Archive for June, 2008

June 27, 2008 • 6 Comments

Bestselling author Jenny O’Connell presents a sizzling new series for summer. Her first two Island Summer novels, LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS (MTV/Pocket Books; June 2008; $9.95 each) 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.

I can’t wait to read these two books. Jenny took the time to answer a few questions for me:

1. What inspired the plot for your books?

The books take place on Martha’s Vineyard, so first and foremost summer was the greatest inspiration. I’ve always felt like summer is a time when anything can happen, it’s all about possibility. LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS have very different plots, but they’re both about the possibilities, opportunities and changes summer brings.

2. Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I love writing teen books. It’s a blast going back and remembering what it was like to be a teenager – so much of what I write is based upon my own experiences growing up.

3. What is your writing process like?

Pretty much sit down and start typing. I know the beginning, the end, and nothing in between. I just let the story take shape as it unfolds.

4. What are you working on now?

A third book in the Island Summer series.

5. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work! I have a “real job” that I also love (in advertising). I also play field hockey, which is why I have odd black and blue spots all over my body.

6. Who do you like to read?

I’ve been on a Sarah Dessen jag lately, I love her books. I love going back and reading books I read as a teen, just to see if they still hold up – and they do! I don’t read fantasy or mystery or historical or suspense. I just like reading about ordinary girls like me.

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 21, 2008 • 4 Comments

I am very excited to tour Read My Lips, by my author friend Teri Brown. And what’s even more exciting is that in just over five weeks I’ll be meeting Teri in person at the RWA conference in San Fran….. there will be lots of hugging and squealing…..

 

So here goes……

 

1. What inspired the plot for your book?

My niece is profoundly deaf and I was always fascinated with her ability to read lips and keep up with conversations when the family got together. There were times when as a youngster she would tell her grandmother, “too loud!” because we were all talking at once and the noise was overwhelming through her hearing aids. My Mother in law was very active in deaf advocacy and I learned a lot from her. I think the seed for Read My Lips was planted during some of those conversations.

2. Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I enjoy teens. I “get” them. I remember very clearly what it’s like to be in high school and I get along with my children’s friends really well. In fact, my daughter was talking to some of her friends about texting other people’s moms and they all agreed that it was weird… except for her Mom. I guess I’m different, because my kids’ friends text me a lot! So writing a book for them wasn’t that much of a stretch.

3. What is your writing process like?

You mean beyond panic? Is there a writing process other than, “Oh crap, I better start on that?” I usually come up with an idea and let it perk a bit. Then I try to write a synopsis. Sometimes the characters are so compelling that I jump right into writing, but that doesn’t workout so well. I like to have a roadmap first. Sometimes I do a collage while writing the synopsis and other times I do a brain map on a program called Inspiration. Then I just sit and write as often as I can.

4. What are you working on now?

What am I not working on? LOL! I am juggling an inspirational young adult, my Pulse option book and a YA paranormal. I usually don’t work on so many at the same time, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s just the way it turned out.

5. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Like most writers, I READ! A lot. I also spend a lot of time hanging out with my kids. Or as much time as I can… they lead very busy lives, so when they have a moment to hang with Mom, I grab it. Sometimes I even bribe them with fast food or trips to the mall. Hey, whatever works!

6. Who do you like to read?
So many! Right now, I am loving Rachel Vincent and Cassandra Clare. And I love anything by Kate Brian and Scott Westerfeld.

 

Thanks so much, Teri.

June 17, 2008 • 5 Comments

Well….. missing from blogging, yes. Action….. hmmm….. that’s what I’d like you all to think. The trouble is I’m not sure what counts as action. Have I been writing up a storm….. la la la la la…. have I been doing lots of motel work….. la la la la la….. so what have I been doing?????

Ummmmmm I’ve just finished a jigsaw (much better than the last one). I’ve almost finished the latest Louise Bagshawe… omg can that girl write… and I just noticed from the jacket flap she lives in Northamptonshire… that’s where I used to live in the UK… which means we’re practically related.  I’m seriously thinking of doing some stalking.

Oh… I’ve just remembered… I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time planning my wardrobe for the conference in San Francisco. And, a writer friend’s husband phoned yesterday about ordering a limo to get us all from the airport to the hotel. A LIMO!! I was very excited by that because I think I’m the only person in the world who hasn’t actually been in one. So, picture me standing up, head out the sun roof waving….. a la movie Calendar Girls, or Pretty Woman.

June 9, 2008 • 4 Comments

This weekend my crit partner, the fabulous Christina Phillips made her first sale to Wild Rose Press. I am so excited, I can’t stop smiling to myself. What a fabulous way to finish the weekend. That’s Karen in the middle between Amanda and me.

Talking of weekends, I had a very girly one and we had lots of fun eating, gossiping, going to the movies (SATC – it was fab) and out for dinner. Oh yes, we did talk about writing a couple of times hahahaha.

June 8, 2008 • 1 Comment

See you at Teri’s party, it’s going to be such fun!!