TRT Book Club

Visit with S.T. Underdahl

2010-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.susanunderdahl.com/

Today we're visiting with author S.T. Underdahl, whose latest YA release, REMEMBER THIS, was published by Flux on 9/8/08!

Remember this: I love you . . .

Lucy Kellogg is looking forward to a great summer: her fearless best friend, Sukie, has talked her into trying out for the cheer team, and her witty and worldly grandmother, Nana Lucy, is coming to visit. But an errant toe touch jump during tryouts leads to public humiliation, and a controversial (but totally hot) boy from the past turns up, threatening Lucy's friendship with Sukie.

Meanwhile, things are changing with Nana Lucy. Now the woman who always told her, "Remember this: I love you," is forgetting everything—even her granddaughter. A scary close call ultimately forces Lucy to face her worst fears-and, as one Lucy fades, another comes into her own . . .

**I had the chance Ms. Underdahl a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy!

Your own six-word memoir.

“She often chose ‘funny’ over ‘appropriate.’”

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

“The War at Home tops the NY Times Bestseller list for the twenty-third consecutive week!”

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Wow, as if there could be only ONE! My best friend, Susan Degele, and I, used to ride our bikes to the library every week and check out ten books apiece. On the ride home, we’d stop by the grocery store and buy as much candy as we could afford (which was a lot, since candy bars were 15 cents and pretty much everything else was less) and then we’d go home, lie around, eat candy and read for hours. Pure bliss!

When I was younger, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and THE SECRET GARDEN were completely magical stories, and by the time I hit middle school, Judy Blume was a favorite (making out, training bras, and wet dreams…totally scandalous!). I also read a lot of Beverly Cleary (ELLEN TEBBITS), Scott Corbett (THE LIMERICK TRICK), and Marilyn Sachs (VERONICA GANZ). I was terribly excited to finally become old enough to start checking out books from the Adult section of the library, but when the time finally came I climbed the stairs to the Adult floor of the library and found that the selection was a big disappointment. Consequently, I often returned to the Young Adult section to re-read my favorites. I never thought of it before, but perhaps that’s why I was destined to become a YA author!

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a psychologist. To be honest, though, if I really would have been thinking about what I truly loved in life (books, books, and more books), I think I might have had aspirations to be a writer.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Favorite: Creative Writing
Least favorite: Chemistry…it’s still a complete mystery to me.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Obviously it’s a toss-up between THE OTHER SISTER and REMEMBER THIS, two fabulous reads from S.T. Underdahl. Hopefully later, THE WAR AT HOME.

The book you wish you had written.

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER by Steve Kluger. It opened my eyes to all the possible ways one can tell a story, and the ending made me cry, which is unheard of… I’m SO not a crier! As far as I’m concerned, it’s beautiful, effortless, literary perfection.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Susan Thompson Underdahl’s family is very proud, if a bit baffled, by her accomplishments, because her room was always a terrible mess and her piano teacher once described her by saying “Susan is very talented,…but very lazy.”

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

On the positive side: Creative, smart, funny, dependable, organized, thoughtful
Maybe not so good: Phone-phobic, a worry-wart, a micro-manager, and… tired.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

I live in North Dakota and today we’re in the middle of the season’s first blizzard, so all I can think of is:

“(I) Just Loathe Winter”

What is your astrological sign and how closely does it match your personality?

Well, I’m a Cancer, a designation which has always made me uneasy. Why do I have to be the only sign named after a terrible disease?

Supposedly, Cancers are moody, overly-sensitive homebodies. Although I’d love to be able to tell you, “No way! I’m an even-keeled, easy-going adventure-seeker!” I am completely a moody, overly-sensitive homebody. My biggest priority is protecting and nurturing my family, and although I enjoy traveling from time to time, I’m always happiest to be coming home.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

1) Breakfast would most certainly involve doughnuts, probably a maple long-john and a cherry-filled Bismarck from a regular doughnut shop like Dunkin’ Doughnuts. (I’m even feeling diet guilt as I type this.)

2) Lunch: Some kind of wonderful soup like Curried Corn and Crab chowder made by my ex-husband, a thick slice of pumpernickel bread (or TWO), and a side of sweet potato fries from the Toasted Frog here in Grand Forks.

3) Dinner: Medium hot order of curried chicken from The Lotus (Vietnamese restaurant in St. Paul, MN.), a BIG diet Coke, and possibly more sweet potato fries. For dessert, a doughnut (raised).

4) Bedtime Snack: A combination plate of leftover raised doughnuts and sweet potato fries. Maybe a Pepto-Bismal chaser.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate?

National Doughnut Day…free doughnuts for everyone!

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Although my fingers would initially be tingling from keyboard withdrawal, I’d likely be curled up somewhere reading. When it got dark, I’d light a candle and continue reading.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Ha, I AM doing that job! I’m a clinical neuropsychologist, working with people who suffer from dementia and traumatic brain injuries. Even if I wasn’t working in this particular specialty, I think I’d inevitably be some kind of psychologist. People, their experiences, and the ways in which they respond to them are just completely fascinating to me. (And yes, as you might guess, I’m addicted to reality tv.)

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Nothing. No matter what I’ve planned to say, I am rendered speechless by my huge crush on President Obama.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

It would be THE WAR AT HOME, the last book I wrote (not on shelves yet). It’s about a passive emo kid named Dov (let’s see…I picture Zac Efron) who has to unexpectedly deal with the effects of war on his older, previously-perfect brother (played by the darling Mark Salling from Glee) who returns home from fighting in Afghanistan.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I think that it’s because there are so many complicated, difficult things happening in the real world, reading about the paranormal provides an opportunity to escape from all that, to imagine what could happen if reality was suspended and anything could happen. Plus, something about vampires is kind of sexy. Werewolves not so much.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I remember enjoying A TALE OF TWO CITIES much more than I expected to, but I recall that THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE was a struggle. Another book that stands out in memory was ALIVE!, the story of the Uraguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains and the survivors had to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. That book actually gave me nightmares!

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

While I’d like to say, “Of course, I’m DRIVEN to write!”, I think that any writer does his or her best work with an audience in mind. Without that, well…as they say, “if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make any sound?” Similarly, if I write a book but no one will ever read it or be affected by it, what’s the point?

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

1) Read, read, and read some more. While you do, make a point to pay attention to the story’s arc, pacing and the way the dialog enhances or detracts from the story.

2) Write, write, and write some more: practice applying what you’ve learned to your own story-telling. Think about participating in the annual National Write a Novel in a Month event (aka NaNoWriMo) in November to learn how to write without censoring yourself in order to cough up the first draft/hairball that you will later polish and perfect.

3) Screw up your courage and share your work with someone whose opinions you respect and who will be honest in helping you edit what you’ve created.

4) Send it out there: Check out The Writer's Market to see where you might best submit your work: an updated edition comes out every year and is available in most libraries and bookstores.

**Thanks so much to Susan for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, and to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section - she'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Christine Fletcher

2010-11-23T04:47:00.001-08:00

http://www.christinefletcherbooks.com/

I'm excited today to be visiting with author Christine Fletcher, who besides being such a talented lady is also just a sweetheart of a gal! Christine's latest novel, TEN CENTS A DANCE, was released in paperback by Bloomsbury on 3/30/10! Be sure to check out TRT's 5-Star review of the book right here!

When her mother becomes too ill to work, fifteen-year-old Ruby Jacinski is forced to drop out of school to support her family. Her dull factory job makes life one long dead end...until she meets neighborhood bad boy, Paulie. Soon, Ruby is getting paid to dance with lonely men—and learning how to "fish" them for cash, clothes, even jewelry. As long as her family doesn't find out what she's doing, her problems—and theirs—are solved. But secrets and bad boys are both hard to keep...especially when swinging with the hepcats turns into swimming with the sharks.

A mesmerizing look into a little-known world and era, TEN CENTS A DANCE is resplendent with soul-shaking jazz, killer '40s style, and the passions of a young generation on the eve of war.

**I had the chance to ask Christine a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

Your own six-word memoir:

Words, animals, curiosity, love. Thanks, life.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

For TEN CENTS A DANCE:

How long could you lead a secret double life…if it meant following your passion…and keeping the boy you love?

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, by T.H. White. Reading this book was like falling into a whole new world and never, ever wanting to leave. I still reread it every few years.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

My favorite was English. Close second was Latin. (What can I say? I’m a geek.)

My least favorite for sure was Phys. Ed. My gym teacher was confounded at how completely inflexible I am. And I seem to have no perception of where I am in space. My knees and shoulders are constantly bruised from banging into things.

The book you wish you had written.

Actually, this question should read: “The book you wish you had written, but couldn’t in a million years.” That would be LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, by Laini Taylor. Brilliant, romantic and original, and the writing is astoundingly gorgeous.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

I don’t think about this too much, or I’d drive myself nuts. But someone once asked me why, at the end of TALLULAH FALLS, Tallulah leaves behind the dog she rescued instead of taking him with her. And I thought, Wow, that’s exactly what Tallulah should have done! But somehow, when I wrote it, that option never occurred to me. (Argh.)

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Ooh, fun! I’m an Aquarian. Let’s see how it stacks up:

“Outgoing and amiable, Aquarians attract friends wherever they go and those whom Aquarians befriend have their unswerving loyalty.”

Hmm. “Outgoing”? No. I’m one of those introvert-types. I do love meeting and talking with people, but I need to spend tons of time alone. I’ve been told I’m very hard to get to know, and it’s true that I have very few really close friends. But for those few, the “unswerving loyalty” part definitely applies.

“They see life in a different way. Others quite frequently think their habits and ideas are eccentric or crazy in some way…”

Oh, yeah. I’ve been told I’m weird my entire life.

“…but it is this uniqueness that makes them so special.”

Ha! Try telling that to my ex-boyfriends.

“The Aquarian mind is extremely quick and they never seem to stop thinking (it is interesting to note that many born under this sign suffer from insomnia.)”

If “never seem to stop thinking” means “bored in a nanosecond if my brain doesn’t have something to do”, then—Check.

Insomnia—Check.

Overall, not bad! I give it a 7 out of 10.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast: the Salmon Street omelet (smoked salmon, tomatoes, green onions, topped with dilled sour cream) with a side of bacon, plus orange juice and coffee, from Beaterville Café here in Portland.

Lunch: the Captain Neon burger (comes with bacon and blue cheese dressing) and a side of tater tots, from a McMenamin’s pub. Bonus points if it’s the rooftop restaurant at McMenamin’s Hotel Oregon!

Dinner: Sashimi from Ichidai Restaurant in Portland. With miso soup, rice, tempura, and vinegared cucumber salad.

And then I haul myself home and sleep like a gorged crocodile for two days.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

First: jump up and down from excitement. Woot!

Second, take the dog for a walk. Then, if it’s sunny, read a book outside until the sun goes down. (If it’s raining, same thing—just inside by a window.) Then heat up chili or soup over our camping stove for dinner. After that, light some candles, open a bottle of wine, and play Monopoly with my sweetie until bedtime. (In case you didn’t know this, Monopoly by candlelight is way better than regular Monopoly.)

Can you tell I’ve actually had this happen? OK, not the whole world, but our town after a blizzard knocked out all the power. Plus we had no running water. And it was still one of our favorite days ever.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d be a veterinarian. Oh, wait—I am a veterinarian!

If I wasn’t an author or a veterinarian, I’d be a librarian. Or a college professor, because I love to teach.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

TEN CENTS A DANCE, with Katy Perry as Ruby. She’s got the sass and attitude, and she’d rock those 1940s ball gowns! For bad boy Paulie, Shia LeBeouf—I think he can do Paulie’s mix of irresistible, unpredictable and just a little menacing.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I think part of it is fascination with anything “other.” It’s a way to explore new worlds with different rules than the everyday one we live in.

I also think that paranormal is appealing because the characters in these books wield so much more power than characters in realistic contemporary novels, or—for that matter—the average young adult in real life. It’s fun to see how the world would change if you had supernatural abilities!

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

Marc Antony and Cleopatra win the Battle of Actium and become Emperor and Empress of Rome. (Hmm…I might just have to write that book!)

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yes. It seems like a simple answer, but the truth is that I’d never thought about it until I had a novel rejected after I was already published. That’s when I realized that it didn’t matter if I never published again; I would continue to write, and to write as well as I possibly could, for the rest of my life.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read. Read everything, especially in the genre in which you want to publish. (For example, if you want to write paranormal, read every paranormal title out there.) Absorb the rhythms of the language. If you’re bored with a book, try to see what makes it boring. If you can’t put it down, figure out how the author makes it so compelling. See what’s already on the shelves, what ideas other authors have had, what ideas have been done to death.

Observe everything. How people talk to each other. The body language they use when they’re angry, or uncertain, or shy, or excited. Sun playing through trees. Water on the road at night. The way a cat stretches when she wakes up. How your own throat feels when you want to cry. Start noticing what you see and what you feel. Then start describing those things on paper.

Write. Writing is a craft and it takes practice. No one expects to be able to play a piano recital after one week of lessons. Writing is the same way. Learn not only how to use the language, but also how to tell a story. That’s all it comes down to, really. People have an insatiable need for stories. Learn how to tell a great story in a clear and compelling way. If you do that, you’ll get published.

**Thanks so much to Christine for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, at MySpace, on Twitter, or email her directly at chris@christinefletcherbooks.com.

Christine has offered to send two lucky posters today a paperback copy of TEN CENTS A DANCE, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section. She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're talking about!

Visit with Catherine Austen

2010-11-22T05:00:00.001-08:00

http://www.catherineausten.com/

Today we're visiting with author Catherine Austen, whose debut novel, WALKING BACKWARD, was published by Orca Book Publishers on 10/1/09!

When Josh's mother dies in a phobia-induced car crash, she leaves two questions for her grieving family: how did a snake get into her car? and how do you mourn with no faith to guide you?

Twelve-year-old Josh is left alone to find the answers. His father is building a time machine. His four-year-old brother is talking to a plastic Power Ranger. His psychiatrist offers nothing more than a blank journal.

Isolated by grief in a home where every day is pajama day, Josh makes death his research project. He tests the mourning practices of religions he doesn't believe in. He reads the Darwin Awards to judge the stupidity of his mother’s accident. He interviews the neighbours in search of a murder suspect. He tries to mend his little brother's shattered heart. He observes, records and waits—for his life to feel normal, for his mother's death to make sense, for his father to come out of the basement.

Music for Words

This is part-blog, part-SOS.

I’ll soon begin work with my editor at Orca Book Publishers to revise a YA novel for release next fall. It’s called ALL GOOD CHILDREN.

The schools of Middletown are implementing a new educational program.... Students work more, produce more, obey more... 15-year-old graffiti artist Maxwell Connors watches the change creep grade by grade toward the high school... The detention room door slams shut and a nurse announces, “All right, children, it’s time for your shots...”

I want to add a mwah-ha-hah, but it’s not a parody. I purposely wrote it as a STEPFORD WIVES for teens, but it’s serious stuff. Although it has an exciting plot—lots of hiding in plain sight, violent outbursts, countdowns, captures and rescues, fights and flights, all touch and go right up to the last page—it’s a character-driven story about friendship, control, and the choice between an easy life and an authentic one.

My editor asked for a sequel to ALL GOOD CHILDREN and, after wracking my brains for a plot, i.e., new ways to torture Max with lies and betrayal and shattered dreams, I’m ready to draft.

Here’s where you come in...

My writing process goes like this:

1. Sit at computer and write or revise until emotionally exhausted;

2. Consult outline or editor’s comments for next scene;

3. Fall into despair at thought of torturing character I love;

4. Eat high-carb snack;

5. Hop on treadmill and run to appropriate music while imagining next scene;

6. Eat high-protein snack;

7. Sit at computer and write or revise until emotionally exhausted.

Everything hinges on #5: run to appropriate music. I need your suggestions for music that will help me feel like my hero, Max, as he teeters on the brink of despair, knowing all there is to lose, exhausted and terrified, summoning the strength to keep going. You know that feeling, right?

Please help me build a playlist of songs about not giving up and not giving in. Not only will this help me get in the head of my narrator, it will encourage me to keep writing and revising. Because, really, I’m tempted to go from the high-carb snack to the high-protein snack and right back to the high-carb snack.

I revised my first novel, WALKING BACKWARD, by running to songs about walking on and going back and accepting loss. I discovered some fine tunes putting that playlist together, like Frightened Rabbit’s Backwards Walk, the Weepies Can’t Go Back Now, the Weakerthans Left and Leaving.

Building my ALL GOOD CHILDREN playlist will bring more great tunes into my life. So far all I have are The New Radicals You Get What You Give, Jack’s Mannequin Swim, and Joshua James Colby’s Song. That barely gets me through my warm-up. I need more.

Please suggest an inspirational song. Fast is better but slow is okay—I run on a speed interval program. It’s the “hang on/we can do this/we’re not going down easy” emotion that really matters. My hero’s fate and my future as a writer depend on it.
So that’s my posting/SOS.

One last note: WALKING BACKWARD is a finalist for the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and Young Adults’ Literature, to be awarded in Montreal tomorrow night. Wish me luck. It’s a cash prize—I could download thousands of songs from iTunes if I win.

I’m offering a set of all three finalists: WALKING BACKWARD by me, THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE by Monique Polak, and ROUGH MAGIC by Caryl Cude Mullin—as the big prize for today’s blog. I have a couple of single copies of WALKING BACKWARD for second and third prizes.

Send me your song suggestions, comments, questions, or stories about the role of music and snack food in your own writing process, and you could win.

**I also had the chance to ask Catherine a few questions about her life and writing, which she kindly answered for me to share with you. Enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I would bring Maxwell Connors to life. He’s the hero of my YA novel, ALL GOOD CHILDREN, coming Fall 2011 from Orca Book Publishers. Max is a fifteen-year-old graffiti artist with a keen but cutting sense of humor. He’d probably make fun of me, but I would suffer through it if he’d write his own sequel.

Your own six-word memoir.

“An unrequited lover of the universe.”

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Ludwig from LIVES OF THE MONSTER DOGS—because how often do you get to meet a talking dog? Mr. Bones from TIMBUKTU might as well come, too, and Boxer from ANIMAL FARM, and all the other fictional animals I wish I could have saved.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I liked the first part of THE LORD OF THE RINGS until Strider turned into Aragorn. But my favorite book? Hmm. I used to sneak the “historical romances” out of my mother’s bedside table and skim them for naughty bits. My favorite was VALENTINA by Fern Michaels—it’s the only one I recall the name of. It was a classic bodice-ripper. I have since become more high-brow.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian—but I didn’t like dissection so I knew by high school that wasn’t in the cards. (Really, I just wanted more pets.)

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English was my favorite. I took “English” and “Advanced English” in my final year of high school. My least favorite was music. I was hopeless at every instrument I tried. I took “Non-music,” a makeshift class that allowed inept students like me to save face (and saved others from having to listen to us).

The one book everyone in the world should read.

GILGAMESH. I like translations by David Ferry (not for everyone—iambic pentameter—but I LOVE it) and Stephen Mitchell. It’s the oldest story in the world but its themes of love and loss and fear of death are eternal.

The book you wish you had written.

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. Or, more recently, VERNON GOD LITTLE. But, even if I had the talent, I don’t have the guts to write like that. I’d like to think “I don’t have the guts yet” but it’s probably more true to say “I don’t have the guts anymore.” So maybe I’ll change my answer to THE LITTLE PRINCE. That’s more the eternal me.

Your five favorite reads from 2010.

THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (I liked CATCHING FIRE, too)
YOUNG ADULT NOVEL by Daniel Pinkwater (I reread that one every now and then)
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
DEMONIC MALES by Richard Wrangham and Dale Peterson

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I usually read stand-alone books but I finished several YA series this year (from Georgia Nicholson’s diaries by Louise Rennison to Virginia Euwer Wolff’s THIS FULL HOUSE, following MAKE LEMONADE and TRUE BELIEVER). If books two and three of Bernard Werber’s ANTS trilogy are ever translated into English, I’ll be waiting.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

“Should we tell the truth or make up something good?”

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Just Lose Weight!

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m a Capricorn and my life pursuit is to be proud of my achievements. I’m persevering and I will take that first step no matter how long the road. I am loyal. I have an offbeat sense of humor. Oh my god, this is all so me!!!

Actually, no, I’m not much of a Capricorn—I’m more anti-wealth than money-hungry. People who know their zodiacs make me pull out my license to prove I’m a goat.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

I’m one of those five-foot-eight one-hundred-and-twenty-pound types who eats whatever she feels like and never gains an ounce. So this is just a regular menu choice for me.

Breakfast: the garden skillet at Smitty’s in Kingston, Ontario. Not because of the food—and definitely not because of the coffee—but because breakfast at Smitty’s is a ritual I keep with my longest-standing girlfriend (thirty five years!) whenever I visit my old home town.

Lunch: Jerk chicken and rice and beans with oxtail gravy from Albert’s Real Jamaican Foods in Toronto, then homemade ice cream with fresh fruit and whipped cream from Dutch Dreams next door. Both are hole-in-the-wall joints at the corner of St. Clair West and Vaughan Road, not much to look at but delicious food. I haven’t stopped thinking about them since I moved from Toronto 17 years ago.

Dinner: I’m still full from lunch. I’ll have tea and a bagel before bed.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I would head to my cabin where there’s no phone reception or electricity and I’d do what I normally do there: swim, canoe, hike, take photographs, read, visit people, play with my kids, write and feel good.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut?

I’d star in the upcoming Harry Potter finale and I’d conjure up a nose for Voldemort.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

The Eastern Cougar (like the Western Cougar only no one expects to run into any). I’m a sucker for charismatic megafauna.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

It’s ALL GOOD CHILDREN, the only thing I’ve written that has an exciting plot (plus all the characters are good looking). The book won’t be out for a year, then allowing another year to option the rights, another to sell them, and another to schedule production, Jaden Smith would be sixteen and could play the lead character, Max.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change?

North America wasn’t discovered (until now!).

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

My favorite was LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding. I always hoped I’d be a Ralph.

My least favorite was A CLOCKWORK ORANGE by Anthony Burgess. Not only did we read the book (I’m not keen on books that require glossaries), but we watched the movie, too. I’d started school early and skipped a grade, so I was 13 or 14 when I saw this extremely violent movie in grade 10 or 11. Any message I was supposed to take from it was completely lost in my horror at the rape and murder scenes.

I went to an “open concept” high school, non-traditional in architecture (central lounge pit, no proper walls, a meditation room), discipline (I wrote my own late/absent notes) and teaching style (anything goes). It might sound fab and artsy but really it aspired to the very lowest standards and attracted teachers who had never grown up. For history we studied Jack the Ripper. I’m not joking.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yes, definitely. You know that feeling when you read something you love and the characters are alive to you? Writing is like that times a thousand.

I think everyone needs to create, whether they write stories or paint or make music or design clothing or modify computer games. It’s sad how many people never do anything creative once they’re out of kindergarten. Never stop creating.

I also write for a living (reports and such for different clients for a daily fee) so even if I stopped writing fiction I wouldn’t stop writing.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

I just did this the other day! Here’s my ten-tip answer:

1. Don’t chase a market. You might never sell anything so at least write what you love.

2. Open your mind. Stare out of windows. Leave space for ideas to get in.

3. Read good writing in lots of genres. Read classics. Read poetry. Read lots of non-fiction. Read out loud. Read books about writing and get a solid grip on grammar and style. Keep a list of words you love. Pay attention to language.

4. Get lots of mental and physical exercise. Spend time with friends. Get in touch with nature. Learn how things work. Fall in love. The more stimulated you are by the world, the more ideas you can connect and the more you’ll have to say.

5. Keep a journal or ideas file and review it every now and then. Don’t trust your stories to memory.

6. Expect a learning curve. Even if you have talent, dedication, and an ear for language, your first writings may not be the best. Don’t be discouraged: no one expects a musician or dancer to hop on stage without any training and blow away an audience. It takes time to master various techniques. (Not the passage of time but hours of working at it.)

7. Don’t agonize over your crappy stories. Spend most of your time on your few really gripping projects rather than bits of time on every mediocre one.

8. Submit your best work to your favorite publishers and then write something new. Do not sit around waiting for a reply—it may never be accepted and if it is, you’ll have to rewrite anyway. Focus on your work-in-progress.

9. Draft fast but take your time rewriting. If you spend a lot of time fine-tuning the phrasing of your first draft, you’ll have a hard time cutting chunks later for the sake of the whole. Polish at the end, over and over until it shines.

10. Don’t let middle-aged people make you feel that you’re not ready or that you can’t be an artist or a success until you’re older. That is just not true. Marie Claire Blais wrote LA BELLE BETE (MAD SHADOWS) as a teen and it’s a GREAT book. S.E. Hinton wrote THE OUTSIDERS as a teen and it has been read by kazillions every year since. Technique improves with ten thousand hours of practice but technique isn’t everything. The truth you know as a teenager is just as true as the truth you know as an adult. Write your truth.

