Hey everyone, It’s Q & A Thursday–with a twist. Last week I had a wonderful Facebook chat that many of you attended. For those of you who missed it, you can check it out here. The video is a little choppy, but hopefully you’ll still get the answers you were looking for. On the same page you can find a clip of last year’s chat, recorded around the time Fallen in Love came out. I [...]
Hey guys, This week’s fan art was tweeted to me by Jo Collins…thanks Jo! I LOVE this drawing, the beautiful dresses, and the long wispy hair. I think Jo perfectly captured the gothic romance of Fallen. Can’t wait to see more of your fan art–so send them in before next Friday! Cheers! Lauren
Thanks for all of the great questions so far. Keep ‘em coming! As always, be sure to check my post in the FAQ section, entitled Frequently Asked Questions, to be sure I haven’t already answered yours. This week’s Q was posted by Tenisha and Caroline. Q: Who was your favorite/most challenging character to write in Teardrop? A: I loved developing the voice of Eureka. She’s a very private girl who exposes her true self to only [...]
Hello! Have you ever wanted to chat with me from the other side of the world? Have you ever made a list of burning Fallen-related questions and wondered how to get answers? Have you ever wanted to see me talk without having to sit through a Youtube ad? Then this one is for you: On Wednesday, May 8th at 7pm EST I’ll be on Facebook answering questions, talking about my new series, and updating everyone [...]
I loved your dream casts so much I wanted your opinion on another favorite topic of mine–the Fallen soundtrack. So many of you have already sent in songs that remind you of Luce and Daniel. From Taylor Swift to Ron Pope, you each have different visions of what constitutes the perfect Fallen playlist. I’d love to hear from more of you! The Details: Send your playlist to laurenkatebooks at gmail.com with the subject line “Fallen [...]
Happy Friday ~ Today’s fan art comes from Courtney Calderone — a slamming depiction of the IHOP scene from Torment, which celebrates Arriane’s badassery. I love how each character is uniquely rendered in this scene. Miles and Shelby’s hair! So great. Thanks, Courtney! Keep sending art to laurenkatebooks at gmail.com and your work could be featured on the next Fan Art Friday! Lots of love, Lauren
Thanks for all the wonderful questions! I’ll try to get to all of them eventually, but for this week I am answering a question posed in part by both Caleb and Caroline. Q: What was it like transitioning from writing the Fallen series to Teardrop? A: The inspiration for Teardrop struck while I was revising Torment, so in the back of my mind I had several years and three additional Fallen books during which to stew over Teardrop’s complexities [...]
You have so many wonderful questions! I love hearing the things that matter to you about my books, about writing, about life and love. You may have noticed the new FAQ section of my site, but I’m also going to start something new here on the blog: Welcome to Q and A Thursday! Post your questions in the comments section below and I will answer a selection of them the following Thursday. (Make sure your [...]
This week’s wonderful fan art comes from Alessandra. Thank you for sharing your deeply romantic vision of Luce and Daniel. And for any other artists out there, I’d love to feature your work, too. I can’t wait to see some of your takes on Teardrop… Cheers, Lauren
Questions about Fallen: What was your inspiration for writing Fallen? I’m drawn to impossible love stories. When I was getting my masters degree in fiction, I was studying biblical narratives and found myself intrigued by a line in Genesis (6:1-4), which describes a group of angels who fell in love with mortal women. Putting this line together with a mention in Isaiah and another in Palsm 82, biblical scholars conclude that these angels were actually [...]
Hey Fallenatics! Thanks to everyone who entered the Fallen Dream Cast contest. You shared so many terrific ideas that it was tough to choose a winner. (Just a reminder: THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL FALLEN CAST. This is one fan’s brilliant vision!) And now, a super congratulations to our winner… Valentina Paz Gajardo Rivera! Her witty descriptions charmed me, and I love the YouTube videos she chose. Her passion for Fallen is clear, and her casting [...]
