Jennifer Brown Answers Your Questions & Hate List Winner!

Before I announce the winner of an ARC of Hate List, Jennifer so kindly answered each of the questions you left for her. 

From Shooting Stars Mag:  What part of Hate List do you think of first? A scene, idea, character?

JB:  When I think of Hate List, the first thing I think about is Valerie, my main character. We've been through so much together. I wonder how she's doing. Maybe she's hanging out with Harold Crick somewhere, eating an apple and baking cookies... ("Stranger than Fiction" fans will get that one...)

From Steph Su:  Hate List deals with such a difficult and serious subject, and yet from your interview answers it is clear that you enjoy (and are good at) using humor. How did you juxtapose the two in writing Hate List? (Or better yet, could you give us an excerpt from your novel??)

JB:  I've been writing humor for years and it's second nature to me... yet Hate List has zero humor in it. In fact, Hate List was my respite from humor-writing, in a way. So I got all my humor out in my column (which is linked to my website, by the way), and saved the juicy, tough stuff for Hate List.

From Summer:  Would you rather have Hate List be turned into a movie, a TV movie or a TV series?

JB:  Man, that's a good question! Here I've been so excited that it's being turned into a BOOK, I haven't even had time to think about it being turned into anything else. I love movies. Will I get to meet Matthew McConaughey if it's turned into a movie...? Let's go with movie.

From Erika Lynn:  Who is the person who is always the first to read something new you write?

JB:  There are two: my husband and my 16-year old daughter, but they're each given the directive: "You may NOT be nice to me. You may only tell me negative things about this. If you say anything to me other than, 'You are the crap writer I always knew you to be and I plan to burn your books publicly,' I'll be mad at you." I'm kind of contrary that way.

From What a Girl Reads:  Hate List seems like a great book, where did you get the inspiration to write the book, and what was the hardest part to write?

JB:  I was watching TV news footage of a school shooting and I found myself wondering what would happen if a student stepped in to stop it, mid-shooting. I was listening to a lot of Nickelback at the time and the song "If Everyone Cared" got stuck in my head overnight, and when I woke up in the morning, I had this whole plot just -- thunk! -- right in my lap. Sounds weird, I know, but it's really how it happened.

From Jenna:  What are some of your favorite movies and television shows?

JB:  I think "The Office" is the funniest show that's ever been on TV (with only "The Simpsons" being a very close rival). I also love "30 Rock" and am grooving on "Parks and Recreation" at the moment. I'm a slave to reality TV -- "The Amazing Race," "Celebrity Apprentice," "Project Runway," and, of course..."American Idol" (yeah, that was me racing to the "hometown visit" concert for David Cook last year). And I will admit to something many people find disturbing: I have been watching the soap opera, "All My Children," every day since I was 11 years old. 

My favorite movies of all time are "Forrest Gump," "Dumb and Dumber," "My Best Friend's Wedding," and "Stranger than Fiction." 

  And now thanks to the help of Randomizer, the winner of an ARC of Jennifer's upcoming YA novel Hate List is:

ERIKA LYNN!!!!

Congratulations Erika Lynn!  Please email me your address and I will happily send you Hate List!

Thank you to all who entered, and stay tuned, a new contest will be announced Tuesday!

In My Mailbox (May 10)

In My Mailbox comes from the creative mind of Alea and is hosted by Kristi!

Purchased:

Fat Hoochie Prom Queen by Nico Medina 

This was on my Christmas Countdown wish list in December.  I couldn't believe it when I saw this book on the shelf in my local Borders, so I had to have it!

Via Library:

             

Hottie by Jonathan Bernstein

I interviewed Jonathan in March and he was a really fun guy!  I was happy to see that Hottie was available at my library and jumped at the chance to read it.

A Map of the Know World by Lisa Ann Sandell

I have been waiting to read this since reading the awesome reviews.  So glad it finally arrived at my library.

Via Mail (for review):

    

Exclusively Chloe by J.A. Yang

I am excited to read this because I love Hollywood stories.  I am expecting this to be a really fun read.

After by Amy Efaw

I have been dying to read this book since visiting the book's website.  So I was super excited to receive this week!

And to all the bloggers and authors who are mothers, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!!!

Interviewed By An Author!

