Thursday, July 7, 2011

O_O

How I love that orange logo. So pretty. *pets*

I got a present in the mail on Tuesday. I've been waiting for this particular present for, oh, five years (or my whole life, if I'm being super dramatic). It was supposed to come last week, and let's just say I've never camped the mailbox quite like I did for this bundle of papers.

That would be my book contract.

Yup, my book contract. Because I sold some books in April! I was under strict orders not to announce until I had this lovely contract, so now I can tell you all that TRANSPARENT sold!

And here's the Publisher's Marketplace announcement for further proof (which is mostly for me because even after almost three months it still doesn't feel real sometimes):

Natalie Whipple’s debut novel TRANSPARENT, pitched as X-Men meets The Godfather, in which an invisible girl has to stop her dad—an infamous crime lord—from ruining her life, to Erica Sussman at HarperTeen, in a two-book deal, by Anna Webman at Curtis Brown.

Crazy, right? It's so amazing to watch your dreams become reality, and sometimes scary, but mostly amazing and surreal and a bunch of other descriptions that don't quite capture the emotion. Basically, the title of this post says it best: O_O. That's how it feels. Like, wow, is this actually happening? Are you sure? Because I've had this dream before and woken up, so I'm gonna need some substantial proof here but that's really cool if it's actually real.

Or something like that. (Wow, am I eloquent today or what?)

I wasn't going to take a picture of me signing the contract, and then like three or four of my friends yelled at me. So I took the picture. And here it is. (I'll probably be glad they yelled at me later, like usual.)

Of course, there's a lot more to say about this journey, but I'm thinking I'll save that for tomorrow and leave it at YAY I SOLD A BOOK!

Oh yeah, and I should have a giveaway, right? Share the love! Wee!

TRANSPARENT is what I like to call a "genre buster." It's an odd duck. I can't help but write books that are a little off the beaten path, and I also love reading books that bend genre. I think YA writers are especially lucky because they can play around with genre and still fit under the Young Adult umbrella. Where else could I get away with writing an alternate-present-based-on-alternate-history/scf-fi-ish-but-not/mob family book with strong contemporary elements? Yeah...that's why I call it X-Men meets The Godfather.

So in honor of my dear, slightly strange, book (that you will get to READ), I want to honor some of my favorite "genre busting" books by giving them to YOU!

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this post telling me what one of your favorite genre busting books is. That's it, plain and simple.

The Prizes:
FIVE books will be up for grabs—a single book sent to each of the five winners, who will be chosen at random. Winners may choose the book they want of the five (OR the sequel to that book, if they so desire). The choices will be as follows:

1. WHITE CAT by Holly Black (or RED GLOVE): It's noir meets magic meets mob meets con. What's not to like? I absolutely ADORE this series. I find myself constantly recommending it.








2. INCARCERON by Catherine Fisher (or SAPPHIQUE): Hello, you dystopian meets historical political intrigue meets rich fantasy, thing. Aren't you just lovely?









3. IF I STAY by Gayle Forman (or WHERE SHE WENT): Contemporary with magical elements? Yes, please. More, please. I love you.









4. MY FAIR GODMOTHER by Janette Rallison (or MY UNFAIR GODMOTHER): Talk about fairy tales gone awry! Add in awesome pitch perfect contemporary elements and you have quite the fun, wild ride.








5. BLEEDING VIOLET by Dia Reeves: Tired of "cliché" paranormal? BLEEDING VIOLET is certainly not that. Unexpected. Different. Dark. Awesome WTFness.









Deadline:
Tuesday, July 12 at Midnight MST. Winners will be announced July 13th.

Time to spread the genre busting love! I will now commence dancing and other book deal celebrating fare. Feel free to join me:)

315 comments:

  1. I know I've already said it, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you. (What? The !!! weren't that subtle.)

    I'm not awake enough to think of any books right now, but I will.

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  2. YEAH! So very exciting for you!!! I'll be the first in line to buy :)

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  3. CONGRATULATIONS! Did the contract actually come with the bows? Because that's just really adorable and I'm even more envious than I was before. But lo--a new rollickin' good career has been launched! Can't wait to read about where it takes you.

    And free books? Mmmm I'm going with THE SIGHT by David Clement-Davies. Is it YA? Adult? Crossover? Fantasy? Literary? Allegorical/religious? Historical? We may never know, but it sure is a good read.

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  4. Congratulations, Natalie!!! What awesome news!!! Let's see, the book that I love that doesn't really fit into any one genre is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It isn't YA though, but I always find myself telling others about it. So excited for you!

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  5. Congrats Natalie! I'm so happy for you! :)

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  6. Amazing. Many, many congratulations!

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  7. Congratulations!!

    I loved The Near Witch. Fab genre buster!