Exciting news! The TEARDROP prologue is available today on Entertainment Weekly’s Shelf Life blog. Can’t wait to hear what you think. Are you eager to read more??
Our daughter Matilda was born in early February. The past couple of months have been gorgeous, overwhelming, and unforgettable. I knew I was going to love her, but I was unprepared for how powerfully that love would take hold of me. It gets stronger every day. Matilda is healthy and strong. She enjoys sunrise, her dog, long drives on windy roads, and moments of quiet contemplation. This week she started smiling—and now that’s all [...]
Yes, in case you didn’t know the good news, Fallen is being made into a movie. The rights were purchased by Mayhem Productions and the wonderful Scott Hicks has been chosen to direct. I am an executive producer for the film and I promise to let everyone know the moment any open casting calls are announced. Lately, I’ve been receiving lots of wonderful casting suggestions from readers. What better way to thank your for your [...]
It almost brings tears of joy to my eyes to be able to share the astonishing Teardrop cover with you. Thanks to all who helped with this sneak peek by liking the Fallen Facebook page. Here’s a short description of the book, which will be available in the US on October 22nd, and around the world shortly thereafter: Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux’s mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. [...]
For years we’ve fallen in love with the Fallen covers, coveted the couture of those dresses, and maybe even shopped for products to make our locks as lush as Luce’s. Well, there’s a new gig in town. I am spectacularly close to getting to share the Teardrop cover with you. I know you’re going to love it. It blew me away. We’re doing things a little differently this time. YOU can make a difference in [...]
Happy New Year! In case you missed my writers in residence series on Totally Random, here are my tips for reading like a writer. Read as much as you can, as widely as you can: First, seek out other novels that orbit the same world you’re interested in writing about. Learn the hallmarks of your genre. (And by “genre” I simply mean “category.” All writing falls into a genre—from science fiction, to contemporary realism, to [...]
I recently sat down with Lulu Burton to talk books, writing, and love for The Aesthete. Read all about it here. Photography Andrew Durham
Thanks to all who participated in my Thanksgiving Contest. You sent in wonderful, thoughtful responses. I loved reading your praise of fiction. Congrats to Savannah W. on her winning entry (keep an eye out for your Fallen box-set in the mail!) And a special shout-out to runners up: Adriana, Cara W., Carmen B., and Arrielle. In Savannah’s own words: “Fiction makes me thankful because even in the most fantastical, most unrealistic stories, there is something [...]
This Thanksgiving, I’m giving thanks for you wonderful readers. And in celebration of the season, I’m hosting a very special contest. Want to participate? Just answer this question in the comments section below: “Why does fiction make you thankful?” Are your favorite books a means of escape? Are great stories the way you connect with the world? Do books bring you closer to the people in your life? Share your perspective below for a chance [...]
A salute to my top pick for this year’s Fallen-inspired costume. I love the way Fallen fan Rhullian Gloom gave the Angel look a dark twist with the black wings, dark clothing, and combat boots. Just like the book covers, this image evokes a great mystery that leaves us wanting more. Thanks for sharing Rhullian.
I’ve already heard from many of you who are dressing up in costumes inspired by Luce and the gang. If you want to be featured on my blog, send in a photo of you in your costume to LaurenKateBooks@gmail.com. And if you’re dressing as Luce, feel free to strike a pose imitating one of the covers. Have a happy, safe, and sweet Halloween!
Hi Angels, This week’s installment of Fallen-inspired photos is totally Rapture-centric. This sunrise shot of Mt. Sinai conjured the scene where Luce, Daniel, and the Outcasts land on the mountain at dawn, awaiting the other angels. It’s so serene and still, I’m instantly taken to that awe-inspiring moment when the sun rises and light spreads across the mountainscape. When I saw this photo of a lone gondolier in Venice, Italy, I immediately thought of the [...]
Time for the Passion pics! This batch made me think of Luce’s journey into the distant past. Imagine what it would be like to travel through an Announcer and end up face to face with your former self in ancient Egypt… Or Shakespeare-era London… But the truth is, anywhere (and anytime?) can feel like home as long as you’re with the one you love. Happy Monday, angels. Have you seen photos that make you think [...]
