Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Espressologist Paperback Giveaway
This week over at Author2Author we're talking about why we write in the genre that we do. I talk about writing YA Chicklit and how much I love it. Comment on this post why YOU love YA Chicklit to be entered for the chance to win the recently released paperback of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST. Mail in the USA only. Winner announced next Thursday.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit: Starring Laurie Stolarz
Laurie Stolarz has stopped by to talk about her latest book, DEADLY LITTLE GAMES.
About the Book:
High school juniors Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: they both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to see the future through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control. Camelia’s gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn’t yet comprehend. Before either one has a chance to fully grasp their abilities, a new danger surfaces, but this time, Camelia is not the target. Adam, a familiar face from Ben’s past, is drawn into a puzzle he can’t solve. . . and his life is on the line. As the clues pile up, Camelia must decide whether to help him and risk losing Ben or do nothing and suffer the consequences. But in these games,who can be trusted?
Our Interview:
KRISTINA: In my book, THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, Jane, a coffee barista, matchmakes people based on their favorite coffee drinks. What’s your favorite coffee drink? (If you don’t like coffee, tell me what your favorite drink in general is. But I am sorry, you’ll never find love. Kidding!)
LAURIE: I love strong black coffee with just a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top. That’s it. Nothing else.
KRISTINA: I am always curious about when and where writers write. Can you tell me about your schedule and your favorite place to work?
LAURIE: I write wherever and whenever I can. I have a toddler who goes to preschool three mornings per week, so I use that time. I also write in the car, waiting to pick up my grade-schooler, at coffee shops when I can get a sitter, and at night.
KRISTINA: If your book was made into a movie, who would star as your main character?
LAURIE: Blake Lively. That’s who I pictured as my MC when I was first starting the series.
KRISTINA: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
LAURIE: Since before I could even write, creating stories and plotlines for my dolls and having them act out plays. Then, when I actually could write, I’d write out the scripts and make edits and adjustments I went along.
KRISTINA: What is your most favorite (or, weirdest, craziest, funniest, most touching etc.) comment you’ve received from a fan?
LAURIE: At one of the places I visited to speak, an all-girls residential facility, a girl cried simply because I showed up, because she never thought it would happen – that someone would want to spend time with them. It was very touching.
KRISTINA: Are you on twitter? Where can we follow you?
LAURIE: Yes: http://twitter.com/lauriestolarz
KRISTINA: What are you working on now?
LAURIE: I’m currently working on Deadly Little Voices, the fourth book in the Touch series.
About the Author:
Laurie Faria Stolarz is the author of Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, Project 17, and Bleed, as well as the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series, which has sold nearly 750,000 copies worldwide. Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Stolarz attended Merrimack College and received an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College in Boston. For more information, please visit her Web site at www.lauriestolarz.com.
A Contest From Laurie:
TOUCH SERIES CONTEST
From the author: “In celebration of the release of DEADLY LITTLE GAMES, I’ve launched a very exciting contest. You will need to read a copy of DEADLY LITTLE GAMES to enter. Prizes include having a minor character in DEADLY LITTLE VOICES, the fourth book in the TOUCH series, named after him or her, or a phone call from me. OFFICIAL RULES for this contest are on my website, under NEWS. ALL ENTRANTS MUST SIGN A RELEASE FORM, DOWNLOADABLE FROM WWW.LAURIESTOLARZ.COM/NEWS.html. Sign up for my e-Newsletter for updates on contest, book, and appearance info: http://www.lauriestolarz.com/newsletter.html.”
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sarah Dessen Gift Set Giveaway!
As you probably know, I've been blogging with a great group of writers at Author2Author for the past 3 years. This year we're trying out a FUN FRIDAY (giveaways, author interviews/blog posts, fun writing stuff) and to kick off our first one we're giving away this really cool Sarah Dessen Gift Set. It includes three of Sarah's awesome books, a key pendant, and keepsake box. You only have to comment on THIS BLOG POST for a chance to win. So easy!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit: Starring Eileen Cook
Eileen Cook is visiting my blog today to talk about her new book (one I can't wait to get my hands on!) THE EDUCATION OF HAILEY KENDRICK.
About the Book
Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.
Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped.
They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?
Reviews
"Hailey may be an A student headed to the Ivy League, but when it comes to taking a chance on life, she’s clueless. She’s also enormously appealing and great company throughout this breezy read. Yes, it’s chick lit, but of the highest quality—like a gourmet truffle. Cook has whipped up a real treat.” --Kirkus starred review
"Cook effectively builds both Hailey's (justified) feelings of rebellion and the social dynamics of her ostracism, especially in her growing friendship with a challenging townie, Drew, who supervises her punishment working with the janitorial staff....Cook coaxes considerable empathy for the otherwise privileged Hailey as she abandons the achievement treadmill to explore her independence." --Publishers Weekly
Our Interview
KRISTINA: In my book, THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, Jane, a coffee barista, matchmakes people based on their favorite coffee drinks. What’s your favorite coffee drink? (If you don’t like coffee, tell me what your favorite drink in general is. But I am sorry, you’ll never find love. Kidding!)
EILEEN: I live in Vancouver where it is practically a crime to admit this- but- I don’t like coffee. Not even coffee flavored ice cream. I’m more of a chai tea latte or hot chocolate (high end only please, none of that chalky power mixed with water) kind of person.
KRISTINA: I am always curious about when and where writers write. Can you tell me about your schedule and your favorite place to work?
EILEEN: Have laptop can travel. I write on the beach, in my backyard, while traveling in hotels, in coffee shops, libraries, at my desk and on the sofa. I find when I get stuck if I change location it seems to make a difference.
I love the idea of having a regular schedule, but I never seem to manage it. Instead I set a weekly goal of what I want to get done and give myself permission to write pages and pages on one day and only a few paragraphs on another.
KRISTINA: How do you come up with the names of your characters?
EILEEN: I spend an unbelievable amount of time on picking a character’s name. I go to those baby name websites where you can search by different meanings and cultures and play around until I find something that “feels” right. Then when I have a name for everyone I have to decide if they fit together. For example you don’t want everyone’s name to start with the same letter or to rhyme.
KRISTINA: What is your most favorite (or, weirdest, craziest, funniest, most touching etc.) comment you’ve received from a fan?
EILEEN: I love hearing from readers so feel free to drop me a line at Eileen@eileencook.com. I heard from one reader who was going through a difficult time with her mom in the hospital. She would read parts of my book out loud to her mom so they would have a reason to laugh. I was so honored to be able to help (even in a very small way) during that time. One of my favorite comments was someone who said “You write teens so well, it’s like you were one once.”
KRISTINA: What are you reading right now?
EILEEN: I just started Revolution by Donnelly. So far it seems great!
KRISTINA: Are you on twitter? Where can we follow you?
EILEEN: Yes please! You can find me under Eileenwriter.
KRISTINA: What are you working on now?
EILEEN: I have a middle grade series coming out for young readers (ages 8-10) in the Spring called The Fourth Grade Fairy. I’m also hard at work on my new YA novel. I’m working on a gothic story with the working title of Haunting Isobel. It has a creepy old house, a family mystery, a brooding handsome man and a possible ghost. It’s been a tremendous amount of fun to write so far.
About the Author
Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in six different languages. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer.
You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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