Teen Author Tuesday Presents Laura Bowers and JUST FLIRT!

 A secret blog and an off-limits go-cart racer? I'm in! JUST FLIRT by Laura Bowers is out this month. Watch the ultra-cute trailer to see what it's about!

Laura Bowers stopped by for a short interview about her book. Welcome, Laura! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

A secret blog turns everything upside down.

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?

I love all my characters, but my heart is most smitten for these two grubby, rebellious twins called the Cutson brothers who are always getting into trouble! They also say my favorite line from the book:

“We ain’t seen nothing, puppy hater.”

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Always put craft before publication.

Sometimes new writers—and old ones like myself—get so wrapped up in social media or their efforts to sell a book that they forget to concentrate on what’s most important: Improving their craft and continually writing, reading, and learning because the best way to sell a book is to write an amazing, powerful manuscript.  

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

Despite getting an A in Creative Writing, (my only A in high school,) I never wrote much as a teen and I never thought it was possible for someone like me to be an author—someone who wasn’t on the newspaper committee, never made honor roll, or had big college plans. This preconceived notion followed me to my late twenties, until I finally realized that everyone had a voice worth sharing . . . even me.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED this book! I literally couldn’t put it down.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Laura!

You can pick up a copy of Just Flirt from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or from your favorite independent retailer. Find out more about Laura and her books at http://laurabowers.net

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Greg Fishbone and THE CHALLENGERS!

It seems I have some middle grade fiction to highlight this week! Greg Fishbone, the author of this spotlight, is also the creator of Class of 2k7 - A wonderful group of middle grade and young adult authors. I would have been lost last year without my Class of 2k10, and will forever be thankful to Greg for his foresight!

Greg's latest novel, The Challengers, is the first book in the Galaxy Games series of humorous middle-grade science fiction from the Tu Books imprint of Lee & Low Books. Tu Books is dedicated to releasing multicultural MG and YA novels in the fantasy, science fiction, and mystery genres. The Challengers was released in September and is available in hardcover from bookstores everywhere and as an ebook for Nook, Kindle, iBooks, and Google Books.

Greg stopped by for a short interview:

Welcome, Greg! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Earth kids vs. aliens in galactic sports!

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your new novel and why?

I had a lot of fun with El Gatito Grande, an aspiring Lucha Libre wrestler who maintains a secret identity with a mask that he wears all the time. He's a lot of fun.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, Greg.

I've always loved writing and dreamed about writing books like the fantasy and science fiction authors I idolized as a kid: Madeine L'Engle, Isaac Asimov, Douglas Adams, and others. My path took me through a lot of day jobs but I've always returned to writing. In 1999, I joined the Society of Children's and Book Writers and Illustrators and have served as regional webmaster, assistant regional adviser, and conference co-coordinator in New England. In 2007, I formed the Class of 2k7 marketing group of debut authors, which has inspired a new class each year ever since. And this past summer I attended the Launch Pad program at the University of Wyoming where I was drilled in astronomy for science fiction authors.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

I've been surprised by how much there is to learn about the writing, revising, and publishing process. I'm still learning and applying new things all the time!

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Don't try to be a great writer. Be a constantly-improving writer.

Are you swept up with promotion for your book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

I just finished a draft of the second book in the Galaxy Games series, which is going to be an amazing ride into the galaxy.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote adventure stories and fantasy stories in high school, and had a group of friends to share work with. We challenged each other all the time, and it was always fun and exciting. My first idea of writing as a social activity, and I still get that today with my wonderful critique group.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

I have to give a shout out to TANKBORN by Karen Sandler, another book from the Tu Books launch list, because it's very cool what she's done with the character, the world, and the technology she writes about.

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My author site is http://gfishbone.com

The Galaxy Games series site is at http://galaxygamesseries.com

And check out the Great Galactic Blog Tour at http://galaxygam.es/tour

Thanks so much for visiting, Greg, and all the best with The Challengers and Galaxy Games!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Karyn Henley and BREATH OF ANGEL!

I'm happy to welcome another Elevensie to the blog today! Karyn Henley's debut novel, BREATH OF ANGEL, releases June 21, 2011 from WaterBrook/Random House. It's a YA fantasy, for ages 14 and up.

Welcome, Karyn! Please tell me about your book in seven words or less.

Angels, immortals, romance in an ancient world.

Sounds interesting. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in
your debut novel and why?

I like the warrior angel Jarrod, because his gruff nature hides a deep heart that struggles with love and grief and commitment to a cause.

Can you tell me a little bit more about yourself?

I grew up in treeless West Texas and now live in Tennessee. The trees are so tall and full in my back yard that I feel I’m living in a park. I write where I can watch the birds and squirrels and see the tops of the trees dance in the wind.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

I was truly surprised at how long it took. In 2004, I got my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where I first began writing Breath of Angel. I began shopping it around even before I graduated. It took me four years to find a great agent and another year for her to find me a publisher. Other friends published right away, and it was hard for me not to get jealous of them and discouraged about my path. Now that my novel is soon to be released, I realize I was blind to the shortcomings of my story seven years ago. It wasn’t ready. I’ve learned a lot doing the hard work necessary to get it into shape – both before and after getting an editor.

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

If writing is really what you want to do, be persistent, keep learning, keep writing. You’ll get there.

Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Since Breath of Angel is the first book in the Angelaeon Circle series, I’m deep into revisions of book two. Breath of Angel has a female protagonist. Book two is from the point of view of the male “romantic lead.” It has been fun to see the story from his perspective. And it looks like the promotion of book one and the editing of book two will overlap.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I read more than I wrote when I was a teen. Loved fantasy, of course, as well as historical fiction and nature-logs. When I wrote, it was poetry. Haikus mostly.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

I recently finished Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta. I was totally enthralled.