This week I wanted to share these photos of the breathtaking Angel Island, off the coast of Sausalito, which remind me of the opening scene in Torment when Cam and Daniel meet to discuss the rules of the angelic truce. Doesn’t this transport you to their meeting by the water? Does it make anyone else want to head to Roland’s bonfire at the Shoreline beach? Have you seen any photos that make you think of [...]
Happy October, angels. Atmospheric Fallenesque images keep finding me, and with Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of them with you. I love this one, which reminds me of the cemetery at Sword & Cross, where Luce, Daniel, and the rest of the gang spend so much time in the first book. Can’t you just see Luce and Cam traipsing through these headstones on their [...]
Fall makes me think of new beginnings: new school year, new friends, new opportunities, and (if you’re like me) a new book. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to have lots of novel ideas floating around my mind—but no clue how to turn the idea into a story. Other times, I’m missing that first spark of inspiration, but I’m certain once I have it, I’ll have all the tools to sit down and write something inspired. Whether [...]
You know that very specific joy you feel when you pick up a new book and everything just works? Your mood matches the tone of the book. You keep flipping back to the cover to enjoy how it fits the story more with each new chapter you read. You happen to be able to afford a big chunk of time, focus, and emotional investment when you first crack open the spine. And enough about you. [...]
Visit the Fallen Books facebook page and register now! As soon as we hit 10,000 registrants, you’ll get the story emailed straight to your inbox.
“Daniel would find Lucifer, the angel who lived at the dead end of all ideas. Daniel did not fear the traitor who had been the Morning Star. Wherever, whenever they reached the end of this oblivion, Daniel would take his revenge. But first he would find Lucinda, for without her, nothing mattered. Without her love, nothing was possible.” – Rapture Enjoy the video:
I’ll be sharing one little quote a day for the next few days leading up to the release! Get excited and check back tomorrow… Only four more days! Lauren
One week before the Rapture tour, please join me at the Barnes and Noble at the Grove in LA with four other terrific writers:
Maybe you’re new to the Fallen world. Maybe you just got an e-reader and can’t wait to download something fabulous. Maybe you simply want to brush up on each book in the series before RAPTURE comes out on June 12th. The Fallen Chapter Sampler is for you! And…it’s FREE! Here’s the story: The Lauren Kate Fallen Series Ebook Sampler is the ultimate FREE introduction to the #1 New York Times bestselling series Fallen, the worldwide [...]
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to stop in on a session of the audiobook recording of Rapture. It was so wonderful to finally meet Justine Eyre, the incredibly talented actress who has been the voice of all the audiobooks in the Fallen Series. Her genuine Passion for my stories was touching and heartfelt, and I love the pure and enthusiastic soul she has brought to her readings. While I was there we [...]
Caleb and Alessandra from Brazil, Elisa from Germany, Andrea from Peru, Flavia from Italy, and Ivette from Holland – you will be my first round of international Fallen promoters abroad! Furthermore A HUGE thanks to all the other fans who sent in submissions for books, you had such wonderful ideas which made it a terribly tough (practically impossible!) decision to just pick six. …But never fear! This is not the last chance you’ll have to [...]
Dearest Fallen Fans! The original post about looking for International promoters had the wrong email! Please send all submissions to laurenkatebooks@gmail.com Goodness! Clearly someone needs to amp up the coffee intake. Sorry for the confusion – and because of my mistake, I’ll be extending the time for submissions by a week. So send away and I’ll announce my choices on Monday April 10th! xo, Lauren
Do you live in Spain or Mexico? How ’bout Holland? Germany? Italy? …Brazil maybe? Portugal? Italian speaking Switzerland perchance?! If you answered yes, do you also think you have what it takes to promote Fallen abroad? I have a whole stack of foreign language editions that need good homes. So I’m looking for a few dedicated and passionate fans from the countries mentioned above (as well as any other countries that Speak Spanish – though I [...]
