Author Uncovered: Andrea Cremer (Author Interview)

Books:

• Nightshade
• Wolfsbane
• Bloodrose
  

Website|Buy the Book

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Author Bio:

Andrea Cremer spent her childhood daydreaming while roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin. She now lives in Minnesota, but she thinks of her homeland as the “Canadian Shield” rather than the Midwest.

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. When she’s not writing, Andrea teaches history at a very nice liberal arts college in St. Paul.

In the little spare time she can find, Andrea stares up at trees, rescues infant rabbits from predatory cats, and invents names for pug puppies with her husband. She has an unfortunate tendency to spill things – white carpets beware!

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Who is your favorite character from Nightshade?
That’s a really tough question – I’m so deeply attached to the whole pack! If I had to pick one character it would be Ansel. His character is very loosely based on my own little brother, to whom I’m very close. I love Ansel’s giant heart and constant optimism; of all the wolves, he is the most devoted to Calla.

Why did you choose to make Nightshade revolve around the pack and Guardian wolves?
I grew up in the middle of the Chequamegon National Forest in northern Wisconsin. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country – and I spent my childhood playing deep in the woods, building forts, discovering hidden waterfalls. It was a magical experience, full of wild possibility. Wolves struck me as an essential part of that mysterious and magical wilderness. Unlike most werewolf books out there I wanted to portray wolves as I see them: beautiful, social, and intelligent. The embodiment of freedom.

Calla is a very unique character in Nightshade. Is she based on any real-life person?
Not at all. Calla was the inspiration for Nightshade and she is completely unique. My books start out usually with one scene or one character getting lodged in my mind and refusing to go away. That’s what happened with Calla. I knew there was a girl and I knew she was also a wolf. I also knew she was in trouble, but I wasn’t sure why. The world of Nightshade spun out from the threads of Calla’s plea for help.

Are you Team Ren or Team Shay? Who do you think readers will favor more?
I’m Team Calla. It’s her choice, not mine and I won’t pick sides. EVER. But I will say I love both of them and each boy in his own way would be a good match for Calla. I’ve already had readers for both Team Ren and Team Shay contact me. I understand why both boys have fans – though Ren’s fans are a bit more *ahem* rabid, which kind of makes sense. Ren’s used to that kind of attention and he’s enjoying it. I think Shay’s fans will prove equally loyal though! Shay has always been a bit of a loner, so he’s a little thrown by the changes in his life, including the attention, but I think he likes having fans more than he’d willingly admit.

Personally, what's your opinion or predestined marriage or 'mating'?
Ooh! Big question. Nightshade is in many ways a story about oppression and the struggle for freedom. I think the most important part of life is discovering who you really are – and other people trying to tell you who you are or forcing you to be what they think you should be is a problem. Finding your own way to love is a key part of knowing yourself, your passions, and remaining true to them.

Which character do you resonate most with, in Nightshade?
The character I relate the most to doesn’t actually appear until book 2, WOLFSBANE, and I don’t want to give anything away about that now. Of the NIGHTSHADE wolves I’d say I resonate the most with Ansel – because as I mentioned above, he’s somewhat like my brother and my brother and I are a lot alike.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with Nightshade?
I don’t know that I was trying to communicate a specific message, but there are certain beliefs I hold very close that are at work in Nightshade: Find your own path. Strength comes in many forms. The world isn’t always what you thought it was. History is cool, and vital. Love – real love – matters most.

The premise of Nightshade is quite unique. How did the idea bloom?
Like I said earlier, Calla started it all. The world of Nightshade came as I tried to figure out how someone like Calla, a girl who I knew was incredibly powerful, could be afraid and angry. What was controlling her? Why would she be fighting against her own destiny? I realized that she was facing off with something even more powerful than herself. That’s where my background as a historian came in. I teach early modern history (1500-1800) – a period of immense, violent change in human societies. This is the time of witchhunts, religious warfare, colonization, the Inquistion; all types of cataclysmic social transformation that turned the lives across the globe upside down. The more I thought about Calla I thought about the ways in which wolf warriors and witches could have intertwined lives. The mythology in Nightshade is a blend of history and lore plus new twists I imagined along the way.

What would you have done if you were in Calla's place?
This is a great question, but I’m afraid I can’t answer it without spoilers and I have a strict no spoilers policy. Sorry! I can say that Calla and I are very different people, so I doubt we would make the same choices. I also can’t shift into wolf form at will, which limits my options more than hers!

The cover is very beautiful. Did you have any input in it?
Authors have very little input into their covers, but my editor was amazing about including me in the process from concept to the final version. I’ve loved the cover from start to finish. My editor sent me photos of the model – and she was the perfect Calla, exactly as I’d imagined her. When they told me that Suza Scalora (http://suzascaloraphotography.com) would be doing the cover I was ecstatic. She is remarkably talented. I had the chance to meet Suza when she was in Minneapolis on her own book tour the week after they shot the Nightshade cover. It was so much fun to talk to her about the shoot; she is a lovely person. I’m thrilled with how the cover has turned out; I love the image and the bloody calla lilies. It captures the mood of the book perfectly!

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I had one reader tell me she has an ARC (one that was distributed at the ALA Midwinter meeting in January) but she still hasn’t read it even though she’s dying to – she just doesn’t think she has the patience to wait for the sequel. I would never have that kind of discipline. When I get I book I’m excited about I have to sit down and read it immediately!

What’s up next for you book-wise?
WOLFSBANE is in copy-edits and will have a release date in the summer of 2011. Right now I’m drafting BLOODROSE, the third book in the Nightshade trilogy, which will be released in spring 2012. After that I’ll be writing a prequel to NIGHTSHADE that is set in the Middle Ages slated for fall 2012. Beyond that there are lots of possibilities. I’m working on a steampunk series set in 19th century North America that I hope will be on bookshelves eventually. Plus, I never know when a new idea will grab hold. My novels tend to take me by storm.

Book you've faked reading:
Wuthering Heights. I know this is sacrilege, but I can’t stand the Bronte sisters’ novels. I don’t like the heroines. I find the love interests off-putting and quasi-abusive. Their books make me feel miserable. I don’t enjoy books that make me feel miserable.

Book you've bought for the cover:
John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things. I love its cover, which I find both idyllic and haunting – much like the content of the book itself. It’s a great book that I’d highly recommend.

Book you're an evangelist for:
Watership Down by Richard Adams. This is one thing Calla and I do have in common. It’s our favorite book though we like it for different reasons. I love the epic journey and vivid mythology, Calla loves the story of loyalty and survival.

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Thanks so much Andrea!

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Author Uncovered: Elizabeth Rudnick (Author Interview)

Books:

• Tweet Heart
  

Website|Buy the Book

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Author Bio:

This is the part I'm always the worst at—talking about myself! So as you've figured out, my name is Elizabeth Rudnick and I'm a young adult author. I'm also a Senior Editor at Disney Press in New York City. I've edited books based on movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Prince of Persia as well as Miley Cyrus's memoir, Miles to Go, which was a New York Times bestseller (imagine if Tweet Heart was too!) and a total blast to work on.

When I'm not working, I live in Connecticut with a big mutt named Jack Dyson (because he has the ability to suck up anything in his way) and have a habit of watching hours of mindless television. I like to think of it as research!

