Posts filed under 'Girlfriends Cyber Circuit'
November 2nd, 2010
Happy release day to Daisy Whitney and her debut, THE MOCKINGBIRDS! If you haven’t met Daisy yet, high-tail it over to her web site (or visit her on Twitter @daisywhitney) and get to know this incredibly sweet dynamo. 
Daisy is not only a fellow Tenner, but also a fellow girlfriend on the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit. To celebrate her release (and thank her for being such a huge supporter of me and authors everywhere!), I’m delighted to be sponsoring a THE MOCKINGBIRDS giveaway to not one, but two lucky commenters. It’s a double whammy! Stay tuned at the end of the interview for all the details.
GCC presents… Daisy Whitney!
It’s GCC time to kick off November! This week, I’m ecstatic to bring you the amazing and wonderful (and so so smart)…
Daisy Whitney
Welcome, Daisy!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Daisy Whitney
Short Bio:
Daisy Whitney is a new media producer, reporter, and internationally-known Web show creator, and The Mockingbirds is her debut novel. A graduate of Brown University, Daisy believes in shoes, chocolate chip cookies, and karma. She lives in San Francisco, California with her fabulous husband, fantastic kids, and adorable dog, and you can follow her writing blog and new media adventures at DaisyWhitney.com.
The Book
The Mockingbirds
November 2, 2010
Little, Brown
**On shelves TODAY!**
Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way–the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds–a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.
In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl’s struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone–especially yourself–you fight for it.
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?
I pinch myself every day. Life is a wondrous extraordinary thing and I truly believe if you keep working hard dreams have a funny way of coming true.
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 try to live an eco-friendly life by recyling, re-using, and buying sustainably grown food. I also made a decision to return to vegetarianism earlier this year for many reasons including a love of animals and a desire to make as low an impact on the earth as possible.
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?
Health! My children! My husband! My dog! Everything! Most of all I am so grateful that my family is healthy and happy!
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
I went on a pre-pub tour this summer and it was totally surreal to meet all these booksellers and librarians who were excited about my book!
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
I’d have to say The Little House on the Prairie books because whenever I look back on reading as a child I was always curled up with those books. They showed me how books can take you away to another world.
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?
Being the only one who missed the Madonna concert is not the end of the world!
Thanks to Daisy for a terrific interview!
The Giveaway!
In celebration of Daisy and her debut, I’m happy to be sponsoring a giveaway of THE MOCKINGBIRDS to two lucky commenters! Comment below and tell us why you think it’s important to stand up for what’s right. A bonus entry to every commenter who also shares a story about a time when they personally stood up for something they believed in! Comment below by Monday, November 8, 2010. (Giveaway open to US only.)
October 20th, 2010
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!
October 16th, 2010
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!
October 8th, 2010
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!
September 8th, 2010
It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the wonderful and funny…
Lucienne Diver
Welcome, Lucienne!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Lucienne Diver
Short Bio:
Lucienne Diver is a writer by night and a literary agent by day.
The Book
ReVamped
September 1, 2010
Flux
Gina and her boyfriend Bobby are sent undercover to infiltrate a New York high school where some seriously weird stuff is going down. Worse than that, Gina’s new super-secret identity is as goth-girl Geneva Belfry. No color palette to speak of. More chains than a bike rack. And don’t even get her started on the shoes. At least she won’t be too worried about blood spatter when kicking the butt of her newest nemesis, who’s decided that the high school makes a perfect playground.
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?
I’ve wanted to be a published author since I was about eleven years old and finished my first “novel.” It was supposed to be a short story, based on a concept we were given in class and ended up around 110 pages. I received my first rejection at fifteen or sixteen when I submitted the novel to the Avon Flare competition. I don’t know if Avon still does this, but it was a contest open only to young people and the best manuscript achieved publication. I still had a long way to go toward that goal, but the day I reached it was one of the most amazing of my life.
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?
That’s a great question, and so hard to answer, because the things I want most to change are those things that I have the least control over. What I’d most like to stop is abuse of any kind…spousal abuse, child abuse, etc. Child abuse is especially heinous because of their vulnerability and the position of power that adults hold over them. Giving time or money to help after the fact, to treat the trauma and help victims get back on their feet is wonderful, but I’d love to get at the heart of things and nip it all in the bud. When I wish on a star or blow out a candle, my most fervent wish is that people stop hurting each other, particularly those they’re supposed to love and protect.
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?
I’m incredibly grateful for my family. They awe and amaze me and keep me on my toes, showing me by their examples ways in which I can be a better person. My husband surprises me with laughter and thoughtfulness. My son sees the world with such clarity and creativity that he helps me view it through new eyes. My father, mother and grandmother are amazingly giving of their time to others. My sister would do anything in the world for anybody without a thought to herself. Her son is a wonder and her husband a character.