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  8. Congratulations! All that hard work paid off!

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  9. I'm so excited for you! And also for me, because now I get to read an entire book of your writing. :D

    Congratulations!

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  10. Yay, that is so exciting!!!!!! And you're left-handed according to the pic! Awesome!!!!

    My favorite genre-bending book is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell—historical fiction meets wizardry. Plus, it's over 1000 pages long, has footnotes, and is a first book. I don't know how the agent pitched that one!

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  11. WoooHooo!! That's awesome!! Congratulations!!

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  12. Exciting!!
    I don't think I know how to spot a genre buster, so I'm just gonna throw one out there, hoping it counts... Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maquire.

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  13. OMG, that's so awesome! Go you!!!

    I'm not sure if it counts as genre-busting, but THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. It's marketed as YA (at least, in AUS), but is unlike any YA I've ever read. For one thing, the writing is eye-popping, heart-wrenching fantastic. And then there's the characters and that it's not really a typical topic used in YA.

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  14. Congratulations, Natalie! Doing a little happy dance for you this morning!

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  15. PS--I love your red shoes... *oggle*

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  16. !!!!!!! Congratulations, Natalie! So, so, so exciting. My book sold back in April as well, and if I had to wait this long to announce it, I probably would have died. I hope you're celebrating tonight. (I'm sure you are -- Erica is fabulous, HarperTeen is fabulous. You are in fantastic hands!)

    Congrats again!

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  17. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!! Congrats! That is so awesome! It's great to see someone who has worked so hard finally see the payoff.

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  18. What fantastic news! Congratulations! You deserve every success!

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  19. I have been reading your blog for, oh gosh, like over a year, thinking, "When will Natalie's DAY come??" and then praying "Please be kind, God, because she is such an awesome encourager to us all!"

    Congratulations!

    As for genre-benders, um, I guess the most recent I've read is The Lovely Bones--literary fiction with supernatural elements.

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  20. CONGRATS NATALIE! SO WELL-DESERVED! YEAH!

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  21. HUZZAH! Congratulations!!!!!

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  22. First of, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!! =) I can't wait to read "Transparent". Well, not sure if this book will even be in that category but it sure has a mixture of sci-fi-ish and fantasy, it's an old one called Elfgift by Susan Price. =) take care! and congrats again! ♥ u!!!

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  23. YAY!! Congrats, congrats!! Such fantastic news!!!

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  24. Yay! Congratulations! Finally!!! You are so inspiring!

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  25. First, hearty congratulations on this milestone in your writing career! Cheers and here's to many, many more moments of bliss in this journey.

    Did you hear your own hallelujah chorus? Did your mailbox appear in a strangely isolated beam of golden sunlight as you went out to it? I only ask because I'd like to know what to look for when it happens to me someday.

    So far as genre-bending YA works, I'm a big fan of "The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp" by Rick Yancey. It's a coming-of-age story (no surprise there), but also the story of an irregular, outcast kid who is the opposite of athletic young male hero-types - he's overweight, clumsy, always finds just the wrong thing to say, and is convinced that he's not that bright. Once that is established, Yancey forces him to become the unwilling hero in a James Bond meets Da Vinci Code adventure with some Knights of the Round Table thrown in for good measure. Not to mention the cool cars.

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  26. Congratulations Natalie! This is amazing news. You must be over the moon. I love genre-bending books. :-)

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  27. Congratulations!!!!!! I was so excited last night when I saw the announcement on PM. I can't wait to read TRANSPARENT!!!

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  28. CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! :D

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  29. OMGGGGGGGGGG!!!! AAAHHHHHH! I CAN'T SEEM TO STOP USING ALL CAPS! BUT THIS IS SO EXCITING! CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE!!! Where da party at?! ;-) Today you are going on FULL BLAST mode chica! You deserve it.

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  30. *jumps up and down*

    *grins from ear to ear*

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! CONGRATS SO HARD!!!!!

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  31. How awesome! Congratulations! And to enter the contest my favorite is If I Stay, definitely!

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  32. Fantastic, congratulations Natalie! Seeing the contract is such a great feeling. I'm thrilled. Can't wait to check out Transparent!

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  33. I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! This might as well be my own deal, my heart is pounding so hard. I've followed your blog nearly since it's inception, and I'm so glad this finally happened. Your blood, sweat, and tears were my own, girl. You deserve this. CONGRATS!

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  34. Awww, Natalie, I knew it was just a matter of time! Biggest congratulations (and very heartfelt) to you!

    Shelley

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  35. Congratulations Natalie! That is so amazing. You deserve to spend a whole week jumping up and down and singing like a loon!! I can't wait to see your book on the bookstore shelves looking all pretty...it sounds so good! Another series that I love that is genre-bending in the sense that it encompasses a bunch of different elements is the "steampunk" (or so they say...) series "The Parasol Protectorate" by Gail Carriger. I love those books!!