Sounds great. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today, Karyn, and all the best with your debut! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My website: www.breathofangel.com
My Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Karyn–Henley/140411189331787?ref=ts
My Twitter: http://twitter.com/karynhenley
My Blogger: http://maybeso.wordpress.com
My LiveJournal: www.community.livejournal.com/2011debuts

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Amy Fellner Dominy and OyMG!

I'm excited to welcome another 2011 debut author to the blog! Amy Fellner Dominy's contemporary YA novel, OyMG was released from Walker/Bloomsbury May 10, 2011. It is aimed at ages 11 to 16.

Welcome, Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly. 

Haha. Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

I can’t believe I’m going to pass on the hot guy, but I have to admit that my favorite character is Zeydeh, Ellie’s grandpa. (Zeydeh is the Yiddish word for grandfather.) He’s grouchy and prickly. He spouts Yiddish curse words and talks to ghosts. And his heart is pure gold. He and Ellie have an amazing connection full of love and respect. It’s one of my greatest regrets that Zeydeh is imaginary. He’s the grandpa I would have loved to have. 

Can you tell my readers a little more about yourself, Amy?

Random facts: I got sick on vanilla frosting when I was a kid, and I still don’t like it. I hate to shop but I love to buy shoes. I do triathlons—races where you swim, bike and run. I talk out loud while I write. 

 

And here's a little pic, so you can envision her talking while she writes!

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far, Amy?

How much I didn’t know. Every step of the way has held surprises: copyedits, first pass pages, marketing expectations, ARCs, cover jackets. I’ve discovered that a sale isn’t an end. It’s just another beginning.

So true. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Finish. It’s amazingly difficult to actually finish a work-in-progress. I’m not sure why that is, but it’s true. (Which is why many writers have a lot of beginnings and no endings.) My advice is to write all the way to the end. To finish whatever you’re working on. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment. 

Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

My next book is titled Audition and Subtraction, and it’ll be out fall 2012, from Walker & Company. (I’m so glad to continue working with my editor!) It’s about fourteen-year-old Tatum who could suddenly lose her spot in District Honor Band—and her best friend—when a new guy transfers to her school. Friendships change and romance develops in unexpected places.

Sounds great! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

Besides keeping a diary, I also wrote a lot of stories as a teen. It appears I had a darker bent in those days. My first chapter book was titled, Cecelia and the Coffin of Blood. 

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

The first book that comes to mind is Something Like Hope by Shawn Goodman. It’s a new debut and a powerful story about a girl in juvenile detention. I couldn’t put it down, and neither could my daughter. 

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?

Website: www.amyfellnerdominy.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/amyfellnerdominyauthor, Twitter: http://twitter.com/amydominy,

And for a sneak peek of OyMG, watch my book trailer here on YouTube. 

Thanks so much for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your launch! I can't wait to read it!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Clete Barrett Smith and ALIENS ON VACATION!

I'm excited to welcome another debut author, an Elevensie, Clete Barrett Smith. Clete's debut novel, Aliens on Vacation, releases May 3rd, 2011 from Disney-Hyperion Books for Children / Disney Publishing Worldwide. It's a Middle Grade novel, for ages 8-12.

Welcome, Clete! Please tell us about your book in seven words or less.
Boy gets job at hotel for aliens.

Ha. Sounds great. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character in your debut novel and why?
I really like my antagonist, a suspicious local sheriff who wants to shut down the bed & breakfast for aliens. He's grumpy and sees himself as the sole protector of this little town, so he tries to intimidate anyone who he views as a threat. I think he's hilarious and his scenes were the most fun to write.

Can you tell my readers a little more about yourself?
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife and two daughters. I have always loved hiking in the forests here, and my childhood game was to make up stories about fantastic things happening in the woods that only I knew about. I finally wrote one of those stories down and I'm excited to share it with kids!

Well hello from another Northwest writer! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I was most surprised by all of the people reading my book: agents, editors, marketing people, publishers in foreign countries who ended up buying the book. I had worked on this thing in relative isolation for years with only a few close friends and colleagues looking at it. Now the story feels like it's out there in the world and doesn't really belong to me anymore. I wish it well on its journey!

Any advice for aspiring authors?
Get help. Join a critique group, go back to school, read craft books. Don't try to do this all alone.

Great advice, Clete! Can you tell us about anything new you're at work on?
I am currently in rewrites with my editor on a sequel to my debut novel entitled Alien on a Rampage.

What did you write as a teen?
In middle school and high school I took Journalism class and wrote for the school newspaper, where I basically tried to make people laugh. My friend and I had an ongoing feature where we reviewed terrible slasher films. Instead of the traditional "five stars" rating system, we used a little "bloody chainsaw" icon to rate movies.

What's the last book you read that your really loved?
I read The Yearling last year and was amazed. Great characters, laugh-out-loud funny and a story with heart.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today, Clete, and all the very best with your release! If readers want to find out a little more, where should they look?
My website: http://www.cletebarrettsmith.com/Website/Welcome.html

My Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clete-Barrett-Smith-WriterEducatorSpeaker/128946553839867

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Jessi Kirby and MOONGLASS!

I'm excited to welcome another Elevensie to the blog today! Jessi Kirby's debut novel,
MOONGLASS, releases May 3, 2011 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. It is
Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.

