The Best Reader [Search results for interview] 

Descended by Blood Book Blog Tour
I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to help Angeline Kace with her tour for Descended by Blood. The book is absolutely fabulous and I can't wait to read book 2 in the series!

Not only will each stop include something fun about about the book, characters, or Angeline, but there will also be a MASSIVE prize pack given away on each stop . That's right. Each stop will have some pretty hard core swag to giveaway, which will include the following:

PAPERBACK prize pack includes- a SIGNED book, bookmark, and nail polish matching the cover + has a cute crown on top! (Do your nails then read the book!)
♦
SKIN prize pack includes- Kindle or Nook skin, eBook, SIGNED bookmark, and nail polish matching the cover + has a cute crown on top! (Do your nails then read the book!)

Each stop is only hosting each giveaway for 2-3 days each, so if you want to win the prizes you should follow along; )
Tour Schedule:
Friday, August 26, 2011 ~ A Life Bound by Books, Character interview with Paperback *
Saturday, August 27, 2011 ~ Hesperia Loves Books, Interview with Skin
Monday, August 29, 2011 ~ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads, Shorty Story with Paperback
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 ~ Great Imaginations, Guest post with Skin
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 ~ Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fun post with Paperback *
Thursday, September 01, 2011 ~ A Cupcake and a Latte, Guest post with Skin
Friday, September 02, 2011 ~ The Bookish Brunette, Guest post with Paperback
Saturday, September 03, 2011 ~ Fiktshun, Interview with Skin
Monday, September 05, 2011 ~ Book Passion for Life, Interview, Paperback-US & ebook-Int
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 ~ Two Chicks on Books, Guest post with Skin
Wednesday, September 07, 2011 ~ I'm a Bookshark,"This or That" with Paperback
Thursday, September 08, 2011 ~ Seeingnight Reviews, Character Interview with Skin
Friday, September 09, 2011 ~ My Cute Bookshelf, Interview with Paperback
Saturday, September 10, 2011 ~ Letters Inside Out, Interview with Skin
Monday, September 12, 2011 ~ The Unread Reader,"When I'm Not Writing" with Paperback
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 ~ Two Readers Reviews, Guest post with Skin
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ~ Magnet 4 Books, Guest post with Paperback
Thursday, September 15, 2011 ~ Mundie Moms, Interview with Skin *
Friday, September 16, 2011 ~ The Book Faery, Guest post with Paperback
Saturday, September 17, 2011 ~ Books with Bite, Guest post with Skin
Monday, September 19, 2011 ~ Me, Myshelf, and I, Guest post with Paperback
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 ~ The Cait Flies, Guest post w/Skin & (Int) ebook
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 ~ Tynga Reviews,"Book's Cover Creation" with Paperback *
Thursday, September 22, 2011 ~ Electrifying Reviews, Guest post with Skin
Friday, September 23, 2011 ~ La Femme Readers,"Vamps from Croatia" with Paperback *
Saturday, September 24, 2011 ~ The Book Swarm, Guest post with Skin*
Monday, September 26, 2011 ~ Absconditas, Fun Character post with Paperback
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 ~ The Bookworms, Guest Post with Skin *
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 ~ Bewitched Bookworms, Skin *
Thursday, September 29, 2011 ~ Flippin' Fabulous, Guest post with Skin

NOTE: Each person is limited to only winning 1 of each prize pack (You could win 1 Paperback & 1 Skin, but no more, which is actually pretty generous, no?).

Descended by Blood will be available August 26th!

I need to get back on track; school has started and I need a steady routine. I miss my blog and I miss having reviews to post. I hate having to use "fillers" so that throughout the week I've posted something. Life is stressful, my job is stressful, I have tons of work to do, lessons to prepare, and assignments to correct; but for the past three weeks it seems that is all I've done. The only time I read for me is on Fridays when six of my seven classes have recreational reading. As much as I love talking books with struggling readers who don't really believe me, I really miss talking books with people who already love to read. This is apart of my life I miss.

To "get back on track" I'm going to start a little list of things I want to accomplish this week (blog-related). I'm counting on you all to keep me accountable.

• Do my BBAW interview (I've really neglected my partner)
• Surprise Author Interview #1
• Surprise Author Interview #2
• Ask Author #3 for an Interview
• Ask Author #4 for an Interview
• Jane Austen Giveaway
• Write culture post
• Contact Publishers about Mysterious Classroom project
• Find three author guest posts
• Print off Author Pictures for bulletin board
• Request Blogger Guest Posts
• Devote at least thirty minutes a day to blog hopping and keeping up with my Google Reader
• Read for an hour everyday recreationally — not the stories/books I need to read to teach
• Collect at least ten Guest Reviews. This is a habit I got out of and it makes me sad. That, and I feel it's a huge loss for my students.

Today, I'd like to welcome my very first Guest Author Interview — Lizzy Armentrout.

A couple weeks ago (I'm never good with time in the summer) I was lucky enough to win "A Vengeful Spirit" (Shelly Gale Mystery: Book 1) from @lizzyarmentrout via Twitter. After 'twittering' with Lizzy a little I finally had the courage to ask her to by my first Guest Author! So everyone, please welcome Lizzy Armentrout!