**Thanks so much to Catherine for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, or email her directly at info@catherineausten.com.

Catherine mentioned earlier in the post the awesome prizes she's going to be giving away today, so be sure to leave any questions, comments, or, most importantly, your song suggestions, in the comments section! She'll be stopping by later today to respond to your posts!

Visit with Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

2010-11-20T05:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.collinsrideout.com/

Make up, break up, or hook up with someone new…..LOVE, INC. does it all!

Co-Authors Dish about their new book and about how they manage to work together and still be friends!

Hey Everyone,

We're so excited to be featured on the TRT Book Club Blog today! Thanks so much to Jennifer Wardrip for inviting us and a special thanks for creating and maintaining one of the best sites out there for young adult readers. Three cheers to Jen!

Our newest book LOVE, INC. will be out by the end of the year, and we're currently hard at work on the sequel.

So what is LOVE, INC.? Only the hottest relationship management business in Austin, Texas! Here's what the back cover says:

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents’ marriages hadn’t fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they’ve each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, a.k.a. Rico, a.k.a. Rick. Talk about eye opening therapy.

Cheerful, diplomatic Zahra is devastated. Rico had been her rock and sole confidant. How could she have missed the signs? Folksy, flirtatious Kali feels almost as bad. She and Rick had only been on a few dates, but they’d felt so promising. Hardened vintage-vixen Syd is beyond tears. She and Eric had real history . . . or so she’d thought.

Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways. Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match making expertise? Look no further than LOVE, INC.

Just as Zahra, Kali and Syd must learn to work together to solve other people’s problems, we've had to learn to work together to create the problems for our characters to solve!

One question everyone asks us is, How do you write a book together? The simple answer is, we've never done it any other way.

With our first book, (TOTALLY ME: THE TEENAGE GIRL'S SURVIVAL GUIDE), Yvonne imagined we'd sit side by side to write every word together (probably because she knew Sandy would try to take over and hog the whole thing!). That plan didn’t survive long. Our schedules are just too different. So we had to develop a way of working on projects independently that gives us equal input.

During the brainstorming stage, we get together in person at a local café or Starbucks (cappuccinos are a critical part of the process). We hammer out a high level outline together and then go our separate ways.

Yvonne writes the first draft of each chapter and passes it on to Sandy for the next draft. Sandy sends the full manuscript back to Yvonne for a second pass and then Sandy gives it a final polish.

We often disagree during the brainstorming stage but no one else at Starbucks would know it because of our special “distraction technique.” It requires lightening reflexes. When one of us offers up a lame idea, the other one jumps in with “OR, we could do this… OR how about this…?” Eventually the first person forgets her original (bad) idea under the barrage of options. With enough coffee, we reach a solution we both like.

To keep the work interesting, we leave room in the outline for surprises. That way, when we’re reading, there are moments when we think, “Hey, I wasn’t expecting that,” or “Cleverly done, partner.” (Not to mention, “She’d better not leave me to figure out a way out of this trap.”)

The same rule applies to the chapters and ten books later, we'd have to say the formula is a successful one!

Thanks for checking in, and we hope you enjoy learning a bit more about LOVE, INC.

LOVE, INC. will be published by Hyperion on 1/4/11!

**Thankfully, both Yvonne & Sandy let me ask them a bunch of personal questions about their life and writing, and they even graciously answered them! Enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Yvonne: I’d pick Sydney Stark, from our upcoming book, LOVE, INC. I’ve always admired visual artists and Syd is a graffiti artist extraordinaire. She’s also adventurous, and fearless and has the best eye for vintage couture. I’d love to go shopping with her!

Sandy: Judy Greenberg, the workaholic producer in THE BLACK SHEEP. Sure, she’s sneaky, manipulative, and unscrupulous, but she’s an unstoppable force, and there would never be a dull moment with Judy around.

Your own six-word memoir.

Yvonne: Humor gets me through anything.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

LOVE, INC. -- Three girls who've been played by the same guy become friends and start a relationship consulting business that helps people hook up, make up and break up.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Sandy: Elizabeth Bennett from PRIDE & PREJUDICE. I'd love to know the inside story on Mr. Darcy.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Yvonne: Anything by James Herriot or Dorothy Daniels.

Sandy: I read -- and re-read -- every single book L.M. Montgomery wrote. I also devoured GONE WITH THE WIND and THE THORNBIRDS.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Yvonne: My ideal career changed frequently, often corresponding to popular TV shows! For a long time, I wanted to be a police officer (thanks largely to Cagney and Lacey) or a lawyer, but working in advertising also held great appeal. Writing wasn’t on the list!

Sandy: Although I always wanted to be a writer, I considered combining that with a career as a conservationist. Once I realized that studying animals in their natural environment meant going without proper bathroom facilities and my diffuser, I narrowed my focus.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Yvonne: Favorite subject was Math. French was my least favorite.

Sandy: I loved English and hated Math.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Sandy: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

The book you wish you had written.

Sandy: THE HUNGER GAMES.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

Yvonne: THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY, Alexander McCall Smith
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Sarah Gruen
MY LIFE IN FRANCE, Julia Child
LOVING FRANK, Nancy Horan
THE BOOK OF NEGROES, Lawrence Hill (which I am still reading!)

The 2010 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

Sandy: MOCKINGJAY.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Maria (Yvonne’s mom):
Yvonne Collins is the extremely polite and well-mannered co-author of ten heartwarming and humorous books that every person on this planet should read. She’s been making her father and me laugh since she was a little girl, particularly with her imitations of Queen Elizabeth II. We always knew she was a royal talent!

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Yvonne lives in Toronto with her wonderful husband Dave, and our grand-dog, Dexter, the impossibly cute and incredibly smart schnauzer. When she isn’t writing Yvonne can be found working on film sets with celebrities, who frankly, could benefit from some better upbringing themselves.

Bea (Sandy’s mom):
No one in our family has ever had a talent for writing and I have often wondered if someone mixed up the babies at the hospital. But Sandy has her dad's frizzy hair and my ugly feet, so probably not.

Always a shy kid, Sandy spent her childhood in her bedroom reading, so it was a shock when she became frivolous and boy crazy. That was shortly after she met Yvonne Collins at the public library.

After coasting through her English and Journalism degrees, I was worried Sandy would never settle down, especially when she was living in that party house with Yvonne. But once they started writing together, both of them surprised me with their persistence and commitment.

I don't buy that Sandy has to miss so many family functions because of book deadlines, but I'm proud of how hard she’s worked to develop her craft and it constantly amazes me that those two girls haven't killed each other. Yet.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Yvonne: National Magazine Reading Day. You would definitely get a day off for this one, as the sole purpose of this holiday would be to spend the entire day on a comfy sofa with a stack of magazines. I am a magazine nut, but I never have enough time to read them, so unread magazines pile up all over my house. It is a dream day for me to be able to sit down and do nothing but flip through a stack of them!

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Sandy and I are both Virgos and in fact, we named our writing company Mercury, Ink, after our "ruling planet."

We fit the Virgo description pretty well, especially the one about being the advice-giver to friends and family – that is SO us! Why don't more people listen?!)

The other characteristics that describe us well are "creative" and "sensitive." Actually, we're guilty of being overly sensitive, so please be nice in book reviews!

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Yvonne:

Breakfast: There’s a restaurant in Toronto called Lady Marmalade that makes a wicked poached egg BLT, with homefries. Yum!

Lunch: A cheeseburger and fries from Diner, in Brooklyn, NYC.

Dinner: Three full courses from The Gramercy Tavern, in NYC. I could eat just about anything they serve, but if the first course contained beets, the second, beef and the third, brule, I’d be one happy (and stuffed) camper!

Sandy:

Breakfast: Anything from Urth Café in Beverly Hills.

Lunch: The Ploughman’s Lunch at any pub in England! It’s basically a selection of amazing cheeses, some fruit and lots of delicious bread.

Dinner: Wild mushroom salad and pizza from Il Fornello, an Italian restaurant in my new neighborhood.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Yvonne: Anyplace that combines a hit of culture with a big hit of nature! Next on my hit list is Scotland and Italy, hopefully to be combined with a family vacation in England next year.

Sandy: I like combining a literary tour of England with a stint on the beaches of Greece.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Yvonne: I’d take my dog for a very long walk through the ravines that run through the east part of our city, close to where I live. Then I’d pop over to Sandy’s house and while the daylight held, I’d help her paint a bunch of furniture that we are planning to restore for her new house. Then I’d come home to prepare a candlelit dinner with my hubby, which we would prepare on my gas stove.

Sandy: A day without power would be my free ticket to read on the deck all day, and by candlelight all evening.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Yvonne: Well my day job is in the film business, in the camera department. If I wasn’t doing that, I think I’d like to become either a graphic designer, an interior designer, or a nutritionist.

Sandy: I'd like to be a humor columnist for a newspaper, but I really work in corporate communications.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Yvonne: How about a TV show? Starring in an episode of Mad Men would be fun. The sets and the costumes are so stylish, and I love the fact that it’s set in the 60’s.

Sandy: Well if TV shows are on offer, I’d definitely star in an episode of True Blood. I'd gladly offer my neck to a sexy vampire.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

We’re Canadian, so I doubt the President would care about our views! But we'd like him to know that we're happy when the Canadian dollar is on par so that we can invest more in the US economy when we visit.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

The Abbott’s Booby wins hands down! With a name like that, how can we resist writing about this adorable little seabird?

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

LOVE, INC. would star Ellen Page as Zahra, Emma Roberts as Kali, Kristen Stewart as Syd and Chace Crawford as Brody.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Real life is hard, and it's always been a relief to escape into fantasy books. Like role playing games, it's a chance to pretend you're someone completely different in a world where the rules you have to live by don't apply.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

Yvonne’s favorite: LORD OF THE FLIES. Depressing subject matter, yes, but the theme was fascinating.

Take it off the list: Shakespeare’s JULIUS CAESAR. Swords and sandals are not this girl’s idea of a good read.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yvonne… Maybe not! I have so many artistic interests and so little time to pursue them.

Sandy: Probably. Writing is a pretty strong drive for me, rivaled only by my need for coffee and chocolate.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Start out by writing an article for your school paper, or a local paper in your community. You could write book reviews for on-line magazines, or start blogging about something that you’re passionate about.

Practice, persist, and read all the books you can.

**Thanks so much to Yvonne & Sandy for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out their website, listed above, or you can also find them at their Blog, on MySpace, or email them directly at yvonne_sandy@collinsrideout.com.

These two kind and talented ladies have offered up three prizes for lucky posters today: one will receive an ARC of LOVE, INC., and two others will receive a copy of GIRL V. BOY! So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Yvonne & Sandy in the comments section!

Visit with Danette Haworth

2010-11-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.danettehaworth.com/

Today we're visiting with author Danette Haworth, who has two exciting releases to talk about with us today! THE SUMMER OF MOONLIGHT SECRETS was published by Walker Books on 5/25/10, and ME & JACK will also be published by Walker Books, on 6/21/11!

A summer tale full of magical wonder and starring an unforgettable antebellum hotel

At The Meriwether, Florida’s famous antebellum hotel off of Hope Springs, nothing is quite as it seems. Secret staircases give way to servants’ quarters and Prohibition-era speakeasies make for the perfect hide-and-seek spot. Allie Jo Jackson knows every nook and cranny of The Meriwether—she’s lived there her whole life—and nothing surprises her, until the first time she spots the enigmatic and beautiful Tara emerging from the springs. Tara’s shimmery skin, long flowing hair, and strange penchant for late moonlight swims disguise a mysterious secret—and once Allie Jo and her friend Chase discover Tara’s secret, nothing will ever be the same.

Joshua Reed is used to moving around since his dad became an Army recruiter and the Vietnam War broke out. But their newest home, in the mountains of Pennsylvania, feels special somehow. Josh has started to make a new friend, his dad has finally allowed him to get a dog, and Jack—with his strange glowing ears and the way he seems to understand Josh's feelings—is like no other dog Josh has ever seen. But in Vietnam-era America, conflict is never far away—even on the homefront. When a local boy is killed overseas, the town turns on the new army recruiter. And when a few late-night disturbances all point to Jack, it will be up to Josh to fight for his dog, his family, and his new home.

**I had the chance to ask Danette a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I would bring Violet Raines to life (from VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING) because I think about her just about every day. No matter how the other people who inhabit her story view her, I know her real heart—how fiercely loyal she is, how she’s wise but innocent, how she can be easily hurt but pretends not to be. She would be fun to eavesdrop on or watch. Or, if time could send me back, I would love to explore the woods with her.

Your own six-word memoir.

Dog, cat, kids. Where’s my horse?

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

ME & JACK: New kid has problems: he’s an outsider; no one likes his dog; and his dad’s a recruiter for Vietnam. Done talking—time to fight.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

My sister brought home a book she had to read for class. It looked cool, so I thought I’d read it, too. S.E. Hinton’s THE OUTSIDERS was the coolest, toughest book I’d ever read—the perfect teenage anthem. Teens ruling themselves, fending for their family in a world of adults who don’t understand. Between Ponyboy and Soda, I didn’t know which guy was my favorite, but they were all so real.

Hinton struck a nerve with her story; most teens can relate to keeping up a cool façade while feeling scared or vulnerable inside. Everyone wants to be recognized and accepted. That the book is popular even today shows the truth of what the author tapped in to, and it’s not about the events, it’s about the feelings.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was going to be a writer who lived on what used to be a farm. Rolling acres of beautiful flora and fauna would inspire me as I wrote from my studio inside the old barn. In this dream, I have two horses—one for me, and one for someone to keep me company.

Your favorite subject in high school.

My favorite subjects were some kind of business class I took in which we had to design a business to open. I designed the skating rink of my dreams, right down to the candy in the snack bar. I also enjoyed creative writing, acting, and doing donuts with my car in the parking lot.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Well, of course everyone should read VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. She's so fiery and independent—I just loved her!

The book you wish you had written.

Okay, this is a tie. STORY OF A GIRL by Sara Zarr (YA) and A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT by Linda Urban (MG) are tightly written and well-paced. I admire that kind of writing. Plus, all the books I listed for the next question.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

I read books for middle-grade, young adult, domestic and literary fiction, and mysteries. It’s hard to narrow my favorites down to five, but here they are:

* BURNED by Ellen Hopkins. Written in verse, the narrative is absolutely beautiful and the ending strikes just the right note.

* WHAT GIRLS LEARN by Karin Cook, young adult realism, well done.

* DOUBLE IDENTITY by Margaret Peterson Haddix kept me turning pages and staying up too late.

* HOW TO STEAL A CAR by Pete Hautman. I loved the dark undercurrent and the narrator’s voice.

* THE HELP by Kathryn Sockett—what can I say about this wonderful novel that hasn’t already been said? I loved this book!

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

I go to Ronnie’s, an Orlando landmark and breakfast destination; no matter it is now defunct—that’s where I want to go. I push through the revolving door and get into the line for “two.” My husband is talking but I’m not listening because I spot the perfect booth and I’m stressing that someone else will get it. Here comes the hostess; she’s taking us over, closer, and—yes! We have a side booth where I can watch all the comings and goings. As I drink Ronnie’s perfectly brewed coffee and eat THE best blueberry pancakes in the world, I feel as if I’m in a 1940s movie.

Salads are my favorite for lunch. But since today’s the big day off my diet, I head to Winter Park and dine al fresco with my mom at Briarpatch. Whatever we order, I add a side of zucchini bread and a cappuccino. All the ladies on Park Avenue wear red lipstick, but mine is pink.

I’m still full when suppertime comes because my mother and I went all out at Briarpatch; we each ordered a piece of the five-tiered chocolate cake—just one of the many cakes on display to torture the calorie conscious (which, today, I am not).

Even though I’m full, my family needs to eat, so I make the big sacrifice and we head to the Cheesecake Factory. My stomach discovers an empty compartment! Things could not be better. I order the Crispy Spicy Beef and it is excellent.

The waitperson comes for our dessert order. This is a most difficult moment, as I know tomorrow I will be back on the grapefruit and bran. The Warm Apple Crisp battles with the Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake like an angel and devil on my shoulders (but they are both devils here). I bite the bullet and get the Warm Apple Crisp. Oh, my gosh. It is sooo good. I made no mistake here. The only drawback is I cannot finish it and I can’t take it home because it is also loaded with ice cream.

I have gained ten pounds in one day.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

My ultimate vacation destination is the beautiful cabin my family and I stayed in last year. Tucked away in the Smokies, the cabin featured a gourmet kitchen fully furnished, beautiful wood floors, walls, and ceilings. The floors in the bathroom were slate; with a flip of a switch, you could heat the floors! That was wonderful! The builder thought of everything—the cabin was authentically rustic, yet modern, and the best part of the satellite system and other contemporary artifacts was that they were included in such a way as to not diminish the mountain feel of the place.

The views were inspiring and humbling. Clouds floated above and below us. Following a path that went down a ravine took us to a creek with many waterfalls. My family and I loved it. We’ve stayed at other cabins, but we when we talk about this one, we say, “Remember the beautiful cabin . . . ?”

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Oh, happy day! My husband and I are overjoyed that we have an excuse to sleep, read, and most important, eat all the ice cream before it melts.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Any movie that would put me next to Johnny Depp or Owen Wilson.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

THE SUMMER OF MOONLIGHT SECRETS would be perfect for film interpretation. With the once grand hotel, secret tunnels, hidden rooms, the beautiful underworld of the springs, and Tara, the hotel’s secret resident, the cinematic elements would be rich and varied. The movie is set in Florida, with historic Mount Dora representing Hope Springs. Mount Dora is boutique town with brick streets, centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss, and hills—yes!—hills in Florida.

My cast includes Bella Thorne as Allie Jo Jackson, the girl who lives in the hotel and knows almost all of its secrets. Josh Hutcherson stars as Chase, the guy who breaks his arm and is stuck hanging around the hotel with Allie Jo. Anna Sophia Robb plays Sophie, a pretty and nice girl (much to Allie Jo’s surprise) who might or might not be crushing on Chase. For the beautiful and mysterious Tara, I will have to put out a nationwide casting call. The girl must be stunning. She must have a magical aura and a beautiful face, and long dark hair. Her voice is melodious and hints at an Irish accent.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

I keep writing because I don’t believe them. A lot of people say your goal shouldn’t be publishing, it should be the writing itself. But I think if you’ve got a story that compels you to write it, if you cry when driving to the store because of what happened in your manuscript today, if you smirk upon remembering what your character said, then you’ve got a story you want others to read.

Creating your vision, getting it down on paper—that takes hard, committed work. In the quest for publication, you become vulnerable. Rejections, negative comments, praise-but-pass—that stuff rips your heart out every time. But if you are truly dedicated to your story, something wonderful happens as a result of the comments you receive: you raise the standard on your own writing and push to the next level.

**Thanks so much to Danette for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, or email her directly at dhaworthbooks@yahoo.com.

Danette has kindly offered to send two lucky posters today a prize: one will receive a hardcover copy of THE SUMMER OF MOONLIGHT SECRETS, and the other will be getting a paperback copy of VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING! So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Danette in the comments section!

Visit with Frank Beddor

2010-11-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.lookingglasswars.com/

http://www.cardsoldierwars.com/

Today we're visiting with the uber-talented Frank Beddor, author of THE LOOKING GLASS WARS trilogy and the HATTER M graphic novel series! The third book in THE LOOKING GLASS WARS trilogy, ARCHENEMY, was just released in paperback on 10/14/10 by Speak. And the third book in the HATTER M series, THE NATURE OF WONDER, was released on 9/22/10 by Automatic Pictures Publishing!

The Heart Crystal's power has been depleted, and Imagination along with it. The people of Wonderland have all lost their creative drive, and most alarmingly, even Queen Alyss is without her powers. But at least the vicious Redd Heart seems to be similarly disabled.

Amazingly, she is attempting to team up with her enemy, Alyss, in order to reclaim Wonderland from King Arch. Alyss might have no choice but to accept Redd's overtures, especially when she begins to receive alarming advice from the caterpillar oracles. . . .

In Volume 3, THE NATURE OF WONDER, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan follows the Glow of the setting sun into America's wild west in search of Wonderland's lost princess. Hatter's adventures will include a shamanic vision quest in the Grand Canyon and tracking Black Imagination through San Francisco's Barbary Coast where he discovers an astounding clue to his own haunted past.

**I had the chance to ask Frank a few questions about his life and writing, and I really hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I would have to say Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan. I arrive at this conclusion after years spent studying his journals, travels and adventures which all lead me to know that from 1859 - 1872 a true hero moved among the mere mortals inhabiting this world. I would like to travel alongside Hatter and share his thoughts and company.

Your own six-word memoir.

Crashed through the Carollian Rabbit Hole.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

In Volume 3 the Nature of Wonder, join Hatter Madigan on an odyssey of exploding airships, shamanic quests, hidden caves and a visit to a truly exclusive Hat Shop.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

An opportunity to spend a whole day with a literary character …..sunrise to sunset….who would it be? I go to my vast library of favorite books (after all – they are ALL my favorites!) and I let my eyes drift over the titles. Hmmmm…Nell in LITTLE WOMEN…no….poor Nell…well…no spoilers here….oh…yes….ROBINSON CRUSOE...definitely a favorite book. I would choose to spend the day with my favorite castaway on his beach….making bonfires and spearing fish…..cracking coconuts….eyes on the horizon…wishing the ship never comes and the day never ends.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

As a teenager I discovered ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE by Robert M. Pirsig. The book is kind of about Zen and kind of about keeping your motorcycle running but it is really more of a philosophy on life as a father and son travel cross country from Minnesota to California over a 17 day period. The son was about my age, I lived in Minnesota and I loved motorcycles so it all came together in my head. Great book.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to keep my options open. I was one of those kids who worked out a deal with the genie in the bottle…when given three wishes I wished for 3 million more wishes. I wasn’t greedy as much as I wanted options. So as a kid I had a lot of dreams of what I would do when I was ‘big’. Skiing was top of the list. I didn’t worry about how it was going to pay the bills…who cared! If you love doing something enough the means of support will appear. The secret is loving it and doing it with all your heart.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Hmmm…high school? Lunch and gym were soooooo much fun. But truly my favorite class was English and creative writing and reading. Least favorite? HISTORY aka SOCIAL STUDIES. Where did they get this stuff? Wait…I’m just supposed to believe all this because it’s in this textbook that smells like mold and is all marked up with un-smiley faces and the scribbles of other crazed texto-vandals from previous years? The school labeled the past history but I preferred to call it a mystery…and I went looking for truth.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

‘Should’ is my all time least favorite word! It’s this sort of guilt inducing, finger wagging word that we use to beat up ourselves and others. “Oh dear…I should read that book…” or “You should go visit that lonely old kook down the street.” Both of these may be absolutely excellent and worthy things to do but not because you should…but because you really, really want to. The book will read much better and the old kook will totally appreciate the difference in your visitation vibe. Now…with all that being said….the title of a book that everyone in the world (wow! from Uganda to Iceland and back again.) might really, really enjoy reading….I can only coyly suggest the Hatter Madigan geo-graphic series since it takes readers around (and around!) the world. Something for everyone to relate to!

The book you wish you had written.

Strange….why would I wish to have written another writer’s book? And yet…it is a worthy question. Is there a book I wish I had written? Once again…let me peruse my towering library shelves. What do I see…the JUNGLE BOOK….cool…AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS…DUNE….ALICE IN WONDERLAND….no…..hmmmm….oh yes….OF COURSE! I wish I had written the 1936 revised edition of Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases (author Peter Mark Roget/revisions by Samuel Romilly Roget) because….I would have the most amazing vocabulary and knowledge of words on the planet! Highly recommended!

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

I love a great mystery/thriller as much as anyone and it seems much of the world has spent 2010 reading the Stieg Larrson trilogy… THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO…THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE and THE GIRL WHO KICKED A HORNET'S NEST. I read all three as fast as I could…not moving from my couch except to fetch more bags of cookies and of course, brush my teeth. I also read THE SWARM or as it is known in German, DER SCHWARM (by author Frank Schätzing)…almost 800 pages of environmental thriller that had me wondering if it was real or it was Memorex because so much of what was happening in the book…was also happening on our own troubled planet. Intense! And number 5….British author Terry Pratchett’s THUD...for its genius whimsy and wordplay and insights. Any time you need to feel the humanity of humanity…read Terry Pratchett!

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

She did write it! Go check it out, Volume 3, THE NATURE OF WONDER. She also writes my name on labels and sews them into all my clothes. Mothers!!

