In My MailBox

Thank you Kimberly Derting!!!! You're Awesome!! The Pledge is an Amazing read. 

Thank you Kiki Hamilton!! The Faerie was Amazing!!

Yes, Fellow BookNerds, I will have some for giveaways so stay tuned!!

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Elana Johnson Author Interview & Book Lover's Holiday Hop

Hosted by I am a reader, not a writer

Co-Hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy

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It is not the gift, but the thought that counts.

-Henry Van Dyke

Toronto, Ontario

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another

The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

-Emily Matthews

Ottawa, Ontario

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. ~W.J. Cameron

Regina, Saskatchewan

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Calgary, Alberta

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. 

 ~Carol Nelson

Vancouver, British Columbia

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid

Quebec, Canada

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

What's on your list?

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Hope you have enjoyed your tour around Canada

Happy Holidays!

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Book Nerd Author Interview

Elana's debut novel, Possession, is available now from Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster).

Elana wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult science fiction and fantasy.

Using her boring human powers, she graduated from Southern Utah University with Summa Cum Laude honors in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. She started her teaching career as an upper grade music and art specialist. After a four-year stint in 3rd grade, she is currently the technology specialist.

In her world, Oreos and bacon would be the only food groups. Everyone would drive 10 over the speed limit. Winter would be eliminated as a season, and Jeff Probst would be President. As it is, she lives with her husband and two kids in central Utah, gets cited when she drives too fast and eats Oreos only on special occasions.

She is the author of From the Query to the Call, an ebook that every writer needs to read before they query.

She runs a personal blog on publishing and is a founding author of the QueryTracker blog, a regular contributor to The League of Extraordinary Writers, and a co-organizer of WriteOnCon. She is a member of SCBWI, ANWA, and LDStorymakers.

Elana is represented by Michelle Andelman of Regal Literary.

Social Media

Elana Johnson

Blog

Facebook

FB Fan Page

Twitter

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Tell me a bit about yourself.

Oh, going for the big guns early. Well, I am a mother of two children, a wife to one, and a teacher to hundreds. In all my spare time, I clean and attempt to cook and run errands and write novels.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grow up?

A teacher.

How long have you been writing?

Just shy of 4 years now

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book the month I turned 30.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Hmm, I’m not sure. I’m just very angsty, but I don’t think that’s a unique characteristic because of my upbringing. At least I hope not. I had a happy childhood. I didn’t start writing until later in life when I realized not everything was coming up roses. You know?

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

There are hardly feelings for such things. Your heart pounds really hard, and you’ve got this indescribable amount of hope. Because most authors dream of these days. They have them all planned out, and you’re hoping that it’ll be as good as what you’ve imagined.

And it is. In fact, it’s better.

Did you learn anything from writing Possession and what was it?

I learned that it’s okay to write in a way that’s authentic to the story.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

POSSESSION is the first in a series. It was originally written as a standalone—it was sold alone. But we later developed it into a series. The second book, SURRENDER, is a companion novel and will be out in June 2012.

Who is your favorite character in this book, and why?

Dude, Vi, of course. She says and does things I only dream of saying and doing. In many ways, we’re complete opposites, so I love getting to read about her doing things I would literally kill to do. She’s got spunk, you know? I need to get my spunk on.

Can you tell us a little about Jag and Vi?

Vi is the good girl who doesn’t want to be bossed around anymore. She’s been breaking rules for years, and she finally breaks one too many. Chaos ensues as she tries to figure out what’s good and what’s bad and who to believe.

Jag is the bad boy whose fighting for all the things Vi believes in. Sort of. She’s not really sure, and he’s completely black and white. He’s headstrong and moody, and he doesn’t really like getting attached to people or places, because they always end up leaving—or he does.

Where did you get your idea for Possession?

I had just read my first dystopian novel, and thought, “I want to write a book like that.” Then I had to figure out what “that” was. It was dystopian. Once I knew that, I just needed a society. So I played around with a few things and finally landed on “What if you couldn’t make your own choices?” That led to brainwashing, that led to a character who hated being brainwashed, and that led to writing POSSESSION.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

SURRENDER is a companion novel to POSSESSION, which means it takes place in the same storyworld, but follows new characters. (If you’ve read POSSESSION you know why…) Gunner and Raine live in Freedom, and they both have terrifying—and sought-after—talents they’ve been trying to keep secret.