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Who is your favorite character from Tweet Heart?
Hard to pick a fav. But I'd say Bennett. Sci-fi loving smart aleck with a secret sweet side? What's not to love?

Why did you choose to write a book based on the concept of Twitter?
U can blame it on a boy. Guy I was dating once told me I made him feel twitterpaited. Line stuck--boy didn't--and story was born.

What is your opinion of Twitter? What part does it play in your life?
Twitter is what you make of it which is why it's so great. Wanna follow @cnn? Done. Wanna follow @justinbieber? No shame. I use it more for the latter.

What is the message your are trying to get across to your readers with Tweet Heart?
I guess its what I wish I'd known when I was in high school--prince charming doesn't always come in the package u expect.

How did the title Tweet Heart come to be?
It's genius! Thanks! I'm pretty fond of it myself! It was either that or A Case of Mis"tweet"en Identity. Actually, that gives me an idea...

What is the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
That they wanted to read the book! :) That and one early reader told me I should be a playwright b/c format of Tweet is basically a play.

What's up next for you book-wise?
That's a good question! Up in the air. Have a few things working on--all very different from Tweet. But I have to admit, would love to do more with the kids of Watkins Prep!

Book you've faked reading:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I found the characters trite & the plot meandering. And don't get me started on the ending. ;)

Book you've bought for the cover:
Prep by Curtis Sittenfield. I'm a sucker for effects and I couldn't get over the belt!

Book you're an evangelist for:
So many! Blue Bloods, Cowboys Are My Weakness, The Help, If I Died in the Combat Zone, The Fallen...

Anything else you'd like to add?
You know how people say, write what you know. Its the truth! So if u know me and see some of u in my characters--hope u r flattered! Except for that one guy--u know who u are!

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Thanks so much Liz! We all loved the tweet-long answers! Perfect!!!

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Author Uncovered: Aimee Friedman (Author Interview)

Books:

• Sea Change
  
• The Year My Sister Got Lucky
  
• South Beach
• French Kiss
• Hollywood Hills
• A Novel Idea
• Breaking Up
• Mistletoe
• 21 Proms
  

Website|Buy the Book

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Author Bio:

Aimee Friedman was born and raised in Queens, New York, in an apartment filled with books and different languages. She wrote her first story at the age of five, and was off and running from there. Aimee wrote all through her years as a student at the Bronx High School of Science and then Vassar College. After graduating from college in 2001, she became a children's book editor, a job she still does, and loves, to this day! Aimee published her first novel, the New York Times bestseller, South Beach, in 2005, and is now the author of six novels for young adults, the latest being Sea Change, a love story with a hint of enchantment. Aimee lives, works, and writes in Manhattan, where she also spends way too much time shoe-shopping. Aimee loves to hear from her readers so feel free to drop her line any time:
aimee@aimeefriedmanbooks.com

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Did you always want to become an author?
Yes! I grew up in a house filled with books, and I always loved to read- - and write. I've written probably since the age of five or six. Writing was my escape, my joy, my most favorite thing to do, so I knew I would want to make it a part of my life in some way. I always say writers are lucky because, in a way, we get to daydream for a living!

Who or what was your inspiration for Sea Change?
I've always loved mermaid stories, from the classic Andersen fairy tale to the '80s movie Splash! I began to wonder: what if the gender roles were reversed? What if the human character was a girl, and the sea creature a boy? Out of that idea came the set-up for Sea Change.

What about for A Novel Idea? (It's my favorite out of all RoCom books)
I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! The main character in A Novel Idea--Norah--is very similar to how I was in high school. Like Norah, I was a city girl, bookish, very into music and fashion, and very close to my friends...but totally tongue-tied around cute boys! I always wished I'd thought up creating my own book club while in high school, so I decided to give that opportunity to Norah--while throwing some funny roadblocks in her path!

How does it feel like, knowing your books are on those bookshelves in a bookstore? It never gets old, that thrill of seeing your book on the shelf! It is surreal and wonderful, especially since writing is such a solitary task...you're creating these worlds alone, in your own head, and then suddenly, there they are--between covers and in bookstores, and in people's hands. It's wild.

Did you base any of your characters on real people?
I definitely draw on people I know to make up different parts of different characters--little quirks someone has, certain traits, certain funny family stories. But there isn't one character that's firmly based on anyone I know--with the possible exception of Katie and Michaela in The Year My Sister Got Lucky. Those characters are very closely modeled on me and my sister, but with a few changes.

What are your ten, most favorite things?
Wow, this is tough, but fun.
1) Books. The feel, touch, and look of them, and of course, the wonderful stories inside.
2) My iPod. I can't write without some type of music in my ears.
3) Sunny, hot beach days.
4) The store Anthropologie, where I get probably 75% of my clothes!
5) The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
6) Tibetan Poppy Lipstick by Fresh
7) A perfect slice of pizza.
8) Cashmere socks.
9) Ballet.
10) Soft-serve ice cream cones: chocolate, with chocolate sprinkles.

What is your typical day?
A typical writing day goes something like this: Get up, shower, put on jeans, tee, and flip-flops, pack up laptop, iPod, and wallet and head to neighborhood coffee shop. Order a large iced vanilla skim latte and a low-fat muffin, settle into one of the squishy seats, and get to work. Type away (with, unfortunately, many Facebook breaks) until lunch, and then dive back into the work until my brain starts to feel fuzzy and I know I need to step away from the words. I'll usually spend my evenings with friends, seeing a movie, having dinner, taking a walk, etc., and sometimes I'll pick up writing again late at night. It all depends!

What is your favorite type of drink?
Always and forever, hot cocoa--with whipped cream, but only as a special treat.

Do you have any upcoming books?
I'm working on a book now for slightly younger readers, and then I have a sequel to Sea Change in mind, along with another YA project. Busy times!

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Thanks so much Aimee!

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Author Uncovered: Rachel Vincent (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Let's all welcome Rachel Vincent, author of the My Soul to... Series! It's an amazing series that I'm completely enthralled with!

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How does it feel like, knowing that your books are on bookshelves in bookstores all around the world?
It feels great. Also, kind of stressful. But in the best possible way. ;-)

Who or what is your biggest influence as a writer?
That would probably be Stephen King. I don't know that my style was actually influenced by his, but he's my favorite writer, and from a young age, I was captivated by the worlds he creates, and I wanted to be able to do the same thing with my own writing.

Did you base any of your characters on real people?
No. I never base my characters on anyone real, because I don't feel like I have the right to do that. I'd hate for someone I actually know to think I portrayed them badly in a story--now immortalized for the life of that book. So my characters are all made up, based on what I need for that particular story. ;-)

Rejection letters from publishers -- do you save them or throw them?
I actually only personally got one rejection letter from a publisher, and I think I still have that. Somewhere. Maybe. But the good thing about signing with a literary agent is that s/he gets the rejection letters, and I've never asked to have any of them forwarded. There are only a handful anyway, and they kind of cease to matter, once you have offers on the table from someone else. ;-)

But I do have several rejections from agents, from several years ago. Those were pretty frustrating.