Lizzy, tell us about you.
I’m very excited to be asked to do this interview with you; thank you so much for asking me. I’ve been an avid reader of all mysteries since I started reading Nancy Drew in 5th grade. I’ve been a 6th grade school teacher for several years and have taught for 20 yrs this coming fall. My husband and I care for my dad, who has Alzheimer’s, and my step-mother, who is a stroke victim. We have one adopted daughter, Bethany, and two very spoiled dogs. I’m very active in my local church and have taught many different Sunday School classes & am very involved in the music ministry there. The one event in my life that has had a profound effect on me is the unexpected death of my mother when I was 11 & almost losing my father to a brain tumor 3 months after that. You can read all about that on my site.
What was it like writing this book?
It was a very relaxing experience; that is, after I actually sat down and started doing it. I love to write in longhand and would sit in the living room while the family was watching tv and write. I would become so involved in the characters that I would actually forget where I was and what was going on around me!
How long did it take you to write "A Vengeful Spirit"?
It took me about 1 ½ years to write the entire 1st rough draft. I had to stop several times due to work and family demands. Fitting writing in to my schedule can be very challenging at times. I had three very close friends who I would send three chapters at a time to so I could get their input and reactions. That really helped me to see the work through a reader’s eyes.
Where did the idea for this book come from?
My husband! Really! I’ve bought many, many books over our 19 yr. marriage, and I was complaining to him that the Christian bookstores don’t have enough contemporary mysteries coming out often enough. His solution? “Well, write your own.” I just laughed at him. But that seed was planted and three years later God put an idea in my head based upon my experiences as a schoolteacher, and A Vengeful Spirit was born. Although I didn’t tell anyone, even my husband, that I was writing anything until I had three chapters completed. I needed to prove to myself that I could actually get my thoughts down on paper.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t spend so much time reading “How To” books. If you have a desire to write and an idea for a story, then pick up the pen and just start writing. Don’t get hung up on the revising until you’re well into the book. I’ve seen too many “aspiring” author websites of people who are caught up in reading what other authors have to say about writing. No author is going to write in the same way. Find what works for you and get going. One last thing, I started out self-publishing. Don’t do it! Be patient and keep working to get a respected publisher; you’ll get much better results.

Thank you SO much Lizzy. I just finished "A Vengeful Spirit" and will be working on my review. Also, I'd like to pass this book on to more readers by hosting my very first contest! It only seems right, it's the first book I won, consequently my first interview, why not go for the whole nine yards and have a contest too! Stay tuned to hear about the contest at the beginning of the week!
Again, Lizzy — thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. If you want to learn more about Lizzy check out her website and her testimonial (it's worth it!) and follow her on Twitter via @lizzyarmentrout.

This page will be updated each day when a new post or giveaway is added.
Bookmark this page and check back each day for more chances to win amazing books and swag!

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Comment contest through 10/31.
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2 winners. 5 book each. (ENDED) USE GOOGLE for details.

2 winners — 12 books each! Ends 10/31 — US only. USE GOOGLE for details.

Posts and Giveaways

Giveaways will be marked with a * (L) = Lisa's blog at A Life Bound By Books
October 1st * Andrea Cremer and a giveaway for Nightshade. (ENDED) *(L) — Janenifer Archer and a giveaway for an ARC of Through Her Eyes. (ENDED)

October 2nd Amy Brecount White
*(L) — Wayne Josephson and a giveaway for Emma and the Vampires (ENDED)

October 3rd Andrew Jacobson * Book Feature- Alyson Noel & Leah Cypess and a giveaway for a signed copy of Radiance and bookmarks (ENDED) (L) — Tricia Rayburn
October 4th * Nancy Holder and a giveaway for a signed copy of Possessions and The Evil Within (ENDED) *(L) — Kathy Charles and a giveaway for John Belushi is Dead (ENDED)

October 5th * Shannon Delany and a giveaway for a signed copy of 13 to Life and swag (ENDED)
Julie Chibbaro
*(L) — Shaun David Hutchinson and a giveaway for a signed copy of The Deathday Letter and swag (ENDED)

October 6th
* Denise Jaden and a giveaway for a signed copy of Losing Faith (ENDED)
*(L) — Lee Nichols and a giveaway for a signed copy of Deception (ENDED)

October 7th
Jennifer Hubbard
@The_Omega_(Black Dagger Brotherhood)
*(L) — Sara Bennett Whealer and a giveaway for a signed copy of Rivals (ENDED)

October 8th
*Tammar Stein and a giveaway for a signed copy of Light Years (ENDED)
Emma Michaels
*(L) — Ty Roth and a giveaway for a signed copy of So Shelly (ENDED)

October 9th
*Elizabeth Rudnick and a giveaway for a signed copy of Tweet Heart and a water bottle (ENDED)
Linda Joy Singleton
*(L) — Leah Clifford and a giveaway for a $20 gift card (ENDED)

October 10th
Adult Giveaway post - 2 winners get 5 books each (ENDED)
*(L) — @Wrath_BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood)

October 11th
*Kimberly Derting and a giveaway for a swag pack from The Body Finder (ENDED)
Desires of the Dead Prologue
*(L) — Kelly Keaton and a giveaway for an ARC of Darkness Becomes Her (ENDED)

October 12th
@Vishous_BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood)
(L) Amanda Hocking
*(L) — Sean Ferrell and a giveaway for a signed copy of Numb (ENDED)

October 13th
*Joy Preble and a giveaway for a signed copy of Dreaming Anastasia and swag (ENDED)
*Jordan Deen and a giveaway for a signed ARC of The Crescent and swag (ENDED)
(L) Beth Revis

October 14th
* YA Giveaway post — 2 winners get 12 books each (ENDED)
*(L) — Gwen Hayes and a giveaway for a $10 gift card (ENDED)

October 15th
Alyxandra Harvey
*Judith Graves and a giveaway for Under My Skin swag (ENDED)
*(L) — Janenifer DeLucy and a giveaway for a signed copy of Seers of Light & Whisper of Light (ENDED)

October 16th
* Melinda Metz & Laura Burns and a giveaway for Crave -2 winners (ENDED)
@Tohrment_BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood)

October 17th
* Jeff W. Crawford and a giveaway for a copy of Dreamshaper (ENDED)
*(L) — Christine Johnson and a giveaway for Claire de Lune swag (ENDED)
October 18th
* Holly Cupala
(L) — Brenda Yovanoff
*(L) — Book Feature — Lauren Oliver and a giveaway for swag (ENDED)