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  36. Congrats!!!!! I am SO happy for you, Natalie! I can't think of anyone who deserves this more! And your book sounds AMAZING! *taps foot impatiently* I want to read it NOW!

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  37. Yay!! Congratulations. Your book sounds like something I'd love to read! :) No need to enter me in the giveaway. I just wanted to congratulate you.

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  38. Congratulations! This is brilliant, brilliant news, and I'm thrilled for you!!!

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  39. YAYAY!! Super duper congrats!! I knew you would do it and it was just a matter of time! Can't wait to read it!

    Let's see, genre-busting book...
    I really enjoyed Total Oblivion, More or Less by Alan DeNiro, since it doesn't really fit anywhere. It's very YA, but it was shelved in the adult section too, so it really was all over the place. Really liked it though

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  40. OMC OMC OMC OMC OMC!!!!!!!

    I am so, so excited for you! This is wonderful news and I can't wait to get my hands on TRANSPARENT. (I think I'm crying a little for you right now. I'm so proud of you I can't even.)

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  41. Wonderful news! Congratulations!!! How did you not EXPLODE in the last three months???

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  42. MASSIVE massive congrats, Natalie! :)

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  44. Omigosh yay!!! I've been waiting for this kind of post from you because you SO deserve this! I'm so happy for you. Congrats! :D

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  45. Coming out of lurk mode to say Congratulations! A 3 month secret, oh the agony...by mostly joy, joy, joy I'm sure.

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  46. Congratulations! So very happy for you!

    It's not really thought of as a genre bending book, but I really enjoy Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi. It's scifi/post-apocalyptic, but not preachy...action-adventure/pirate-y, but not cliched.

    Again, congratulations, and thank you for hosting this giveaway

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  47. Woohoo!! I read the deal announcement last night and came running over here (and to Twitter) but saw that you were teasing a big announcement so I didn't say anything. So excited for you! And Harper Teen is a wicked awesome imprint to be with. I've been totally impressed with their books of late.

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  48. HUZZAH! Congratulations, Natalie! I'm so happy for you. Can't imagine what it must've been like to keep that secret for all that time.

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  49. I haven't checked your blog in a long time, and then I stop by today and see this. Good for you!!!

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  50. Congratulations. So proud of and happy for you! It's been a while since I've commented on your blog and I'm so thrilled to have THIS be the reason I'm back! Sending virtual hugs and many congrats! Genre-benders are my fave to read and write. I will SO pick this up and support any way I can. SO, SO, SO happy about this news.

    From the heart,
    Georgia

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  51. Oh wow! That's so so awesome! Congratulations Natalie!

    My favorite genre buster is probably Across the Universe by Beth Revis. It's somewhat dystopian, somewhat mystery and loads of science fiction.

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  52. Congratulations! What a fantastic beginning to the rest of your publishing journey! We've all been rooting for you for so long, it's grea to be able to celebrate with you, too.

    My current favorite genre buster is Hourglass by Myra McEntire. It's sci fi/fantasy/ghost story with time traveling X Men types who see - what else - ghosts! There's also a really beautiful and fun Southern gothic vibe to it.

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  53. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D x infinity.

    I am so, so, so, so, so excited for you, and am so happy you finally get to tell the world. An exploded-all-over-the-place-from-excitement Natalie just would not do.

    That picture of you signing the contract is SO cute, by the way. I like the way your hair looks, and the color goes great with your green shirt.

    Yay! Fiona! Yay! Natalie! Yay Erica and Anna and just…yay.

    :) Kayla

    Oh, and PS: I'm not too good at spotting genre-busters (never really thought about it before) but I think Across the Universe by Beth Revis could fall into that category. If so, then that's my answer/contest entry.

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  54. Big congratulations, Natalie! I'm very happy for you! Yay!

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  55. yay! That's so amazing and congratulations! ^_^

    My current favorite is 'The Angel's Game' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It's...urban fantasy meets crime drama set in early 20th century Europe. And it's literary.

    And still...so excited for you...I'm going to squeal and then have to explain to mycoworkers what's wrong with me. YAY! ^_^

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  56. Yippee! Just saw the news at PM. Enjoy the ride.

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  57. I am jumping up and down for you, Natalie! Huge congrats!!

    My favorite genre buster? Oh soooo tough. I really loved Carrie Ryan's The Dark and Hollow places, a nice Dystopian/Suspense/Romance/Zombie mash up. I just finished reading it, and the whole series was awesome. :)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  58. Congratulations! I'm doing a happy dance for you!

    My favorite genre buster is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. (Well, anything by him, really.) It's crime, fantasy, sci-fi, and literary all rolled into one with a healthy dose of British/Welsh humor for good measure. Love!

