Archive for April, 2009

April 28, 2009 • 3 Comments

I’m very excited to be touring the fabulous Linda Gerber and her new book DEATH BY DENIM.

Here’s what it’s about:
Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom’s lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she’s in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom’s contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth’s location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . . .

Now for the questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?
To be honest? The title. With this series, I came up with the first title – DEATH BY BIKINI – myself, but my publisher suggested the next two titles, based on the locations I had proposed. When I said the third book would go international and be set in Europe, I was kind of surprised when the title they came up with was DEATH BY DENIM. Great, I thought. Now I have to figure out how to kill someone with denim without using the methods in the first two books (strangulation would have been so easy, right? Or maybe poison in the fabric that would leech into my victim’s skin…) As I researched the denim in Europe, looking for ideas, I discovered a really cool connection that steered the plot in a whole new direction.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I write YA and romantic suspense/mystery because it’s what I love to read.

What is your writing process like?
Sit at desk, stare at screen, ponder, procrastinate…
Seriously, though, my “process” is constantly evolving. For instance, I never used to outline, but I’ve learned to because I sold several books on proposal. I’m also trying harder to resist self-editing before the first draft is done. This is surprisingly hard for me!

What are you working on now?
I’m just getting ready to dig into the revisions for my paranormal YA that will be out next year. At the moment, it’s about two trance-writing sisters who have to learn to trust their gift – and each other. We’ll see what revisions do to that concept!

What do you do when you’re not writing?
At the moment, when I’m not tethered to the desk, I’m outside. The weather is finally getting nice so my favorite afternoon activity is to sit in the shade of our big trees in the backyard with a great book. I might even start to make a dent in my TBR pile!

Who do you like to read?
So many authors! My list of YA and MG faves is pages long… with new names being added all the time. For instance, I just read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (I know, I am seriously behind) and now I’ll have to grab everything else he’s written. I also just discovered Cassie Clare. Again, behind, I know, but I bought her books when she was here signing with Lisa McMann (another favorite) and I’ve enjoyed City of Glass so far. Out of the YA realm, I tend to go with thrillers by Lee Child, Barry Eisler, Brad Meltzer and Lisa Unger. And I’d probably really like Richard Castle if he were real!

Early praise for DEATH BY DENIM:

“Starting with a heart-pounding chase scene… Gerber weaves in some major cultural landmarks as Aphra races through Paris and then Italy on a mission to expose the would-be assassin and rescue her love interest, Seth. Taut suspense… along with interesting tips of the espionage trade, will propel readers to the neat ending.” – Booklist

“Death by Denim, the third book in Linda Gerber’s fun, action-packed, and suspenseful series, is just as riveting as its prequels. Gerber’s style is not only modern and down to earth, but cunning and intelligent as well… Aphra is an engaging and lively narrator whose bravery and smarts readers will admire. Equal parts action, romance, and mystery, Death by Denim is a fun-filled and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series.” – The Compulsive Reader

“Gerber does not disappoint with this exciting novel from her Death by… series. Gerber’s strength is by far in creating such a thrilling and fast paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. …Death by Denim is a wholly enjoyable read, full of action, romance, and international flair. Fans of Death by Bikini and Death by Latte, the earlier installments in this series, won’t want to miss Death by Denim. Teen girls in particular looking for a fast and fun mystery to devour will enjoy Gerber’s Death by… series.” – The Book Muncher

“Nancy Drew meets “Alias” in the latest fast-paced, murder-mystery romance.”
- Paddyfield

*** Top Choice Award – Flamingnet Book Reviews ***

Praise for the series:

“Will capture mystery fans.” – Booklist

“Strong writing and plenty of plot twists.” -The Providence Journal

“Fast-paced, fun, and maybe just a little scary.”-YA New York

Just “the right amount of intrigue, suspense, humor and romance.”-Flamingnet Book Reviews

“Five enchantments.”-Enchanting Reviews

“Refreshing read.”-Simply Books

Bio

Linda Gerber recently returned to life in the Midwest after four years in Japan, where she served as the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her books include SASS: NOW AND ZEN, SASS: THE FINNISH LINE and the YA mysteries DEATH BY BIKINI, DEATH BY LATTE and DEATH BY DENIM. She currently lives and writes in Dublin, OH, blissfully ignoring her husband, kids, and one very naughty puppy.

Check out the launch part at Linda’s website 14th 15th and 16th May for the chance to win some fabulous prizes.

April 25, 2009 • 1 Comment

So, I was sitting here berating myself for not blogging, when I came up with an awesome excuse. As you know (well you should if you’ve been reading my non-existent blog) in a couple of weeks I’m going to the UK and will be MIA for most of May. Well, knowing how much you’ll all miss me I decided to cut my blogging down so you could get used to it!!!

Good excuse, huh??? Yes, I think so, too.

