First off, I must apologize because it feels like a million years since I’ve updated my site. Every week, I swore that I’d write a post all about my latest goings-on, but then something would inevitably get in the way—i.e. a hike, a trip to the grocery store, or a “Battle of the ADAs” marathon of Law And Order: SVU on the USA Network—and I would get distracted, leaving my laptop to remain unopened on the dining room table.

While I’ve definitely missed banging away on the keys, I’ve kinda enjoyed the break from semi-shameless self promotion. I couldn’t be more tickled by the way (almost) everyone has embraced Geek Girls Unite, but it does get a little hard to keep the publicity machine going without feeling like I just keep tooting my own horn while patting myself on the back. (It’s kinda like patting your head while rubbing your belly… but with the addition of a brass instrument.) So thanks for putting up with all the updates on book interviews and write-ups.

For example, MTV Geek has done some great things with Geek Girls Unite. Not only did I sit down for a chat with the site, but I also managed to rap for a couple minutes with Star Wars fangirl Liz Lee when she took a stroll around the floor at NY Comic Con. Check out the video here.

I’m in the midst of trying to carve out a special corner of this site for such things, so I can archive all the great press out there, and start posting more stuff outside the geek realm. That said, thanks to everyone who has supported Geek Girls Unite. You’ve helped to make this the best time of my literary life.

If not, what are you waiting for?

I’m teaming up with the fantastic folks at NerdMelt to present a fabulous Geek Girls Unite Book Release Show on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 8 PM. Come join us for a comedy show with lady writers, lady impressionists, lady dorks and more. Plus, the whole night will be followed by a signing with moi!

The evening will feature some amazing Funny Girl Geeks like Ali Wong, Megan Ganz, Jackie Kashian, Melissa Villasenor.

“But that’s not all,” she says in her best Anthony Sullivan impression. The night will be capped off by the illegally funny Maria Bamford.

Oh, and in case that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be treated to a drink demonstration from Alie & Georgia.

Tickets are $10 general admission or $20 with a copy of Geek Girls Unite, which I’ll totally sign for you! Get ‘em while they’re hot!!

PS… NerdMelt is located at 7522 Sunset Blvd. inside Meltdown Comics.

PPS… I might also be giving away fabulous Geek Girls Unite totes at the event.

PPPS… Tell all your friends already!

(Credit: Marie Claire)

Who: The Like

Type of Geek: Retro Geeks

The founding members of The Like—vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth “Z” Berg and drummer Tennessee Thomas—grew up in the ’80s as the daughters of music-biz royalty, but the girls were inspired by the style and sound of the 1960s more than anything else. They formed the band in their mid-teens, and soon found themselves playing alongside other local retro-tinged acts like Phantom Planet, Rooney and Kara’s Flowers.

The Like’s music has yet to resonate with mainstream audiences, but their mod style certainly has. The girls starred in a short film promoting Zac Posen’s line for Target, and their influence can be seen on anyone wearing mini-dresses or hot pants at their shows.

(Credit: Autumn de Wilde)

Who: Jenny Lewis

Type of Geek: The Nostalgic, California Dreamin’ Music Geek

Jenny Lewis has come a long way since singing about Wilderness Girls cookies in front of the Georgio store in Troop Beverly Hills. (In case you don’t remember, take a minute and search “Cookie Time” on YouTube. It’s totally worth it.) In fact, in the early ’90s, it looked like this raven-haired powerhouse was destined for movie stardom, what with over 20 acting credits before the age of 20. Thankfully, Jenny couldn’t silence her love of music and left the bright lights of Hollywood for the urban sprawl of Omaha, where she joined the musical family at Saddle Creek Records and recorded with her band Rilo Kiley.

Over the next 15 years, Jenny rose up the indie-rock ranks to become one of the scene’s most adored and admired frontwomen, thanks to her effortlessly cool style and relatability. Sure, she’s still close with some of the A-listers from her past life, but Jenny lives and breathes music, which you can tell by listening to any of her heartfelt and timeless recordings.

In case you haven’t visited the Events page lately, check out which cities I’ll be invading in the coming weeks to read/sign/celebrate the release of Geek Girls Unite:

OCT. 9

4 PM at the JBL theater inside the EMP Museum (Seattle, WA)

Are you a fan of science fiction, fantasy, horror, action, gaming, science, anime, roller derby, cosplay, comic books, technology, B-movies, LARPing and video games? Then come by to the first-annual GeekGirlCon and hear me talk about my experiences at Alternative Press during the burgeoning emo scene. I saw all the blood, sweat, tears, and eyeliner that went into being a chart-topping success—and you might not ever hear these juicy stories again! Join me as I question why most of the emo girls are in front of the stage and not on it and why many girls aspire to be muses instead of musicians. Reserve your pass now and be a part of geek girl history! I’ll also be doing a signing on OCT. 9 at 3 PM at The University Book Store (Booth #308-309).

OCT. 14

2 PM at the Javits Center (NYC)

If you happen to be wandering around New York Comic Con, come stop by the Harper Collins booth (#944) and I’ll sign your copy of Geek Girls Unite. I’ll also be handing out limited-edition GGU totes. You don’t want to miss out on this shoulder candy.

7 PM – 8:30 PM at the NYU Bookstore (NYC)

Come mingle with other geek girls and hear me read from Geek Girls Unite. I’ll also be doing a signing afterward so you’ll definitely want to stick around. ** UPDATE ** I’m pleased to announce that the amazingly talented Jenny Owen Youngs will be performing a couple songs for your listening enjoyment. Get there early and bring all your friends!!

(Credit: GQ)

Who: Meghan McCain

Type of Geek: Political Geek

This political blogger might be Republican royalty—she’s the daughter of U.S. senator John McCain—but she’s not afraid to express her liberalism on social issues like abortion (she’s pro-life), gay marriage (she’s all for it) and immigration (she spoke out against the Arizona Act, which her father supported).

Meghan first embraced the public platform when she started blogging during her father’s 2008 presidential campaign and, two years later, released a book about her time on the trail called Dirty Sexy Politics. She’s currently a contributor to The Daily Beast, where she writes about everything from country crooner Miranda Lambert to the union protests in Wisconsin. Finally, a Republican role model that doesn’t spout nonsense like, “I’m a Christian first, and a mean-spirited, bigoted conservative second, and don’t you ever forget it.” (P.S. Can someone puh-lease put a muzzle on Ann Coulter? I mean, really.)

To read more about other Political Geek Goddesses like Meghan, pre-order your copy of Geek Girls Unite: How Fangirls, Bookworms, Indie Chicks, And Other Misfits Are Taking Over The World.