MARNI (LouderThanWordsBooks) 2009
I just found the trailer on YouTube! You can watch it here:
AWKWARD (KensingtonTeen, Jan 1, 2012)
Want to see my homemade book trailer for Awkward? You can check it out here:
If you want to see the AWESOME book trailer my Hungarian publisher created for Awkward, you can see it here:
DECKED WITH HOLLY (KensingtonTeen, September 25, 2012)
You can see my book trailer for Decked with Holly right here:
INVISIBLE (KensingtonTeen, June 25th, 2013)
This book takes place at Smith High School and is told from Jane’s point of view.
I am definitely getting better at making book trailers!
NOTABLE (KensingtonTeen, October 29th, 2013)
This book takes place abroad and is told from Chelsea’s point of view.
Expect drama. Lots and lots of drama!
AWKWARDLY EVER AFTER (KensingtonTeen, June 24th, 2014)
This is the last book in my Smith High School series! It’s a novella anthology that was an absolute blast to write!
I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks!
Sincerely,
Marni
Marni Bates 
Hey Marni! I work at a Barnes & Noble store in NJ and we received an ARC of your book Awkward. It was great! I couldn’t put it down. Aside from the mentions of some of my favorite shows at the beginning (Battlestar Galactica and Firefly) it reminded me of a mix of two other shows I adore: Veronica Mars and Awkward the show on MTV. I was really sad to see it end! I wanted to know what happened with Mackenzie and Logan next!. I was glad to see you were doing a story with Jane so I can at least get a little more of them in my life, but if you decided to write another story with them, I wouldn’t hate it! I’ll be sure to pass your book along when it hits the shelves in January! Best of luck!
Cool! I hope you like it!
Wow! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward. I LOVE Veronica Mars and the MTV show Awkward so I did a little happy dance when I read your post. Thanks so much for your support!
Yeah i would be pretty excited if you write something else of Logan and Mack!!
I am so glad you enjoyed reading about them! Your message totally made my day! 🙂
I got your book awkward a few days ago snd loved it! I could never put it down. Once I showed it to my besties they all started reading the book!
Hi Makana,
I’m so glad you and your friends are enjoying Awkward! That is so wonderful to hear! My next book is a spin-off sequel called Decked with Holly and it focuses on the drummer from ReadySet. I sort of fell in love with Nick so…I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I really appreciate your enthusiasm for my books! Your message really means the world to me.
Sincerely,
Marni
i wish your ‘louder than words’ book actually all the ‘louder than words’ books were available on ebook epub(nook). i noticed ‘awkward’ is available though 🙂
That would be very cool! Unfortunately, I don’t think it is going to happen. HCI does have a Kindle version of the books available though! I’m really glad you enjoyed them and I hope you like Awkward!
Is Awkward a stand alone or are those other books for kensingtonTeen follow ups for Mackenzie?
Well, I wrote each book in the series from a different point of view so that they can be read as stand alone novels.That said, it is way more fun to read them in order (that way you won’t spoil any of the surprises). The only book which never takes place at Smith High School is Decked with Holly (Book 2, released September, 2012) but there are still fun guest appearances for Awkward fans to enjoy.
I loved loverd loved the awkward book, but i was finished it did not seem finished to me are you going to add another book to the awkward book. If you did would there be charters like Mackenzie or Logan. Since i asking about thoses 2 charters if you did make another awkward book would there be some relationships going on.
Hi Hannah,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! You were right: the series isn’t finished yet. My next book is actually a spin-off sequel called, Decked with Holly, and it focuses on the drummer from ReadySet. I can’t wait for it to come out on September 25th! Then we go back to Smith High School for Jane’s book, Invisible. And the last book in the series will be Chelsea’s story. Of course, Chelsea just had to get in the last word!
I can’t wait to hear what you think of the other books! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. It really means the world to me!