October 19th
Anastasia Hopcus
* Book Feature — Kelley Armstrong and a giveaway for a signed copy of Industrial Magic & Personal Demon (ENDED)
*(L) — Lish McBride and a giveaway for an ARC of Hold Me Closer, Necromancer (ENDED)

October 20th
* Brenda Pandos and a giveaway for a signed copy of The Emerald Talisman & bookmarks (ENDED)
* (L) — Lesley Livingston and a giveaway for a signed copy of Wondrous Strange (ENDED)

October 21st
Jennifer Murgia
* (L) — Rebecca Maizel and a giveaway for a signed copy of Infinite Days & swag (ENDED)

October 22nd
* Adele Griffin and a giveaway for a signed copy of The Julian Game & a Picture the Dead t-shirt (ENDED)
Jocelyn Davies

October 23rd
* Kate Kaynak and a giveaway for a signed copy of Minder (ENDED)
* (L) — Jeri Smith-Ready and a giveaway for a signed copy of Shade (ENDED)

October 24th
* Michelle Zink and a giveaway for a signed copy of Prophecy & Guardian, plus a CD (ENDED)
* (L) — @Rehvenge_BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood)

October 25th
Marley Gibson
Jessica Souders
* (L) — Beth Fantaskey and a giveaway for a signed copy of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (ENDED)

October 26th
* Daniel Waters and a giveaway for a signed copy of Passing Strange (ENDED)
* Ghost and the Goth Character Interview and a giveaway for a signed copy of Ghost and the Goth (ENDED)

October 27th
* Lauren Hammond and a giveaway for a Love Sucks ebook (ENDED)
Black Dagger Brotherhood Interview- Role Play Group — Part 1

October 28th
Black Dagger Brotherhood Interview- Role Play Group — Part 2
(L) — Cyn Balog

October 29th
* Lisa Desrochers and a giveaway for a signed copy of Personal Demons and swag (Ends 11/12 — US only)
* Black Dagger Brotherhood Interview- Role Play Group — Part 3 and a giveaway for the first 6 books- Box Set (Ends 11/15 — International)
* (L) — Claudia Gray and a giveaway for 4 signed Evernight books (Ends 11/12 — International)

October 30th
* Sarah Ockler and a giveaway for a signed copy of Fixing Delilah or Twenty Boy Summer (Ends 11/13 — US only)
* Simone Elkeles and a giveaway for a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry (Ends 11/13 — US only)
(L) — Lisa Cach

October 31st
* Kristie Cook and a giveaway for a signed copy of Purpose and swag (Ends 11/14 — US only)

Big BIG news everyone!

First of all, I just finished my last day of classes. Monday I enter the classroom FULL TIME as a student teacher. I'm coming in at the right time, the end of their quarter is Friday. So next week will be mostly observing. But then starting on Monday the 8th, I am teaching an entire unit in British Literature all by myself. The book I've chosen is "1984" — if you have any lesson ideas, let me know!

So that's a pretty big deal, but it gets better.

I love my blog. But I want to be able to talk about other things than books — like my teaching experiences and my job hunt! So I've created a secondary blog, The Adventures of Miss Remmers. This blog won't be updated everyday, but I will be putting up the adventures of mine in the classroom while student teaching, different lesson plan ideas, job hunt stuff, and anything else having to do with my life in the classroom — obviously all pertinent information will be confidential, so you'll be seeing a lot of Student Y and School X ect. But hopefully it will be a good time, so I invite you all to stop by and see me struggle through life (only a little).

And FINALLY the BIG BIG news!

I have applied for two positions, same school district, one at the middle school and one at the high school. This school is my TOP choice as its the school where I'm student teaching and it's right in town next to the college. This is important because I want to continue my education, and what better way of doing so than by living in a college town, I love the area, I love the community, it's close to family, and of course it's where T (boyfriend who is a graduate student) lives. So it's an all around GREAT opportunity.

Wait for it...

I just got a call asking for an interview!

Breathe.

I go in next Tuesday (the SECOND day of student teaching).

Wish me luck. If you have any suggestions, hints, tips, or ANYTHING that would be helpful for my first interview, please let me know! I'm already getting a little bit nervous. I mean this isn't just ANY interview — this is my dream job!

From now on, anything like this post will be posted over at The Adventures of Miss Remmers. I hope to see you all there soon!

Hello everyone… it's time for another post for our second month of Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed!! Today we have a exciting and very different, yet fun interview with Partials author, Dan Wells. We hope you'll enjoy it, as much as we have.
A quick message: Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) and I would love to thank everyone who participated in last months discussion. We're still working out the kinks of this new feature for both of our blogs, but we believe it's been a great addition for each of us. We hope you guys will continue along with us for the journey as we bring you new and exciting books and authors each month.

Title: Partials (Partials, #1)
Author: Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 472 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Add Partials to: Goodreads
Order Here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partialsóengineered organic beings identical to humansóhas decimated the worldís population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanityís time is running out.

When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friendís pregnancy, sheís determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the warís origin that she never knew to ask.
Top 5 Interview:

1. Give us 5 words you would use to describe Kira?
Smart, Brave, Reckless, Temperamental, Determined

2. 5 words you would use to describe the"world" we see in Partials?
Decaying, Empty, Overgrown, Dangerous, Waiting

3. Tell us 5 ways we would know someone is a Partial?
1- They're stronger, faster, and tougher than a human.
2- They're trained in battle.
3- They heal at a superhuman rate.
4- They can communicate silently with other Partials, which also means:
5- You can tell someone's a Partial if you are a Partial yourself

4. The 5 major survival skills humans would need in order to stay safe.
1- Stay away from old houses; most of them lack steel construction and could collapse if you're not careful.
2- You can find water almost everywhere, but make sure you purify it first. The Old World put a lot of scary chemicals into the soil.
3- Most canned food is still good, so you can find food almost anywhere (but watch out for cans that are bloated or swollen--they've gone bad).
4- Stay away from Partials at all costs.
5- Partials aren't the only bad guys. Wild animals have reclaimed most of the planet, and unscrupulous humans might be the most dangerous threats of all.