They also like each other a little too much for two people who aren’t matched. Chaos ensues as Raine tries to figure out how much and how often she should use her talent to keep getting Insider information, and more chaos erupts as Gunn tries to figure out who he can trust and who he can’t.

If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

I have no idea. This is way too deep for me! 

Jean - This just cracked me up E!

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

Oh, heavens yes. I haven’t read the finished copy yet, because I know it’ll give me fits. As a writer, you grow and change and get better with each book. POSSESSION is my third novel, and I’m writing my 15th now. I’m a better writer. So yeah, I’d look at POSSESSION and want to rewrite entire paragraphs and pages and chapters.

So I just don’t look. 

What book are you reading now?

I just finished VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez. It was absolutely perfection; you should read it.

What new author has grasped your interest?

Rae Carson. I loved THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS. I’m so going to write a fantasy like that one day.

Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

My facebook fanpage is full of pictures from my recent tour to California and parts of Utah (where I live). I have the Provo Teen Book Festival coming up on November 12, and then I’m relaxing until 2012.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My phone, my purse, my smile, and a plan. 

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld, THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by Mary E. Pearson, and SKIN HUNGER by Kathleen Duey.

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Two Weeks Notice, The Village, and X-Men.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Dude, everywhere!

My blog: http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/elanaj

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/possessionthebook

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4044383.Elana_Johnson 

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Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Possession by Elana Johnson is a fast-paced, extremely appealing dystopian novel that really held my interest. The quick pace matched the swift mind of the heroine, Violet, who had a sarcastic comment for everything. She is amusing and also charming.

I thought the world that Johnson created for Possession was very captivating. It was very fascinating reading about people using mind control and how it plays a big role of how society functions. Even with all the technology available, the mind is the ultimate technology. Johnson relentlessly keeps the reader second-guessing and there’s no way to foretell what will happen next.

Johnson does a superb job of making the reader feel what Violet is thinking. At times, I felt like I was Violet and was living in the story. Although Violet may not understand her own thoughts, her feelings were easily understood.

It’s revitalizing and unpredictable. It’s a well made roller-coaster ride that leaves the reader wanting for more. You’ll be amazed with the world Johnson has created and the effort she puts in building the characters. It promises more installments to come. Romance readers will yearn for more of the love triangle between Violet, Jag, and Zenn. The technological density will get the admiration of science fiction fans. And readers of dystopian novels will appreciate Johnson’s world where mind control is the ultimate weapon.

You can purchase Possession at these following retailers.

Click LINKS below:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Book Depository

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Love the simplicity of Surrender. 

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And now, The Giveaways. 

1 Winner will recieve a Signed copy of Possession by Elana Johnson.

***If you're an Author and would like to do an Interview and Giveaway, you can e-mail me at jeanbooknerd@gmail.com****

Click >>>HERE<<< for the rest of the Hop

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Happy Release Day 11/29/11

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

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What better place to spend the holidays than Cold Comfort Farm?

Available for the first time since its original publication more than fifty years ago,Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm is a charming collection whose hilarious title story features Christmas dinner with the Starkadders before Flora's arrival. With Adam playing Santa while draped in Mrs. Starkadders's shawls, the family shares their traditional "Christmas pudding"-a mélange containing random objects of doom foretelling the coming year: a coffin nail for death, a bad sixpence for financial ruin, and a menthol cone to indicate that the lucky recipient will go "blind wi' headache." These lively tales will delight anyone who loves Stella Gibbons and her signature wit.

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Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles-until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.

Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires?

And so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.

When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere. Theft of Swords was originally published as: The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha.

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After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn't long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other, and one you'll never forget.

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At Mythos Academy, teen warriors in the making train to take up their roles protecting humankind. With her snarky, self-deprecating voice and strange gift of psychometry - the ability to know an object's history just by touching it - Gwen Frost is an outsider both to the students of the Academy and the rest of the world. But now that she's taking private tutoring with the Academy's most notorious young Spartan, and has Nike's own sword to protect her, she's ready to make mark....

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Following Star Wars: A New Hope, the struggling Rebellion has won their first major victory, giving them inspiration to continue the fight-but the war against the Empire is not even near its conclusion.

