For advance interviews with Melissa Marr:
Contact Lillie Walsh -
Lillie.Walsh@HarperCollins.com
(212) 261-6644


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MELISSA MARR
Bestselling fantasy fiction writer

Thursday, October 16, 6:30
Eugene Public Library, Downtown

FREE

Urban Faery fantasy writer Melissa Marr will speak at Eugene Public Library, Downtown, on Thursday, October 16, at 6:30. The author of the bestselling novels "Wicked Lovely" and "Ink Exchange" will talk about folklore and fiction, take audience questions, and sign books -- or body parts! The free event honors Teen Read Week. All ages are welcome.

Having taught folklore and fairytales at the university level, Marr wrote her first young adult novel, "Wicked Lovely," to bring the faery world more vividly to life. In this 21st century faery tale, intrigue, romance, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together around a bold young heroine. The novel spent 11 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list -- reaching #2 -- and has been translated into six languages. Her second novel, "Ink Exchange," is not exactly a sequel, but does include some of the same characters.

According to Publishers Weekly, " 'Wicked Lovely,' a dark and romantic urban fantasy about a girl who can see faeries, proved to contain that rarest of combinations: both an exciting plot and gorgeous writing, the kind that makes you want to stop and reread a sentence or an entire paragraph . . . . Furthermore, it's chockful of ancient faery lore, while at the same time bringing to life an ultramodern girl. Captivating!"

Tatoos are a major theme in Marr's work. At her Web site, www.melissamarr.com, she reports that her own body decorations include: "6 stargazer lilies, a very lengthy vine, a religious symbol in a washed water-colour palate, and a full back piece of Ms. Muse dancing on bones and flowers (in progress). Sigh. It's not nearly enough, but I'm trying to pace myself."

Marr is currently working on a manga series with TokyoPop, set to debut in 2009. She lives in Washington, D.C.

At the Library talk, books for purchase will be provided by the University of Oregon Bookstore/Duck Store. For more information, call Eugene Public Library: 682-8316.

Sponsored by Eugene Public Library, Friends of the Library, and the EPL Foundation.
Eugene Public Library: 682-8316
www.eugene-or.gov/library

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