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

Thank you JLW for providing this forum in which to clear up one of the GREAT MYSTERIES of Hatter Madigan’s quest. When I wrote THE LOOKING GLASS WARS (the first book in the LGW prose trilogy) I had not yet begun my exhaustive study of Hatter’s private search for Princess Alyss. The earlier evidence provided by the LGW deck of playing cards had indicated that Hatter Madigan had been shot and wounded by a guard at Buckingham Palace which resulted in his returning to Wonderland without having met with Alyss. Not true! From Hatter’s journals I now know that Hatter did indeed meet with Alyss as she awaited her wedding day cloistered within Buckingham Palace. He scaled the walls and entered her private chamber but when he bowed to her as the Queen of Wonderland she refused to believe in the truth of her identity. When Hatter insisted it was the truth she turned the logic of the truth against him and ordered Hatter, as her loyal subject, to leave her in peace as Alice Liddell. And so he was forced to obey and thus suffered ‘the great wound’ not to his body but to his heart as he returned to Wonderland alone after his 13 year search to gather the support he would need to bring Alyss home. The full story will finally be told in the 5th and final volume of the Hatter M geo-graphic series coming in 2012.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

STAY HOME AND READ A BOOK DAY!

And given the amazing success of this holiday we will be adding

STAY IN BED AND READ A BOOK WEEKEND!

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Well…not to tip any hats or anything…but 2011’s fourth volume of the Hatter M series may just have a sub-title something like this:

The Japanese Love Wonderland

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I am Leo! Hear me roar. And laugh and shout and occasionally, when I forget my higher nature, order others about as though I were a King. But I am not a King. I am merely an author who writes of Kings and Queens and lost Princesses and Men in Hats. But being a Leo and having this sense of royalty and grandiosity as my birth right…ha….gives me a window on the world of such minds and mentalities. I may not be a Royal Heart but at my astrological core…I have a royal heart.

Thanks so much to Frank for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit either of his websites listed above, or you can also find him at his Blog, on Facebook, at MySpace, on Twitter, or email him directly at info@lookingglasswars.com.

Frank was so kind that he sent me an entire box filled with awesome goodies, so here's what we're going to do today: three lucky posters will be chosen at random to receive a variety of cool stuff; books, stickers, bookmarks, etc. So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Mr. Beddor in the comments section!

Visit with Barbara Kerley

2010-11-17T05:03:00.001-08:00

http://www.barbarakerley.com/

Today we're visiting with author Barbara Kerley, whose latest release, THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY) was published by Scholastic Press on 1/1/10!

Susy Clemens thought the world was wrong about her papa. They saw Mark Twain as "a humorist joking at everything." But he was so much more, and Susy was determined to set the record straight. In a journal she kept under her pillow, Susy documented her world-famous father-from his habits (good and bad!) to his writing routine to their family's colorful home life. Her frank, funny, tender biography (which came to be one of Twain's most prized possessions) gives rare insight and an unforgettable perspective on an American icon. Inserts with excerpts from Susy's actual journal give added appeal.

**I had the chance to ask Barbara a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

If I could bring any of my characters back to life, it would have to be Waterhouse Hawkins, whom I wrote about in THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS. He was the artist who introduced dinosaurs to the world in 1854, when he made the world’s first life-sized dinosaur models. They still stand today in a park in London, England.

Waterhouse fascinates me as he was passionate about his work but also had a real sense of style and flair. I would love to sit down to dinner with him (preferably inside the mould of his iguanodon model).

Your own six-word memoir.

Asked too many questions: Plus. Minus.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Oh, Harriet the Spy, definitely. I adored that book as a child—I must have read it a dozen times, at least. I really identified with Harriet as I am also a real people-watcher. (Though I do not sneak into people’s houses to spy on them.) I adore Harriet because she is so observant and so honest. She really pays attention.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I loved making a strong cup of sweet, milky tea, grabbing a blanket (if it was fall or winter or early spring) and going out on the porch to read Jane Austen (in her pre-zombie state.)

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Broadway actress. I was very involved in high school and community theater for many years. I did everything from act to run lights and build sets.

While I no longer do theater now, I believe it was excellent training for my work as a writer—both fields are first and foremost devoted to story. And when I am in New York, I go to a Broadway play whenever I can. Most recently I saw South Pacific. It was wonderful.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

I liked English and Choir. Hated Trigonometry. (It did not seem to relate in the slightest to anything I would ever ever ever do in my life. It was one of those classes that seemed designed just to be hard, with no intrinsic value.)

The one book everyone in the world should read.

WINNIE-THE-POOH by A. A. Milne—not the modern, Disney-version of Pooh, the original book published in 1926. Amazing book with amazing characters and surprising insight into the human condition.

I recently had the chance to meet the actual stuffed animals, who live in the New York Public Library. Piglet is tiny. (The librarian told me that he might actually have been a pin cushion, originally. I just love that.)

The book you wish you had written.

See above!

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Get-To-Know-Your-Neighbors Day. Everybody would get the day off from work and school and would have to spend it out and about their neighborhood, getting to know each other. Games would be set up to help break the ice, like Pictionary, Charades, and Twister. There would be booths where you could choose your own toppings for mini-pizzas and cupcakes (though probably different toppings.). Baristas would man street carts (Free espresso drinks! Free chai lattes!) There would be neighborhood community service projects all set up, like cleaning up trash, planting flowers, and fixing up playgrounds. Plus, everyone would have to bring their dogs with them since dogs are the best ice-breakers of all. In the evening, a huge bonfire would be set up and there would be all the ingredients for s’mores.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

London. I love the architecture, the sense of history, the ambiance, and the fact that you can find a great cup of tea anywhere.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

A long hike through a beautiful forest, a long nap, and plenty of time to sit in the shade and read a good book.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d love to be a vegetarian chef. I am addicted to cooking shows.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Forget all this talk about the Bond franchise maybe closing down. I would be the next 007 – woman of intrigue. All men would want me and all women would want to be me. (Plus, they’d love my sassy haircut.) I would do all my own stunts. As such, it would be a comedy.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Libraries. We need to treasure them and keep them fully-funded. They are at the core of all strong communities.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read. Write every day, even the days it is hard. Be passionate and stubborn. Have a thick skin and a tender heart.

**Thanks so much to Barbara for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website listed above, or you can also find her at Interesting Nonfiction for Kids, on Facebook, or email her directly at barbara@barbarakerley.com.

Barbara has kindly offered to send three lucky posters today a personalized copy of THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Cara Lockwood

2010-11-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.bardacademy.com/

Today we're visiting with Cara Lockwood, author of THE BARD ACADEMY trilogy, which includes WUTHERING HIGH, THE SCARLET LETTERMAN, and MOBY CLIQUE. All three titles were published by MTV Books, in 7/06, 1/07, and 3/08, respectively!

Welcome to Bard Academy, where a group of supposedly troubled teens are about to get scared straight.

When Miranda, a slightly spoiled but spirited fifteen-year-old from Chicago, smashes up her father's car and goes to town with her stepmother's credit cards, she's shipped off to Bard Academy, a boarding school where she's supposed to learn to behave. Gothic and boring and strict, All Is Not What It Seems At Bardit's everything you'd expect of a reform school. But all is not what it seems at Bard.

For starters, Miranda's having horrific nightmares and the nearby woods are eerily impossible to navigate. The students' lives also start to mirror the classics they're reading tragic novels like Dracula, Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre. So Miranda begins to suspect that Bard is haunted by famous writers who took their own lives and she senses that not all of them are happy. Complicating things even more is the fact that Ryan Kent a cute, smart, funny basketball player who went to Miranda's old high school landed himself in Bard, too. And the attention he's showing Miranda is making some of the other girls white as ghosts. Something ghoulish is definitely brewing at Bard, and Miranda seems to be at the center of ominous events, but whether it's typical high school b.s. or otherworldly danger remains to be seen.

***********

Bad things happen when fact and fiction collide.

Miranda Tate and her closest friends have been let in on a powerful secret: their teachers are famous dead writers.

After a heroic first semester, Miranda's got Bard Academy's ghost faculty in her debt, a new boyfriend in hot basketball player Ryan Kent, and she's just turned in a paper about The Scarlet Letter that she's sure is A material. But when the Bard Queen Bee, Parker Rodham, claims she's attacked in the woods, Ryan is all too happy to play bodyguard. Then teachers start disappearing and campus is abuzz with news of the Hooded Sweatshirt Stalker-not to mention sightings of a monster in the woods. But it's Miranda who feels like a moving target when she is accused not only of plagiarism, but of suspicious involvement in the attacks!

Meanwhile, rumors are flying about what it really means that Miranda's wearing Ryan's varsity letterman jacket. And she just can't shake her nagging feelings for Heathcliff, who entrusted her with the locket that keeps him in the 'real' world even though every one else thinks he's back where he belongs, in the pages of Wuthering Heights. Is he the campus stalker? Does she like him more than she likes Ryan? And how is that possible if he's only a character from a book?

**********

Some literary classics have been around for centuries. Miranda Tate's just hoping to survive junior year. . .

Her summer reading assignment is Moby-Dick, but Miranda's vacation hasn't exactly been smooth sailing. Between working at her stepmother's hideous all-pink boutique, and having broken up with her basketball champ boyfriend Ryan, not to mention snoozing her way through one of literature's heaviest tomes, she's almost looking forward to returning to Bard Academy. That was before her kid sister Lindsay smashed up their dad's Land Rover and got shipped off to Bard herself. Is the punishment Lindsay's-or Miranda's?

A private school staffed by the ghosts of famous dead writers is hard enough to navigate without a freshman kid sister in tow, but now Miranda's trying to sort out her feelings for her brooding friend Heathcliff, who happens to be a fictional character, while keeping Bard's secrets from her nosey sister. And when her nemesis Parker handpicks gullible Lindsay to be a Parker clone, Miranda knows a storm is brewing. Then, Lindsay disappears in the woods . . . and a frantic search sends Ryan, Miranda, and Heathcliff to Whale Cove, a spot rumored to hide a sunken pirate's ship. But something-or someone-even more ominous and terrifying lurks there. Can Miranda stay the course and save her sister?

**********

Bard Academy: It Must Be In the Stars
So, I admit it - I read my horoscope every day. I'm a Gemini, which if you are to believe the zodiac powers that be, I'm schizophrenic, creative, flighty and don't know when to shut up.

The funny thing I find about horoscopes is that it always seems like I'm living more of a life of adventure on the astral plane than this one.

A recent forecast said:
Do countries abroad represent real opportunities for you, Gemini? This is a question that you will soon have to answer. You likely will soon receive an offer from a powerful person in a foreign land that you can’t refuse.

My horoscope makes it sound like I'm considering moving to Zimbabwe where I’m going to close a deal with the mob, when the only real trip I'm going to make is the Starbucks around the corner where I will probably only do battle with a grumpy Barista. I sometimes wish I was the person in my horoscope. Then, I'd always have a new love interest, significant new financial gains and I'd always be jetting off to exotic locales.

I wish the zodiac could give you really useful information that would say, help you avoid food poisoning. "Gemini: You will want to ask for mayo on that sandwich. Don't. They left it out for nine hours." Or, even better, help you avoid fashion disasters: "Gemini: You will go to the mall today and try on some jeans. Don't buy them. They are granny jeans and make your rear end look like it ought to be on a billboard for Geritol."

But, sadly, they don’t give any specific information (Gemini: Avoid walking while eating today. You are uncoordinated as it is and you will ruin your favorite white shirt).

For the last year or so, I’d been hoping, like some of you, that they might tell me whether or not I would have the opportunity to write a fourth book in the Bard Academy series.

For those of you new to the series, the Bard Academy books are set at a haunted boarding school on Shipwreck Island off the coast of Maine. Bard Academy just happens to be haunted by the ghosts of famous authors – and some of their most famous characters. Emily Bronte, Ernest Hemingway and Virgina Woolf make cameos. And Heathcliff, Moby Dick, and Dracula are just some of the fictional characters who are brought to life by the island’s mysterious powers.

The lead character in the series is Miranda Tate, an average sixteen-year-old, except for the fact that she’s gotten into a little bit of trouble wrecking her dad’s car. Her parents send her off to Bard thinking it’s the ticket to reforming bad girl behavior. Once there, Miranda soon discovers things aren’t what they seem. In short order, she finds herself torn between two boys – fiction-brought-to-life Heathcliff and real guy Ryan Kent.

There have been three books in the series so far – Wuthering High, The Scarlet Letterman and Moby Clique. The titles, of course, are all puns of classics, and in each book there are themes or characters running through the story that echo the original. In Wuthering High, there’s a serious love triangle, as there is in Emily Bronte’s original. In The Scarlet Letterman, Miranda finds herself unfairly labeled, and has to deal with the consequences of that. In Moby Clique, it’s all about obsessive stubbornness, just like Captain Ahab who lost his life hunting the great white whale.

When I was in high school, I was a total lit nerd. I didn’t need a horoscope to tell me I had a borderline obsession with books. I devoured nearly every reading list I could find. Bard Academy began as an idea about my dream school. The idea of rubbing elbows with famous authors and their characters would be exactly the kind of thing I’d kill for (told you I was a lit nerd).

I also just thought it would be really interesting to bring the books a lot of teens have to read for English class anyway into the modern age. I’ve heard from tons of Bard readers who say they were inspired to read a classic like Wuthering Heights after reading Bard, and I think that’s really great. As a lit-nerd, I have to endorse anything that encourages somebody to pick up a classic.

I wrote Wuthering High as Miranda’s introduction to Bard Academy, where she finds herself torn between the brooding Healthcliff who seems to feel he was destined to be with her and the popular and handsome Ryan Kent who has other ideas. And then there’s the other problem she’s trying to solve involving a decades-old mystery about a disappearing student named Kate Shaw.

In The Scarlet Letterman, Miranda thinks she’s put her boy troubles behind her when she starts dating Ryan Kent, but they only seem to get worse when Heathcliff goes missing and a hooded figure starts stalking the school. In Moby Clique, Miranda’s little sister makes her debut at Bard and quickly stirs up more trouble than anybody thought possible when would-be pirates began kidnapping Bard students straight from campus.

I wrote the Bard Academy series as part action, part romance and part lit-fantasy (that’s sci-fi for lit nerds).

Since Moby Clique came out, I’ve gotten hundreds of emails asking about a fourth book. I’m so very grateful for the support out there! You Bard fans are the best. Really, I mean that. We have to come up with a name for you. Got any good ones? Email me at cara@caralockwood.com.

And I’m happy to announce here that I’m working on a fourth installment, a novella called A Tale of Two Proms. It doesn’t yet have a release date (I’m working on that part), but as soon as it’s out, you’ll be able to download it straight to your Kindle or laptop. I don’t know yet about when or how, but those things are coming. And I won’t even wait for my horoscope to clue me on that one.

In A Tale of Two Proms - you guessed it – Heathcliff and Miranda go to prom. There’s also a bit of a twist as Heathcliff’s old flame from Wuthering Heights, Catherine Earnshaw comes to Bard. What happens to Heathcliff’s feelings for Miranda when he’s faced with his fictitious soul mate? You’ll just have to buy the novella to find out.

In the meantime, I’d better get back to writing (Gemini: As much as you want to work, you will no doubt spend at least three hours incessantly tweeting and tagging Facebook photos.). Maybe if this whole novelist thing doesn’t work out, I could get into the zodiac business. If I did, I would write great horoscopes for myself every day. And I would never write bad ones. Why bring everybody down?
Gemini: You are fabulous just the way you are. I mean it. Fabulous. Even if you don’t move to Zimbabwe.

**********

Thanks so much to Cara for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, at MySpace, on Twitter, or email her directly at cara@caralockwood.com.

Cara has offered to send three lucky posters today their choice of a copy of WUTHERING HIGH, THE SCARLET LETTERMAN, or MOBY CLIQUE - email her directly at the email address above to enter! And be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Priscilla Cummings

2010-11-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.priscillacummings.com/

Today we're visiting with author Priscilla Cummings, whose first YA title, BLINDSIDED, was released by Dutton on 7/8/10!

In many ways, Natalie O’Reilly is a typical fourteen-year-old girl. But a routine visit to the eye doctor produces devastating news: Natalie will lose her sight within a few short months.

Suddenly her world is turned upside down. Natalie is sent to a school for the blind to learn skills such as Braille and how to use a cane. Outwardly, she does as she’s told; inwardly, she hopes for a miracle that will free her from a dreaded life of blindness. But the miracle does not come, and Natalie ultimately must confront every blind person’s dilemma. Will she go home to live scared? Or will she embrace the skills she needs to make it in a world without sight?

You can find TRT's review of BLINDSIDED right here!

**I had the chance to ask Priscilla a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answer as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I would bring to life Natalie from BLINDSIDED because I spent so much time writing that book and feel very close to her. I felt as though I struggled with her as she was losing her sight, but I am so proud of who she became. I’d like to know how she’s doing and what her hopes and dreams are at this point.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

What if you were fourteen years old and suddenly lost your sight? Would you learn a new way of life? Or stay home and live scared?

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I was into Nancy Drew in my early teens. We didn’t have nearly the vast selection of young adult novels and chapter books available today.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be either an actress, an author, a doctor, or a teacher. In some ways, with the books I’ve written and the school visits I’ve made, I’ve had a sample of all those careers.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

My favorite subject was English. I hated math.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E.B. White because it’s so beautifully written and it’s all about life.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE YEAR OF GOODBYE'S by Debbie Levy; OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout; HALF BROKE HORSES by Jeannette Walls; WAIT FOR ME by An Na, and LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand, who became famous for her wonderful story about the race horse, Seabiscuit. Laura’s new book is the story of a World War II bombardier and from what I hear it is a riveting saga of survival. I am so inspired by this author because she suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and never left her house to do any of the research for this book.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Priscilla was always daydreaming and writing little stories when she was a little girl. She grew up on a dairy farm and some of her first stories were about the cats that lived in the barn.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Quiet, sensitive, caring, watching, listening, walking, thinking, dreaming, reading, and writing, always writing something.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

I would nationalize DEAR – Drop Everything And Read. Everyone would have the day off, but they would have to curl up with a book and read all day!

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

That’s easy: I would take a long walk and while there was daylight do some editing on a story. Then I’d cook dinner and make tea on the charcoal grill and read or play Scrabble with my daughter and husband by candlelight.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

I have already written a book with an endangered species in it so I would continue with that character. I wrote a picture book called CHADWICK FOREVER that featured a Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel named Hester who finds herself listed on the endangered species list and goes into a panic. A dwarf wedge mussel and some tiger beetles, both endangered, also made appearances in the book. Environmental issues have played important roles in many of my books, both picture books and novels such as RED KAYAK.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Absolutely. I would be writing something – fiction or nonfiction – perhaps a freelance article for a magazine or a newspaper. I would be writing in my journal, writing notes, emails and letters to people, and maybe trying my hand at poetry again. My happiest days always involve writing of some kind.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

A lot of young people ask me this question during school visits and this is what I tell them: good writers are big readers so you should be reading all the time. You should also be writing different kinds of things – essays, poems, stories, letters, journal entries. And have a lot of different experiences in your life because authors write from their world of experience.

**Thanks so much to Priscilla for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website, listed above, for more information about her and her work. She's offered to send one lucky poster today a copy of BLINDSIDED, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Tanya Lee Stone

2010-11-12T07:05:00.001-08:00

http://www.tanyastone.com/

Today we're visiting with author Tanya Lee Stone, whose latest non-fiction book, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BARBIE, was released by Viking on 10/14/10!

Barbie just might be the most famous doll in the world. She’s represented fifty different nationalities. She’s stepped into the always-fashionable shoes of more than one hundred careers. She has been played with, studied, celebrated, and vilified for more than fifty years. And she has unquestionably influenced generations of girls—whether that influence has been positive or negative depends on who you ask.

When award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone started asking girls, boys, men, and women how they feel about Barbie, the first thing she discovered is how passionate people are about her. Here are a few things they said:

"Barbie is really only a reflection of the girl holding her. My generation of 'Barbie girls' is now entering the world and we seem to be doing just fine." --Sara, age 17

"Barbie, I hate you!" --Luci, age 15

"How Barbie looked was never the issue. Not to the girls who loved her. It was what she taught us that mattered. And what she taught us was that, like Barbie, we could be anything we wanted to be." --Meg Cabot

"Barbie has been the #1 most destructive force on the self-image of women all over the globe!" --Dr. Carole Lieberman

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BARBIE is part biography—both of the doll and of her inventor, Ruth Handler—and part exploration of the cultural phenomenon that is Barbie. Filled with personal anecdotes, memories, and opinions from people of all ages, and featuring original color and black and white photographs, this book is for anyone who understands that we’re all living in a Barbie world.

Starred Review from School Library Journal: "...Stone reveals the pathos behind so many relationships of girls with Barbie...The author maintains her signature research style and accessible informational voice..."

Starred Review from Kirkus: "Sibert Medalist Stone tantalizes...Direct quotes from women and girls showcase the variety of feelings that Barbie engenders, and the author weighs in occasionally and effectively."

Starred Review from Booklist: "Stone has done her homework...voices add sparkle."

Review from BCCB: “Stone calmly covers Barbie’s creation by Ruth Handler, the formation of Mattel, and the doll’s unpromising launch among sexpot-resistant buyers at a national toy fair. From there on, though, the gloves come off….teen book clubs might want to nominate this as a fiery nonfiction selection”

Publishers Weekly: “fascinating and balanced account”

"Love Barbie or hate her, what I admire about Tanya's book is that she takes an even eye to Barbie's global phenomenon and delicately lets readers explore their own complicated relationships to this very complicated doll." --Jess Weiner, self-esteem expert and author of Life Doesn't Begin 5 Pounds from Now

"History writers don't get better than Tanya Lee Stone. The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie is balanced, funny, provocative -- and most of all, important for anyone wanting to understand girlhood in America." --National Book Award finalist E. Lockhart "

**I had the chance to ask Tanya a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Amelia Earhart. The obvious answer would be to find out what actually happened to her once and for all. But what I really want to talk to her about is that letter she wrote to G.P. Putnam the night before they were married in which she was gut wrenchingly honest and basically told him not to expect her to stay faithful and that if their marriage didn’t work out, she trusted they would remain friends. What a bold move for a woman at that time—for anyone, really! I so admire that she followed her truth no matter what.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Holy Belly Buttons! The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: a how-to-manual about being a strong, sparky, awesome girl! –Lauren Myracle

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I would choose Leslie, from THE BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA because she was exactly the kind of person I would have been friends with and maybe then I could have gone with her to the castle while Jess was at the museum and things might have turned out differently.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I read a ton, so I didn’t just have one. But I remember some of the books I adored in high school—A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, STILL LIFE WITH WOODPECKER, and WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher or a marine biologist or a librarian or an explorer.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English was definitely my favorite subject and chemistry was my least.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

I’m not one to tell people what to read, but I can tell you that one of the most elegantly structured and beautiful books I have read in a while is TINKERS, by Paul Harding.

The book you wish you had written.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s THE BASIL AND JOSEPHINE STORIES.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Celebration of Chocolate Day. And yes, we would have to have the day off in order to visit all of the shops concocting delicious chocolatey treats to taste!

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I am a Capricorn. I think it matches me pretty closely.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

For breakfast I would go to Mirabelle’s for heuvos rancheros. For lunch, Sakura for either a bento box with fish, rice, and sushi or a bowl of udon with sushi on the side. For dinner, I would like pasta with clams, mussels, scallops, and calamari. Ben & Jerry’s Cinnamon Bun ice cream for dessert, please.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Ooh, that’s a tough one. Can I only pick one? I’m torn between Paris, Sydney, or a beach in the Caribbean where no one other than my loved ones can find me.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Playing with our kids, reading, snuggling under blankets, eating chocolate-chip cookies we baked before the power went out!

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I would be doing musical theater on Broadway. You didn’t say it had to be plausible!

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

I would like to have played Lillian Hellman in Julia.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Sea otters. Have you ever seen them lie on their backs and crack open clams? Too funny and adorable.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

A BAD BOY CAN BE GOOD FOR A GIRL. Abigail Breslin as Josie, Selena Gomez as Nicolette, and Taylor Swift as Aviva.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

High school kids should never have to read THE ODYSSEY! My favorite was THE SCARLET LETTER.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yes. Why on earth would I listen to them?!

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read everything you like. Give books you don’t like a fighting chance (maybe 50 pages), and write every day. And always remember: process over product. It doesn’t matter if what you’re writing today doesn’t turn into the next best novel. What matters is that you get more and more skilled at getting what is in your head and heart on to paper. And last but not least—don’t listen to ANYONE who tells you you’re not good enough.

**Thanks so much to Tanya for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, at I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids, where she posts monthly), or you can email her directly at tanyastone@tanyastone.com.

Tanya will be stopping by later today, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Hilary Wagner

2010-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.nightshadecity.com/

I'm really excited to be visiting today with author Hilary Wagner, whose debut novel, NIGHTSHADE CITY, was published by Holiday House on 10/1/10!