5. What are 5 symptoms of the RM virus?

1- Intense fever.
2- Loss of bodily fluids (mucus, urine, sweat), and with that the threat of dehydration.
3- Hallucinations.
4- Loss of muscular control.
5- Destruction of the immune system.

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy touring schedule to stop by today and be part of this months Blogger Talk. It was great to have you here, you're more than welcome anytime and we're looking forward to having you stop by again later this week when we share some favorite quotes with everyone.

Find Dan Online:

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Check out my review of Partials HERE!

Book Trailer:

Be sure to stop by again later this week for quotes from Partials and discussion post we hope you'll join in on to help us celebrate this FANTASTIC book and author.

The last month of my life has been surreal, as will be May and June. For any long time followers, you may remember my adventures from last summer and all the traveling I was doing for weddings, etc. Well, these three months may beat that.

April 8th — 10th: Bismarck, ND for wedding stuff (7 hour drive)
April 16th — 17th: Engaged Encounter in Sioux Falls (8am-9pm on Saturday and 8am-3pm on Sunday)
April 21st — 24th: Bismarck for Easter. We found "the" house on Good Friday and I had an interview on Easter Monday
April 29th: Bachelorette Party in Aberdeen, SD (3.5 hour drive)
April 30th: Bridal Shower and Swing Dance in Aberdeen, SD
May 1st: Bridal Shower in Timber Lake, SD (From TL to Sioux Falls 7 hour drive)
May 7th — NSU Graduation in Aberdeen, SD (3.5 hours)

May 13th — Interview in Bismarck, ND (7 hours)
May 14th — Bridal Shower in Sioux Falls, SD (current home)
May 15th — BVHS Graduation (where I teach)
May 18th — Last day of school for students
May 19th — Last day of school for teachers
May 20th — Close on house
May 22nd — Twin Cities with Sheila (5 hour drive)
May 23rd — 28th — Fly to NYC for BEA
May 28th — Get back to the Midwest and hurry home for friend's wedding (5 hour drive)
May 29th — 31st — MOVE (7 hour drive)
June 1st — Meet with the Wedding Photographer
June 6th — Start teaching Summer School
June 9th — Rehearsal Dinner
June 10th — WEDDING!

I am officially living out of my car. It's been insane! Each weekend I've had something going on. I'm exhausted. I'm tired. I've only been engaged for eight months and I'm at the point where I just want to marry my man. The wedding isn't until 5pm and I'm like, "Look, let's get up at 8am get dressed, get married, hang out, and then do pictures and the whole ceremony thing starting at 1pm. No one needs to know."

With traveling, trying to find a job, moving, and all of the other stuff (like life) I've been super busy and I haven't gotten to show you pictures of our new HOUSE! I'll be relocating to Bismarck, ND after school gets out. While I am jobless (as of right now), I am not homeless. And I feel like that's a good thing.

The house is a newer (2007) and in a beautiful new neighborhood that is still being developed. It has a huge fenced in backyard and beautiful deck. Here are the pictures from the realtor's — so the furniture and what not are not ours.:)

Our formal living room

Formal living room and dining area

Dining area and kitchen

Kitchen

Downstairs family/TV/book room

Another kitchen shot
It's a smaller house, but it is a great starter home for just D, me, and Pippin. Split level with loads of storage place, three stall garage, nice neighborhood, and the lawnmower, snow blower, garage refrigerator and freezer were all included. Also, the lot behind us is owned by school district so no one will be living behind us. We are both very excited! Now, I just need to find a job. I have an interview today so wish me luck everybody!

Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.

First of all, I love reading what Sheila @ Book Journey writes; mostly due to the fact that I know her really well, but I love how reading is a part of her every day life EVERY day. I mean this woman listens to like a million audiobooks at a time (okay, maybe four?). She's such an active person and I love how she brings that into her blog with her Meandering posts on a daily basis. I know this isn't for everyone, but I love reading about my favorite blogger's "in real life" moments and thoughts as well as their book thoughts; somehow, knowing them as more than just a reviewer but also as a person makes their reviews that much more thought-provoking and real.

Obviously I'm a huge fan of April @ Good Books and Good Wine. Not only does April provide a constant list of awesome recommendations, but she's probably the most honest and direct blogger I know — and I appreciate that. I love how she says what she really thinks and feels and doesn't feel bad about it. So often times, even in my own, reviews are somewhat "sugar coated" and leave a bland taste in my mouth — never so with Good Books and Wine! I also love what April has done with her blog in the past few years — she's literally my inspiration for working on SEO and the big switch from Blogger to Wordpress.

Another great friend of mine is Michelle @ Hooked to Books. Michelle is a great inspiration to me because we're both teachers and I feel like we go through many of the same ordeals. I love bouncing ideas off Michelle and getting her perspective. She's one of the first people I go to for help in regards to books, recommendations, my master's program, or blogging in general.

Other bloggers who have made a difference to me because I enjoy reading their blogs are Shanyn @ Chick Loves Lit, Kristi @ The Story Siren, Pam @ Bookalicious, Small @ Small Review, Jamie @ The Perpetual Pageturner, Erika @ The Book Cellar, Cat @ Beyond Books, and finally Cass @ Bonjour Cass! These ladies have all been so patient, understanding, and helpful (not to mention a complete riot!) over the years/months/weeks! I love everything about their blogs from their fantastic content, great looks (blog and physical), and their willingness to help a little blogger like me! Thank you! Reading your blogs makes me like writing my own! I think the being a good blogger begins with being a good blog reader — and that's what BBRAW is all about!

