HOST: Lara Z: ****ATTENTION**** The chat is now beginning. We ask everyone to quiet down now, find a comfy seat, and hold all your comments and questions until the HOST opens up the floor.

HOST: Lara Z: Hello, everyone! Welcome to the YA Author's Cafe! Thanks for coming! I am Lara Zeises, the host for tonight's chat. Before I introduce our very cool panel of guests, I would like to explain our format. I will be asking our guests a few questions. Before the last question, I will invite the audience to get ready to participate. If you would like to ask a question, type "?" and hit SEND. Then type out your question so it is ready to SEND when I call on you – but please do not press SEND until I call on you.

HOST: Lara Z: That is, hit SEND when I give the okay.

HOST: Lara Z: I will make every effort to call on you in the order that the "?" are posted. I will type: “YOUR NAME” GA when it is your turn. GA stands for GO AHEAD. Let's begin!

HOST: Lara Z: Tonight’s panel features two extraordinarily talented YA authors with very different styles, as well as an equally as talented bookseller/consultant/event planner/all-around children’s book advocate. We’ve come together to discuss the blessing-slash-curse of the second novel from both the author’s and bookseller’s perspectives.

HOST: Lara Z: Our bookseller, Kirsten Cappy, is well-known throughout the Northeast (and beyond) for her inspiring work within children’s book publishing. She is the proprietress of www.curiouscity.net, a kid’s book consulting company, and freelance event planner. She has helped launch books for everyone from M.T. Anderson to Toni Buzzeo, and says her greatest passion is making sure that good books get intto the hands of kids and teens.

HOST: Lara Z: Next we have Kim Ablon Whitney, author of the critically acclaimed SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD, her debut novel with Knopf. Kim’s second novel, THE PERFECT DISTANCE, is due out this month. Kirkus calls it “an absorbing look into the pressure-packed world of the equitation finals.” For inspiration, Kim drew upon her personal experience in the world of horse competitions to create a fully fictional account of one girl’s struggle to make her dreams come true.

HOST: Lara Z: Finally, we have John Green, whose blockbuster debut novel LOOKING FOR ALASKA is being made into a movie by Josh Schwartz (creator of THE O.C.). It was John who actually inspired me to put together this panel – some of the comments he made while finishing a draft of his follow-up to ALASKA struck a nerve. Which leads me to my first question:

HOST: Lara Z: John, how intense is the pressure on you to deliver another novel that will reach the same critical and commercial success that LOOKING FOR ALASKA has? GA

John Green: There is pressure, certainly. It's pressure that I place on myself...

HOST: Lara Z: You don't feel it from your publisher or agent?

John Green: because I've been around books long enough to see a lot of "promising" first novelists turn into average second novelists...

John Green: I don't feel much pressure from my publisher, no. I feel pressure to write a good book from them, but not a commercially successful one.

John Green: I mean, for starters, Alaska wasn't SISTERHOOD or anything. I'm thrilled that it's found an audience, but they aren't counting on me to balance the books I don't think.

HOST: Lara Z: That's an insanely healthy attitude, John.

John Green: So the pressure is mostly from me, but there is certainly pressure, and it's certainly a much different experience to write a second book...

John Green: (thanks dude) because there's a deadline and people are expecting it and all the sudden I have actual readers...

John Green: and all of that has been a little disorienting, as I think it is for any first-time novelist...

John Green: but Lord God Almighty, it's a good problem to have.

HOST: Lara Z: Is the follow up similar in tone/style to ALASKA, or vastly different?

John Green: I'm interested in how it went for Kim, when the time comes, because she's so far along in the process.

HOST: Lara Z: Okay - table that last question for later.

HOST: Lara Z: Kim, you’re in a slightly different position. Your first book, SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD, won several awards even before you sold it and afterward received a starred review from Booklist, made 2005’s list of Best Books for Young Adults, and was named on several Top 10 lists. How did its overall reception affect the decisions you made commercially and creatively as you approached THE PERFECT DISTANCE? GA

John Green: Well, it's a much different book, certainly. Different characters with different problems and questions...

John Green: sorry. Go ahead Kim!