Samira Armin Hodges is the author of the upcoming YA novel Milestones.  While the book has yet to be released, the buzz is already beginning.  Amanda of That Teen Can Blog was the first to review Milestones.  Let me tell you, I really enjoy Amanda's reviews because she is tough.  She always writes something thoughtful and honest!  Amanda gave Milestones an awesomely high 95!  But you don't have to take my word, check out Amanda's review here.

Even though Samira is this really cool author and doctor (congrats Samira), she offered to interview me, and you can't even begin to imagine how thrilled I was.  I seriously felt like a middle school student receiving an invitation to the party of the year (don't laugh, y'all know that middle school parties were the best)!

So before I ramble on and on because I've consumed way too much sugar (ate ice cream sundaes three times today), I present to you my interview (now you know I wasn't posting it here, you gotta check it out on Samira's blog)!

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

Sleepaway Girls
Jen Calonita
Little, Brown
Released May 1, 2009

Summary: After her best friend falls in love for the first time, Samantha ("Sam") is off to her first summer at Whispering Pines camp. But being a counselor-in-training is not exactly as Sam expects it to be. In addition to working with the young campers, Sam captures the eyes of two cute guys, and becomes "mean girl" Ashley's newest victim. But Sam will make it through the summer with the help of the Sleepway Girls, her new friends 'til the end!

Review: Mix one part romance, two parts friendship, and a whole lot of drama and you have the recipe that is Sleepaway Girls! This book is a perfect start to the summer!

Sleepaway Girls is one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. I was entertained throughout the entire novel and found myself laughing out loud!

From Sam's encounters with Hunter and Cole to the first prank, this novel never skipped a beat. I was so captivated by this book's brilliance that I was cheering for Sam and the other Sleepaway Girls during their war against Ashley. In addition, I anxiously remained on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen at the close of the summer.

To me the best thing about Sleepaway Girls was the vivid characterization. Jen Calonita is a genius when it comes to creating the perfect mix of drama queens, dreamy guys, down to earth girls, and--don't let me forget--the adorable peeps. The characters were so cleverly written, that I could feel Sam's insecurities when Ashley appeared, and I could sense her timidness around the boys. And though you would anticipate experiencing these things with the main character, I felt that each of the minor characters were so sharply painted, that I could feel their emotions and read their thoughts as well.

If you are looking for an enjoyable read with memorable characters to keep you absorbed during the summer, look no further! Sleepaway Girls is one book you don't want to miss!

My Score: 9-You've gotta read this one!

Sarah Dessen Birthday Celebration!

If you've read the "About Me" info on my sidebar or taken a look at the old pics of my bookshelves, you know that I am a HUGE Sarah Dessen fan.  So when Adele of Persnickety Snark approached me and invited me to be a part of Sarah's month-long birthday celebration, I could not say no!

Little did I know that I would be kicking the celebration off with a post about how I came to love Sarah and her beautiful writing!

Adele has worked extremely hard to make this celebration memorable for Sarah, so be sure to stop in all month long and read guest posts by YA authors and bloggers.  And trust me--there are going to be some well known and loved authors taking part in this awesome event.  You don't want to miss it!

And it's not too late for you to get in on the action!  If you want to wish Sarah a happy birthday, see Adele's instructions on how to do so.

So, thank you Adele for inviting me to be a part of this amazing opportunity.  Your hard work is truly admirable!

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Traveling to Teens is working on the upcoming tours for August releases.

Which books and authors do you want to find out more about?

Go here to vote!

In My Mailbox (May 3)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi and was inspired by Alea.

Books bought:

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Twisted Sisters by Stephanie Hale

    

Via Mail:

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

*Some of you may remember that I actually purchased a copy of this book last week, so I will be giving away a copy of this book soon!

That's all for this week!    

Don't forget the Hate List contest ends Friday.  Also, check back this week for new reviews!

Until next time...happy reading!

We Have a Winner!

Whew!  I have finally randomly selected a winner of Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell, a $25 gift card, and a choice of one other book.  Thanks to the help of Randomizer.org, the contest winner is...

Katie of Katie's Book Blog!!!

Katie has been contacted via email.

If you did not win, remember I have the Hate List contest running through May 8!  Stay tuned for more contests TBA!

Spotlight on Jennifer Brown

Today I am so excited to introduce you to Jennifer Brown.  Jennifer is an author and columnist, and let me tell you, she is one hilarious lady! Jennifer's debut YA novel Hate List will be released by Little, Brown in September!

1.  If I had to create a list of the top 10 greatest writers, #1 on my list would be John Steinbeck. No, wait! Ernest Hemingway. No, wait! Umm... Charles Dickens. Wait. No, no... Maya Angelou. No, wait...