You may not be able to drive. You may not be able to vote. You may not be able to stay up as late as you want, but guess what? You have a VOICE that begs to be heard. We care what you think, what you love, what you read. And that’s why the Children’s Choice Book Awards came to be. It’s the only national child-chosen book awards, and now, it’s your chance to tell people you’ve [...]
Hello my fantastic Fallen readers! In keeping with my New Years resolution to update and involve you in my adventures in “Authorland,” I’d like to share with you an amazing trip I made at the end of last month. So let’s start with… Arkansas. Birthplace of former President Bill Clinton, the #1 producer of rice and poultry in the continental United States, and most importantly? Home to AMAZING Fallen Fans! My journey started off with [...]
Though true love needs no single day to proclaim itself, celebrate today all those who have made your days brighter, just by being there. Whether it’s your best friend, your boyfriend, or your great aunt Sue – share the love with some of these awesome Fallen V-Day E-Cards. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, spend it well! -Lauren Kate
Alvin, Erica, Lindsay, Amber, Katrina, and Monica! A HUGE thank you to all of you who submitted answers to these questions, I received so many amazing responses that it was nearly impossible to just pick six for this giveaway. But don’t you worry, there will be other chances to win cool Fallen prizes coming up soon, I promise. So let’s see what our six had to say about the series and upcoming Fallen possibilities! Tell me about [...]
Fallen in Love has been out two whole weeks now, and while I hope that many of you have already had a chance to pick up your copy, I’ve got a handful of audio books up for grabs. Wouldn’t you like to take Luce and Daniel with you on those dreary early-morning rides to school? That bus trip to that faraway boyfriend? Those train rides to, well… anywhere? Give your eyes a rest and let [...]
Today’s the big day! I’m thrilled to share this collection of short stories from the Fallen world with you. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the book. Fallen in Love came along as something of a surprise. I wasn’t expecting to write it. My publisher was waiting on Rapture. You were waiting on Rapture. I was waiting on Rapture…. But I wasn’t ready to write it yet. It made me nervous to think about writing [...]
Some of you know how much I love to cook. When I’m done writing at the end of the day, cooking something exciting often feels like the most fun way to wind down. To me, cooking is the opposite of writing: where writing is sedentary and brain-draining…cooking is hands-on and can be done with a clear, calm mind. My husband Jason loves saffron, so for Christmas one year, I got him a book called the [...]
Sometimes, love is hell. Just ask Arriane (or read about it in her chapter of Fallen in Love). But that doesn’t mean your whole world has to screech to a halt. If your Valentines Day this year is shaping up to be less than romantic (as mine have been many times), take a cue from Robyn and keep dancing on your own. And when your tired feet need a rest (if you are wearing shoes like Robyn, [...]
Virginia Woolf is one of my favorite writers and To the Lighthouse is my favorite book of hers. It’s not expressly a love story, but there is romance flowing across every page, to and from each one of the characters, often showing up in the most surprising places. I am always in awe of Woolf’s ability to jump in one character’s mind one paragraph, then leave it to enter another character’s mind in the next. She [...]
My first book crush was Rhett Butler from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind. I must have read all twelve hundred pages of that book twelve times when I was twelve years old. I remember reading it once while visiting my grandmother in Baltimore. She told me how much she loved the movie–it was the only film she’d ever gone to the theater to see twice. When we rented and watched it together, I fell in [...]
Today’s Dash comes from love poet master, John Donne. His words inspire me regularly. (Look for him again in the epigraph of Rapture!) Like The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis, this poem centers around two departing lovers, but in this case, this speaker finds reasons to celebrate the separation. Take a look: A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning by John Donne As virtuous men pass mildly away, And whisper to their souls to go, Whilst some of [...]
