February 15, 2011 • Comments

I’m posting at Teen Fiction Cafe today. Nothing else to report except everything is crazy busy at the moment with the move and it being the busiest time of year in the motel!!!!

February 6, 2011 • Comments

So….. I found out why all my January posts vanished…. something to do with it crashing. Anyway, now my post saying things were missing has gone and instead an older post has come back….. too weird!!!

Hopefully, this will stay up…….

Have a great weekend….. I’m up to my neck in sorting stuff for the move, how is it possible to accumulate so much in such a short time, we’ve only been here 5 years?????

January 14, 2011 • Comments

I’m really thrilled to be touring Laurie Faria Stolarz and her book DEADLY LITTLE GAMES.

High school juniors Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: they both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to see the future through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control. Camelia’s gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn’t yet comprehend. Before either one has a chance to fully grasp their abilities, a new danger surfaces, but this time, Camelia is not the target. Adam, a familiar face from Ben’s past, is drawn into a puzzle he can’t solve. . . and his life is on the line. As the clues pile up, Camelia must decide whether to help him and risk losing Ben or do nothing and suffer the consequences. But in these games, who can be trusted?

Check out the book trailers:
DEADLY LITTLE SECRET: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fzMpVMy2fQ
DEADLY LITTLE LIES: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Qk0VG2Nz0

And now for the usual questions:

What inspired the plot for your series? Why did you decide to write in this genre?
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 be dangerous. I tinkered with this concept in the first three books of my Blue is for Nightmares Series [(Blue is for Nightmares (Llewellyn 2003), White is for Magic (Llewellyn 2004), and Silver is for Secrets (Llewellyn 2005), as well as in Bleed (Hyperion 2006)]. In Bleed, in particular, there’s a young male character who was convicted for the murder of his girlfriend. His next relationship consists of pen pal letters he exchanges with a young girl while he’s in prison. Without giving too much away, the relationship is briefly pursued once he is released, but I wanted to bring this concept to another level.

Additionally, I wanted to continue experimenting with the supernatural (which I also use in my Blue is for Nightmares Series as well as in Project 17), showing how we all have our own inner senses and intuition, and how with work we can tap into those senses and make them stronger.

I started researching different types of supernatural powers and discovered the power of psychometry (the ability to sense things through touch). The concept fascinated me, and so I wanted to bring it out in a character, showing how sometimes even the most extraordinary powers can also be a curse.

Lastly, I wanted to apply these concepts to be part of a series. I love the idea of growing a main character over the course of several books.

What is your writing process like?
I write at least ten pages per week when I’m on deadline. I also do a lot of marketing/promotion and editing on other projects in addition to those pages per week. I go by an outline, though I do discover things along the way. In my current work-in-progress, for example, though I had an outline, I ended up having to throw over 80 pages awaybecause I’d figured something out that needed to be changed. The outline helps me know certain essentials, though, before I start, i.e. what my character needs, what he has to learn to get it, etc., etc.

What are you working on now?
DEADLY LITTLE VOICES, the fourth book in the TOUCH series.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have two kids, 7 and 3, that keep me pretty busy. I also do yoga and dance/aerobics. I enjoy cooking, power-walking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Who do you like to read?
There are way too many authors to list, but I’ve been reading a bunch
of adult books lately, after a full year of YA. I’m currently reading I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman and I just finished Still Missing by Chevy Stevens (amazing!).

Bio:
Laurie Faria Stolarz is the author of Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, Project 17, and Bleed, as well as the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series, which has sold nearly 750,000 copies worldwide. 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, please visit her Web site at www.lauriestolarz.com.

Laurie’s Guilty Pleasures
Favorite snack: Popcorn with soy butter, salt, and garlic powder.
Touristy Trip: Paris (lived there), the south of France (been there), Stockholm (almost went there and want to go), Maui (really want to go).
Fashion addiction (at the moment): Gap Long & Lean jeans, Ugg crochet boots (not Cardy, just the regular knit), Michael Stars tops.
Dessert: Dark chocolate in almost any form – the darker the better.
Fast food: French fries at least once every couple of months (even better when dipped in vegan tartar sauce).
Beauty Binge: Aveda haircare products, which includes indulging in high-and/or-low-lights every eight weeks. Also, Caudalie skincare, Ineke perfume (Field Notes from Paris), Revitalash mascara, and Buxom Lips from Bare Escentuals.
Late-Night TV: The Hills (so sad it’s over), The City, Real Housewives of (wherever), and The Real World.
Chick Flick: Never Been Kissed, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Juno, Green Card, Once, The Devil Wears Prada, Bridget Jones Diary, Thelma & Louise, Mean Girls, Moonstruck, Clueless, Under the Tuscan Sun, and anything with John Cusack.
Nightlife: Pilates in front of the TV (a regular occurrence), answering e-mail (also regular), and dinner and/or a movie out with friends (happens far too rarely).
Cheap Thrill: Window-shopping, tabloid magazines, buying a new lip gloss, a tall cup of coffee from Peet’s or Starbucks.
Ultimate Splurge: Giuliano’s Day Spa for a massage and soft-pack wrap treatment, oxygen facials, and spray-tanning (in summer only).

Other Random Info
Favorite Quote: Perseverance is key.
Favorite cuisine: Indian food – onion chutney, curried vegetables, and kashmir bread. I also love cheeseless pizza from Bertucci’s.
Interests: Vegetarian cooking, holistic nutrition, aromatherapy.
Favorite Music: Fergie, James Blunt, Gavin Rossdale, Tori Amos, Sting, Sarah MacLachlin, Gwen Stefani, Black-eyed Peas.
Hobbies: Walking, napping, cooking, shopping, interior decorating.

TOUCH SERIES CONTEST
From Laurie: “In celebration of the release of DEADLY LITTLE GAMES, I’ve launched a very exciting contest. You will need to read a copy of DEADLY LITTLE GAMES to enter. Prizes include having a minor character in DEADLY LITTLE VOICES, the fourth book in the TOUCH series, named after him or her, or a phone call from me. OFFICIAL RULES for this contest are on my website, under NEWS. ALL ENTRANTS MUST SIGN A RELEASE FORM, DOWNLOADABLE FROM WWW.LAURIESTOLARZ.COM/NEWS.html. Sign up for my e-Newsletter for updates on contest, book, and appearance info: http://www.lauriestolarz.com/newsletter.html.”

January 4, 2011 • Comments

I’m thrilled to be touring one of my favorite authors, the extremely talented and very funny Eileen Cook and her book The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what’s expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way…and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.

Suddenly, Hailey’s perfect life–and her reputation–are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don’t trust her. Her boyfriend won’t even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she’s been dumped.

They say honesty is the best policy–but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?

And now for the usual questions:

What inspired the plot for your book?
The inspiration came in part from coming across a copy of The Scarlett Letter. I’m very interested in how the process of what everyone thinks of us shapes how we view ourselves. If your identity was suddenly

Why did you decide to write in this genre?
What I enjoy about writing for teens is the intensity. Everything matters so much more as a teen. It may be the first time you’ve had a particular experience from falling in love, to having your heart broken, to having a best friend betray you. When you love someone no one has ever loved like that- and when you hate someone, then they better look out. If you are hurt as an adult you know from experience that you’ll bounce back, but as a teen you aren’t certain. The flip side is also that as an adult you have lost the sense that anything is possible (Let’s be honest, if you are in your 40’s it’s pretty safe your chances of making the Olympic figure skating team has passed you by and it’s also unlikely you’ll move to Europe after falling in love with royalty.) As a teen, the possibilities are endless.

What is your writing process like?
I desperately want to be one of those writers who have a schedule and routine, alas, I am not. Rather than having a typical day I set weekly word count goals, and leave myself the flexibility to have shorter or longer writing days depending on where I am in the story, how well the words are coming on a particular day, and what else may be competing for my attention. I do try to write a bit each day in order to stay connected to the story.

Unlike some writers who feel tortured by their muse and find the creative process painful- I love writing. If I don’t have a project on the go I feel out of sorts and as if something is missing. When I sit down and let the story take my complete attention is my favorite part of any day. I’ll write in my office, at the beach, at the library-anyplace I drag a notebook or my laptop.

What are you working on now?
I have a middle grade series coming out for young readers (ages 8-10) in the Spring called The Fourth Grade Fairy. I’m also hard at work on my new YA novel. I’m working on a gothic story with the working title of Haunting Isobel. It has a creepy old house, a family mystery, a brooding handsome man and a possible ghost. It’s been a tremendous amount of fun to write so far.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Reading is the most common thing, but I have certain shows I love to watch including Glee, The Walking Dead and Castle. I’m also a huge knitter. I have yarn issues. I can’t keep my hands off of it

Who do you like to read?
How do you pick just one? I love everything from other YA’s to women’s fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction, historicals, mystery- you name it. Our house is stuffed with overflowing bookshelves.

Reviews:
“Hailey may be an A student headed to the Ivy League, but when it comes to taking a chance on life, she’s clueless. She’s also enormously appealing and great company throughout this breezy read. Yes, it’s chick lit, but of the highest quality—like a gourmet truffle. Cook has whipped up a real treat.” –Kirkus starred review

“Cook effectively builds both Hailey’s (justified) feelings of rebellion and the social dynamics of her ostracism, especially in her growing friendship with a challenging townie, Drew, who supervises her punishment working with the janitorial staff….Cook coaxes considerable empathy for the otherwise privileged Hailey as she abandons the achievement treadmill to explore her independence.” –Publishers Weekly

Bio:
Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in six different languages. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer.

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.

December 31, 2010 • 2 Comments

We’re already 31st December in New Zealand, and I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Here’s to a fabulous 2011 with all our dreams coming true!!!

December 24, 2010 • 2 Comments

I hope you all have a fab time over the holiday. I know I will, celebrating with friends and looking forward to an exciting year ahead. There are many changes in the pipeline and they can’t come soon enough…. I’m really excited!!!!

I haven’t been a good blogger this year, and it has crossed my mind that I should quit. Then I decided that some blogging is better than no blogging at all.

So, I hope 2011 is going to be everything you hope it will.

See you in the new year!!!