Hey everyone!
I really love hearing from my readers. Seriously. I love it. You are the ones who inspire me to keep writing even when I’m stuck on a storyline and feeling grumpy.
So with all my heart, thank you!
If you want to connect with me, I hope you will become a fan of my Facebook page!
I’m also on Twitter…almost always. I’m kind of addicted.
So feel free to tweet me!
You can use good ol’ fashioned emails to reach me at MarniRBates@gmail.com.
AND (drumroll please) I intend to have a PO box exclusively for you! So if you feel like sending me a letter, a picture, a doodle . . . something you want me to sign and send back to you (ideally, with an enclosed envelope), you can send it to me in Portland, Oregon.
Marni Bates
PO Box 86183
Portland, OR 97286
Thanks for all your enthusiasm and support!
Sincerely,
Marni
Marni Bates 
Marni you should maybe use Logan Lerman as well Logan Beckett of Josh Hutcherson and for Mackenzie Wellesley maybe Jennifer Lawerence or Emily Osment and for Chelsea possibly Stephanie Scott I really love the book I finished it in 5 hours and I really want it to be a movie.
Marni, Chardae again I just thought that you can use Ross Lynch as another Logan Beckett.
I love the suggestions! I just don’t have any power over the film process… 😀
~Marni
Hi Marni!
I started a blog, but no one has really commented or been viewing it. So I have started going on other blogs and getting my blog out there. My blog isn’t anything big, I’m just reviewing books I have read. I’m also beginning to write my first book and would love any pointers you have.
Hi Maddie! I really enjoyed your video, especially the line about Taylor Swift. Unfortunately, I have no connections to Ellen whatsoever (meeting her was something of a fluke) but I wish you the best of luck getting on her show. As for writing tips, the best I can think of right now is to write what you want to read. I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi Marni!
Thanks for replying and for the writing tips, but I don’t know what video your talking about. If you could tell me where you found it or send me the link it would be helpful.
Thanks,
Maddie
Maybe this video with help! I certainly hope so! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvZrKvDamg4
Hey Marni! I just started a blog and I have to say it felt like your book Awkward. Which also happens to be on my list of favorite books. Any pointers on how to jump-start my blog?
Hi Nancy!
Wow, I’m so thrilled that you loved Awkward! I don’t feel like I have the best blog skills myself, so it’s hard to give advice. I always recommend that whatever you write, make it first and foremost for you. As long as it makes you smile, you can’t go wrong! I hope that helps. And if all else fails…add a photo!
All the best!
~M
Whoops! I’m sorry. I thought you included a video to Ellen DeGeneres. This just goes to show how horrible I am with technology! *Computer cackles evilly* Good luck with your blog though!
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi Marni,
It’s Lilly (again). I emailed you before but I was only half way done with the book. I just finished “Decked with Holly”!
Literally.
About 4 minutes ago.
I am so sad that its not a series. I’m begging you! Please write a second! I’m obsessed with Holly and Nick! PLEASE! I think that “Decked with Holly” should become a movie, like “Awkward”! I think Anne Hathaway should play Holly! She would be perfect!
When is the finial decision to make “Awkward” a movie? When is the casting and shooting (and other stuff like that) going to be done. I can’t wait for “Invisible” to come out. My best friend (as I said in the other letter), Quincy and I are going to read it together over the upcoming summer! We are so so so so so so so so so EXCITED. I LOVE “Decked with Holly”. And from you’re last letter advice, I started writing a book (with your advice). I am so obsessed with Holly in “Decked with Holly” that I named my character Holly!
I love that name. When I get older, if I have a daughter, I want to name her Holly. I’m so sad (but I’m kinda happy) that I finished the book. I’m happy for the obvious reasons (the book was awesome; I wanted to to know what happened at the end; etc…) but I was so sad that I was no longer going to be with Holly and Nick anymore!
Here’s some suggestions if you do write anymore books about Holly and Nick:
*Jen and Chris could meet and start to date
*Holly and Nick could go to New York City
*Holly could think Nick and Jen liked each other
*Holly and Nick don’t keep in touch and when Holly goes to Canada, Nick spills something on her and they meet again.
*Allison and Claire go on a “date show” and Nick is on as a special guest. Allison picks Nick and they begin to like each other
Anyways, thank you so much for writing “Decked with Holly” and giving me a chance to read it! Please reply! 🙂
Xoxo
Lilly
P.s. I also thought of an okay idea for a book:
The 2 candidates running for present both have daughters that go to the same school.
Hope you like it!
Hi Lilly,
I’m so glad you loved reading Decked with Holly! That’s the most wonderful thing that any author can hear. And I’m thrilled that my advice has inspired you to write a novel of your own. It certainly sounds like you are overflowing with fun ideas. Unfortunately, authors don’t have much control when it comes to extending a series. The publisher needs to say, “hey, we’d love to give you a new contract…” before the author can sag to the floor in relief. So while there is always the possibility for a Decked with Holly-related novel, it’s pretty unlikely. I can promise two more novels in the Awkward series though!
As for the movie stuff…again, not really within my control. I’m not sure if the script has even been written yet. But I will be sure to post all movie updates on the website. So stay tuned!
Thanks again for your enthusiasm. Your messages always brighten my day.
Sincerely,
Marni
One last thing: if you really want there to be a sequel to Decked with Holly you might want to post that on the Awkward Facebook page. You never know what it could happen! Especially if you got other awesome friends like Quinn to share their thoughts…
I hate rereading books. Decked with holly I have read 6 times cover to cover. That’s unheard of for me. Pls write a sequel.
Hi Katie!
I am so glad you enjoyed reading Decked with Holly. I have an exciting project in the works that I’m not allowed to discuss quite yet, but in the meantime I think you might want to check out Awkward and Invisible! Those have lots of cute boys, awesome girls, and embarrassing moments! I bet you’ll love them! I certainly hope so!
Thanks for sending me such a wonderful message. You totally made my day!
~Marni
Dear Marni,
I read Awkard in the summer time and I loved it. I can’t wait till Invisible and Notable comes out! I put Decked with Holly on my Christmas list and I hope its good. Your a great author and keep up with the good work!
Hi Roylynn,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward and I can’t wait to hear what you think of Decked with Holly! Thank you so much for your supportive words. Your encouragement really means the world to me.
Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Marni
Hi Roylynn,
I just have to say that decked with holly is one of my favorite books.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Lilly
Dear Marni,
Is it true that your book Awkward will be made into a movie? If so when are they starting to make the movie?
Hi Roylynn,
It’s true that Disney is optioning Awkward as a made-for-tv movie. But the logistics of that aren’t really clear to me either. I will be sure to update everyone just as soon as I have news though! Thanks for your enthusiasm!
Sincerely,
Marni
Dear Marni,
I just finished your book Decked with Holly. It was awesome! I wish there was a squeal because I love the characters of Holly and Nick! They were hilarious, and I’m now hooked on your books. Ive heard really good things about Awkward too so that’s next on my list of books to read. Hope you had a good holiday!
Brianna
Hi Brianna,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Decked with Holly and I look forward to hearing what you think of Awkward. I’ve got a feeling Logan and Mackenzie will make you squeal too. They certainly made me smile…as did your message. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and the lovely holiday wishes! I hope you are having a wonderful new year!
Hi Marni,
Just read Awkward and Decked with Holly. Loved both books. Though I thought it would be totally cool if you wrote a book about Corey and Tim and maybe the trials and tribulations they might go through being a gay couple in today’s society, Just food for thought.
Hi Ashley,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward and Decked with Holly! I completely agree with you that it would be great to see more of Corey and Tim. I can promise you that they are very much involved in Jane’s book, Invisible…but I still want more of them myself! So we will just have to see what happens. I can’t make any promises, but it is a project I am definitely interested in pursuing. Thank you so much for your interest and enthusiasm!
Hi, Marni!
I was wondering if there was an address that I could send my copies of Awkward and Decked With Holly to to get signed. Are you accepting autographs by mail? What if I sent the books in a box with an addressed and stamped manilla envilope inside?
I’m a big fan and would love to have my books signed, it’d mean the world to me.
(And if you do have an address on here…. so sorry! I have looked pretty thoroughly and didn’t see one, though.)
Caitlin =)
Hi Caitlin,
I’m so glad you loved reading Awkward and Decked with Holly! Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten around to getting a P.O. box yet and I’m not comfortable posting my address on the Internet. But I will do my very best to go to the post office this week and see if I can get that fixed! I would be so honored to sign your copies of the books! Thank you so much for all your enthusiasm!
~Marni
Hello! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!! your book, Awkward. It was funny, romantic, and so realistic! It was everything I love!!! Is there going to be a movie???? I really hope so… and I would love to audition for the part of Mackenzie. That would be amazing… I CANT WAIT FOR INVISIBLE TO COME OUT!!! IT SEEMS LIKE YEARS AWAY… oh well. I will have to wait like everyone else. 😦 Till next time! -shania mather
Hi Shania! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! I absolutely love your enthusiasm for my books! And I’m right there with you: I can’t wait for you to read Invisible! In the meantime, you can always read my holiday spin-off, Decked with Holly, which features Tim’s ReadySet bandmate Dominic Wyatt. I fell in love with him. I hope you do too! As for the movie…I wish I knew more. I promise, I will post all the details here the moment I hear anything!
~Marni
Dear Marni,
I seriously enjoyed your book awkward, it was so good i couldn’t put it down! Then I started reading the next one Invisible and I loved it even more! I fell in love with some of the characters and the romances you make are irrisistable! (As if a guy could be that perfect) I would enjoy a movie possibly if you could make that possible. I would definatly reccomend these books to my friends. Please let me know if you have any book reccomendations for me, I would love to read them!
Hi Amber,
Wow, thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoy reading my books. You completely made my day!
Book recommendations…where do I even begin?
I’m a total Ally Carter fan. The Heist Society series will steal your heart forever.
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 writes addictive books, 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
Hi Marni! I love the story of Mack and Logan, please write more about them!!
Hi María!
I am so glad you enjoyed reading Awkward! I promise that will not be the last you’ll see of Mack and Logan! Mackenzie has a small guest appearance in my holiday spin-off, Decked with Holly. And you can see them in Jane’s book, Invisible. Both of those are out right now. And you KNOW Chelsea will be complicating things in her book, Notable (Nov, 2013). I can’t wait to hear what you think of them!
Thanks for your encouragement and support. It means the world to me.
Happy reading!
~Marni
Hi marni it’s Leslie and I loved the book notable and when I thought that would be the end I found out that there’s another book called “Awkwardly Ever After” OMG I can’t wait for it to come out!
Hi Leslie!
I can’t wait to share it with you! There are a whole bunch of surprises in Awkwardly Ever After that I think you’ll really enjoy! And that’s all I’m going to say. (*dramatically tapes mouth shut*)
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support!
~Marni
Hi Marni, that’s awesome!! I’m gonna buy the books right now cause i’m so curious!! I’m from Guatemala, Central America!! You Rock Marni!!
Hi Maria!
I hope you enjoy my books! *Waves excitedly to Guatemala* I think YOU rock!
Happy Reading!
~Marni
Would love to review Awkward and Notable on my blog http://haveyouheardbookreview.blogspot.com/
Would love to review Awkward and Notable on my blog. http://haveyouheardbookreview.blogspot.com/
I am back in L.A. and will send you a copy soon!
You are an AMAZING author!! Did you say you live in Portland? Funny, so do i! You should totally have a book signing at Powells sometime! I would love to get to meet you!!! KEEP WRITING!!!!!
Hi Maddie!
You’re so right about the book signing at Powells! I need to look into it. In the meantime, if you’d like to meet up for coffee in the downtown Starbucks (parental chaperones are always welcome!) I could definitely pencil that in. My email address is MarniRBates@gmail.com.
Wishing you all the best!
~M
Marni,
Definitely do the powers thing! I would love to meet up with you at starbucks although my parents might not be up for it. Keep on writing and just being AWESOME!!
Hey Maddie,
Okay, I’m going to be ridiculously overprotective right now. So feel free to roll your eyes, but please promise me that if someone online offers to meet up with you…
1. It’s ALWAYS in a very public place.
2. You bring a charged cell phone/ bus money.
3. You make sure that someone is looking out for you. Ideally, I’d say bring a friend/parent.
Just because I know that I’m not creepy doesn’t mean that YOU should take my word for it. Does that make sense? Basically, I want you to be safe.
If you can promise me that 1) your parents are okay with us meeting for coffee in the downtown Starbucks and that 2) you will arrange something with someone you trust (this can mean promising to call someone by a specific time so that they know you are safe) then I’d be happy to talk books with you.
I know this might seem like a ridiculous amount of build up for a cup of coffee, but your safety should ALWAYS come first.
Wishing you all the best!
~Marni
Sorry that took so long!!!! I will sooo ask my parents. Maybe my friend Kayla would like to join as well! Anyways, I’ll keep you posted but keep on writing!! Can’t wait for another one of your books!! Also, please try to do thepowells thing!! My friends and I would totally come see it! Your amazing!!
Maddie 😉