Counting down to the release of Fallen in Love (6 more days!), I thought I’d share a selection of things I find romantic and inspiring. Check back here every day from now until the book’s release on Tuesday (in the US…sorry for those of you elsewhere who have to wait a little longer) for your DDoR. Today’s Dash of Romance is a painting I fell in love with during a recent trip to the Getty [...]
Not a single day goes by where I don’t receive a handful of inspirational letters, beautiful pieces of personal artwork, or a soulful song, all created by my passionate and caring fans. 2012 is the year of sharing more with you all, as you’ve shared with me, so prepare yourselves for weekly treats – every Thursday – that will help you get a glimpse of what this Fallen journey has been like on my end! [...]
First, two things that need no introduction: (Don’t forget to scroll down for a third very special surprise!) And now, because I’m so happy with this book that I can’t keep it to myself anymore, here is a very special sneak peak at FALLEN IN LOVE! This will give you a taste of the kinds of stories you’ll find in Fallen in Love. There are four complete love stories in the book. Can you guess who [...]
Dear all, I’ve received a handful of wonderful stories and photo submissions from fans across the world, and now the time has come for me to share them with YOU! First off I’d like to thank you all once more for coming out to support the release of “Passion.” You are the greastest. Now here’s our very first installment of fan tales from my worldly wanderings. More to come soon, so if you haven’t sent [...]
The leaves may not be turning in Los Angeles, but it’s truly autumn in the UK where they’ve more than “Fallen.” How wonderful it was to hop across the pond and celebrate the release of Passion with so many dedicated readers. As always, I was blessed with countless memorable meetings, deeply touching conversations, and innumerable brilliant fan creations. You never cease to amaze me. Thanks to each and every one of you who came out [...]
On October 1st, I’m attending the Bath Festival of Children’s Literature. In advance of this, the festival folks have put together an exquisite corpse story that has been bouncing around the blogosphere for the past couple of weeks. Would you like to read it so far?
These last few months, I’ve lived in airports – hopped and skipped all the way around the world so that I could meet you: my amazing and dedicated fans. We’ve had wonderful discussions about about love and fate, about how to write and what fuels my own imagination as an author. And of course, we’ve gone back and forth between Cam and Daniel, over and over again… (it’s a tough decision!) Unfortunately, I can’t visit [...]
How wonderful to be able to travel the world and meet so many of my amazing fans! Your creativity and dedication had me in constant awe. As I settle back into my own time zone I’d like to share with you a quick look at some of my travels.
I had the most amazing time last week on the US Passion tour. A huge, impassioned thanks to all of you who came out to the events in SF, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas. You drove from other states, through crazy weather, carting your whole families with you. You shared fascinating, poignant, and funny stories with me about your lives and your relationships to the Fallen books. You even got me to do the Time Warp [...]
My email account was hacked on Friday and as a result many of you got a strange email from me saying that I was mugged in London and needed cash. I’m fine! Please don’t send money! This was a false email from the hacker! I’ve reclaimed my accounts now and everything is back under control. BUT the worst part is that my entire email archive was wiped out. I say this because many of you [...]
Many have asked for this. Now that Passion’s release is just FOUR DAYS AWAY, I thought I’d share some of the songs that inspired me while writing. Hope you enjoy! Feel free to comment with songs that you connect to the book too! Thirteen by Bigstar You Look So Young by the Jayhawks I Envy the Wind by Lucinda Williams The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields Marvelous Things by Eisley One by Harry [...]
Styles change. And Natalie Hargrove was never one to be caught wearing last year’s look. That’s why this summer, The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove is getting a brand new look. Have you read my first novel, which Publishers Weekly calls “deliciously twisted?” Cruel Intentions meets Macbeth in this seductive, riveting tale of conscience and consequence. And guess what? It’ll be available in store on June 14th. Pick it up along with your copy of Passion!
I’m doing something different and very exciting for my US Passion tour. You get to decide which cities I’ll visit. Do you want to a signed copy of Passion? Do you live in (or near) one of these places? * Atlanta, GA * Boston, MA * Dallas, TX * Denver, CO * Detroit, MI * Houston, TX * Miami, FL * Minneapolis St. Paul, MN * Phoenix, AZ * St. Louis, MO * San Francisco, [...]
