Happy Halloween!!! (And the Last Hoodie Goes to....)

Brandi Baby!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! :)=

Now, now, my Minions, don't lose heart if you didn't win. This contest has been a ton of fun! And it just so happens that your Auntie Heather really, really, really likes to make you all crack tiny little bleak smiles, so please keep an eye on the blog(s), because there will be more give-aways. Promise. Cross my heart and hope to dye...my hair black with red streaks. Cool stuff, too, like ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) of NINTH GRADE SLAYS, and other Vlad-oriented goodies that will set your little black hearts to flutter.

Many, many, many, many, many, many of you have clogged my Inbox with questions of whether or not I will offer the hoodies for sale now that the contest is over. So...here's the official answer: YES. But! There's a caveat. You'll have to wait until I set up a new page (read: my web designer does it for me) on my website that will act as a Minion Stuff store where you can purchase all sorts of cool Vlad stuff (some of which I've yet to order, but it's all way, way kewl. Trust me.). So...hang in here for a month or two or four while I gather up some neat stuff...and if you have any suggestions for things you'd love with Vlad's vampire smiley on it...I'm all ears (and fangs). In the meantime, patience is a virtue. So...please try to be virtuous for at least a little while, 'kay?

Now, what are we all going as for Halloween? See, to Auntie Heather, every day is Halloween, but it's nice when the rest of the world gets into the spirit of such an excellent holiday (btw, Merry Samhain to my fellow Pagans!). I was planning on being a zombie, but instead, I'm using tonight as yet another excuse to don my ren garb and go as a wench. Hmmm...maybe a wench whose been bitten by a vampire...? What about you, Minions?

P.S. Any pics you send me of you dressed as a vampire or of you in Vlad's hoodie or of you wearing Minion Bling....I'll put them in my MySpace Pics folder.

P.P.S If you've created (or are interested in creating) fan art of Vlad, you should join this awesome group, created by one of your fellow Minions!

13 Hoodies for Halloween (The Final Contest)!

First off, some happy news. :)=

It seems Wyoming and Nebraska have realized just how cool Vlad is. Which, of course, my Minions knew long before anyone else, but it's nice to be recognized as a spooky author. Also, some major changes are coming to my website soon, so stay tuned!

You guys offered up some sharp answers for what Elysia is, and I just wanted to say that though answers varied, they were all right in their own way. Elysia is vampire society; it's all around us; it's vampires co-existing. And just a heads-up: you'll learn more about what Elysia is when you read NINTH GRADE SLAYS..which you can now pre-order on Amazon! Now, I make no promises...but Amazon is known for shipping books earlier than the date they're set to hit shelves. So...it might be a good idea to pre-order it and get in on all the secrets that await you with the next Vlad book.

Okay. Now. The day you've been waiting for. Here it is, Minions. The last day you can win a hoodie. We've come a long, long way, but it's finally here. Did you win the last one? Maybe...if you're name is Brian. Congrats, Brian!!!

Now today's question is easy. And I'm even giving you the answer upfront.

The answer is my favorite number, Vlad's age, and what day of the contest this is.

Any takers???

(By the way, the drawing for the last hoodie is on Halloween!)

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 12)!

Well, this is it, Minions. After I announce the winner today, I have only TWO HOODIES left to give away. Can you believe it??? Yeah. Me neither.

Big congrats to Adam!!! Adam is now the proud new owner of a hoodie!

And you can be too. Just brush up on the rules, and answer today's question:

Day 12 (Drawing on October 29th): What is Elysia?

Give a Nice Velcome to My Lil Friend

I've been meaning to post this for a while, but hey, I've been busy stalking the creatures of the night--and Vlad can totally vouch for me. I have a new friend (given to me by the fabulous Ms. Jackie Kessler, succubus writer extraordinaire), and as of yesterday, he has a name. Say hello to...NOSBEARATU!!!!
As you can see, Jackie also sent a little snack along with Nosbearatu so he wouldn't get hungry and gnaw on any unsuspecting mailmen along the way (yes, that's a heart). I've decided that Nosbearatu will accompany me during my travels from now on. He and Vlad should get along famously.

And if not....well...my money's on Vlad.

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 11)!

Hoo-boy! I can't believe we've been through this many hoodies. Thank you all for the great pics of you in your hoodies--it's so cool to see you all looking like Vlad! (Or Vlad's little sister, according to one Minion)

Today's winner is Michael--YAY!!! And you Minions should stick around, because this contest is nearing its end. Today's question is this:

Day 11 (Drawing on October 27th): Who is president of the Stokerton council?

