Winner of Denise Jaden’s LOSING FAITH!

It’s time to announce the winner of Denise Jaden’s debut LOSING FAITH, a US/Canada giveaway sponsored by her publisher!

The winner of LOSING FAITH is:

Lauren
(aka 365 Days of Reading)

Congratulations, Lauren! Please contact me here with your mailing address and I’ll forward it to Denise so her publisher can send along your copy of LOSING FAITH.

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Winner of Lauren Strasnick book + win Denise Jaden’s debut LOSING FAITH!

HER AND ME AND YOU winner!

Congratulations to the winner of Lauren Strasnick’s latest book, HER AND ME AND YOU…

Carly!
(aka Carly Reads)

Congrats, Carly! Please contact me here with your mailing address. I’ll forward it along to Lauren, and you’ll receive your book directly from her publisher.

And now…

GCC presents Denise Jaden!

It’s GCC time again! This week, I’m delighted to bring you my fellow Tenner…

Denise Jaden

Welcome, Denise! (Readers: Be sure to check out the LOSING FAITH giveaway at the end of the interview!)

The Girlfriend

Name:

Denise Jaden

Short Bio:

Denise Jaden lives just outside Vancouver, Canada. When she’s not writing, she can often be found homeschooling her son or dancing with her Polynesian dance troupe. Losing Faith is her first novel. Find out more at denisejaden.com.

The Book

Losing Faith
September 7, 2010
Simon Pulse
**On shelves now**


A terrible secret.
A terrible fate.
 
When Brie’s sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie’s world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don’t line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night…a secret that puts her own life in danger.

Up Close and Personal

1.   PURSUING YOUR DREAMS: Everyone has the ability to be extraordinary, they just have to embrace what makes them unique and special and pursue their dreams with passion and confidence! Was being a published author a dream of yours? If so, how does it feel to have achieved your dream?

Being a published author has only been a recent dream of mine, say in the last seven years or so. Still, it is a major accomplishment, and when I look around and see so many writers trying so hard to get published (many whom I would consider more talented than I am!) I am truly humbled by it all.

2.   CHANGING YOUR WORLD: Changing the world doesn’t have to mean finding a cure for cancer or creating lasting world peace (though it definitely can!). It just means finding a way that you can make the world a little better off for having lived here, whether it’s making a difference to one person or a million, to the earth, to animals… whatever is important to you. What is one way you would personally like to make the world a better place?

I’d love to be able to personally connect with teens and young people and somehow make their world easier for them. I know *I* had a hard time as a teen, and the world certainly hasn’t gotten any easier for that age. I’d love for my books to make even just one person feel understood and not alone in the world.

3.   GRATITUDE: Gratitude is a huge part of the You 2.0 life. Taking a moment to count our blessings is the best way to remember what’s truly important (especially when life is hectic and crazy!). What are you grateful for?

What am I NOT grateful for might be an easier question! I am so incredibly blessed. I have a wonderfully supportive and encouraging husband, the best son in the world (I know, I’m a bit biased here) and I’m seeing a piece of my heart (my first book) hit the shelves. I also have better friends than a person could rightfully ask for and an extended family who are made of awesome. Truly, truly blessed!

Author Fun!

4.   SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?

My best moment was still when I received my first offer of representation. Hearing someone in the world–a publishing professional no less!-use the “L” word about my writing for the first time.I’ll never forget that moment.

5.   ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?

To be honest, I didn’t read a lot growing up. I always thought of reading as “work” and I think I missed out on so much because of that attitude. I do, however, have fond memories of ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT’S ME MARGARET? By Judy Blume. It made me laugh out loud and feel a sense of camaraderie.

6.   THE REAL DEAL: If you could go back in time and give your teen/tween self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Only one? Well, okay. Even though I know I wouldn’t have listened, I would still tell my teen self not to worry so much about what other people think of me.

Thanks to Denise for a terrific interview.   I’m delighted to be offering up a free copy of LOSING FAITH to one lucky commenter courtesy of Denise’s lovely publisher. This publisher giveaway is open to US only. Comment below by Monday, October 25, 2010 for your chance to win!

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GCC presents… Linda Gerber!

It’s GCC time! A few weeks ago, I had the lovely opportunity to meet this week’s Girlfriends Cyber Circuit guest: the awesome, funny and incredibly sweet…

Linda Gerber

Welcome, Linda!

The Girlfriend

Name:

Linda Gerber

Short Bio:

Linda Gerber (www.lindagerber.com) is the author of the popular Death by Bikini, Death by Latte, and Death by Denim as well as two books in the S.A.S.S. series. She lives with her family in Dublin, Ohio.

The Book

Trance
October 14, 2010
Penguin Speak
**On shelves now**


Ashlyn Greenfield has always known when bad things are going to happen. Each time that familiar tingling at the back of her neck begins, she knows what’s to come—a trance. She’s pulled in, blindsided, an unwilling witness to a horrible upcoming event. But she’s never been able to stop the event from actually occurring—not even when the vision was of her mother’s fatal car accident. When soulful Jake enters Ashlyn’s life, she begins having trances about another car accident. And as her trances escalate, one thing becomes clear: it’s up to her to save Jake from a near-certain death.