2.  If I could only listen to one band or singer everyday for the next year, I'd choose to listen to Green Day, especially if they should pair up on an album with Paul McCartney and sing showtunes. ...Probably not ever gonna happen, but a girl can dream.

3.  The one item I should throw away, but probably never will is my freebie boxer shorts from my high school "Project Graduation" party. Like I'll ever fit those again! (Pssh! Like I ever did fit them in the first place!)

4.  The best piece of advice I've ever received is "If you eat crackers in bed, you'll wake up feeling crummy." Sort of got that universal feel to it, I think, like you could apply it to almost any situation. Unless... wait... do you think they were actually talking about food? Bummer.

5.  The ultimate dessert would include these 3 ingredients: Chocolate, cherries, and ice cream (all calorie-free, of course).

6.  The record for which I would most like to be mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records is Nicest Person EVER.

7.  Everyone should read my upcoming YA novel Hate List because you'll learn something about yourself while reading it. I know I sure did while writing it.

Isn't Jennifer awesome?  I cracked up when I read her responses!  

To find out more about Jennifer, be sure to visit her blog. 

Thank you so much Jennifer for taking time out to visit.   You truly made my day so much brighter!

ATTENTION!  ATTENTION!  Jennifer has been so generous of her time and has offered the readers the opportunity to ask questions of their own.  So for one extra entry in the Hate List contest, comment by leaving a question for Jennifer, and I will be sure to post her response!

In My Mailbox (April 26)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi.

This week, I got some exciting books!

Via mail:

       

Hate List by Jennifer Brown-This is my second review copy, so I am giving it away in a contest!

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten-This is a prize I won from Micol Ostow at the Bradford Blog Bash!

Purchased (from Borders or Barnes & Noble):

            

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender-So excited to have found this!  Can't wait to read it!

Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart-Oh how I love Bargain Books!

Better Than Yesterday by Robyn Schneider-This book has been on my library wishlist forever!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini-So glad to add this book to my personal library!

From the Library:  None this week!  I've been out of town, but luckily have some books on hold!

So what fun stuff did y'all get this week?

Hate List Contest!

Hate List

Jennifer Brown

Little, Brown

Release September 1, 2009

Summary (from Amazon):  Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he 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. 

Hate List has been a repeat Waiting on Wednesday selection on numerous blogs.  And when I posted it on IMM, several people commented that they would love to read it.  So for all those who (like me) can't wait until September to read Hate List, you're in for a treat!  

I received an extra copy of Hate List from Little, Brown, and I've been granted permission to give it away here on my blog!

To be entered, simply comment about why you are most excited to read Hate List.  For a second entry, post a link to this contest on your blog, and in a separate comment, provide the link.

This contest ends at 11:59 EST on Friday, May 8 and is open to the US and Canada only.

*Don't forget, you can also gain an extra entry here.

And Now For Something A Little Different...

As a voracious reader, I will read anything I can get my hands on. Even if it means the MOMania blog on the Atlanta Journal Constitution website.  Now, I'm not a mommy, but I couldn't help myself when I read the headline--"Are Judy Blume books still relevant to today's teens?"

If you're a Judy Blume fan like me (she's one of my all-time favorite authors), you'll want to check out the article.

And of course, if you do read the article, I want to know what's on your mind!

In My Mailbox (April 19)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi!

This week, I received a couple of books for review. They include:

Pure by Terra Elan McVoy

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

The Diamonds by Ted Michael

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

I also had a ball at Borders, where they were having a blowout sale:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Ex-Rating by Natalie Standiford (couldn't find a link to this one)

Gold Diggers by Tasmina Perry

Daddy's Girls by Tasmina Perry

What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

From Barnes & Noble:

Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills

Footfree and Fancyloose by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain

And from the library:

Cashay by Margaret McMullan

Hot Girl by Dream Jordan

Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Lots of good stuff this week and I'm really feeling motivated to read!

What was in your mailbox this week?

Thank You to Two Special People!

If you've been reading my posts during April, you know that I've had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people--two of whom are fellow bloggers. 

Well, I am very lucky to call Kelsey and Vania friends because not only are they hilarious and super sweet, they are also very creative and selfless.