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  59. HUGE CONGRATS! I can't believe you lasted a whole three months without bursting. Can't wait to read Transparent!

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  60. *sigh* Finally. So. Freaking. Happy. Congrats!!!

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  61. Huge congrats Natalie!!!! So happy for you!

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  62. CONGRATULATIONS!!! And the book sounds AWESOME! How exciting for you!!!

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  63. It is great to hear this news! After following your blog posts and on Twitter, I knew your passion would get you somewhere so you deserve a big congrats. I can't wait to read it someday.

    My cross genre pick is the Outlander series. I have been reading it since I was about 16 years old (which is now 13 years) and the series is still ongoing. It has time travel, history across continents, fantasy, mystery, and romance (I'm sure I have missed a few). The author Diana Gabaldon has spoken many a time that sometimes they have no idea where to put her book it is packed so full of stuff!

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  64. So happy For you, Natalie!

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  65. I just read my PM email and I was like: Natalie Whipple's debut- wait, NATALIE WHIPPLE????

    Clicked straight over here. So, so, so happy!!! I can't think of a more deserving writer :)

    I just finished (and loved) UNCOMMON CRIMINALS by Ally Carter. For me it's a genre buster because it's a heist novel with a teenage cast.

    Wow! Congrats again! :)

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  66. Tears in my eyes for you! So very, very awesome...

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  67. Congratulations, Natalie! I know I've already said it, but I had to say it again!! :D :D :D So excited to meet you in a few weeks! **Happy Dance!**

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  68. OMG YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a feeling something like this was coming for you (maybe I was reading between the lines too much, but I'm gonna say there was something different lately in your posts). The whole time I was reading the description, I was thinking White Cat Red Glove, so I'm really happy that was your first "Genre-bender" too.

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  69. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You have such awesome book ideas, yea for your books going to the world!!!!!!

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  70. Yay!! Congratulations!!! That's so awesome!

    As for a genre buster book, my mind is drawing a complete blank at the moment. I'll keep thinking.

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  71. Congratulations!! Awesome news! :)

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  72. Not sure what you call the spangly wheel on a Wootometer, but mine flew off out the window when I caught your tweet about this GREAT GREAT NEWS.

    Just hope it hasn't destroyed any NASA space gear.

    Congratulations!

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  73. I'm so happy for you! I've been reading your blog for a while, and I'm just delighted. Congratulations!

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  74. Congratulations, Natalie!!! I'm so happy for you!

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  75. Sooo happy for you!! Congrats :)

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  76. Congratulations!! So well deserved. Can't wait to read these.

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  77. Just heard! WOOT to you and your invisible heroine!

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  78. Congratulations! I can't wait to read TRANSPARENT! My favorite genre-bending YA (well, it's the most recent one I've read, so it's my current favorite) is REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly--modern and historical romance/suspence all blended into one good read.

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  79. So excited for you, Natalie! Congrats. :)

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  80. I read my PM email today and saw your name and was SO happy! I can't wait to read Transparent.

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  81. Natalie!!!!!! I'm sooooooo happy for you! Congrats! :) :) :)

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  82. Congrats, Natalie! I LOVE good news!!!! And today is full of it! *squee!*

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  83. DANCE DANCE DANCE!!!!!!!!!

    Let the celebrations OFFICIALLY begin, you published author, you!!!

    *calls in the marching band*
    *throws confetti*
    *twirls fiery baton*

    I'm so happy and proud of you, Natalie. I can't wait for the rest of the world to read your FABULOUS novel.

    Love always,
    Your Student

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  84. SO MANY CONGRATS. Ever since I started following you on twitter, I've imagined you'd write something awesome and WTF-genre bending (the best kind.)

    Oddly enough, my favorite genre-bender is ALSO a Harper Teen book (though I loved White Cat, If I Stay, and Incarceron as well.) It's called The Explosionist by Jenny Davidson. It's alternative-history mixed with intrigue and BOMBS and wars and stuff. It's complex, but soooooooo good.

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  85. CONGRATULATIONS! Transparent sounds AWESOME! How exciting to have watched your journey for the last couple years culminate in this! Very inspiring!

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  86. Congrats!
    I think that Steph's Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next door are not your average YA romance novels. I would have to agree on White Cat. It was amazing and I couldn't put it down. Also, John Green's Paper Towns and Ally Carter's Heist Society.

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  87. Congratulations! Welcome to Harper (and yay, Curtis Brown!)!

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  88. My fave is Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. It's contemporary, but it's paranormal, but not really, but magical realism? But? Is it? I don't know.... all I know is it's AWESOME.

    Which is why I'd totally pick If I Stay (if I won!)

    And CONGRATULATIONS! I've been a longtime lurker on your blog, so this was a great ray of sunshine for the morning!