Kim Ablon Whitney: well, I sold TPD before SY even came out so that is a difference from John's situation

Kim Ablon Whitney: but in the editing process I did make a few choices based on my previous experience

Kim Ablon Whitney: mainly I took out all swears since I got some flak for that with SY

Kim Ablon Whitney: I considered the ending of TPD a lot and perhaps changing it to be more "happy ending" which was also something people complained about with SY--that it wasn't happy

Kim Ablon Whitney: but in the end I decided I couldn't do tie it up in a bow happy

Kim Ablon Whitney: it wasn't true to the story or to me

HOST: Lara Z: I think "hopeful" is better than "happy" anyway.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I hope both have hopeful endings but a lot of people didn't think SY was hopeful

HOST: Lara Z: Because the traditional "happy" ending would've made your book clichéd. And it's not a clichéd book.

HOST: Lara Z: What’s interesting, too, Kim, is that your second book was actually your first completed novel. Want to tell us a bit about that? GA

Kim Ablon Whitney: yes. It was rejected everywhere and then after I sold SY I went back to it and rewrote it entirely

Kim Ablon Whitney: something was missing from it and I couldn't figure out what it was until the years had elapsed

Kim Ablon Whitney: I also think writing SY made me look at the first book differently

Kim Ablon Whitney: I began to realize my MC needed to have more at stake for her in the book like my MC in Sy did

Kim Ablon Whitney: so after struggling to rewrite it I showed it to my editor and she bought it

Kim Ablon Whitney: there's a happy ending!

HOST: Lara Z: *laughing* Kirsten, as a bookseller, what kinds of challenges and/or opportunities are presented to you with an author’s second novel? GA

Kirsten Cappy: There are always the kids that are raised on series and are looking for series. They want a character to go on and on.

Kirsten Cappy: Kids bond with a character and it is hard for them to imagine why the author they discovered does not want to write that character again

Kirsten Cappy: BUT if a bookseller has actually READ your novel, they can find links for you.

Kirsten Cappy: I would love to tell a kid who loved Bridget what they will love about Francie in Kim's books.

HOST: Lara Z: Part of my interest in second books is that I feel like there's this unspoken rule that you should continue to work in the same vein, at least stylistically. Francie is a perfect example - she's very different from Bridget, and in fact, I would say that THE PERFECT DISTANCE is a more accessible book than SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

Kirsten Cappy: As an author, 2nd novels sometimes get a bum deal at the chains. Borders is categorizing their fiction to death and Kim's novels would be shelved in 2 different parts of the store.

HOST: Lara Z: Which is why I asked John that earlier.

HOST: Lara Z: If he follows up ALASKA with a story about a 14-year-old wrestler in love with his female gym teacher, will fans of ALASKA feel lost? What do the three of you think about this issue? GA

John Green: um, I didn't do that.

HOST: Lara Z: Right, right - I was just hypothesizing.

Kirsten Cappy: Kids connect with characters as much as authors. John may loose some readers, but if he has good booksellers--he will find others.

HOST: Lara Z: Sorry - didn't mean to imply anything.

John Green: But I think that's a problem, certainly. You don't want to get pigeonholed (I know; I was just making a lame joke), but at the same time....

Kim Ablon Whitney: yeah my books are so different on the surface I don't think they'll find the same audience although they do have similarities if you look deeper

John Green: you don't want to lose your audience.

John Green: I feel the same way Kim does...

John Green: I write books about smart, contemplative kids -- and I don't think I'd want to write any other kind of books...

HOST: Lara Z: Me three. But I feel like publishing houses want to "brand" you.

John Green: but there are a lot of smart, contemplative kids.

HOST: Lara Z: I love Sarah Dessen's work, but there is a definite "Sarah Dessen book." You know?

Kim Ablon Whitney: that's something I talked with my editor about--whether to brand myself as a writer of a certain type of book

John Green: I think it depends on the publisher. I do think publishers want you to meet expectations, and sometimes "meeting expectations" becomes a kind of branding...