How are you and Kaylee alike? How are you different?
Um... Kaylee's social standing at the beginning of the book is a lot like mine was in highschool. I wasn't popular, but I wasn't a pariah either. I had close friends, and that was enough. I dated more than she has, though.

Other than that, we don't have much in common. I'm not a banshee, thank goodness. ;-) Her life is much harder than mine was in highschool.

My Soul to Take sounds completely original. How did you come up with the plot?
Once I decided I wanted to write about bean sidhes (banshees) I spent a lot of time filling in the blanks--details that the original folklore doesn't give. Like the purpose of a bean sidhe's wail. I decided all that screaming had to be about more than simply mourning the dead. Brainstorming my Soul Screamers world was the most fun I've ever had with my job. I let my imagination go completely wild, and once I knew what bean sidhes are really doing when they scream, the plot came naturally. It was simply a matter of asking, "How could this possibly go wrong?" And there you have it!

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Several people have told me that my books (my adult series) were the first they ever finished by choice. They said they hadn't read a book since they were forced to in high school, until they found my Shifters series. That completely stunned me. I was blown away, and suddenly I saw my job as being about more than just entertainment, though that's chiefly what I do. ;-)

What do you see are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?
Um... I think I'm a pretty good plotter, and I think I portray strong emotion pretty well. People tend to think of my characters as real, and they get mad at me when bad things happen to characters they love!

My weaknesses... I'm not good at creating ambiguous bad guys--yet. My bad guys tend to be truly bad, and not the least bit sympathetic. I'm working on creating bad guys whose goals are simply at odds with my main characters goals, but that's really hard. I naturally tend toward bad guys who are truly evil. ;-)

If you weren't an author, what would you like to be?
I don't know! I taught ninth grade English for a very short while, but writing is where I feel like I belong. Guess I better make sure this gig pans out, huh? ;-)

Do you have any upcoming books?
Oh yes! In the Soul Screamers series:

My Soul to Save (book 2) Jan 1, 2010
My Soul to Keep (book 3) June 1, 2010

In my (adult) Shifters series:

Shift (book 5) March 1, 2010
Alpha (book 6) Oct. 1, 2010

What's a favorite piece of advice you like to give to young writers?
Keep writing, no matter what. Channel whatever you're feeling into a story and harness your emotion. That's what gives your prose power and meaning.
Thank you so much for having me, Reggie!

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Author Uncovered: Jennifer Hubbard (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Let's welcome Jennifer Hubbard, author of The Secret Year! She's an early 2010 author that completely blew people away with her debut novel!

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Did you always want to become an author?
Yes, ever since I could read. I made my own picture books when I was little.

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
I've always had an ear for dialogue. I'm not as good at description; I really have to pay attention so that my characters don't float invisibly in space, but are people you can visualize in a vivid setting.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I love when readers talk about characters as if they're real people: when they argue about what they would do in hypothetical situations, or about what should've happened. My first critiquers had very strong opinions about whom Colt should be with at the end of The Secret Year--but they didn't all agree!

Do you have any must-haves when you're writing?
Not really. I prefer to write on the computer in my home office, with music on, and a glass of water and dark chocolate within reach. But I have written on trains, on beaches, on airplanes, in hotel rooms. I can write longhand when I have to.

How does it feel like, knowing your books are going to be on those bookshelves in a bookstore?
It's still difficult to imagine. But I will be right next to Mandy Hubbard, author of Prada and Prejudice (no, we're not related, but we're friends through the Debut 2009 community), so it will be fun to have a friend "next door!"

Did you base any of your characters on real people?
I deliberately avoid basing characters on real people. But the black-and-white TV in The Secret Year is based on a real black-and-white TV that my husband owned until recently. The shell in Colt's room is based on a shell in my writing office (although I, unlike Colt, have seen the ocean many times). All the books mentioned in The Secret Year--Kerouac's Desolation Angels, Krakauer's Into the Wild, Heller's Catch-22, Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye--are real, and I've read them all.

What are your ten, most favorite things?
I decided to narrow this down and give you ten spectacular places, in no particular order: Paradise, Washington; Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah; Cannon Beach, Oregon; Rome, Italy; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Reykjanesviti, Iceland; Sorrento, Italy; Mount Saint Helens National Monument, Washington; Glacier National Park, Montana; Glen Aulin and May Lake camps in Yosemite National Park, California. I would need ten times as much room to list all the great places I've seen, but those are a few!

Do you have any upcoming books apart from The Secret Year? Are you working on something else?
I'm always working on something. I do have projects underway, but nothing with a concrete publication schedule at this point.

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Author Uncovered: Shannon Greenland (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Here's a short Q&A with Shannon Greenland, author of The Specialists series! It's one of my ultimate guilty pleasure reads!!!

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Morning person or night owl?
Definitely morning!

Any nicknames we might come across if we looked into your past?
Yep. My family and some childhood friends call me Nay Nay.

Did you base any of your characters on real people?
All my characters are built on bits and pieces of actual people I meet. I take a little bit of this person and a little bit of that person and combine it with some fictitious details and wa-la a character is born.

Rejection letters from publishers --save them or throw them?
Save them definitely. I used them as a learning tool. Also, I keep detailed files of everything so I can reflect back and remember things.

How are you and GiGi alike? How are you different?
We’re both low in the common sense arena, both sometimes a little too smart for our britches and definitely klutzy!

What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
I love fan mail that comes in capital letters and lots of exclamation points. It shows the readers’ enthusiasm. Like: OMG, I FREAKING LOVE YOUR STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Lol, I love that!)

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Author Uncovered: Kiersten White (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Today, we have Kiersten White, author of Paranormalcy with us today! If you've been living under a rock and haven't heard of her or Paranormalcy yet, here's your chance! I loved Paranromalcy! Check my review out!

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Who is your favorite character from Paranormalcy?

I love Evie, the main character and narrator. Her voice is so fun to live in, and the way she thinks always surprises me. (Umm, does that make me sound crazy?) She's such a fun combination of world-weary and naive.

Then, of course, there are the boys. I hesitate to say too much about my boys, but Reth--a faerie whom I would not like to know in real life--was always delicious to write. Jerks are the most fun to create, I've found.

Why did you choose to incorporate International Paranormal Containment Agency into Paranormalcy?

That's actually what the entire idea stemmed from. If you had a vampire, and you didn't want to kill it, but you wanted to make it incapable of hurting people--who would do that? How would that work? Cue Tasers and the International Paranormal Containment Agency. It all spun out from there!

Evie seems like a very unique character in Paranormalcy. Is she based on any real-life person?

Not really. She has a good dose of my sense of humor (just because I don't know any other ways to be funny), but she's definitely her own person. That's part of why I love writing, though. My characters and their voices kind of create themselves, and make choices and think things that I never would. It's a happy kind of crazy.

Theoretically, do you think our world would be better with a more paranormal environment like in Paranormalcy, or do you think normality is better? Why?

That's kind of the question of the series: Is the world better off with these things, or not? Evie in particular struggles with it, since she straddles both worlds and sees the very worst that the paranormal world has to offer. Fortunately there's someone special to show her that a little magic in the world isn't always a bad thing.

Which character do you resonate most with, in Paranormalcy?

Probably the gremlin that runs, snarling and rabid, down the hall trying to bite things.

