Writerly realizations, cont'd

Whilst in conversation with jmeadows, cristalia and tanaise, I realized that the book I really want to write before I die is another A Night in the Lonesome October.

jmeadows also challenged me to write something involving vampires, magic portals, and talking cats, so I guess I'll have to do it one of these days.

It will also need a labyrinth, and a minotaur, and probably a spunky orphan. And rats. And anything else cool I can think of.

Book recs?

Pursuant to my last post, can I get some YA recommendations?

I'm fond of Justine Larbalestier's Magic or Madness trilogy, Holly Black's stuff, and Annette Curtis Klause, that I can think of off the top of my head. (And, if I'm being honest, L.J. Smith's Vampire Diaries, Secret Circle, and Forbidden Game.) I've heard enough about Twilight to think that I wouldn't like it.

Any suggestions?