Read, Write, Repeat.

Twilight fans are everywhere. They’ve read all the books and seen the first two movies. But chances are they might be feeling a little … lost now.

What can they do while they wait for their next fix?

They might want to consider learning more about Twilight author Stephenie Meyer by reading a book written by Wisconsin author Lisa Rondinelli Albert. It’s called Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga (Enslow Publishers, 2009).

Here, Lisa shares what it was like to write a biography of one of the best-known writers in the world today.  And how she interviewed Stephenie Meyer’s prom date.

Had you read any of the Twilight books before you were assigned to write Stephenie Meyer’s biography?
Yes! In fact, I bought Twilight for my daughter and we both became hooked. I pre-ordered New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, and it was the day of the Breaking Dawn release party that I was offered the contract to write Stephenie’s biography.

How did you approach researching the book? How many sources did you use? How long did it take?
I was on a fast deadline. I negotiated the contract Aug. 1, 2009 and had five months to turn it in for my Jan. 1 deadline. The publisher set the release date for July 1, so it was intense, but exciting.

I wasn’t able to get an interview with Stephenie, but I did make contact with her high school prom date and obtained never before seen prom photos. Stephenie hadn’t even seen the photo we use in the book until I put Kemery (her prom date) and her in touch. 

I also interviewed several fans who had had contact with Stephenie and they provided photos as well. Overall though, I relied on newspaper, magazine and television interviews for the majority of my research.

Twilight is such a huge national phenomenon. Did that make it easier or harder to write your book?
Both! It was easy because I had hundreds of interviews and articles to read. It was hard for the same reason, though! Hundreds of articles meant reading a lot of the same information over and over and trying to find interesting, kid-friendly tidbits to present in a fresh way.

What was the most interesting or unexpected thing you learned while working on the book?
That I really could get up at 5 a.m. in order to meet my deadline! Oh … you mean about Stephenie? The fact that she put Midnight Sun, the final installment of the Twilight saga, up on her Web site is pretty cool. Since it was leaked and floating around the Internet anyway, I think it was smart of her to take control back and offer it to her readers on her own terms.

Did all the teens and pre-teens you know suddenly think you were much cooler than before when your book came out?
There might be a few who think I’m a little cooler and it’s definitely been fun to talk Twilight with them!

Tell us a little about the rest of your work.
I have two other nonfiction books with Enslow Publishers – Lois Lowry: The Giver of Stories & Memories (2008) and So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor? (2008). Both of those titles were fun to write and research, too.

My YA novel, Mercy Lily, is under consideration with several publishers right now. It’s a thought-provoking novel that deals with assisted suicide, veterinary euthanasia, and quality of life issues. In addition to young-adult novels, I also write picture books and middle grade/tween novels. I’m currently working on a funny, light-hearted novel for tweens that I have series hopes for. I’m represented by Mary Kole of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and feel very fortunate to be in such great hands!

And, finally, Team Edward or Team Jacob? Why?
Jacob! On paper I loved his character’s sincerity and devotion. That feeling remained when I saw the movie, but add in those abs and … Hello! Team Jacob!

Thanks, Lisa!

If you’d like to know more about what Lisa has in store, visit her Web site.

Vampire books are popular. The Twilight series may have started the trend, but there are many other vampire books to give enthusiasts their latest fix.

Today on Read, Write, Repeat, Natalie reviews a book about a different kind of vampire. One who’s not interested in blood. Instead, Cassandra Gray needs tears to survive.

In Patrick Jones’ The Tear Collector (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2009) teen-age Cassandra relies on human sorrow to live. But Cass has two problems. She’s tired of forcing drama in her high school just to get the tears she needs. And, she’s finally met a boy whose heart she doesn’t want to break.

Our guest reviewer: Natalie, 12.

I like: Figure skating, reading books, hanging out with my friends, computers and chocolate. 

The book was about: A vampire-like girl named Cassandra who needed tears and sadness (instead of blood) to survive. Cassandra is tired of sacrificing for her family when she meets a boy named Scott.

The best part was when: Cassandra meets Scott and Samantha at school and they all become friends. 

I laughed when: I didn’t really laugh because it wasn’t a funny book.  But, it was a very good book.

I was worried when: Cassandra’s cousin, Alexei, comes to visit saying he would get revenge on Cassandra.

I was surprised that: Alexei would spend so much time and would go so far to put Scott in danger.

This book taught me: To fight for something important to you and to be who you want to be. 

Other kids reading this book should watch for: What the news articles say and how they connect with Cassandra.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Suspenseful,” “exciting” and “interesting.”

You should read this book because:  The author used a new creature instead of vampires. I liked that the book was different than a regular vampire novel. 

Thanks, Natalie!

If you’d like to learn more about this book, check out the book trailer on YouTube or visit the book’s Web site. There’s an interview with author Patrick Jones at this site.

Gwen found this young adult novel when she was strolling through a store, took it home and read it. She liked it so much she was happy to review it for Read, Write, Repeat. So take it away, Gwen …

Reviewer name: Gwen, age 12

Book reviewed: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon (Greenwillow Books, 2009)

This book was about: A girl named Ai Ling who journeys to a palace to save her father from the evil Zhong Ye. Zhong Ye had known Ai Ling in another life as Silver Phoenix. Ai Ling faces many dangerous creatures and meets some new friends on the way.

The best part was when: Ai Ling was traveling with Chen Yong and they meet Chen’s younger brother, Li Rong. Li Rong is my favorite character because he is so funny and is always making jokes.

I laughed when: The two brothers would always try to impress Ai Ling – jokingly that is.

I was worried: At the end of the book because you never know what could happen, especially in this book. It makes you keep guessing.

I was surprised: With the ending because … well … you’ll just have to read the book and find out. If I tell you, it would give it away.

This book taught me: That some people have a different side to them, and maybe there’s something deeper down in them that you have to figure out.

Other people reading this book should: Thank whoever recommended it for them, because it truly is a great book!

Three words that best describe this book are: Incredible, imaginative and magical.

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Black circles burst across her blurred vision. She stumbled away and slumped to the floor, not caring that the corpse of the monster was but a few arms’ lengths away.”

You should read this book because: It really lets your mind wander, and I feel like people can relate to the character’s personalities.

Thanks, Gwen!

Now, I’m back. Silver Phoenix, which, I have to say, has the coolest cover I’ve seen in quite a while, has been nominated for a Cybil Award, and Cindy has a sequel coming out in fall of 2010.

If you’d like to learn more about Silver Phoenix, check out Cindy Pon’s Web site. She’s got information about the book, a blog and other kinds of fun stuff.