Okay, not so much. I resonate with Evie--and hope that my readers do, too--because I think in spite of everything she's a very typical teenager, struggling with the usual questions of where she fits in, who she is, and what she wants her life to be.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with Paranormalcy?

I really didn't write with a message in mind, but I think a lot of the book boils down to choice: what we do with the situations we are given. If you find any other messages, feel free to let me know!

What would you have done if you were in Evie's place?

Curled up in a ball and cried. She's a bit more emotionally resilient than I am...

But really, she's living in such a fantastic world and trying to make it as normal as possible. I think I'd do the same thing--try to normalize things just to stay sane.

The cover is very beautiful. Did you have any input in it?

OH MY GOSH I LOVE MY COVER SO MUCH.

Whew. Sorry. Nope! They sent me the concept, which I loved, the model's portfolio, which I loved, and the final product, which I LOVED. I knew I wouldn't have much say, but the design team at HarperTeen is so good I kind of didn't want to have a say. I write books--let someone else figure out how to represent them on a cover! And they did such an amazing job.

How does it feel to be a 10'er?

I got in on the Tenners kind of late, but it's been so nice networking with other debut authors and hearing their input and their experiences. In general one of the nicest things in the last few months has been getting to know other authors online. It's a great community.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?

Of a previous book, my sister-in-law said, "I feel kind of creepy for liking Will, since he's so much like my brother." Which was true. Sorry for making you feel creepy, Emma.

What’s up next for you book-wise?

I've turned in the sequel to PARANORMALCY and am waiting for edits. There's an anthology on the television series The Vampire Diaries that I'm contributing an essay to, and I've also got another project (a ghost story) that needs one more round of edits before it's ready for submission. Plus a new series I'm working on with the hopes of selling it next year. And of course the final book in the PARANORMALCY trilogy, which I'll try to write this fall and winter.

My head aches...

Book you've faked reading:
To Kill a Mockingbird

Book you've bought for the cover:
Shiver

Book you're an evangelist for:
The Book Thief

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Author Uncovered: Lila Castle (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Today, we have Lila Castle to answer a few questions!!! She's the author of the ever-so-relaxing The Star Shack! If you want to read my review, click here. Welcome Lila!

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Why did you decide to write a book based on astrology and romance?
I love astrology and I love a good romance so the idea of the two together in one book was very appealing. And very fun to write!

Who is your favorite character from The Star Shack?
Hm, I don’t think I can choose between Pete and Annabelle so I am going to go with Vanessa, Annabelle’s BFF. At the start of the book she is very bitter about guys (and with good reason) but there’s a summer surprise written in her stars!

Why did you choose to incorporate the mystery of a thief as well as romance and astrology?
The thief plays a small but pivotal role in Annabelle’s relationship with Pete, and Pete’s relationship with astrology.

Personally, what is your opinion on astrology? Do you believe in it? Or not?
I think anything that gives you insight to yourself and new perspective on your life is worth something. I think it can be easy to get stuck in a certain way of thinking about your relationships, goals and future, and something like astrology can open a new window. I am a fan of new windows in life!

What's your star sign?
I’m Aquarius and definitely believe this is the age of Aquarius.

I'm a Pisces (March 10), do you have any horoscope advice/sayings for me?
For a precise reading it takes the exact time and location of your birth but I can say this: the Pisces woman is a romantic who has such warmth and sweetness few can resist her charms!

Which character do you resonate most with, in The Star Shack?
I have a little of Vanessa’s cynicism, Annabelle’s zest for life and Pete’s love of good coffee.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with The Star Shack?
I think The Star Shack falls in the category of fun beach read but I hope it conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the power of connections between people.

The premise of The Star Shack is quite unique. How did the idea bloom?
I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to write a romance set at the beach because I am very into both romance and beaches. When the idea of tossing astrology into the mix arrived, I knew I had enough to start writing.

What would you have done if you were in Annabelle's place?
I’d like to think I’d be as gusty and memorable as she is!

How did the title The Star Shack come to be?
My editor helped with that- I am not so good with titles. But once he came up with it I thought it was perfect!

The cover is really cool and creative! Did you have any input in it?
No, it was a wonderful surprise. I feel like it really captures the feel of the book and the boardwalk is just how I picture the one at Gingerbread Beach.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
Since the book isn’t out yet and I haven’t heard from many readers yet, I am going to have to get back to you on that one.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
My editor and I are in the very early stages of developing a project I am very excited about. When I can say more, I will!

Book you've faked reading:
In college I faked reading The Iliad and I so regret it- how many times do you get to dive into Greek classics with an expert to deepen the whole experience?

Book you've bought for the cover:
A Great and Terrible Beauty- how gorgeous is that cover?! The book was pretty good too.

Book you're an evangelist for:
Hunger Games and Catching Fire, Marcelo in the Real World and Sorta Like a Rockstar are the current ones. I love books with great characters that surprise me and pack a real emotional punch.

Anything else you'd like to add?
That you are awesome- thanks for having me on your blog!

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Author Uncovered: Holly Cupala (Author Interview)

Hi guys! Holly Cupala is here with us for a tour stop! She's an amazing writer and an even more amazing person! I reviewed her debut novel Tell Me A Secret here!

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The premise of Tell Me A Secret is quite unique. How did the idea bloom?
The story quite literally fell out of the sky, though it was inspired by a very difficult year personally. I was at a writing conference in 2004, and a friend very gently asked if I was thinking of writing about it. Shortly afterward, the entire book flashed in my mind like a movie trailer, and I started writing it down as fast as I could! I’d never written anything like this before, so I didn’t even know where to begin. Then a friend, not a writing friend, called and said he’d had a dream I was supposed to be working on something and I’d better get started! So I worked, little by little, as if by candlelight. The details bloomed along the way—as did many of the secrets.

Miranda is a very unique character in Tell Me A Secret. Is she based on any real-life person?
Her voice kind of came out of nowhere—one night, when I’d just been up with our brand new baby, she just started talking to me: It’s tough, living in the shadow of a dead girl. Being a new mom, I was incredibly sleep deprived (and possibly a little cranky), but I knew if I didn’t get out of bed and write it down, she might never talk to me again! At the time, I had an idea of the events and characters, but this was the first time she told it to me from her own point of view. The rest of the story poured out from there.

The cover is really very well done. Did you have any input in it?
On behalf of the amazing team at Harper, thank you! I had very little to do with it. My editor asked me what I thought the characters looked like, some key visual elements of the novel (dark/light, labyrinths, a safety pin dress), and I sent some pictures—including a Sassy cover, circa 1991, with Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain on the cover (there’s a hint of Courtney in Miranda’s sister, Xanda). Then they worked their own magic. My parents and my 15 year-old niece were visiting when my editor sent me the first cover draft. I gasped! Shouted, “Everyone, come look!” My niece had glued herself to the couch the day before to read the entire manuscript. When she saw it, she said, “It’s perfect.” I think so, too!

Personally, what's your opinion or teen pregnancy?
I didn’t really set out to write a “teen pregnancy” book—I wanted to tell a truthful story about a girl dealing with her past and memories and secrets, her own and others’. When she makes the decision she does, it has nothing to do with politics or extremes, it has to do with what Miranda believes about her sister’s death and how that ties in with a pregnancy. I wanted any girl to be able to picture herself in that situation, making that decision and dealing with positive and negative consequences. Life is made up of choices—whatever the path, there is no easy button. And I believe it is possible to bring good out of bad.

