About Flash Burnout
Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.
When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.
In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.
About L.K. Madigan
L.K. Madigan is a writer living in Portland, Oregon, who finds it odd to speak in the third person. Therefore:
Hi. I am married with one son, two big black dogs, hundreds of books, and a couple of beaters, I mean vintage cars
L. K. was kind enough to answer a few questions for me:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
It’s funny you ask this, because there are two playlists at the end of FLASH BURNOUT, so I’ve definitely spent a lot of time thinking about music for the book.
There are probably five songs that could represent the overall theme of the book, but if I have to choose just one, I’m going to fall back on a classic Cure song: “In Between Days.”
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Blake wants to be a comedian, so it would have to be someone funny. I’m going to go with another classic: Richard Pryor.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
Blake was a secondary character in a novel I’d written before FLASH BURNOUT. He made me laugh, and I wanted to spend more time with him. He mostly made out with his girlfriend in that book, which wasn’t interesting enough to built a whole novel around.
Then the character of Marissa came to me – a girl whose life is starting to unravel, and who really needs a friend. How would a guy who is trying to figure out how to be a Boyfriend manage to balance that role with the job of Friend?
Head to L. K.'s web site to learn more about her-- http://www.lkmadigan.com
You can also order the book by following one of these links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Burnout-L-K-M
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/97805471
Thanks for stopping by L. K.!
- Mood:
cheerful
For those that know me, I'm all about the music! So I'm excited to announce that Strust & Frets by Jonny Skovron is now available for all to devour!
About Struts & Frets
More than anything, Sammy wants to play guitar in a famous indie rock band. The problem is that his front man is a jerk who can't sing, his bassist is a burn-out who can't remember the songs, and his drummer is just out to lunch. But Sammy needs this band because it's the only good thing he's got going. His father skipped out before he was born, his mother is an overworked therapist with a drinking problem, his grandfather is slowly losing his mind to Alzheimer's, and the girl of his dreams is dating his jerk lead singer.
Now that jerk lead singer has entered them in a Battle of the Bands contest to win free studio time and guaranteed radio play. Sammy has two weeks to get them to sound like a real band, or face public humiliation in front of the entire local indie music scene.
About Jon Skovron
Jon Skovron is an insatiable music geek who can play eight instruments, but none of them well. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, has lived all over the US, and now resides with his wife and two sons in Washington, DC. His short stories and reviews have appeared in publications like Jim Baen's Universe and Internet Review of Science Fiction. Struts and Frets is his first novel.
I asked, Jonny answered:
1. What is the theme song for your book?To find out more about Jonny visit his web site: http://jonnyskov.com/
There is a lot of music in Struts & Frets. I'm not sure I could boil it all down to one song. But the two songs I listened to most while writing it was Story of My Life by Social Distortion and Wicked Little Town, the Breeders cover of a Hedwig and the Angry Inch song.
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Joey Santiago, lead guitarist of The Pixies.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
It began when the sentence, "One thing I was sure of, our band was going to be famous" popped into my head and I just followed it from there. The inspiration is all of the incredible musicians out there who aren't and perhaps never will be famous.
And to order Struts & Frets from the comfort of your computer, click on one of these bookstore links:
o http://www.amazon.com/Struts-Frets-Jon-S
http://www.indiebound.org/book/978081094
Lauren Bjorkman's debut novel, My Invented Life is such a witty, humorous, original novel.
About My Invented Life
Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.
Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.
My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.
About Lauren Bjorkman
Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, they are still friends. She enjoys making things up, chocolate in large quantities, and anything that makes her laugh. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband, two sons, and a cat that plays fetch.
Visit her website at: http://laurenbjorkman.com/
Order the book right now at:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/My-Invented-Life-L
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978080508
So go out a grab a copy right now! Of course, even sweeter if read while eating Halloween candy but not necessary!
Here's what Susan had to say when I asked her a few questions:
1. How did you come up with the idea for the retelling of the story?
An Apple Pie For Dinner actually started as a writing exercise. I'd had a few books published for grown-ups, but wanted to try my hand at children's writing (seems to happen a lot when writers become parents!). I knew I needed to work on simplifying my writing style, streamlining, making every word count. So I tried retelling some of my favorite folktales from childhood. I stripped the stories down to bare bones, then rebuilt them as easy readers, changing settings and character details and such. An Apple Pie For Dinner was one of those exercises. Since I'm nuts for pie, I couldn't resist adding a fun and easy pie recipe!