In this omnibus collection, you''ll find stories of your favorite classic-era characters, along with several new faces of the Rebellion: Luke is recognized as a Jedi General, and also the son of Anakin Skywalker, hero of the Clone Wars; a powerful crime lord leads the Empire, the Rebels, and his own spies in a circle of betrayal; the Rebellion faces a big challenge to bring about a small victory; Luke and Leia encounter an evil from the past when Darth Vader sets a trap for them on a deserted moon-all these stories and more!

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Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to awaken on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense.Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

"An unforgettable opening scene." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Gripping first novel." - Publishers Weekly

"A compulsively readable crowd-pleaser." - Booklist

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Carolyn MacCullough Interview

Book Nerd Author Interview

Carolyn MacCullough received her MFA in creative writing from the New School and is the author of three previous young adult novels. She lives with her husband in Brooklyn.

Social Media

http://www.onceawitch.com

http://www.carolynmaccullough.com

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Where were you born and where do you call home? 

I was born in CT, but now live in New York. I lived in Brooklyn for a long time before moving with my husband and children out of the city.

Tell us your latest news. 

Hmmm...I have a 2 year old and a 7 month old so I'm a little "baby focused" right now. But as for publishing news...this year, foreign rights for Once a Witch and Always a Witch have sold in Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, and Poland.

What is your favorite food? 

Chocolate!

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

Yes, those first ten minutes of each new writing session--it's so hard to get into the moment and then suddenly I do and my fingers are flying across the keyboard and an hour or two can pass and I won't notice. But those first ten minutes (and the time leading up to getting myself to actually sit in the chair, stop checking email/FB and actually write--oh, that's hard!)

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way? 

My mother for sure. She was a middle and high school English teacher so I was reading all of the books she was teaching--a lot of Greek myths, fairy tales, etc. She always encouraged my early efforts so I feel lucky.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

I go by word count instead of pages. So I try to write 2000-2500 words a day--but now, being a full time stay at home mom of those two above mentioned babies--well, finding time to actually write has just gotten a lot harder!

When did you write your first book and how old were you? 

I was in third grade and I wrote a "book" about a princess befriending the dragon who has imprisoned her in a tower.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 

I've written 5 so far and I couldn't tell you which was my favorite--kind of like choosing who your favorite kid is!

Have you ever read a book more than once? 

Oh yes, lots of times! The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown--oh and I've read all the Harry Potter books multiple times!

Did you learn anything from writing Always a Witch and what was it? 

I learned some cool facts about witches in general throughout the ages when writing these books. For example, witches originally were supposed to ride broomsticks while warlocks rode pitchforks. (Neither sounds very comfortable!)

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? 

I do have plans for a new book--a YA paranormal set by the sea based on a Greek myth--it's a stand alone. After writing a book and its sequel, I'm looking forward to writing a stand alone.

If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be? 

Take heart and inspiration from the world around you. Look for the beauty in most anything you can.

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula? 

I wish I had a formula--a magic formula that I could drink so it would all be easy. Usually, I start hearing my characters in my head first telling me their stories. I try to listen closely. Then I ask myself what does this character truly want--and how is she going to try and go get it. What's going to stop her along the way...that's usually how my plots start to thicken.

Are your works based on someone you know or events in your life? 

I think all my characters have little bits of me, but just a little. I actively try to make my characters do and say things that I would never do or say. It's more fun that way.

Are there any tips you would give a book club to better navigate their discussion of your book? 

There's a great discussion guide for Once a Witch on my website www.onceawitch.com. It was written by the talented folks at Clarion--my publishing company.

What inspired you to write this particular book? Is there a story about the writing of this novel that begs to be told? 

Once a Witch was inspired by that fact that I hate to exercise. And yet I tried one April to become a runner. Every day (okay every other day) I would run through beautiful brownstone Brooklyn and I used to pass this same little stone gargoyle statue outside of a really cool looking old townhouse. I used to think about all the stories this gargoyle could tell me if only he could talk. Then, I used to try and imagine what it would be like if you had the power to make stone statues speak. And suddenly, I started hearing Tamsin’s voice in my head telling me all about how miserable she was to be born into a family of people who all had kinds of Talents like being able to make stone statues talk, except she didn’t. She wasn’t Talented at all. I started thinking about what she would do if only she were magically gifted. And that started me off on the journey to writing this book.