Which character do you resonate most with, in Tell Me A Secret?
For a long time I thought it was Miranda—her voice is in first person, so as I was writing her, I was very much in her head and emotions. And I love Essence. And Kamran. It wasn’t until after I finished that I realized the “me” character is probably Nik, despite the superficial details. Nik’s heart is my heart. Though there’s a little piece of me in every character!

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with Tell Me A Secret?
Every time you try to convey a message in writing, it’s probably a bad idea! Nobody wants to read a morality tale—we want to read good stories that get messy and gritty and to the heart of things in a truthful way. When I was writing, I’d get to another layer and think, This is what I’m writing about! But then there was always something a little deeper. In the end, I think I wrote about a girl trying to find herself in other people, and in the past. I personally think meaning is in the present and the future, in the decisions we make and how we choose to live life and the difference we can make because of our experiences.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
This is the most incredible part to me. Readers continue to surprise me with ways the story resonates with them and how emotionally involved they become with the characters despite—maybe even because of— their many flaws. The coolest thing might be the reader who said she spontaneously wrote a song from the point of view of Xanda—I’m hoping she’ll share it!

What’s up next for you book-wise?
My next YA novel, tentatively titled STREET CREED, will hit the shelves in Fall 2011! It’s about a suburban girl who runs away from home and meets up with a group of homeless teens on the streets of Seattle. It’s dark and romantic, and there are secret reasons why she has left home. Plus there is a beautiful boy with secrets of his own. I’m working with my editor on it now!

Book you've faked reading:
I would never do that! Um, maybe I would. I know I skimmed a few in college… The
problem with faking is that inevitably, I get caught! I’m terrible at keeping my own secrets.

Book you've bought for the cover:
Hmm, I can’t think of any! I usually buy books based on friends’ recommendations. But here are a few covers I think are gorgeous:
Before You Reach Me (original cover) by Rachel Cohn
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Need by Carrie Jones
The Forest of Hands and Teeth (original cover) by Carrie Ryan
Stolen by Lucy Christopher (a UK author just published here in the States)
I love designs with layers and depth.

Book you're an evangelist for:
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson—beautifully written, and a powerful story.

What’s up next?
As the blog tour finishes this week, I will be the featured author at readergirlz (http://readergirlz.blogspot.com) for the month of August. I hope you’ll stop by, and thank you so much for having me!

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Author Uncovered: Kirsten Miller (Author Interview)

Hi guys! Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten Miller, the author of the ever so amazing The Eternal Ones!!! I, for one, loved it! Check out my review =) Thanks for stopping by Kirsten!

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Who is your favorite character from The Eternal Ones?
I have to say my favorite character is Beau Decker, the protagonist’s best friend. He reminds me (in all ways but one) of my not so little brother who is an all-around excellent human being.

I also love the snake handling Frizzell family. They’re proof that, if we’re able to let go of our prejudices, we might find wisdom in unexpected places.

Why did you choose to use dressmaking as something that would keep Haven 'sane'?
I suppose I covet skills I’ve never possessed. I’ve always wanted to be able to whip up a gown or two on a moment’s notice, but I’m afraid my own fashion sense often leaves a great deal to be desired. (I should probably add that I’m a HUGE fan of Project Runway, which no doubt played a role when it came time to choose Haven’s special talent.)

Haven and Beau are only some of the very unique characters in The Eternal Ones. Are any of your characters based on somebody in real life?
I could get myself into a lot of trouble with this question. The short answer is yes. Ha.

I will admit that I “borrowed” parts of one key scene from a relative’s life. (When Beau takes a Barbie lunchbox to school.) The real person is someone I admire a great deal. He had more courage at the age of nine than most people are ever able to muster. (And a mean right hook from what I hear.) I hope he’s flattered if he reads the book.

Why did you choose for the setting to be in a southern town first, and then New York City? Both contrast each other and are completely different.
I grew up in a small southern town and moved to New York when I was seventeen years old, so Haven’s adventure mirrors my own in some ways. The mountains of North Carolina and Manhattan are two different worlds, there’s no doubt about it, but I love them both. My southern childhood provided fodder for more books than I’ll ever be able to write, while my life in New York has made it possible for me to earn a living concocting crazy stories.

(I should also add that my home town is nothing at all like Snope City.)

Do you believe in soul mates?
Yes, although I think each person may have more than one. And I don’t think soul mates are always of the romantic variety. I think there are people out there we’re supposed to find, even if they’re never meant to be more than our friends.

Which character do you resonate most with, in The Eternal Ones?
I resonate most with Haven. I know what it’s like to find yourself being forced to take steps into the unknown. (Everyone does, I suppose. It’s called being young.) Falling in love, for instance, is one of the biggest leaps of faith a person can make. Love is wonderful, but it’s also dangerous, and it can be terrifying to give your heart away for the first time. (Or the third, fourth, or tenth.)

Haven’s a strong girl. (I despise wimpy female characters.) But we all get a little flummoxed when it comes time to put our heart on the line.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with The Eternal Ones?
I don’t think there’s one single message. It’s a big, strange book. But there’s a character who, when asked her thoughts on the subject of reincarnation, says, “My faith is big enough for all of God’s wonders.” I like that idea a lot. I’ve always believed it’s best to approach life with an open mind.

The premise of The Eternal Ones is quite unique. How did the idea bloom?
I’ve been interested in reincarnation for a very long time. I don’t know if I’m a believer, but I do think it could explain a number of life’s little mysteries—the sensation of déjà vu, phobias, unusual skills. And, of course, love at first sight.

I think that a lot of us grow up feeling like we belong somewhere else—in another place or with another family.

But I think the most interesting side of reincarnation is that it can offer an explanation for why we’re inexplicably drawn to some people we meet in our lives and why other people simply repel us. It’s that thought that gave birth to the book.

What would you have done if you were in Haven's place?
What would I have done if I had started having visions of another person’s life? I’d like to think I would have had the guts to hit the road and do a little detective work. But I’m glad I was never put to that test!

The cover is very beautiful. Did you have any input in it?
Thanks! My input was pretty much limited to, “I love it!” We went through a few covers to get to the one with the ouroboros (snake swallowing its own tail), but I knew the final cover was perfect the moment I saw it.

Also, I have both the old and the new ARC. Which cover do you favor more?
I liked the super romantic ARC, but the new cover with the ouroboros is more my personal cup of tea. The Eternal Ones can be read as a romance—or as a mystery. I think the new cover leaves that decision up to the reader.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
Oh I’ve heard tons of interesting things. But I always love it when people send me drawings or stories or artwork or short movies, etc that feature the characters from my books. The idea that I’ve inspired others to go out and actually MAKE something? It’s the very, very best thing about writing.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
The still untitled sequel to The Eternal Ones will be finished soon. Then I’m back to the wonderful world of Kiki Strike to put the final touches on book number three, The Darkness Dwellers. When that is finished, I shall lie down and sleep for a hundred years.