Combining romance and suspense, Trance delivers a paranormal thriller that is unique in its ability to appeal to sci-fi and chick lit fans alike.

Up Close and Personal

1.   PURSUING YOUR DREAMS: Everyone has the ability to be extraordinary, they just have to embrace what makes them unique and special and pursue their dreams with passion and confidence! Was being a published author a dream of yours? If so, how does it feel to have achieved your dream?

Being an author is a recent dream. I didn’t grow up thinking I could ever be doing what I am right now. Once I decided I had stories to tell and I wanted the chance to tell them, I did everything I could to get here. It’s a great sense of accomplishment to know I made it happen.

2.   CHANGING YOUR WORLD: Changing the world doesn’t have to mean finding a cure for cancer or creating lasting world peace (though it definitely can!). It just means finding a way that you can make the world a little better off for having lived here, whether it’s making a difference to one person or a million, to the earth, to animals… whatever is important to you. What is one way you would personally like to make the world a better place?

I was recently inspired by a young author, Riley Carney, who has established a foundation to work toward youth literacy. She talked about empowering youth by giving them greater ability to learn and the seek opportunities. I can’t imagine a more worthwhile cause – and something that will change lives for the good, so that’s a new focus for me.

3.   GRATITUDE: Gratitude is a huge part of the You 2.0 life. Taking a moment to count our blessings is the best way to remember what’s truly important (especially when life is hectic and crazy!). What are you grateful for?

My family. My friends. My faith. The ability and the freedom to pursue my goals.

Author Fun!

4.   SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?

I’ve got to meet some amazing authors at events and signings (and cheesecake lunches). I’m still such a fangirl that each time is a squee moment for me.

5.   ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls was first book I stayed up all night to read. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite book of all time, but that the book I was reading when I happily realized I was a true bookaholic, and that many years of reading pleasure awaited me.

6.   THE REAL DEAL: If you could go back in time and give your teen/tween self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Enough with the drama, already. All this high school stuff won’t matter in a year or two. Trust me.

Thanks to Linda for a terrific interview.   Be sure to pick up your copy of Trance today!

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GCC presents… Lauren Strasnick (plus win a copy of Her and Me and You!)

It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the lovely and incredibly talented…

Lauren Strasnick

Welcome, Lauren! (Readers: Be sure to check out the Her and Me and You giveaway at the end of the interview!)

The Girlfriend

Name:

Lauren Strasnick

Short Bio:

Lauren Strasnick grew up in Connecticut, now lives in Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Emerson College and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) MFA Writing Program. Visit Lauren on the web at www.laurenstrasnick.com.

The Book

Her and Me and You
October 5, 2010
Simon Pulse
**On shelves now**

First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father’s affair splits her family in two.

Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred–and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred’s twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there’s just something about Fred–and something about Adina–that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world, no matter the consequences.

Up Close and Personal

1.   PURSUING YOUR DREAMS: Everyone has the ability to be extraordinary, they just have to embrace what makes them unique and special and pursue their dreams with passion and confidence! Was being a published author a dream of yours? If so, how does it feel to have achieved your dream?

Oh, absolutely, it was my dream, & still is. Each book that comes out feels like a mini-miracle. The day I got the call that my first book had sold was such an insane high – total elation. Nothing compares.

2.   CHANGING YOUR WORLD: Changing the world doesn’t have to mean finding a cure for cancer or creating lasting world peace (though it definitely can!). It just means finding a way that you can make the world a little better off for having lived here, whether it’s making a difference to one person or a million, to the earth, to animals… whatever is important to you. What is one way you would personally like to make the world a better place?

Tough question, Kay! I’d like to think I make the world a bit better by being honest and fair to those I interact with. This is mostly a good thing, but my preoccupation with things being “even” and “right” gets me into trouble occasionally… Also, I am a committed friend. Endlessly loyal to those I love.

3.   GRATITUDE: Gratitude is a huge part of the You 2.0 life. Taking a moment to count our blessings is the best way to remember what’s truly important (especially when life is hectic and crazy!). What are you grateful for?

My health (knock wood), my family, my friends, my kitten, (knock wood, knock wood, knock wood), my career, good food, great music, good art, nice clothes… I could play this game forever (knocking wood every time!).

Author Fun!

4.   SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?

S&S sent me to Orlando this summer for the RWA nationals. I’ve never been *sent* anywhere before! So thrilling.

5.   ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?

I have a very distinct memory of lying on the living room couch, finishing up WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls, weeping. That book killed me.

6.   THE REAL DEAL: If you could go back in time and give your teen/tween self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Kiss more boys.

Thanks to Lauren for a terrific interview.   I’m delighted to be offering up a free copy of Her and Me and You to one lucky commenter courtesy of Lauren’s delightful publisher. Comment below by Monday, October 18, 2010 for your chance to win!

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