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  89. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    xoxoxo!

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  90. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  91. I too have been a lurker on your blog -- big congrats, and thanks for sharing your writing journey with all of us! Can't wait to hear what comes next. :)

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  92. Congratulations! I've wanted to read Transparent ever since you described the premise. Awesome news!

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  93. YIPPEE!! So happy for you! Can't wait to finally be able to read your work!

    I suppose the book this year that made me go, WOW, is Across the Universe by Beth Revis. It's so different from ANYTHING I've read. So clever!

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  94. As I was reading the post I couldn't help but grin like a mad person! you must the happiest girl in town, I bet!

    Congratulationsssssssssss! and I really can't wait to read your book! sounds awesome!

    and thanks for the giveaway!
    So now the question:

    My favorite genre busting book is Jinx by Meg Cabot. It's a contemporary read, but not really because there's a touch of paranormal, or so I think because there's never evidence of that, but there kind of is, and I guess it depends in what you choose to believe, But I can say it's a fabulous book!

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  95. Congrats! Thanks for sharing this triumphant time. I hope everything goes smoothly for you from here on out. I can't wait to read your book!

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  96. Congratulations! Wow. What a nice little present.

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  97. A favorite genre busting book...

    The Prestige. Part literature, part thriller, part paranormal, wow.

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  98. Much Congratulations to you!!! You deserved it so much!

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  99. Thanks for not giving up. Congratulations!

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  100. Oh, yay! Happy dances all around! It's been quite the journey for you. Weeeee!

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  101. Thank you, everyone! I finally sit down to the computer and WOW. You are all so wonderful, and thank you for hanging out here for so long. I am so grateful for every single one of you.

    P.S. Alyson, yes, it really did come with the bow on it:)

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  102. Congrats! Can't wait to read it! My fave "genre-buster" is AS King's The Dust of 100 Dogs. But, I'm sure yours will soon become a favorite!

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  103. Congratulations, Natalie! That's such exciting news! You are the model of persistence. Wishing you all the best.

    As for genre-busting books, I loved Neal Shusterman's BRUISER. It reminded me of Gayle Forman's IF I STAY in that it read like a contemporary but had strong magical elements. Ah, fantastic.

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  104. I'm so happy for you, Natalie, and I mean that truly. You've been through a lot on your road to publication and I'm so glad it's finally your turn.

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  105. I love you. I love this. I love everything.

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  106. ohmygosh that's awesome! right when you're book comes out I will scamper to the nearest bookstore/library and freak out. congratulations!!!!!

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  107. Also you forgot some labels on this post. It should have: MY EDITOR, and MY FREAKING TWO BOOK DEAL

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  108. Kiersten, OH YEAH. I didn't even THINK about the MY EDITOR label! WEIRD!

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  109. Congratulations! :D

    My favorite genre-buster... that's a tough question, and I had to think about it for quite awhile before I could answer. I have to go with The Monstrumologist by Richard Yancey. Everyone I've seen refers to it as YA, but it's equal parts horror and suspense and it just seethes the 'mad scientist' vibe I love so much.

    Congrats again. Celebrate! You deserve it.

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  110. Congratulations! And wow, I am awed by your restraint in keeping this quiet for three months!

    As for my favorite genre-bending book, I have to say The Time Traveler's Wife.

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  111. Woot, Woot, Woot!!! Congrats Natalie!

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  112. Congrats Natalie!!! :-) :-) :-)

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  113. Congratulations!!! I'm very much looking forward to picking up your book off the shelves one day soon!

    As for a favorite genre-bending book, Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall for me.

    Congratulations again! :D

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  114. WOOHOOO!! Cue the massive happy dance party! So freaking excited for you, Natalie. All is right with the universe again. There will be a Whipple on the shelves.
    CONGRATULATIONS!

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  115. CONGRATULATIONS! How awesome for you to be able to make this announcement! :D

    My favorite genre-bending book is probably the Outlander series. It's not quite historical fiction, and not quite fantasy, but it's a great series overall :)

    Congrats again!

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  116. Congrats Natalie!

    As far as genre-bending, those are all fantastic choices, but I'm gonna have to go with Bleeding Violet, although I loved Incarceron and White Cat.

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  117. Congratulations!!! I've been following you for a while so I'm very happy you finally got a deal!

    I don't think this is a genre-bender, but I like the "Leviathan" series by Scott Westerfeld. It's a gender-bender in an alternate WWI that includes a lot of steampunk elements. Which isn't really a mix of genres, but it's the first book I think of recently.

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  118. Yea Natalie! I know this has been a really hard trip for you. I'm so happy it worked out! It just goes to show that none of us can lose hope.