Kim Ablon Whitney: like Sarah Dessen--she had a built-in audience

Kim Ablon Whitney: I feel like every book I want to write will be different or else it gets boring to write them

Kim Ablon Whitney: but maybe that's not smart in terms of building an audience or branding myself

HOST: Lara Z: Exactly! You never know what you're going to WANT to write, and if it will be commercial or not.

Kirsten Cappy: John is right. The link is smart, contemplative kids.

John Green: I don't want to brand myself, at least not yet. I'm okay with not selling if I can still write books I like writing.

HOST: Lara Z: Kirsten, how do we FIND these kids? How do we help booksellers like you find US?

John Green: Because I just don't have any interest in writing another ALASKA, and I think my audience would be mad if I did.

Kirsten Cappy: Booksellers are swamped (and broke as before), they need quick access to understanding your work.

HOST: Lara Z: Right, John, because then you fall into the Francesca Lia Block trap of copying yourself so many times, it loses all meaning.

Kirsten Cappy: No postcards. Send them a first chapter, send them a CD with a reading you did. Send them some whacked item linked to the book.

John Green: I'm not going to accuse her of that, but I agree with you completely. Some people can go back to the same world with different characters very well.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I think you can succeed as branding yourself as a smart author who writes interesting, although different, books. Then it's like, what's he/she going to do next?

John Green: Lisa Yee, e.g., has done a really nice job with that. I just can't do it. It's not where my talents, such as they are, lie.

HOST: Lara Z: Sorry - I should say that I love FLB. I just think she should move past fairy wings and glitter for a while.

John Green: I agree. David Levithan has done well, for instance, and he's all over the place.

Kim Ablon Whitney: yes, my editor actually cited him as an example b/c she edits him as well...

HOST: Lara Z: (All right gang, I am going to ask our guests one more question and then it will be time for you to ask your questions. When I give the go, type your "?", and then get your questions ready to send and for me to call on you.)

HOST: Lara Z: You’re all readers; what are some reactions you’ve had to second novels? Also, in your experience, is it better to have a wildly successful debut, or more of a quiet reception to that first novel? GA

John Green: My plan was always to build slowly, to have a long and steady career and to build an audience while I built a backlist...

Kirsten Cappy: Second novels never disappoint me. Each one is a new experience--too cheesy?

Kim Ablon Whitney: in my mind success is a blessing whenever it comes--anytime you can get people reading your book is awesome.

Kim Ablon Whitney: but for me there's nothing like discovering a new author. it doesn't mean I won't love their next books but it's intoxicating to read the first one

John Green: and that is still pretty much what I'd love to do. I want to write books for a long time. And whether you get successful immediately or it happens slowly, the basic goal is the same. To change, at least in some modest way, the lives of your readers.

HOST: Lara Z: You guys are all so HEALTHY about this stuff. Where are my fellow neurotics?

Kim Ablon Whitney: it's like the first few dates when you're falling in love and everything's fresh and new

John Green: Oh I'm nuts!

HOST: Lara Z: I feel like we should have a group hug. :)

Kim Ablon Whitney: yeah, I'm neurotic too--you know that Lara

Kim Ablon Whitney: how many times have you had to write me cheerleading emails

Kirsten Cappy: you all rock--you write for a living! For the kids that adore you and NEED you. What could be better?

HOST: Lara Z: Well, I just want to say that I adore both of you as writers, and I'm looking forward to seeing Kim's book in print (I got to read it in draft form!) and reading John's follow up. And for all of you authors out there, Kirsten is someone you need to know.

Barry G: Bah, late...did I miss the good stuff?

Kim Ablon Whitney: let's hear more about John's new novel if he'll share

John Green: Thank you, Kirsten. (And they need you. And WE need you, so you're doubly needed.)

HOST: Lara Z: Let me stop hogging the guests. Everyone who's got a question, type "?" and hit SEND now.

John Green: um, briefly: child prodigies tend to hit their peak at about the age of 12. My new book is about a washed-up child prodigy (he's 17) who is feeling the pangs of his washed-upedness. And he's been dumped by 19 girls, all of whom were named Katherine. It's called an Abundance of Katherines. There. That's my spiel.

Lisa Yee: Do either of you feel the pull to write adult novels?

John Green: No.

John Green: Well, the money would be nice, but no.