If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

Michelle Pickett is joining me today for an interview discussing her book PODs. PODs is, by far, one of my favorite books from this year. I highly recommend reading it!

Thank you for hosting me on your blog today! I’m so happy to be here.
1. If the world in PODs were true, how would you handle life living in a POD?

Wow, starting right off with the hard questions. Living in the PODs would be difficult, obviously. I think I would immerse myself in my writing and use it as an escape. I’d create other worlds to visit and let my mind wander away from the POD life/world. That would probably be the only way I’d survive being locked in one place for a year.

2. What would you miss the most?

Other than the obvious like family and friends I’d miss Reese’s peanut butter cups and being able to take my laptop outside to write while listening to the birds.

3. Who would you want in the POD with you?

That’s a hard question because the answer should be that I’d want everyone with me. Every life is worth saving. But, since the PODs only hold a small number of people I would be selfish and take my family.

4. What items would you want with you?

I would take my laptop, Kindle, camera and journal.

5. If you had a choice, would you stay in the POD or try to live life outside of it?

Well, I have an unfair advantage when it comes to this question. I know what happens in book two, The Infected. So knowing what I know from the sequel determines my answer to this question. But I’m not giving any spoilers so I’ll just have to say… my lips are sealed on this one.

Thank you again for hosting me on your blog. I enjoyed answering your interview questions.

I love hearing from readers. If you have any questions or comments about the book, send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!

PODs by Michelle Pickett
Published: Spencer Hill Press (June 4th, 2013)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 312 pages
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure. GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I highly enjoyed the book The Emerald Talisman and one of my favorite characters is Julia's friend Samantha. I am thrilled to have her on the blog today to ask her a few questions.

J: Hello Sam, so glad you could be here with me today!

Sam: Thanks for interviewing me. Forgive me for being nervous. This is my first interview.
J: Sam, can you tell us a little about how you and Julia became such good friends?
Sam: One day in the 4^th grade she asked me to play two-square and we were friends ever since. Not a lot of kids have lost a parent. A drunk driver killed my dad in an accident when I was in second grade. Julia was the only person who understood and helped me.
J: What about the others? What do you think keeps your group together? You all seem to differ in a lot of ways, especially Katie.

Sam: Julia is defiantly the glue that keeps us together. Between Cam and Katie always getting on each other’s nerves, without Julia, we’d of parted ways along time ago. We all care about Jules a lot.
J: Do you ever worry about Julia or think that maybe she is hiding something from you?
Sam: Never. We tell each other everything. She sometimes zones out and seems distracted with what others are going through, but I think it’s just her natural way of empathizing with people. She really knows what to say to help you feel better.
J: Do you wish that she would confide in you more?
Sam: She and I usually do, but I guess you can’t tell your friends everything. I don’t think there are secrets between us. Why? Is there something I should know?
J: What? *looks away* oh no, um, of course not. *Clears throat*.moving on… Even when you and Julia fight, how do you keep your friendship strong?

Sam: We never really fight. I hate conflict. She hates conflict. We do our best to get along. She’s a really sweet person. What’s to fight about?
J: If you could choose 1 word to describe each of your friends, what would it be?

Sam: I don’t know. That’s hard to say in one word. Cam – Smart. Katie – Cool. Dena – Nice. Julia – Sweet.
J: If you could have a hope, or wish, for each of them, what would it be?
Sam: I wish Cam would get into the college he wants to get into and find a cool girlfriend. That Katie would find a great boyfriend and get into the college she wants to attend too. That Dena and Morgan would get married and live happily ever after and have cute kids. That Jules and Nicholas figure out a way to tell her dad about their relationship and they get married to.
J: What about yourself? What are you hoping for?
Sam: Oh, I don’t know. Is it just between us? I’d like to marry Todd, but if I had like an impossible wish, I’d like my dad back.
Thanks for the interview. It was fun.

The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing (December 15th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 320 pages Series: The Emerald Talisman, book #2 With the local vampire coven decimated, Julia and Nicholas try to begin a somewhat normal life together. Bound by secrecy from a shape shifter determined to see Julia’s world-saving prediction come to fruition, Julia isn’t allowed to tell Nicholas the leader survived, ransacking her happiness with guilt. When Alora returns, bent on revenge, the reunion forces Nicholas and Julia to choose what they are willing to live and die for.

The Sapphire Talisman blog tour is hosted by Teen {book} scene.You can USE GOOGLE to visit the other stops on the tour.
USE GOOGLE to find out how to pre-order a signed copy and all pre-orders can be entered to win a talisman.
Ends November 30th.

The Sapphire Talisman will be out December 15th, 2010.

Find Brenda Pandos Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
Purchase The Emerald Talisman Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
The Emerald Talisman Book Trailer

Hello and Welcome again to our First month of Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed! Coming to you a little later in the month than we had planned… but better late than never, right? Is an interview with Brodi and some favorite quotes from the three of us — Brodi, my co-host Lisa from A Life Bound By Books and I. Next month these posts should be a bit more spread out throughout the month.

Title: Everneath (Everneath, #1)
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Harper Collins/Balzer + Bray, 370 Pages (January 24th, 2012)
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld… this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's…
Interview:

1. The cover of Everneath is beautiful! What did you think when you first saw the image?

I thought, Holy Wow! I LOVE IT!! I was also very grateful I wouldn't have to pretend to love my cover.: )

2. Can you tell us 3 words you would use to describe Nikki's personality?

Damaged, resilient, constant

3. Would you be able to share something about Nikki, Jack & Cole that we might not know?

That's a hard question! I'll give you a tidbit about Cole, since he has lived a longer life. He was born in Norway, and he used to be an apprentice.