    And as for the contest...geez, it's hard to pick a book. I love YA, too. There is so much you can do with it. It's such a fun age group to write for. But, I guess I'd have to say YOURS in the best =).

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  119. YAY NATALIE!!!! I thought I posted a comment from my phone this morning, but I don't see it, so here is another. YAYYYY!!!!! I'm SO happy for you and the book sounds fabulous.

    YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

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  120. Yay, yay, yay! Congratulations to you! So excited that you stuck it through and got what you've always dreamed of. I'd pick Bleeding Violet.

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  121. Congratulations!!! I know from your posts that this has been a long time coming. You deserve it!!!! I hope this is just the beginning of a long and wonderful career.

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  122. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. And I've heard that everyone loves Erika.

    As for my favourite genre-bending book... hmmm... I'm not sure if this counts, but I really like Paranormalcy b/c it's a paranormal romance, but it makes fun of the paranormal genre.

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  123. Wow, Natalie that is SO awesome!!! Transparent sounds like an AWESOME book to read and I can't wait!you'll tell us when the release date is as soon as u get it, right?! Anyway, one of my all time favorite genre busting YA novels is Across the Universe by Beth Revis. It's part sic-fi, part dystopian, part murder mystery, and part romance (well, like, every book in the world practically has a romance subplot, but still), and totally awesome!

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  124. Congratulations!! It's all so surreal! And to share an editor with one of your CPs—so cool!

    Um, genre-busting... I think Delirium by Lauren Oliver was a bit genre-busting. Part dystopian, part Romeo & Juliet. I liked it :D.

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  125. Congratulations! This is going to be a must read, I can just tell!!

    A genre buster? Hmmmmmmm...going to go with the Study series by Maria V Snyder. Sci-fi, ya, bit of a romance hidden in there too. Spy-like subplot. Poison Study's the first. Go find it & give it a read!

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  126. Wow, CONGRATS, Natalie!!! A well-deserved happy ending for all the hard work you've put in. As a fellow aspiring author just starting out, I'm really happy for you!! XD

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  127. You deserve it! Good for you!
    Contest wise, I love Artemis Fowl. . . Not really sure if it's a genre buster??????

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  128. Woooohooooooo!!! Congratulations! You sold me on the description. I'll be buying this one. :)

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  129. Congrats!!!!!

    My absolute favorite genre busting book is Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon. It's one of those "hard to label" books, and I've often seen it listed under several different headings at book stores and online. In a nutshell, it is a historical-fiction-time-travel-romance-adventure-saga. And it's the first in a series of 7, going on 8 novels.
    I think I would choose Bleeding Violet...
    again, congrats...I'm dancing with you!
    Sharon :)

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  130. Oh my gosh, yay yay YAY! I am so so so excited for you. Tears actually came to my eyes reading this post. You deserve this so much.

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  131. That's wonderful. You've worked so hard, and it's really great to hear about your success. Congratulations.

    As for Genre Busting, I'm a total nerd, so I'm going to go with Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Rider's of Pern. And before you say, "But Rena, those aren't Genre busters," I'd like to point out that she had a helluva time keeping them labeled sci/fi and not fantasy at the time (it was considered bad to be fantasy when the Dragon Riders series was published). Which is me saying that genre busters today are genre definers for the next generation.

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  132. Congrats! I saw the announcement on Publisher's Marketplace today and wanted to stop by. I see I'm not the first!

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  133. Woohoo!

    Congratulations :)

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  134. Congratulations Natalie!!! Well deserved. :)

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  135. CONGRATULATIONS!! I know I don't know you, but I'm still excited for you. Awkward? Just a little. :)

    Hmmm, favorite genre buster (not sure this totally counts) would be the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. They're not quite "genre busting," but they hold a fond place in my heart because I read them in high school and had never realized before then that fantasy could also be - gasp! - sarcastic and funny.

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  136. So your bleeping blog won’t let me post a comment so Kiersten graciously offered (I begged and cried until she agreed) to post this for me after repeated attempts failed.

    MY first attempt was actually early this morning from my phone when I saw your tweet. I would have been comment number 4 or something crazy like that. And now I’m probably comment number 150 or something. Which makes perfect sense, since you have been an inspiration to so many people every day on your blog and it’s no wonder that they are all coming out in droves to wish you the very best today. So let me be another one to add my congratulations.

    Although I’ve known about this for a little while now, it feels nice to be able to say it out loud (in writing) and tell you how very happy I am for you. I know how hard you’ve worked for this and you deserve it. So stop stressing now and please ENJOY this time!!!

    Michelle Wolfson

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  137. YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!! So super excited for you!

    I don't know how to define genre busting really. I love books that surprise me and mix things up in a whole new way. I guess a cross-genre book I read recently and really liked was HAUNTING VIOLET by Alyxandra Harvey. Historical fiction meets ghost story! (Hope that counts!)