Book you've faked reading:
Oh there are so many! I’ll go with Ulysses by James Joyce. I have a mental block when it comes to this particular book. I managed to get a degree in literature without reading it. Don’t tell anyone.

Book you've bought for the cover:
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. Totally worth it.

Book you're an evangelist for:
My all time favorite book: The Turn of the Screw. Best ghost story ever written, hands down.

Also, the romance “classics”: Jane Eyre, Rebecca, Wuthering Heights. I like my romances dark and dangerous. I also love Wilkie Collins, who isn’t as well known among the youth of today as he should be.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks! This was fun.

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Author Uncovered: Phoebe Kitanidis (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Phoebe Kitanidis, author of Whisper is here for a quick interview today! Check out my review of Whisper here if you're curious =) Thanks for stopping by Phoebe!

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Who is your favorite character from Whisper?
Probably Jamie, the loner guy.

Why did you choose to make Whisper revolve around hearing people's thoughts?
I always thought it’d be amazing to be able to know, somehow, what people were really thinking… especially what they wanted and wished for. But what would you do with that information if you had it? They say that knowledge is power, but they also say that ignorance is bliss. I wanted my story to explore those conflicting ideas.

Joy is a very unique character in Whisper. Is she based on any real-life person?
All my characters have a little bit of me in them. When I was younger, I worked really hard to get people to like me. I’d notice everyone’s preferences and moods and pay attention to what was considered cool, normal, or acceptable… but I still never felt like I fit in. It took me years to figure out that my unique personality wasn’t a “disadvantage,” and to balance other people’s needs and desires with my own.

Why did you choose to incorporate a not-so-nice sister?
She’s the other side of Joy, the side Joy’s entirely rejected. And she’s part of me too.

Personally, what's your opinion on the talent of Joy? Do you think it invades privacy or anything?
I love this question! It’s a very fine line. We all try to guess what the world wants from us: should I wear that dress to the dance, would Mom like those earrings for her birthday, will my best friend be mad if I’m too busy to call her back tonight? But within Joy’s family, there’s little privacy. Everyone’s reading everyone else compulsively. Personally, when I’m upset with someone I don’t want to be around them till I’ve calmed down. If they can look at my face and correctly guess what I’m thinking right then, that could make things worse. While if I could just have some time and space (privacy) to process my feelings, it would be easier to work through them.

Which character do you resonate most with, in Whisper?
Jessica… the not-so-nice sister. I can relate to her sense of alienation, and her frustration with a world that can be seem disappointingly shallow and fake at times.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with Whisper?
“Don’t do drugs.” No, I’m totally kidding! There’s no clear message like that. J But I hope that Whisper makes readers take a fresh look at how we all communicate—not just what we say, but what’s between the lines. And how that subtle communication can shape our relationships, for good or for bad.

What would you have done if you were in Joy's place?
I believe in trusting your gut. So if I ever got a gut feeling that someone I loved was in trouble, I hope I’d follow my intuition just like Joy did.

The cover is very beautiful. Did you have any input in it?
Thank you; I love the cover too but I can take no credit. My editor did ask for my input, I just had no clue what should be on the cover. To me, Whisper is more about thoughts, feelings, ideas, and of course sounds than it is about visual stuff. So many only input was, “Wow!” (when I saw the finished design).

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I love hearing about readers’ emotional experiences with this book. Several have said Whisper was a tense read for them because it reminded them of their own relationships with estranged family members.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
I’m working on a stand-alone teen novel called Summer Falls. It’s a little bit older than Whisper, more romance and paranormal mystery, while Whisper is more about an extraordinary family. In chapter one, my two characters Marshall and Elise wake up together with complete amnesia. It’s been a unique challenge to write about smart, interesting, resourceful people who don’t have memories.

Book you've faked reading:
It’s possible I skipped a few chapters of The Sound and The Fury. (Sorry, Mr. Farrell!)

Book you've bought for the cover:
Possession by A.S. Byatt.

Book you're an evangelist for:
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Allison Bechdel. A beautiful book.

Anything else you'd like to add?
My goal is to write books that get people talking, so Regie, thanks for interviewing me and hopefully sparking some dialogue. I’ll try my best to answer any questions commenters might ask.

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Author Uncovered: Kristina McBride (Author Interview)

Hi guys! Today, I have the pleasure to introduce you to Kristina McBride, the ingenious author of The Tension of Opposites! Read my review here to check it out!

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Who is your favorite character from The Tension of Opposites?
SO not fair! I feel like you’re asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all for different reasons. Tessa is like me, shy, reserved, and a little unsure of herself. Noelle/Elle is the kind of carefree girl I always wanted to be (minus the kidnapping and self-destructive behavior, of course). Max is a model of the guy I always wanted to date. And Cooper is this perfectly annoying little brother that I always wished I had. While I was working on my edits, everyone wanted more of Coop, so if I had to guess, he’d probably be a fave for some of my early readers.

What motivated you to write The Tension of Opposites?
One day while my daughter was napping, I watched an episode of Oprah. She was interviewing a young man who had just been returned to his family after a four-year abduction. I was so struck by the young man’s story, and impressed by his strength and fortitude. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Soon after, the voice of Tessa started speaking to me.

The premise of The Tension of Opposites seems really unique and interesting. What gave you the idea of these two best friends?
I don’t know. Honest. After watching the episode of Oprah, Tessa just started talking to me. I think the interview with the young man, who was actually seen out in public often, prompted me to think about what his friends and family might think about his reluctance to break free of his captor. It seemed like he’d had many chances, yet he remained silent. It was eerie to think of what the kidnapper had done to this boy to keep him quiet, and I hoped with everything in me that people would understand that even though he may have seemed free, he was not. I was pulled by a tension of opposites, I suppose, thinking that I ought to tell the story from the kidnapped girl’s perspective, but not being able to because every time I started to write her story, her best friend got in the way. Tessa spoke louder, and was more persistent. Ultimately, I realized that the story I had to tell wasn’t Noelle’s, but Tessa’s.

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
My strength is easy. I’m persistent. If something isn’t working, I try it another way. I spent years searching for an agent, and only landed one after writing three manuscripts. Then I spent almost a year on revisions. I don’t give up. Period. My weaknesses are more difficult, simply because there are so many it’ll be hard to narrow down. I have issues with plotting; I tend to try to cram several books worth of material into one book. And then I have to tear a manuscript to pieces to get to the real story. I want to have these twists and turns that seem so cool, and then don’t work out. I’ve realized that just about everything I write will be totally revamped, which actually gives me a sense of freedom. It’s okay if my first attempt isn’t so great. I can work it and work it and work it until I figure it out. Luckily, I have an amazing agent who is patient and tends to ask all the right questions as she leads me through the process. Love her!

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
Seeing as how my book has yet to launch, I haven’t had many readers. When my husband read my ARC, he told me he was proud. That felt pretty good. A blogger who got her hands on an ARC early on gave me a great review, and I’m still glowing from the praise. It’s been pretty cool to share this accomplishment with my parents too (they are obviously pretty excited). Maybe the funniest thing that I can recall is when my four-year-old daughter saw my cover for the first time. “Where’s the rest of her face?” she asked.