Welcome, Jessi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Loss, mother, romance, beach, summer, sea glass, mermaids

Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

Another of my favorite characters from Moonglass is the crawling man on the beach. He’s actually based on a real man I used to see and wonder what his story was. In Moonglass, I got to give him a story.

Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
I worked as a lifeguard for four years, which is where I got many of my ideas for this story. I found a red piece of sea glass on my birthday this year. I have a thing for mermaids and all the myths that surround them.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

The most surprising thing so far has been that it’s actually happened! I still only kind-of believe it. The other thing that’s surprised me along the way is just how long a process it is to see a book through from its initial draft to it hitting the bookstore shelves. I had no idea how many steps are involved along the way, but they’re all well worth it.

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read as much as you possibly can! It’s the best way to study the craft and artistry of writing. Read the authors you love and pay careful attention to why you love their stories so much, how they speak to you, and what they inspire in you. Then go write!

Great advice, Jessi! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Right now I’m working on revising my second novel, IN HONOR, along with writing the first draft of my third. Busy days!

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

Ooh, it’s like you knew me! I did the first three—journals, terrible poetry, and overly dramatic stories. I wrote all the time, and most of it was terrible.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson. Hands down the best I read last year. I wanted to wrap myself up in its pages.

I couldn't agree more! I loved that book. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Jessi, where should they look?

My website: www.jessikirby.com

My blog: http://beachjess.livejournal.com/

Great! Thanks so much for visiting today, Jessi, and all the very best with your book launch!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Allan Woodrow and THE ROTTEN ADVENTURES OF ZACHARY RUTHLESS!

Today I'm happy to welcome another debut author from The Elevensies. Allan Woodrow's first novel, The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless, releases May 1, 2011 from Harper/HarperCollins. It is a Humorous Middle Grade, for ages 8-12.

Welcome, Allan! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
World's most evil kid, up to rottenness.

Ha. Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Zachary Ruthless would be helpless without his henchman, Newt. But despite his lofty evil position, doubts remains about Newt's true rottenness. After all, he has freckles and evil people never have freckles. True, one of his freckles looks like a small rat. Well, maybe it's the shape of a kitten. No, definitely a rat. But he does play a "Jiminy Cricket" role to help guide Zachary down less evil paths. He's the "heart" of the books.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself, Allan?
Growing up, I was cursed with a boring, happy and loving family, giving me nothing interesting to write about. I resented it for years. Eventually, a voice inside my head convinced me to write children’s books. At least that’s what I think the voice said; i had a head cold at the time. The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless is my debut novel, with additional Adventures launching every six months. Additionally, I have written for TV and work as an advertising Copywriter and Creative Director. I live in the Chicago area with my family and two goldfish. The goldfish are wanted in 22 states.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Although I write this sheepishly ... how easy it was. I didn't write for years and get tons of rejection slips, which is what I expected and was prepared to endure. I promised myself to be positive and persistent. But I didn't need to be. I decided to write children's books as my New Year's Resolution, 2009. By the time 2010 rolled around I already had an agent, a book deal for four books with HarperCollins, and a boatload of hope. But I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm sure I'll need to suffer through years of writing turmoil at some point, maybe soon.

Wow, I must say, that's the first time I've heard that! But congratulations on a quick and painless journey! May it continue to be that way for you, Allan. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Your book isn't going to write itself. At the risk of sounding like an athletic shoe, Just do it. I dreamed of writing a novel forever and never tried it because I assumed I was going to be rejected; I wasn't good enough. Why risk my dream being crushed? Then, when I finally decided to go for broke, it happened quickly. Ignore the negative in you. You just never know.

Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have two different .mss in my agent's clutches, both potential series starters: one chapter book and one older MG; and have been hired to create an entire imaginary world, humanoid characters (but not human), and three books for a potential book/TV/merchandising series . None of which I will go into detail about, in fears I'll jinx any/all the projects. But I keep busy.

Wow, a busy guy! They both sound very interesting. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Lots of short stories and unfinished random books which I haven't looked at since I was a teen but might be in my basement somewhere. I wrote for my High School literary magazine and a short story I wrote for was the inspiration behind, "The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless."

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
The Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. I could say the Hunger Games Trilogy, but that's like saying I like the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest trilogy -- very unoriginal, although I loved them both, too.

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: allanwoodrow.com
The book website: evilbadguystuff.com
Follow Zachary on Facebook: www.facebook.com/zachary.ruthless
My blog: woodrowbooks.wordpress.com/




Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Allan, and all the best with your first book's release!




Interested in seeing more? Here's the book trailer for THE ROTTEN ADVENTURES OF ZACHARY RUTHLESS! Enjoy!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Amy Holder and THE LIPSTICK LAWS!

I'm thrilled to welcome another writer friend of mine to the blog today, Amy Holder. I can't believe her release date is finally here! I've been watching her go through and nerve-wracking process of waiting to see that first book on the shelves, and now that it's here, I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!


THE LIPSTICK LAWS was released April 4, 2011 from Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.

Welcome Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Humorous coming-of-age story about popularity gone wrong. (Oops! That's nine words...can I count coming-of-age as one? lol)

Judges, can we allow that? Sure! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

I had a lot of fun writing Britney’s character because it was entertaining to be able to create and write a villain. But, my favorite character (other than April) has to be Delvin. He’s so awkwardly sweet, well-meaning and genuine… I wish I could pick him out of my story and be friends with him in real life.

Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Amy?

I’m a huge animal lover with an affinity for chocolate, laughing, art, my CHI hair straightener, and having fun. I’m originally from upstate New York (close to the setting of THE LIPSTICK LAWS), but I currently reside in the Philadelphia area with my verbally challenged sidekicks (pets). 