2. Since you write everything from picture books to adult nonfiction, how do you balance it all?
I always seem to have a zillion projects in various stages simmering at one time. I guess it's just the way my brain works. I like being able to shift gears – if I'm stuck on one manuscript, I can pull out something else. Actually finishing a project is the hard part for me. That's where publishers' deadlines are so helpful!
3. Besides apple pie, what is your favorite dessert?
My husband's a former chef and makes this amazing seven-layer chocolate cake/pie thingie that'll ooze you right out of your chair. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bittersweet ganache... pure bliss. For my birthday in February, though, I've asked hubby to make a Chocolate Stout Cake we saw Hubert Keller put together on TV. Dark beer and chocolate – sounds good to me!
4. What are you working on now?
I've just wrapped up final revisions on Strike Up The Band: Amazing American Instrument Makers From Ragtime To Rock, a totally fun middle-grade nonfiction for Boyds Mills Press due out in fall, 2010. Next, I need to finish a middle-grade historical fiction about the Underground Railroad for which SCBWI kindly gave me a research grant. But, of course, there's loads of other stuff – I've outlined two other middle-grade historical fiction novels, I'm halfway through an underwater fantasy for tweens, I have the beginnings written of an easy chapter-book for boys... Time to put butt in chair again!
Susan VanHecke writes books for children and adults. Her titles for young readers include Rock 'N' Roll Soldier: A Memoir (HarperTeen, 2009) with Dean Ellis Kohler, An Apple Pie For Dinner (Marshall Cavendish, 2009), and Strike Up The Band (Boyds Mills, 2010), and, for adults, Race With The Devil: Gene Vincent's Life In The Fast Lane (St. Martin’s Press, 2000), adapted into an award-winning screenplay, and Roadwork: Rock & Roll From The Inside Out (Hal Leonard, 2007/Omnibus UK, 2009) with photographer Tom Wright, foreword by Pete Townshend. Of Roadwork, Barnes & Noble Booksellers CEO Steve Riggio said it’s “probably the best book on rock & roll ever published.” Susan is the children’s market columnist at Authorlink.com and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Order the book from Amazon by following this link: http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Pie-Dinner-S
Thanks for stopping by Susan!
Good luck!
Thanks to all that have participated in helping to save Tere's voice. No word on the printing status yet but will let you all know as soon as I get word. The campaign is still on!
Tomorrow stay tuned for my interview with Susan Vanhecke, author of Apple Pie for Dinner. A wonderful picture book that is a perfect holiday gift, complete with a yummy apple pie recipe!
Four Grand Prize Winners were drawn at random using random.org (thanks to Stephanie Kuehnert (
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
writerstephanie ) for introducing me to the site). All four winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore of their choice or to iTunes. 1. Sarah Quigley
sarahquigley2. Marjolein Balm
3. Retail Daze
retail_daze 4. Emmarose1
emmarose1There are also six super duper winners who will receive one of the following amazing arcs donated by the lovely Book Butterfly. When you email me list your top three choices and I’ll try and get you one of those books. First email. First serve. And the Book Butterfly was initially one of those winners so I’m going to send her a book from my personal library instead.
1. Kim from Book Butterfly
2. J. Blair
3. Sammyjones57
sammyjones574. Katie from Ohio (post on Amazon)
5. Brigidsblest
brigidsblest6. Kristen from Bookwormminginthe 21stcentury
Your choices:
1. Ash by Melinda Lo
2. My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman
3. Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe (This book is claimed!)
4. Candor by Pam Bachorz
5. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
All winners email me at danielle (at) daniellejoseph (dot) com. Make sure to give me your mailing address. You have until midnight on October 26, 2009 to email me!
A huge shout out to all that helped spread the word about Shrinking Violet. I totally feel the love out there! As soon as I know if there are any changes in the printing status I’ll be sure to post. Fingers crossed! And the campaign is not over so keep your purple sweater up!
xo,
Danielle
About Candor
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.
About Pam Bachorz
Pam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees. Her mother is not happy that Pam’s degrees are stored under her bed.
Pam lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. She likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.
As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that’s just what she’s supposed to say.
I asked, Pam answered:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
YELLOW by Coldplay. It captures the sacrifice, wonder, and love that define Oscar and Nia's romance.
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Oscar idolized his brother Winston, who died before Oscar and family moved to Candor, Florida. There's this fishing box that he always wanted to touch when Winston was alive, but his brother would never let him. Now Winston is gone, and Oscar can use it all he wants--but can barely bring himself to look at it.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
CANDOR is all about a planned community in Florida where everyone is brainwashed. I was inspired to write it when I was living in a Florida planned community (though as far as I know, nobody was brainwashed there... or maybe that's just what I'm supposed to say!).