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
You’ll laugh, but honestly, it was being asked to emcee an event in October as my character. You see, Gina (my fashionista vampire) is so real to me that she’s not only insisted on a series—first Vamped and now ReVamped, with two more on the way—but she’s even got her own blog. Sometimes I feel more like I channel the character than do any actual work myself. So it’s very meaningful to me that other people are starting to share in my delusions. Yes, people talk back to my “imaginary” friend. (Gina would have my head if she heard me call her that.) Soon she’ll have a better social life than I do.
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
Hands down it’s THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare. It’s all about a girl who was raised by her grandfather in Barbados, who is sent to live with her Puritan aunt and uncle after his death. On the trip, she dives into the ocean to save the doll of a pinch-faced little girl who doesn’t seem to have anything else in the world to cling to and she’s immediately branded a witch. It’s an amazing story, about prejudice, sacrifice and, especially, the courage it takes to stand up to the status quo and risk being slapped with a label that could lead to death in order to do what is right.
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?
You know, it almost doesn’t matter, because I wouldn’t have listened. I was hard-headed (still am, actually), and I wouldn’t have heard anything before I was ready to hear it, if that makes any sense. If I could give her confidence instead of advice, though, I’d do it in a New York minute. I never really let anything stop me, but I did stress about everything far more than necessary.
Thanks to Lucienne for a terrific interview. Be sure to pick up your copy of ReVamped today!
August 31st, 2010
It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the fabulous…
Kristina Springer
Welcome, Kristina!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Kristina Springer
Short Bio:
Kristina Springer is the author of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS and the forthcoming PUMPKIN PRINCESS (fall 2011). She has a Masters in Writing from DePaul University and she resides outside of Chicago with her husband and children. Visit her at www.KristinaSpringer.com.
Kristina loves to hear from readers, so please visit her at www.KristinaSpringer.com, on her blog (KristinaSpringer.blogspot.com), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KristinaSpringer) or on Twitter (@TinaSpringer).
The Book
My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours
August 31, 2010
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
**On shelves now**
Seventh grade was supposed to be fun, but Tori is having major drama with her BFF, Sienna. Sienna changed a lot over the summer—on the first day of school she’s tan, confident, and full of stories about her new dreamy boyfriend. Tori knows that she’s totally making this guy up. So Tori invents her own fake boyfriend, who is better than Sienna’s in every way. Things are going great—unless you count the whole lying-to-your-best-friend thing—until everyone insists Tori and Sienna bring their boyfriends to the back-to-school dance.
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?
Yes! It didn’t become a dream for me until I was in my twenties but then I was determined and it feels amazing to be published.
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?
Make people laugh.
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, reality tv (kidding), my health, and happiness!
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
Walking up to my booth at ALA and seeing a long line of people waiting to see me—it was pretty cool!
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
The Little House on the Prairie series.
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?
Hold tight, things seem intense and dramatic now but life post high school is a blast!
Thanks to Kristina for a fun interview. Be sure to pick up your copy of My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours today!
July 3rd, 2010
It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the lovely…
Jenny O’Connell
Welcome, Jenny!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Jenny O’Connell
Short Bio:
Jenny O’Connell received her BA from Smith College and her MBA from the University of Chicago. The author of PLAN B and THE BOOK OF LUKE, she lives outside of Boston with her family.
The Books
LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS
MTV Books
**On shelves now**
There are two kinds of people on the island — those who leave at summer’s end… and those who are left behind.
Bestselling author Jenny O’Connell presents a sizzling series for summer. Her first two Island Summer novels, LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS highlight the lives of the summering visitors, the year-round locals living in the beach towns of Martha’s Vineyard, and the fireworks that explode when they combine for three steamy months.
In LOCAL GIRLS, friendships are in danger of ending with the summer. Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona’s mom marries one of the island’s rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha’s Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different.
Unlike his sister, Mona’s twin brother Henry hasn’t changed. He’s spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she’s Mona’s one true friend: uncover the identity of the twins’ birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she begins to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona’s mother. But it may prove to be a puzzle better left unsolved–as what she is about to discover will change their lives forever…
In RICH BOYS, Winnie jumps at the chance to babysit for a wealthy summer family and earn some extra money—but soon learns that life in the Barclay’s beautiful vacation home isn’t as perfect as it appears. And what was supposed to be a carefree summer quickly becomes more complicated than she ever thought possible.
Jenny’s Cool Giveaway News
Learn how you can win an Island Summer t-shirt – just in time for the beach. Go to http://jennyoconnell.blogspot.com and enter to win today! And learn more about LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS at www.jennyoconnell.com.
