evening.

But wait! My concert experience wasn’t fully over because as people were leaving, Susane did her own encore just for me. As promised, she sang “Birthday” complete with choreographed dance moves. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day (and the guys a few rows up really seemed to enjoy seeing the two of us dance around)!

So from me to Sir Paul and Susane: thank you both for truly the best birthday this girl could ever hope for.

XO, Elizabeth

The set list: 1) Hello, Goodbye 2) Junior's Farm 3) All My Lovin' 4) Jet 5) Drive My Car 6) Sing The Changes (The Fireman Song) 7) The Night Before 8) Let Me Roll It (I have no idea why there's a smiley face here - it won't go away so I'm not going to fight it!!!) 9) Paperback Writer 10) The Long and Winding Road 11) Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five 12) Let 'Em In 13) Maybe I'm Amazed 14) I've Just Seen A Face 15) I Will 16) Blackbird 17) Here Today 18) Dance Tonight 19) Mrs. Vanderbilt 20) Eleanor Rigby 21) Something 22) Band On The Run 23) Obla Di Obla Da 24) Back In The U.S.S.R 25) I've Got A Feeling 26) A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance 27) Let It Be 28) Live and Let Die 29) Hey Jude Encore: 30) Lady Madonna 31) Day Tripper 32) Get Back Second Encore: 33) Yesterday 34) Helter Skelter 35) Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End

Setlist and awesome concert photo from NY Daily News.