Who is your favorite character in this book, and why? 

Oh, that would have to be Tamsin. She's so determined and brave and yet rash at the same time. But I also love Rowena--she's so nasty that she's fun to write.

What was your favorite chapter to write and why? 

When Gabriel and Tamsin meet again in the 1800's. And he's mad at her! But then they kiss and make up...

Can you share a little of your current work with us? 

I would love to! But I'm still in the "very early just sort of dreaming and taking notes about it" stages.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. 

Definitely hearing from readers. I love that part. (Especially when they write to tell me that they like the books!)

Favorite places to travel? 

Italy! I love it there.

What advice would you give to writers just starting out? 

Read! Read everything you can for inspiration and education and enjoyment. It'll help you when you start to construct your own stories and characters.

What new author has grasped your interest? 

She's not exactly new, but I love Laini Taylor's books; Lips Touch Three Times and also her new one Daughter of Smoke and Bone. She seems like she's got an amazing and wild imagination.

What is your favorite Quote? 

It's from Madeline L'Engle and it always comforts me when I'm scared to sit down and write. She said, "Inspiration usually comes during work rather than before it.”

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Since the gripping conclusion of Once a Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother’s prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady’s maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

Always a Witch is a marvelous and pleasing continuation to Carolyn MacCullough’s Once a Witch. It started right where it left off and another adventure began. The outline of the story was planned out well and MacCullough definitely knew how everything was going to happen. This time around, Tamsin must make a choice that can change the fate of her family’s entire future. Usually when a story involves time traveling, it can tend to be confusing and get the reader out of place, but I found it to be easy to follow. It takes the reader to

the 1800’s in which the author does a wonderful job describing what New York looked like. You can definitely tell that she has done her research. It was a quick read but it was full of fantasy and magic.

I thought the plot was wonderful. Tamsin takes the reader into an adventure where she is thrown back in time to save her family. The characters, old and new, are brilliantly crafted and it was fun reading how Tamsin playing a different person back in time. The process of her time traveling reveals many secrets about not only the Knight family, but her family as well. Tamsin has become an incredible and tough main character that isn’t afraid to do what is right and what needs to be done, however how difficult it is. All of the characters seemed to be well written and fleshed out.

The Talents each character introduced were fascinating and amazing. The setting mainly occurred in the 1800’s but the outlook was different inside the mansion. The story was fun, carried enjoyable dialogue, built interesting characters, created likeable protagonists, and produced a fulfilling ending.

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You can purchase Once a Witch at these following retailers.

Click LINKS below:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Book Depository

Hardback Cover

Paperback Cover

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

You can purchase Always a Witch at these following retailers.

Click LINKS below:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Book Depository

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And now, The Giveaways. 

Thank you Carolyn MacCullough for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Personalized copy of Always a Witch by Carloyn MacCullough.

***If you're an Author and would like to do an Interview and Giveaway, you can e-mail me at jeanbooknerd@gmail.com****

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Nina Malkin Author Interview

Book Nerd Author Interview

Nina Malkin is the author of five YA novels, one novella, and an adult memoir. Before turning to books, Nina was a journalist specializing in entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyles. She has held executive positions as an editor and writer at Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Teen People, and her work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Seventeen, Real Simple, In Style, and numerous other publications. A New York native, Nina lives in Brooklyn with her musician husband and assorted felines. Find out more at ninamalkin.com and follow her on Twitter at @SwoonAuthor.

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Tell us your latest news.

Aside from the long-awaited release of SWEAR, I’m pretty #^%&%@(!*ing excited about how “You Throw the Dice” came out! Lyrics tend to find their way into all my novels, but this is the first time they’ve come to fruition as a bona fide record—interpreted by the lovely and talented singer/guitarist Rony Corcos. Bluesy yet catchy and totally cool! Plus, although it sonically encapsulates the situation between Candice Reagan Moskow, AKA Dice, and Sinclair Youngblood Powers, AKA Sin, at a certain moment in time, anyone who ever found herself in a frustrating romance can relate. Check it out on my website or on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoln2P5fEdY) and let me know what you think!

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I read. I write. I rock.

What is your favorite food?

It’s hard to commit to a favorite anything. Especially food, and especially now, since as I answer these questions I’m visiting family down south, indulging in deep fried cupcakes and pork products at every meal. So by the time this interview runs, my favorite food will probably be my go-to detox vegetable of choice: broccoli.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Third grade.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

It feels as though everything somehow filters through to the writing. A good friend, a bad fight, a crazy dream, a stupid decision, a sweet kiss, a bitter betrayal. All that stuff is certainly in both SWOON and SWEAR. Hence the expression: It’s all fodder.

What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted?

Elation. Though I made my living as a journalist, I always dabbled in fiction. Too bad my early attempts were so self-indulgent, no one would’ve been entertained by that stuff except me, and maybe a couple of cats. My first novels—6X: The Uncensored Confessions and 6X: Loud, Fast and Out of Control—went to auction, which in my case means two publishers were bidding on them. That was really exciting, especially since book one wasn’t even written yet; I’d only done a proposal and a few chapters. By then I was so in love with my characters, I was thrilled that I’d have the opportunity to see it through. That same elation returns every time I have a book accepted. One, I get to eat—and I love to eat. And two, it means another chance to connect with people. Publishing is sharing thoughts and feelings with others who also have thoughts and feelings, and to me, that’s magic.

Did you learn anything from writing Swear and what was it?

Trust your subconscious. It will take you to some crazy places.

What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

The scene where Sin and Dice reunite in the flesh for the first time. Why? Read it — you’ll know!

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

“Do you know any homeless felines who need good homes, and can we take at least two of them?”

What new author has grasped your interest?

For the most part I read dead people and verbose, crotchety English guys—sorry! But I’m open to suggestion if anyone wants to recommend someone. 

Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

I’m reading at the Bronx Library Center a few days after SWEAR comes out. I’m psyched because I led a literary ‘zine workshop there a few years ago, and the kids I met inspired me to delve the paranormal—that’s what they were into. I’d never written anything spooky before, but once I started SWOON I knew I’d found the fit for my imagination. So reading at Bronx Library Center will be my way of giving back. Then, on October 28th at 9PM—the Friday night before Halloween—Eve’s Fan Garden will be hosting readers’ chance to chat with Dice from SWOON and SWEAR and Claire, the heroine of Christine Johnson’s Claire de Lune and its sequel Nocturne. Please join us!

Where did you get your idea for Swear?

Ideas are always swimming around in the subconscious. So a number of concepts for a sequel to SWOON were in competition with concepts for other novels, songs and journalism pieces, not to mention recipes, craft projects and assorted personal fantasies. Then I “met” a girl from Sinclair Youngblood Powers’ past. Her name is Antonia Forsythe, and I saw her like a vision—doomed, damned, determined, dead. She started telling me her story, and I became fascinated by the issue of whether or not it’s wise, or even possible, to swear your love.

If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

Love. Take the risk. Odds are you’ll be hurt, and like it or not you’ll inflict your share of heartache too. But it’s worth it—the thrill of new love, the torment of lost love, the bliss of lasting love—it’s all worth it. That, I swear!

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SIN IS COMING...PREPARE TO SWOON

Torn from her native New York City and dumped in the land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing even happens in Swoon, Connecticut...until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree and her spirit interwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge and while Pen is obvious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intesely drawn to him but not at all crazy abolut the havoc he's wreaking.

Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent and irresistible adversary before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him.

What do you do when the boy of your dreams is too bad to be true?

A promise broken. A bond betrayed.

It’s been six months since ghost-turned golem Sinclair Youngblood Powers confessed his love, stole Dice's heart, and disappeared from Swoon, perhaps from existence. Despite the hurt, Dice has been moving steadily toward ordinary. Dreams of Sin still plague and pleasure her sleep, and the mark of Sin's love remains on her skin, still sore. But Dice has been throwing herself into music, finding solace in song and sometimes even in the arms of her band mate, Tosh. Life seems almost…normal. The last thing Dice wants is to mess with anything remotely supernatural. But when her best friend’s boyfriend goes missing, Dice has no choice but to become very much involved. She knows that his disappearance was no accident, and it somehow has everything to do with Sin. Because Dice can feel it: Sin is back. And the promises and deceptions he left in his wake have returned to haunt him.


What do you do when an oath of devotion threatens to destroy the one you love?

You can purchase Swoon & Swear at these following retailers.

