Archive for January, 2009

January 27, 2009 • 3 Comments

I’m very excited to be touring Diana Rodriguez Wallach and her book Adios to All the Drama.

Mariana Ruiz thought she left her summer fling in Puerto Rico, that is until she finds Alex sitting across from her at the breakfast table. Living two doors down from her visiting old flame isn’t easy, especially given the unresolved sparks still lingering for her locker buddy Bobby – and they don’t exactly go unnoticed. Her best friends are little help as Madison deals with her IM-only ‘boyfriend’ and Emily sinks into secret mode after her parents’ recent breakup. The only relationship that seems to be working is her estranged aunt Teresa who’s tying the knot on New Years with Mariana and her cousin Lilly as bridesmaids. But the last wedding detail left unplanned is who will Mariana kiss at midnight? Strained friendships, stolen kisses, and secret loves create plenty of surprises to unfold before the New Year’s bells start ringing.

What inspired the plot for your book?
Well, Adios to All the Drama is the third book in the series. So it was inspired by the two books that came before. However, the first book in the series, Amor and Summer Secrets, was initially inspired by a conversation with my agent, Jenoyne Adams. She had mentioned seeing a recent increase in interest from editors seeking multi-cultural novels, and she asked the infamous question, “Got any ideas?” I didn’t. But by the end of our conversation, I had pitched the story for what became Amor and Summer Secrets.

Part of the inspiration was derived from my first trip to Puerto Rico after I graduated from college. I met my relatives there for the first time, and I got to see where my dad grew up. I wanted to share some of those experiences with my character while showcasing that the stereotypes about Latinas are just that—stereotypes.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I never considered writing anything other than young adult. As a teen, I read a lot of Christopher Pike, Judy Bloom and Sweet Valley High. I really connected with the genre, and it felt natural for me to contribute to it as an author. Plus, I think my writing voice speaks naturally to teenagers. It may have something to do with my own experiences as a teen. I had a hard time fitting in socially and dealt with a lot of the insecurity that many girls face. As such, I vividly remember the emotions of that time, so it’s not as challenging for me to get inside a teen character’s head.

What are you working on now?
I am hard at work on a new young adult story. It’s a complete departure from my Amor series—lots of spies, suspense, fight scenes and, of course, a love triangle. I’m really excited about it. Plus I get to travel because I’m setting some scenes in Europe. And the main character is a lot of fun to write. She’s much cooler than I am, all about girl power, and her dialogue is very punchy. I hope to have it ready for the publishing world soon!

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I love to travel. I studied abroad my junior year of college in Madrid, Spain. And after that trip, I backpacked through Europe, hitting up London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Geneva and Nice. Since then, I’ve been to Prague, Bora Bora, Bali, Greece, Italy and hopefully many more.
I’m also a huge football fan. I love the Philadelphia Eagles. I go to at least one game a year. Though I must admit I’m very disappointed that they just lost the NFC Championship, again.

Who do you like to read?
I have several favorite authors. One of my favorite books is The Little Prince. I think the lessons in that story are useful at any age (even the dedication inspires me). And I’m a huge Jane Austin fan, especially Pride & Prejudice. And I love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight.

Bio
Born to a Puerto Rican father and a Polish mother, Diana Rodriguez Wallach has experienced the cultures her characters inhabit.  Diana holds a journalism degree from Boston University, and has worked as a reporter and as an advocate for inner city public schools. She currently resides in Philadelphia with her husband.

www.dianarodriguezwallach.com
http://twitter.com/dianarwallach

January 20, 2009 • Comments

I’m very excited to be touring the fabulous Teri Brown and her book Read My Lips

Popularity is as easy as a good secret.

Serena just wants to fly under the radar at her new school. But Serena is deaf, and she can read lips really well—even across the busy cafeteria. So when the popular girls discover her talent, there’s no turning back.

From skater chick to cookie-cutter prep, Serena’s identity has done a 180…almost. She still wants to date Miller, the school rebel, and she’s not ready to trade her hoodies for pink tees just yet. But she is rising through the ranks in the school’s most exclusive clique.

With each new secret she uncovers, Serena feels pressure to find out more. Reading lips has always been her greatest talent, but now Serena just feels like a gigantic snoop….

What inspired the plot for your book?
My niece is profoundly deaf and after she was diagnosed, my mother-in-law became very active in deaf advocacy. She used me as a sounding board for her ideas and the seeds of Read my Lips were planted during that time.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
Because I honestly respect and like teens. And I’m really, really, really immature.

What is your writing process like?
It changes with each book. I have tried and tried to find the one right way, but haven’t found it yet!

What are you working on now?
I have several proposals started but at the moment, I’m working on a book that’s very different and very special. I don’t think I’m going to say anything about it right now except that it is really stretching me as a writer. Which is a good thing…sometimes.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read, surf the web, try new food, and spend time with my family. I’d like to travel the world

Who do you like to read?
Pat Conroy, Joshilyn Jackson, Sylvia Plath, Scott Westerfeld, Kate Brian….my tastes in books is all over the place!

