The big news broke in Entertainment Weekly last Tuesday, and I’ve been babbling about it on Twitter, but just in case you missed it …
I GOT TO WRITE A STAR WARS NOVEL!!!
It’s hard for me to believe, even now. This is like a dream I would’ve had at any point between 1977 and now. But no, it actually happened!
It began like this last year, when an email from Lucasfilm/Disney publishing appeared:
Their Question: Would you be interested in writing an epic romance/adventure story set in the Star Wars universe? And we would pay you actual money you can use to buy stuff if you did this awesomely fun thing?
My Answer: … is this Santa?
After I got done doing a victory dance, I said YES, and the result is LOST STARS, a YA Star Wars novel coming to every place books are sold this September 4. The official writeup so far:
This thrilling Young Adult novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe, from the rise of the Rebellion to the fall of the Empire. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two childhood friends — Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell — who have grown up to become an Imperial officer and a Rebel pilot. Now on opposite sides of the war, will these two star-crossed lovers reunite, or will duty tear them- and the galaxy -apart? Star Wars: Lost Stars also includes all-new post-Star Wars: Return of the Jedi content, as well as hints and clues about the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, making this a must-read for all Star Wars fans.
At this point I can’t tell you anything else about the story, but I can say that (a) I loved writing this book, (b) I honestly think you guys are going to love it, and (c) I can’t wait for you guys to meet Thane and Ciena. As a kid who saw Star Wars when she was 7 years old, and so imprinted on it for life, getting to tell an epic, multi-year story set in that universe truly is a dream come true. It means that my childhood effort to turn my closet into an X-wing simulator is no longer “pathetically nerdy” but “relevant experience for my future career.” (Right?) And it’s a whole new area of scifi to play in after A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU.
So hang in there with me, guys. As we get closer to LOST STARS’ release date, I’ll be able to share more about the story. Until then, have fun checking out my Star Wars Pinterest board, and celebrate along with me! ::tosses confetti::
And don’t forget – the Girls Gone SciFi tour begins this Monday! If you’re in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego or Los Angeles (or coming to the Ontario Teen Book Fest next weekend), come on out to see us, and we can geek out about Star Wars together. 😀