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi Manrni 🙂
From cover to story, your book Awkward is totally fantastic, beautiful, awesome and…and.. I just love it. I love the twists and oh-wow! events that happened to Mackenzie and her transformation. from being awkward and invisible to popularity and fame. In fact, I chose your book to be the book that I’ll present in school to encourage my classmates, friends and teachers to love books and also to read you book :))
looking forward to your other books!! more power..
Hi Jasmine!
Wow! I’m thrilled that you loved reading Awkward! I had a really great time writing it…and not just because I fell in love with Logan. Although, I admit that definitely helped. 😀
My next book is a spin-off sequel to Awkward called Decked with Holly and it will be out on shelves this September. Certain characters from Awkward make guest appearances but you’ll have to wait for Invisible (Jane’s book) to find out what happens next at Smith High School…
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm–it inspires me to keep writing!
Sincerely,
Marni
P.S. Good luck on your presentation!
I’ll be looking forward to it 😀
P.S. my presentation turned out great! especially when they watched awkward’s trailer.. they loved it! :))
Hey Marni. I totally loved your book Awkward and I’m looking forward to Fauxmance/Decked With Holly. Also can’t wait for Jane’s story since she’s the youngest of the group and still so strong and confident and studious (like me). You haven’t mentioned anything about Revenge though so I’m curious who’s story is it?
Hey Madison!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Awkward! I really appreciate your enthusiasm for my series. Your message completely made my day. And you definitely have Jane’s ability to pick up on details that others (*cough* me!) may have overlooked. I was initially planning to write the last book in the series from the point of view of someone you meet in Invisible. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to give Chelsea the last word. Actually, she kind of demanded it. Notable will be released sometime in 2013. In the meantime, I do have a short story in an anthology coming out soon…I’ll definitely have to update my page! I just received some advanced reader copies of Decked with Holly, so be sure to keep checking my website for opportunities to win a copy. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
Sincerely,
Marni
Aww so glad you replied. I’m definitely signing up for that advanced readers copy. And thanks for clarifying about your last book in the series/Revenge/Notable. What’s with the multiple names of your books btw? 😛
I’m just a teeny tiny bit disappointed because I had my fingers crossed it would be Dylan and Melanie’s story. They would make a cute couple don’t you think? Just saying. In case you ever decide to do another book in the series 😀
If I had a brother I would want him to be like Dylan.
Hi Madison,
The multiple titles thing happens because it’s hard to name books! You’ve only seen the titles that actually stood a chance of making it too. My brother “helped” me brainstorm for Decked with Holly and came up with the following winners:
The Love Boat.
Moby Nick.
Cruising into Love.
There were others. I’m blanking right now, but I distinctly remember my fabulous editor, Megan Records, advising me to ignore him.
I am so glad you love Melanie and Dylan together! I think they would make an adorable couple–I haven’t forgotten them, I promise! They won’t get their own novel, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get their own story in the form of a novella. At least, I hope that happens! I’ll be sure to keep you posted if it does.
Sincerely,
Marni
P.S. My other brother is convinced that I modeled Dylan on him. Of course, he also thinks that I wrote Logan with him in mind too. If it’s a brother you want…mine is up for sale! 😀
I LOVED Awkward! 🙂 Mackensie was a great and very relatable character. You couldn’t help not to love her and cheer her on. I’m really looking forward to Decked With Holly and Invisible:) and I was wondering if Jane finds romance in Invisible?
Hi Savanna!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Awkward! Mackenzie was a lot of fun for me to write–which is why I found myself giving her a cameo in Decked with Holly. Speaking of which, I just received my advanced reader copies! So I hope you will keep checking my website for opportunities to win one of them. As for your Jane related question…there is a certain boy at Smith High School who enjoys flustering her. And he’s pretty darn awesome. That’s all I’m saying for now! 😀
I really appreciate your enthusiasm!
Sincerely,
Marni
I’m kind of confused, what happened to Fauxmance? I was reading Awkward and it said that Fauxmance was coming soon? Is Fauxmance now Decked with Holly?
