Merry Christmas!

While I know that the day is almost over, I figured it's never too late to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (Happy Holidays to those who do not celebrate).

I hope everyone had a very peaceful and blessed day!

Spotlight on Kitty Keswick

The end of the year is nearing and I am excited to present my last author spotlight of 2009 with Kitty Keswick!

Kitty is the author of the January 2010 release Freaksville. It will be published on January 8 by Leap Books. I am so excited to read Kitty's work. And you will be too, once you read more about how cool Kitty is!

On your website, you proclaim your love of 80s movies. Which movie for that decade was most like your life growing up?

Ack, that’s a great question. I’d say my life was a John Hughes montage; I liked to dress funky and make my own clothes like Andy in Pretty in Pink. (No, I didn’t have a Ducky…I wish!) I played the drums—although not as great as Watts in Some Kind of Wonderful. (I want to take them up again. And I didn’t get the diamond stud earrings.) I could totally relate to the entire cast of the Breakfast Club.

You stated, "Conflict makes good fiction." Do you find internal conflict or external conflict more important when developing characters and plot? Which is easiest to tackle during the writing process?

External conflict is the easiest for most to write, because it’s obvious it’s happening to the characters. I like internal conflict, the angst the characters go through…being torn over some decision they have to make that will change their life path forever. It’s the conflict you can’t see, but it’s the one that has the most punch. Internal conflict keeps you up at night; it eats away at you. Internal conflict is what will either beat you or make you stronger.

What inspires you while writing?

Everything. My characters speak to me. Many times they inspire me. I get to know them and then build the story around their quirks and dreams. Also art, music, nature—I know it’s cliché, but I draw from them all.

Though you write paranormal fiction, are any of the events/characters inspired by personal experiences?

All writers pull from experiences they’ve had, but I don’t base my stories on me or people I know. Certain aspects of characters are me. For example, Kasey’s mom is an interior designer, so was I. And I was a theater minor, so I used some of my knowledge in the story. I do go a little weak in the knees when I hear a British accent, and so does my heroine, Kasey. I moved from California to Pennsylvania and didn’t like the move at first, so I could relate to Kasey in that way, too. Do I see ghosts and werewolves? Well, my lips are sealed.

What has been the most exciting part of the road the publication?

Everything. Signing the contract, editing, working with the illustrator…It’s a roller coaster!

Fill in the blanks:

If I could collaborate with an author (living or deceased), I would love to write with Rachel Caine, Kelley Armstrong, Maria V. Snyder, P.C. Cast, Jane Austen, and John Hughes.

The most rewarding part of writing for a teen audience is they are so passionate about the characters. Everything in teens’ lives become huge when it’s happening to them. They feel things intensely; the world is full of possibilities, and they haven’t been jaded by it yet. They are standing at the edge of their future with so many paths to take—all they have to do is close their eyes take a deep breath and choose. It’s an exciting time.

If I could land a guest spot on any show, I would like to appear on Supernatural as Dean Winchester’s (Jensen Ackles’) love interest. Oh, but I’d have this really cool power to kick demon butt! Duh! I’d wear some really kickin’ boots and have my own muscle car—deep midnight blue, Chevelle SS… The racing stripe is optional. The rumble is not. Grrrr.

My biggest pet peeve is people that lie.

Freaksville is a novel that should be read by those who love paranormal, humor, have a thing for British hotties, like ghost stories, werewolves, fashion and theater, and believe that love is worth the work.

Thank you, Kitty for taking the time to participate! And best wishes with your upcoming release!

Nonfiction Suggestions

I very rarely read nonfiction writing for pleasure, unless I am reading the newspaper (which I do daily) or a magazine. It's not that I have anything against reading about factual subjects; it is more that I haven't found many nonfiction YA novels that grasp my attention like the creativity of fictional characters and settings.

In my classroom, this past quarter has been devoted to nonfiction, and I must admit that I have had a blast working with the texts I selected for my students. The thing is that many of these informational texts came from online sources and magazines or were excerpts from autobiographies, memoirs, and biographies. When looking for full copies of them, I've had very little luck.

I would like to devote some of 2010 to reading more nonfiction, which is where you guys come in.

I need your help! What nonfiction YA books would you suggest I read? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

In My Mailbox (December 6)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi.

The holidays are such a hectic, yet amazingly fun time. I have tried to limit my spending on books, so that I can spend more on buying gifts for others. So this week, I have two new books added to my collection.

Books Purchased:

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

(summary from Amazon): Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.

And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.

Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them...

Snow Queen by Emma Harrison

(summary from Amazon): Chamberlain Ski Resort and Spa

Welcome to the 10th Annual Snow Queen competition!

I can't believe I got roped into this.

Snow Princesses must attend all pageant rehearsals, with appropriate outfits.

Well, no matter what it takes, I'm going to wipe that smirk off Layla Chamberlain's face.

Our rehearsal space can be booked to practice your talent.

Um, does "looking dumb in a dress" count as a talent?

See Grayson Chamberlain, the assistant director, with any questions.

If you insist! First question: How can someone so sweet (and hot!) be a Chamberlain?

Good luck! One of you will soon be our new Snow Queen!

Oh joy.

Unless Grayson comes with the tiara . . .