And for discussion's sake, how are you all doing? School/work good? Happy/sad? Any news from Minion Land that I should know about? I like checking in with my Minions--gotta keep in touch with the Horde! Me, I'm good. Pretty happy, as I got some GREAT Vlad-related news yesterday (and no, I can't share just yet), and busy busy busy. I'm also kinda relieved that this contest is almost over. That big box of hoodies takes up so much room! Thanks for taking them off my hands. ;)

ONLY 3 HOODIES LEFT!!!

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 10)!

Hmmm...for some odd reason, I can't seem to message anyone on MySpace. So! I'll just notify the winner on here and hope she sees it. SILENT SNOW--YOU WON A HOODIE!!! Yay you!

Now, if any of the rest of you would like a chance to win a hoodie like Vlad's...here's your chance:

Day 10 (Drawing on October 25th): On the night Mr. Otis came over for dinner, what shirt did Vlad wear?

Now, there was some debate during the last question over whether Bathory was Vlad's home town or Elysia. I assure you, it was Bathory. If you'll recall, Elysia is more than a place, it's sharing the company of vampirekind. ;)

ONLY FOUR HOODIES LEFT!!!

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 9)!

Congrats, Matthew!!! Everybody wants to win a hoodie and you did!

But...no worries, my Minions, this contest still has some hoodie-goodness left in it. (It's weird...I can almost feel the distressed "geez, I want a hoodie" vibes from you guys) On to day 9's question!

Day 9 (Drawing on October 23rd): What's the name of Vlad's hometown?

In other news, my grouchy day ended (yay!) and I've been working on the third Vlad book, TENTH GRADE BLEEDS. I've actually had to go back and reread EIGHTH GRADE BITES and NINTH GRADE SLAYS (in manuscript form, of course....don't get excited just yet. You still have to wait until April to delve) just to kep all my facts straight. But it's a lot of fun being back with Vlad...even if his life does suck because if me.

And speaking of NGS....if you're a reviewer, drop me a line and I'll put you on my "awesome people who will receive an ARC of NINTH GRADE SLAYS" list.

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 8)!

In case you haven't heard*, I'm running a contest. (See rules here) The winner of Day 7's hoodie is Andrea!!! And if you'd like a shot at winning one of Vlad's hoodies, just answer me this:

Day 8 (Drawing on October 21st): What's the name of Vlad's best friend?

Now, on to other stuff. I'm grouchy today. Why? No idea. But I'm annoying me. How's my Minion Horde holding up? What are you all reading (besides Vlad)? What are your plans for the best holiday of the year (Halloween)?



*Exactly what planet do you live on? Because, clearly, I need to visit there...and maybe smack** some people.

**Or...y'know...somnething less violent***.

***Possibly involving the use of a spork****.

****Or maybe a spatula.

I'm Not the Only One With a Fangtastic Contest!

My dear friend (and agent sibling), Lisa McMann (author of WAKE), just announced this--go on over and enter, Minions! From her Amazon blog:

WAKE Contest!! Ends Halloween at midnight (Pacific)

Woo, baby! It's time, peeps.

Time for the First Official WAKE Contest!! Follow the directions below and you could win one of the following very free, amazingly fabulous prizes:


-- An advance copy of WAKE (1)*

-- A giant 24" x 36" glossy WAKE poster (1)*

-- A smaller, less glossy, yet still completely delectable WAKE poster (1)*

-- A WAKE dog tag on a 24" chain (10)*



Here's how you enter:

1. Click to go to my official website, here: http:// lisamcmann.com. Scroll down until you see the link, "Email Me!" and click on it.
2. In the subject line, write "WAKE CONTEST"
3. In the body of the email, tell me in a few sentences about a nightmare you've had. (Keep it G or PG-rated, puh-leaze! Or I'll delete it and you'll be disqualified.) If you don't remember dreams, make something up! I'll never know the difference.


That's it. Simple. GO!


WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2007, via email. If you don't hear from me by midnight Pacific coast time, you did not win.