4. If Everneath was being made into a movie and you could cast the roles for Nikki, Jack & Cole, who would you want to see play the parts?

Ack! Another hard question. I don't know, because I haven't ever researched it or anything. I'd love to hear what your readers would think and who they would cast!

5. From concept to published book, what was the easiest and hardest part of the experience for you?

Easiest part: reading every fan letter. I'll never get tired of it!

Hardest part: deadlines, deadlines, DEADLINES!!

6. Everneath is your debut novel! What has been the most surprising thing you've learned as a debut author?

The most surprising thing has been how much of it all is beyond my control. Especially watching the early buzz around EVERNEATH. I would just sit back and go,"But I'm not responsible for any of it!" The blogger community has been great.

Thanks so much for having me on the blog!

Brodi, it was really great to have you here today, on both of our blogs. And we can't say thank you enough for being part of our first month for"Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed." Thanks for everything!

Quotes From Everneath:

A favorite quote of Brodi's -
"Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with." -Mrs. Stone (the English teacher)

A Couple of My Favorite Quotes -

" 'I can't carry the team to victory without you,' he said. 'You're my lucky rabbit's foot.'
I craned my neck around to look at him. 'I've always dreamed of some guy saying that to me.'" -- Jack and Nikki (page 19).

" 'Your cheeks turned red, and I was gone for you.' He shook his head, and his lip quirked up in a smile. ' I know you felt it too. The connection between us. It started even before the Feed.'" — Cole (page 37).

" The next morning [after the dance], I found a note in my jacket pocket. I unfolded it and read two words, written in Jack's handwritting. Ever Yours" — Nikki (page 64).

" 'Why do you care if I get hurt?'
All he said was, 'I hate to see it. Whether you go with me or not, I don't like you getting hurt.' But his face seemed to say more. As if there was something he wasn't telling me." — Nikki and Cole (page 67).

A Couple of Lisa's Favorite Quotes -
" 'Strange, isn't it, Nik? The Connection between us now."
He grimaced and cocked his head to one side, as if he were waiting for me to close the distance between us. When I stayed perfectly still, he added,"You don't have to fight it." — Cole to Nikki (Page 29)

" Jack shifted toward me."So, Jules gets a smile, huh?"
I could feel his eyes on me, waiting for a response. He hadn't tried to talk to me since that first day, and his voice directed at me again did strange things to me. Made my stomach flutter. Of course, Jack had always had that power over me.
I kept my eyes down, but I couldn't stop my lips from turning upward.
'I see that," he said. Jack always saw everything." -- Jack and Nikki (page 52)

" He shook his head and looked at me as if I were delusional. As if I didn't know what winning was all about. Then he put an arm around me and it was almost like he was mourning my life with me."I don't understand the things you would give up for mortal relationships."
" You better hope you never do, Cole." -- Nikki and Cole (page 100)

" 'What are the screens of?" I asked.
" Elvis Presley as a corpse. You wanna come look?" Cole Gave me a grin as if he'd just asked me if I wanted to see rainbows being made.
" You had me at 'corpse.'" -- Nikki and Cole (page 116)

*Note: These quotes, from Lisa, were taken from ARC of Everneath.

Find Brodi Online:

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Everneath Trailer:
Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for the discussion post with Jessica, where we'll be talking about all things Everneath and we hope you'll join in with us for the talk in the comments section. We might have some other things up our sleeves as well, so you won't want to miss dropping in.

I'm thrilled to have Albert Borris on my blog today.
He is the author of Crash Into Me.

1. What initially created your interest in being a counselor?

Being a child in a family with an alcoholic parent may have something to do with it.
2. What is the most challenging part of that career?

The most challenging part of my career has been suicides.
3. What would be the best advice you could give a teen who is experiencing problems?
Talk. Talk and talk and talk. Talk to your best friend; your parents; the police; a counselor. They are places you can go for help and people who really want to help. Call 800-999-9999, a voluntary, safe and confidential helpline.
4. You have traveled to so many places. What one sticks out in your mind as your favorite adventure?
One place that sticks out in my mind is India. Poverty, so much poverty, it blows my mind.

5. Crash Into Me involves the difficult issue of teen suicide. What do you hope teens and adults take from reading this book?
I hope they know that are not alone and there are people and places available to teens for help!
6. What would people be surprised to know about you?
My readers may not know that I had a stroke. People usually don’t become aware of that. No kidding! Also, I just renewed my marriage vows with my wife of ten years in Belize!
7. Can you share with us your general philosophy of life? What rules you strive to go by.
My philosophy on life is “this too shall pass.” I don’t know who said it, but I agree.

Crash Into Me by Albert Borris Publisher: Simon Pulse (July 21st, 2009) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 257 pages Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides… and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.

Giveaway Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Crash Into Me by Albert Borris.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 21st.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Albert Borris Albert Borris / Myspace / Facebook

Purchase Crash Into Me Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Thanks to Albert Borris for the interview and The Teen {Book} Scene for the tour opportunity!

Interview with Miranda Kenneally

1. Was there any certain moment you had as a teen that you feel changed your life?
-- Yes. When I was 18, I made a decision to leave Tennessee and go to college in Washington, D.C. I would be leaving behind everything I knew and didn't have any money at all. I went in to see the school guidance counselor and she told me that I would probably fail if I went to DC, so I might as well stay at the local community college. That's when I made the decision that I was never going to let anyone tell me how to live my life or hold me back.
2. If you could give your 15 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

-- Eat better! I didn't know much about nutrition or healthy food choices until college.
3. Looking back, is there something you would have changed about your teen years?

-- I wouldn't have spent so much time pining over the wrong guys, especially the one that hooked up with me and then went and hooked up with a friend of mine. I should've been open to dating other people.