June 23rd, 2010
It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the awesome, charming, talented and all-around FABULOUS…
Wendy Toliver
Welcome, Wendy!
The Girlfriend
Name:
WENDY TOLIVER
Short Bio:
Born in Texas, raised in Colorado, and now living in Utah, Wendy Toliver has successfully eliminated “y’all” from her vocabulary. However, she still managed to marry a pickup man. They have three young sons and an assortment of furry, scaly, and slimy pets. She is the author of three novels for teens: The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren, Miss Match, and Lifted.
Visit her online at wendytoliver.com where you’ll find more great YA books from Wendy plus links to all the fun places where you can find her blog musings.
The Book
Lifted
June 8, 2010
Simon Pulse
**On shelves now**
Being Bad Never Felt So Good.
Poppy Browne had never stolen anything in her life before moving to Pleasant Acres, Texas and meeting Mary Jane and Whitney. But when Poppy walks out of the mall with her two new friends and her first pair of stolen jeans, she’s hooked.
Before long, Poppy is lifting whenever she gets the urge—it’s never about the merchandise, it’s always about the thrill. But when her secret gets out, the girls in Poppy’s clique turn on one another. As she watches her life collapse around her, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie … and how far she’ll go to protect herself.
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?
Though I only came up with it later in life, yes, being an author was a dream of mine. I realize how lucky I am to be able to say I’m a published author because there are so many talented writers with extraordinary stories to tell who never get this far. How does it feel? Crazy. Exhilarating. Mind-boggling. Surreal. Fantastic.
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 agree that it can be something simple, something that’s true to your heart. I’d have to say that children’s health and well being is my life’s focus, especially right now. One of the things I do is support my local Junior League, and one of its projects is providing free healthcare (dental and medical), haircuts, socks and underwear, haircuts, and books to uninsured children in the community (Children’s Health Connection).
This year is especially wonderful because my publisher, Simon & Schuster, donated thousands of dollars’ worth of books to this great cause. Another charity I recently helped out with (in a small way) is Aveda’s clean water campaign, which was brought to us locally by Free Spirit Holistic Mountain Spa. I love how simple it is: People in the world need to have clean water, right?
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?
I am thankful for the health of my family. With three little boys we rarely have a “blood free” day, but when we do we have a little celebration.
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
I have so many! One that comes to mind was when I was in Hastings and this lady was in line buying Miss Match and she overheard the bookstore manager mentioning to an employee that I was in the store (just shopping with my kids) and the lady ran over to me and asked me to sign the book. It was just so unexpected and she was really cute about meeting “a real author” and it also had a big impact on my boys who see me as “famous.” LOL
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
I loved A Wrinkle in Time and I think the reason is being able to read about an imaginary place and feeling like I was there.
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?
I’d tell myself to quit wasting so much time being boy crazy and just concentrate on having as much fun as possible.
Thanks to Wendy for a terrific interview. Be sure to pick up your copy of Lifted today!
May 23rd, 2010
Quick reminder… keep entering for your chance to win the High School Flashback Tour prize pack! Winner to be announced tomorrow.
And now… it’s GCC time! Today, I’m delighted to bring you the fabulous RITA nominee…
Jennifer Echols
Welcome, Jenn!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Jennifer Echols
Short Bio:
Jennifer Echols grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama–a setting that has inspired many of her books. Always interested in creative writing, she finished her first (and still unpublished) novel soon after graduating with a degree in English from Auburn University at age 20. She worked as an editor for newspapers, a writer for business publications, and a writing instructor for three major universities, completed a master’s degree in English, and finished the coursework for a PhD in genre studies before selling a book. Since then, she has written many young adult novels for Simon & Schuster, including Major Crush, which won the National Reader’s Choice Award, and Going Too Far, which is a finalist in the 2010 RITA, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best. Her next novel, Forget You, will be released on July 20. Currently she works as a copyeditor and lives in Birmingham with her husband and son. Please visit her online at jennifer-echols.com.
The Book
Endless Summer
May 25, 2010
Simon Pulse
(Note from Kay: I LOVED The Boys Next Door!)
The Boys Next Door and the sequel, Endless Summer, in one volume!
Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.
Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends–including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she’s always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen–not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it.
Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori’s romantic summer melt into one hot mess?
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?
It was a dream of mine for years, I worked very hard to achieve it, and I am thankful every day. I honestly believe it’s important to remember what life was like before, because it gives me a very different perspective. I never take this career for granted.
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?
This may seem small, but I am still very proud that I was the first female drum major of my high school marching band. Since then, girls and boys have both been drum majors at my high school. I’m sure it never occurs to them that there was a time when this position was not open to girls, and I think that’s terrific.