Deep beneath a modern metropolis lies the Catacombs, the kingdom of remarkable rats of superior intellect. Juniper and his maverick band of rebel rats have been plotting ever since the Bloody Coup turned the Catacombs, a once-peaceful democracy, into a brutal dictatorship ruled by decadent High Minister Killdeer and his vicious henchman, Billycan, a former lab rat with a fondness for butchery.

When three young orphan rats--brothers Vincent and Victor and a clever female named Clover--flee the Catacombs in mortal peril and join forces with the rebels, it proves to be the spark that ignites the long-awaited battle to overthrow their oppressors and create a new city--Nightshade City.

"Fans of Redwall and the Warriors series will love this heroic tale of good versus evil in a subterranean society of rats. The world of the Catacombs is so compelling readers will wonder if it really might exist under our city streets. Expect great adventures in Nightshade City.* ~ Rick Riordan, Author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series."

Publishers Weekly Review:
Wagner's debut novel is a labyrinthine saga about warring factions of rats living beneath a human city. Residents of the grim Catacombs are ruled by High Minister Killdeer, a lecherous drunkard who took control after staging a bloody coup and assassinating the beloved Trilok. Now, 11 years later, Loyalists led by a rat named Juniper are plotting to overthrow Killdeer and Billycan (his sadistic second-in-command), liberate the oppressed rats, and bring them to live in the newly constructed, idyllic Nightshade City. Aided by earthworms adept at burrowing tunnels, the Loyalists invade the Catacombs and pull off their mission in a mostly peaceful showdown. Though an abundance of details and ruminations can bog down the action, Wagner has a talent for characterization, and she fills her sprawling cast with compelling villains and heroes. The outcome feels inevitable, yet readers encounter ample bravado, humor, and pathos along the way. Billycan's mysterious disappearance, Juniper's adoption of a foundling infant rat, and a finale that intriguingly recreates the prologue leave open the door for further adventures in Nightshade. It's a door many fantasy fans will enter eagerly. Ages 9 up.(Oct.)

**I had the chance to ask Hilary a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Billycan from NIGHTSHADE CITY, but for my own protection he'd need to be caged at all times!

Your own six-word memoir.

Funny, funky, needy, crazy, obsessed!

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I seriously wanted to be so many things! I loved anything artistic, singing, acting, dancing (though I have two left feet!). I wanted to be an anthropologist, archeologist, historian, scientist...the list goes on and on. I'd still like to be all of those things!

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Favorite: English, Least Favorite: Gym (This only confirms that I'm a dork, doesn't it?) ;)

The one book everyone in the world should read.

NIGHTSHADE CITY! I've heard it's sheer genius!

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

"I can't believe my quirky, flaky daughter wrote a book and about creepy rats no less! Her father and I always knew she was weird! I told her she should be writer. If only she'd done it sooner!"

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Well Day! The opposite of a sick day! Everyone get's the day off of school and/or work with no guilt. I think everyone needs a day where they can just do whatever the heck they feel like--have fun with the family, go to the movies, write all day long, sleep the day away, whatever you feel like!

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jerks Loathe Waffles! Because you'd have to be a jerk to not like waffles! ;)

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Vegas, baby!

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I would love to have an on-line cookie business! I think I'd be great at it! I make a darn good cookie and I'd love to design all the packaging!

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

It would have to be NIGHTSHADE CITY. Liam Neeson would play Juniper, the main good guy. Billycan, the main bad guy, would be played by Johnny Depp, who I think could make him extra diabolical!

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Even as adults, we all need an escape, but with teens especially so. Teens want excitement and to be thrown into world where amazing things do happen! Where exams and curfew aren't the main concern and popularity is the least of their worries. It doesn't hurt that writers make vampires so darn charming and handsome! Every girl loves a bad boy!

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

America was never discovered--not until now. How would that impact the rest of the world--not having that American influence? What would the inhabitants of the newly discovered America be like in the present day--kept away from the rest of the world?

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I loved JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. I seriously can't think of a book I was made to read in high school that I wouldn't recommend.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

I never let anyone tell me never!

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Gosh, that's a tough one! I'd have to say develop your own voice and stay true it. Don't write in way you "think" your story should be written. In other words, don't write it a way you think an agent or publisher will like. Write your story the way you want to write it. Always follow your instincts and everything else will eventually fall into place.

**Thanks so much to Hilary for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out the awesome NIGHTSHADE CITY website, listed above! You can also find Hilary at her Blog, on Facebook, at Twitter, or email her directly at h.wagner@nightshadecity.com.

We're going to be giving one lucky poster today a copy of NIGHTSHADE CITY, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Ms. Wagner in the comments section. She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Daniele Lanzarotta

2010-11-10T09:51:00.001-08:00

http://www.danielelanzarotta.com/

Today we're visiting with Daniele Lanzarotta, author of IMPRINTED SOULS, which was released by Rocket Science Productions on 6/13/10! The sequel, BLOODLUST, will be coming out later this month, and can be pre-ordered here!

Entrapped in her grief and sorrow, Lexi roams through life with no purpose. She has not been the same ever since an accident took away her High School boyfriend and soul mate. For a while, Lexi could still feel Matt with her and the dreams reassured her that they were still connected, but with time, the dreams started to fade and the pain of his absence deepened. She was convinced that he was gone, and with him, so was part of her soul, the part of her soul that had been imprinted by Matt.

It would take a different type of imprint to bring Lexi back to life, but that imprint would come with a price. The dangers of being with a vampire who still has strong ties to his human life, and the possibility of losing what is left of her connection with her one and true soul mate, Matt; a hidden connection that still lives within the shadows of what is left of her soul.

**I had the chance to ask Daniele a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

It would be Nicholas from the IMPRINTED SOULS Series. You just never know what can happen with him around, and I just LOVE his sarcastic personality!

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

BLOODLUST - available this Saturday! Full of twists and a betrayal that you will never see coming!

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

This is a tough question. I can think of several characters that I would spend time with just so I could ask, “What were you thinking?!” But why waste that opportunity? I would choose Adrian from VAMPIRE ACADEMY. I could do without him smoking and drinking, but overall, he is funny, sarcastic and caring.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

DRACULA by Bram Stoker. Go figure…

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From the time I was probably 5 until I was 17 I wanted to be a doctor… pediatric surgeon or pediatric oncologist. After that was lawyer, financial planner… In a way, through writing, I get to be it all.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

One of my many favorites was Philosophy. I always enjoyed digging deep into a topic and arguing my point. Least favorite… Physics! Ugh! I hated it!

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE AWAKENING and THE RECKONING, by Kelley Armstrong.
SHADOW KISSED and BLOOD PROMISE, by Richelle Mead.
BLOODFEVER, by Karen Marie Moning.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

In this past month, I read all books in the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series, so the number one release that I’m looking forward to is, THE LAST SACRIFICE.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Ummm… “Just Like Werewolves”

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Well, cooking is not one of my many talents, so I wouldn’t necessarily have to go off my diet to only eat food from restaurants, but on a special day… For breakfast, I would go to any NY style deli and have a bagel with lots of cream cheese. For lunch I would have a baked potato from Jason’s Deli. You may be thinking… “That is it?” Well, if you Google their baked potatoes, you will see that one is enough for lunch and dinner! Talking about dinner, I would have the honey shrimp from P.F. Chang’s and Tiramisu for dessert!

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

My day would be spent reading, writing, sleeping and wondering when the power would be back on. That would drive me nuts!

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Well, aside from being an author, I’m also the Marketing Director for my publisher, Rocket Science Productions. I started working for my publisher a couple of months after IMPRINTED SOULS was released, and I love it. So either way, I would still be working in the publishing field.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Oh, wow… umm… Could vampires be considered an endangered species? lol

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

BLOODLUST. I picture Emma Roberts in the role of Lexi, Wentworth Miller would be a great match to portray Tyler (but so would Jensen Ackles), and Michelle Trachtenberg as Adrianne.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I believe there has always been a fascination with the paranormal genre. However, just recently this genre got the attention that it deserves, and with that it opened the doors to new stories. The more books we read in this genre, the more we want to read. As a writer and reader of paranormal fiction, I would say the fascination comes from the possibilities within the genre… the ‘what ifs.’

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Without a doubt!

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read a lot. Write everyday (even if it is just for a few minutes)! Believe in your work, research, and make things happen!

*Thanks so much to Daniele for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, at Twitter, or email her directly at daniele.lanzarotta@gmail.com.

And straight from Daniele, here are the prizes we're offering for lucky posters today:

For the giveaway, I have 5 signed bookmarks. In addition, anyone who comments on the TRT blog during that day, will be entered in my Blog Tour giveaway, which is for a signed copy of IMPRINTED SOULS (or BLOODLUST, if the person already has IMPRINTED SOULS) along with a signed bookmark. The blog tour giveaway is for US addresses only.

So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Daniele in the comments section! She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Catherine Ryan Hyde

2010-11-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

www.catherineryanhyde.com

I'm truly excited to be visiting with one of the nicest authors I've ever had the pleasure of "meeting" and working with: Catherine Ryan Hyde. You may recognize the name from several of her teen titles, such as DIARY OF A WITNESS, THE YEAR I KILLED JAMES, or BECOMING CHLOE. Or you might know her from her adult titles, like CHASING WINDMILLS, WHEN I FOUND YOU, or, more than likely, a little novel-turned-awesome-movie called PAY IT FORWARD.

Today, Catherine agreed to stop by and talk about, among other things, her newest YA release, JUMPSTART THE WORLD, which was published by Knopf on 10/12/10.

Elle is a loner. She doesn’t need people. Which is a good thing, because she’s on her own: she had to move into her own apartment so her mother’s boyfriend won’t have to deal with her.

Then she meets Frank, the guy who lives next door. He’s older and has a girlfriend, but Elle can’t stop thinking about him. Frank isn’t like anyone Elle has ever met. He listens to her. He’s gentle. And Elle is falling for him, hard.

But Frank is different in a way that Elle was never prepared for: he’s transgender. And when Elle learns the truth, her world is turned upside down. Now she’ll have to search inside herself to find not only the true meaning of friendship but her own role in jumpstarting the world.

Tender, honest, and compassionate, JUMPSTART THE WORLD is a stunning story to make you laugh, cry, and honor the power of love.

Five Ways to Jumpstart the World

In my new young adult novel JUMPSTART THE WORLD, Frank, my transgender character, tells Elle, “The world doesn’t always play by its own rules.” He says we all agree that there should be equality for everyone. But of course there isn’t. And we just let it slide. He says, “That’s why there’s such a thing as activism. Sometimes you have to jumpstart the world just to get it to be what even the world admits it should be.”

If you’re not sure how to Jumpstart the World, here are five suggestions:

1). Be emotionally courageous.

Do you believe in equality for all? That’s good. But are you really saying so? Do you promote equality? Do you speak loudly?

Blog about equality and acceptance for ALL! Or tweet it. Or put it up on your Facebook page. Or talk about it with your friends. Say that you don’t discriminate.

Now take it a step further. Say nobody should. We need to stop pretending that those who discriminate have a right to their opinion. Discrimination is not an opinion. It’s an action that causes harm. We need to be brave enough to tell others to stop. We can’t change them, and we’re not responsible for making them stop, but we can tell them straight out that discrimination is not okay.

2). Stop worrying about what others think of you. Or what they say.

This is the main reason, I feel, that people remain silent instead of shouting their truth out loud. Somebody might criticize.

So what if they do? Why are we so afraid to be criticized? In what way will it damage us? Sure, it’s uncomfortable, but we know love is right and hate is wrong. So we know we said the right thing. We just might get some blowback from those still stuck in their hatred. But here’s a question: do you really want approval from bigots?

Two quotes. One from the Buddha. One from Dr. Seuss.

Dr. Seuss said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

The Buddha was once viciously verbally attacked by a young man who came to hear him speak. “Son,” he said, “if someone declined to accept a present, to whom would it belong?” The young man said it would continue to belong to the person who offered it. “Yes,” Buddha said, “and I decline to accept your abuse.”

Shout love, and if anyone tries to give you hate in reply, mark it “return to sender” and let it go. It was never yours.

3). Vote. And vote wisely. And progressively!

Employment discrimination against gays is still completely legal in 29 states. Against transgender individuals it’s legal in 38 states. Three states still ban gay adoption and many others find ways to limit it. Gays still can’t serve openly in the military. Gay and lesbian couples still can’t marry in the overwhelming majority of states.

Outraged yet? I certainly hope so!

Tell your elected officials how you feel about equality. Call them, write to them. Remind them that you vote, and that you’re paying attention.

Learn about the candidates before you cast your vote. Check with the Courage Campaign, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn.org. They publish a lot of information about the candidates and their voting records on equality.

Candidates with lots of money lie and spin in their TV ads to confuse and manipulate voters. Be a voter who won’t be confused or manipulated. Learn the issues and vote your conscience. Our votes can be the power we need to effect change, but only if we use them wisely.

4). Value kindness. And advocate its practice.

Remember the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you? If we all really practiced this rule, I swear the only problems left in the world would be weather-related. Human interactions would all smooth out just fine.

So why don’t you? Because everybody else isn’t doing it? Here’s an idea: you start.

Go out of your way to send messages of kindness to others. Set a precedent for good.

An old spiritual teacher of mine once commented on the Beatles song “All You Need is Love.” He said it was a nice sentiment, but they had it backwards. He said, “All love needs is you.”

Love is in need of practitioners. Volunteer today.

5). I thought of four. Now it’s your turn.

But here’s a suggestion, if you don’t have an idea yet: Spread the link to this little article. That’s a small positive act right there. Small acts add up.

*I have to say that I wholeheartedly believe Ms. Hyde is on the right track. I hope you'll take a few minutes to take to heart her suggestions for Jumpstarting the World, and, like me, plan to pick up a copy of her new release as soon as possible.

Catherine also took time out of her busy schedule to answer a bunch of my questions about her life and writing, so I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I think Frank from JUMPSTART THE WORLD. He’s so sweet and nice. If people who are afraid of transgender knew him, I think they’d be less afraid.

Your own six-word memoir.

I am always on a journey.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Lonely teenager, abandoned by mom, falls in love with an older transman. Learns a little about transgender but a lot more about herself.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON by Daniel Keyes.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A cartoonist, a songwriter, and actress, or all of the above. I focused on wanting to be a writer at age 14.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Creative writing. And math.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

The book you wish you had written.

THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, by Stephen Chbosky
BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, I'LL BE DEAD, by Julie Ann Peters
WALK TWO MOONS, by Sharon Creech
AMARYLLIS IN BLUEBERRY, by Christina Meldrum
I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD, by Peter Nelson

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I AM J, by Cris Beam.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

She’d probably say that she told me years ago (when I was a teen) “The trouble with a fall-back position is that you tend to fall back.” And that now she’s glad she did.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Inattentive. Reclusive. Homebody. Driven. Tunnel-visioned. Always at her computer.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Well, I sort of did. Lots of towns celebrate a Pay It Forward Day. And yes, if I had my way, you’d all get the day off. More time to practice kindness!

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Just Like Wilbur. It can be a sequel to JUMPSTART THE WORLD, focusing on one of my favorite characters (Wilbur).

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I am an Aries. I am a VERY TYPICAL Aries.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

I’m afraid I don’t have the luxury. I’m a vegetarian, and I’m allergic to a ton of foods (wheat, corn, dairy, soy). So restaurant meals don’t work well for me. Sometimes I can go to a good local restaurant like Robin’s (I live in Cambria, CA) and find something to eat. But the restaurants you would know of…I probably couldn’t find one thing on the menu.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Everest Base Camp (if it had more oxygen) or The Great Wall of China.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I would hit the trail and hike. Or I would shove my kayak into my little motor home and drive to a quiet lake or estuary for a paddle. Or both.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

In real life, I’d be teaching writing. In my imagination, I’d be a forest ranger, alone in the silence of the wilderness. Maybe manning (womaning?) a fire lookout tower on top of a wooded mountain.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Equality for all. Until we pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, get rid of the Defense of Marriage Act, and end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, we have a lot of work to do on that score.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Oh, I wish I knew. I’m such a huge fan of realistic fiction. As both a reader and a writer. I so wish I knew what the vampire, zombie thing was about. I’m not putting down those who read it. They obviously like it, and that’s their prerogative. I just don’t understand the appeal.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

Proposition 8 never passed in California. That’s a dark day I’d like to reverse. And then we could see that love is still love, and straight marriage really isn’t threatened. And everybody can fictionally calm down and get this as far behind us as interracial marriage bans are now.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

My favorite was OF MICE AND ME. And no one should ever be forced to read MOBY DICK.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Oh, yes. I keep writing.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Write good books. The best way to do this is to read voraciously, write tons of pages (including many that don’t work out), and join a writers group so you can hear feedback from readers.

**Thanks so very much to Catherine for visiting with us today! I highly recommend checking out her website, listed above, for tons of great info about all of her releases. You can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, on MySpace, at Twitter, at the Red Room, or email her directly at ryanhyde@cryanhyde.com.

Catherine has very kindly offered to send three lucky posters today a wonderful prize. One will receive a copy of JUMPSTART THE WORLD, one a copy of her UK release, WHEN I FOUND YOU, and another a copy of SECOND HAND HEART, another UK release. So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Ms. Hyde in the comments section, as she plans on stopping by later today to see what we're discussing and respond to posts. Ask/comment/praise away!

Visit with Erin Thomas

2010-11-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

http://erinthomas.ca/

BOARDER PATROL came about in a backwards way. Usually, for me, a book starts with an idea or character. With BOARDER PATROL, the first thing was the setting. I was a Ski Patroller for five years, and I loved that we got to spend time on the ski hill when no one else was there. It was sometimes beautiful, sometimes a little spooky, and there was always a sort of hush about it, being the only person on a ski run. I knew that someday, I wanted to set a story there.

My chance came when my agent let me know that Orca Books was looking for manuscripts for their Sports series. I decided to make my character a snowboarder. I had to do research on the competitive side of it, but I knew what it was like to Patrol, so I made him a Patroller.

Ryan isn’t much like me, though. He’s an excellent snowboarder who fumbles a bit when he has to look after patients. He’s not used to that side of things. I was always better at the first aid stuff; I barely passed the ski test. And the conditions were beautiful that night! Actually, that was part of the problem. We don’t get a lot of fresh powder here in southern Ontario. I didn’t know what to do with it. It was fresh powder, maybe a foot deep, and I was used to scraping over slightly icy, grainy, machine-groomed snow. What was the deal with snow covering the skis?

It’s a strange thing, to base a book on experience, even a little bit. Is this character based on so-and-so? I tried to make sure I wasn’t stealing from life that way. I made up a ski hill and set it in British Columbia. I invented a lot of the ski runs that appear in the book. But I know—when I picture the scene in the book that takes place on the Bridge trail, the gap might be bigger and the trail longer, but the basic set-up of it came from the hill where I Patrolled. It’s what is familiar. It’s what I see in my mind.

**Erin's first title for Orca Books, BOARDER PATROL, was published on 5/1/10! You can also find TRT's review of the book right here!

Will doing the right thing ruin Ryan's life?

Ryan is determined to be a professional snowboarder but he's learned from what happened to his whistle-blower father that doing the right thing doesn't always pay off. When his parents leave Kamloops, Ryan decides to stay with relatives so he can be near the Salmon Valley Ski Resort. He spends all his time at the ski hill, volunteering with the Junior Safety Patrol to cover the cost of his lift pass.

When his board is stolen, he discovers that his cousin, Kevin, knows more than he should about recent thefts at the resort. Kevin's in way over his head, and soon Ryan's involved, whether he wants to be or not.

As Ryan prepares for the video shoot that could be his big break, he learns that Kevin's in danger. Ryan has to choose between career and family, and hope that, for him, doing the right thing will pay off.

**I had the chance to ask Erin a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Sometime in late high school, I fell in love with LES MISERABLES. I still love it. I wish my French were better, so I could read the original, untranslated version.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A tightrope walker, apparently, when I was five or so years old. I don’t remember that, and I don’t particularly like heights or the spotlight, but I guess I must have gone to see a circus and liked the sparkly costumes or something.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

My favourite subject in high school was, predictably, English. It always amazed me that I could get marks for reading books and writing about them. The homework was fun. It didn’t feel like work. And when my grade twelve Physics teacher let me write an essay on THE LIFE OF GALILEO (a play by Bertolt Brecht) for my independent study project, I knew I’d hit the jackpot. Physics marks for doing English homework! Yay! Because for me, Physics marks were a lot harder to come by.

My least favourite subject was probably Geography. I stopped taking it as soon as I could. I’d be more interested in it now, but at the time, I thought it was boring. I came across my Geography binder a few years ago, in my parents’ attic. On the front of each sheet of paper are my notes, all nice and neat. On the back, which would have been the left-hand side when the binder was open in front of me, is a scrawled, ongoing conversation with Jillian, the girl I shared a desk with. Actually, that part makes for a lot more interesting reading than the Geography notes.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins
BREAK, by Hannah Moskowitz
A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, by John Irving (first time reading it!)
SKIN HUNGER, by Kathleen Duey
HALF BROTHER, by Kenneth Oppel

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I was waiting pretty anxiously for MOCKINGJAY, but that’s out now. I hadn’t been that excited about a series since Harry Potter. For this year, though, I’ll be looking for the third book in Kathleen Duey’s A RESURRECTION OF MAGIC seies when it comes out.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Are we asking my Mom or my younger brother? Because you’d get very different answers!

Okay: this from my younger brother, Michael.

Quiet. “Which fools people because you’re secretly ferocious.”
Kind
Thoughtful
Determined
ALWAYS LATE
Smart
Corny
Cranky
Sensitive
Loving

He also suggested that I might be a great leaf raker, and should take this opportunity to come help him rake leaves in return for his help with this question. That Mikey. He’s such a dreamer. :)

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

Oh, that’s easy. The first scene in BOARDER PATROL feels too much like an info-dump to me, now. Too much backstory squeezed in. I’d go back and weed most of that out, to keep the focus on the action, and then plant the backstory in smaller bits throughout the book.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Book Day. Everyone gets the day off school and work to celebrate literacy by reading whatever they want to: books, magazines, newspapers, anything. And it should be in winter, so you can curl up in a big armchair with a blanket to enjoy your reading. Hot chocolate is also strongly encouraged.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jedis Leap Wookies.

Um… it’s about a Star Wars fan club gone wrong?

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Sagittarius. Hmm, I’m not sure how much of a match it is. I’m optimistic, yes, but I’m certainly not “happiest on the move.” I like to be home; travel is great, but I’m always ready to come home again after a few days.

Honest, yes—sometimes “blunt” is a better word. Oh, actually, they cover that in the profile under “lack of tact.” But only when I’m not paying attention—I try never to hurt anyone’s feelings.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

My husband and I went to Greece on our honeymoon and loved it. I’d like to go to Italy someday, or France. Or Scotland, Ireland, Wales… all around there. I love Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, and there are lots of parts of Canada I’d love to get to some day. Nunavut, but my husband tells me that will be a solo trip—he has no interest in going anywhere cold.

I don’t want to sit around on a beach all day; I’d like to spend some time exploring and also spend some time reading and relaxing. And I don’t think I’d like being tied to a schedule or a group, like on a cruise. I want to be able to make it up as I go along.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Reading and writing! That’s if I’m on my own. If my family is home, too, my six-year-old daughter and I would play games and draw pictures. There would probably be some piano time thrown in there, too.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Elephants. Or maybe sea turtles.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Absolutely.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read lots, write lots. Learn to accept feedback and to revise from it. Send out your work!

**Thanks so much to Erin for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at Facebook, on Twitter, or email her directly at erin@erinthomas.ca.

Erin has kindly offered to send three lucky posters today a signed copy of BOARDER PATROL, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section. She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Lisa Rowe Fraustino

2010-11-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

http://lisarowefraustino.com/

Today we're visiting with author Lisa Rowe Fraustino, whose newest release, THE HOLE IN THE WALL, was just published by Milkweed on 11/1/10!

Eleven-year-old Sebby has found the perfect escape from his crummy house and bickering family: The Hole in the Wall.

It’s a pristine, beautiful glen in the midst of a devastated mining area behind Sebby’s home. But not long after he finds it his world starts falling apart: his family’s chickens disappear, colors start jumping off the wall and coming to life, and after sneaking a taste of raw cookie dough he finds himself with the mother of all stomachaches. When Sebby sets out to solve these mysteries, he and his twin sister, Barbie, get caught in a wild chase through the tunnels and caverns around The Hole in the Wall — all leading them to the mining activities of one Stanley Odum, the hometown astrophysicist who’s buying up all the land behind Sebby’s home.

Exactly what is Mr. Odum mining in his secret facility, and does it have anything to do with the mystery of the lost chickens and Sebby’s stomachache? The answers to these questions go much further than the twins expect.

*Trailer created by one of Ms. Fraustino's gifted studentsat ECSU, Shauna Guglielmo.