Last night when I met up with Kelsey, she had informed me that she had created a whole new look for my blog.  This was something that she had emailed me about a couple of days before and had been hard at work on.  When I saw the final layout (the one you're looking at now), I could only think of one word--Beautiful!  So my first thank you goes to the fantastic Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews.  You are so wonderfully awesome and I'm glad to call you a friend!

My second thanks goes the wacky Vania of Reverie Book Reviews.  If you've talked with Vania via email, phone, in person, whatever, you would know that when I say wacky, I don't mean insane.  I mean Wickedly Awesome, Comedic, Kind, and Youthful! (Yep, I know it's corny, but she really is all those things.)  Last night, Vania came bearing gifts.  She gave me a copy of The Everything Wedding Checklist and even brought my fiance a book for the groom!  I was extremely touched by her kindness.

We (YA bloggers) always say that the YA book blogging community is a tight knit group--and we really are!  I have had the opportunity to "meet" some fabulous people from all over the world and would never trade this experience for anything!  So even though this post is dedicated to Kelsey and Vania, I am grateful for ALL of my book blogging buddies!

My Seven Book Babes Vlog!

So today, I'm finishing Pure, so I leave you with my video post from Seven Book Babes.  

If you haven't visited our video site, be sure to check it out!

Spotlight on Tricia Mills

Today I am excited to introduce you to Tricia Mills!  She is the author of highly praised Heartbreak River, which releases tomorrow!  Although it is her first YA novel, it is not her first novel to be published.  Tricia also writes adult romance novels under the name Trish Milburn.  You can find more information on Tricia and her novels at her website.  

Heartbreak River is your first YA novel.  What inspired you to switch target audiences?

I've always loved stories -- be they books, TV shows or movies -- that were about the teen years. It's the period in our lives that sees some of the most change, and that makes it great story material. I still write non-teen romances under my own name (Trish Milburn), but I love switching it up and going back and forth between the two types of novels.
How is writing for teens different than writing for an adult audience?
They're actually similar in that we deal with a lot of the same issues (love, family, illness, adversity) at all ages. The key to writing for teens is to deal with these things from their viewpoint. Dealing with parents when you're a teen and the parents still pretty much control your life and what you can and cannot do is different than dealing with parents when you're in their 30s. Then, the parents are beginning to deal with the problems associated with aging and sadly sometimes the child has to, in essence, become the parent.
Are any of the situations in your books modeled after events that you faced at some point in your life?
I think most writers put a bit of themselves into their characters. For instance, in Heartbreak River, my heroine, Alex, has developed a fear of the water and drowning. I have this same fear, though not for the same reason Alex does.
Your second YA novel, Ice and Desire, is set to release in Summer 2010.  Do you have plans to continue writing for teens?
Definitely! I LOVE the teen market. In fact, a big percentage of the books I read last year were YA novels. One of the best books I've read this year, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, is a YA novel.
What are your top 5 favorite books of all time?
Wow, that is nearly impossible to answer. But how about this -- I'll list some series I've really enjoyed: Harry Potter (you know that had to be in there), Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampires, Libba Bray's that started with A Great and Terrible Beauty, Meg Cabot's Mediator series, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. And so many more.
What are you currently reading?
I'm actually reading a book by my friend Colleen Gleason -- the last in her Gardella Vampire Chronicles. This isn't YA, but it's a fantastic series billed as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Regency England."
Other than reading or working on your next novel, what do you do for fun?
I like going hiking, visiting national parks, watching TV and movies.
What is one thing about you that would surprise your readers?
Hmm, that I actually have no teens (or any children, for that matter) of my own. Part of me can't believe I'm actually old enough to have teens since it doesn't seem like that long since I was one myself.
Thanks so much Tricia for stopping by and taking the time to participate in the interview!  It was a pleasure having you!
So let Tricia and I know your thoughts and if you leave questions, I'll do my best to try to get them answered.  
*Remember you can earn an extra entry in my contest by leaving a comment below. 

OK People, Contest News...So Pay Attention!

Yesterday I posted an interview with Lauren Baratz-Logsted.  She just may be the sweetest author I've had the pleasure of being in contact with, and because I want everyone to experience her awesomeness...

I will give everyone who comments on Lauren's interview an extra entry in my contest!

Also, tomorrow I will be posting an interview with another author (you'll have to come back to find out who).  If you comment on tomorrow's interview, you will also receive an extra entry in the contest.

So that means you now have the possibility of  5 entries in the contest!  

Now...go forth and comment!