Contest FAQs (well, actually, just the answers. You can guess the questions if you are bored):

1. Chosen randomly.

2. Draw them from a hat.

2.5 A cowboy hat, if you must know.

3. Because I said so. It's my contest.

4. No, I'm totally serious. G or PG-rated dreams only.

5. No, I'm not a cowboy. I just like hats.

6. I will ask winners for their mailing addresses via email -- don't send them now.

7. Teens, college students, librarians, teachers, dads, moms...anybody reading this is eligible to enter the contest.

8. (x)* <--- indicates the quantity of that particular item I have to give away in this contest. One prize per person.

9. You really need to email me if you want to enter, yes. If you post a comment here, you are not officially entering the contest. I might forget about you if you are not tucked safely into my CONTEST inbox folder, and I don't want that to happen.

10. Absolutely NOT. I will not send you spam or sell your email address or do whatever those nasty people do without telling you. I hate that.

11. Truth? Because I want you to visit my website. That's why. Humor me.

12. I <3 u 2

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 7...I Think)

I have the best Minions on the friggin' planet! Fangs so much for the support, guys. Vlad and I are feeling the love, big time. (P.S. He says hi)

Sandra won a hoodie!!! And now we're down to...uh...hold on...*does the math* six hoodies? Seven hoodies? What day is it???? Oh. There it is, day 7. So that means we have seven hoodies left. (Hey, it's not my fault I'm confused...I'm giving away like a bajillion hoodies here. It tends to make one dizzy.) If you want one, here's today's question:

Day 7 (Drawing will be on October 19th): Where does Vlad go at night to think?

A Plea to My Minion Horde (Also, Hoodies, Day 6)

Okay, Minions, pull up a nice fluffy chair and get cozy. There ya go. Got your favorite pillow? Your blood Slurpee with the cool black bendy straw? Good. Because Auntie Heather feels the need to do a public service announcement here (or, at the very least, an Auntie Heather service announcement).

A few Minions have written now, saying that they can't find a copy of EIGHTH GRADE BITES at their local bookstore. If you run into this dilemma (or if you just happen to notice a store is not carrying EIGHTH GRADE BITES), please please PLEASE ask a sales associate to order more. Believe it or not, booksellers absolutely listen to their customers for what to put on the shelves. And we want everybody to fall as much in love with Vlad and his crazy life as we have, right? And we want Auntie Heather to be able to keep writing and publishing books about our favorite fanged friend, right? Well, the only way for that to happen is to get books on shelves and into readers' hands. Sales=me publishing more books about Vlad. No sales=me maybe not finishing the Vlad series *shivers* It's a sad truth, but there ya have it. And the easiest way for the good stuff to happen is for all of you to band together as the Minion Horde and make it happen.

If you know of anyone who hasn't read EIGHTH GRADE BITES, please urge them to do so. They can borrow it from the library or a friend, buy it, whatever, but a big goal of our Horde here should be to spread the Vlad love. So far, it's looking good out there, and I absolutely appreciate each and every one of you for doing what you can to tell others about my series. Fangs a lot, Minions! :)=

Okay, back to hoodies. For the rules, see the past bajillion entries (I'm feeling lazy today). The winner of Day 5's hoodie is Shawn! And today's question is this:

Day 6 (Drawing on October 17th): Who is the man in black?

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 5)!

First off, if you have or would like to creat fan art for Vlad, feel free to join this group and share with everyone! (And many, many thanks to Minion K8!)

And yay Minion Keif! Keif was the lucky winner of Day 4's hoodie! To recap (just to cover it each time): I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies throughout October. And you can win one!

I'm going to be running this contest a little differently than I have done so in the past. This time, you don't need to sign up for my newsletter at all, and I won't be posting it on my Win Things page, just on my blog and MySpace. It's very simple. I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies, as featured on the cover of EIGHTH GRADE BITES, over the course of October, which just so happens to be Vlad's favorite month of all (and my favorite number). Do you have a hoodie yet? No? Well then, here's your chance!

It's super simple to enter. I'm going to ask a question about EIGHTH GRADE BITES. All you have to do is either post your answer here, message me on MySpace or email me your answer. If you get it right, you're entered into that day's drawing.

(NOTE: BE CAREFUL READING COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER, AS YOU MIGHT ACCIDENTALLY ENCOUNTER SPOILERS! IN FACT, YOU ABSOLUTELY WILL--SO IF YOU HAVEN"T READ THE BOOK, PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THOSE DETAILS)

I'll draw for that contest right before I post the next question, which is when I'll announce the previous contest winner.