Kim Ablon Whitney: yes! I've finished one and it's about to go out and I have another adult one in progress

Kim Ablon Whitney: but my next project will be YA again

Kim Ablon Whitney: by go out I mean to editors, not published!

HOST: Lara Z: (John, that is fabulous. It's so ROYAL TENENBAUMS. I love it.)

Kim Ablon Whitney: I think it's hard to cross over from YA to adult but I'm hoping I can do it. easier to cross from adult to YA

John Green: (Right but ostensibly I'm RIGHT about prodigies, whereas Anderson was wrong ;) )

Gwinevere_Rain: This question is for both Mr. Green and Ms. Whitney, can you describe the type of working relationship you have with your agent(s).

Gwinevere_Rain: Lately, I have been seeing a buddy buddy type developing across agent/author relationships in the YA genre. What is your agent/author relationship like?

Kim Ablon Whitney: my agent is very hands off. I write the book, send it to him, he pretty much just sends it out...

John Green: Gwin: I'm much, much, much closer to my editor. I like my agent. But my editorial relationship, and the central relationship of my writing life, is definitely with my editor.

CathyA: How do you feel about sequels? Were either of you tempted to write one for your second novel?

John Green: To Cathy: You never know. I have no moral opposition to sequels. But I don't think I'll write a follow-up any time soon.

CathyA: Thanks, John.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I would have loved to write one for SY but my publisher wasn't interested

CathyA: Do you still want to, Kim? A sequel?

Kim Ablon Whitney: less so now but I loved the characters and had this whole idea of what would happen next so I guess I would...

Kim Ablon Whitney: I loved being in their world which is so different than mine

CathyA: Thanks, Kim.

Kim Ablon Whitney: (this is so much fun!)

HOST: Lara Z: (Barry, you're going to ask a question, right?)

John Green: (this is really fun.)

Barry Goldblatt: Me? Umm, sure...just afraid I'd cover something you already did before I arrived

John Green: just ask, Barry.

Barry Goldblatt: I'll go after Brianna

Brianne: OK, this one is for John. First congrats on the engagement! Second, you're novel was amazing. Where did the inspiration for such strong characters come from?

John Green: Thanks re. the engagement.

John Green: Well, there are two answers to that.

John Green: The first answer is that I went to a boarding school outside Birmingham Alabama and I drew a lot upon the physical place and etc. in the novel, so in a lot of ways, I suppose my high school experience was an inspiration...

John Green: but as anyone can tell you, writing a novel that's just about your high school is a very dicey proposition, so fortunately I didn't have to.

John Green: I think the real inspiration for the novel came when I was working as a chaplain at a children's hospital. That's when I realized I wanted to write for teenagers, and when I realized I wanted to write about guilt and loss. (And also it's when I realized that I really, really didn't want to be a hospital chaplain anymore ;) ).

HOST: Lara Z: Kim, you drew on your personal experience for THE PERFECT DISTANCE - want to talk about that?

Kim Ablon Whitney: sounds kind of like John--using my personal experience to flavor the story but then going beyond that and opening it up much more

Barry Goldblatt: I see a lot of clients struggle with second novels, usually the "getting started" part. Where were you at in the publication stage of your first novels when you really felt the writing of your second novel was working?

HOST: Lara Z: See? Great question.

John Green: No. I had barely started KATHERINES when I finished Alaska.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I wrote the second one and sold it before the first even came out so I kind of don't count. I'm nervous about starting my third for that reason.

John Green: which, for any first novelists out there, if I can make a recommendation: Sit down and write another book immediately, before the hullaballoo.

Barry Goldblatt: Not that unusual at all, Kim...and that's exactly what I tell all my clients, John

Kim Ablon Whitney: Kirsten, how do you think books take off? what makes a book take off?

Kim Ablon Whitney: I think John's book didn't even get a huge marketing push, right John?

HOST: Lara Z: Jeez, Kim, why don't you ask her a hard question!

Kim Ablon Whitney: sorry!

John Green: uh, it depends on your definition of huge. It got a push.

HOST: Lara Z: They took you to ALA early on, right?

