Jan 31, 2014

Young Adult Keller Book Festival


Last week I was super excited to head up to Fort Worth for YAK Fest. I was honored to be asked to moderate the Reality Bites panel with none other than Andrew Smith, Christa Desir, Diana Lopez, and Kody Keplinger! Lucky for me I had read their books so I was able to spend some time asking them questions that I really wanted to know. We talked about thier pet peeves in writing (someone doesn't like alternating points of view and another slut shaming), the prom (Andrew is friends with his senior prom date on Facebook and Christa didn't go to prom), and of course about inspiration and process. Even though I did a lot of research I learned so many new things about all four authors. We had a great time!
Andrew Smith, Christa Desir, 
Diana Lopez, Me, and Kody Keplinger

Jan 9, 2014

Interview & Giveaway: The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068954-the-scar-boys


The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos
January 21st, 2014 from EgmontUSA


A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock 'n' roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world...even if you carry scars inside and out.

In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay--help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores--Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life.

The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality.