Category: nice surprise


Jun
2020

Hello Again

categories: Adorkable, Goodreads, New Adult, nice surprise, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, The Best Mistake, WIP, writing, YA

Hello again!

I hope you’re all doing well! Yes, I’m still here and just…trying, every day trying, like everyone else.

My last blog post wasn’t sent out for some reason—and it was a nice one about a fun ADORKABLE bookish video I was able to do with some truly awesome people! <3 (ICYMI: here it is!)

I hope this one gets sent—and if it doesn’t, I guess I’ll ask the people at WordPress lol? Not really the best with technology, so I’ll definitely need help ha.

But anyway, here are a few writing/book-related updates:

  • I reached 10,000 words on my current WIP yesterday!!! Yay, yay, yay! I’m really in love with this book and the characters. It’s a YA romance with funny and swoon-worthy moments and…ugh, I hope to keep writing, can’t wait to finish and share it with you guys!
  • THE BEST MISTAKE, my New Adult sports romance, is doing awesome! It’s gotten some wonderful reviews, and I’m so thankful for all of them! Here’s a pic from back when THE BEST MISTAKE reached 100 ratings on Goodreads! *sigh* If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll check it out, and let me know what you think of the O’Brien brothers!!!
  • Just found out Sarah J. Maas is writing another book in the A Court of Thorns & Roses series! Literally one of my favorite series ever! And it’s not just any book. It’s for two characters that I love: Nesta & Cassian! <333 Can’t wait to read!
  • A kind person at work got me a Kindle! It happened around Christmas, was totally unexpected and just really thoughtful. Because of this, I now have 3 free months of KU! Very excited to read all the books lol!

Also, on a totally different note, and because I’m a real person who cares about you and your loved ones, and I hope you care about mine: Please, if you have to go out and be around people, wear a mask.

I don’t know how this has become an argument. It’s not about infringing on people’s rights; it’s not even about you protecting yourself. The masks are worn to protect others. It’s about caring for those around you because you could have the virus, be asymptomatic, and spread it to a loved one—or to someone else’s loved one. I’ve had my own experiences, and I’ll share them here.

The first time I ever had to wear a mask was five years ago. It was to protect my best friend who had cancer.

Her immune system was down because of the chemo treatments. I’d caught a cold which of course wouldn’t usually be too concerning. But for someone with cancer and lowered immunity, a cold could turn into something far worse, like pneumonia. My little cold that I knew I’d likely recover from could’ve been life-threatening to her.

So I wore a mask.

To protect her.

Because I love her.

I had to do this a couple of times because I got sick again while she was undergoing treatment. I would’ve done anything to protect her. Wearing a mask was not a hardship. I wish I could’ve done so much more. She was and still is my favorite person of all time.

*And if you at any point while you were reading this thought: “Well, she was dying anyway” or have ever said something cruel like that to a person with cancer, please don’t buy or read any of my books. They are written for people with hearts. And I’m pretty sure you’ve misplaced yours.*

There are still people who I love that I want to protect. So again, when you go out and are around people, please wear a mask.

I hope you’re all safe and healthy, finding happiness during this time. Be well, readers.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


May
2020

LOL Love!

categories: Adorkable, Fan Art, Kamuzasok Kavarasok, kindness, LOL-Konyvek, nice surprise, Nindzsalany, Ninja Girl, Piszkos tanc, Romance, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, YA

Hi everyone!

A lot of you probably know this, but three of my books are now published in Hungary! ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad! Yay!!! <3

In March of this year, Piszkos tánc (aka the Hungarian version of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad) was released!

Sidenote: Piszkos tánc literally means Dirty Dance…which makes me think of Dirty Dancing…which is awesome bc I looove that movie!

What’s even more awesome? The LOL readers seriously rock!!! They are just so lovely and kind!

They send wonderful book pics like the ones below *__*.

They also do amazing collages! Truly, these brought tears to my eyes; they are so perfect for Sadie & Colton’s book! <333

Also, they made me realize the Sprouse twins, Dylan & Cole, could totally play Colton & Kyle in the movie version of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad!!! 😀

P.S. There’s actually no movie, but maybe someday. *sigh*

P.P.S. If there ever is a movie for any of my books, you’ll be the first to know :).

Also, there was this!!!!! Some awesome person had to do a newspaper book report for school, and they chose Piszkos tánc! Oh my heart! <333

The LOL readers have shown me a lot of love, and I just wanted to share some of that love with you!

I’ll also be doing a live event on the LOL Facebook page Wednesday at 12:00 AM EST/11:00 AM CST/6:00 PM in Hungary. We’ll be talking about my books and writing and tbh I just hope I don’t mess it all up ugh. So so nervous lol. Cross your fingers for me, would you? I’m pretty awkward, so I welcome and appreciate all the good karma/vibes you can send.

I truly hope you’re well, everyone! Staying safe, reading awesome books and spending time with your loved ones (whether in person or virtually :))!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

*Note to self: Figure out how to share other people’s posts on Instagram. That’s where I first saw those collages *swoons*. Hope you all have an awesome day!*


Apr
2020

Less Than 2 Weeks

categories: 5 Things, Adorkable, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, Instagram, New Adult, nice surprise, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, The Best Mistake, YA

Hi everyone!

Positive post ahead :).

In less than two weeks, my 5th book, The Best Mistake, comes out!!! Yay, yay, yay, you guys! Oh, I’m so excited to share this one with you!

I cannot wait for everyone to meet Honor & Archer and all of the O’Briens!

I decided to post and focus on the positive because…well, tbh, I get a little overwhelmed sometimes and need to be reminded of things that are cheerful and good.

Here are a few of the things that have recently brightened my days:

  1. My family. I’m so incredibly grateful for the time I have with them. It is priceless. They are the best thing in my whole world. The few friends I have are wonderful as well.
  2. The ability to connect. Thank goodness for phones/mail/video chats/texts/email/nice messages from nice people.
  3. Good books/TV/movies. I’ve been reading a lot lately. Haven’t been writing–which stinks–but I’ve been stressed and escaping through books/TV/movies. So glad for the escape.
  4. Second Printing. A very kind editor from Entangled let me know this week that ADORKABLE is actually going into a second printing!!! I’m no expert–this is my first and only book that’s been traditionally published–but they’ve told me it’s done well, yay, and this means the book will be on shelves longer–which, to me, is AMAZING! <3
  5. Speaking of Amazing... A while ago, an awesome author friend asked when I’d have ARCS ready of The Best Mistake because she wanted to read it, and that just made my day! <3 Thank you so much, Theresa!!!

I’ve been struggling recently, as I’m sure a lot of you have, to stay in a positive place. The way our world is right now…how so many are suffering, going through the unthinkable…I just can’t help getting overwhelmed with sadness sometimes.

Trying to focus on the good things has cheered me up a bit, and I hope it helps you as well.

I hope to cheer you up even more in a couple weeks when The Best Mistake comes out! 😉 But just to tide you over…here’s an awesome pic @lauren.bodiford posted a few weeks ago for The Best Mistake cover reveal!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B98A-9eA2I7/?igshid=1b1fuye3s5214

I hope you’re well, bookworms! <3

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. The idea that someone could be reading an ARC of The Best Mistake right now is nerve-wracking and exciting, eep! Oh, I’m crossing my fingers so hard that people like Archer & Honor’s story!!! I’ll be posting more about the book soon, and again, I hope you all have a great weekend! 🙂


Mar
2020

Hello, My Name Is Cookie O’Gorman

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, fun, kindness, nice surprise, Romance, Target, writing, YA

If you read the title, and immediately thought of The Princess Bride, awesome! We are part of the same dorky/geek-ish tribe lol.

Bonus points if you heard Mandy Patinkin AKA Inigo Montoya saying the iconic lines ;).

Anyway, hello, everyone! I wanted to share some cool things with you guys.

I went to an author event almost 2 weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun—despite my awkward.

Yes, that’s me LOL! The name tag was given to us courtesy of the bookstore (which I love!) that hosted the event. The freaked out/hilarious expression? Well, that’s all me ha!

This is what happens when you put an introvert in a room full of authors (who mostly already know each other argh) and expect them to just talk to people/have fun/mingle. Le sigh.

My mom, who was my wingman for the night, pointed out this book because she’s 1) a smart aleck and 2) hilarious!

She also told me, in all seriousness, that I did a great job and am actually good at talking to talking to people (gah, I love her and her pretty lies lol!).

Oh and did you notice her sleeve? We accidentally twinned that day—which my mom claimed we were not doing…but which was of course pointed out by the lady at Starbucks, who right when we walked in asked if we’d “matched on purpose.” *mental headslap*

No, Starbucks lady. No we did not match on purpose. We just both really like plaid/gingham LOL!

Pre-event, we went to dinner, and our lovely server brought us complimentary champagne to celebrate my first book being in the bookstore <3. I don’t drink, but it was such a nice, kind and unexpected surprise!

Another awesome surprise was actually seeing ADORKABLE on the shelves!!!! <333 Yay!

We also got to see ADORKABLE on the shelves at Target for the first time ever, and that was just too much amazingness for one day!!!

Recently, I’ve been trying to outline my new book, yay, and emailing my cover designer about what will hopefully be my next release, hooray!

I’ll post more about that soon; there’s a lot to say lol, and I’m so excited (and nervous) to share! 🙂

I’ve also received some awesome messages from readers, and I just have to say: Thank you so much!!!! I absolutely love hearing from you! You have no idea how much your kind words and support means to me! It really lifts my spirits and pushes me to keep writing, so again: Thank you!!!

I hope you’re all well, bookworms, and have an awesome weekend!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Oct
2019

ADORKABLE Book Mail!!!

categories: Adorkable, cover love, debut, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, nice surprise, Romance, YA

Hi bookish peeps!

I have an amazing/awesome surprise to share with all of you :-D. It came in a box on Tuesday, totally unexpected, and I was going to try to do a video, but I chickened out lol.

So you get pictures instead, ha!

Entangled sent me copies of the new print version of ADORKABLE, and they are SO gorgeous!!!!! *_*

Take a look!

Inside the box…

Outside the box…

The beautiful spine…

More ADORKABLE spines….

…and me & Sally swooning over Becks! <333

Full disclosure: Way too many pics were taken, but I regret nothing LOL!

Thank you so much to the awesome people at Entangled for sending these! It was such a wonderful surprise! And thank you to all of my awesome readers for your support of Sally & Becks’s story!

I hope you’ll check out ADORKABLE in print this December—less than 2 months away, ahhh! Hope you’re all doing well!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Mar
2019

Finding the Good

categories: Adorkable, kindness, nice surprise, Ninja Girl, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Unbelievable Inconceivable Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, YA

My awesome Aunt Colleen made me these glasses (one for each of my books!), and I wanted to share them with you guys <3.

It’s such a thoughtful gift, and I absolutely love them!

Since I don’t drink, though, I told her I’d just use them for water or Ginger Ale lol :).

Some not-so-wonderful things have happened in the past weeks, and my mind has been on some tough decisions. But these glasses really brighten my days. My mom and my Aunt Colleen really brighten my days.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them, how all the big and little things really matter.

My books (ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder and my upcoming release The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad) are meant to be pick-me-ups. I hope they make people’s days better. I hope I can give that bit of happiness to someone through my writing.

The first ARC copies of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad have gone out. Eep! I can’t tell you how much I hope readers enjoy Sadie’s book. Not even going to lie: I really love this one. It’s a bit scary, putting something you care about into the hands of others, hoping it will bring them joy, laughter, love and all the feels–hoping, hoping, hoping… Ahh, can you tell I’m nervous lol?

Anyway, I’m sure this post rambled a bit. To ramble further and get even more off topic, at least two of my students cried in class the other day. Not because of me, thank goodness, but in one case because she was stressed, and I felt SO much empathy for her, totally could relate.

So, I just wanted to say: I hope you have a wonderful weekend, readers. No matter how small it may be, I hope you can find the good. Focus on the positive, and don’t let the negative drag you down. Don’t let stress bring you down either. I hope you find that bright spot and bask in it–hopefully with a great book in hand :).

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Oct
2018

If You Liked This, Then You’ll Like That

categories: Adorkable, Be Yourself, doing what you love, fun, nice surprise, Romance, YA

A while ago, I mentioned something about ADORKABLE being an if-you-liked-this-then-you’ll-like-that book.  You’re probably thinking, “What the heck does that mean?”  Well…although I’m a little uncomfortable comparing my books to others, I noticed a few times where people have mentioned my debut/me in connection to other books! 🙂  It was surprising and actually pretty sweet.  I just love seeing my books mentioned; I think it’s an author thing.  No, you say?  It’s just you and your weirdness lol?  Well okay, I’ll own it then.  I love seeing people mention my books–when it’s something nice, of course ;).

Here are some if-this-then-that things I thought were cool and thought you might like, too.

This first one is from a blog called Bookcrushin’ posted by Kelli Spear.  She basically says that if you liked Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, you may like ADORKABLE.  What I found so freakin’ hilarious was that she hoped she wouldn’t “catch heat,” hoped it wasn’t “sacrilegious” to say such a thing–and those were my thoughts exactly LOL!!!  I love Rainbow Rowell.  She’s one of my all-time favorite authors.  And while I admit I haven’t read all of the other books in this post (yet), I have read Fangirl.  And yeah…that is a high bar right there.  I’m not even touching that lol!  But I gotta say…I love her for saying it! <3  Thank you so much Kelli for even mentioning ADORKABLE in connection with anything Rainbow Rowell-related.  You’re lovely!

This next one is from a review written by Jen from Star-Crossed Book Blog about a book called Glitter and Sparkle by Shari L. Tapscott.  Jenn writes, “If you’re a fan of Cookie O’Gorman, or even the feelings you got while watching the movie Clueless, then you definitely have to give this one a try!” First off, Jen rocks.  Second, she has great taste in books, and I’ve found several through her awesome reviews.  Then she had to go and mention Clueless, which made my heart go gooey.  I love Clueless, and I love that Jen thought of me when writing a review for a book she loved!  It was such an awesome suprise–and Glitter and Sparkle is definitely now on my TBR list!

The third screenshot is from the blurb for a book called My Fake Valentine by Kellie McAllen.  This is the first (and only) time I’ve ever seen another author say if you liked ADORKABLE, you’ll like my book, too.  And it was so cool!  Now, I haven’t read this book, but it was still all kinds of fantastic to see that someone thought ADORKABLE was worth a mention :).

And lastly, of course, I have to include this amazing article written by Kerri Jarema from Bustle called 10 Rom-Com Novels With Fake Relationships That Will Give You Serious Lara Jean & Peter Kavinsky Vibes.  Okay, so I don’t know Kerri.  I have no idea how she found ADORKABLE.  I do know that several readers compared it to Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, and that that is what drove me to read the book last year.  Having ADORKABLE mentioned on Bustle (Bustle, you guys!) in the same post as this awesome book right around the time the awesome Netflix movie was released?  My mind was officially blown.  But one of the best parts about it?  My Aunt Pat, who I love so much and miss every single day, used to LOVE Jennifer Crusie–and one of Crusie’s books, Strange Bedpersons, is right above ADORKABLE.  I really think Pat would’ve liked that.

So yeah, apparently ADORKABLE is an if-you-liked-this-then-you’ll-like-that book.  Who knew? 🙂  I hope you’re all doing well and having a great fall so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Aug
2018

Thank You, Netflix

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, nice surprise, Romance, YA

It’s official: Netflix is awesome.

I recently watched two different book-to-movie adaptations on Netflix, and they were fantastic.  I’ll start with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before because gah!  They actually did the book justice <3.

Not gonna lie, I was nervous they’d mess it up somehow.  To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was my first read by Jenny Han.  I read it because several readers mentioned it in their reviews of ADORKABLE, and of course, I ended up loving the book!  I read it on the plane back from England to the U.S. last summer–which I didn’t realize would be so perfect, but if you’ve read To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, you know in the beginning they talk about how Margot (Lara Jean’s oldest sister) is going to college in Scotland and how they’ll plan a trip to Paris.  And we were returning from a cruise to Ireland/Scotland/France!!!

Anyway, like I said, I devoured it.  I bought the second book right when I got home because with the ending it was impossible not to lol!  (Note: The movie ends a bit differently–which is a good thing as movie #2, P.S. I Still Love You, doesn’t exist (yet)!)

Lara Jean was brought to life by the absolutely amazing Lana Condor.  She was flawless.  I believed her as Lara Jean, and her personality matched the narrator’s “voice” I had in my head while reading the book.  Then there was Peter Kavinsky.  *Sigh*  Oh my goodness, this actor!  He was the one I was most nervous about just because…well, it’s Peter!  And he’s the main love interest, and we have to fall for him.  The actor, Noah Centineo, was wonderful!!!  The chemistry he had with Lana/Lara Jean was off the charts.  The screenplay was well done, and I enjoyed it SO much!

Disclaimer: I still loved the book more than the movie, so I’d definitely recommend reading it first!  BUT after that, watch the Netflix movie because it’s awesome-swoony-romance goodness!

The other movie I watched/loved is called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

It was, in a word, beautiful.  The story was complex, the characters utterly likable, and the setting of Guernsey was breathtaking.  I also loved the costumes, and of course, the romance.  Juliet and Dawsey were such a great love match.  Watching the movie honestly felt like a breath of fresh air, and although I haven’t read the book, I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys romance.

Sometimes book-to-movie adaptations aren’t the best–especially if you’ve read and loved the book–but these two were awesome imo.  If ADORKABLE ever gets made into a movie, I hope it will be done this well.  And I know you’re thinking, “Keep dreaming, Cookie!  Like your little book would ever be made into a movie?  HA!”

Or maybe that’s the voice in my head lol.

Dreams are good for you, though, so…if ADORKABLE ever was made into movie (or any of my books for that matter), I hope the people making it love the story and show as much care with the adaptation as these directors/actors/screenwriters seemed to.

Have you seen these movies?  I’d loved to hear what you thought!  If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear those, too :).

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Aug
2018

Friday Fun :)

categories: Adorkable, Fan Art, fun, nice surprise, Romance, YA

I have some very sweet/awesome/fun things to share with you this Friday :).

ADORKABLE came out at the end of June as an audiobook–yay!!!–and if that wasn’t awesome enough, on one of my random searches of my books (don’t judge lol), I found these beauties.

This is, to my knowledge, the first and possibly only hand-drawn piece of ADORKABLE fan art!!!! <3  It was apparently on Pinterest, and seriously, I LOVE IT!!!!!  I love everything about it from the little Yoda, to the soccer ball for Becks, to the Gryffindor crest for Sally, to all the characters’ names (including Sally’s mom and all of Becks’s brothers *sigh*).  And I noticed this part last, but that’s a German flag!  Because Sally speaks German in the book!  Gah, it’s so freaking perfect and just…ADORKABLE! 🙂  Wherever you are Amber, thank you SO much for this!

This beautiful collage is for Kamuzások, Kavarások (the Hungarian version of ADORKABLE), and all I’ve got to say is WOW 0__0.  The pictures are amazing and were paired with a very sweet book review on Bookworm’s Bookshelf blog.  Thank you so much, Lillsz!!!  You’re wonderful! <3

And that, my lovely readers, is a picture of ADORAKBLE alongside all of the other “Most Read This Week” in Young Adult Romance on Goodreads!  It was such a nice/wonderful surprise!

I know school is starting back for a lot of my readers, and if you’re one of them, I hope you enjoy it!  Whether you’re starting back or long past your school days: Have fun, read books, be YOU because you’re fantastic, and don’t let the muggles get you down.  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

 


Nov
2017

NINJA GIRL Fan Art!

categories: doing what you love, Fan Art, fun, NaNoWriMo, nice surprise, Ninja Girl, YA

I love fan art!  It is one of the coolest, most thoughtful, best things out there, and it has personally helped me find books/movies over the years that have become some of my favorites!  I love it when a reader takes time out of their busy schedule and creates a picture, drawing, video etc.  They put not only their time but their talent into making that, and it means so much.

As much as I love it, though, I never really expected anyone to make fan art for my work.

But someone did, you guys!!!!!

I got this tweet from Alyssa last Friday (it was sent a couple of days earlier, but I didn’t see it until then).

Ahhhhh! Isn’t it awesome?!? <3 <3 <3

I couldn’t stop staring *____*.   Snow looks SO perfect, strong and kickass and so dang cute!  (Sidenote: I’d always thought Snow would be doing a high kick on the book’s cover but never found the right pic.)  And then take a look at the bad guy–notice his wince as our NINJA GIRL is kicking butt and taking names.  And then, oh my goodness, Ash!!!  He is possibly my favorite part of this whole scenario.  His little heart eyes as he watches Snow are…sigh…perfection <3.

The tears came even though I tried to stop them.  They were the good kind of tears because I was just so moved.  Alyssa didn’t have to make this; she didn’t have to draw an action scene of NINJA GIRL.  But she did, and I am over-the-moon grateful for this!  Go check out her instagram (@fanbookart) and while you’re there look at her other amazing pieces.  I’m particularly fond of the Harry Potter drawings ;).

This was such a cool and unexpected surprise.  To get to see Snow and Ash drawn like this…it is just incredible, made me cry like a baby.  Honestly, I still can’t stop looking at it.  If I ever see Sally and Becks from ADORKABLE rendered this way, going by my previous reaction?  Well, we better get the tissues ready lol.

To Alyssa and all of the other fan art creators out there: You are amazing, and as a writer and a lover of awesome things to fangirl over, I am SO thankful for your talent and your thoughtfulness.

It’s almost the middle of November, and I’m still NaNoWriMo-ing.  Surprises like this and the encouraging comments I’ve heard from other readers/writers definitely have given me the drive to push forward.  I’ve added over 11,000 words to my WIP, and I’m hoping to add more.

I hope you are doing well and are having a great week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman