Archive for the 'Interviews' Category

July 8, 2009 • 1 Comment

I’m thrilled to be touring Jennifer Banash’s book Simply Irresistible which is the third and last in The Elite book series.

Simply Irresistible (Penguin) brings us a whole new set of adventures now that Casey has had a big city-haute makeover, courtesy of her classmate and neighbor Madison Macallister – part teen icon and part queen diva-bitch. Wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people, has given Casey the look and the attitude – she’s “in” and loving it! Much to Madison’s dismay, her rival is climbing up the social ladder in a big way and could end up just as popular as Madison now that the two are set to star in their own TV reality show, “De-Luxe.” Yes, showbiz came knocking on two of The Bramford’s most illustrious doors and, as much as Madison thrives on the attention the show brings, she’s not thrilled about having every bit of her life of privilege caught on tape. However, fame comes at a price and Madison is one chick who is willing to pay anything…especially if it means becoming the next reality “it girl.” Casey, on the other hand, is realizing that Reality TV can sometimes beunreal, causing her to wonder if she even knows who she is anymore. With her relationship with Drew, Madison’s ex, currently more off than on, she can’t help wondering if everything i n her life is really just an illusion – and how much longer the illusion can last….

Now for the questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?
Reality TV! I’m absolutely hooked on it (I know, I know), and I knew from the very beginning of the series that I wanted the girls to get their own TV show. In the last novel in the series, IN TOO DEEP, the girls get a call from a MTV-esque music television network, and are offered their own series, a look inside the lives of Manhattan’s REAL Gossip Girls. In SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, we get to watch the process as the show is filmed and aired!

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I did some ghostwriting for a popular YA series, and I just fell in love with the genre. I love how excited readers get over these books, and how much fun they are to write. It’s like getting to be 16 again–without having to have bad hair, or be socially awkward

What is your writing process like?
If I’m actively working on a book, I write 5 pages a day, no excuses. I write for around 4 hrs a day, then call it quits, otherwise I’ll be too burned out to write again the next day.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel called WHITE LINES, about club kids in NYC in the late 1980′s.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read, watch mindless reality TV, pet my beagle and take him to the beach, hug my boyfriend

Who do you like to read?
Megan Kelley Hall–can’t wait for the sequel to SISTERS OF MISERY!, Robin Benway, Melissa Walker, Barry Lyga, Anna Godberson, Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot.

Reviews
“If you love all the drama, scandal, and high-end fashion of Gossip
Girl…you’ll want to check out…The Elite!”–Seventeen.com

“The Elite is Pretty in Pink for the millennium generation.”–Romance
Reviews Today

“An awesome tale of friendship and betrayal with just the right amount
of humor and heart. Seriously irresistible, and impossible to put
down.”-Alexa Young, author of Frenemies and Faketastic

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.

March 30, 2009 • Comments

I’m very excited to be touring Torched by April Henry. I love the sound of her book and can’t wait to read it.

About the book:
When Ellie’s parents are busted for growing marijuana, the FBI gives her a choice: infiltrate the Mother Earth Defenders (MED), a radical environmental group, or her parents will go to jail. At first Ellie is more than willing to entrap the MEDics, but the more time she spends undercover—particularly with Coyote, the green-eyed MEDic that she can’t stop thinking about—the more she starts to believe in their cause. When talk turns to murder, Coyote backs out, but Ellie is willing to risk everything to save her family—even if it means losing Coyote and putting her own life on the line.

And now for the interview:

What inspired the plot for your book?
Earth Liberation Front has long been active in the Northwest. The FBI considers them domestic terrorists. I was driving to work one morning, listening to the news, and the broadcaster said, “The FBI says they have been unable to infiltrate ELF.” And I thought, what else are they going to say? Yeah, we have someone who is working there undercover? And then I started thinking that most Elves are young, and FBI agents have to be at least 23, and they might need an informant.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I like the fast pace of mysteries and thrillers.

What is your writing process like?
I write 2-5 hours a day, often including weekends. I usually start by re-reading and tweaking what I wrote the day before. I’ll try to move on to the next section of the story, but if I get stuck, I “treat” myself by skipping ahead to a different section.

What are you working on now?
The Girl in the Mini Cooper, about a pizza delivery girl who is kidnapped. Everyone thinks she’s dead, her body dumped into the river. Everyone but two of her coworkers, who team up to find her.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I run, slowly, five miles four days a week. I love to cook. I like to talk to my teenager, who can always make me laugh. And of course, I love to read.

Who do you like to read?
Susan Beth Pfeffer. I am a complete fan girl. I’m really looking forward to next book in The Hunger Games series. I also love Scott Turow. I And I just read my first Michael Marshall, called The Intruders, and it was so fun!

About the autho:r
April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. April had one detour on her path to destruction: when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children’s author Roald Dahl. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children’s magazine.

By the time she was in her 30s, April had come to terms with her childhood and started writing about hit men, drug dealers, and serial killers. She has published six mysteries and thrillers, with five more under contract. Her books have gotten starred
reviews, been on Booksense (twice!), translated into four languages, short-listed for the Oregon Book Award, and chosen as a Quick Pick by the American Library Association.

April writes for both teens and adults. This month Face of Betrayal will be published. It’s the first in a new series for adult mystery series co-written with FOX legal anaylst Lis Wiehl.

What others are saying:
Kirkus: “Romance and big explosions … the thrills and action will keep readers interested as she navigates her way between terrorists and self-centered Feds.”

Booklist: “The contemporary mix of politics and thrilling action will grab teens, not just environmentalists, as Ellie must decide how to save her parents and save the earth. Romance adds to the conflict as she falls in love with gorgeous MED member Coyote, who is both an activist and an ardent pacifist. Both the MEDs and the FBI have good guys and bad guys, and this suspenseful story will spark discussion about what it means to fight for right “by any means necessary.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books:
“Henry keeps a number of slick tricks up her sleeve, and when the plot takes off with a MED tree sit to stop clear cut logging, a cascade of treachery and betrayal is unleashed that should keep the pages flying. This is a far cry from the more whimsical take on environmentalism of Hiaasen’s Hoot, but readers who cut their teeth on that amiable escapade may want to explore the ethical implications of wielding vandalism and violence to achieve a worthy end.”

School Library Journal:
“Educators and environmentalists will appreciate the similarities between Ellie’s adventures and the exploits of Julia Butterfly Hill, as it will allow them to engage in a discussion about endangered species, corporate responsibility, and logging.”

Teens Read Too:
5 stars
“Torched is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. The book starts with a prologue that puts readers in the thick of the action, and things don’t slow down from there.”

Links:
April’s Website

March 10, 2009 • 22 Comments

This is the one GCC tour I’ve been hanging out to do. I’m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to be touring my very good friend, and CP, and neighbor (we live only 20 mins from each other) Amanda Ashby, and her totally fabulous, amazingly funny book ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH. And check out the awesome cover.

If you comment on my blog and then send an email to Amanda telling her where you’ve commented, you’ll be entered into her contest to win a copy of the book. How cool is that????

So here’s what it’s about:

Tomorrow is prom, and all Mia wants to do is cast a love spell on her date Rob Ziggerman to keep him away from cheerleading goddess Samantha and save him all to herself. But somehow she ends up inflicting a zombie virus onto her whole class instead. At first Mia loves all the attention her classmates are giving her; treating her like a queen, compliments galore, and all the chocolate a girl could want. But then zombie hunter hottie Chase explains they are actually fattening her up. Why? Because in twenty-four hours, Mia will be the first course in their new diet. That’s what being the ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH means. She’s sure she and Chase can figure something out, especially when the alternative means that her classmates and teachers will be feasting on her bones. But in the meantime, she’s suggests that no one wear white to tomorrow night’s prom, because she has a feeling that things could get very messy.

And now for the interview. All comments in italicis are mine!!! Well if you can’t comment on what your CP has to say when can you?????