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

One of the most surprising things has been realizing the amount of time and steps that go into making a manuscript a published book. There are so many people involved in a book’s publication (author, editor, copy editor, proofreader, cover designer, marketing team, publicist, etc, etc.), it’s amazing how much effort is put into each book that’s published every year. I have a whole new respect for each and every book that’s ever been published.

Yes, that was shocking to me too! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Never give up! The road to publication is a bumpy one…and the bumps don’t necessarily end when you secure a book deal. You have to have determination, perseverance and the talent to back up your ambition in order to succeed.

Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Getting ready for my upcoming release has sucked up most of my free time, but I am working on another humorous YA manuscript as much as I can when I have time.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote angst-ridden poetry that would be fully deserving of an emo-rific award! It was filled with teen torture (my own inner torture, not torturing teens…just had to clear that up ), philosophical questions, gushing over teen love…and then venting over a broken heart. Yes, I was very overdramatic and set on a path to write tragedies. I’m not quite sure what happened between then and now.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

Well, that’s an easy one! LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, of course!

Aw, you just made my day! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?

Please visit my author website to find out more information about me, my book(s), upcoming events and more at www.amyholder.com

Thank you SO MUCH for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your debut!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Carole Estby Dagg and THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS!

I'm happy to welcome another Class of 2k11 author to the blog today! Carole Estby Dagg's debut novel, THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS, releases April 4, 2011 from Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It's Historical Fiction for tweens, ages 11 and up.

Welcome, Carole! Please tell me about your debut novel in  7 words or less:
adventure, 232-day walk, mother-daughter,  women’s suffrage

Sounds very unique! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
Clara Estby’s mother, Helga (my great-grandmother), because she is such a flawed yet noble character.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
Since childhood I wanted to be a writer, but was afraid to try so I became a librarian instead.  My first book finally comes out the year I turn 67. I write in Everett, Washington, and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island. I am a techno-idiot and don’t own a cell phone.

What's the most surprising (and best) thing about your path to publication so far?
I submitted part of my manuscript for critique at the national Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA.  At the end of my 15 minutes, my critiquer, Candie Moonshower, asked me if I’d like her to submit my work for the Sue Alexander Award.  “What’s that?” I asked.  It was my ticket out of the slush pile.  After winning the award I signed a contract with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 
What a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can you offer any advice to aspiring authors?
If you have a story to tell, keep trying.  I had 29 rejections on The Year We Were Famous over a period of 10 years before I signed a contract.  I didn’t just keep submitting the same manuscript again and again though.  During that time I took 8 college-level writing classes, attended countless writing workshops and conferences, and completely rewrote the book at least a dozen times, going from diary format to third person to first person, sassy voice, more mature voice, adventure focus to character development focus, 400 pages down to 250.

Great advice (and insight!) Can you give us a sentence or two about your current project?
After spending over ten years writing about Clara Estby I couldn’t let her go, so I’m writing a sequel that involves secretarial school and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Excellent. What did you write when you were a teen, Carole?
Very long term papers.  Even then I liked the research more than the writing. I read a lot, though, and still read over 100 books a year.

What’s the last book you read that you really loved?
Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi. I’m relieved that you phrased that question the last book you really loved; otherwise the list would go on for pages.

Wonderful. Thanks again for visiting, Carole, and if readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website is www.CaroleEstbyDagg.com 

And here's the book trailer for THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS. Enjoy!!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Angie Smibert and MEMENTO NORA!

I'm excited to welcome another Class of 2k11 author to the blog! Angie Smibert's debut novel, MEMENTO NORA, releases April 1, 2011 from Marshall Cavendish. It is science fiction, YA, for ages 13 and up.

Welcome Angie! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
near-future science fiction dystopian "thriller" (for lack of a better term)

Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Winter Nomura. She's a manic artist who builds a kinetic sculpture garden in her backyard.  She was fun to create, and she would probably be fascinating to hang out with in real life.

Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
I was born in Blacksburg, a once sleepy college town in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. I grew up thinking I wanted to be a veterinarian; organic chemistry had other ideas. But I always had stories in my head. Eventually, after a few degrees and few cool jobs—including a 10-year stint at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center—I wrote some of those stories down. I’ve published many short stories, for both adults and teens. Memento Nora is my first novel.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I've been extraordinarily lucky.  I sold Memento Nora after attending a regional SCBWI conference. One of the great things about those conferences is that editors and agents typically allow attendees to submit directly to them for a short time. I sent the manuscript to three of the editors there, one of them being Marilyn Brigham at Marshall Cavendish. And, she eventually bought it.

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Go to SCBWI conferences. (See #5). Oh, and if an editor asks you if you'd be willing to revise and resubmit, do it!

Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
On top of all the promotional stuff, I'm working on the sequel to Memento Nora.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
In high school, I was on the school newspaper and in honors English, but I didn't write any fiction. For some reason, it never occurred to me as a teen to write stories. 

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Right now, I'm reading the Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's especially good as an audiobook since Death is the one telling the story.

Yes, I loved that one too! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where
should they look?
My website: www.angiesmibert.com
My book website: www. mementonora.com
My Facebook: www.facebook.com/asmibert, www.facebook.com/MementoNora,
My Twitter: www.twitter.com/amsmibert,
I blog every Thursday at the League of Extraordinary Writers: leaguewriters.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for visiting today, Angie, and all the very best with your debut!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Angela Cerrito and THE END OF THE LINE!

I'm happy to welcome another Elevensie to the blog today, Angela Cerrito. Angela's debut novel, THE END OF THE LINE, released March 11, 2011 from Holiday House. It is Contemporary YA, for ages 12 and up.

Welcome, Angela! Please tell me about your book in seven words or less.
 Robbie is stuck in Great Oaks School … forever?

Oooh, sounds interesting! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in
your debut novel and why?
 Ryan. Because he cares for others even though he hasn’t had anyone to care for him. I also love that he doesn’t try to fit in; he simply “is.”

Can you tell my readers a little something about yourself:
Right now my home feels a bit empty since the loss of our dear big dog, Max, almost a year ago. 

Aww, I know how hard that can be. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I’m an American living overseas so sometimes it feels like I’m in a unique situation. I have my feet in both worlds but don’t exactly “belong” to either one. It was a huge surprise to discover another American ex-pat living in the EU who is having her book published this year, same month, same publishing house and the same editor. Also both of our books have secondary characters who deploys to Iraq. I’m excited to read POSSUM SUMMER and I hope one day to meet the writer Jenn K. Blom. (http://jaekaebee.blogspot.com/)

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Join SCBWI

Yes, I love SCBWI! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I’m working on two very different biographies, one is a very silly picture book, the other is for teens. I’m also revising a YA novel.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Poetry, really horrible poetry!

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I just finished XVI by Julia Karr and I loved it.

Oh, that's another one I'm excited for! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
 Website: www.angelacerrito.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/angelacerrito
Twitter: http://twitter.com/angelacerrito
Tumblr: angelacerrito.tumblr.com




Thanks so much for stopping by, Angela, and all the very best with your debut!

Angela does have a book trailer for THE END OF THE LINE, but so far it's only recorded in German. If you're interested in seeing more (or if you're bilingual!) here's a link!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Alex Epstein and THE CIRCLE CAST: THE LOST YEARS OF MORGAN LAFAY!

I'm happy to welcome another Elevenzie to the blog today, Alex Epstein, whose debut novel, THE CIRCLE CAST:  THE LOST YEARS OF MORGAN LE FAY, was just released from Tradewind. It is Historical Fantasy for ages 14 and up.

It's currently out in Canada and the UK and will soon be out in the U.S., however it's available through Amazon.com.

Welcome Alex! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Revenge, magical coming of age, Morgan le Fay

Sounds interesting! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in
your debut novel and why?
Morgan is a girl who's driven by vengeance for her father's murder. But after years in slavery in Ireland, she escapes to an early Christian settlement run by a woman, Béfind, who's unlike anyone she's ever met before. Béfind is about grace and forgiveness. She tests Morgan in an unexpected way, trying to turn the lies Morgan tells into truth (Morgan's pretending to be Christian). But Béfind isn't sure of her own faith, and the two of them have to grapple with doubt. Ultimately Morgan has to choose between what Béfind is offering and the vengeance that's been keeping her alive; she has to turn her back on grace.

Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
In my day job, I'm a successful screenwriter. I've written a hit action comedy and co-created a comedy TV series. This book is a passion project straight from the depths of my childhood. I've always wanted to tell this story.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
How impossibly long it takes to publish a book! In TV, you write a script and a month later they're shooting it, and a month after that they're airing it. It took two years from selling my book to seeing it. That's just crazy.

Yes, it is! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Outline first. You can write yourself into a mess if you don't have an outline. With an outline, you never have to write a whole book, you just have to write a little section. Then another section. Then another section...
Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I'm a working screenwriter, so I'm working on a slew of movie scripts. One of them is KIKI WILDER, a comedy about a 28 year old Montreal girl who just found out that "party girl" is not a career.
Sounds fun! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote a great deal of poetry. Writing poetry taught me to fuss with the rhythm of sentences. When I'm writing, particularly writing dialogue, I try to be very sensitive to how words flow. I'm not trying for a "poetic" effect now, I'm trying to give a sense of how thoughts come out of someone's head. Anybody can write a well-constructed sentence -- well, any writer -- but to write a badly constructed sentence that sounds truer and is more revealing than a grammatical one -- that's the trick.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
DECLARE by Tim Powers. It's a spy novel set in our world, except that the djinni exist, and the great powers are trying to use them against each other. The main character is a bastard of surprising ancestry ... and it's all based on some true mysteries about Kim Philby, the famous English double agent and traitor.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
I've got a website for the book, http://thecirclecast.com, and a blog, too: http://morganslostyears.blogspot.com. I also blog extensively about screenwriting at http://complicationsensue.blogspot.com.

Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Alex, and all the very best with your debut!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Bettina Restrepo and ILLEGAL!

March Madness Begins...don't forget to check in over at Shana Silver's Blog!!


But onto today's post! Today I'd like to welcome Bettina Restrepo, a debut author from the Class of 2k11. Bettina's first novel, ILLEGAL will be released March 11, 2011 from HarperCollins, a Katherine Tegen Book. It is contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.

Welcome Bettina! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Family, friendship, finding your voice, illegal immigration.

Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in
your debut novel and why?

I dearly love Mr. Mann. He is homeless and rarely speaks in the novel. But, he sits on the corner with a sign asking for money. He has less than 100 words in the book – but he speaks volumes.

Please share a little bit about yourself with my readers.

I’m a mommy, twice a day dog walker and a wife (besides writer). I once knew how to cook, but now only make things that wish you had ordered take out. I generally tell bawdy jokes, have quite a spiritual quiet side, and have a compulsive cleaning habit. I also like Legos but hate video games.

Yes, I'll take Legos over video games too. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

That I like writing books much more than publicizing them.

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Not everything you write should be for publication. Writing is art, publication is business. Be the artist first.

Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now, Bettina, or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Just finished my next book, Telenovela. Telenovelas are Latin soap operas that are crazy. So, just think – high school musical meets foreign exchange students on Telemundo. (It’s a comedy… I needed to laugh)

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry?

I only wrote assignments for school, and I believe my high school English teachers loathed me. I finally dropped out of honors English – only to find out the basketball coach who reinspired me to read. The reading led me back to writing.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. A fictional memoir of her Grandmother who was really bad a#$, back when women weren’t that way.

Also, The Year We Were Famous, by Carole Estby Dagg (debuting in April) – 2 women WALKED from Spokane to NYC in 400 days back in the early 1900’s. I stayed up all night reading. Even though it was historical fiction – I found it so relevant! (it’s considered MG, but read so much better!)

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My website: www.bettinarestrepo.com

MyFacebook: www.facebook.com/bettinarestrepo

My Twitter: www.twitter.com/bettinarestrepo

They can also see my crazy videos on http://www.classof2k11.com/?p=1183 I like to ‘hunt’ for our debut titles as they come out. I’ll be trying to do a video for each book at 2k11. 

Thanks so much for visiting, Bettina, and all the very best with your debut!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Sara Bennett-Wealer and RIVAL!

Today I'm excited to welcome another Elevensie AND a fellow Contemps member, Sara Bennett-Wealer.Sara's debut novel, RIVAL, releases Feb. 15, 2011 (Today!) from HarperTeen. It is Contemporary YA, for ages 12 and up.

Welcome, Sara! Boy, it feels like I've been waiting to see this book hit the shelves forever--I can't imagine how long it seems to you! Tell me about your book in seven words or less, Sara.
Music, competition, rivalry, best friends, now enemies

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

I love Matt because he's the kind of friend everybody should have: loyal, funny, sweet and a blast to have around.

Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself, Sara?

I'm a very lucky person who's blessed to make her living doing something she loves.

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

I've been surprised at how little changes! You still get rejections. You still have stress. But you also make amazing friends, and there's nothing like connecting with a reader who really *gets* your story. You have no idea how good that will feel until it happens to you!

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Don't wait for inspiration--just sit your butt down and write. It's OK if it sucks; that's what revision is for!

Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

I wouldn't have to say much to reveal the concept for my new book, and since I don't want to spoil it, I'll stay mum! 

That seems a little unfair, but okay. I get it. But I still want to know! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote a lot of papers, since I took AP English classes. I wrote a lot of fiction in grade school, actually, then quit during my teen years. I didn't start writing fiction again until I was in my 20s.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
YOU WISH by Mandy Hubbard. I got to read it as a crit partner, and thought it was the most charming concept. Mandy did a great job with that story! Right now I'm reading MATCHED by Allie Condie. I wouldn't say I love it because it is creeping me out, but I do love how well it's creeping me out!

I loved YOU WISH too! And MATCHED is in my TBR pile. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Sara, where should they look?

Website: www.sarabennettwealer.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbennettwealer

Blog: http://sbennettwealer.livejournal.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/sarabennettwealer

RIVAL Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Rival/140616459301752

Great! Thanks so much for stopping by, Sara, and all the very best with your debut!

Teen Author Tuesday - My Picks!

Since I don't have a guest to feature this Tuesday, I thought I'd instead mention a couple of books I'm looking forward to picking up in the next season. I have lots and lots of wants right now, but I'm going to try to keep this to two for this week...

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis. A lot of people are talking about this book, but that's not why I want to read it. First of all, here's the summary from GoodReads:

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Now to be perfectly honest, I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, and when I first heard that this book takes place on a spaceship, that was definitely not the point that lured me in. Here are my main reasons for wanting this book:

I first heard about Beth on Miss Snarks First Victim, which I believe had a big hand in helping her find her agent and get her start in publishing. I feel a bit of kinship with her in that way, and I've been looking forward to picking up her book since I first saw an interview with her there.

Secondly, my awesome critique partner, Shana Silver, recommended it. Now, I don't take all book recommendations from everyone. But years ago, I swore I would never like a vampire book and Shana handed me Twilight and said, "trust me." And okay, she was right. I did enjoy it. And with this book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, she started her sentence with, "I know it's on a spaceship, but..." So I know she gets where I'm coming from. She knows what I like and believes I will like this. So I trust her. And I'll be looking to pick up a copy of this one soon.

INVINCIBLE SUMMER by Hannah Moskowitz. This one's not out until April, but I'm already pining for it. Why? First of all because I love Hannah Moskowitz. Not in a weird way. Just in kind of a fangirl, I-know-I-will-love-anything-she-writes, sort of way. If I had more time to read blogs, I would definitely read hers.

PLUS...Hannah and I share the same fantabulous editor at Simon Pulse, and I pretty much love everything my editor loves, and I've been hearing great things about this book for a while. So it's definitely on my list.

Here's the bit from GoodReads:

Noah’s happier than I’ve seen him in months. So I’d be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It’s not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah’s happiness because of a kiss?
Across four sun-kissed, drama-drenched summers at his family’s beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his life from falling apart. But some girls are addictive....



Can't do it. Can't constrain myself to two. Here's one more I'm super-eager to read...

POSSESSION by Elana Johnson. Ditto everything I said above about loving everything my fantabulous editor loves...and this is another book she's helped to shape. So yeah. I want.


Here's the synopsis from GoodReads:


Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.