How do you feel about being a 10'er?
Like I’m dreaming. Seriously. Throughout this crazy journey to publication (querying agents, revising, waiting after my book was pitched to editors – and then juggling multiple offers) I have watched others post all kinds of incredible news about their publication success. I dreamed I would one day join the ranks. And now that I have, it almost doesn’t feel real. Being a part of the Tenners (and the Class of 2K10) makes me feel like a real live author.

Book you've faked reading:
I have never faked reading a book. As a rule, I used to read everything I started all the way through, even if it felt like it might kill me. Now I don’t have the time to waste, so if a book doesn’t catch my attention in the first chapter, I give up.

Book you've bought for the cover:
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick and Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler.

Book you're an evangelist for:
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher almost made me run back to the classroom. I wish so very much that I’d had an opportunity to teach that novel during my eight years as a high school English teacher. Unfortunately, timing didn’t work out right. I did, however, pass the title along to a good teacher friend, who now teaches it to her students. I live vicariously through her in that respect.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks so much for this opportunity to talk about my book. I enjoyed your questions and hope that anyone who decides to pick up The Tension of Opposites enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Okay, scratch that, because I had some VERY tough days that were anything but enjoyable. I just hope people like it!

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Author Uncovered: Kieran Scott (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Today, I have Kieran Scott, the author of She's So Dead to Us here on TUBL! I loved She's So Dead to Us! Check out my review here!

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Who is your favorite character from She's so Dead to Us?
Jake is definitely my favorite character. I love trying to get into the minds of boys. What I especially love about Jake is that he has a pretty simple and somewhat self-centered view of the world at the beginning of the book, and through his interaction with Ally and his friends, he starts to mature and change. He’s still a work in progress, but he’s definitely learning about the world.

Why did you choose to incorporate a scandal in Ally's life? What do you think of scandals that affect not only yourself, but people around you as well?
I think that scandal may be a slightly strong word for what goes on in Ally’s life. To me, the things that happen to her are the result of bad choices made in emotional moments, whether by her or her father or her friends, and I think those bad choices happen every day. We’ve all done things that seemed right in the moment, but turned out to have negative consequences down the road. There are people who create scandal purposefully, and there’s one character like that in this book. I’ve never understood those types of people. I feel like life is complicated enough without trying to make it more complicated.

Personally, what do you think of that social 'barrier' between the rich and the not-so-rich?
I think it’s far more complicated than a lot of people realize. I grew up in a wealthy town as one of the not-so-wealthy people, and as a teenager, it’s hard to see everyone around you being gifted with cars on their seventeenth birthdays or whisked away to Europe for spring break, while you’re sitting there with your bike and vacationing in your back yard. Unless you’re an extremely enlightened kid, it’s not until you’re older that you realize that those wealthy kids didn’t actually have it all. Everyone’s families have problems. And European vacations, while nice, don’t guarantee happiness. That’s why I wanted to show that some of the wealthy families have serious issues in this book. No one’s life is perfect.

Did you include some of your experiences in She's so Dead to Us?
Definitely. I was a lot like Ally in that my friends had more money than I did and I had to deal with them getting to do things I could never afford to do. Also her relationship with her mom is similar to mine. They’re friends first, which I like.

Why did you choose to write in the YA genre?
I feel like I’m perpetually seventeen years old. I still remember vividly what it was like to have the stresses of being a teenager, and I think it’s important for teens to read about other kids their age going through similar experiences and having the same emotions.

Did you base any of your characters on real people?
Annie’s sense of humor and view on life is based on one of my friends, but I won’t say which one! J Robbie is based on a friend of mine from high school. Everyone else is a product of my imagination.

Did you have to do any research to write She's So Dead to Us?
Research wasn’t an issue. The story takes place in a fictional town in Bergen County, which is where I’ve lived all my life, so I definitely know what life is like around here!

Which character do you resonate most with, in She's so Dead to Us?
Definitely Ally. If there’s one character who’s a lot like me, it’s Ally. She doesn’t think material things should matter and she tries to tell it like it is. There are moments when her fears prevent her from being totally honest, and I’ve definitely been there. She tries to understand where other people are coming from, which I definitely try to do. Plus her relationship with her parents is similar to the ones I had with mine in high school. She’s friends with her mom and has a complex, confusing relationship with her dad.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with She's so Dead to Us?
That a lot of high school is about appearances over reality, and it shouldn’t be. It’s really difficult to follow your heart and see inside a person to who they really are, but in a perfect world, that’s what we would all do. Also you don’t need money to be happy. Being true to yourself is far more important.

What would you have done if you were in Ally's place?
I hope I would have done what she did: try to reconnect with my old friends, but be realistic about it and make some new ones, too.

The cover is very well done yet simple. Did you have any input in it?
No input whatsoever, but I LOVE it!

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
A reader once told me that Geek Magnet basically was her life. She was the stage manager of her musical production at school, she had geeks following her around all the time, but wanted just to be friends with them. She had a volatile family life. She had a crush on an athlete. She even had a best friend named Stephanie, just like KJ’s best friend in the book. It was like I was psychic and wrote about her life. THAT was interesting to hear.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
I’m writing the sequel to She’s SO Dead to Us, tentatively titled She’s SO Over Him. After that, there will be a third book (it’s planned as a trilogy). Plus I’m working on a couple of new ideas which will hopefully become books one day!

Book you've faked reading:
I’m sure I’ve said I read War and Peace, but I haven’t.

Book you've bought for the cover:
Shiver. I didn’t know what it was when I bought it. Pretty cover. Addicting book. I can’t wait for the sequel.

Book you're an evangelist for:
Rebound by Bob Krech is an incredibly written, honest, fearless look at race relations in high school. Looks by Madeleine George is a book I wish I’d written. So Punk Rock by Micol Ostow with illustrations by David Ostow is HI-larious. Those are the three I always tell people they have to read. Oh and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Go Devils! Sorry, I’ve got the New Jersey Devils playoff game on in the background right now.

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Author Uncovered: Alyssa Sheinmel (Author Interview)

Hi guys! Today we have Alyssa Sheinmel for an Proust Questionnaire here on TUBL! She's the author of The Beautiful Between which is a completely awesome book! Check out my review here!

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Full disclosure: I watch a lot of TV. Some may say too much TV (I say it’s not too much TV as long as I still find the time to do other things like read, and write, and go to work etc). One show that I really love is “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” and invariably my favorite part comes at the end when the host, James Lipton, asks his guests questions from the Proust Questionnaire. I always love imagining that James Lipton is asking me the questions. Sadly, though, I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that I will never visit the Actor’s Studio. I cannot act, and unfortunately, I don’t think that being the author of The Beautiful Between will get me on Mr. Lipton’s guest list. But I don’t see why that should stop me from answering the questions, so here goes.

What is your favorite word?
My favorite word is tintinnabulation. It is one of the first really big words I can remember learning as a child, and it may have even kick-started my (very dorky) love of vocabulary. I love the way that word sounds when you say it, and I love the way it sounds like exactly what it means.

What is your least favorite word?
I hate the word “anyways.” I don’t think it’s a real word – “anyway” is a word (and one I use a lot); “anyhow” is a word. But anyways sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. I actually cringe when people use it. Someday, if I ever write a book with a bad guy in it, I bet he or she will use “anyways” all the time.