Bio

Teri Brown turned to writing in a desperate attempt to keep from having to get a paying job at her local McDonalds. Fortunately, she’s been successful, and her debut young adult novel, Read My Lips (Simon Pulse), came out June, 2008. She is also a contributing editor for iParenting Media, and her magazine credits include Writer’s Digest, Women’s Health and Fitness, Dog Fancy, and Oregon Coast Magazine, among others. Teri lives with her husband and children in a dilapidated 1969 ranch style house in Portland, Oregon.

January 18, 2009 • 8 Comments

I can’t believe it’s been 9 days since I last posted. Where does the time go? And we’re over half way through January already…. that’s really scary!!

Had a fab lunch yesterday with some writing buddies. Amanda and I drove a couple of hours to Palmerston North, where Kate lives, and Ellie and Giovanna drove up from Paraparaumu. We hadn’t seen each other since the RWNZ conference so it was great to catch up. Giovanna had kept the list of goals we all made xmas 2007 and we checked how well we did. What can I say??? I did book the RWA conference in San Fran and the RWNZ conference too… other than that….. oops!!

Found a review for The Second Virginity of Suzy Green on Flamingnet, which was cool – here’s an extract:

Suzy was a great narrator to the book. She was written to be a jovial and witty character but she was able to be deep and emotional. This book was set in Australia, so I was able to understand fully how and why things were being done. I really liked the unique idea of this book. It was not quite as good as the Gossip Girl type teenage drama novels, but much better than a lot of the girly high school books going around. I would definitely recommend it to friends of mine as an easy going read.

January 9, 2009 • 12 Comments

I LOVE the summer especially when the sun is shining and sky is bright blue, it makes everything seem ok! At the moment in Hawkes Bay, NZ our temps have regularly been in the 30s. It’s totally gorgeous. Of course, it can play havoc with the writing because my office is a bit like a goldfish bowl and it does get very hot. And if I open windows and doors the wind rushes through and blows everything all over the place… still I’m not complaining. I hate the rain and cold with a passion!!

Not a lot else happening….. writing steady, diet working, only 4 months to go until I go back to the UK for a holiday. Getting very excited about seeing my family and friends (already planned a number of shopping trips with my BF over there).

January 6, 2009 • 2 Comments

I’m so thrilled to be touring Eileen Cook’s latest book WHAT WOULD EMMA DO? Eileen is one of the funniest writers I know. Just check out her blog to see what I mean…. as well as buying her books, of course!!

About the book:

Thou shalt not kiss thy best friend’s boyfriend…again….

There is no greater sin than kissing you best friend’s boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she’s messed up big-time. Especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else….and especially because she maybe kinda wants to do it again. Now her best friend isn’t speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.

Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.

What others are saying:

“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot author of the Princess Diaries

“Not since Judy Blume’s Margaret introduced herself to God has there been such a funny, genuine, conflicted, wanna-be-sort-good-maybe-later girl as Emma. Eileen Cook’s tone as she takes on the big ones – life, love, faith and friendship is pitch perfect.” – Jacqueline Mitchard author of Deep End of the Ocean and Midnight Twins

“Smart and fun and full of heart.” – Sarah Mlynowski author of Bras and Broomsticks

And now for the interview:

What inspired the plot for your book?
I had recently re-read the Crucible. In the play a group of people begin blaming others of being witches and the situation burns out of control. It got me thinking about what would be the worst thing you could accuse someone of today and how easy it is for the mob mentality to take over. Those thoughts were the beginning of the story that would grow into What Would Emma Do.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
It was less of a decision and more of an inspiration. I had a story idea that I wanted to write and it fell into the category of YA. One thing I really like about writing for the YA market is the automatic higher stakes. Everything matters more when you are that age, you love more than anyone ever has before and you hate with more passion. It makes creating the characters a lot of fun.

What is your writing process like?
There is a process? I really should get one of those.
I love the idea of having a set routine or process, but I find my life keeps getting in the way. Sometimes I write at home and other times I like to be in a coffee shop or at the library. I write in the morning, afternoon or evening- depending on when I have the time. The only consistent would be that when I am in the middle of the story I find I need to write at least a small bit every day or I lose track of the story.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another YA, which is currently called Black and White. (Stay tuned the title may change.) It is a story of revenge, classic movies, friendship, and love. I’m having a lot of fun coming up with all sorts of evil plots for the revenge part. Turns out I have a very evil side.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I like to knit and love the feel and color of yarn. I’ve bought enough that there could be a world wide sheep shortage and I would have enough stockpiled to last me the rest of my life. I’m a lazy knitter- I don’t like to do complicated things- thus I make a lot of socks and scarves.

Who do you like to read?
I love to read-period. I love fiction and non fiction. Mysteries, romance, comedy, classics and thrillers. If I have nothing to read I get all worked up and will start reading the side of the cereal box, or anything else that is handy.

About Eileen:

Eileen Cook spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she liked having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

January 2, 2009 • 7 Comments

Happy new year to all of you. I can’t believe it’s 2009 already. I still stand by my decision not to make any resolutions this year…. though after reading Erica’s blog, I decided to follow suit and write some goals down for the year.

Not yet….. I’ve got to decide what they’ll be first. But they will involve writing, diet and exercise, and other stuff…..

So, hope you all got to celebrate plenty over the holidays and are planning to attack 2009 with gusto!!!