Monday, December 6, 2010

Ally's book launch for MATCHED!!

I've had this post kind of planned out since last year, when Ally told me about her book deal. I can't believe it's already been a year, and her book is now out! Here are my thoughts then and now:

I am so lucky to be friends with Ally. She is one of the nicest, most generous, kind people I know. Even though she's already published with Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain and soon will be nationally (I KNEW IT!), she never makes me feel inferior for not being published yet. In fact, she makes me feel like I am an equal with her, and sometimes even more knowledgeable. (Which was only true pretty much when it comes to querying agents, because let's face it, I have TONS experience when it comes to that. Ha!). I just knew MATCHED was going to get snatched up, and I was right. I love this book so much, and am so excited for Ally. She deserves this, and I just want to tell every person I know about her book!


Ally and me at Bombay House (her fave), celebrating when she signed with her agent, just over a year ago. We were kind of funny- she took me to dinner when she got her agent, to thank me for helping her so much. Then when I got my agent in the spring, I took her to Benihana (my fave), to thank her for helping me so much! You'd think it'd be the other way around, but we're silly like that.

She has worked so hard, and never given up, despite some truly difficult obstacles on her path to publication. She's written some amazing books for DB and SM, but I know MATCHED is going to be something beyond her wildest dreams. I am so, so happy for my friend, and can't wait to see what happens next.

Now, here we are, a year later, and boy was I right! MATCHED is pretty much the most talked about book of 2010, and her launch party was a HUGE success. Since I couldn't find my usb to download the pics I took, my friend (and book blogger: My Pile of Books) Stacey let me use some of her pics instead.
Stacey and I at lunch at Mazza's

The gang at Mazza's! The Utah author community is so fabulous, I am very lucky to live here.


Ally is so funny, I love listening to her speak. She always has the crowd laughing and is very open about her journey. Someday I hope to be like her. :)



Ally signing MY book! This was such a huge moment, owning my own copy of MATCHED, and having her sign it! (That unfortunately got rushed--I waited to get in line, so that I'd have time to talk to her without a lot of people behind me, but instead, they let her talk to all the people ahead of us and then told her she had to rush through the end of the line. Bummer. That's okay though, I'm glad I got to talk to her for a minute at least.)


Stacey, me and Ally (Yes, I'm gigantaur. I'm even crouching down a little bit.)

Ally is such a lovely person, and even though she's way busier now than she was a year ago, I'm still grateful to call her my friend. This kind of success couldn't have happened to a better person. I'm so, so happy for you, Ally! I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating the release of your book!

10 comments:

Natalie said...

It must be so fun to see a good friend have such huge success! I think my preordered copy of matched is supposed to arrive today. I'm excited to read it. :)

Windy Aphayrath said...

Ally really is a doll! It was great to see you on Saturday!

Sara Raasch said...

Jealous! That looked like so much fun!

Kathryn Rose said...

Wow! How cool! This book is definitely on my Christmas wish list! Right up my alley! :)

Melissa Gill said...

This book is at the top of my short list of TBR. I've heard so many great things about it, I can't wait.

What fun to have someone you're close to get their book on the shelves.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

So exciting you were able to be there! How very exciting to see something so wonderful happen to your friend, and to have been able to be there to support her. Seems to me you're a good friend, too. I wish her (and you) great success. MATCHED was one of my favorite books of 2010.

Shari said...

I am ecstatic for Ally, too. Sorry I missed you on Saturday, but I'll see you THIS Saturday!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for putting this up, it makes me feel a tiny bit a part of it. Soon it will be you!

Kelly Polark said...

Congrats to Ally! How wonderful you two could share in each others writing successes!

ali cross said...

Aw. This is like the sweetest post ever. I love how excited you've been and ARE for Ally's success. You are a true friend.

I agree that Ally was awesome. I *loved* her talk, and even tho I'd read it on her blog, it was really special hearing her express her thanks in person.