Spotlight on Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Today I am pleased to welcome the unbelievably brilliant and sweet Lauren Baratz-Logsted!  Lauren is the author of a number of books for kids, teens, and adults.  Some of her titles include Secrets of My Suburban Life and Angel's Choice.  More recently she wrote "The Sisters Eight" series with help from her husband, Greg, and her daughter, Jackie.  Lauren's highly anticipated YA novel, Crazy Beautiful, will be released in September!

You write for adults, teens, and kids.  What is the most difficult part about having such a wide range of target audiences?

I'm so lucky to be able to be published for so many different age groups, I'd feel like a whiner if I complained about any of it being difficult. That said, if I had to pick one, it would be that some people like to put all writers in neat pigeonholes. So if I do an adult novel that's not Chick-Lit, they say, "What makes her think she can write serious?" Of if I do a YA, it's, "But she started out writing for adults - who does she think she is?" You get the picture. The thing is, like most human beings, I have a wide variety of interests and ideas to explore. So why not pursue the written exploration of them in as many areas as possible?

You also write a variety of genres.  How do you come up with the ideas for your books? 

The Idea Fairy pays me a visit a few times a year. I'm not even kidding about that! Seriously, I just pay constant and intense attention to the world around me. Then, a few times a year, I hear or read or see something that gives me an idea that makes me think, "Hmm...there's a whole novel in that..."

Of all the books you've written, which is your proudest accomplishment? 

That's like asking a mother of many who her favorite child is - unfair! So I'm going to return that by being equally unfair, meaning I'm going to pick more than one: The Thin Pink Line, my first published novel, for adults; Angel's Choice, my first YA, which my editor called "an important book" - words I never thought I'd hear in my humble career; Vertigo, another adult novel, because it contains some of my best writing; The Sisters Eight series for young readers, because I created it with my husband Greg Logsted - www.greglogsted.com - and our daughter Jackie. Oh, and then there's a little forthcoming YA called Crazy Beautiful - I'm a bit partial to that one too.

Who are some of the authors that you were inspired by before you became a professional writer?

Too many to name! Short list: I do love my Shakespeare and Fitzgerald. More contemporary: Gabriel Garcia Marquez. YA: Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson.

What was the last book that you read and loved?

Freeze Frame, an amazing YA by Heidi Ayarbe.

And now for the fill-in-the-blank questions...

If I was not a writer, I would be an agent or an editor, but if we're going entirely outside of publishing, a politician.

When I was 16, I graduated high school.

Other than my husband and daughter, the person I would most like to collaborate with would be I think Shalonda needs to pick the mystery writer for me.  (*Addition By Shalonda:  Ok, then I pick myself!  Who wouldn't want to work with you!?!)

The last movie I watched was Escape to Witch Mountain (or is it Race? Anyway, the one with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).

The winner of American Idol will be Adam Lambert! No! Allison! No! Still not sure.

If you have not already added Crazy Beautiful to your wish list, you should because how can you possibly resist a contemporary re-visioning of Beauty & the Beast about a boy with hooks for hands and a gorgeous girl who meet on their first day at a new school?

Thank you so much to Lauren for taking the time to answer these questions.  And I'm serious, you should collaborate with me next! :)

To find out more information on Lauren and her books, visit her website.

Be sure to leave some comments and show Lauren some love.  And tell me how did you like the new fill-in-the-blank feature?

Time for another contest!

Feels like it has been a while since I had a contest, so I'm hosting another one just because!

The prizes:  

Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell (thanks to Saundra for donating this)

$25 gift card to Barnes & Noble or Borders (winner's choice)

Choice of 1 of the following books:  Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, The Queen of Everything by Deb Caletti, Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian, and more choices may be added

So that's 2 books and a $25 gift card!  How do you win these? 

Simply comment below to be entered in my contest.

+1 if you link to this contest (MUST PROVIDE link in a separate comment)

+1 if you become or already a follower (tell me this in a separate comment)

Sorry, this contest is only open to the US and Canada.  Contest ends April 30!

In My Mailbox (April 12)

In my mailbox was created by the wonderful Kristi "The Story Siren".

This week I received a few books that I am super excited about in the mail:

Secrets of Truth & Beauty by Megan Frazer (for review)

Hate List by Jennifer Brown (for review)

Play Me by Laura Ruby (won in a contest)

I also bought a few awesome sounding books from Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Waldenbooks (they had a sale!):

Willow by Julia Hoban

Purge by Sarah Littman

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

Gym Candy by Carl Deuker

Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian

That's all for this week!  What was in your mailbox?