    See, I need your book to be more familiar with the genre. ;)

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  138. Congrats! That's so amazing!

    Genre busting...I absolutely love Holly Black's White Cat series. So unique, twisting a fairy tale into a noir-ish tale!

    jadedlittlegirlx [at] gmail [dot] com

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  139. Congrats! Transparent sounds fantastic-I just added it to my to-read list on goodreads :)

    As for genre busting books, I've read four of the five you chose - and I would add my two most recent genre-busters as Hourglass by Myra McEntire and definitely The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Both fabulous books, and I'm coming to realize I love the genre-busting genre :)
    That's my entry. Thanks for the contest!
    heisereads [at] gmail[dot]com

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  140. NATALIE!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! :D :D :D You get extra chocolate-y chocolate chip cookies for this! *slides over plate*

    SQUEE! I absolutely CANNOT wait to read your book. Is it on Goodreads yet? I must add it!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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  141. Congratulations!!!! That is so wonderful! It sounds like a fantastic book too!

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  142. YAY! Congratulations :) Now for genre busting books....

    Tithe by Holly Black
    Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

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  143. Congrats, Natalie!! Really happy for you.

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  144. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I know it's been a long road for you, but your doggedness and persistence is an inspiration to us all. I'm thrilled for you!

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  145. GO NATALIE!!!!!! Congrats girl, you so deserve this. I am so happy for you.

    And my favorite genre-busting book doesn't exist yet, because I plan to write it myself ;)

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  146. Congratulations! I love hearing about dreams becoming reality! Christy

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  147. I AM SO SO SO SO SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU! YEAH!

    hmmm.... genre busting book? I can't think of anything right now.... gah! uM... ooh! I just read Haunting Violet, which was historical fiction mixed with a ghost story mixed with a little fantasy mixed with romance, so I'm going with that one!

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  148. Oh Natalie! I'm so happy for you! Um, I maybe cried just a little bit when I heard the news. I was just thinking last night about you, and how I'll be so excited when your book gets published so I can read it and share it with everyone. And now I can! I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

    YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY for you!

    Um. As far as the contest, I think Jane Yolen's "Pit Dragon Trilogy" is genre busting? Maybe? It's sci-fi with dragons, which I guess isn't too much of a stretch, but still. My brain is broken because all I can think of right now is "Hooray for Natalie!"

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  149. Omg! Sooo happy for you!! Congratulations! I kept waiting, and waiting for you to announce that you have a book deal any day because I kept thinking: if she can't get a book deal with all of her awesomeness, how does anybody else??

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  150. Congrats, Natalie! So exciting. :) I'm going to echo those who said Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief was a genre buster. I was blown away by it.

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  151. I honestly don't think I've ever been happier for someone I've never met about getting a book deal. You so deserve this!!!! And you've helped so many people along the way, and been so honest and sincere about the whole process! We will have a virtual celebration for sure!

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  152. Congratulations!!! I will also echo those who said The Book Thief--narration by Death: WOW.

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  153. CONGRATS!!! That is big, big news. So happy and excited for you!

    Incarceron was actually the first book that popped into my head when you asked for genre-busters. I loved the political intrigue and the dystopian elements mixed in with fantasy and Victoriana!

    I just finished White Cat and am eager to get my hands on Red Glove!

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  154. Yay! I'm so happy for you! What a great thing and what a great party! So much love!

    Genre-buster? Gail Carriger's books. Soulless, Heartless, etc. Historical paranormal romantic fantasy.

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  155. Congratulations Natalie! You've worked so hard for this!

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  156. Natalie, I can't even look at that picture/this page without tearing up. I am sooooo happy for you. Thank you for sharing the good news. I'm sure there will be much more to come. :)

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  157. On a separate note: One of my favorite genre-busting books is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. Scifi, mystery, literary, comedy? All of the above? Who knows! It's quite a hoot, though. (Book 3 in the series is my fave so far.)

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  158. Congratulations! Celebrating with you! Woo hoo!
    Two of my favorite genre busters: Incarceron and Paranormalcy.

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  159. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIDICULOUSLY AMAZINGLY ADORINGLY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  160. Congrats!! My favorite genre-busting series is by Gail Carriger. It's not YA, but vampires and werewolves in a Victorian steampunk adventure says FUN to me!

    Can't wait to read your X-Men meets Godfather book. Sounds awesome!!

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  161. Such fantastic news! Been following your blog from the beginning and couldn't be happier for you! Can't wait to read it.

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  162. YAY! I'm so excited for you Natalie :) This is amazing news.