Kirsten Cappy: Oh, god. Covers. Reviews. But its really handselling (the dreaded hand selling) People have to get the books and pass it on.

John Green: No I took myself to ALA. But I worked for the ALA then.

HOST: Lara Z: Ah, I see.

thingschange: <John, writing the 2nd is easy; selling it, well...>

thingschange: I wonder if John you could talk about the movie making process, what role you have in the script, etc - and to Kim if she's had a movie deal, and then to the Kirsten what impact films - even TV ones like Speak -- have on YA booksales

John Green: Well, A. I don't know if they'll make a movie.

Kirsten Cappy: The smoke on John's cover made a lot of kids pick it up. True!

John Green: B. I have absolutely no say in it whatsoever.

thingschange: not

thingschange: even involved in the sale?

John Green: Well, no, I did say yes to the sale.

Kim Ablon Whitney: sadly I have no experience in movie deals--wish I did! But I can come to the premiere, right john?

Kirsten Cappy: we all want passes.

John Green: And I felt like of the people who were interested, Paramount was the most likely to do a good job with it, if it ever became a movie.

John Green: I knew from the beginning that I wasn't going to have any say in the script or anything, and I was okay with that. I don't write movies.

HOST: Lara Z: That's Meg Cabot's attitude. She's like, "Hey, movie's yours. Book was mine."

thingschange: Kirsten, did you see a spike in speak sales after the movie on Showtime?

literaticat: Oh, that is me! There has been a lot of noise in the media about scandalousness in YA books - in particular John, I know you have been the subject of some really (in my opinion) misguided and wrongheaded press... do you think that the atmosphere is getting more scandalous or more prudish? As a follow-up, do you find yourself self-censoring, or do you have pressure from outside sources not to go "too far"... and what would you consider "too far" for a YA book.

Kirsten Cappy: Oddly, no. Did you see it? The book did such a better job unraveling the string. I don't think kids would go back once they knew 'what happened'.

John Green: Thanks, man, and I really like your livejournal, btw.

John Green: I don't self-censor. I just don't think about that stuff. KATHERINES happens to have less "objectionable content" just because it's not a book about kids self-destructing...

HOST: Lara Z: Kirsten, you need to get in on this discussion, too.

literaticat: err - if that was to me, John, thanks :-)

John Green: It was to you.

John Green: Yeah I want to hear Kirsten's thoughts on this, for sure.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I think it's weird how some books get away with scandalousness and others don't. Kirsten?

Kirsten Cappy: Kids are not prudes, my friends. Get in past the librarians and you arer good. Kids want to read about their lives, frinds and needs/

literaticat: (john, it is too bad you don't have an LJ - all the good stuff is friendslocked!)

John Green: But no, I don't feel pressure from my publisher at all. I never did. And when we were doing ALASKA, we never woried about it. But it's a good story for the press. "They Aren't Reading Sweet Valley High" anymore seems like a good story. But of course, it's 30 years since FOREVER. It's time to let it go. Kids can self-censor. Kids are smart. Let's credit them with the intelligence.

Kirsten Cappy: I love doing middle school bookfairs--get the adults out of the selling process. they are just in the way on the whole sex, language and love stuff

Kim Ablon Whitney: my publisher doesn't pressure me but I'm very aware now about not going too far. i think it hurt my sales of SY greatly

John Green: I think Kirsten's absolutely right, but it's a matter of selling directly to kids instead of to parents. Because I understand if an independent bookseller says, "I need to tell this grandma that this book contains oral sex."

Kirsten Cappy: And kids can experience things in print that they then do not have to try. Forever did not send me on sex-capades.

HOST: Lara Z: Why do you think parents are so paranoid about books, but let 13 year olds watch LAGUNA BEACH and THE OC?

John Green: Good question.

Kim Ablon Whitney: really good question

HOST: Lara Z: Kirsten - exactly. If anything, I wanted to see more of a relationship/friendship develop between Michael and Katharine.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I loved forever...

Kim Ablon Whitney: I want to rewrite it, actually

Kim Ablon Whitney: for present day

Kirsten Cappy: I had a copy that came pre-highlighted.

HOST: Lara Z: Oooh. A FOREVER: 20 YEARS LATER.

