Archive for December, 2007

December 31, 2007 • 14 Comments

W

I’m so excited because the fabulous Wendy Toliver has agreed to be interviewed. Her debut book The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is simply amazing. I know you’re going to love it.

What inspired the plot for Teenage Siren?

Ooo! I love this question. I was doing research on Greek mythology and I found myself intrigued with sirens. According to classical literature such as the Odyssey by Homer, there were three sirens who lived on an island, and whenever a ship would sail past, they’d entrance the sailors with their beauty, music, and sweet promises, and the sailors would crash into the jagged rocks that surrounded their island, and die. It was said that if a man heard their music and lived to tell about it, they would jump into the sea and drown. Only as much research as I did, I only discovered an account of one of these sirens’ bodies being found. So I asked myself, “What if one of the sirens didn’t die after all, and what if she passed her sea nymph gene down to a daughter? Could there still be sirens today? And if so, what would a modern-day siren be like?”

Why did you decide to write for teens?

I really love teens. I have fond memories of being a teen myself, and I wanted to be one of those amazing YA authors who entertain, enlighten, and inspire teens all over the world. Haha, that sounds like a Miss America answer, but it’s the truth.

What is your writing process like?

I do much of my “writing” in my head, mainly because I don’t get much time to physically sit in front of a computer and belt out a chapter. By the time I’m typing my manuscript, I’m familiar with my characters as if they’re real people, and I miss them when I can’t write for a few days.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my second YA novel, MISS MATCH. It’s scheduled to come out spring of 2009 with Simon Pulse. I’m really excited about it!

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

Great question, Sara! Let’s see … I think having a wonderful agent is a definite bonus. Sure, you can get your book published without one, or with a mediocre one, but it’s a lot nicer ride when you have professional, proven, and passionate representation. (Hey, that’s catchy, huh?)

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Read. Write. Network. Repeat.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Dishes, laundry, floors, dirty diaper-changing, frog chasing, trampoline-jumping, snowboarding/skiing, cooking, homework-overseeing, fight refereeing, community volunteering, bubble bath-soaking, entertaining, sleeping.

Who do you like to read?
Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Sara Hantz (THAT’S WHY I LOVE THIS GIRL - Sara speaking!!)

 

Thanks so much, Wendy, for stopping by.

 

YA author Wendy Toliver lives in the Utah mountains with her husband, three young sons, and other various wildlife. She’s more of a ski bum than a beach bunny, but hyperventilates with the mere mention of a boat trip. She collects dolls (both voodoo and Bratz) and splurges on chocolate-covered cinnamon bears. Visit her online at http://www.wendytoliver.com or find her blogging on http://www.teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com and http://www.simonpulseromanticcomedies.blogspot.com.

December 28, 2007 • 6 Comments

MySpace Glitters

Amanda Ashby, good friend and crit partner, has been nominated for a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Best Contemporary Paranormal Category.

WTG, Amanda I am sooooooooooooooo excited for you!!!!!

AND….. I’m in the Chicklish top reads for 2007  which is also exciting!!!!!!

December 27, 2007 • 3 Comments

MySpace Glitters

I’ve been a bit slack with my blogging…… and next year resolve to blog more often… okay, so last year’s resolutions were an unmitigated disaster, but hey 2008 is a brand new year!!!!

I hope you’ve all had a fab time over the holidays. I have. My brother came down from Auckland, and we’ve spent our time eating, eating, watching dvds (yes, Love Actually, again) and eating. And yesterday my partner in crime, Amanda Ashby, came round with her family and we did some more eating…… and talking, of course!!!

As far as writing goes, I haven’t been very productive recently, though plan to be once the holidays are over. And I’m also going to use my new laptop more (I’ve been teased greatly by those in the know about its lack of use…… and some have ventured to suggest I only bought it because it was on interest free credit….. as if!) .

Before I sign off, I want to mention a book I’ve just read. It was recommended to me and I wasn’t sure if it was something I’d enjoy, but I did. It was fantastic. And if you’re a fan of Pride and Predjudice I totally recommend it. It’s Mr Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange, and is Pride and Prejudice told from his point of view, in diary form.

So, if I don’t blog again this year, have a fab New Year and here’s to a wonderful 2008 for everyone!!!!

Glitter Graphics
MySpace Layouts

December 13, 2007 • 8 Comments

MySpace Glitters

Check out these two sites for two fabulous reviews of Suzy Trashionista and Chicklish

Trashionista also have an interview with me and Chicklish is running a contest to win a copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green

I’m also blogging at Teen Fiction Cafe this week.

Other news……. nothing at the moment. I can’t believe we’re nearly at the end of the year. This time last year I made a list of resolutions and set monthly review dates…. HAHAHAHAHAHA (enough said!!)

December 12, 2007 • Comments

Let’s hear it for blackroze winner of the contest. Thanks everyone for taking part!!!

December 7, 2007 • 14 Comments

Holiday Contest

Amanda Ashby (good friend and critique partner) and I are getting together to have a holiday contest with a New Zealand theme.

If you’d like to win a signed copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green and You Had Me At Halo, together with a mystery piece of Kiwiana then leave a comment on either my blog, Teen Fiction Café, Amanda’s blog or one of our Myspace pages.

The draw for the prize winner will take place on Monday and we’ll announce the winner on all of the above places.