    You've worked so hard for so long! I'm super excited for you and CANNOT WAIT to read transparent :)

    You rock. Well done :)

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  163. Yayyyyyy!!!!!!! Awesome news! So incredibly happy for you. I hope you're feeling your follower love & enjoying the moment. :)

    I can't wait to read Transparent. It will rock, because you do. :)

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  164. Huge congratulations! I've been following for a long time, and I knew one day you'd make this announcement :) Very excited for you!

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  165. Congratulations! Courage and commitment pay off.

    A genre-buster I love is "Trash Sex Magic" by Jennifer Stevenson. Strange, beautiful.

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  166. FINALLY! Congratulations Natalie, I've been following your blog for a long time now and I'm so pleased for you :D

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  167. Natalie- that's fantastic- congrats! When I read your blurb I thought "That sounds a bit like "White Cat" by Holly Black, which I LOVED. And then there it is. So happy for you!

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  168. Feed and Deadline by Mira Grant...epic

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  169. Hey :)
    I just found your blog a few minutes ago and I have to say: Not just congrats for the book deal but also for the amazing work you did with this interesting blog.
    Your book sounds really interesting and I'm sure going to read it.
    But one question: You have to live in the US to take part in the giveaways, right?
    Because you already have fans all over the world (like myself :) )
    I'm really happy for you, selling a book must be great :)
    Greetings

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  170. Congrats! I found your blog through Kiersten, and your novel sounds intriguing! I agree with most (that is, the ones I've read) of your genre-busting books! To throw something new out there, I recently fell in love with Myra McEntire's Hourglass!

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  171. Congratulations Natalie! I'm so happy that I will be able to read your books! I've been reading your blog for a couple of years now and I've found it so helpful and inspiring. Well done you :)

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  172. Congratulations! We can't wait to read it!!!

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  173. Absolutely awesome. You deserve it.

    And it's true! Whenever I turn invisible, my life goes completely to shit. Your book's dead on.

    Best of luck with everything!

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  174. I love My Unfair Godmother. That's a great pick.

    Above all, CONGRATULATIONS!

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  175. Both you and Kiersten are on my blog list, but I happened to read her post first, so I got to click on her link and wait for it to sloooowly load as my brain went through an excited I-hope-this-means-Natalie-got-a-book-deal-I-hope-this-means-Natalie-got-a-book-deal loop...and then it was true! YAY! CONGRATS!!!!!!

    As far as the awesome contest, my two favorite recent genre-busters are actually the first two on your list! (And I haven't gotten my hands on Red Glove yet, so thanks for offering sequels.) I should also include King's Dark Tower series since I mistakenly thought it was just a violent Western and missed out on it for far too long.

    Congrats again!!!!

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  176. Congratulations! TRANSPARENT sounds intriguing! I think I would have to say my favorite genre busting book is The Underneath, by Kathi Appelt. I can't even tell you what genre it is, but it was sure a lot different than I expected. Beautiful book!

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  177. Congratulations, Natalie! I'm mostly a lurker, but I have followed your blog for a while, and just want to say that this book deal could not have happened to a more deserving person! TRANSPARENT sounds very exciting, and I can't wait to read it!

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  178. Congratulations Natalie!! Looking forward to hearing more from you about your book!! :)

    I had to think about that genre busting book... I would have to go with Ilona Andrews' On The Edge because it got the elements of high fantasy-con-urban fantasy-con-contemporary romance, now how's that for confusing! :)

    Cherry Mischievous
    cherrymischif-soldier [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  179. Well, to add to the mix: my heart-felt congratulations! That is so exciting! :)

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  180. Congrats! This has been a long time in the running! *clapping*

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  181. OMG, AHHHHHHHH!!!! I'm freaking out!!!!! I was HOPING this was what I would see when Kristein White directed her blog readers over here!!!! I'm SOOOO excited for you and I can't WAIT to read TRANSPARENSY!!!!! :D <3

    ~Ella

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  182. Congrats!! I can't wait to read Transparentsy.

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  183. Congratulations!!! That is AWESOME. TRANSPARENT sounds so awesome, and I'm so happy for you!

    My favorite genre busting book is IF I STAY and its sequel, although WHERE SHE WENT is just contemporary. Love those books so much.

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  184. Huge congrats to you - huge!

    My favorite genre busting novel would be THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST by Rick Yancey. It's Victorian Gothic Sherlock Holmes Horror YA written like Dickens.

    Yeah really.

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  185. Yay! congratulations Natalie! *jumps up and down* I'm so happy for you!

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  186. Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you!

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  187. Congratulations, Natalie! I'm so excited that I'll finally get to read one of your books. :o)

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  188. Oh, and I felt like The Adoration of Jenna Fox was a genre buster. It's sci-fi, but it's more than sci-fi.

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  189. Congrats Natalie! What an accomplishment! Now, where and when can I buy your book? Also, I get bragging rights because I was your college roommate, right? :D

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