With just a little over 2 months until Passion comes out (in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), I wanted to let you know some exciting news. First of all, this time when I go on my book tour, YOU get to decide which cities I’ll visit. Log on to the Fallen facebook page and vote from eleven US cities for the one nearest to you! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for [...]
A look back at some of last year’s most excellent reads: 10. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: If you’ve encountered me in the past year, you might have heard me rave about this book. I got to read an advanced copy, and as soon as I was finished, I was desperate for the book to publish so I could talk about it with the rest of the world. It’s chilling and lovely and weird and [...]
I’ve been waiting for a long time to show off how gorgeous this is! When I started writing Passion, I knew the series was bursting into some very exciting uncharted territory. This chase backwards through time, with each chapter set in a different country and a different century across five thousand years is undoubtedly the most romantic, most intense, most…passionate book I’ve ever written–and I think you’ll agree it has the cover to match. I [...]
I just got back from a terrific tour of the UK, making stops in London, Manchester, Bury, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, and Birmingham, and talking up Torment to tons of bloggers, librarians, teachers, booksellers, and lots and lots of readers. I met all the wonderful people who are publishing my books in the UK and even got to attend the 4th annual Eternal Twilight Convention It was a blast. See?
Torment Tour USA Dates and Store Addresses: TORMENT TOUR: San Francisco: Tuesday, September 28th–Barnes & Noble, El Cerrito, CA at 6:30 PM (6050 El Cerrito Place) Wednesday, September 29th–Kepler’s, 7pm (1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA) Seattle: Thursday, September 30th–University Bookstore in Mill Creek at 6:30 PM (15311 Main Street, Mill Creek, WA) Friday, October 1st–Borders in Redmond, WA at 7pm (16549 N.E. 74th St. Redmond, WA) Portland: Saturday, October 2nd–Powell’s in Cedar Hills [...]
Last week, Jason and I took an unforgettable trip to Berlin to celebrate the 175th anniversary of my publisher’s parent company, Bertelsmann. The week was packed with meetings, parties, photo shoots, and one very fancy gala at the Konzerthaus. It was the place to be in Berlin that night and everyone from Chancellor Merkel to Leona Lewis was there.
While you’ve been patiently waiting for Torment… I’ve been hard at work on the first draft of Passion. It’s third book in the Fallen series, and a prequel to everything that occurs in Fallen and in Torment. In its conception, this book felt like an impossible project to me: It covers a span of 5000 plus years, dips into a new setting, a new country, and usually, a new century with each new chapter. And [...]
My first trip to Comic Con was a great time this weekend. I did a few video interviews that will be available on youtube very shortly. I got to sit on a Bite Me panel with six other fantasy writers, where we spoke to around 350 Comic Conners about everything from demented unicorns, to how we do our research, to whether or not proper vampires have fangs. I had a really nice signing after the [...]
Hi everyone! Several bits of news today: First off, I’m excited to report that I’ve been nominated for an Indigo Teen Reads award in the Best New Writer category. This is the inaugural year for the contest, run by the great Canadian bookstore, and the best part is: readers get to choose the winners! Please visit the site, fill out the very quick registration form, and vote for Fallen (and me) in the Best New [...]
Try going head to head with Jason. Behold the list of 100+ books my favorite PhD candidate has spent the past 5 months reading. Yes, the monster list, taped on the back of our closet door, is taller than both of us and took three photographs to capture. But Jason still managed to slay it. See all the little check marks? For the past five months he’s been preparing for his oral exam, which he [...]
I went to New York last week for BEA, which, for those of you who don’t know, is a huge book expo held every May to showcase books coming out in the fall. I’ve been a couple times before back when I worked as an editor, and it’s always a whirlwind of book signings, banquets, award ceremonies, and lots of oogling upcoming releases. There is much to get excited about and so much swag to [...]