I had the chance to ask Lisa a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Oh, definitely Boots Odum from THE HOLE IN THE WALL. I really want to find out everything he’s learned about the mysterious element he discovered, adrium. Besides, I’m hoping to write two more books around him, one historical and one in the future, so I’d like to get to know him really well. I wouldn’t let him live with us, though.

Your own six-word memoir.

Too many dreams, never enough sleep.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Sebby asks: What’s Stanley Odum strip mining across the road? Why’d Jed run away? Will Pa straighten out? THE HOLE IN THE WALL has answers.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I’d choose Ender Wiggin from Orson Scott Card’s series of science fiction books. I’ve always wished I could travel through space, live among cool species in faraway worlds, and stay young while everyone else I grew up with gets wrinkles.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

QUEENIE PEAVY for her brains, her guts, and her aim.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Strangely enough, I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t think smart people from away would ever want to read anything thunk up by a country girl from Maine, so I set my sights on becoming an English teacher. I fantasized about grading spelling tests.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Favorite: Physics, for the concepts. Here, watch me drop this egg! I loved learning how nature operates. Least favorite: Physics, for the math. Not that I didn’t like word problems—words are fun—but why did it matter how much force the ladder was exerting on the side of the house? I would have loved English the most if the teachers didn’t take weeks to read and discuss books chapter by chapter. Read it all! Read it now!

The one book everyone in the world should read.

These questions are hard! I keep needing to ask for advice. My husband says A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME by Stephen Hawking because everyone should know where the universe came from. My friend says GREEN EGGS AND HAM because everyone should try new things. My mother-in-law says everyone should read my picture book THE HICKORY CHAIR because “Rory likes that one.” (Rory’s my niece.) I guess I’ll go with my mother-in-law’s suggestion. I’d like to be able to afford retirement before my brain gets all used up.

The book you wish you had written.

GO ASK ALICE. The first person who guesses the right reason why will get a mysterious prize. (SEE END OF POST FOR CONTEST!!)

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

1. If you really want to know, THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger. I reread it every year when I teach it in YA lit class, and I love it every time. Such wit, such sorrow. Yes, Holden is whiny, he really is, but he’s also hilariously insightful and has a good heart. I want to be his catcher.

2. THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. Wow. The writing from death’s point of view pulled me in, dragged me through, and kept me away from the ShisenSho game on my laptop every night before bed.

3. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman. I confess I didn’t love it the first time I read it—it seemed too episodic and disjointed—but when I reread it to discuss with my creative writing class, I thought it was brilliantly stitched together. Now I want to be a ghost someday.

4. What was the name of that book…? [Pause to Google…] WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the hard-to-remember title. Sometimes I think the Newbery Committee is like the committee that tried to design a horse and wound up with a camel, but last year they picked a great book, one that has both high literary quality and reader appeal. As someone who grew up watching The $20,000 Pyramid (and who once stole a box of paper clips from the school supply closet), I really identified.

5. The ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of THE HOLE IN THE WALL. There’s nothing like seeing your own name on the cover of a book you’ve been working on for twenty years.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

Han Nolan’s CRAZY.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

I’m so proud of my daughter! She works so hard all the time, she even wrote part of this book at my kitchen table when she came for the holidays, and she’s smart enough to marry Jeff. He installed a new floor for us and we love it. Awesome.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Husband: Yesdear
Son: Pretty
Daughter: Backrubs
Other Daughter:
Sister: Generous
Brother: Laughable
Mom: Good
Dad: Girl
Mother-in-Law: Brilliant
Father-in-Law: Tall
Grammy: You want to know about Lisa Anne? Well, she’s my favorite oldest granddaughter and was always very…oh, you only wanted one word to describe her? Forty-nine.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

I would change the first scene of my first book, GRASS AND SKY (Orchard 1994) to begin with the schoolmaster talking to one of the shape-shifting teachers, about how the heroine of the story, Timmi Lafler, is safe in the hands of family on a remote lake in Maine… (I will send an autographed copy of GRASS AND SKY to the winner of a TRT prize drawing.) (SEE END OF POST FOR CONTEST!)

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Kids’ Day Off. Parents get a paid day to stay home with the kids, but the kids still have to go to school.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jeff Loves Wife
(My husband’s name is Jeff, and he thought up this title.)

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast will be a chili omelet at the Wooden Spoon around the corner from where we live in Ashford, CT, oh, and sweet potato home fries on the side. Second breakfast will be sushi at Higashi on our way to the airport . Then we’ll jet off to Mahasarakham, Thailand for lunch at Phai See Thong (meaning “Golden Bamboo”). We’ll have crickets, grasshoppers, ant eggs, fried fish and sticky rice. By then we’ll be pretty full so for dinner will just share a pizza with some panna cotta for dessert at Da Michele in Turin, Italy.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Vacation? We took a day off once, lying for hours in the hammock on the porch of our lake house in Maine, talking about what we should do next.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Making sure nobody stands in front of the refrigerator with the door open.

Of course, I’ll have a pile of books beside me. If it gets too dark to see, I’ll dig the Coleman gas lamp out of the camping gear and keep reading to all hours like I did at the lake cabin where grew up in the summers without cell phones, computers, or electricity. I loved life there—swimming, hiking, boating, frog catching, playing cards and board games and horseshoes, writing and drawing, doing handcrafts, making up skits, singing around the bonfire. But especially reading.

f you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d be a psychiatrist. After all the psychoanalysis I’ve done of characters, it should be easy. Also, I have four cats. Do I even need to go back to school for this?

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

It would be a hoot to play Mrs. Weasley.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

The world has so many problems and I have so many ideas to solve them, I couldn’t decide on one, so my husband has jumped in an offered to give a short speech on “A Cultural and Gender Based Analysis on the Question ‘Do You Love Me Even Though I’m Fat?’”

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Again, how can I narrow it down to one? I want to save them all. So I asked my father-in-law to choose for me. He said the penguin, because he’s always well dressed every morning before breakfast. Sounds good to me.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

It will be a book I haven’t written yet, with Gary Oldman as the bad guy and Betty White as the child protagonist (she’ll be animated). Oliver Platt will play the goofy uncle, and his wife will be played by my favorite actor, Paul Bettany. (I will do Paul’s wardrobe and make-up.)

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

I know it may not seem major to you, but it would have made a huge difference in my history if those mean girls in seventh grade had been sucked into that black hole in the locker room the day before I moved to town. Oh, but they’re nice to me now at the class reunions. I guess instead I’d have Christopher Columbus get lost.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

Down with SILAS MARNER, up with MACBETH. Need I say more?

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

The parrot of self-doubt who sits on the shoulder of my hot pink robe while I write has told me this every morning for years. I haven’t let it stop me yet.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read, write, rewrite. Repeat repeatedly. Get a good liberal arts education that will expand your knowledge all over the place and sharpen your thinking. Maintain the reading, writing, revising habit. Take writing workshops, attend conferences, learn about the publishing business. Join a critique group with other writers who are smart and well read. When you and they honestly think your work is as good as most of the new books being published in the same genre, start submitting manuscripts to editors or agents. It may take one year, it may take ten, but if you do all that and remain persistent, you will become a published writer. Probably.

Sit in on a session of Dr. Lisa’s Class! Visit Lisa’s web page at http://lisarowefraustino.com/?page_id=283 to read “Putting Your Character in the Driver’s Seat.”

Other class sessions can be found at http://lisarowefraustino.com/?page_id=249.

**Thanks so much to Lisa for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above! As mentioned in the post, we'll be having 2 prizes today for 2 separate winners! One lucky poster will be getting a signed copy of GRASS AND SKY, and another will receive an awesome mystery prize for answering this question:

Why did Lisa name GO ASK ALICE as the book she wishes she had written?

The person closest to the correct answer will win said mystery prize!

So make sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Ms. Fraustino in the comments section; she'll be stopping by later this evening to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Malorie Blackman

2010-11-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.malorieblackman.co.uk/

Today we're visiting with award-winning, best-selling author Malorie Blackman. Her latest release, BOYS DON'T CRY, was published by Doubleday on 10/28/10. You can also find TRT's Gold Star Award review of the title right here!

In BOYS DON'T CRY, bestselling author Malorie Blackman explores the unchartered territory of teenage fatherhood.

You’re waiting for the postman--he’s bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist--a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings it’s your old girlfriend; and she’s carrying a baby. You’re fine to look after it, for an hour or two, while she does some shopping. Then she doesn’t come back and your future suddenly looks very different.

Malorie’s dramatic new novel will take you on a journey from tears to laughter and back again.

**I had the chance to ask Malorie a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Callum from NOUGHTS AND CROSSES or Tobey from DOUBLE CROSS because I liked their characters very much, plus in my mind they were extremely fit!

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Want a book that is a fun, thought-provoking and entertaining read? Try BOYS DON'T CRY by Malorie Blackman.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I think I’d like to spend the day with Miss Jane Marple, because she could tell some stories and she is a very perspective person who knows people.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An English teacher. I loved books and reading so much there really was no other career choice in my head for quite a number of years.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English was my favorite. Maths was my least favorite simply because I was so useless at it.

The book you wish you had written.

REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Malorie Blackman has always been a strange person. As a child she daydreamed a lot and had some pretty strange ideas. But I love her books and can’t put them down!

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Lives in a world of her own and loves it.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

I would love to go back and rewrite sections of all my books actually so this is a hard question to answer. But I think I’d most like to go back to KNIFE EDGE and rework some of the song lyrics in that book.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Mary Seacole day – 14th May (which is the day of her death but it would be a day to celebrate her life). The holiday would be a day of remembrance celebrating Mary Seacole’s commitment and contribution to British soldiers in the Crimean War. In fact it could be called Mary Seacole day but it would be a day to remember all those whose efforts support the work of our soldiers, like nurses and doctors, engineers, cooks, etc.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jamie Loves Wayne

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m an Aquarian. To be honest, I’m not into astrology at all, but the description of Aquarians was spookily accurate for me!

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Mauritius. I went once with my family and we all agree it was the best holiday we’ve ever had.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Being with my family, playing the piano and the guitar and singing, playing card and board games and reading. No problem.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Something to do with books. I’d maybe be an agent or work in a book shop or work as an editor to try and get the good books of others published.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

I’d love to be in a film where I’m some kind of super hero with an edge – like in The X-Men!

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

The Western World doing more to help the world’s poor and desperate.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

I’d love to see a film made of NOUGHTS AND CROSSES. And as far who would play one of the main characters is concerned, as long as they could act, I wouldn’t mind.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

When I was a teenager, I felt very different to the adults and children around me. I felt out of step with everyone else. I believe stories of the paranormal for teens tap into that feeling of being a misfit, of not quite belonging, of being different.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

JFK wasn’t assassinated.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Of course. Not writing for me would be like not breathing.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

I’d give them a few writing tips and point them to my website which has loads more!

**Thanks so much to Malorie for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website or find her one Facebook - and have fun reading her books!

Visit with Julie A. Gorges

2010-11-02T04:48:00.001-07:00

http://juliegorges.com/

Today we're visiting with author Julie A. Gorges, whose latest book for teens, TIME TO CAST AWAY, was published by I-Form Ink on 4/1/08! You can find our review of the book right here.

When do you let go of a friendship that isn't working anymore? This is the decision Meg Johnson, 16, faces when she realizes that her relationship with her best friend has become negative, critical, and damaging.

The story, told through diary entries of a teenage girl who has died, shows that staying in a destructive relationship can have tragic consequences. In this powerful novel, we learn that sometimes it's crucial to "cast away" someone we love.

**I had the chance to ask Julie a few questions about her life and writing - enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

For sure it would be Danny Dement (nicknamed Danny Demented) from my novel TIME TO CAST AWAY. I loved him because he was fearless, but at the same time he kept a lot of the childlike qualities we all seem to lose. I have a feeling as an adult he’d be doing something creative and interesting – and he’d still be climbing trees and flying kites.

Your own six-word memoir.

Loved living every moment of life.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Meg faces a tough choice, abandon her once-wonderful friendship or keep clinging on, despite negative consequences. The outcome is shocking.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I was into Gothic romances as a teen and read authors like Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. One of my favorites was THE QUEEN'S CONFESSION: THE STORY OF MARIE ANTOINETTE, by Victoria Holt. I was fascinated by the French Revolution and the book told the tragic story through the queen’s point of view.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My life has surpassed any dreams I had as a teen. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. For awhile I thought maybe something fun and creative like a photographer. But then I took photography in high school and it turned out I wasn’t all that great at taking pictures.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Like most writers, loved English and hated math, especially Algebra and Chemistry.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

The Bible.

The book you wish you had written.

EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

OLIVE KITTERIDGE, by Elizabeth Strout; SARAH'S KEY, by Tatiana de Rosnay; A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, by Khaled Hosseini; WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, by Sara Gruen; and THE GLASS CASTLE, by Jeanette Walls.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

I have a great Mom and she’d gush like crazy.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Loving, spiritual, adventurous, dependable, creative, impatient, caring, determined, kind, and content.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

In TIME TO CAST AWAY one of the characters dies and I had a hard time killing her off. However, in the end I knew the lesson of ending destructive relationships would be driven home more powerfully with her death. So even though it made me sad, I wouldn’t change anything.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I love to travel and have been to all the continents except Africa and Antarctica. The latter is way too cold for me, but I’d love, love to see Africa.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I have a pen and paper, right? I’d be writing the old fashioned way. And I’d be reading outside on my patio, enjoying a peaceful day without all the stresses technology brings.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Speaking at schools reminds me how great teens can be, so I think maybe I’d be a teacher in middle or high school.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

JUST CALL ME GOODY-TWO-SHOES would be fun to see as a movie since a lot of it comes straight from diaries I kept as a teen. Jade could be played by someone interesting like Abigail Breslin; her flirty best friend by a blonde like Emily Osment; and Rob, the boy her and her best friend both like, by the sexy Taylor Kitsch from Friday Night Lights.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I liked the drama of Dickens, especially A TALE OF TWO CITIES (I know, once again my morbid fascination with the French Revolution). Literature teachers will hate me, but I hated anything Shakespeare. And students shouldn’t have to read Edgar Allan Poe, those stories gave me nightmares!

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yup, I know from experience I can’t stop writing. The publishing world can be frustrating sometimes, especially when you’re just starting out. I’ve sworn off writing more than once in my life. But if you’re really a writer, you’re addicted and will always come back. You don’t have a choice.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

If you’re serious about becoming a writer, get into the habit of writing every day. I’m a fan of keeping a private journal of some sort. Grab a piece of paper and be open and brave. Use all your senses and memories. Be specific and create vivid imagery. Become an observer of both your own life and feelings and others around you. Write when you feel wretched; write when you’re on top of the world. Read as much as you can. And have fun. Getting published is less important than the process and joy of writing. Writers learn from everything they write – whether it’s published or not.

**Thanks so much to Julie for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can email her directly at jagorges@hotmail.com.

Julie has kindly offered to send one lucky poster today a copy of TIME TO CAST AWAY, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Kathryn Williams

2010-11-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

www.kathrynswilliams.com

Today we're visiting with Kathryn Williams, author of both THE DEBUTANTE and her newest release, THE LOST SUMMER, which was published by Hyperion on 7/14/09!

"I died one summer, or I almost did. Part of me did. I don't say that to be dramatic, only because it's true."

For the past nine years, Helena Waite has been returning to summer camp at Southpoint. Every year the camp and its familiar routines, landmarks, and people have welcomed her back like a long-lost family member. But this year she is returning not as a camper, but as a counselor, while her best friend, Katie Bell remains behind. All too quickly, Helena discovers that the innocent world of campfires, singalongs, and field days have been pushed aside for late night pranks on the boys' camp, skinny dipping in the lake, and stolen kisses in the hayloft. As she struggles to define herself in this new world, Helena begins to lose sight of what made camp special and the friendships that have sustained her for so many years. And when Ransome, her longtime crush, becomes a romantic reality, life gets even more confusing.

Told with honesty and heart, Kathryn Williams' second novel tackles the timeless theme of growing up, set at a camp where innocence is created and lost.

**I had the chance to ask Kathryn a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her responses as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Gram from THE DEBUTANTE. She isn’t so much a villain as a monkey wrench thrown into Annie’s works, and I love her. Her character is in some ways based on a few people I know and know from afar. There’s some old-school glamor to her, but she is a horrible communicator. I can see myself getting into a knock-down, drag-out fight with her. She would be a worthy adversary for a stubborn Taurus like me (see below).

Your own six-word memoir.

She came, she saw, she slept.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Is this thing on? Yeah? Ok. My book. There’s this girl, Sophie, who wants to be a chef. She goes on a reality show, and - shoot! out of char

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I’m still in the middle of this book, so I can’t count it as a favorite yet, but I really like Tiny Cooper from WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON. He is utterly buoyant (boy-ant?).

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Dancer, then actress, then archaeologist, then sociologist, then journalist/writer. I suppose being a writer is a little bit of all of those.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English. Physics—it still doesn’t make sense to me.

The book you wish you had written.

LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

I was interested to see, so I asked her... and I quote:

“The first indication that Kathryn was destined to write was when she produced her first short story at age 8. She worked for weeks on the story of a pony named Babbling Brook written in a pink and white flowered school binder. The treasured volume was destroyed in a basement flood, but that didn't dampen her aspiration to be an author.”

I’m sure my author photo would be one of me naked in the bathtub playing with my purple My Little Pony.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Stay in Bed Day. It celebrates the beauty of a day spent in bed, sleeping, reading, and watching Netflix. I think as a nation we could all use a break like that at least once a year. While it would be interesting to see people try to celebrate this holiday at work or school (transform the gym into a giant matrix of sleeping bags?), I think the greatest joy would be spending it in your own bed.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Just Like Waking

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Taurus. Um, to a T. Stubborn? Check. Loyal? Check. Determined? Check. Practical? Check. Sometimes lazy? See National Stay in Bed Day.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

This is the best question ever. I’ll answer for myself and for Sophie, the protagonist of my new book about a girl who wants to be a top chef.

Me:
Breakfast - A croissant with scrambled eggs, sausage, and a cappucino from the Blue Chair in Sewanee, Tennessee (where I went to college).
Lunch - Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee’s. Don’t judge. Me and Applebee’s go way back.
Dinner - Anything from the seasonal and constantly changing menu at Margot Cafe in Nashville (where I live).

Sophie:
Breakfast - Greek yogurt with local honey, dried figs, and walnuts.
Lunch - Buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato, and roasted eggplant on caramelized onion and roasted garlic foccacia with basil pesto.
Dinner - A true Greek salad to start, followed by rosemary lamb with roasted seasonal root vegetables. And, of course, handmade baklava for dessert.

All from her own (future) restaurant, Sophia.

Now my mouth is watering...

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Back to the Greek Isles, where I spent part of a college semester abroad. I am working as an editor on a travel guide to Greece, and it is torture to read all about it. I also really want to see Cuba one day.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Hiking during the day and reading and playing board games by a fire at night.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Serious consideration for federally mandating the leg space airlines are required to give you on long flights. Oh, and world peace.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

If my book coming out next year (tentatively titled Teen Test Kitchen) was made into a movie, I’d like to see Alexa Nikolas as Sophie. She’s part Greek, like Sophie, and reportedly she’s joining the cast of Family Guy, so one would assume she has a sense of humor. Whether she could fake cook remains to be seen.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

For some reason, A SEPARATE PEACE really stuck with me. And Ethan Frome. Why? No idea. But I suppose that makes them important. Also Hemingway and THE GREAT GATSBY. Oh, just read ‘em already. You’ll thank me later. But under no circumstances — I mean NEVER EVER, under threat of putting yourself in a coma — read MIDDLEMARCH. Woof. Or was it TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES? I suppose neither estimation is fair since I probably leaned heavily on CliffsNotes in forming both opinions.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Have you been reading my emails? Just kidding, but every writer feels like this every once in awhile, even if she’s not told so flat out. In any event, after I crawled from my fort made of tear and snot-stained Kleenex, yes, I’d keep on keepin’ on. But I’d stop giving a crud what anyone thinks, and it would the best thing that ever happened to my writing.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

When you figure it out, please let me know because I’m still looking around trying to figure out how I got here. In the meantime, write. You can’t publish if you don’t write.... Why do you want to be a writer anyway? You realize we don’t make any money, right?

**Thanks so much to Kathryn for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website listed above - and to keep checking it regularly to learn about her upcoming book release! Feel free to also contact her directly at kathryn@kathrynwilliams.com.

Kathryn has generously offered to send two lucky posters a prize today - one will get a signed copy of THE DEBUTANTE, and another will get a signed copy of THE LOST SUMMER. So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section; she'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Jessica Warman

2010-10-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

http://jessicawarman.com/

Today we're visiting with Jessica Warman, author of BREATHLESS and its sequel, WHERE THE TRUTH LIES, which was published by Walker Books on 9/28/10!

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

This companion novel to Warman's critically acclaimed BREATHLESS proves that sometimes the biggest lies are told to the people you love the most.

**I had the chance to ask Jessica a few questions about her life and writing - enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

It would definitely be Del Sugar from WHERE THE TRUTH LIES. I’m absolutely obsessed with him.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I think it would probably be Holden Caulfield from THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. That was my favorite book while I was growing up, and I’d absolutely love the chance to spend some time with Holden, who remains fascinating to me to this day. And I’d LOVE to hear his opinions on our society today.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Definitely THE CATCHER IN THE RYE.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a writer. There was never anything else that mattered to me enough to make it my career. I had teachers and family members who would try to gently explain to me that I should maybe come up with a back-up plan… but I never did. From the time I was around twelve, I was very focused. There simply wasn’t any other option in my mind.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Favorite was English, specifically Creative Writing. My least favorite was actually Latin class. I cannot conjugate Latin verbs to save my life.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Wow, that’s a difficult question. So much to choose from! I guess I’d probably say anything by Ernest Hemingway. I teach creative writing from time to time, and I always spend the first class reading and discussing a Hemingway short story, usually “Hills Like White Elephants” or “Indian Camp.” So, in a sense, that’s my way of making sure everyone who I teach has some Hemingway in their lives.

The book you wish you had written.

GOODNIGHT NOBODY by Jennifer Weiner.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

CONSIDER THE LOBSTER by David Foster Wallace
INFINITE JEST by David Foster Wallace
WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte
SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS by David Guterson
FOOL by Christopher Moore

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Ha! She’d probably say something like, “Jessica works too much, and her family has too many pets. She adores her kids and husband. I could never get her to even try olives.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Persistent, fun-loving, sensitive, raunchy, giggly, introspective, hard-working, goofy.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National sleep holiday! Everybody gets to sleep in as late as they want. Then we all get to take as many naps as we want. Of course, nobody has to go to work or school.

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m definitely a classic Aries – I’m always shocked by how closely my personality relates to the Aries profile.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast – chocolate chip pancakes from Pamela’s
Lunch – Sushi!!! From wherever… any sushi at all is fabulous sushi, in my opinion
Dinner – Pad Thai from the Green Mango

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I absolutely love Connecticut. I feel like I lived there in a previous life. I go there every chance I get.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Ideally, I’d spend it sleeping and eating. But in reality, I’m sure I’d spend the day trying to keep my kids from going wild with boredom.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

It’s hard for me to even imagine being anything else, but if I must choose, I’d say that I would probably be a psychologist. It’s the only other profession that even remotely appealed to me.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

My favorite was THE YELLOW WALLPAPER by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. My least favorite… hmmm… probably WINESBURG, OHIO.

**Thanks so much to Jessica for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also email her directly at jkwarman@hotmail.com.

Jessica has kindly offered to send one lucky poster today a signed copy of both BREATHLESS and WHERE THE TRUTH LIES, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section; she'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Gillian Cummings

2010-10-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

www.gilliancummings.com

Today we're visiting with Gillian Cummings, whose debut novel, SOMEWHERE IN BLUE, was published by Lobster Press on 4/1/10!

Sixteen-year-old Sandy is reeling from the recent loss of her father to cancer. A growing gulf separates Sandy and her mother, a self-absorbed banker who appears to be moving on quite nicely. Sandy's best friend Lennie is struggling, too, determined to rise above her bar-hopping cougar of a mom. Gentle romance from the boy next door cushions fragile Sandy, but when family secrets threaten to shatter both mother-daughter relationships, Sandy's relentless downward spiral shuts out her friends when she needs them most.

Set amid Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, its leafy streets, clanging streetcars and lakeside boardwalk a vibrant urban backdrop, SOMEWHERE IN BLUE explores loss and loneliness through four strong female characters, as they reach out for connections and strive for individual happiness.

