Friday, May 04, 2007

Reali-tease -- Jay

In Thirteen Reasons Why, as Clay listens to Hannah's recorded voice describe the events that lead to the end of her life, he also visits places she red-starred on a Chamber of Commerce map. When some librarians, booksellers, and reviewers receive the Advance Reading Copy of my book, they will also receive that map. And when I first received my copies earlier this week, I almost started crying.


My imaginary world is slowly seeping its way into reality...and it's freaking me out! When you unfold the above map, there's a full-color aerial view drawing of the Historic Crestmont Business District. Do you think Louis Sachar ever walks outside to find his front yard filled with holes five feet deep by five feet wide, dug by his publisher? No. Do you think Carolyn Mackler keeps opening packages of big round things that her publisher keeps mailing her? No! But when you're a Penguin author, all sorts of weird things happen that make you think you're losing your mind.

Not that I mind, of course.

On the backside of each Crestmont map is a page containing ads for several places mentioned in my book. Places that I just totally made up! There's the high school, the diner, the coffee shop, the movie theater, the liquor store, and the local library:


You can click all you want on the above picture, but you'll have a better chance of checking out Razorbill's new website by clicking here.

- Jay

14 comments:

Natalie said...

Wow, Jay...I'd say your publisher definitely loves you and your book! I'll bet everyone at Penguin has "We (heart) Jay Asher" stickers on their bumpers...;-)

Stella said...

Hope you don't mind me adding a comment. I know you don't know me but I'm interested in reading your book when it comes out. The daughter of a friend of ours committed suicide a few years ago by jumping in front of the Friday afternoon train as it approached our village. Her poor dad thinks she froze in fear but others, including her boyfriend, thought differently. At any rate, it was a heartbreaking tragedy. Teen suicide happens and I haven't seen too many books that plumb this sad topic. Best wishes for your continued success!

Stella

Linda D. (sbk) said...

Oh Jay, you gave me serious goosebumps.

Penguin sounds like the place to be. Wow. Hey, can I have an "I heart Jay Asher" sticker? That sounds pretty cool.

Disco Mermaids said...

My bumper sticker says:

I ? Jay Asher

But maybe I should get the heart sticker. That would be nicer.

And Stella, the book comes out in mid-October. It's serious and heartfelt and he deals with suicide in such a respectful way. I'm sure it will be meaningful to you on many levels. (In my humble opinion!)

-Robin

CJ Omololu said...

I can't wait to visit the inside of Jay's head. So very, very cool.

LindaBudz said...

It's great to hear about a publisher doing so much promo ... and such unusual stuff, too. They must have a lot of faith in your book and in you, Jay. I've heard that publishers are more willing to put in the effort and the $ when they feel as though the author is pulling his/her weight.

Anonymous said...

*insider information alert: a book buyer in s.f. today told me s/he read your arc and it's "one of the best books they've read in a long time." ooooh, cool...

Sunday Scribblings said...

That is SO cool. Wish it was included in the book too! Will we mere mortals get to see it?
- Laini (too lazy to change my log in right now)

Peter Emmerich said...

Hi Jay,

I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed reading your book very much and designing and illustrating the map was one of the most fun and challenging assignments I have had in a long time. I am glad you feel I did your town justice and are enjoying it so much. I wish you the best of luck with the success of your novel and I am sure we will hear great things about it in the future!

Best to you,

Peter

PS- Designing the ads was my favorite part!

Anonymous said...

Jay!

I am blown away by such coolness.

Disco Mermaids said...

Peter, dude, I love you! ThankYouThankYouThankYou!!!

And Mr./Ms. Anonymous. Aaaargh! Don't tease me like that. Tell the book buyer to e-mail me (the link is under View My Complete Profile). I live only a few hours away from S.F. and would love to come by after the book's out.

- Jay

Anonymous said...

That is so incredibly cool, Jay. I am utterly delighted for you! And I agree with everyone who said that your publisher must think very highly of your book to be giving it all this extra attention.

Yay! Yay! Yay!

A fan who is anxious to demand a copy or your book at his local bookstore, and who promises to make sure your book is "facing out" whenever he sees it on a shelf,

David LaRochelle
www.davidlarochelle.net

Emily Jiang said...

Congrats, Jay! How wonderful that your words are literally re-creating your world around you. I look forward to reading your book!!

Anonymous said...

I have some serious goosebumps right now, Jay! I know you're real busy right now, but I REALLY want to read an ARC copy and see you when I'm in SLO in two weeks. Can I? Huh? Huh?!?!?!? Lamy