Barry Goldblatt: Because books can be taught in school, and therefore sort of equal education...whereas everyone knows TV is mindless entertainment

literaticat: lol @ Barry

HOST: Lara Z: Barry, you had another question?

thingschange: <TV is not mindless entertainment, any more so than other media: its the message barry, not the media>

HOST: Lara Z: Then Gwinevere, and then we have to wrap up.

Kim Ablon Whitney: books have a history of being forbidden ways to learn about things you shouldn't

HOST: Lara Z: I think he was being sarcastic.

HOST: Lara Z: Right, Barry?

Barry Goldblatt: Of course, only way I know how to be =)

John Green: Why do we have to wrap up? We can't keep this party going all night?

Kim Ablon Whitney: I'm game!

thingschange: <ok, calmed down>

Kirsten Cappy: So sad! Don't go..

literaticat: well you crazy kids have fun, I am out of here :-)

HOST: Lara Z: Okay, okay. We'll stay up a little past bedtime. But then I have to "officially" wrap. And then you can chat however long you want.

Barry Goldblatt: My question is about the renewed promotion of first novels, like Random House's massive effort promoting its new fall lineup of new talent. Do you feel, as you prepare for your second books to come out, that there's more emphasis on that first "you've never heard from this author before" than there is on a followup?

HOST: Lara Z: That's an awesome question

Kirsten Cappy: I hate to butt in with the whole Rowling thing, but Scholastic ruined us for publication phenomenons. They are selling hype now, not stories

HOST: Lara Z: Kirsten, what do you think? Is everybody hyped to find the next new thing, like the author of TWILIGHT?

John Green: I think there's definitely an interest in hyping new talent, but I'm not sure that's all bad. It gives a lot of voices a chance in the marketplace...

Kirsten Cappy: Yes, all the pubs want the next welfare queen (and hopefully she 's got a dragon up her sleeve)

literaticat: LOL AT KIRSTEN

John Green: but on the other hand, I agree with Kirsten that it's become more like the world of adult books in the sense of wanting huge hits.

Kim Ablon Whitney: John you are so positive!!!

John Green: But I think they're going to do okay by my second book. I think it's in everyone's interest.

HOST: Lara Z: But in a way, it's like - if you don't "hit" in the first book, you get swept under the rug.

Kirsten Cappy: I'm not against new talent--RH's hype is pretty cool. But give me STORY not so much marketing

John Green: I agree, Kirsten.

HOST: Lara Z: Not like when Ellen was publishing HARD LOVE, or Nancy THE KILLER'S COUSIN. Their first books did okay but weren't breakouts. I feel like now, if you don't break out with that debut, you stop mattering.

Barry Goldblatt: I for one am thrilled for the hype...but I can get irritated when there's not the commitment to growing a writer

Kim Ablon Whitney: I'll be under the rug...

John Green: Well, plenty of novelists still break out later. But there is much more of an emphasis now on first novels, and that can lead to a kind of career trajectory that isn't in the best interest of the author or the publisher.

HOST: Lara Z: Kim, I'm waiting there with brownies and a bottle of wine.

literaticat: but do you really think that is true, Lara? After all, your first book was not a super-ultra-smash hit and you are certainly not being swept under the rug!

Kim Ablon Whitney: very true... Lara, CONTENTS has been a huge hit

HOST: Lara Z: Uhhh.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I'm hoping I can follow in your footsteps

literaticat: or do you just mean the authors that they "roll out" like merchandise?

Kim Ablon Whitney: (huge is relative, I know)

HOST: Lara Z: At the risk of sticking my foot in my mouth, I do feel largely invisible in the YA community.

HOST: Lara Z: But this chat isn't about ME.

Kirsten Cappy: It’s all such a mystery...I wish you could all spend a day with me in the middle school and see them draw and and pass by novels. It’s my little lab. Non Nobel for me, though.

HOST: Lara Z: So I'm shutting up now.

Kim Ablon Whitney: I guess I just hope someone will keep publishing my books and maybe one will hit it big

HOST: Lara Z: But Kirsten, you and the librarians - they're the lifeblood of any author's career. Much more so than chain store reps.