If you don't win, keep entering! (But if you do win, hey man, give the other Minions a chance...you can't win again) And, to increase your chances, for every place online that you encourage people to come on over and check out my contest (be it a blog, forum, MySpace comment, wherever), if you can send me proof (ie, a link), I'll give you an additional entry for that day's contest.

Now, you don't have to buy the book, but it really helps if you've read it. So borrow it from a friend, pick one up at the library, or if you like, buy a copy, and you'll have a much better chance at winning (and yeah, it's okay if you cheat by reading answers here...after all, it's none of my business if you're a cheater). You'll want to study up and get those answers to me as quick as you can. Because this contest is really a series of thirteen contests...and these hoodies are going to go fast (time flies when you're having fun, right?). Remember: if you don't enter...you can't win!

So, good luck...and here is today's question!

Day 5 (Drawing on October 15th): What is Mr. Otis's first name?

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 4)!

Big congrats to Sheila on winning Day 3's hoodie! Without further ado...on to the next hoodie give-away.

To recap (again....y'know, just in case we have any newcomers to the contest): I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies throughout October. And you can win one!

I'm going to be running this contest a little differently than I have done so in the past. This time, you don't need to sign up for my newsletter at all, and I won't be posting it on my Win Things page, just on my blog and MySpace. It's very simple. I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies, as featured on the cover of EIGHTH GRADE BITES, over the course of October, which just so happens to be Vlad's favorite month of all (and my favorite number). Do you have a hoodie yet? No? Well then, here's your chance!

It's super simple to enter. I'm going to ask a question about EIGHTH GRADE BITES. All you have to do is either post your answer here, message me on MySpace or email me your answer. If you get it right, you're entered into that day's drawing.

(NOTE: BE CAREFUL READING COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER, AS YOU MIGHT ACCIDENTALLY ENCOUNTER SPOILERS! IN FACT, YOU ABSOLUTELY WILL--SO IF YOU HAVEN"T READ THE BOOK, PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THOSE DETAILS)

I'll draw for that contest right before I post the next question, which is when I'll announce the previous contest winner.

If you don't win, keep entering! (But if you do win, hey man, give the other Minions a chance...you can't win again) And, to increase your chances, for every place online that you encourage people to come on over and check out my contest (be it a blog, forum, MySpace comment, wherever), if you can send me proof (ie, a link), I'll give you an additional entry for that day's contest.

Now, you don't have to buy the book, but it really helps if you've read it. So borrow it from a friend, pick one up at the library, or if you like, buy a copy, and you'll have a much better chance at winning (and yeah, it's okay if you cheat by reading answers here...after all, it's none of my business if you're a cheater). You'll want to study up and get those answers to me as quick as you can. Because this contest is really a series of thirteen contests...and these hoodies are going to go fast (time flies when you're having fun, right?). Remember: if you don't enter...you can't win!

So, good luck...and here is today's question!

Day 4 (Drawing on October 13th): What does the symbol on the front cover (contained within the series name) mean?

NINTH GRADE SLAYS news!

It looks like you Minions will get your wish--you'll have the next Vlad Tod book in your hot little hands even sooner! My editor just informed me that NINTH GRADE SLAYS will hit shelves on April 17, 2008. Wooohooooo!

13 Hoodies for Halloween (Day 3)!

Ooooooh, can you feel the tension?? We're down to ELEVEN hoodies now! Big congrats to Val on winning Day 2's hoodie! And...on to the third hoodie give-away.

To recap (stop me if you've heard this one): I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies throughout October. And you can win one!

I'm going to be running this contest a little differently than I have done so in the past. This time, you don't need to sign up for my newsletter at all, and I won't be posting it on my Win Things page, just on my blog and MySpace. It's very simple. I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies, as featured on the cover of EIGHTH GRADE BITES, over the course of October, which just so happens to be Vlad's favorite month of all (and my favorite number). Do you have a hoodie yet? No? Well then, here's your chance!

It's super simple to enter. I'm going to ask a question about EIGHTH GRADE BITES. All you have to do is either post your answer here, message me on MySpace or email me your answer. If you get it right, you're entered into that day's drawing.

(NOTE: BE CAREFUL READING COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER, AS YOU MIGHT ACCIDENTALLY ENCOUNTER SPOILERS!)

I'll draw for that contest right before I post the next question, which is when I'll announce the previous contest winner.