Click LINKS below:

SWOON

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Book Depository

SWEAR

Barnes & Noble

Amazon
Book Depository

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And now, The Giveaways. 

Thank you Simon & Schuster for making this giveaway possible.

1 Signed Paperback Copy of Swoon By Nina Malkin

1 Signed Hardback Copy of Swear by Nina Malkin

Winner:

Jill Kim

***If you're an Author and would like to do an Interview and Giveaway, you can e-mail me at jeanbooknerd@gmail.com****

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Lorena Bathey Author Interview

Photo Content from Lorena Bathey

Growing up in the Bay Area of Northern California, LORENA BATHEY attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga graduating with a degree in English. Then she traveled, learned about life, and developed great fodder for a book. Losing her mother to cancer and her own marriage’s demise brought her to find herself. She wrote Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother (www.amazon.com) and found speaking and empowering others was her passion.

Lorena Bathey found after writing her first book that characters were visiting her mind and wouldn't leave. She was introduced to Marissa, Andrea, Lily, Deidre and Beatrice and her first novel, Beatrice Munson, came to life. After finishing that book she was inspired to write more novels and she knew that pursuing her passion was the best way to live her life. So a writer she became.

After meeting the love of her life, they embarked on the thrilling life to follow their dreams bringing their families along for the ride. Today Lorena has nine novels in her writing queue all with screenplays in the works.

But writing isn't the only muse that inspires Lorena. She has become a passionate photographer and likes to push the envelope taking shots while learning how to navigate Photoshop. Travel, walking, enjoying new restaurants, and Italy are other loves and things she makes sure she has time for.

        

Where were you born and where do you call home? 

I was born in Riverside, California on an Army base. But I grew up mostly in Castro Valley, California, a small suburb in Northern California. 

What is your favorite food? 

Chocolate Mousse, Steak at Harris Ranch in San Francisco, and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

When and why did you begin writing? 

I have always had a journal and was great at essay tests in high school, but my real writing began in 2005. My mother had passed away from cancer, my dad had remarried very quickly, and my husband left me....all within in three years. I decided to write about finding myself again and finding even more, my inner fairy godmother. I chose to find my own way to happiness and that journey I chronicled in my first book, Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother. I began my first novel at this time. I wrote half of Beatrice Munson and then set it aside for five years until I finished it in a nine-hour writing session at Panera. 

How did you come up with the title for your book? 

The characters of the book show themselves in my mind and the name just came with that character. 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Yes, that life is meant to be lived. That living YOUR life is important. Many women are stuck in roles and believe that their dreams and passions should take a back seat to everyone else's. I want, with this story and the character of Beatrice Munson for women to see that their dreams are important, their happiness is even more important, and that going for those things can bring more to their lives. Living without often causes resentment and unhappiness. Finding bliss and happiness is important to a good, healthy life. 

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? 

I think that they all speak in the book. Beatrice would probably speak loudest about following your heart and doing something...anything...than compromising yourself. As she has shown in her life, face your fears and the rewards can be great. With the other characters I think they would say that even small steps in a positive, forward-moving direction can make great impacts on your spirit and your life. This book is all about taking chances and following your heart. 

Why do you feel you had to tell this story? 

When I started the story I was living that life. I lived as a divorced woman in a suburban community and I felt stifled. It was kind of like writing my story. I saw so many women unhappy with their lives and where they were headed. And hear way too many times that they would pursue this or that after their kids were grown. After my mom passed away at 54 I knew, you don't always get that chance. That's when I knew I had to write to show women that taking those steps now are not only smart, but worthwhile. 

How much of your work is realistic? 

Well, a lot of what I write is based in places I've been with a sprinkling of people I might know or have met. So I would say it's all realistic. Although the next novel has three women ghosts so depending on whether you believe in ghosts or not... 

What was your favorite chapter to write and why? 

Oh...without giving too much away I'd say the reunion was my favorite scene to write. It had such an element of drama and romance. I'm a sucker for romance. But even more, I am invested in all the characters so their happiness is important to me. 

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were? 

Where would you live if you could live anywhere and why? 

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work? 