Go ahead, just try to tell me that doesn't sound like pure awesomeness. It's not out until June, which is closer to summer I guess, but I'm already pining away...


Those are just three, but I could go on and on. Okay, your turn. Which spring 2011 books are you looking forward to?

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Terry Lynn Johnson and DOGSLED DREAMS!

I'm really excited to get back to Teen Author Tuesdays on my blog! And I'm extra excited that 2011 has started, and with it, a whole new group of debut authors! With so many new books out there each year, and as a new author myself, I'm all about supporting and getting the word out about books that could otherwise get lost among the shuffle. I encourage you to give new books by debut authors a chance. And if you can't afford to buy them, that's okay. Just recommend them to your local bookstore or library. Every little bit helps!

Now, onto my guest for today! Terry Lynn Johnson is a member of The Elevensies. Her debut,

DOGSLED DREAMS, released January 6, 2011 from 4RV Publishing. It is an Outdoor Adventure, for middle grade readers, ages 8 and up.

Welcome, Terry Lynn! Can you tell us about your book in seven words or less?

sled dogs, adventure, family, self-doubt, trust, flying poo missiles

Flying poo missiles? Now what kid is not going to be hooked by that! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

One of the dogs, Tarzan, smiles like a person showing all his teeth

Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself, Terry Lynn?

I live in northern Ontario, Canada. Some of my favourite things are canoe racing, snowshoeing, brownies, the first and only season of Firefly, and dog breath.

A fellow Canadian! Great! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so
far?

The love and support bursting forth from readers and writers online.

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Write your passion, don't try to follow the trends.

Great advice. I wholeheartedly agree. Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

I'm working on another YA sled dog adventure about a competitive musher who gets lost with her team on a training run in the Alaskan wilderness and finds a boy with a secret.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote cheesy science fiction stories and I've kept a journal for years.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

VESPER by Jeff Sampson

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My website: www.terrylynnjohnson.com
My facebook: www.facebook.com/DogsledDreams
My Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TerryLynnJ
My Blog: http://terrylynnjohnson.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting, Terry Lynn!

Terry Lynn also has a great book trailer for DOGSLED DREAMS. Enjoy!!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Cindy Callaghan and Just Add Magic Giveaway!

Read to the bottom to find out how you can win a copy of Cindy Callaghan's JUST ADD MAGIC!

Today I get the pleasure of welcoming another fellow Tenner, Cindy Callaghan! Cindy's debut novel, JUST ADD MAGIC was just released on October 10th from Simon & Schuster’s Aladdin Mix. It's middle-grade fiction, for ages 8-13.

Welcome, Cindy. Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.

Cookbooks, annoying little brothers, mean girls, good friends, magic!, soccer, chili, recipes, cute boys…Sorry, eight words, but I couldn’t leave out the cute boys.

Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

Darbie is a wonderful secondary character who upon first-glimpse is the most immature of her gang because she is mis-matched, clumsy, hungry, ignorant to boys, and just plain silly. But, the more I got to know her and the more I think about her, I actually think she is the most self-confident. She doesn’t have to put on “shows” for anyone. She just likes being herself!

Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?

I could talk about myself all day…I won’t, but I’m just saying. First I am a mom. Being with my kids is and the most important thing to me. Luckily they like my writing, so it’s a great second-job (I say “second” job because I have a regular corporate job too) because they can be involved in it, and they really enjoy it. I am also the busiest person in the world. I have to be extremely well-organized and multi-task a lot to get everything done. And because I am so frantically busy most of the time, I am also the sleepiest person you’ll ever meet. I can sleep anywhere, anytime. 

What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

How much everyone cares about it. I’m touched by how interested people are in by writing and publication. People have so many questions and they’re so excited. Everyone is willing to help from friends delivering bookmarks to another jazzing up my school presentation for me. 

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

On this I quote the great Greco-Roman philosopher, Nike. JUST DO IT!

Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Promotion has been huge, you’re right. But, I am excited about my newest project: THE HAUNTING OF SYDNEY MCKENZIE. Like JUST ADD MAGIC, it’s a middle-grade fiction. In seven words, it’s California-Delaware, spooky, hot-chocolate, ghosts, not-fitting-in, Ouija-boards, and cute boys. I’d love to say more, but I don’t want to jinx anything. 

Gotta have them cute boys! It sounds great, Cindy. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

All of the above.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I loved Lindsay Leavitt’s Princess For Hire.

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My website: www.cindycallaghan.com

Thanks so much for visiting today, Cindy, and all the very best with your debut novel!

And for my readers, since I'm so enamored by Cindy's abundance of cute boys in her novels, let's do this... if you'd like to win a copy of JUST ADD MAGIC tell me the name and book of one swoon-worthy cute fictional boy. Open to U.S. and Canada only, ages 13 and older.

Good luck!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Penny Noyce!

Today I'm thrilled to welcome one of my critique partners who I met through Critique Circle.

Penny Noyce is the author of LOST IN LEXICON: AN ADVENTURE IN WORDS AND NUMBERS, which was just released Oct. 1st from Tumblehome Press. It's a middle grade fantasy for ages 9-12.

Welcome Penny! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

cousins, adventure, magical, quest, friendship, danger, imagination

Great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in the novel and why?

Emily the thesaurus is a small alpaca-like creature who whispers needed words to her chosen humans.  She is soft, shy, loyal, and she often seems uncannily perceptive.

Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Autumn is my favorite season - a burst of color we treasure because it's fleeting.  My most exciting travel experiences have been visiting Machu Picchu, helicopter skiing in the Canadian Rockies, and horseback riding in the Okavango Delta.