Kim Ablon Whitney: my goal right now is to just keep getting books published

LindaJoySingleton: Having paperbacks that don't always get reviewed makes me feel a bit invisible in YA, Lara

HOST: Lara Z: Good goal. We like that goal. :)

HOST: Lara Z: Linda, I think it's so stupid - the original PB stigma.

John Green: That's certainly true, Lara. It's independent booksellers and librarians who keep us in print and keep us getting published. Unless you wrote GOSSIP GIRLS, it's them on whom you rely.

Kim Ablon Whitney: there are so many ways to feel invisible and I think we all do to some degree

Kirsten Cappy: Ohh..lifeblood, like that. There DOES have to be a bridge and the chains, although they are stocked loads of books are not cutting it for kids.

Kirsten Cappy: I would love to see John's version of GOSSIP GIRLS

HOST: Lara Z: They're getting smarter about what to order. I'm pleased with my local chains' selection of books. But there's no handselling involved.

Gwinevere_Rain: Linda, I hear what your saying about PB

Barry Goldblatt: And believe me, mega-bestseller status doesn't make many of these concerns and insecurities go away. And think about poor picture book authors, who rarely (if ever) get noticed...the illustrators are the focus of the attention

Gwinevere_Rain: yet teens like to buy PB b/c they are less expensive

HOST: Lara Z: Ah, but Barry - eight years ago it was a very different story.

HOST: Lara Z: Eight years ago, picture books were KING.

CathyA: Kirsten, beyond series, what gets kids excited about books? What makes some individual titles popular?

LindaJoySingleton: Gwin--paperbacks have some good things, too, like kids can afford them and for series kids get really involved in the characters

Kirsten Cappy: I wish we could skip the whole retail hardcover print runs. Do a library addition of YA and a paperback for stores and be done with it!

Barry Goldblatt: hmm, not sure if I'd agree with 8 years...10-12 yes, but eight years ago things started to slide as celebrity books started rearing their very ugly heads

Barry Goldblatt: Ugh, no Kirsten! You'd sentence a lot of authors to poverty going that route. Fact is, plenty of teens will spend the money for hardcovers these days

Gwinevere_Rain: <--- don't even get me started on nonfiction YA being ignored.

Kirsten Cappy: What makes something popular (outside of other media tie-in) is kids talking to kids.

HOST: Lara Z: This is true. Laurie's BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series - while somewhat hyped by Lllewellyn - mostly became a phenomenon through word of mouth.

CathyA: Interesting, Kirsten--and good to hear!

LindaJoySingleton: Laurie's series is good -- and I'm lucky that many of her fans are trying my THE SEER series

HOST: Lara Z: Ugh - schnoodle needing walking - therefore:

Kirsten Cappy: Barry, I guess I spend more time with teens at events who are spending their own money and HC is not cutting it. The % of teens dragging their folks wallet into stores seems so low to me, but you see the numbers.

Barry Goldblatt: Kids will always be the best promoters of books. If they love a book, they're going to force every friend they've got to read it

HOST: Lara Z: Our "official" time for tonight is up--some of us need to go--but the rest of you are welcome to stay and chat as long as you like

John Green: I'm happy to stay and answer questions.

HOST: Lara Z: Join us at the YA Authors Café on October 18th for a Teen Read Week celebration featuring several special surprise guests.

Kim Ablon Whitney: me too

LindaJoySingleton: In fact I had the reverse thing happen involving swearing -- my editor told me to swear MORE

HOST: Lara Z: I want to thank John, Kim, and Kirsten all for being such great guests, and engaging in such an interesting debate.

DorianCirrone: great job hosting Lara

Barry Goldblatt: Kirsten, I do of course get a biased view, as I live in the Northeast, and I tend to see the affluent teens

John Green: Thank you, Lara.

HOST: Lara Z: Thanks, Dorian.

Kim Ablon Whitney: Thanks al

Kirsten Cappy: You are the swellest--Lara

HOST: Lara Z: Good night! Thank you all for coming! See you on the 18th!

DorianCirrone: and John and Kim, look forward to your books -- and thanks Kirsten for all your insight