So, since last blogging what’s happened? Not a lot, apart from still trying to recover from the death of the motel hard drive and all the lost bookings – which makes every day an adventure because we have no idea exactly who’ll be checking in.  We now have an external hard drive programmed to back up once a day.. phew! I also have extra memory in my other computer and it’s now really fast!!!

I’m also blogging at We Love YA today on food. Always a fav topic of mine.

That’s it for now. Have a great weekend.

April 15, 2009 • Comments

I’m thrilled to be touring Jennifer O’Connell and her book EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME. It’s edited by Jennifer and the contributors include: Megan Cabot, Megan McCafferty, Cara Lockwood, Melissa Senate, Laura Caldwell, Stacey Ballis, Shanna Swendson and 17 other acclaimed women writers.

Whether laughing to tears reading Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great or clamoring for more unmistakable “me too!” moments in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, girls all over the world have been touched by Judy Blume’s poignant coming-of-age stories. Now, in this anthology of essays, twenty-four notable female authors write straight from the heart about the unforgettable novels that left an indelible mark on their childhoods and still influence them today. Drawing on their own experiences of feeling like a Fourth Grade Nothing before growing up to become Smart Women themselves, these writers pay tribute, through their reflections and most cherished memories, to one of the most beloved authors of all time.

So, here are my questions for Jennifer:

What inspired the plot for your book?
I was about to begin writing my first teen book, PLAN B, and I sat at the computer and thought to myself, “Everything I needed to know about being a girl I learned from Judy Blume.” And so the idea for the collection of essays was born. Because I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt like that.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I thought that this should be non-fiction because it sounded fun to have other writers remember what it was like when they read Judy Blume. I thought about having them write short stories, but then I decided that the “real life” stories they could tell would be even better.

What is your writing process like?
Pretty straightforward. I don’t write sequentially, so in any one sitting I’m writing the third chapter, the 17th chapter, the final chapter. I just write what I feel like writing that day.

What are you working on now?
A new teen book. I’m not terribly far yet, but I have it all in my head. That doesn’t help much when you need it on paper!

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have a “real job” in advertising.

Who do you like to read?
Sarah Dessen, John Green, Sonya Sones, I’m not a big fan of fantasy or paranormal, I just like reading about ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives.

Reviews:

“Fun tributes to a beloved role model.” —People

“Wry pieces… make this more than a nostalgia trip.” —Entertainment Weekly

“Each writer is fearlessly honest… it’s emotional reading.” —Chicago Sun-Times

“Funny, poignant, honest, and reverential, these stories will resonate strongly with the legions of readers who, like the authors, are grateful and lifelong Blume devotees.” —Booklist

“From bittersweet to laugh-out-loud hilarious, the essays in this collection all sparkle with charm, style, and wit. No doubt about it, if you grew up reading Judy Blume, you will love this book.” —Sarah Mlynowski, author of Spells & Sleeping Bags and Me vs. Me

“Writing in the spirit of Blume, these women present their experiences as a series of personal truths: ‘girl moments. Woman moments. Human moments.’” —Publishers Weekly

“Judy Blume’s adolescent books have left such an indelible mark that two dozen of today’s female writers of young adult fiction wrote essays about the impression her novels left on them. . . . This is the gift we Judy Blume-raised mothers can give our daughters now: the voice that told us everything we were feeling was normal.” —The Record (Bergen County, NJ)

“By turns funny and poignant, this essay collection captures the essence of Judy Blume’s appeal.” —Library Journal

“These stories are intensely personal recollections that offer an insight into the influence that Judy Blume’s works have had on everyone who reads them.” —Teens Read Too

Bio:
Jennifer O’Connell is the author of ten books, the most recent of which are her two teen novels Local Girls and Rich Boys. She received her BA from Smith College and her MBA from the University of Chicago. Visit her website at www.jenniferoconnell.com and www.jennyoconnell.com.

April 11, 2009 • 10 Comments

Today I’m taking part in Kay Cassidy’s “Dueling Blog Tour”. Don’t worry no blood will be shed…. at least I hope there won’t be! Anyway, this is how it works. In the first part of the blog I interview Kay about the Great Scavenger Hunt (which I blogged about yesterday, and is seriously kicking ass). Then Kay turns the table on me and I answer some questions. Cool idea!

So here we go, my questions to Kay:

Part 1 – Q&A with Kay

Q: What made you decide to create The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest?

A: As a YA author and proud owner of a well-worn library card, I wanted to give something back to all the librarians whose book recommendations helped me grow as a writer and fed my imagination over the years. With the economy in turmoil, funding for public libraries is taking a major hit. School libraries are struggling as well. So I set out to create a totally free program that teen and youth librarians could use to keep kids excited about reading.

Plus, I’m a huge fan of trivia, scavenger hunts, mysteries… so The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest was a natural fit. I would’ve been all over this when I was younger. Trivia fans… unite!

Q: What exactly is The Hunt?