And if you don’t mind the prying, if it was a name change, why did you change it?
Hi Lara,
Yep, Fauxmance was changed to Decked with Holly. The multiple titles thing happens because it’s so hard to name books! You’ve only seen the titles that actually stood a chance of making it too. My brother “helped” me brainstorm for Decked with Holly and came up with the following winners:
The Love Boat.
Moby Nick.
Cruising into Love.
Rising Tithes.
There were others. I’m blanking right now, but I distinctly remember my fabulous editor, Megan Records, advising me to ignore him.
The good news is that Decked with Holly will be coming out on September 25th! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi I really loved your book Awkward, and I already preordered Decked with Holly.I hope after Jane’s story you will make more story about Smith High School.I would read every story in that series. I love your books!!! I read Awkward over 50 time’s !!! Thank you so much bye!!!!!!!!:):):):):):)
Hi Abby!
Wow, I’m so glad you loved Awkward! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Decked with Holly. I had a really great time writing it, but it is kind of exciting for me to get back to Smith High School with Jane’s book. Lots of fun twists and turns are coming your way!
Thank you so much for all your enthusiasm and support! It means the world to me.
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi Marni,
Since there was a hurricane coming (I live in New York City), I thought it was a good idea to buy a book before Barnes and Nobles shut down for a few days. I picked “Decked with Holly”. I read “Awkward” last year with my best friend, Quincy. We both really enjoyed it but I hadn’t realized that you had written both books too. When I picked out the book I realized you had written it because of the way the letters were written on the cover. I got so excited, I started to read right away. Unfortunately my lights went out but i still read by candle light.
Now Im on page 127 but I still have a long way to go. I love it so far. I cant put it down. My favorite part was when Holly and “Nick” kissed in-front of Allison and Claire! I also really liked the beginning when Jen pushed Holly to dress up as an elf.
Your my favorite author by far. I can’t wait to finish “Deck with Holly” and start one of your other books. Which book is your favorite? So far, mine would have to be “Decked with Holly” but I have only read 2 of your 4 books. Are you writing a second to “Awkward” or “Decked with Holly”? I hope you are cause they are my favorite books (ever)! Do you have any other book that are coming out?
(Sorry for all the questions!) How do you stay on one book? By that I mean, every time I try to write a book, I’ll stop in the middle and get bored of it. How do you stick to one topic? On character? Its so hard!
Sorry again for all the questions! 🙂
Thank you so much,
Lilly
Hi Lilly,
Wow! I’m so touched that you read Decked with Holly by candlelight during a hurricane! I’m totally going to email everyone in my family and brag about that. 😀 I’m also glad that you (and Quincy!) enjoyed reading Awkward. The next book in the series is Invisible and it’s told from Jane’s point of view. Invisible and Chelsea’s novel, Notable will both be released in 2013, so you’ve got a bit of a wait. I did write a short story called Epic Revenge for the Magical Mayhem Anthology. Hopefully that will help tide you over!
What a great set of questions! Okay, if I have to pick one book…Decked with Holly is probably my favorite. I loved toying with Holly and by the end I was swooning hardcore over Nick. But recently I’ve also been having a lot of fun with Notable. When I first started writing Awkward I absolutely hated Chelsea, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than Mackenzie could see. And now my perspective on her has completely changed. It’s been really fun getting her perspective on some of the scenes in Awkward.
How do I stay on one book…hmm…well, people yell at me if I don’t get my work done. Loudly. There is nothing quite like having my grandma skeptically raise her eyebrows when I tell her I’m stuck to get me typing away again. That said, I’ve definitely struggled to finish novels. I have my own little graveyard of abandoned concepts. I think that Invisible was the worst experience I’ve ever had trying to write a story. My original plan for Jane was bad. Really bad. And I was in complete denial about it. Even my mom was going, “Um…are you sure about this, honey?” and I just kept nodding like a bobble-head. I was almost finished with my rough draft of the novel when I realized that it was all wrong.