**I had the chance to ask Gillian a few questions about her life and writing, which she happily answered so that I could share the responses with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Teresa, the cougar mom in SOMEWHERE IN BLUE. I don’t personally know any cougar moms, but she was just so much fun to write. I’d like to see her poured into a leather mini and a low-cut top, clicking into my kitchen in sky-high heels. I’d like to hear her break into song, belt out some old blues lyric and watch her swing her hips to the beat. I’d like to listen to that lingering southern lilt of hers, and watch her use it to pick up a guy in the meat department of my supermarket. That said, if she dragged home some sketchy dude from the nearest grimy bar, I might have to send her packing!

Your own six-word memoir.

Words, imagination, discipline. Combine for reinvention.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

When Sandy’s dad dies, loss and grief overwhelm her. Friends reach out, but family secrets threaten the relationships that are left. Can Sandy prevail?

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books (not one that you’ve written). Who would you choose and why?

The character of Olive Kitteridge has stayed with me for more than a year now, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout. Olive is a rather large, ornery, retired math teacher (and I hate math) who lives in Maine and generally makes her presence known, for good and for bad, around her small town. She’s not the type of person I’d generally gravitate to, but I think it’s Elizabeth Strout’s genius that manages to fascinate me with Olive’s quirks and failings, makes me respect her, forces me to think about her humanity, and inspires me to try to write that well.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

As a young teen, ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET, by Judy Blume, was a fave. Later, I loved A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

I loved geography, and left high school thinking I might be an urban planner – until I fell in love with music history in first year university. I loathed calculus in my final year of high school. I worked harder in that course than any other one, but wound up with my lowest mark ever, a sad 66. My calculus teacher would call that “decreasing marginal returns.” And – big surprise – I haven’t been able to help my teen daughters with their math homework in many years.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

A FINE BALANCE by Canadian Rohinton Mistry is a long, beautiful and sad journey of a book. It brings you an India where the lines between hope and misery slowly begin to blur. It is the most moving book I have ever read.

The book you wish you had written.

OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse. It’s a young adult book about a girl in the dustbowl ‘30s, and it’s written in free verse. Each page is a poem in itself, and Hesse’s spare writing almost magically conveys the most powerful, emotional tale. I know I’m not skilled enough to write in free verse, but some day I’d like to try.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE MISTRESS OF NOTHING, Kate Pullinger; BALTIMORE'S MANSION, Wayne Johnston; LOVING FRANK, Nancy Horan; KLEE WYCK, Emily Carr; OLIVE KITTERIDGE, Elizabeth Strout (okay, I read it last year, but I still think about it a lot! It was unforgettable).

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

QUEEN OF HEARTS by Canadian writer Martha Brooks. Two of her previous young adult novels, TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A HEARTLESS GIRL, and MISTIK LAKE, are absolute favourites of mine.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

I dutifully canvassed my husband and two daughters on this: Perfectionist, empathetic, emotional, dogged, critical, loyal, curious, literate, artistic, cat-coddling.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

B-Movie Day. We all get to stay home (of course we get the day off!), surround ourselves with a wonderfully unhealthy array of junk food (just like Lorelei and Rory Gilmore would do in The Gilmore Girls), and watch B-grade movies. You know those second-tier flicks that have mediocre actors you don’t recognize and some cheesy plot and cheap-looking sets? I love those!

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jealousy Lives Within. (I really like this provocative title. Only problem is, it doesn’t sound like a book I would write!)

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I have always been a true Scorpio, intense in everything I do and feel. And don’t cross me. I do sting. According to your chart, “their eyes often blaze with feelings that words never express, and beware on the days or nights they hide their feelings behind dark glasses, there is likely to be a storm of some kind brewing.” Definitely me, unfortunately. But I like the part about Phoenix Resurrected. “These Scorpios are detached and extremely powerful. They are wise beyond their years and act as leaders and are an inspiration to others.” I’m going to aim for that.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

I’d definitely have to travel for this food extravaganza. Breakfast would be croissants, lots of butter, and café au lait at Le Flore en L’Ile, a café on the west side of Ile St-Louis in Paris, with a stunning view of Notre Dame. By lunch time, I’d be sitting down to a rustic platter of local cured meats and cheeses with some crusty bread and extra-virgin olive oil, as well as a glass of Chianti, anywhere in Tuscany. By dinner I’d be back home, enjoying Tuna Nicoise Carpaccio, with tapenade, haricot vert, new potatoes, quail egg, cherry tomatoes and anchovy vinaigrette, paired with a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir, at Toronto’s Crush Wine Bar. Since the tuna is a delicate appetizer portion, there would be room for Crush’s cheese plate, with crisp bread, fruit compote, toasted nuts and slices of apple and pear. (And don’t tell me I had enough cheese at lunch!) Of course, there must always be chocolate, so I’d have to add on a couple of chocolate truffles. Luckily for my waistline, unless someone offered me flights on the Concorde, this day would be impossible.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I’ve never been to New Zealand, and hiking the magical landscape there is top of my list. Until I get there, I feed on two previous destinations that remain my vacation highlights: hiking the haunting Quiraing in Skye, Scotland, and heli-hiking in the Bobby Burns range of the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I would walk my city, Toronto, all day long. I’d start off in our ravines – Toronto has the most amazing ravine system that cuts through the city in large forested fingers – and I’d work my way south down the Don River valley to Lake Ontario, then follow the path along the lake west toward the Humber River valley, then head north again. With a little luck, the power failure day would happen in October, when our maple trees wear their stunning red, yellow and orange colours.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Not teaching calculus, that’s for sure. My first professional job was music critic for a daily newspaper. I could go back to doing that, I think.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Okay, here’s the deal: It can be any movie, but Colin Firth has to be the leading man, and he has to be smitten with me. And we have to end up together. He was recently here at the Toronto International Film Festival, and I attended the premiere of his latest movie, The King’s Speech, and he walked near me! It was his 50th birthday, too, and the whole theatre sang him Happy Birthday. So it’s only fair that I get to be in a movie with him.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

A movie of SOMEWHERE IN BLUE would be the coolest thing. And note to all the producers out there: All the locations already exist! Just come to Toronto and film here in our beautiful Beaches neighbourhood (check out gilliancummings.com for location photos!). As for the starring role, I’d have to request Saoirse Ronan to play Sandy. Saoirse has that otherworldly look that I see for Sandy, and she was amazing in The Lovely Bones and Atonement.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

I would dearly like to erase 9/11 from history. I hope I never have to witness anything more shocking than that morning. I watched it all on television as it happened, along with the rest of the world, and if I could bring back all those people who died and those two landmark towers to the Manhattan skyline, I would. To this day, I look up and watch a plane flying low and consider the horrific possibility of that moment, based on what happened once before. I hate being haunted by that memory and I’m angry at the ramifications all over the world in its wake.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I loved THE STONE ANGEL by Canadian Margaret Laurence. The crotchety main character Hagar Shipley was one of the strongest female characters I’d experienced in a book. I was never a big Shakespeare fan, and luckily my Toronto high school usually bussed us to the Stratford Festival to see the play we were studying (so that helped!), but I do remember an intense dislike for THE STRANGER by Albert Camus. Existentialism. Yuck.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Of course I’d keep writing. It was never a guarantee that I’d be able to publish SOMEWHERE IN BLUE, but that didn’t stop me from writing it in the first place, then rewriting, then editing. Some days it does seem like an endless process that you get kind of lost in, but I actually like that immersion, that world of being buried in the writing of a book. And if someone casts doubt on the master plan, forge on.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Everyone always says read widely, and write every day. Well, there are days I can’t write, and the book at my bedside may not get opened each night. Don’t feel the pressure of someone else’s rules. Writing will find you. You will read what you want to when you can, and if you’ve worked hard enough and with enough skill, a publisher will find you. Faith and dogged perseverance count big time.

**Thanks so much to Gillian for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at Facebook.

Her publisher, Lobster Press, will be sending two lucky posters a copy of SOMEWHERE IN BLUE, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Gillian in the comments section - she'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Kimberly Joy Peters

2010-10-27T06:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.kimberlyjoypeters.com/

Today we're visiting with author Kimberly Joy Peters, who has not one, but two new releases! Both MAYBE NEVER, MAYBE NOW and DEFINITELY NOT CAMELOT were released by Lobster Press on 10/1/10, and are separate stories, but they take place during the same time period, and so have some cross-over characters, phone calls, etc.

In the sequel to the award-winning novel PAINTING CAITLYN, it’s the start of eleventh grade, and Caitlyn is ready to forget the abusive relationship she was trapped in last year. Since breaking free of Tyler’s grip, she has put up a wall to protect herself so she won’t be hurt that way again. When an opportunity arises to go on an exchange trip to Quebec, Caitlyn wonders if this is her chance for a fresh start.

But soon after her departure, old fears and insecurities start to creep back in, and she second-guesses herself at every turn. Her close friend, Conner, is also on the trip, and it’s clear that he is interested in taking their friendship to another level. Because Caitlyn feels she made such a huge mistake by letting Tyler take over her life the year before, she is afraid to make the wrong choice with Conner. Her indecision lead her to rely on horoscopes, mood rings, and “signs” to make her choices for her, until she finds herself paralyzed with doubt. Added to the stress of having to sort through her feelings for Conner, she also receives a letter from her estranged father, who abandoned her mother and Caitlyn when she was four years old. His attempt at reconciliation throws her into a tailspin, and serves as another reminder of how she was betrayed by someone close to her. With the support of Conner, her host “sister” Mireille, and her best friend Ashley, Caitlyn recovers the strength she needs to trust herself – and others – again.

In the sequel to the award-winning novel POSING AS ASHLEY, it’s only the first day of eleventh grade and Ashley is already generating a whole semester’s worth of gossip. Her once spotless reputation is under fire in the halls and on a social networking site where people are posting photos and nasty comments about her. To add to the stress, her mother has started cancer treatments and Ashley’s best friend, Caitlyn, is going on a foreign exchange trip, leaving Ashley to cope on her own. But Ashley, the consummate over-achiever, decides to face the school year head-on and tries out for the high school production of Camelot.

She lands the lead, but the added pressure leads to a growing dependence on various natural supplements and vitamins, which she had initially bought for her mother’s chemotherapy side effects. When she starts mixing these supplements, and taking them with increased frequency, the effects are disastrous. Her odd behavior and uncharacteristically poor performance in class and on stage, combined with the gossip about her wild ways, causes the rumors to spin out of control until she is eventually accused of using drugs. Between her new dependence, her mother’s illness, and the wagging tongues at school, will Ashley be able to keep everything together? Or is she destined to be trapped in a life that is definitely not Camelot?

**I had the chance to ask Kimberly a few questions about her life and writing - which seems incredibly busy! - and she was gracious enough to answer them for me. Enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

This is a tough one, because the cool thing about writing is that you can make your characters be anyone you want…so I’d love to hang out with most of them! Mireille (from the ‘just released’ MAYBE NEVER, MAYBE NOW) is one of those fun, confident, surprising girls that everyone likes. Caitlyn’s more introspective, but she’s the type you could stay up all night talking to. In many ways, though, they are composites of the friends I already have. So maybe I’d pick one of the good guys – Justin, Brandon, Taiton, or Conner -- because there aren’t enough of those in real life, and my niece is just getting to the age where she’s going to be looking for one!

Your own six-word memoir.

I did the best I could.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

OMG DNC & MNMN R 2 TOTALLY DIFF BOOKS THAT HAPPEN AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PEOPLE. GET BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY. SO COOL!

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Wow – there were SO many, and I found that it tended to shift depending on where I was in my life – but I guess if I have to pick just one, I’d go with Lois Lowry’s A SUMMER TO DIE. Lois Lowry is very well known for THE GIVER, but I don’t run into many people who’ve read A SUMMER TO DIE. It’s a terrible title that actually (I think) has very little to do with the real story, which is about a girl’s emergence from the shadow of her older sister. Which makes me realize that my second-favorite book growing up was THE LANGUAGE OF GOLDFISH, by Zibby O’Neal, which also features a more confident, worldly older sister. Lately I’ve also noticed a bit of a YA trend in the same direction, with book such as Alyson Noël’s SAVING ZOE, and Holly Cupola’s TELL ME A SECRET. So although I write about friendship, (author Sara Zarr did a wonderful article about writers and the recurring themes in their books at http://www.powells.com/essays/sarazarr.html) when it comes to choosing books, I clearly have some issues with being the second daughter!

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was really young, like six, I wanted to be a ballerina/veterinarian. And after I figured out that I couldn’t dance, and would probably have to euthanize as many pets as I saved, I wanted to be Oprah Winfrey. Still think I’d be great at that!

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Favorites: a toss-up between Art, English, and French, depending on who was teaching them. The right teacher makes such a difference!

Least fave in elementary school was definitely gym, for all of the reasons kids like me hate it. Fortunately, I didn’t have to take gym in high school – so my least favorite there would have been math. Except for the year I sat beside Paul Farrow ;) (I should note, however, that I ended up marrying another guy from the Math class I dropped, so quitting my least favorite subject didn’t actually narrow my life options at all!).

The one book everyone in the world should read.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB, by E.B. White. It’s so much more than a book about a spider and a pig. It’s about making a difference.

The book you wish you had written.

TWISTED, by Laurie Halse Anderson. She got it exactly right. Exactly.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Okay – I went right to “the source” (my mom) and got her to do this:

“Kimberly was a sensitive and inquisitive child. She loved to listen to stories before she developed verbal skills. Regardless of what she was doing, she was always prepared to join the circle if a story was being read. As her verbal skills developed, she sought information and loved attending Story Hour at the library. When Kimberly learned to read, she read voraciously and frequented the library on a regular basis, choosing books for entertainment, as well as seeking information. Books have always been an important component of her life. Kimberly had a bent for writing and began writing short stories when she was able to write sentences.”

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

(Did my psychiatrist put you up to these questions? And if I get them wrong, will we be blaming it on my overactive imagination, or a distorted self-image?)

Creative, erratic, eccentric, intelligent, caring but self-absorbed, well-read, talkative, sickly (in an asthmatic, often has strep-throat and/or bronchitis type of way), modest.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

** Spoiler alert!!!*** I would so love to change the “life-altering moment” in POSING AS ASHLEY. As originally written, it was to be a scene that raised questions about the ethics of animal testing for cosmetics. I did a lot of research on the subject, and found out that it’s now illegal in Europe, but that a lot of North American manufacturers continue animal tests not just for new formulas, but for every batch of products they produce, to avoid potential lawsuits. It’s not a black-and-white issue, either, as many people are disgusted by the idea of testing on mammals, but aren’t at all bothered by the fact that a lot of make-up gets its glitter from crushed-up insects. The fact that Ashley’s mom was about to begin chemotherapy – with drugs that had probably been developed through animal research - would have added an additional layer of ethical dilemma for the character.

Unfortunately, my publisher was squeamish about the whole issue of animal testing, and feared that it would alienate readers if I pursued it, so in the end, at their suggestion, we made the book about fur. Readers who (before this interview) didn’t know that it was ever supposed to be different seem to like the book as it is, so my publisher may have been right, but in my gut I still feel like a hypocrite for caving. Ashley wouldn’t have.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Cocoa-fest!!! An annual feast of all things chocolate, held on the last Monday of September, before we enter the official chocolate season (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, Easter), but just as the days are getting shorter and we need more dopamine in our brains. (Eating chocolate causes our brains to create natural opiates that make us feel good http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/choco.html). Of course we would get the day off, because we need it to prepare chocolate fondue, hot chocolate with whipped cream, molten chocolate lava cake…etc, and also to read the traditional holiday text CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. I chose a Monday because then we get the double bonus of having a shortened work/school week after the holiday.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jinxing Lia’s Wedding

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Great question, since Caitlyn actually gets quite caught up in astrology and other types of fortune telling in my new book, MAYBE NEVER, MAYBE NOW!

I’m a Libra. And I swear I didn’t look this up before choosing the ten words (above) that would best describe me. But here’s what the website says:
“Life Pursuit: To be consistent

Vibration: Unsteady

Libran's Secret Desire: To live an easy, uncomplicated life.

Kind of sounds like a perfect fit for “creative/erratic/eccentric” (the first three adjectives I chose), doesn’t it? Oh yeah – it’s SOOO me. Right down to “… in business many Librans discover they can not only be creative, but it provides an opportunity to express the more diverse sides to their personalities.” That’s an author just waiting to happen!

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast: A chocolate croissant and a Chai latté with soy from Lucy Lu Lunch n’ Lounge right here in Beaverton.

Lunch: Green mango salad and basil chicken at Thai Villa. With a Coca-Cola.

Dinner: Garlic bread, Greek salad, Prime Rib au jus, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables and a glass of red wine at Jackson’s Place. And Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Monaco. I am fascinated by it. I mean, the entire country is only 0.78 sq mi (2.02 km2). How crazy is that? Plus, they have royalty, and yachts, and amazing views of the sea, and a carefree lifestyle, and they speak French, and they’re nestled between France and Italy…and I finish the trip by dashing off to Greece to do sea turtle rescue. So cool.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Reading, painting, swimming, walking the dog, hanging out on the dock with my husband and good friends.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Actually, my “day job” is still French teacher. But if they’d ever had a booth at career day, I might have looked into being a Muppeteer.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I don’t think the fascination is new – I just think the industry is finally recognizing a hunger for it (no vampire pun intended!). When I was a teen, Lois Duncan wrote a lot of great books about the paranormal, including DOWN A DARK HALL, which was kind of the same premise as the current GIFTED book series by Marilyn Kaye.

Teens will probably always be fascinated with the paranormal because teens are straddling that line between child and adult, when the tooth fairy has stopped visiting (and their friends are telling them she never really existed anyway), but they aren’t quite ready for marriage and mortgages. And even though they know they probably won’t wake up with psychic abilities, or find themselves as a handsome vampire’s love interest, reading about people who do have special powers – yet still face a battle every day – makes it a little bit easier to walk into the cafeteria with a zit on your nose. Paranormal literature feeds that sense of possibility that is so germane to youth – the possibility that you will be do something amazing, be someone special, find eternal love, know what your parents are thinking, and finally have a good hair day. We could all use a little more of that.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

My favourite at the time was WUTHERING HEIGHTS, because it played out like a soap opera, with so many twists and turns. But as an adult, I re-read THE GREAT GATSBY, and began to appreciate it in ways that I never could in high school because when I first read it, I hadn’t yet been in love, so I couldn’t understand the despair of a man who had loved and lost. By the time I re-read it, everything made much more sense.

I hate to bash another author, or anyone else’s taste, but I would personally never recommend the Pulitzer Prize-winning THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, by Thornton Wilder. I was a strong English student, but I just looked up this play on Wikipedia, and I still don’t have a clue what it’s about…

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Probably, because I started writing when I was two, and am still surprised every day that I was ever published in the first place.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

I tell them the same thing a great teacher once told me: “Writers are readers”. You have to read a lot of good writing to become a good writer yourself.

**Thanks so much to Kimberly for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, or email her directly at info@kimberlyjoypeters.com.

Kimberly's publisher, Lobster Press, has offered to send two lucky posters today a copy of both MAYBE NEVER, MAYBE NOW and DEFINITELY NOT CAMELOT, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section! She'll also be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing, so post away!

Visit with Jax

2010-10-26T05:54:00.001-07:00

www.heartofthejaguar.com

Today we're visiting with author Jax, whose debut novel, HEART OF THE JAGUAR, was published by CreateSpace on 7/23/09!

Seventeen-year-old Nina, discovers she has an ancient past that links her to the legendary Weeping Woman, La Llorona. That connection helps her overcome her battered and abusive past, but the wrath of an Aztec high priest threatens to collide her modern day world as a mysterious stranger leads her into the perilous Paradise of Lost Souls.

Read TRT's review of HEART OF THE JAGUAR right here!

**I had the chance to ask Jax a few questions about her life and writing, which she happily answered. I hope you enjoy her responses as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

That would have to be Nina. She’s the protagonist in my story. I created her to channel things I wish I could've said, done, or accomplished when I was her age at 17. She refuses to call herself a victim by any means, despite having come from a home environment where domestic violence was prevalent. She is resourceful and self-reliant, a quality I admire in strong girls and women. She has superpowers to an extent, but doesn’t know how to channel that energy until she meets the Soultracker, a mysterious stranger who claims to have been tracking her for the last 500 years. He claims to have met her in the 1800’s, the time period where my second novel will take place. In fact, if I was done writing that book, I would also have to go with wanting to meet him because there are so many questions I would love to ask him about his time traveling.

Your own six-word memoir.

She Lived Life with a Purpose.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

A stranger with an ancient past searches 4 the soul that got away. Bloodthirsty creatures of the night pursue him, in New Mexico, 1821.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I would choose Jo from LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott. I admire her tenacity, thirst for knowledge, and the fact that she didn’t let anything or anyone stop her from pursuing her dreams. All too often, young girls set aside their dreams for the pursuit of love and then realize several years down the road of life that they have forgotten who they are or what their dreams were.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Sad to say that I didn’t get into reading fiction until I went to college. I have to admit that most of the books that interested me in high school were encyclopedias and medical books.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a writer, but saw it as nothing more than a childhood dream. I didn’t think it was ever possible to be a published writer, so I kept my writings packed up in a storage box, not to be opened until I was thirty-four when my husband encouraged me to get something published. I dug into my old box and queried two stories that were later published in the Chicken Soup series.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English, especially the creative writing portion. Least favorite, Algebra. I had two teachers in high school who enjoyed embarrassing the students for various reasons, and I think that just left a sour pit in my stomach every time I had anything remotely to do with the subject.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

I’m going to shamelessly self-promote here and have to go with mine, HEART OF THE JAGUAR. It creates awareness regarding domestic abuse and empowers people to rise above misfortunes, all in an entertaining action-packed setting.

The book you wish you had written.

The TWILIGHT series, of course. That woman won’t have to write for the rest of her life is she chooses not to—her whole family is set.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

With my busy life, I’m surprised I even have time to read, but here are some I made time for: Jodi Picoult’s MY SISTER'S KEEPER; Stephanie Meyer’s TWILIGHT series, along with her unauthorized biography and THE HOST; and Rowling’s HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. I’m very fond of the fantasy genre, but I’m very eclectic with what I like to read, and it shows, since my next novel has a little bit of history, a dash of light romance, urban fantasy, and mild horror.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I’m looking forward to reading my next novel in print: SOULTRACKER.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

I guess I’d have to go with quirky, witty, stubborn, strong, creative, silly, definitely opinionated—and if you were to ask my husband—he would go with strong-willed, beautiful, and strong.

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Aquarius, and although I don’t do astrological readings, I read a book once that freakishly described me to the tee. The one that stood out to me the most was that of being an outside-the-box thinker.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Mmm, that’s a good one! Hope my Krav Maga Instructors aren’t reading this since I have thirty more pounds to go and they would love nothing more than to have a reason to punish me with extra running and squats-- ha! ha! It would have to be IHOP’s Eggs Benedict, Lunch would be a Souper Salad Buffet, followed by Chinese food for dinner with cream cheese brown rice rolls and chicken dumplings.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I’ve always wanted to visit Australia , but I’ll settle for New Mexico. At this point, anything with a getaway package and a massage will do.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Finish up my second novel on paper with pen.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else, but if I have to choose, it would be working as a self-defense instructor in a battered women’s shelter. Getting a certification in Pilates and cycling is on my "things-to-do in life" choice, so I wouldn't mind doing that either.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Anything with a martial arts scene would be ideal. In fact, I’d rather be a stuntwoman than a movie star any day. I don’t care to be in the limelight. I love my privacy and being under the radar as much as I can for as long as I can. Now if Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan were in it, that’s a different story. I’d star with them any day.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Don’t get me started on what I would say to the President…HA!

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

I can totally visualize the next book I’m currently working on, SOULTRACKER, as a movie. It takes place in New Mexico 1821 at the brink of Mexican independence from Spain, back when Spain still owned the Southwest. It is an urban fantasy with Chupacabras headlining and Apaches appearing to pose a dangerous threat. For some reason, I can totally picture Taylor Lautner as the Aztec, time traveling tracker of souls. I can’t decide on the Spanish family running a fictional hacienda as there are too many of them to think of an actor for each one. I’d let the director decide on that.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I believe it’s the whole idea of invincibility that most teenagers are drawn to the most. I remember feeling strong and unstoppable when I was 17. Now, I’m lucky if I can kick my leg up in the air without pulling a muscle. In addition, so many teenagers are fighting their own battles dealing with peer pressures, self-image, or family issues that I can see why they would want to read something that takes them away vicariously to another world that is not part of the mundane.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I think BEOWULF should be avoided like the plague… and strangely enough, I enjoyed Shakespeare. I don’t think he will ever be obsolete.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Heck, yeah! No one should ever stop you from following your passions. Besides, that’s why self-publishing was invented.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Build a readership through your social media network first. Write what you know and love, then learn about the business of writing. Follow-up with querying your short stories, poems, and novels to agents, publishers, editors, and magazine editors until you succeed. Persevere and never give up doing what you love to do.