A: The Hunt is a brand-new, super easy, totally FREE library outreach program for teen and youth librarians. The program is open to librarians in the U.S. and Canada, in public libraries and school libraries alike. It offers year-round free programming that’ll keep readers coming back to the library for more.

Over 120 YA and middle grades authors have created a 10-question scavenger hunt (i.e. super fun trivia quiz) for one or more of their books. Scavenger hunts include questions like “What was the color of Moe’s hideous car?” or “What is Gemma’s favorite comfort food?” Every scavenger hunt also has a special note from the author to give it a personal touch.

Q: How does The Hunt work?

A: Once librarians register their library, their readers (called hunters) are eligible to participate. Hunters can check out the list of more than 200 titles in The Hunt, read the book of their choice, complete the scavenger hunt, and turn it in to their librarian. The librarian checks the answers against the quick answer key. If the hunter gets at least 8 out of 10 answers correct, the librarian can enter the hunter in the monthly contest. (NOTE: All scavenger hunts must be submitted to a participating librarian in order to be eligible for the contest. Participating librarians may enter hunters via the official contest entry form.)

Q: Tell us about the prizes in the Scavenger Hunt! What kinds of prizes do you have and how can people win?

A: Every month, I’ll choose one lucky hunter as the winner. The winning hunter will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card (good in stores or online) to use for whatever their heart desires. Even better? When a hunter wins, the host library wins too… a library prize tote filled with more terrific scavenger hunt books for the library’s collection. It’s a win-win!

Q: Definitely a win! So, tell me more about your upcoming YA debut. When will hunters see a scavenger hunt for it in The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest?

A: My debut novel, The Cinderella Society, is the first in a new YA series. The series takes readers behind the veil of a secret society of extraordinary girls where ultimate life makeovers are the main attraction. Lifelong outsider Jess Parker thinks life on the inside is her ultimate fantasy until she discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a battle of good vs. evil played out on the high school battlefield, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.

The Cinderella Society will be an April 2010 release from Egmont USA with book two in the series to follow in Spring 2011. I’m very excited about sharing a scavenger hunt of my own in The Hunt. Come on, next April! You’re telling me, I’m hanging out to read it (Sara speaking)

Part 2 – Kay’s Questions for Me

Now, let me turn the tables on you for a minute. First of all, thank you so much for participating in The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest. If it weren’t for authors like you, The Hunt couldn’t exist. Authors are incredibly busy people, so I owe a debt of gratitude to each of the authors (like you!) who graciously volunteered their time to create a scavenger hunt.

Q: What made you take time out of your busy schedule to participate in The Hunt?

Are you kidding me! I’d have paid to take part it’s such an awesome idea. I know it’s going to be a huge success and if it encourages more readers I’m all for that!

Q: Do you think you would’ve wanted to be a hunter when you were younger?

Definitely. I’ve always been a book worm since learning to read. I used to enter contests on the back of books…. You know like ‘tell us about your favorite character and why’. I got my first radio from winning one of those contests.

AUTHOR BIO:

2008 Golden Heart winner Kay Cassidy is the author of teen fiction she wishes was based on her real life. Kay is a former college cheerleader and sorority girl, an M.B.A. and a member of Mensa. She thinks it’s comical when people are surprised to discover those things aren’t mutually exclusive. Kay is a seasoned professional trainer and former leadership development specialist who enjoys teaching motivational workshops around the country. She is also the founder and host of The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest, a national library outreach program that provides year-round free programming for teen and youth librarians. THE CINDERELLA SOCIETY is her first novel. Visit Kay on the web at www.kaycassidy.com.

April 10, 2009 • Comments

The fabulous Kay Cassidy has come up with the most awesome idea for a Scavenger Hunt. She has well over a hundred young adult and mid-grade authors participating. Each of them has come up with ten questions about their book. If you want to enter go to Kay’s site…. and that is no hardship seeing as it’s the best website I’ve seen in ages. I have serious website envy….. sorry, I digress. Go to Kay’s site to get the details. It involves registering with a participating library, downloading the questions, completing the answers and then sending them to the library for a chance to enter the monthly draw. It’s easy and huge amounts of fun!

And I’m one of the participating authors!!

Have a great weekend

April 7, 2009 • 5 Comments

You know how they say what goes around comes around….. well I’m beginning to wonder if I inadvertently did something to someone!!!!!

The motel computer hard drive died last Friday and we lost 6 months of work, because I hadn’t done a manual backup since the end of October when we got the new computer (I know, don’t say anything, I’ve been beating myself up about it!!).

So I spent the weekend trying to track down what bookings I could, but if someone phoned and I emailed confirmation from the motel computer (as opposed to mine) then we’ve lost it. It’s a bit like playing Russian roulette…. we have no idea who to expect.

This is going to affect us until next February because I know we had some reservations that far in advance…. hopefully people will get in touch to confirm.

On a lighter note…. 4 weeks next Monday we go back to the UK to visit. I can’t wait. I’m very excited about it.

And here’s a picture of Clive because I think I deserve some eye candy in my life