4. What do you feel are the biggest challenges teen face today, compared to what we experienced a few years ago?
I think teens today are under pressure to do a lot more homework than in the past. Teens are challenged to work harder than ever before. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I wish that teens had time to have lots of fun and make mistakes and do crazy things. You don't only learn from reading books. You learn from life experiences. I think that adults in America work crazy hours and feel stressed a lot, and if we continue down this path of Doing Way Too Much Stuff and Working Too Much, it will only get tougher on our kids.

Dear Teen Me
Published: Zest Books (October 30th, 2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 192 pages
Dear Teen Me includes advice from over 70 YA authors (including Lauren Oliver, Ellen Hopkins, and Nancy Holder, to name a few) to their teenage selves. The letters cover a wide range of topics, including physical abuse, body issues, bullying, friendship, love, and enough insecurities to fill an auditorium. So pick a page, and find out which of your favorite authors had a really bad first kiss? Who found true love at 18? Who wishes he’d had more fun in high school instead of studying so hard? Some authors write diary entries, some write letters, and a few graphic novelists turn their stories into visual art. And whether you hang out with the theater kids, the band geeks, the bad boys, the loners, the class presidents, the delinquents, the jocks, or the nerds, you’ll find friends--and a lot of familiar faces--in the course of Dear Teen Me.
Zest Books website: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me-blog-tour/
Dear Teen Me website: http://dearteenme.com/?page_id=4031
Dear Teen Me events page: http://zestbooks.net/events/
Zest Books Dear Teen Me book page: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me/

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Other Tour Stops Today Monday, November 5th
As You Were
Charlee Vale
The Cozy Reader
Royal Reviews
Falling For YA
Cynsations—Cynthia Leitich Smith

First of all — everyone go sign up for my giveaway of "Alphatudes. " So far one person has signed up — the odds are in your favor!

Okay, now that I've got that out of the way, I've had quite a week. Monday I joined Sheila and created a Monday post. I wrote reviews of "Jumping Off Swings, " "Mia the Magnificent, " "The Bubble, " and "The Girl Made of Cool. " Carla Buckley also stopped by for an interview — that was exciting! I also finished "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Thirteen Reasons Why" this week — reviews to come soon! All in all, I'm pretty happy with this week's progress.

Still no word yet on the dream job. I was supposed to know LAST Friday, so any day now really. My principal from the school where I did my junior fielding called another principal and gave me an excellent recommendation so I immediately got my application in and with 24 hours later the second principal called to set up an interview for next week (Thursday). So... the job hunt continues!

Tomorrow, on my way back to school I'm going to stop in the Barnes and Noble in Fargo and purchase ONE book — I'm not sure what book yet, but I am purchasing one! Of these, which do you suggest I just cannot go without?

• "Hex Hall"
• "Hush Hush" — I've wanted this one FOREVER
• "The Hunger Games" — Read and loved. I want this for my own classroom!
• "Beastly"
• "Before I Fall"

I have gained two new followers and now have 48 amazing followers. Welcome and thank you!

This week I still need to start/finish "The Postmistress" and "Embellish." But, I may have already started "Catching Fire," I just couldn't help it. But I'm already a third of the way through so hopefully maybe I'll finish it before the middle of the week so I can address books I really really need to get too.

My running "To-do" list:

• Make a Blogaversary button and link it up in the sidebar
• Finish posting all the Guest Reviews sent in from my campaign for reviews
• Read through posts to make sure that they are ready to be looked at by perspective employers (every single post) — Make them professional
  
• Look at Reviews for spelling/grammar
• Organize Reader (even though I have NO idea how)
• Review "New Moon"
• Review "Percy Jackson" film
• Review "A Christmas Carol"
• Order bookmarks
  
• Order business cards
• Add customized header
• Empty Old Reader — Starred Items
• Transfer contacts from old to new email address
• Add tags/labels to posts
• Create a Cheat Sheet
• Get rid of "dead" links
• Write my Disclosure Statement
• Update "Series" (Suggestions on good series?)
  
• Manage Bookmarks (Hot mess! Woa!)
• Add a retweet button to posts — BIG thanks to Emily (@heynocupcake)

I've been hinting about "The Big Announcement" for a while now and it's time to finally unveil! I am now introducing Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week (BBRAW) 2012! Spun from the idea of BBAW (hosted by My Friend Amy) , BBRAW is all about your readers. I find myself in constant awe of the brave few who stop by my blog on a regular basis and comment (or even who don't comment) and want to say a big huge THANKS! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in with me, but know that this is not a blog hop/giveaway extravaganza*.

On Monday (2.13) I encourage you to nominate the name of your MVR (Most Valuable Reader — the reader who you feel positively influences you as a blog writer). On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble^. I know that BBAW uses categorizes, but because I'm not sure how many people will participate I just want to keep it simple.

Like with BBAW, each day there will be a prompt to discuss on our blogs if you choose to participate. I will post the prompts the week before BBRAW so if you'd like to plan and schedule your post you may. BBRAW will be pretty "lax" as it's meant to celebrate the reasons we all blog — our readers. I remember that first month of blogging when I think I had three readers (and one was my mom), I was so appreciative and thankful. Every time I received an email saying "Comment" I was completely in awe. I know we always say that you should blog for you (and I agree), but blogging for you when you know others are reading what you're writing is (in my opinion) so much better and worthwhile.

I know I'm a bit scatter-brained but as BBRAW nears things will all come together. I'm so excited to finally share this idea with you all as I've been planning and brainstorming for about two months.

If you'd like to do a reader interview, I very much encourage it. We won't be doing an organized interview swap due to the fact that you'll probably want to be interviewing one of your own readers, rather than someone random (theoretically). Stay tuned throughout the next month for more information and more excitement! I have big hopes for BBRAW and am so excited to finally have shared the news. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate and send me an email or leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts because, really, I'm sort of making this up as I go !