What inspired the plot for your book?
Actually it was you Sara – though I know you won’t remember (for anyone who isn’t aware – Sara’s memory is like a sieve apart from when it comes to important things like what time her fav TV shows are on or what she wants to have for lunch next week!!!!!) excuse me???? I don’t know what you mean . The thing is that I used to always threaten my cps (aka you being one of them!!) that if all else failed I could always write a book called I Was a Killer Zombie Bride. However, the more I joked about the more I realized that it might actually fun to really write a zombie book. Of course if this logic really works then one day Sara will be writing a book called Space Motel, since that is what she constantly threatens to do!!!

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
Hahaha, again, Sara I totally blame you!! When I was first trying to write chick lit books Sara kept suggesting that I try doing a young adult story but I kept ignoring her and in the end she got so sick of me not listening that she eventually wrote one. Not long after that I got the idea for my debut book YOU HAD ME AT HALO which was about a dead girl getting kicked out of heaven. However, when I tried to write it as chick lit, the heroine was soooo stroppy and annoyed with being dead that I suddenly realized she was only sixteen. From that moment I knew I loved writing young adult books – though in one of those weird twists of fate, Halo ended up being sold on the basis that I made my heroine older and turned it into a women’s fiction novel. I did that but for my next book I knew I wanted to go back to young adult books again because they were just so much fun to write. I’m not the sort of person to say I told you so…. but…….

What is your writing process like?
Can of worms alert coming up because asking me to talk about my process is never a pretty sight!! I can vouch for that. The truth is that no matter how much I try and plan, it just never works out that way and end up rewriting it so many times in order to try and find the ‘real’ story. This in turn tends to turn me slightly insane for long periods of time until suddenly the story all clicks together and I look back on at all and wonder why I made such a fuss. Then I start my next book and the crazy happens all over again!!!

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished another young adult book about a girl who goes to a prestigious slaying school and suddenly starts to see invisible killer fairies that no one has ever heard of before. Unfortunately due to a small incident which totally wasn’t her fault – she’s become the girl who cries wolf’ and so no one believes her about the invisible killer fairies and she is forced to try and fight them on her own. While I’m waiting to get my edits for that one I’m working on a mid grade book which is lots of fun and has a very feisty heroine who gets herself in all sorts of trouble!!! You can say that again!

What do you do when you’re not writing?
When I’m not writing I’m either thinking about writing, reading, watching television, hanging out with my kids and husband or working at my weekend job at the library. And spending hours on the phone to me

Who do you like to read?
Right now I’m all about the House of Night series by PC Cast and Kristin Cast. And who introduced you to it??? Apart from that I read a lot of young adult books, chick lit and also fantasy books. Some of my all time favorite authors are: Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Jill Mansell, Janet Evanovich, Raymone E Feist, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Anne McCaffrey.

Bio
Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and has spent the last ten years dividing her time between England and New Zealand. When she’s not moving countries, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to watch television, eat chocolate and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that between ourselves, shall we?). She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two young children. Her debut adult book You Had Me at Halo has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. This is her first book for young adults. Visit her on the web at www.amandaashby.com.

Reviews
“Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a delightfully fun, fresh, and funny read! Amanda Ashby creates a highly likeable heroine in Mia Everett, who, despite her best intentions, turns her classmates into zombies. And with prom quickly approaching, she must find a way to undo it before, well before she gets eaten! Never again will you look at prom, your classmates, or even zombies in quite the same way! ~Alyson Noel, New York Times Bestselling author of Evermore
“Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a delicious treat! Who knew zombies could be both fun and funny? It’s Zombilicious!” — Michelle Rowen, author of Bitten & Smitten
“Zombie Queen of Newbury High is where popularity can turn you undead (with an unsettling appetite) and Prom will be a little dangerous this year. Amanda Ashby moves into the YA world with snapping prose and an entertaining high school mix of teen crushes, popularity drama, and a zombie squad. Zombies beware–you’ll love to follow the twists and turns of this fresh and fun novel!” — Kelly Parra, author of Invisible Touch
“Amanda Ashby’s book, Zombie Queen of Newbury High, is filled with twists, turns and humor, sure to totally draw you in. I loved the fact that this read was more than your typical high school teen love story. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of books filled with mystery, suspense, with a dash of relatable relationship and friendship probs on the side, I def recommend picking up your own copy—you won’t regret it!” -Jami Katz GirlsLife.com Book Club

“Amanda Ashby writes a very entertaining and quick read about a teenage protagonist who has to fix the catastrophic problem she created – or else she’ll never be able to enjoy the ball with Prince Charming. Many readers will be able to relate to Mia and her quirky ways, and others will simply fall in love with her witty humor. And if that doesn’t work, there are always hunks Rob and Chase. ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH deserves the five stars. This is a very original story that isn’t too far-fetched that teenage readers can’t relate at all – it’s the perfect mix of reality and imagination.” 5 stars teensreadtoo

“…full of humor, romance and suspense, and her characters are well-developed and a joy to get to know. Five Stars.” – Bitten By Books

“Feel-good, fun and utterly lovely – if you’re a Buffy/Angel fan, or a zombie, or both, or neither, don’t miss this one! Highly recommended.” – Chicklish

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.

December 23, 2008 • Comments

It gives me great pleasure to tour Laurie Faria Stolarz and her new book:

DEADLY LITTLE SECRET (A TOUCH NOVEL)

Some secrets shouldn’t be kept…
Until three months ago, everything about sixteen-year-old Camelia’s life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at an art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia’s life becomes far from ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend’s accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She’s reluctant to believe he’s trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead she’s inexplicably drawn to Ben…and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help – but can he be trusted? She knows he’s hiding something…but he’s not the only one with a secret.

What inspired the plot for your book?
I wanted to write a story where the main character has to struggle with the idea of falling in love with someone who could potentially kill her (and who’s already allegedly killed someone in the past). I also wanted to continue experimenting with the supernatural – showing how people can work to make their own intuition stronger.

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
The only novel I’ve written that isn’t in this genre is BLEED. All my books are suspenseful with

What is your writing process like?
When I’m on deadline, I write ten pages per week, revising as I go along.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the edits of DEADLY LITTLE LIES, the second book in the TOUCH series. I’m also working on the edits and graphics of BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS, the fifth book in the BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have two kids, 5 and 2, that keep me pretty busy. I also do yoga and dance/aerobics, enjoy cooking, power-walk, love to shop, spend time with family and friends.

Who do you like to read?
There are way too many to name, but here’s just a sampling: Stephen King, Raymond Carver, Alice Sebold, Robert Cormier, Donna Tartt, Gail Giles, Carolyn Mackler, R.A. Nelson, and any YA novel that captures my interest with a great voice and high concept. I also read lots of tabloid magazines.

Advanced Praise:
“A boy to admire from afar, a girl you want to befriend, a novel to keep you turning the pages because you won’t know who to trust. Laurie Faria Stolarz’s DEADLY LITTLE SECRET is a blend of mystery, chills, and forbidden touches–one captivating story you have to experience.” – Kelly Parra, author of INVISIBLE TOUCH.
“The book was full of shocking surprises and revelations, earning the book five stars. This is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and mystery because it won’t disappoint.” – Teens Read Too
“…lively first-person narrative…. CW-worthy dialogue, quirky secondary characters, romance and suspense: a winning combination” – Kirkus Reviews
“An engaging, eerie tale about the darker side of relationships – when it becomes a matter of life and death to know who your friends are.” – KLIATT

A DEADLY LITTLE CONTEST – In celebration of the release of DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, the first book in the TOUCH SERIES, Laurie is launching a very exciting contest, the winner of which will have a minor character in DEADLY LITTLE LIES, the second book in the TOUCH SERIES, named after him or her. There are other prizes, too. Please see the official rules in the NEWS section of her website: www.lauriestolarz.com/news.html
Laurie Faria Stolarz is the bestselling author of the BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series, which has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. The series comprises Blue is for Nightmares, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, Red is for Remembrance, and the forthcoming Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz’s titles have been part of the Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers list, the Top Ten Teen Pick list, and YALSA’s Popular Paperback list, all through the American Library Association. Also the author of Bleed and Project 17, her most current work, Deadly Little Secret, the first book in the TOUCH series, is due out in December 2008. Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Stolarz attended Merrimack College and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston. For more information, visit Laurie’s website at www.lauriestolarz.com.