**Thanks so much to Jax for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Writing Jax blog or Krav Maga Mama blog, on MySpace, at Twitter, or email her directly at writingjax@yahoo.com.

Jax will be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section! She'll also be sending three lucky posters a copy of HEART OF THE JAGUAR, so post away!!

Apologies

2010-10-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

I have finally decided I will live after having suffered 3 days of the most HORRENDOUS flu I have ever had. I will be trying to catch up with TRT business as fast as I can, but please bear with me. Thank you in advance for your consideration & patience!

Visit with Kim Culbertson

2010-10-15T10:27:00.001-07:00

www.kimculbertson.com

Today we're visiting with author Kim Culbertson, whose debut novel, SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD, was published by Sourcebooks Fire on 9/1/10!

What is the soundtrack of your life?

After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school...Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance.

Yet before she knows it, friends creep in-as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she's hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place?

"Songs for a Teenage Nomad will send you searching for songs with meaning for the major events of your own life." - Cindy Hudson, author of Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs.

"The best kind of song takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It makes you think. You find yourself humming and pondering it for days. Songs for a Teenage Nomad does the book version of this. It's an unforgettable story that music lovers in particular will appreciate, but every teenager trying to find their place in the world should read." - Stephanie Kuehnert, author of I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone and Ballads of Suburbia.

**I had the chance to ask Kim a few questions about her life and writing, and I'm so glad she was nice enough to answer them! I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I would really like to have Eli from SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD to hang out with so he could tell me jokes and make me smile.

Your own six-word memoir.

This writer mommy loves her life.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Calle collects songs the way some people collect stamps or baseball cards. What is the soundtrack of your life?

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Willy Wonka. I kind of have a sweet tooth. :)

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I really loved THE STAND by Stephen King when I was in high school. But my favorite books kept changing all the time. I would go through phases where I’d read everything I could by a certain author and then read everything else I could by a certain author. I read a lot of plays in high school that changed me – Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. But I think my favorite book would have to be THE STAND. That’s the first one that came into my head.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Me, but without all the self-doubt.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

My favorite subject was drama class. My least favorite was social drama.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

THE ALCHEMIST

The book you wish you had written.

I wish I’d finished the book my friend and I started writing in 9th grade Algebra.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

JULIET, NAKED by Nick Hornby
HOLD STILL by Nina LaCour
LAST NIGHT AT THE LOBSTER by Stuart O’ Nan
OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout
PLEASE DON'T COME BACK FROM THE MOON by Dean Bakapoulos

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

Anything by John Green or Jonathan Tropper. Please tell me they’re both writing another book that’s due out in 2011…

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Kim’s book is amazing. Almost as amazing as the story she wrote in 5th grade that I still have in a Nike shoe box in my closet. Do you want to read it? She’s so talented….

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Kind. Funny. Opinionated. Motivated. Emotional. Passionate. Loving. Progressive. Creative. (Wait, what’s a good word for prone to melt-downs…?)

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

Here’s the funny thing. I had this opportunity. SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD came out in 2007 with a small press and was reissued by Sourcebooks Fire in September of 2010. So I actually was asked if I wanted to rework any of it. And I did end up reworking one scene – the note she ends up getting from Sam. But that was more a copyright issue. Ultimately, I really didn’t want to pick at the loose threads. I think going back to something is a slippery slope. All writers would just keep tinkering, I think, until they had a whole new book on their hands. Thank goodness for publication. It forces you to stop working on something.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

My holiday is Pajama Pizza Party Day and everyone would get the day off to stay in their pajamas, eat pizza and watch their favorite old movies all day long. Or, better known as Saturday.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Just Love Walter It just came out. I have no idea who Walter is, apparently the main character of my next book?)

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

“Terminally curious and sometimes even mischievous, Geminis are multi-faceted souls who enjoy knowing a little bit of everything but generally not too much about one particular subject. It's just that variety is the spice of their lives!”

Um, yeah. This was a little too close for comfort! :)

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast would be Blackstone Benedict from South Pine Café.

Lunch would be a cheeseburger and fries from Ikes’s. And a root beer with extra ice.

Dinner would be pizza from Northridge. Maybe I’d have a salad. Maybe not. Probably not.

And don’t forget dessert. Chocolate chip cookies. My dad’s, if I can break the rules a bit.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Anywhere with my husband and daughter. With a view of something pretty.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Reading in the shade of a tree.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’m also a high school teacher. A job I love and hope I never stop doing. But I also think it would be very cool to work in a bakery.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Any movie that takes place in Italy. And stars Paul Rudd. Or Steve Carell. Or Paul Rudd and Steve Carell.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Creativity. Why it’s more important than test scores.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Abe’s Salamander. Because Abe apparently wasn’t doing his job and protecting him. A series has to have a good central conflict.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

I hope they make a movie out of SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD or a TV series. And it should star Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. I know the cast is almost entirely teenagers but they could totally pull it off.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Well, I write contemporary realism so I’m actually the least qualified person to speak on this. But I think all of these books are about the great themes: love, loss, betrayal, fear, longing. And they get to take place in really cool worlds where rules are constantly broken. I think that’s really appealing to teenagers and human beings in general.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

Can my high school boyfriend count as changing a major historical event? No? Sigh.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

Well, I’m currently making my students read some of these books so I better have a decent answer! My favorite is a tie between 1984, speaking of cool worlds where rules get broken, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, because that book is just amazing and has such a tremendous voice in it and a sense of what is right and what should be.

(gritting teeth) I will not bad mouth ETHAN FROME, I will not bad mouth ETHAN FROME….

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Oh yes. It’s like a tic.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Write a lot and read a lot and work really, really hard on your craft. Work to understand words and story and people and place. Do your research on the business. Understand that nothing happens overnight and that this industry is challenging. Believe you can. Wear armor against all the rejection. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Love it. Love it. Love it.

**Thanks so very much to Kim for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also find her at Facebook, on Twitter, email her directly at kim@kimculbertson.com, or sign up for her newsletter right here!

Kim has been so kind as to offer to send one lucky poster today both a copy of SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD and their very own song journal, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section! She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing, so post away!

Visit with James Somers

2010-10-14T06:28:00.001-07:00

www.jamessomers.net

Today we're visiting with James Somers, author of several titles for both adults and teens. His latest release, PERCIVAL STRANGE AND THE LONELY MANOR, can currently be purchased for the Kindle for only $1.00!

The Lonely Manor has many secrets, and it guards them well...so why is the House beckoning Percival Strange to enter? Is the Manor House as terrifying as it seems or has its greatest secret remained undiscovered? There's only one way to find out...

Percival Strange was only curious when he took his best friend to investigate the scary things happening at the old abandoned manor house out in the middle of the woods. He had no idea the House would kidnap her, no idea she'd be ransomed in exchange for his cooperation with the deadly trials he would have to survive in order to satisfy the creepy denizens of the Imaginative Worlds dwelling there. Some of them seek his help; others his life.

Zombies, Sorcerers, Knights, Wizards, Werewolves, and all sorts of strange creatures face-off as the battle for control of the gateway to our world hangs in the balance. Percival's only hope for survival? Master the awesome powers of Creation within the Imagined Worlds before it's too late for everyone!

**I had the chance to ask James a few questions about his life and writing, which he happily answered for me. So enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Meineke the Wil, from my young adult fantasy, A WORLD WITHIN. He’s a funny sidekick character that was a lot of fun to write.

Your own six-word memoir.

At least he tried very hard.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

PERCIVAL STRANGE AND THE LONELY MANOR: A creepy, magical thrill-a-minute ride into the realms created by Human Imagination.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Vin from the MISTBORN series…because Allomancy was such a cool idea for a story.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Unfortunately I didn’t realize how fun reading could be until I became an adult.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I had little ambition until I became an adult, but now I’m glad to be where I am.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

You’ll sense a trend here…but what can an over-achieving under-achiever say, “I hated High School—all of it. I wish I could go back and actually try harder, because I enjoy learning so much, now."

The one book everyone in the world should read.

God’s Word, The Bible.

The book you wish you had written.

I love the MISTBORN series by Brandon Sanderson, but I can’t imagine writing any other stories than my own.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE MISTBORN TRILOGY, THE BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I’m really looking forward to THE WISE MAN'S FEAR, by Patrick Rothfuss. THE NAME OF THE WIND was a great book once you got into it.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

I can’t believe he became a writer.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

He’s a jack of all trades: musician, author, Pastor, father.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

I honestly can’t imagine changing anything…I think about it well in advance of putting it in my story.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Ice Cream Appreciation Day…and we must have off from school to enjoy our free ice cream of choice.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Just Love Wimps: A Guide to Successfully Dating a Nerdy Guy.

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Gemini, but Astrology is useless guesswork.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Blackened Chicken Sandwich combos from Backyard Burger: taste great and keep you more regular than Activia ever could!

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Ireland

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Jumping on the trampoline with my five boys.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

Contrary to popular opinion, most authors already have regular jobs…I’m a Pastor and a Surgical Technician. I’d love to be a musician professionally, since I play guitar and several other instruments.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

A Batman film would be cool or Star Wars.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

The need to place saving faith in Jesus Christ before it’s too late…hey, I’m a Pastor! :)

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Dragons...some claim they still exist…wouldn’t it be cool if the last one were waiting to be discovered out in the jungle somewhere, where only local tribesmen and their superstitions even know of their existence?

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

PERCIVAL STRANGE AND THE LONELY MANOR. Percival could be played by Freddie Highmore, Violet would be Cloe Grace Metz.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Because we love stuff that is beyond the mundane, day to day reality we call life.

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

I’d change the U.S. ever going into Iraq.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

Tolkien is great, but I hated anything that smelled of late 1800’s.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Absolutely…it’s not about money, but telling the story…getting it out of my head, so that, at least, I know what happens!

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Write the best story you can and then seek out a literary agent…keep in mind that the business is changing. An author can publish themselves with greater ease than ever.

**Thanks so much to James for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit his website/blog listed above, or you can email him directly at jamessremos@yahoo.com.

He'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for him in the comments section!

Visit with Don Calame

2010-10-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

www.doncalame.com

Today we're visiting with Don Calame, author of SWIM THE FLY and its follow-up novel, BEAT THE BAND, which was published by Candlewick on 9/14/10!

Get ready for riffs on hot girls, health class, and social hell! The outrageously funny boys from SWIM THE FLY return to rock their sophomore year.

In this hilarious sequel to SWIM THE FLY, told from Coop’s point of view, it’s the beginning of the school year, and the tenth-grade health class must work in pairs on semester-long projects. Matt and Sean get partnered up (the jerks), but Coop is matched with the infamous “Hot Dog” Helen for a presentation on safe sex.

Everybody’s laughing, except for Coop, who’s convinced that the only way to escape this social death sentence is to win “The Battle of the Bands” with their group, Arnold Murphy’s Bologna Dare. There’s just one problem: none of the guys actually plays an instrument. Will Coop regain his “cool” before it’s too late? Or will the forced one-on-one time with Helen teach him a lesson about social status he never saw coming? With ribald humor and a few sweet notes, screenwriter-turned-novelist Don Calame once again hits all the right chords.

Mr. Calame wanted to stress that although BEAT THE BAND is a follow-up novel to SWIM THE FLY and contains the same characters, you can definitely read this second book without having read the first!

**I had the chance to ask Don a few questions about his life and writing, so enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough one. It’s funny, the characters from SWIM THE FLY and BEAT THE BAND are so alive in my head that I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them knocked on my door. I guess if I have to pick one I’d say Coop, just because he’s the one with all the crazy plans and funny wisecracks.

Your own six-word memoir.

He tried to write brilliantly but…

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

(I’m going to borrow a bit from the cover) BEAT THE BAND: THREE BOYS. ONE GOAL: KEEP THEIR ROCK AND ROLL DREAMS FROM GOING UP IN FLAMES.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I loved Stephen King books when I was a teen. IT, THE SHINING, SALEM’S LOT, THE STAND. I also loved Michael Crichton’s stuff: SPHERE, JURASSIC PARK, THE TERMINAL MAN. And I was a die-hard Douglas Adams fan as well. HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY and DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At various times I wanted to be a boxer, a veterinarian, a lawyer, a writer, and a rock star.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

I really enjoyed English Literature, Art and Biology. Not a big fan of Math (sorry, Math teachers) and/or Physics (because of all the math).

The one book everyone in the world should read.

SWIM THE FLY (followed immediately by BEAT THE BAND) and then FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS by Ernest Hemingway, THE RISK POOL by Richard Russo, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee.

The book you wish you had written.

THE RISK POOL by Richard Russo.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King, ALTHOUGH OF COURSE YOU END UP BECOMING YOURSELF: A ROAD TRIP WITH DAVID FOSTER WALLACE by David Lipsky, INNOCENT by Scott Turrow, HUNGER GAMES/CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, and THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronin.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen. And MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Oh, my gawd, you’re not writing about that, are you? You think people want to read about that? Why can’t you write something nice and sweet and kind? Why do you have to torture your characters so much? Is that an appropriate thing for kids to be reading about? I don’t know. Call me old-fashioned but it seems a little crude.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Funny, hockey-obsessed, technology-obsessed, book-obsessed, creative, slightly odd, mildly immature, kind.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

READING DAY, yes you can have the day off but you must spend it reading a favorite book and eating candy.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

JIGGLY, LUMPY, & WARM!

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I am a Libra. Yes, that’s exactly me, except for the first four paragraphs.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Eggs Benedict from The Four Seasons Kona Coast, a big sloppy Reuben Sandwich from any good New York Deli, and a seven course tasting menu from Gordon Ramsay’s in London.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Paris (followed closely by Toronto and the Hockey Hall of Fame.)

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Trying to get my cell phone, computer and iPad hooked up to a wind generator. That, or go for a hike with my wife.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d probably be teaching. I taught third, fourth, and fifth grade for four years and absolutely loved it!

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Definitely a superhero movie. Probably The Avengers and I’d be Captain America because of the awesome shield or Iron Man because of the cool suit.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

The importance of literacy, libraries, and getting books into kids' hands.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

Didn’t have to look far at that list, did I? It’d be about The Abbott’s Booby because I can’t think of a much funnier title (did I put “immature” on that list of how my family would describe me?)

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

I’d say SWIM THE FLY (it’s already been optioned by Paramount) and I think (a younger) Michael Cera would make a great Matt and Jane Lynch would make a wonderful Ms. Luntz.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

My favorites were FARENHEIT 451, THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKELBERRY FINN, LORD OF THE FLIES and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The title I wouldn’t subject students to is BEOWULF. Why? A book in Old English verse can put anyone off of reading.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Most definitely. I get depressed when I haven’t written something for several days. Writing keeps my mood level. Actually boosts my mood. Usually. When it’s going well. When it’s not going well, it can drag me down to the pits of Hell. Even then, I’d still write.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Always be reading. Always be writing. Write what you love not what you think other people will love. Write every day (or at the very least, five days a week). Don’t get discouraged. Try forming a writing group with some people you trust and whose writing you like. Writing can be a lonely business and a writing group can keep you motivated. You can even do it on line. Schedule a time to meet once a week over Skype. Go to good writing conferences. It’s a great place to hear writers speak about the craft and a wonderful opportunity to meet agents and editors.

**Thanks so much to Don for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit his website, listed above, or you can find him at his Blog or email him directly at don@doncalame.com.

One lucky poster today will be getting a hardcover copy of both SWIM THE FLY and BEAT THE BAND, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Mr. Calame in the comments section! He'll also be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Abby McDonald

2010-10-12T05:01:00.000-07:00

http://abbymcdonald.com/

Today we're visiting with Abby McDonald, author of SOPHOMORE SWITCH and BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS, which was published by Candlewick on 4/13/10!

Can a boy-hungry Jersey girl survive the wilds of Canada with her eco-identity intact? A witty new YA novel from the author of SOPHOMORE SWITCH.

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

**I had the chance to ask Abby a few questions about her life, which she happily answered, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I’m going to cheat a little here, and say my seventeen-year old self would love to meet Reeve from BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS. OK, maybe not so much ‘meet’ as date/make out with/snuggle on the back porch! Adult me would probably pick Tasha from SOPHOMORE SWITCH — she’s such a fun personality; we could hang out, gossip about life at Oxford, and have a great time.

Your own six-word memoir.

Manifesting her destiny, book by book.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS: ‘Green teen Jenna takes on the wilds of Western Canada - home to cute local boys, a bitchy goth roomie, and one very grouchy moose!’

THE ANTI-PROM: ‘3 very different girls team up, ditch prom, and embark on a crazy night of rule-breaking and revenge.’

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I was the girl in big glasses reading about three books at once, so narrowing down the field is just impossible. But, I was happiest with anything by Caroline B. Cooney: THE PARTY'S OVER; TWENTY PAGEANTS LATER; CAMP GIRL-MEETS-BOY; her TIME TRAVELERS series. Her themes of identity, discovery, feeling alone, and high-school survival were a huge comfort to me, and still resonate today. She’s one of the reasons I started writing YA in the first place: I love the idea that one of my readers could feel the same sense of escape, reassurance, and inspiration from my work that I did back then when I needed it most.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From the day I started watching ‘The West Wing’ in high-school, I knew I wanted to be Amy Gardner, the awesome feminist lobbyist who traded barbs (and kisses) with Josh Lyman. I actually studied politics in college, meaning to follow her fabulous footsteps, but from the day I sat down and decided to write my first novel, that goal took a backseat to a different dream. I’m still passionate about politics, especially issues around equality and women’s experience, so I try to make a difference in other ways: volunteering for feminist campaigns, and trying to bring a positive, empowering message to teens through my books.

Your favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE – Aimee Bender

LOVE WALKED IN – Marissa de los Santos (I re-read every year)

THE SADLER'S WELLS series by Lorna Hill – wonderful YA from the 1950s

And finally, FOR THE WIN – Cory Doctorow, which I’m devouring right now. We talk a lot about the importance of diversity in YA – providing characters that a broad range of teens can relate to – and this book blew me away with the scope of experience and identities explored through what is really a provocative modern message about online gaming and the power of organized labor.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I really enjoyed THE LUXE series, so I’m looking forward to Anna Godberson’s take on the Jazz Age. There’s also a ton of intriguing dystopian YAs lined up: Allie Condie’s MATCHED; BUMPED by Megan McCafferty; WITHER by Lauren deStefano.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

Oh my, she’d gush for hours – and then say how I never clear up after myself. :)

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

Interesting! All of my stories work out exactly the way they’re supposed to, but I’ve had a lot of responses from readers saying they wished Will hadn’t acted in a certain way towards Tasha in SOPHOMORE SWITCH. People let us down, and act badly out of spite and anger, so I wouldn’t change what happened, but I do wonder ‘what if?’—what if she’d forgiven him? What if he hadn’t needed forgiving in the first place? I think that scene in particular hits hard with people because they’ve all had that moment in their lives, where someone steps over the line, and no matter how much you wish they hadn’t, and you could forget and move on, something’s been broken for good.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I spent a week in Palm Springs this year, and it was pretty darn perfect: just me and my BFF lounging by the pool, gossiping, and reading romance novels!

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I think about this sometimes, but then I realize: I’ve been writing full-time since I got out of college, so my resume is pretty woeful - basic admin work, a receptionist post, some data-entry. Not exactly high-powered skills! I’d love to be involved in entertainment or publishing in some capacity, even if I wasn’t writing, so perhaps development at a production company: finding writers and scripts, and working concepts through to the finished product.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

I’d love to star in an action movie, and get all the great training those actors do: kung fu, stunts, the wire work. It looks like so much fun.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

Ooh, I love daydreaming about this one! For BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS, I’d love to see Selena Gomez as Jenna, or someone like Emma Roberts. But for the boys, I have no idea!

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

A lot of authors will say ‘of course’, that they write because they have to, but honestly, I write to share my stories with the world; so if those stories would stay locked in a drawer somewhere….? I think I’d find some new way to share them – whether it was writing them in screenplay form (as I’m doing now), as plays, or to publish on the Internet via blogs. Loving the act of writing itself is only half my motivation, and that audience is just as important to me.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Write. Write. And, umm, keep writing.

Your first book probably won’t go anywhere, but that’s OK, you wouldn’t want it to. File it away on your hard-drive and start another: this one won’t suck so much, but it’s still nothing you want anyone to see. That’s OK. File it away on your hard-drive and start another. Finish the book, every book—that’s a must. Then go back and rewrite. 90% of a finished book is in the rewriting. Rewrite some more. Take risks, experiment with voice and genre and POV until you find something that clicks for you.

After a few years, and a few books, you won’t suck so much, so now you have to look at selling: make your ideas bigger, your characters more compelling, the stakes higher. Learn how to structure and plot. Learn how to put yourself in every character, but keep yourself out when it starts becoming self-indulgent. Research the industry: know who is selling what to whom and for how much. Don’t chase trends, but pay attention to what’s working in the marketplace. Learn how to write a query, and how to make that synopsis sing – those will be dull, thankless tasks, but you have to get them nailed. Accept that a large part of your fate rests on luck and timing, but when the chance comes your way, talent and dedication will see you through.

Don’t give up.

**Thanks so much to Abby for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website listed above, or you can find her at Twitter or email her directly at abby.mcdonald@gmail.com.

Abby has offered to send two lucky posters today a set of both SOPHOMORE SWITCH in paperback and BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS in hardcover, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with John M. Cusick

2010-10-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

http://johnmcusick.wordpress.com/

Today we're visiting with author John M. Cusick, whose debut novel, GIRL PARTS, was published by Candlewick on 8/10/10!

What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal “companion” develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent.

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock.

Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world.

**I had the chance to ask John a few questions about his life and writing, and I hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Rose, from GIRL PARTS. Firstly, she’s a robot (who wouldn’t want a robot pal?), and secondly, watching her grow into a person was so much fun on paper, I’d love to see that in real life. Maybe this means I’m destined to be a dad. (For now I’ll stick to writing characters, though).

Your own six-word memoir.

For sale: Athletic gear. Never used.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

(This would be for my follow-up to GIRL PARTS, called CHERRY MONEY BABY):
A Cinderella story featuring high fashion, surrogate pregnancy, and heavy firearms.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

I’d love to spend a day with Tock the Watch Dog from THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH. He’s always punctual, which I like, and he can help you out of the doldrums. Loyal, adventurous, man’s best friend.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I was obsessed with THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams, a comic Zen masterpiece. It cemented my love of sci-fi and taught me not to take life too seriously. Someday I will write a near-incomprehensible six-part sci-fi “trilogy” in homage to HG2G.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve had a series of professional aspirations. In chronological order: Caveman, Super Mario, Astronaut, Actor, Musician, C.I.A. Counter-Intelligence Agent, Writer. I’ve achieved two of these, but if I say more I’ll have to kill you.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English was always my favorite, and I liked science, too. I hated gym, which we were forced to call “Physical Education,” a misnomer since we were never physically educated or educated about physicality. We played basketball and baseball for ten months, and were then tested on how many push-ups we could do. What? That’s like studying the Battle of Normandy and then getting a math quiz.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Everyone in America should read THE GREAT GATSBY. The world: THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV. The Galaxy: THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, of course.

The book you wish you had written.

ADA OR ARDOR, A FAMILY CHRONICLE by Vladimir Nabokov. I will be trying to write that book until I stop writing or die (and I don’t plan to stop writing).

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

None of these came out in 2010, but: THE CHILDREN'S BOOK by A.S. Byatt, THE GIFT by Vladimir Nabokov, WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN by Kimbery Willis Holt, LUNA by Julie Anne Peters, and THE COMEDIANS by Graham Greene.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

DARK SONG by Gail Giles and THE BLENDING TIME by Michael Kinch are two fabulous young adult novels (which I’ve already read actually, but everyone should check them out.)

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

“I haven’t read this but I’m sure it’s great. Everything John does is great. Except he’s a slob. But that’s okay, because nobody is perfect. But I bet this is really just fantastic. Hi Hun!”

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

In no particular order: Myopic, Creative, Impulsive, Extroverted, Introverted, Industrious, Vain, Compassionate, Neurotic, Excitable.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

At one point in GIRL PARTS Rose speaks Japanese. It’s sort of a joke, but now as I work on a sequel I have to deal with my protagonist being bilingual (important, given where she is and what she’s up to). Stupid, John. Stupid.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National No Electricity Day. Everyone has to stay home and do something that isn’t watching television or surfing the Web. (I was inspired by one of your later questions.) Being a major couch potato and Internet hound, I need this day more than anyone.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jack Loses Weight

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m an Aquarius, the water carrier. Aquarians seek to understand life’s mysteries and to be unique and original. This is certainly true of me. Writing is my way of understanding the world; you might call it my religion. And I believe everyone (cornball alert) is unique and original, capable of genius, if we can each tap into our own particular view. Aquarians also vibrate at high frequency. I know I do, mostly because of all the coffee I drink. I vibrate so fast that dogs run away and dolphins think I’m trying to communicate with them.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Breakfast: Sausage egg and cheese sandwich from Yafa Deli on the corner of Fulton St. and Clinton Ave. in Brooklyn.

