I’m so jumping-up-and-down-excited to attend today’s character debut party, because it’s the first time I get to say this in reference one of my fellow Debs…

Welcome to the party, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Aprilynne Pike!

That’s right… WINGS debuted in the #1 spot on the Times’ Children’s Books list for chapter books this week. So before the party starts, please join me in giving Aprilynne a few good cheers!

Woooooo hoooo! Congrats, Aprilynne!!!!

*Does conga!*

About WINGS

Aprilynne Pike’s WINGS is the first of four books about an ordinary girl named Laurel who discovers she is a faerie sent among humans to guard the gateway to Avalon. When Laurel is thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she’s torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to both worlds.

Laurel’s 2009 Debut Party

Nothing to worry about, guys. All this great publicity hasn’t gone to Laurel’s head. She’s as down to earth as ever, so go on in, grab a drink, and chill!

The Guest List

Laurel would love to have Jane Austen attend (she’s a big fan!) as well as Owen from Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen (cuz he’s hot!!) Charlotte Doyle from Avi’s The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (because she’s awesome!), and Charlotte from Elizabeth C. Bunce’s A Curse Dark as Gold (so they can talk about magic). Of course, David, Tamani, and Chelsea are a must!

Owen! *Swoon*

The Party

Laurel’s debut will be a simple outdoor party in her backyard at the end of summer when it’s nice and cool and the leaves are just stating to turn. The focus will be on flowers, nature, and all things green, complete with friends, food, and music. Laurel is more about enjoying the company of her friends than a lot of formality. (*I* wanted prom dresses and tuxes, but Laurel refused.)

Guests will receive a special elixir made just for them. (By a different Fall faerie, unfortunately. Laurel hasn’t hones her potion-making skills yet!)

Ok, I’ll take the potion over the prom dresses any day! And I just love an outdoor bash, especially when I don’t have to dress up. Tree-huggers unite!

The Guest of Honor: Laurel

Laurel is wearing a light blue sundress with strappy sleeves and a loose skirt that blows around her legs. Flip flops and a ribbon pulling her hair back complete the ensemble. And her theme song? I have always associated “Strawberry Wine” with Laurel . . . even though, actually, she can’t drink wine. Makes her sick!

Seriously? Well, in that case, here… *offers selflessly to take Laurel’s share*

Aprilynne’s Advice for Laurel on Her Big Debut

Just be yourself. You spend so much of your life hiding who you are, but tonight you can just relax and know that everyone accepts you for who you are. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Good advice for everyone, right? 😉 Well, apparently it’s working, because readers love Laurel for exactly who she is. Big congratulations and cheers for Laurel and Aprilynne on this triumphant debut!

WINGS is available in book stores now, and also online through Indiebound.

Aprilynne Pike has been spinning faerie stories since she was a child with a hyperactive imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found at the gym; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne currently lives with her husband and three kids in Utah, and dreams of warmer climates. Visit her online.