Sounds like you've had an exciting life! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

I've been surprised by how much adults enjoy this children's book. They feel an echo of books they loved in their own childhood.

That's great! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Write your book for a specific audience, preferably someone you love.  That way you'll make it the best you possibly can, and you know you'll have an audience that appreciates it.

Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

I'm finishing up book two in the Lexicon series, which touches on music, and I'm working on a YA book about a young flute player finding the courage to face his sister's abductors, slavery, and his family's past.

They both sound great! What did you write when you were a teen, Penny? Did you journal? Write poetry?
Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I got up in the middle of the night to write poetry.  I wrote passionate journals dissecting my life and the occasional story.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

I loved The Time Traveler's Wife for its portrayal of the mysteries, heartbreaks, unknowns, and shifting currents of love that lasts a lifetime.

If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My book website: www.lostinlexicon.com

My website: www.pendrednoyce.com

My blog: windowviewblog.blogspot.com

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiJhpfnvk7o

Thanks so much for stopping by, Penny! And let me leave you all with the book trailer for LOST IN LEXICON:

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Want to know what's coming up in Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction? Teen Author Tuesday highlights some of the best up and coming authors!


Today I'm excited to welcome another fellow Tenner, Guadalupe Garcia McCall. Her debut novel, UNDER THE MESQUITE, releases in Fall 2010 from Lee & Low Books. It's a Contemporary Multicultural YA novel.


Welcome, Guadalupe! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Immigrating, Dreams, Family, Friendship, Loss, Faith, Hope

Those are some serious subjects! I look forward to it. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

Papi, because he doesn't agree with some of the things that Lupita decides to do but he is ultimately supportive of her (even though it hurts him to be supportive), and that's hard to do as a parent.

Can you share a bit about yourself with my readers?

Under the Mesquite was easy to write...the words just poured out of me, but it was also hard to write because some of it was coming from a very deep place, a place that is still raw with emotion. My work in progress, Six Little Sisters, is like that too...easy but hard. So in a strange way, I feel blessed as a writer.

It's always interesting to hear the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

The most surprising thing has been how very much I have in common with other writers. When I go to the Tenners website, meet other writers, and read/write about our journeys, our writer's angst, we are all alike in many ways.

Amen to that! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

I heard it somewhere and it's true...Buttocks in Chair...it's the only way. It's not going to get itself written. Also, we success only at what we work at...so give it your full attention.

Great advice, Guadalupe. Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

Right now I am in deep revision of Six Little Sisters. It's the story of 6 girls who are on a personal journey to find something that is missing in their lives. It's a story about love, family, and personal/spiritual growth.

Sounds wonderful! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I've always been a poet. So as a teen, I wrote poetry for my friends, flowery/metaphorical love poems to send to their boyfriends..who probably didn't "get it." But I also scribbled emotional love stories to entertain my friends. It's what was "selling" if you know what I mean. I was writing to the market.

That's great. What's the last book you read that you really loved?

OH MY GOD! I loved The Dark Divine. It was such a fun read... I read it in one day! But right now, I am reading The Red Umbrella and it's very, very good, on a deeper, more substantial level. I better finish soon, because Tortilla Sun is calling my name.

All three of those books are winners, in my opinion - and it's great to hear of so much excitement over Tenner books! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My new website: www.guadalupegarciamccall.com

Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Guadalupe, and all the very best with your upcoming release!

Teen Author Tuesday Presents Mindi Scott!

Teen Author Tuesday is a regular feature, bringing you today's hottest and up-and-coming authors who write for teens.


Today I'm excited to welcome my author-friend and Pulse-sister, Mindi Scott. Mindi and I made the trek toward debut publication together and I have LOVED having her company to chat with about the very windy and emotional road.

Mindi's debut novel, FREEFALL, releases October 5th (today!) from Simon Pulse / Simon & Schuster. It is contemporary YA for ages 14 and up. I had an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and let me tell you, it is made of awesome!

Welcome, Mindi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Loss, communication, love, and overcoming fears

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?

It's hard to choose only one, but Kendall Eckman was definitely a lot of fun to write. She and the main character, Seth, have a long, rocky history and she has more ways of annoying him than anyone!

Great. Can you tell my readers a bit about yourself? 

At age 22, I developed a fear of the dark after watching the movies DISTURBING BEHAVIOR and THE SIXTH SENSE the same day. Somehow, I cured myself about a year later by watching the first 100 episodes of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Ha, that's great! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?

Revisions were surprising. I thought I was going to be given a list that said: "Fix this stuff like this." Instead, it was more of a soul-searching process on my part. I was given a lot more freedom than I'd expected.

Interesting. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

When you get suggestions from critique partners that you absolutely refuse to implement, take a few days (or more) to consider why your reaction is so strong. Sometimes the feedback that makes writers angry is the stuff that they really know deep, deep down needs to change.

Ah, great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?

I'm pretty much swept up! I am working on something new, though. Another dark, contemporary YA, this one from a girl's POV.

I'll look forward to it! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote whatever was required for homework and kept journals from ages 13 to 16 (from which I'm posting excerpts at my website). I was also a letter writer. I always wrote notes in class and during the weekends.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

FLASH BURNOUT by L.K. Madigan

I totally agree. Hilarious. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?

My website: http://mindiscott.com 

My Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindiscott 

My Twitter: http://twitter.com/mindi_scott 

My LiveJournal: www.mindiscott.livejournal.com

 Awesome! (And what a great picture!) Thanks so much for dropping by my blog, Mindi, and all the very best with your release!