Lunch: A pulled pork sandwich from Baoguette on St. Mark’s in Manhattan.

Dinner: Buffalo wings and a ginger ale from Mario’s Pizza on Waverly. Also in Brooklyn: heaven in a foil dish.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

I’ve been to Paris once and it was heavenly. I’d love to take a summer-long sabbatical and just sit in a café from morning ‘til night, writing, drinking coffee, and eating tiny sandwiches.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I’d spend the daylight hours reading or painting. (I actually never paint, but I’d take this weird day as an opportunity to start.) Then in the evening I’d invite my friends over for a game of hide-and-go seek in the dark.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

When I’m not writing I’m a literary agent, and this is truly my dream job (apart from Author, of course). I talk about books, I read books, I help authors. Writing means sitting alone and quietly reflecting on humanity. Being an agent means pacing around the office with a phone to your ear like the guys on the floor of the New York stock exchange. Doing both balances me out. It’s exciting, and I love it.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

I’m not sure about upcoming films, but I always wanted to voice Audrey II, the man-eating plant, in Little Shop of Horrors.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

The importance of equality, literacy, and solitude — in that order.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

I’d have to go with Squonk, a rare species of imaginary Pennsylvanian Hemlock badger that is so ugly it cries itself into a bag of tears every night.

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

That would be the Manhattan Rising trilogy (which I haven’t written yet) about the island of Manhattan vaulting into the sky and becoming a floating city. Emma Stone would star as Vette, the brilliant loner who must save her sister (Dakota Fanning) from a gang of roving steam-powered robots (voiced by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of the 70’s rock band Steely Dan). David Tennant would be Mr. Greene, Vette’s teacher crush.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I wrote a piece about death in teen literature (which can be read here) called Only the Young Die Good. I think the current werewolf and vampire craze all comes back to forbidden love. It’s the Capulets and Montagues, except Romeo is undead. (Ooh, there’s a good title. Has that been taken?)

You’re writing a book where you can change one major historical event. Which event do you change? (For example, Abraham Lincoln wasn’t assassinated, or Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor.)

I’m actually working on a project where the automobile is never invented, so there’s no such thing as suburbia. A utopian novel? Maybe.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

I loved THE GIVER by Lois Lowry. Weird, haunting. That’s the kind of book I want to write someday. I hated those depressing historical war books, JOHNNY TREMAIN and ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. Yeesh. No wonder teens are depressed.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Absolutely. People naysay for two reasons. 1) They tried, gave up, and want you to give up, too. Or 2) they think they’re doing you a favor by saving you a lot of frustration and disappointment. Ignore the haters, whatever their motivations.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Write every morning. Or every night. I hated getting this advice when I was younger—it seems so glib and obvious. But today I know “writers” who never put the pen to paper, or do so only when they feel inspired. For the most part these folks aren’t getting anywhere. If you want to make a living as an author, you’ve got to treat it like a job. One where you show up every day.

**Thanks so much to John for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit his website/blog, which is listed above, or you can also find him at Facebook or on Twitter. May Poling, one of the characters from GIRL PARTS, also has her own Twitter account, and Nora Vogel, another GIRL PARTS character, has her own Blog.

Candlewick Press will be sending one lucky poster today a copy of GIRL PARTS, and John will be stopping by later to see what we're discussing, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for him in the comments section!

Visit with Jeanette Ingold

2010-10-09T09:39:00.002-07:00

www.jeanetteingold.com

Today we're visiting with author Jeanette Ingold, whose latest release, PAPER DAUGHTER, was published by Harcourt on 4/5/10!

Maggie Chen was born with ink in her blood. Her journalist father has fired her imagination with the thrill of the newsroom, and when her father is killed, she is determined to keep his dreams alive by interning at the local newspaper.

While assisting on her first story, Maggie learns that her father is suspected of illegal activity, and she knows she must clear his name. Drawn to Seattle’s Chinatown, she discovers things that are far from what she expected: secrets, lies, and a connection to the Chinese Exclusion Era. Using all of her newspaper instincts and resources, Maggie is forced to confront her ethnicity—and a family she never knew.

**I had the chance to ask Jeanette a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy!

Thanks for inviting me to the TRT Book Club, Jen. It’s a pleasure to be here.

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I’d pick Seth, the teenage soldier in THE BIG BURN. He’s a good guy, and brave, and on his way to living a life that he’ll be proud of. I’d like to know where it takes him, how he handles the hard times—there will be some—and how he feels about what he accomplishes.

Your own six-word memoir.

Traveled byways, found surprises, enjoyed trip.

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Mystery. Intrigue. Secrets. Almost no one is who they say in PAPER DAUGHTER.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I had dreams of becoming an actor, but after being cast as a penguin, a musical flower, a shadow . . .

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Equal favorites were English and photography. Least favorite was chemistry. Though I tried. I really did.

The book you wish you had written.

THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE WATER SEEKER by Kimberly Willis Holt. Another beautiful book I wish I had written.

FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG by Patricia B. McConnell. This was a re-read. I keep going back to it, trying to understand what my Lab/Australian Shepherd is trying to tell me with her intent eyes and sloppy grin.

BORN TO RUN by Christopher McDougall. What can I say? I went out and bought a pair of $15 tennis shoes, thinking I’d skip marathons and go straight for the sixty and seventy mile stuff, before I remembered I don’t like to run.

HALF BROKE HORSES: A TRUE-LIFE NOVEL by Jeannette Walls. The other half of THE GLASS CASTLE, and a must-read for anyone who couldn’t put that down.

SLEEPING FRESHMAN NEVER LIE by David Lubar. This is funny, and the title is world-class great.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

I’d expand the final scene of HITCH with a bigger glimpse into the future. It’s the one book where I know the unwritten part of what will happen to all the characters—who’s going to stay in the Civilian Conservation Corps, who’s going to eventually marry whom, who’s going to survive World War II, who’s going to become famous, and who’ll one day return to Cold Day Camp to tell its story.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Take-A-Picture Day, to celebrate using your camera to look at familiar people and places in new ways and as a prompt to go out and explore. Absolutely people would get off, after a mandatory two hours at work or school so everyone could get pictures of everyone else doing the normal stuff. Seriously, I love the way framing a photograph makes me aware of subject and telling details.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jousting Leagues War

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

Sagittarius—and it’s really close. I love adventure, the outdoors, exploring, learning how others live their lives. Actually, (see #9) I’d really like a National Road Trip Day.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Home (I love living in Montana), but I’d return only after a one-year, meandering, around-the-world trip planned stop-by-stop as I go.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Reading my way down the wonderful pile of books I've got waiting. Between see and can’t-see I’d go from bed to sofa to hammock to lounge chair and back.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d be a photographer, although for me taking pictures is a lot like writing—a way of understanding things-- so maybe that answer doesn’t count. I’d enjoy being a librarian—lots of hard work, I know, but my job would put me in a place where I love being anyway.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

I’d try to jam in as many ways as I could think of to get kids reading, and not just reading, but reading to find and understand worlds beyond their own.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Sure. It's the writing that makes a writer, not the publishing. I love the start of my day—coffee cup in hand, dog on my feet, and laptop open to a blank page that may be for a book or may be just for me.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

I say to read and read more, to write every day, and to find others who do both.

**Thanks so much to Jeanette for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website, listed above, or you can also email her directly at jeanette@jeanetteingold.com.

She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!

Visit with Carolyn Meyer

2010-10-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

www.readcarolyn.com

Today we're visiting with Carolyn Meyer, author of numerous (and I mean numerous!) historical novels for teens and young adults. Her newest book, THE BAD QUEEN: RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARIE-ANTOINETTE, was published by Harcourt on 4/12/10!

History paints her as a shallow party girl, a spoiled fashionista, a callous ruler. Perhaps no other royal has been so maligned—and so misunderstood—as Marie-Antoinette.

From the moment she was betrothed to the dauphin of France at age fourteen, perfection was demanded of Marie-Antoinette. She tried to please everyone—courtiers, her young husband, the king, the French people—but often fell short of their expectations. Desperate for affection and subjected to constant scrutiny, this spirited young woman can’t help but want to let loose with elaborate parties, scandalous fashions, and unimaginable luxuries. But as Marie-Antoinette’s lifestyle gets ever-more recklessly extravagant, the peasants of France are suffering from increasing poverty—and becoming outraged. They want to make the queen pay.

In this latest installment of her acclaimed YOUNG ROYALS series, Carolyn Meyer reveals the dizzying rise and horrific downfall of the last queen of France.

Includes historical notes, an author’s note, and a bibliography.

**I had the chance to ask Carolyn - who as you can see really likes to get into her characters' minds! - a few questions about her life and writing, so I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

Your own six-word memoir.

Dorky kid, big dreams, 55 books

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

Marie-Antoinette, spoiled fashionista or royal rebel? Callous or misunderstood? Dizzying rise, horrific fall of the last queen of France.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I don’t remember any—not a single one! Mostly I stole my mother’s Cosmopolitan magazines to wallow in the romantic stories with the illustrations of hunky guys with impossibly long eyelashes. I yearned to find a book with sex in it, but the librarian, Mrs. Stuckenrath, was my mother’s friend and made sure I didn’t get my hands on anything even remotely interesting. That may be why I don’t remember anything I read.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From age 8 to present: a writer, although my father was afraid I’d starve.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

English was my favorite, even though my teacher was the original Grammar Dragon who made our lives miserable and taught me everything I needed to know to write correctly. Math and science were beyond the pale—I did everything possible to avoid them. What amuses me now is that I was bored stiff by history, and that’s probably why I ended up writing historical fiction. Maybe because it turned out to be pretty sexy after all.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

Jonathan Franzen’s FREEDOM. Anything new by Ian McEwan.

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

I don’t know what she’d write, because I think she’d be shocked at the subject matter I’ve chosen and the way I handle it. It’s possible, though, that she wasn’t as straight-laced as I thought she was.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Ambitious…disciplined…focused…driven…organized…critical…unathletic… funny…good cook. (Notice that “laid back” and “easygoing” aren’t on the list—it would be interesting to know what my three sons would actually say, after growing up with a mother who was in her office more than she was not. This was in an era when mothers did NOT work outside the home. I was much criticized by other women of my era for being so involved in my work, even if it was in an office three steps from the kitchen.)

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m a Gemini, and this chart nails it pretty closely. Intense mental energy—yes, indeed! Secret desire to be ahead of the crowd—you bet! Looking for a partner who can keep up with them mentally—yeah, and I found him! But adept at making money—you must be talking about somebody else.

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

Let me answer this a different way: today is Sunday, so we had scrambled eggs with green chile and cheese for breakfast, with bread from yesterday’s farmers’ market; for lunch, chicken salad left over from last night’s dinner, with tomatoes from the farmers’ market and more green chile (it’s the season for chile here in New Mexico). Tonight is my son’s birthday, and we’re going out for sushi.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Any big city in the world. I’m not a lie-on-the-beach or hike-the-nearest-mountain kind of person. Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, Tokyo, Capetown, New York, San Francisco……

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Can I turn on my gas stove? I’d go for a walk, read, prepare a fantastic dinner, and eat by candlelight.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

If I could get around the math, I’d be an architect, because I love to create great spaces for people to live and work in.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Anything Helen Mirren would want to act in….you know, smart, sexy older woman…..

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Of course, but I’d switch to plays and films. Always wanted to do that anyway.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Learn to accept criticism. It’s the hardest thing for any beginning writer, and for very experienced ones, too. Many young writers think that one draft is enough, or maybe one and then the final. And then they don’t want to hear about major changes that need to be made, but it’s truly the only way to become a better writer.

**Thanks so much to Carolyn for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website, listed above, or you can find her at Facebook, on Twitter, or email her directly at meyerwrite@comcast.net.

Carolyn has been so kind as to offer to send two lucky posters today a copy of THE BAD QUEEN, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section! She'll be stopping by later today to answer questions and see what we're discussing!

Visit with Heather Davis

2010-10-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

www.heatherdavisbooks.com

Today we're visiting with Heather Davis, author of NEVER CRY WEREWOLF and THE CLEARING, which was published by Graphia on 4/12/10!

In this bittersweet romance, two teens living decades apart form a bond that will change their lives forever.

Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae’s place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school.

Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist—Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she’s starting to fall for him.

But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it’s still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy’s crossing over to Henry’s side brings him more happiness than he’s ever known—but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence.

In THE CLEARING, author Heather Davis crafts a tender and poignant tale about falling in love, finding strength, and having the courage to make your own destiny—a perfect book to slip into and hide away for awhile.

**I had the chance to ask Heather a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

Henry Briggs from THE CLEARING. He’s honest, hard-working, strong, and hot. What more does a girl need?

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was young, I wanted to be a stand-up comedian. My mom gave me a notebook and I filled it with jokes about people I only knew from Johnny Carson’s jokes -- Richard Simmons, Elizabeth Taylor. The jokes, not surprisingly, made no sense and seemed kind of mean, so I abandoned my pursuit of the funny.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

I loved Drama class - I did a lot of school plays, even if I was just a bit player in the background. I also loved French class, because I had a really kind teacher. My least favorite class was probably Trigonometry. I don’t think that needs more explanation. ;)

The book you wish you had written.

I loved THE BOOK THIEF. The language is beautiful. The story is visceral and affecting, and it stays with you.

The 2010 or 2011 release you’re most looking forward to reading.

I am a Suzanne Collins fan, so I’m looking forward to reading MOCKINGJAY when I get a chance.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Organized, outgoing, funny, cranky, talkative, hardworking, sweet, vivacious, smart, cheeky.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Italy. I’m learning Italian now, so I can visit there someday and know what’s going on. I would love to rent a villa and work on a book there. Wait, I’m supposed to be on vacation, though. So, maybe I will just pick Hawaii. There’s something about swimming in the warm ocean and eating plate lunch that makes me so happy.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Um, reading a book, of course!

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I would be a teacher or a lawyer.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

I would speak about education and healthcare - the two things our country can’t succeed without.

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

I think teens have always been fascinated with the paranormal. When I was a teen, I devoured all of Anne Rice’s vampire books. This is just a new wave of teens and luckily, now there are authors writing paranormal specifically for them. Why is it appealing? Eternal life, the ability to shape-shift, supernatural powers -- those are all pretty cool fantasies that take us away from our everyday lives.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

It was on the expanded list in my AP English class -- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I wish I had read it back then. It’s such a great story. I also loved MOBY DICK. I don’t have any I would take off the list.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Of course. You can never believe the haters! The minute you let them control your destiny - they win.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

The most important thing is to stop focusing on getting published! Focus on learning the craft of writing. Write. Share your work and get feedback. Give your finished drafts a critical look and improve them with revision and hard work. Show up for writing work regularly so you can get better. Writing is like working out - you have to keep doing it and eventually you will get stronger. Then, you can start sending your work out in search of a literary agent. There aren’t any shortcuts.

**Thanks so much to Heather for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website listed above, or you can also find her at the Books, Boys, Buzz Blog, on Facebook, at Twitter, or email her directly at heather@heatherdavisbooks.com.

Heather will also be providing three awesome prizes for three lucky posters today: one copy of NEVER CRY WEREWOLF, one copy of THE CLEARING, and one ARC of her upcoming 2011 release, WHEREVER YOU GO, which will be sent once they become available! So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for Heather in the comments section!

Visit with Ingrid Law

2010-10-06T08:15:00.001-07:00

www.ingridlaw.com

Today we're visiting with Ingrid Law, author of SAVVY and its companion novel, SCUMBLE, which was just released on 8/17/10 by Dial!

Nine years after Mibs's SAVVY journey, her cousin Ledge has just turned thirteen...

But Ledger Kale's savvy is a total dud--all he does is make little things fall apart. So his parents decide it's safe to head to Wyoming, where it's soon revealed that Ledge's savvy is much more powerful than anyone thought. Worse, his savvy disaster has an outside witness: Sarah Jane Cabot, reporter wannabe and daughter of the local banker. Just like that, Ledge's beloved normal life is over. Now he has to keep Sarah from turning family secrets into headlines, stop her father from foreclosing on Uncle Autry's ranch, and scumble his savvy into control so that, someday, he can go home.

Starring a cast both fresh and familiar, SCUMBLE brilliantly melds Ingrid Law's signature heart and humor with the legendary Wild West.

*I had the chance to ask Ingrid a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

The one I have the biggest crush on… can you guess? But of course I’d want to meet a my-age version of this very electric character.

Your own six-word memoir.

Was Princess Leia Longer Than Most

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Anne, from ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, because she’d make the day delightful.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Younger teen: CHARMED LIFE, by Diana Wynne Jones
Older teen: HAWK OF MAY, by Gillian Bradshaw (it’s just been re-released!)

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Er… ahem. * cough, cough * See question #2.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

It’s a tie for both…

Favorite: Semantics / Art
Least Favorite: Geometry / Racquet Sports

The one book everyone in the world should read.

THE SHORT AND INCREDIBLY HAPPY LIFE OF RILEY, written by Colin Thompson, illustrated by Amy Lissiat.

The book you wish you had written.

WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

ONE CRAZY SUMMER, by Rita Williams-Garcia
THE MAGIC THIEF: FOUND, by Sarah Prineas
TOUCH BLUE, by Cynthia Lord
THE WATER SEEKER, by Kimberly Willis Holt
THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

Creative
endeavors
Trump
Washing
Dishes
Every
Single
Time…
Loves
Excuses

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Long Second Toe Day, for those of us with second toes that are longer than our big toes. There would be no school or work. Nor would anyone but long-second-toe people be allowed to wear open-toed pumps for the entire day. But there would also be free pedicures for any and all who want them.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Jaded Lachrymose Waifs

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I am a Taurus. The chart has some points that match and others that don’t. I do NOT have a reputation for being social. Actually, the opposite is quite true. I’m not even on Facebook. But the part about creature comforts, discomfort with change, and needing to ‘switch off’ to gather inner reserves to deal with outside pressures is very much me (and Samson Beaumont in my books too, actually—he should be a Taurus as well).

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Driving along I-80 through Wyoming with whatever my favorite audio book or music might be at the time (remember that anti-social thing from the previous question?); or Friday Fish Dinner at Lou and Mary Anne’s Bar in Bee, Nebraska. Seriously. I have very simple needs. Those things, and I want to see the Taj Mahal someday.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

I would play Law Girl concocted, guerrilla-warfare Chutes & Ladders with my teenage daughter—Argh! Drat that evil Cookie Boy and his fiendish partner, Skater Girl! They get us every time. And, speaking of cookies, if there were some in the house that day, I would eat them.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Definitely Harry Potter. Who wouldn’t want to run around angst-filled and waving a wand? Oh, to have a soundtrack!

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

A movie IS being made of one of my books! SAVVY is already in development with Walden Media. I don’t actually get to choose who will star, but it’s fun to imagine. I’ve always liked Madeline Carroll for Mibs, but she might be too old for the role by the time the project moves from development into production. Perhaps Stanley Tucci or Christopher Meloni for Poppa? Emma Roberts for Bobbi? For Rocket, I’d choose someone who could play both a seventeen and a twenty-six year old, in case they ever want to make SCUMBLE into a film as well… (heh—wink, wink) A Zac Efron type maybe. When I was writing SAVVY, I always sort of pictured Tim Blake Nelson as Lester, and Jennifer Coolidge as Lill.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Yes! For me, the need to create a story and live in it for a while comes long before the process or desire to publish. I require it for survival, I think. And if I never published another book, I’d never suffer through another deadline either. Or worry about reviews.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Be brave. Read a lot. Learn to make friends with Revision. Write first because you love I to write—that love will always show in your work. Do your research. Learn everything you can. Trust your own voice. Oh, and did I mention? BE BRAVE!

**Thanks so much to Ingrid for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit her website, listed above, or you can also find her at her Blog or email her directly at ingrid@ingridlaw.com.

Ingrid has offered up some amazing prizes for our posters today! One winner will receive a copy of SCUMBLE, another will get a copy of SCUMBLE along with a prize-pack of other cool goodies, and yet another will be getting an audio book of SCUMBLE! So be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section; she'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing!

Visit with Jennifer Laurens

2010-10-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.jenniferlaurens.com/

http://www.heavenlythebook.com/

Today we're visiting with Jennifer Laurens, author of several books for young adults, including HEAVENLY, PENITENCE, A SEASON OF EDEN (written as JM Warwick), and ABSOLUTION.

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him.

Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny.

But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

**I had the chance to ask Jennifer a few questions about her life and writing - enjoy!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

I’d bring Matthias – Zoe’s guardian angel. Having a child with autism, I’m particularly fond of the idea that she has guardians watching over her, keeping her safe. And, Matthias is someone I’d introduce to my single, 25 year old daughter. :)

Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.

ABSOLUTION: The jaws of Hell gape open for Zoe’s soul.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Luke from HONEST ILLUSIONS by Nora Roberts…ah, to feel the chemistry of that man in person. He jumps off the page, he’d be electric in the flesh. And beautiful.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

Oh maaan….SHANNA by Kathleen W. My first introduction to romance. I devoured them after that.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A mother. I was an only, lonely child. I loved The Brady Bunch, The Waltons and The Partridge Family. Now, I have six children AND I write. Life’s perfect.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

Creative Writing: YAY! Math: Ugh.

The one book everyone in the world should read.

Isn’t there a Goodreads list for this? I have too many to list….

The book you wish you had written.

ENDLESS LOVE by Scott Spencer.

Your five favorite reads from 2010 (books you read during the year; they do not have to have been published during 2010).

THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST, THE OUTCAST, ENDLESS LOVE (I read it constantly).

If your mom wrote the author profile for the jacket of your next book, what would she write?

LOL…something like this: (remember, I’m her ONLY child ) ____ (real name here ) writes from the heart.

Your family has the chance to describe you for an interview. What ten words would they say describe you best?

My kids are adults now, so probably something like this: Loving, caring, friendly, giving, fun, creative and inspiring.

You have the chance to go back and change a scene from one of your previous releases. What book would you choose, what scene would you change, and how would you alter it?

None. Past writing is a personal history of sorts – it is what it is. Leave it. All you can do is navigate forward.

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

Def day off. Celebrate Education Day! Libraries would have parties, bookstores would have parties and everybody would commit to learning something new.

Using the letters J L W (my initials!), create the title of your next bestseller. (For example, Jumping Love Walrus.)

Justice Licorice Wind.

What is your astrological sign? How closely does it match your personality?

I’m a Cancer. It vaguely matches me sometimes…ambiguous enough for you?

You’re going off your diet for one day and only eating food from restaurants. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? (Include the restaurant each meal comes from.)

I like it all, unfortunately. But, I’m very disciplined. I eat carefully: low carb, high protein wherever I go.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

Europe.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

Being with my family – talking, telling stories, eating our food storage, Lol.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d be doing some of my other hobbies to make money: painting dolls, building doll houses, or baking gourmet muffins.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Anything with Johnny Depp or Gerard Butler.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Emphasizing the importance of family in the society and how to outlaw pornography.

Your publisher has instructed you to write a new series based on an endangered species. What animal do you choose?

I’d suggest they move that job to someone else. :)

A movie is being made of ONE of your books. Which book is it, and who will star as the main characters?

HEAVENLY. Matthias: Zac Efron. Zoe: Alexis Bledel

The paranormal genre is big in teen/YA literature right now. Most bestsellers feature vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels, or the like as a main character. In your opinion, why are teens currently fascinated with all things paranormal?

Because it’s such a creative leap from the norm. And, I think the fiction being published might pale in comparison to the paranormal at this point—might have a hard time competing with the giant leap from reality paranormal offers. That said, my 2011 release is NOT paranormal…so, I’ll see I guess.

Remember those “classics” that you were made to read in high school English class? What was your favorite, and which title should students never have to be subjected to reading?

LORD OF THE FLIES is a fav. I’ve heard that most of the classics wouldn’t be published today because they’re simply too verbose for our “instant gratification” society. Me, I enjoyed them all at the time.

Someone tells you that you’ll never publish another book that you write. Do you still keep writing?

Of course. One thing I have learned from 10 years writing and in this business is that it’s subjective. The industry is changing (thank heavens) and doors are opening for indie writers. (YAY) It’s about time. I say: make your own path.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Find a way to publishing that works for you, your life and your mindset. It’s not easy but it’s possible. Never stop if it’s what you want and listen to your own promptings.

**Thanks so much to Jennifer for visiting with us today! Be sure to visit both of her websites, lifted above, or you can also find her at her Blog, on Facebook, at MySpace, on Twitter, or email her directly at jennlaurens@yahoo.com.

Jennifer has been kind enough to offer to send one lucky poster today both a copy of HEAVENLY and a "Real Angels Don't Fall" t-shirt, so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section! She'll be stopping by later today to see what we're discussing....