To learm more about Pam visit her web site: http://www.pambachorz.com/
Now go buy her book (buy her book, buy her book:))...!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Candor-Pam-Bachor
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/97816068
Thanks for stopping by Pam!
There are nine prizes to be won so your odds are pretty good:)! Leave a comment here or on the original post if you still want to be entered:)!
And again, many thanks to those that have helped to Save Shrinking Violet! I'll let you know when I get word on the campaign's progress!
xo,
Danielle
The book fair is amazing and includes over 400 authors from around the country. Meg Cabot will be there, along with Sherman Alexie, Peter Lerangis and so many cool authors that I've always wanted to meet. This year they'e added a Kids' Comic Con which sounds like so much fun!
Check out the Fair's web site for more info: www.miamibookfair.com. This year it will be held Nov. 13-Nov. 15 at the MDC Wolfson Campus.
I better start saving or maybe I should purchase a wheelbarrow because I know I'll want to cart home tons of books!
And check out the awesome poster designed by Jeff Kinney!
So here's the scoop:
About Give Up the Ghost
Cass McKenna much prefers the company of ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody... and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.
But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.
As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad--and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance...
About Megan Crewe
Like many fiction authors, Megan Crewe finds writing about herself much more difficult than making things up. A few definite facts: she lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and two cats (and does on occasion say "eh"), she tutors children and teens with special needs, and she has yet to make friends with a ghost, though she welcomes the opportunity.
Megan was kind enough to answer a few questions:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
"Trouble" by Lisa Germano
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Cass is pretty cynical about everyone--she doesn't really have an idol. Probably the person she respects the most is her ghostly friend Chester, who sadly isn't around any more.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
he idea of a girl who preferred ghost friends over the living; figuring out why that might have happened and how it might change.
Check out Megan's web site for more info: http://megancrewe.com/. You can order Give Up the Ghost now: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Give-Up-Ghost-Meg
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/97808050
Below are a few contests that are being run in support of Shrinking Violet. Travel through cyberspace to see what's going on.
My fellow MTV Books author, Stephanie Kuehnert (I Wanna be Your Joey Ramone & Ballads of Suberbia)is giving away a copy of her truly phenomenal book, Ballads of Suberbia, so check her site out:
http://stephaniekuehnert.blogspot.com/2
Next hop on over to author of the awesome book, You are So Undead to Me, Stacey Jay's site. There you can enter to win an arc of her book, Undead Much.
http://stacey-jay.livejournal.com/
Book blogger, Kristen has so nicely offered to give away two copies of Shrinking Violet. You can visit her at:
http://www.bookworminginthe21stcent
And if you visit Kim, book blogger at The Book Butterfly, you can earn 10 extra points for one of her contests that you've already entered. Check her out at: http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.co
And of course, I'm running my own contest. So here are the deets again:
There will be four winners, each receiving a $25 gift certificate to iTunes or the bookstore of their choice.
MORE PRIZES ADDED: Kim from Butterfly Book Reviews (http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.c
Here's how to enter:
1. Post a review of Shrinking Violet on Amazon.com or B & N.com 2 points
2 Blog, Tweet or Facebook about the Save Shrinking Violet Campaign 1 point for each mention
3. Take a picture of yourself wearing a sweater and mimicking the book's cover (I originally said you should be holding the book but that's impossible. Believe me, I tried.). 2 points
Contest begins at 11pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009 and ends at 11pm on Thurday, October 15, 2009.
After you enter, you can either email me at danielle@daniellejoseph.com or leave me a comment on the original blog entry here: http://daniellejoseph.livejournal.com/1
NOTE: If you are also running a contest in honor of Shrinking Violet, let me know, and I'll post it here.
Thanks again everyone for all your love and support!
xo,
Danielle
My book baby of four months is too young to go out of print so please pass the word to anyone that you think might enjoy a copy of the book.
To find out more about the book or place an order, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Shrinking-Vio
If you're a contest kind of person, please enter. There will be four winners, each receiving a $25 gift certificate to iTunes or the bookstore of their choice.
MORE PRIZES ADDED: Kim from Butterfly Book Reviews (http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.c
Here's how to enter:
1. Post a review of Shrinking Violet on Amazon.com or B & N.com 2 points
2 Blog, Tweet or Facebook about the Save Shrinking Violet Campaign 1 point for each mention
3. Take a picture of yourself wearing a sweater and mimicking the book's cover (I originally said you should be holding the book but that's impossible. Believe me, I tried.). 2 points
Contest begins at 11pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009 and ends at 11pm on Thurday, October 15, 2009.