I was also at a She & Him concert when I had this little epiphany. So Zooey Deschanel was singing and all I could think was, I wrote the wrong book! Oh my God. HOW COULD NOBODY TELL ME THAT I WAS WRITING THE WRONG BOOK?!
In hindsight I find this hilarious because everyone told me I was writing the wrong book. Everyone.
At the time I did not see the humor in the situation. After the concert I marched over to the Snow White Crepe Cart while I bawled my eyes out on the phone with my mom, and then proceeded to stuff my face with crepe. Not one of my finer moments.
My point is that every writer has their dark times with a work. I think we’ve all had a moment where we want to have our characters die from a freak rat poison incident just so we can be done with the freaking thing.
But books can be rewritten. And you can fall back in love with a story. That’s what happened for me with Invisible. So my advice is to just stick with it!
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Marni
Thanks you so much! 🙂
Marni je suis une jeune française je suis en train de lire ton livre “Marni triehotillomane” ton histoire m’a tellement touchée.
Marni I’m a French girl I am reading your book “Marni triehotillomane” your story touched me so much.
Bonjour Flavie!
Merci beaucoup! Je suis très heureuse que tu aimes mon histoire. Il n’a pas été facile à écrire et j’apprécie vraiment vos paroles de soutien.
Sincerement,
Marni
je vais me mettre à lire tes autres livres mais est-ce-que tu sais s’ils sont sorti en FRANCE ?
I’m going to read your other books but is this-you know if they are released in FRANCE?
Mes autres livres n’ont pas été sorti en France … pour l’instant! Mais je suis sûr que vous puissiez les lire sur votre ordinateur en anglais. Bonne lecture!
(My other books have not been released in France…yet! But I’m sure you could read them on your computer in English. Happy reading!)
Sincerement,
Marni
hi I read your book AKWARD and Deck With Holly and I loved them both so much I cant wait to read your next book! You are one of favorite authors I could not put the books down they were AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!! Are you going to make a story about how each couple ended up out of both Awkward, and Deck With Holly? That would be cool!!!
Hi Kyra,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward and Decked with Holly! I had such a great time writing both of these books that a small part of me never wants to let these characters go. But I don’t think there will be another story that heavily features both Holly and Nick…although I could be wrong! That said, I can safely promise that most of my Awkward characters appear in my upcoming books, Invisible and Notable. I can’t wait to hear what you think of them!
Happy reading!
~Marni
I love this book it was full of laughs
When will invisible come out
This is the best book ever YOUR A VERY TALENTED PERSON!
Hi Tianna!
I am so glad you enjoy reading my books! I know Invisible comes out sometime this year, but I don’t know the exact date. I promise I will blog about it when I hear more though! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and words of encouragement. It means so much to me.
Pingback: Top 5: Holiday/Winter Book Recommendations | The Daily Quirk
I read Awkward and Decked With Holly!!!!!!!!!! I luved both, two of my most favorite books!!!! I got Decked with Holly for Christmas and finished it in 2 days (thats quick 4 me) I love that all ur characters are related somehow. I think your next book should be about Ready Set that would be awesome (just a thought no biggie if u don’t like it) You will still be my favorite authors! Thanks so much:)
I’m so glad you loved reading Awkward and Decked with Holly! I’m honored to be one of your favorite authors! I love your ReadySet suggestion, but I don’t know if it will happen. Sadly, not all of those decisions are within my control. We will just have to see what happens! I do know that you’ll be seeing a little more of the ReadySet boys in Jane’s book, Invisible. I look forward to hearing what you think of it! 😀
you should have a ‘logan’ part of a view book
for the book awkward
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! And while I would love to see the world from Logan’s perspective…it’s not going to happen. See, if I did that time would sort of ground to a halt for all my characters. I have a feeling you’re really going to enjoy reading about Jane and Chelsea instead. But I absolutely love your enthusiasm! Thank you so much!
hey marni, I read your book ‘Awkward’ in 2hours on my flight home from Florida back to London (where I live) this christmas and I LOVED it! I simply adore Logan, mostly because he seems real, since really all I have to go for is some sparkly vampire from twilight! I love all your characters, especially Jane, so I cant wait for your book about her!!
Hi Libby!
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! Logan feels very real to me too…it’s nice to know I’m not the only one! And I hear you, sparkly vampires don’t really do it for me either. If you are looking for other fun contemporary books before the release of Invisible (Jane’s story), I HIGHLY recommend The Heist Society by Ally Carter. It is absolutely amazing.
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. I can’t even express how much it means to me!
~Marni
Im sorry it took so long to reply! Ive actually already read Ally Carters books, both the Heist Society series (excuse me while i drool over Hale) and the Gallagher Girls (excuse me while I drool over Zach)! They are brilliant! I haven’t quite got around to reading Invisible because of all my school work but I am definately looking forward to it! I can relate to jane because I am the kooky bestfriend that usually fades into the background to give the one liners but isn’t ever really in the spotlight. Any other book recomedations would be BRILLIANT. Thank you for writing such amazing books! -Libs
Hi Libs!
Oooh, other book recommendations! Where do I begin?
Erica O’Rourke is made of awesome. I bet you will LOVE her Torn trilogy.
If you’re in the mood for a very different (but super swoon-worthy) Logan, check out Jennifer Estep’s Frost series.
Brigid Kemmerer is an addictive author, although I do feel obligated to mention that she’s on the gritty end of YA.
I really enjoyed Otherkin by Nina Berry. Her sequel Othermoon is sitting on my shelf right now. I can’t wait to read it!
Oh, and you should DEFINITELY read Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson. I freaking LOVE that book, and that was before Alicia became a good friend. Fun fact: she’s snarky and hilarious.
Hopefully those will tide you over until Notable comes out!
Happy reading!
~Marni
I just finished awkard n I loved it plus mackenzie has the same personality as me
Hi Mackenzie! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! I’m happy to say that you’ll get more Mackenzie and Logan in my other books, especially in Jane’s story, Invisible. I can’t wait to hear what you think of them. Thanks for all your enthusiasm! It really means the world to me.
~Marni
Hay u read your book awkward and I loved you deffenitly nailed it !!!!!!!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward!
Hi Marni
I read Awkward and i loved it. If you write any more books could it please be about Mackenzie and Logan, or about Corey and Tim?
Hi Lali!
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! I promise, there is a whole lot more coming your way! Corey and Mackenzie briefly make an appearance in my spin-off holiday novel, Decked with Holly! And then…they play a much larger role in Jane’s book, Invisible! Thank you so much for your wonderful message. Your enthusiasm for my books means the world to me!
~Marni
Pingback: ,, INVISIBLE ” by Marni Bates : interview with author ! | Devoratorul de carti
I love the whole awkward series and will be sad to see it end, but I’m sure you will do right by these characters and are ready to move on. Ready to read more
I absolutely love the book Decked With Holly and I would like to know if there would be a sequel, if not please make one!
Hi Mariah,
Wow! I’m so glad you enjoyed Decked with Holly! I had an absolute blast writing that book. I don’t want to rule anything out, but the Magic 8 Ball answer is…don’t count on it. I can tell you that Nick makes a guest appearance in Awkwardly Ever After though! And that I’m working on a new series right now that I hope you’ll enjoy just as much.
Thank you so much for all your support and enthusiasm!
~Marni
Pingback: Top 5: Holiday/Winter Book Recommendations | The Daily Quirk
I love the book notable, ur an amazing author, please write more
xoxo, me
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you loved Notable. I hope you’ll equally enjoy reading Awkward, Decked with Holly, Invisible, and (soon!) Awkwardly Ever After. I’m working on a new project right now that I can’t wait to share with you! It has dreamy boys, awesome girls, and dangerous bad guys…all of whom are making life incredibly complicated for my main character. I think you’re going to love it!
Thanks again for your encouragement and support. It means the world to me!
~Marni
I just finished reading Decked With Holly and I only have one thing to say: I NEED MORE NICK. I loved the book a lot! I really hope there will be a second? Because I loved Decked With Holly.
You are such an amazing writer and I’m almost done with a blog post about Decked With Holly.
I am really glad that I decided to really your books!
Thank you,
Lauryn Spinetta
Hi Lauryn!
Thank you so much! I hear ya: I need more Nick, too! If I could make one of my characters come to life…he’d be high up on my list. He does make a special guest appearance in AWKWARDLY EVER AFTER (July 2014) but beyond that I have no plans for him. I’m actually working on a new series right now and there are some boys in it that… *swoons* um, well…let’s just say that one of them is giving Nick some fierce competition. I can’t wait to share him with you! I really appreciate your encouragement and support. It absolutely means the world to me.
Wishing you all the best!
~M
Hello Marni,
I came across your book “Marni – The true story” when I was looking up hair pulling at my local library. I have been a hair puller for over 20 years and it hasn’t stopped. It actually has gotten worse. I enjoyed reading your story because you explained it as an addiction. I believe I have a strong case as I’m also a bite my nails. Do you have any thoughts to help me out?
Thank you for writing about your challenges and great to see your accomplishments. You are an inspiration to many!
– Allison
Hi Allison,
I wish I could give you some brilliant advice, but I’m afraid that I don’t have an easy fix. I still pull out my hair every single day. It’s a tough addiction and while I know that some people are able to stop entirely…I doubt that will ever be me. But you know what? That doesn’t bother me anymore. Trichotillomania no longer defines me the way I once let it. You are so much more than your hair. Repeat that to yourself every time you start berating yourself. I also highly recommend that you make a list of everything you enjoy, everything that makes you geek out, everything that you fear, all the quirks that compose the awesomeness that is you. Then, at the bottom, write, “pulls out hair.” It’s amazing how insignificant that looks when you put it in perspective.
I hope that helps! Your message absolutely means the world to me. Thank you for your kind words!
Wishing you all the best!
~M
MARNI I NEED a sequal to Decked with Holly. I loved it i have read it 5 plus times and I dispose re reading books. please please please 🙂
despise lol
I LOVE AWKWARD MACKENZIE AND LOGAN ARE JUST SO BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER. Any chance of another book about them? Like, when they’re grown up or something? 🙂
Is it true that there will be a Disney Channel movie based on “Awkward”? :$ please answer, i have to know!!! 😀
Honestly, I have no idea! Hollywood is a crazy place that works in mysterious ways. I promise, I’ll share news the second I hear anything! 🙂
~Marni
Hey Marni! I was wondering whether any of your books have gay characters in them? I’d love to read a story by you with a bi or lesbian protagonist!
Hi Vi! Most of my books have at least one gay character in them. Awkwardly Ever After is really a novella anthology and one third of it is told from Corey’s point of view. I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved writing about his relationship with Tim! As for having a main character who is bi or lesbian…I don’t have any immediate plans. But honestly, that could change pretty fast. A lot of it depends on what happens with the project I’m currently working on! 🙂
Hi Marni! You’re novels are absolutely amazing. I finished Awkward, Invisible, Notable and Decked with Holly in one sitting! I recently purchased Awkwardly Ever After and am dying to read it. I can’t wait for your next novel. Do you have one coming out soon?
Hi Marni I love your book Awkward❤️ so the others books are the differents points of view of some characters? Love u❤️
HI MARNI❤️ i love your book Awkward, so i just read it this year because the bookjust come out and well…. is ther going to be a movie:0? i want to know❤️❤️ keep writting you’re a amazing writer ❤️