If you don't win, keep entering! (But if you do win, hey man, give the other Minions a chance...you can't win again) And, to increase your chances, for every place online that you encourage people to come on over and check out my contest (be it a blog, forum, MySpace comment, wherever), if you can send me proof (ie, a link), I'll give you an additional entry for that day's contest.

Now, you don't have to buy the book, but it really helps if you've read it. So borrow it from a friend, pick one up at the library, or if you like, buy a copy, and you'll have a much better chance at winning (and yeah, it's okay if you cheat by reading answers here...after all, it's none of my business if you're a cheater). You'll want to study up and get those answers to me as quick as you can. Because this contest is really a series of thirteen contests...and these hoodies are going to go fast (time flies when you're having fun, right?). Remember: if you don't enter...you can't win!

So, good luck...and here is today's question!

Day 3 (Drawing is on October 11th): What's the name of Vlad's crush?

13 Hoodies for Halloween!

Well, we're down to twelve now in our little contest! Ami was our big winner this time!! (YAY! Congrats again, Ami!) So...on to the second hoodie give-away. To recap: I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies throughout October. And you can win one!

I'm going to be running this contest a little differently than I have done so in the past. This time, you don't need to sign up for my newsletter at all, and I won't be posting it on my Win Things page, just on my blog and MySpace. It's very simple. I'm going to give away 13 of Vlad's hoodies, as featured on the cover of EIGHTH GRADE BITES, over the course of October, which just so happens to be Vlad's favorite month of all (and my favorite number). Do you have a hoodie yet? No? Well then, here's your chance!

It's super simple to enter. I'm going to ask a question about EIGHTH GRADE BITES. All you have to do is either post your answer here, message me on MySpace or email me your answer. If you get it right, you're entered into that day's drawing.

(NOTE: BE CAREFUL READING COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER, AS YOU MIGHT ACCIDENTALLY ENCOUNTER SPOILERS!)

I'll draw for that contest right before I post the next question, which is when I'll announce the previous contest winner.

If you don't win, keep entering! (But if you do win, hey man, give the other Minions a chance...you can't win again) And, to increase your chances, for every place online that you encourage people to come on over and check out my contest (be it a blog, forum, MySpace comment, wherever), if you can send me proof (ie, a link), I'll give you an additional entry for that day's contest.

Now, you don't have to buy the book, but it really helps if you've read it. So borrow it from a friend, pick one up at the library, or if you like, buy a copy, and you'll have a much better chance at winning. Of course, I'll take it easy on you with the first question. But trust me, you'll want to study up and get those answers to me as quick as you can. Because this contest is really a series of thirteen contests...and these hoodies are going to go fast (time flies when you're having fun, right?). Remember: if you don't enter...you can't win!

So, good luck...and here is today's question!

Day 2 (Drawing is on October 9th): Which of Vlad's parents was a vampire?

Hoodies, Humpty, and Minions, oh my!

It has been a strange week, Minions.

No, no, no. You really have no idea. Trust me.

First off, I've had the Humpty Dance stuck in my head all week (pronounced with an Umpty...). Yeah. I know. And secondly, I've been gathering up all the entries for the first hoodie give-away! You Minions have been crazy with the entries, which is awesome. But get ready, because once I give the first one away, I'll be giving another one away basically every two days. So the contest is about to hit a really fast pace. Good luck!

Secondly, our own dear Froze8 sent me an amazing piece of fan art (click on it to see a bigger version). Fangs so much, Minion! :)= And hey, if anybody else wants to create some fan art, please do!
Thirdly, it seems a Minion has recently started a fan club for fans of me and my Vlad books! *blush* I'm truly, truly honored. So please, if you like me, you like the books, go show your support and join. It's called (appropriately) the Minions of Heather Brewer. Maybe if the club gets big enough we can hold fan-club-only contests and sneak previews...

Fourthly (or is it twenty-sixly?), Auntie Heather is tired. And behind on her emails (again). But! She does have wonderful Minions. And that's all that matters. :)=

For All the Paperback Lovers Out There

EIGHTH GRADE BITES (the paperback edition) is now available for pre-order on Amazon!

This Just In!

EIGHTH GRADE BITES has been nominated for the American Library Association's (ALA) 2008 Best Books for Young Adults list!!! *dances, faints, dies* They'll be voting come January...until then, fingers crossed, Minions!

Also, EGB received a fantastic 4Q review from VOYA! :)=

(Okay, you can go back to trying to win a hoodie now)