More Awards! You guys are making me blush!

I was so excited about the previous awards I received, I never thought I'd be getting more.  I am so touched every time someone leaves a comment or sends an email, so you can imagine how thrilled I am when I get an award!  So THANK YOU to everyone who comment, emails, leaves me an award, and/or reads my blog!

I received the Zombie Chicken Award from The Book Resort.  

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

Unfortunately I am going to risk the wrath on this one because I don't know who to nominate for this one.  So, if you haven't already been nominated, consider yourself chosen.

 Em from Em's Bookshelf nominated me for the Proximity Award!

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

I actually bent the rules on this one last time, so I'm just going to link to the previous award post!

 Melissa of Melissa's Bookshelf nominated me for The Splash Award!

The Rules:
1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.
6) Have F~U~N

And I'm actually going to splash some people!  Be sure to check out their amazing blogs.  Here are my nominees:

Senfaye of A Maze of Books

Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews

Vania of Reverie Book Reviews

Alea of Pop Culture Junkie

Yan of Books By Their Cover

Carol of Bookluver-Carol's Reviews

Hope of Hope's Bookshelf

Lenore of Presenting Lenore

Korianne of Korianne Speaks

Congrats!

Waiting on Wednesday (April 8)

Crazy Beautiful

Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Will be waiting until...September 7

Summary (from Amazon):  

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.

But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.

Why do I want this book so badly?  I must admit that I don't post these weekly.  Mainly because there is something I want every day of every week.  But I had to post this book!  In just a few words, I am intrigued by this summary.  Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite stories of all time.  It is so beautiful and romantic.  And the twist on this Lauren's version of the story sounds remarkable.  

Can't wait to get my hands on it!

In My Mailbox (April 5)

Received in the mail:

Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell (for review)

Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer (for review)

A Season of Eden by JM Warwick (from a contest!)

Purchased at Barnes & Noble:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (highly recommended by Vania)

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins (recommended by Kelsey's sister, Tori)

From the library:

Kissing Booth by Lexie Hill

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

I'm very excited about all the books I received, bought, and borrowed this week.  

What was in your mailbox?

Spotlight on Jonathan Bernstein!

Jonathan Bernstein is the author of Hottie, "a superhero book that has elements of Spiderman, Gossip Girl, and Clueless."  He began writing for magazines like Spin, Teen People, and Entertainment Weekly.  He then began screenwriting.  His movies include Max Keeble's Big Move, Just My Luck (starring Lindsay Lohan), and Jackie Chan's next movie, The Spy Next Door!  Hottie is first novel and I am super excited to welcome him to the YA community!

Right now vampires and zombies seem to be all the rage in YA lit. I'm glad that you came up with something unique, but why a superhero?

JB:  It was partly a reaction to a flurry of terrible female superhero movies-- Catwoman, Elektra, Aeon Flux-- and also to the fact that the non-geek public are reluctant to embrace new superheroes.  Superman was created in 1932. Batman in 1939. Spiderman, The Hulk, X Men, Iron Man and all the other most widely recognizable names are over 40 years old. It's impossible to come up with something fresh that competes on that level. I wanted to do something funnier and more grounded that takes place in a small world where the stakes are huge to the participants but meaningless to the rest of the planet.

Which superhero would you most compare yourself to?

JB:  I live in Los Angeles yet I choose not drive a car. This gives me  powers of invisibility. I also have a mild but incomprehensible-to-Americans accent. This gives me the power to insult people to their faces without them realizing it.  I don't know if any existing superhero has these abilities. Maybe  that's my next book... 

What was the most difficult aspect of writing from a female point of view?

JB:  The girl-gets-crush-on- guy stuff. Every time I got to a scene where the lead character Alison (aka Hottie, the girl who sets things on fire with her fingers)interacts with T. Hull, the guy of her dreams, I tried to avoid going in to too much detail. And then I'd get notes back from my editor saying `Describe how dreamy the guy is, show us why she has a crush on him."  I gave it a shot but let's just say no-one's coming out of this book with an Edward Cullen-like obsession with T. Hull.

Fashion was another area potential problem area. I'm a suave guy--by which I mean, I own a lot of t-shirts-- but I found myself having to bookmark many teen fashionista sites in order to  familiarize myself with brand names.

