Archive for September, 2007

September 29, 2007 • 7 Comments

MySpace Glitters

Thank you to everyone who commented. Congratulations to Brenna who is the winner. Brenna, please can you let me know your address and I will pass it on to Melissa.

There are still a few prize winners yet to come forward from my launch party, please email using the contact tab (top right of my site) and forward your address:

Regina - Kelly Parra

Vicki L - Diana Peterfreund

Mary Kate - Nalini Singh

Gayle - Amanda Ashby

Wendy - Abby Gaines

September 22, 2007 • 43 Comments

I’m so excited to be interviewing Melissa Walker, whose debut book VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY has hit the ground running. Grab a copy as soon as you can, you won’t regret it!

What inspired the plot for Violet on the Runway?

As soon as I started peeking behind the scenes of modeling and fashion as a teen magazine editor, I knew that I wanted to put a “real girl” in the middle of this crazy world, a girl who would see it from the outside and be like, “Holy crap!” It’s an insane environment, so there’s lots of fodder for adventure, humor and drama, especially from the point of view of a small town girl who’s not yet jaded.

Why did you decide to write for teens?

The smart, funny ELLEgirl readers I interacted with while I was features editor there inspired me. I love writing for teenagers because I think they’re such an honest, open audience. They’ll tell you if they LOVE a story and they will call you out if something just sucks.

What is your writing process like?

I eat breakfast, then write. I don’t allow myself to have lunch until I have 1000 words on the page. They don’t have to be good words, but they have to be there. I try to do that that five days a week; afternoons are spent working on magazine stories, which I still need to write to maintain a good income. At that rate, you can get your 60,000 words in just 12 weeks. Of course, some days I play hooky in Prospect Park, some days I have lunch-and-beer dates in the city so just write 300 words, etc. I let myself enjoy the perks of being freelance sometimes! But in general, I am pretty consistent with the 1000-word rule.

What are you working on now?

I’m trying to finish book 3 of the VIOLET series, which is called VIOLET IN PRIVATE. It’s coming along… slowly. I’m also still writing for a bunch of magazines like Glamour, Self, Teen Vogue, COSMOgirl!, etc.

What do you know about publishing now that you wish someone had told you earlier?

I wish I’d known how much of book publishing is self-promotion. It’s really the author’s job to let people know about the book–and it’s not easy!

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Read, read, read! Every time you finish a book you enjoyed, you’ve soaked in more knowledge about character development, plotting and subtle turns of phrase than classes can ever teach you. (Well, classes
are good too, but really reading is where I feel like I learn most!).

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I watch a ton of TV. Is that bad? I DVR everything from Oprah to the Hills to Project Runway to America’s Next Top Model to the Daily Show to Meet the Press. I’m insatiable. I also like movies. And yoga. And running in the park. (But I’m a couch potato at heart.)

Who do you like to read?

I love reading YA novels, and some of my latest

favorites are Sarah Dessen, Carolyn Mackler, Megan McCafferty, Sarah Mlynowski and E Lockhart. I also read a TON of magazines… but I’m trying to make room for more books!

Post a comment by 27th September for a chance to win a copy of VIOLET and a new Juicy Tube from Lancome.

Melissa Walker has worked as ELLEgirl Features Editor and Seventeen Prom Editor. All in the name of journalism, she has spent 24 hours with male models and attended an elite finishing school for girls in New Zealand, among other hardships.

Melissa grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and has a BA in English from Vassar College. She really believes in the motto “write what you know.” Well, except for the whole supermodel thing. Swear!

September 20, 2007 • Comments

I’m posting over at Teen Fiction Cafe this week. My topic is current affairs, a perfect opportunity to discuss the New Zealand All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup!

September 18, 2007 • 5 Comments

I love living in New Zealand for many reasons….. the weather….. the fabulous scenery….. the people………

The one drawback is the cost and availability of books. We pay at least twice as much for books than you do in the UK or USA, and we don’t get the same selection. Especially young adult books. So, I mainly order from Amazon.

Today…. yes I am getting to the point of this blog…. two books that I’ve been hanging out for finally arrived.

Alyson Noel’s Saving Zoe and Melissa Walker’s Violet on the Runway.  I’m so excited…. now I have to decide which to read first…..

September 13, 2007 • 2 Comments

Check out the lovely Barrie Summy’s blog, where I’m being interviewed. There’s a copy of THE SECOND VIRGINITY OF SUZY GREEN up for grabs if you comment!!

Also, Teen Fiction Cafe is sporting a new look. Once a month three of us will be talking about our latest releases and other good news. There will also be occasional contests and giveaways. This week it’s Bev Katz Rosenbaum, Alyson Noel and me. For another chance to win a copy of THE SECOND VIRGINITY OF SUZY GREEN, head over there and answer my question! During the other three weeks we will all be blogging, as before.

September 10, 2007 • 9 Comments

MySpace Glitters

Here’s the last list of prize winners:

Barrie Summy: Cheryl S

Christina Phillips: Tina Ferraro

Steph Hale: Shari

Jeaniene Frost: Emily Marshall

Diana Peterfreund: Vicki L

Teri Brown: Bonnie Ferguson

Pat Posner: Kate Hardy

Nalini Singh: Mary Kate

Sara Hantz (book): Michelle (MG)

Sara Hantz (cherry charm): Cherrie J, Clare

Please get in touch via the contact button, top right of the site and let me have your postal address. I will pass this on to the person whose prize you’ve won!

CONGRATULATIONS to all prize winners over the last week. The following people still haven’t forwarded addresses to me:

Kate Walker: Evelyn Marentette

Amanda Ashby: Gayle

Linda Gerber: Lis, Alyson Noel

Karina Bliss: Catslady

Kelly Parra: Regina