What sound or noise do you love?
I have two: first, I love the sound of Yankee Stadium. I know, that’s a lot of sounds mixed together: the roar of the crowd, the vendors calling out “peanuts” and “Cracker Jacks” and the amazing thwack when a bat makes contact with the ball. (Of course, I prefer that last sound when it’s coming from a Yankee bat.)

Second: I love the sound of the snow in New York. I actually hate snow itself in New York City; it’s pretty for only about five minutes and soon it’s just the miserable slush on the ground that’s getting all over my dog’s paws and keeping me from wearing my favorite shoes. But sometimes, when it’s snowing, Manhattan gets miraculously quiet, and it feels like you’re the only person out on the street, and the only sound you can hear is the snow, sort of crinkle-crackling as it falls.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Ugh, I hate the sound when people cough or clear their throats and you can hear the mucus kind of moving around in there. Gross.

What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
I’d love to be a literature teacher – one who got to choose her own curriculum, though, so I could teach any books that I wanted to: Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Tolkien.... Just imagine, getting to read your favorite books over and over again, and then getting to talk about them with a room full of students who have to listen. That sounds so amazing.

What profession other than your own would you not like to attempt?
I would not want to be a doctor. I don’t want to hold anyone’s life in my hands.

What’s your favorite curse word?
That’s a tricky question for me, because I really, really try not to curse a lot. The one that I do end up saying is kind of odd: “mother.” It’s the beginning to say a longer, much more “bad” word, but I find that when I stub my toe, or walk into something, or realize that I’ve forgotten something, I usually only manage to get out the first half of that word.

Finally, if heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you reach the pearly gates?
I have a very elaborate picture of heaven. It’s kind of like an intellectual Utopia, where you get to finally understand all the things that you wanted to learn but that eluded you, and you get to be taught them by the experts. Like a literature lesson from James Joyce and Jane Austen, or a political debate featuring Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt. I also think when you get there, you automatically look the best you ever looked while you were living, you never have to miss anyone, and you can eat anything and everything you want. So I would really just like God to say “You were right” and find that heaven is exactly what I imagined.

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Author Uncovered: Susie Day (Author Interview)

Hey guys! Today, I have fab author, Susie Day for an interview!!! She's the author of the uber hilarious and LOL-Worthy My Invisible Boyfriend!

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Who is your favorite character from My Invisible Boyfriend?
The real answer will give away too much – so I will say Betsy, the owner of the Little Leaf Cafe, and Heidi’s boss. She’s like a big sister, providing encouragement, advice, and savage mockery. (I have 3 big sisters. I know what they’re like with the savage mockery.)

Why did you choose to incorporate that feeling of being the odd one out? I've lived in 6 different countries, so I know how I can empathize with Heidi =)
6 countries, blimey! I stayed in just the one place and still felt lost. Heidi’s situation makes it a million times harder – moving from school to school, having teacher-parents – but I think every teenager feels like the odd one out, at least some of the time. I work at an international boarding school, and our students all struggle with being away from home, and integrating into a different culture. That’s what Heidi doesn’t realize: even if they seem so much more confident and self-assured, all her friends have the same insecurities.

Why did you integrate the concept of having a fake boyfriend?
I had this mental picture of a girl who worked in a cute, quirky cafe, and I wanted to write something romantic and fluffy that went with it. Then I realised that all my favourite boys didn’t exist: I tend to conduct my longest romances with fictional heroes, the kind that have spaceships or solve crime in the 1930s, and that gave me Gingerbread Ed on a plate.

What do you personally think about the concept and idea of popularity?
It’s brutal. Seriously, it’s like Carrie out there in the real world. Social networks where people get to literally add up how many friends they have: a world where ‘footballer’s wife’ is seen as a valid career option, because it brings attention with it – it’s all so depressing, especially for young women. It all takes up so much time, so much mental energy.

Which character do you resonate most with, in My Invisible Boyfriend?
Heidi’s geekiness is very ‘me’, but my teenage self connects most with Fili, Heidi’s suddenly-absent best friend. She’s this secretive girl, who enjoys being theatrically doom-laden, but half-wishes she could just be happy, even if she’d have to buy a whole new wardrobe to match. Her playing Feste/Pierrot in the musical is definitely me playing vicarious dress-up: we studied Twelfth Night at school and I always loved that character.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with My Invisible Boyfriend?
There are a few, I suppose: the obvious is the old ‘what a fearful web we weave’ business, because once Heidi starts to lie, she can’t seem to stop. I wanted to show a few different versions of romance too: like a mini Love Actually, minus Hugh Grant and that unsettling sense of nausea. But it’s really about friendship, trust, and self-esteem. Heidi’s got friends who love her for the person she is, not who they imagine she’s going out with – and she needs to be just as good a friend in return. It’s a romance, but ultimatelyI think the most important relationships in the story are those between the friends.

The premise of My Invisible Boyfriend is quite unique. How did the idea bloom?
I mentioned it to my writing group and suddenly people were confessing to fake teenage boyfriends all over! That’s when I knew it was something other people would ‘get’.

What would you have done if you were in Heidi's place?
I am THE worst liar in the world. No exaggeration: my face is too expressive, people can read my mind right away. Personally I’d have been inventing an invisible girlfriend – but there’s no way I’d be able to keep up the pretence!

How did the title My Invisible Boyfriend come to be?
The UK title is Girl Meets Cake, which I think is so cute, but we’d been through hundreds of alternatives to get there, so when my US editor said she fancied something different, we had plenty to pick from. Titles are impossibly tricky, honestly.

The cover is really cool and creative! Did you have any input in it?
This is so embarrassing, but actually I wasn’t keen at first (I believe ‘why are they in an Indian takeaway in 1972?’ was the phrase). This is why I write the insides and leave Talented Designer People to do that bit. Heidi is so not that pretty - and she would totes never layer lemon and turquoise, dahling! - but it’s an adorable cover.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I had an email from a 12-yr-old who’d read my first book (an adventure story, now out of print), asking if there would ever be a sequel. I told her I was mainly writing for teens now, so maybe she’d enjoy the new stuff, and she firmly and brilliantly informed me that she might when she was a teenager, but right now she was 12 and wanted to read things for 12-yr-olds. I loved that. Not everyone’s in a hurry to grow up.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
Time-travel and birthday wishes! On Poppy’s 14th birthday, she realises she’s a teenage failure – so she wishes herself back to her 13th birthday, to relive the whole year. Think Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls. It’ll be out early 2011 in the UK, and, um, no I can’t tell you the title. (Like I said: titles are tricky.)

Book you've faked reading:
Bleak House by Charles Dickens! It was my first week at university and I just couldn’t get through the bloody thing. I’ve since taught undergraduates trying to bluff their way through Virginia Woolf 101 and discovered quite how obvious it is. OH THE SHAME.

Book you've bought for the cover:
Jonathon Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. For a grown-up, literary take on fairies and magic, look no further: that is an amazing book.

Book you're an evangelist for:
I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith, because no one told me about it until I was an adult, and I cannot imagine a teenage girl (the kind who thinks too much and would maybe ever so slightly like to be a writer) who wouldn’t hug it to themselves like a prize.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Great questions, Reggie – and thank you for having me!

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