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?
So many things: my career, my friends, my family, our health. The main character of the book I’m writing now is an optimist—and I’m not!—so I’ve been reading a lot of books on optimism. They all agree that the best way to be happier in life is to see the glass as half full and to take time every day to be grateful for what you have.
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
My novel Going Too Far is a finalist in the RITA, with a huge ceremony at a national conference in Florida in July. I can’t wait!
(Yay, Jenn!!!!!!!)
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
The Beginning Place is a wonderful fantasy coming-of-age novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. If fantasy isn’t your thing…it isn’t mine, either, but this exquisitely written book is worth it.
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?
Pluck your eyebrows. I was afraid to do this after reading a YA novel by Paula Danziger called The Pistachio Prescription, in which a girl plucks her eyebrows for the first time and goes way overboard…but trust me, teen self, some moderate tweezing would do a world of good.
Thanks to Jenn for a terrific interview. And be sure to pick up your copy of Endless Summer when it hits shelves on Tuesday!
May 6th, 2010
It’s GCC time! This week, I’m delighted to bring you the talented and delightful…
Jeri Smith-Ready
Welcome, Jeri!
The Girlfriend
Name:
Jeri Smith-Ready
Short Bio:
Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband, two cats, and the world’s goofiest greyhound.
Jeri’s plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.
When not writing, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.
Jeri loves to hear from readers, so please visit her at www.jerismithready.com, or even better, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jerismithready) or Twitter (http://twitter.com/jsmithready), where she spends way too much time.
The Book
Shade
May 4, 2010
Simon Pulse
**On shelves now**
(And it’s on my shelf right now too!)
Love ties them together.
Death can’t tear them apart.
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan’s band playing a critical gig and Aura’s plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend’s life. She never thought it would be his last.
Logan’s sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He’s gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn’t help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura’s relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura’s heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.
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?
It’s indescribable. Sometimes I wonder if I’m going to wake up and it will be just that—a dream. I started out small, with an e-book, and each new series has brought me a slightly wider audience. So I’ve had a chance to wade into this crazy publishing world a little at a time.
For sanity’s sake, I think that’s been healthy.;-)
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 really believe that life isn’t complete unless one is doing something for others. I don’t think it’s enough to only live for ourselves and our inner circle of family and friends. The world is hurting in so many ways, there’s something for everyone to do, regardless of talents or time constraints.
Unfortunately this is one area of my life that’s begun to lack as work has taken over. We used to foster dogs for a local animal rescue organization (we’ve had twenty-three in all—not at the same time, of course), but then my dog hurt her back a couple of years ago. She loves other dogs so much, she can’t resist dancing and bouncing around them, which is really bad for her back. So we tried fostering a cat, but we fell madly in love with Twinkle and adopted her.
Each of my books has a “royalty tithe” charity, where ten percent of my author royalties (if there are any) go to a designated charity relevant to the book. For Eyes of Crow it’s Conservation International, for Voice of Crow it’s the Wounded Warrior Project; for Wicked Game it’s VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation. I’m still deciding which charity I want to receive a piece of my SHADE royalties, but it will probably be a Baltimore-based charity who does worth with drug rehab, since the book is set in that city and substance abuse is an issue in the story. Besides, there’s a crying need for it.
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?
I’m most grateful for the amazing support of my husband. He puts up with my traveling and crazy deadlines, and he tells me daily how proud he is. Ack, I’m getting choked up just typing this! I’m the luckiest person in the world.
Author Fun!
4. SECRET SQUEE MOMENT: What is the coolest thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
It was a tiny thing. When I went to visit my publisher (Simon Pulse) last November, they gathered together a bunch of the people who had worked on the book, from artists to production folks to sales people.
We ate doughnuts in the 17th floor boardroom before having a meeting with publicity and marketing. But the coolest thing was, when my agent and I got off the elevator and went into the waiting room, someone had put out a little sign with the date and the SHADE book cover. The sign said, “Simon & Schuster Children’s welcomes Jeri Smith-Ready.” They let me keep the sign! I know, I’m a dork, but I felt really honored.
5. ALL-TIME MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: What book had the greatest impact on you growing up?
The Judy Blume books were all really influential. They helped me understand what I was going through and what to expect as I grew up. They were just so REAL. That’s what I strive for with my YA writing.
I want teens to feel like they recognize themselves in the characters. If it helps them feel less alone in this crazy world, then I’ve done my job.
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?
Spend more time with your friends, and less time with your boyfriend. But the teen self wouldn’t listen to me, so why bother? 
Thanks to Jeri for a terrific interview. Be sure to pick up your copy of Shade today!
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