After you enter, you can either email me at danielle@daniellejoseph.com or leave me a comment on the original blog entry here: http://daniellejoseph.livejournal.com/1
So here's the buzz:
About The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z
Gianna Zales has a lot on her plate this fall – a father who drives her to school in the family hearse, a mother who’s turned into the junk food police, a little brother who thinks he’s a member of the paparazzi, and a grandmother who leaves false teeth in the refrigerator. Worst of all, she’s left her 7th grade leaf collection to do at the last minute. It’s a monster project, and Gianna will miss cross-country sectionals if she doesn’t meet the deadline. She’ll need the help of her geeky friend, Zig, and some brilliant ideas of her own to pull it off.
About Kate Messner
Kate Messner grew up in Medina, New York and graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communication with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She worked as a television news producer and reporter in Syracuse, NY and then Burlington, VT, before going back to school to get a teaching degree. These days, Kate is a National Board Certified middle school English teacher. She has helped hundreds of kids work on leaf collection projects and likes sugar maples and catalpa leaves the best. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her husband and kids and loves spending time in the woods.
Here's what Kate had to say when I asked her a few questions:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
Elton John's "Friends" captures the spirit of the book pretty well.
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Jackson Pollock - because HE never got in trouble for splattering paint on the walls.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
Well, first of all - the leaf project. I teach middle school English, and every year, our seventh graders have to complete a huge leaf collection project. It's sort of infamous now...one of those "best of times...worst of times" projects that families remember forever.
Beyond the project, though, this is a book about school, family, and friendship. Gianna Z. is in 7th grade, and that’s a time when so much changes in kids’ lives. School gets more challenging, interscholastic sports are brand new and exciting, and many kids start to develop romantic interests then, too. Gianna, for example, finds herself looking at her long-time pal Zig with new eyes. Add to that a grandmother whose memory is failing, and you have a tough situation that so many families are dealing with right now. So this book is about changes and challenges, and about facing those things with a sense of humor and a creative spirit.
You can order the book this very second by following these links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Fall-Gi
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/97808027
And check out Kate's web site too: http://katemessner.com/
Thanks for stopping by, Kate!
About Jungle Crossing
Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona's minicamp. If she's not there, she'll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she's the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat's parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat's world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?
About Sydney Salter
Sydney Salter's fascination with Mayan culture started when she was six years old and climbed down a steep, dimly lit stone staircase to the elaborately carved tomb of King Pacal who had once ruled Palenque. Visiting Mayan ruins, walking through fragrant Mexican market places, watching women wash clothes in a river, and chasing lizards in the jungle ignited the spark in Sydney's imagination that led to writing Jungle Crossing. Sydney now lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and two dogs. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and traveling—especially to Mexico where she can explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim in underground rivers.
Here's what Sydney had to say when I asked her a few questions:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
I listened to the Mexican band Kinky while writing Jungle Crossing. Here's one of my favorites:
I love a video with cows!!!
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
My main character idolizes all those amazing Mayans who built such beautiful pyramids and grand cities.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
My husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary by taking our moms and daughters to Mexico. I wanted to write something to teach my daughters about Mayan culture. I ended up writing a novel they weren't old enough to read! But I did use a lot of my own travel adventures in Jungle Crossing.
Chek out her fab web site at: http://sydneysalter.com/ and order your copy of Jungle Crossing at: http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Crossing-S
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sydney:)! And if you haven't read her other novel, My Big Nose and Other Disasters, what are you waiting for:)?
Help Tere keep her voice!
What is Shrinking Violet? It's a young adult novel about an extremely shy high school senior trying to find her voice and reach her dream of becoming a DJ, despite the obstacles that stand in her way.
The book is about to go on back order and in order for more copies to be printed, more people have to place orders for the book.
So here's how you can help:
Please tell anyone that you think might be interested to place an order now before it's too late. Guys, girls, grandmas. grandpas, you're never too old to read humorous teen fiction!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141659
http://www.indiebound.org/book/97814165
I'm also running a contest for those that want to have some fun! There will be four winners, each receiving a $25 gift certificate to iTunes or the bookstore of their choice.
MORE PRIZES ADDED: Kim from Butterfly Book Reviews (http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.c
So how can you win?
1. Post a review of Shrinking Violet on Amazon.com or B & N.com 2 points
2 Blog, Tweet or Facebook about the Save Shrinking Violet Campaign 1 point for each mention
3. Take a picture of yourself wearing a sweater and mimicking the book's cover (you must have the book in the photo too). 2 points
Contest begins at 11pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009 and ends at 11pm on Thursday, October 15, 2009.