Having said all that, romance and fashion are fairly minor components of Hottie. The majority is action, comedy, backstabbing, awkwardness, humiliation, toilet humor and unrequited crushes. And these are all areas in which I am an expert!

Do you have a new project that you are currently working on?

JB:  Hottie 2 is currently going through revisions. It should be out this time next year.  I'm also about three-quarters of the way through a new book that's still YA, still funny and features a somewhat Hottie-like lead character, although minus the superpowers. Without giving too much away, it's like a cross between Gossip Girl and The Office.

What other YA authors or novels would you list among your favorites?

JB:  Louise Rennison's books are funny(although the movie was charmless). I like what I've read of John Green and Scott Westerfeld.

What are you currently reading?

JB:  This is humiliating to admit because I'm a fairly voracious reader but I began Ten Days In The Hills by Jane Smiley last December AND I JUST CAN"T GET THROUGH IT. I'm one of those people who always has to finish one book before he starts another one. So, because I've made this stupid rule for myself, I've got a pile of unread books that I'd much rather be reading, that I can't get to because of this big dull slab that I pick up every few days, read maybe 100 words of and then put down...

And just for fun, I've visited your blog and seen a few American Idol posts.  Who is your favorite idol contestant this season, and which do you think will win?

JB:  I think Adam Lambert could shoot a puppy live on TV and still win. But I've grown to look forward to little fuschia-headed Allison Iraheta. I like how awkward and goofy she is when she's not singing. Plus, I can imagine her making one of those Kelly Clarkson sort-of-rock-but-not-really records.

A huge thanks goes out to Jonathan for taking the time to stop in and answer some questions. Be sure to be on the look out for Hottie which is in stores NOW!!!

Ann Brashares Book Signing! (Yes, that's 2 days in a row)

Today I drove back to Alpharetta to meet up with Kelsey and Vania for another book signing. The three of us met up for dinner and then returned to the same Barnes and Noble for the opportunity to meet Ann Brashares.  I had such a lovely time!

First, Ann addressed her most frequently asked questions and answered each of them so eloquently.  I was in awe of how articulate she was.  She had me captivated and was so calming. I could have listened to her speak all day!

Then she signed copies of everyone's books.  Here's a pic of me getting my copies of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 3 Willows:  The Sisterhood Continues, and The Last Summer (of You and Me).  I have no idea what I was laughing about.  It could have been anything, because I am just so cheesy when I get excited--and let me tell you, I was super happy!

Another pic of Ann and I!

Another reason I was so excited about tonight's signing was because Jennifer Jabaley (author of Lipstick Apology) was in attendance.  I had been emailing with Jennifer since finding out about the signing and was thrilled to meet her.  She was so adorable (as you can see in the picture)! Jennifer was so full of life and genuinely sweet--I can't say enough nice things about her!

So as you can see from my last 2 posts, I have had a remarkable and memorable last two days. I was able to finally meet up with 2 of my blogger pals and met 3 AMAZING authors!

Laurie Halse Anderson Book Signing!

This evening I went to the Barnes & Noble in Alpharetta to see the one and only Laurie Halse Anderson.  Let me tell you, I had a BLAST!

When I first arrived, I was deciding on which copy of Speak to buy (because my original copy is bent out of shape and worn out), when two really sweet girls helped me pick.  When I returned to the shelves, I asked, "Are either of you Kelsey?"  My intuition was right because the two girls were Kelsey (of Just Blinded Book Reviews) and her sister!

While we were skimming the shelves, Laurie walked in and I couldn't do anything other than smile this huge cheesy grin (pathetic, I know).  I was so excited!

Then Kelsey and I met up with Vania (of Reverie Media).  You'll see her in a picture below.

Next up, Laurie addressed the crowd.  She was such a wonderful speaker.  She kept us entertained with humor and information about her books and journey as a writer.  She was just bursting with personality!

Then Laurie spent time with everyone who came to for the signing.  She was so friendly and personable.  She was very attentive and made me feel so special!

Soon, it was time for the evening to end.  It seemed as though the place had cleared out with the exception of Vania, Kelsey, and me (because let's face it--we were having so much fun socializing with one another!).  So Laurie had time for one more group photo before leaving to catch her flight, and you know we weren't going to pass up that opportunity!

I am so tickled to have met Laurie, Kelsey and Vania.  All three were so much fun!  And of course, I am the proud owner of pretty copies of Speak, Wintergirls, and Chains--all now personalized and signed by the fabulous Laurie Halse Anderson!  Pretty amazing day!