Yes, absolutely. I take all that the reviewers say and use it in my next work. For me any review is a way to make myself a better writer. I've had mostly great reviews about Beatrice, but any insights someone gives I have brought into my next novel. I appreciate the time reviewers take to read and critique the work, so of course I value their opinion. And they are my target market so getting the chance to see where I can do better is fabulous in my mind. 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? 

Many of the people who have read Beatrice Munson have given me reviews, even if I didn't ask them for one. This book touches people because I think it rings true to most women. Most everyone wants to find a Beatrice Munson to inspire and motivate them. Also, they love the way the characters interact. I think most people who read the book wish they could either live in Vista Heights or visit. One of my favorite statements was, Beatrice Munson was the Mary Poppins for women over forty. That one stuck with me! 

Are there any tips you would give a book club to better navigate their discussion of your book? 

Hopefully you can open yourself up to whether you have felt like any of the characters of the book. That is a question that might be a bit prodding but I think it can open a discussion deeper than just about the writing style. Another question would be, what would your dream be? And if you can begin to talk about it...who knows where that could lead! 

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 

I have become a HUGE fan of Stephen King. I don't read his really scary books but I have been enjoying all his shorter and more current works. He is a master at character development. I was astounded in The Stand how he wove the plethora of characters together to make an amazing story. 

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing? 

I think you have to feel the characters and talk in their voices. If you don't know them then the dialog and situations can seem forced. I also think you must go back and edit your work. Hire professional editors and then you go through and read it again. My tip, and what I do, is to read the work out loud. This way you hear how sentences are structured and what sounds right. You also hear your mistakes. 

Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us? 

My next novel, House on Plunkett Street, is coming out next month. It's the story of Phoebe Bertram who is a girl that simply exists through her life. Then she moves into a new apartment and three women ghosts from different eras of time come to visit her to show her how to really live. It is the story of growth and about trusting that what you need to know will come to you in some crazy ways. 

What are you reading now? 

I am reading an ARC copy of a book called, Jack's in Love. I won it in a giveaway and it's a nice story. I just finished reading Sisters by Rosamund Lupton for my book club and absolutely LOVED it. 

In Vista Heights, the women of the neighborhood have started to look like their homes, varying shades of beige.

Lost in this world of suburbia, Marissa Lyons learns her high school nemesis has bought the house right across the street from her. Afraid that her arch enemy, Beatrice Munson, will move in with Marissa’s high school crush as her husband and cause Marissa to relive the insecurity of high school in her forties, she decides to face the music and heads to Beatrice’s house with warm cupcakes. But what Marissa finds is something she never expected.

How will Marissa and the rest of the women of San Martino deal with someone like Beatrice Munson, whose defining moment in her life was to get a boob job or go on a trip to Egypt.

This story is about friendship, love, learning to look at things differently, and great parties. 
Step into the world of Vista Heights where you might recognize the women, or you might be one of them.

Lorena Bathey’s “Beatrice Munson” is the story of friendship and love, about women allowing themselves and each other to live a fulfilling life, about acceptance, absolution and reinvention. Just the very thought of your arch-nemesis from high school moving in next door would be dreadful. And that’s just what happened to Marissa Lyons when Beatrice Munson moves across the street from her. Just the sight of Beatrice brings Marissa flashbacks on how she stole her high school sweetheart. With a failed marriage and raising two kids on her own, Marissa has feelings of unworthiness. But much to her surprise, the newly moved in neighbor is not the same girl that she knew in high school.

Bathey explores the thoughts of women in their forties about how they feel about friendship and love. She reminds us that despite living an ordinary life in a cookie-cutter home in suburbia that high school is over years ago, that every woman is worth of love, live life to its fullest, answer that door when opportunity knocks, and dreams can still come to life. The story is fast-paced with many activities happening that touches the subject of divorce, marriage, friendships, flirtations and much more. Although all of these events come at the reader, it does not encumber you and leaves your heart warm and enlightened.

There is a controversial scene but Bathey wrote it a very mature way. It was written well and I see many readers accepting it. Bathey’s Beatrice Munson was empowering that reaches a fulfilling climax and relayed many fundamental messages. I highly recommended this book as it will make you laugh, cry, cringe, and dream.

You can purchase Beatrice Munson at these following retailers.

And now, The Giveaways. 

Thank you LORENA BATHEY for making this giveaway possible.

5 Winners will receive one e-book copy of Beatrice Munson by Lorena Bathey.

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