After you enter, you can either email me at danielle@daniellejoseph.com or leave me a comment here.
Much love,
Danielle
- Mood: optimistic
About Hate List
Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
About Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown is the author of HATE LIST, a YA novel coming out in September 2009. As a two-time winner of The Erma Bombeck Global Humor award and weekly columnist for The Kansas City Star, as well as Saturday Featured Blogger for Mom2MomKC.com, Jennifer spends a lot of time dressing up her dog for laughs and thinking of new ways to works words such as "Puh-lease" and "Ch-yeah!" into sentences. Jennifer grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri area, where she still lives with her husband, three kids, and whole herd of uncooperative pets.
Here's what she had to say when I tracked her down:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
Definitely "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback. It was the song that ran through my head every time I sat down to write and, in its own way, inspired the story.
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Val's personal rock star is her therapist, hands-down! But her brother takes a close second.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
My kids, who I think belong to a generation that finally "gets it." Well, that and the song I mentioned in question #1. I woke up one morning with the lyrics and a story stuck in my head. A few months later... Hate List was born.
So hurry up and order your vopy of Hate List today: http://www.amazon.com/Hate-List-Jennife
To learn more about Jennifer, check out her web site: http://www.jenniferbrownYA.com
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!
Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted. What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: Emily please forgive me scrawled in lipstick - her mother's last words.
Now it's fall in New York City and Emily's trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media - and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can't let go of her mother's mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?
With help of a whole new kind of family - one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser - Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.
About the author, Jennifer Jabaley
Jennifer Jabaley was born in New York and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in chemistry and received a doctorate from Southern College of Optometry. A part-time optometrist and mother of two, Jennifer began writing her first novel after a phone call from her sister sparked an idea for a story that lingered in her mind and stirred her creative juices. Jen lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia and is currently at work on her second book.
And here's what Jennifer had to say when I asked her a few questions:
1. What is the theme song for your book?
"Over My Head" by The Fray
2. Who is your mc's idol--living or dead?
Hmm, I think throughout the book Emily has several idols - she's inspired by Carly's ability to not play the victim and forgive. She idolizes her Aunt Jolie's career success and eventually she comes to realize her ultimate idol is her mother, despite her flaws.
3. What inspired you to write this book?
When my sister took her first vacation away from her two boys she had a total panic attack. It made me wonder - what would happen if parents were on a plane and it went down? How would the teen move on? And, what if someone never got a chance to say something they always wanted to say?
Thanks, Danielle!
And thanks, Jennifer for stopping by!
To learn more about Jennifer, check out her site, www.jenniferjabaley.com or head over to Amazon to order the book: http://www.amazon.com/Lipstick-Apol
Seven months ago, Viola's boyfriend told her he was gay—moments before she was going to lose her virginity to him. Heartbroken, Viola has resigned herself to near invisibility, until she inadvertently summons a young jinn out of his world, Caliban, and into her own. Here he will remain until she makes three wishes.
Jinn is anxious to get back to Caliban, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid her wishes will be manipulated into curses. Jinn knows that should she wait too long, the Ifrit, guardians of earthbound jinn, will press her to wish by hurting those around her.As they spend time together, Jinn can't deny that he's slowly falling in love with Viola, blurring the lines between master and servant. It's only after Viola makes her first wish—for a popular boy to love her—that she realizes the feelings are mutual.
With every wish Jinn's time with her diminishes, but the longer she waits to wish the greater danger she's in from the Ifrit. Together, Viola, Jinn, and Viola's ex-boyfriend try to outwit the Ifrit while dealing with their own romantic complexities and the alcohol-laced high school social scene.
About the author, Jackson Pearce:
Jackson Pearce is twenty-four years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy and currently works for a software company even though she auditioned for the circus (she juggled and twirled fire batons, but they still didn't want her). Other jobs she's had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist.
In addition, Jackson coaches both colorguard and winterguard at a local high school; she's taught over four hundred students since starting six years ago. Coaching provides the greatest "research" for writing YA that she could ever ask for and has introduced her to some of the most unique characters she's ever met.
Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn't tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.
And what a colorful bio! Jackson has so many personal experiences to draw from! I know my kids would be most impressed with the circus auditions!!
To learn more about Jackson and her upcoming novels go to: http://www.jacksonpearce.com and to order As You Wish, click here: http://www.amazon.com/As-You-Wish-Jacks
Another great Debs read and tomorrow we'll hear all about Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley!
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