*If you'd like to host a giveaway of your own to thank your readers, please feel welcome to. But don't misconstrue BBRAW as a way to "win followers"; it's purpose to show thanks of the readers who have influenced you and supported you for years, months, or even weeks.

^Unfortunately because I am funding this myself, anyone receiving a prize needs to be in the US. In the event that an international reader would be elected they will still of course be announced. Sorry for any inconvenience and, yes, I know this sucks.

Huge thanks to KD Designs (Katie from Sophitikatied Reviews) for the awesome button!

I'm very addicted to NA and was super happy to help host a feature for New Leaf. I have Colina Brennan here today with an interview and a little game of"3 truths and a lie". Try to pick out her lie: ) Also, check out the huge giveaway below.

Colina Brennan — Interview Addicted to NA 2013

Tell us what ADDICTED TO YOU is about in 140 characters or less.
Addicted to You is about Leah, who has no interest in love because she's convinced everyone eventually lets you down. Then she meets Will. Dun dun dun!: P

What does “New Adult” mean to you?
New Adult encompasses that time in your life when you’re trying to find your way in a world where you’re no longer a child but you’re not quite an adult yet either. Discovering how to be completely independent can be daunting—some people fail and others flourish. Either way, it’s bound to be filled with accomplishments and missteps and plenty of quiet adventures.

What New Adult book is on top of your TBR pile?
Subject to Change by Alessandra Thomas. If only my To Do list wasn’t a mile long!

Is this book part of a series?
Yes. There will be a second novel in the Addicted to You universe, which will focus on a separate couple.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
Probably the scene where Leah and her brother run into Will at the party. A lot of things happen between the beginning of the night and the end of it, and it was fun writing about how their relationship subtly shifts.

Who’s your favorite character to write and why?
Leah, because it was amusing to push her character and see how she’d respond. There were times I actually had to scale her back a bit and soften her up because she already comes off a little harsh.

What keeps you awake at night?
My mind often has a hard time shutting down when I’ve spent the last couple hours trying to work through a plot point. The sad thing is that I rarely work through the problem. I sort of just lie there feeling annoyed with myself.

What’s your greatest fear?
In terms of writing, probably failure. I literally made myself sick worrying as Addicted to You’s release date loomed closer. Times like this I wish I drank.

What other jobs did you do to support your writing?
I’ve done everything from cashiering to call center to fixing computers.

What else did you consider doing with your life?
For a while, I wanted to be an English teacher. But I’m really not cut out for standing in front of a bunch of people and trying to teach them things. I get butterflies in my stomach and I end up talking too fast and it’s all quite embarrassing.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand? Or something else?
I write on my laptop. When I’m away from my laptop, I’ll scribble on whatever is available whether that’s a napkin or the back of receipt.

What is your daily routine like?
I wish it was more exciting, but I spend 80% of my day entertaining my son and doing boring household chores. I write when he naps, but I can rarely make any real progress until after he’s asleep for the night. (That’s my cover story. I’m really an international cat burglar.)

What book/s are you reading at present?
Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop for the convenience and mobility.

Your favorite gadget?
My iPhone.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Focus! Stop dawdling and go after your dream.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
J.R.R. Tolkein. How awesome would it be to be able to pick his brain?

What book do you wish you had written?
Before I Fall. Gosh, that book is brilliant.

3 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Colina Brennan, NA Author

1. I can de-bone a chicken wing in less than a minute.

2. While camping, I once fought off a raccoon to save my veggie burger. (It wasn’t worth it.)

3. When I worked fast food as a teen, I amused myself by taking drive through orders in different accents.

4. I once decided going down a giant hill on roller blades would be a good idea. (It wasn’t.)

Which one is the lie?

Addicted to You by Colina Brennan
Published: June 25th, 2013
Reading Level: New Adult
When twenty-one-year-old Leah Carter's latest one night stand burglarizes her apartment, her roommate forces her to attend therapy for sex addicts. Leah insists she isn't a sex addict; she just doesn't do relationships. After all, sooner or later, everyone lets you down.

At first, the group sessions are little more than an education on how to be promiscuous. Until she meets the newest addict—blue eyes, killer body, and a smile that tempts relapse.

Psychology student Will McLean is posing as a fellow addict while researching a case study on unusual addictions. But the more he learns about Leah, the more certain he is that his desire to break through her walls and unearth her secrets has nothing to do with his assignment.

As the uncertainties spike alongside the sexual tension, the only thing Leah knows for sure is that falling in love would be disastrous. Too bad love might be one addiction she can't kick.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Colina's Social Media Platforms:
Blog: http://colinabrennan.blogspot.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrennanColina Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrennanColina Tumblr: http://colinabrennan.tumblr.com/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7068218.Colina_Brennan New Leaf
Twitter: @NewLeafLiterary (Hashtag: #NAaddict) Tumblr: http://newleafliterary.tumblr.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLeafLiterary ' Agent Suzie Townsend's Blog: http://confessionsofawanderingheart.blogspot.com/

The 2nd annual Authors are Rockstars tour has started! You can see the stops by going here.

I am lucky enough to feature Janenifer Castle. I adore her! I read her book The Beginning of After and was completely blown away. it was such an emotional story and I fell in love with Laurel and David. You can read my review of the book here.

Now, Janenifer has more awesomeness out in the wild! You Look Different in Real Life was released in June and Playing Keira (a novella) was released in May. I haven't had a chance to read these yet but I will be very very soon!

Today, as part of the rockstar tour, I have Janenifer here for an interview about her book You Look Different in Real Life. Don't miss the giveaway below for a signed copy of the book!

INTERVIEW WITH JaneNIFER CASTLE

What made you decide to write about teens involved in a movie of their lives?

I’ve always been fascinated by what happens to reality TV and documentary film subjects after the cameras go away. Do they live their lives differently, like someone’s always watching? Does the way they’re portrayed on screen change the way they see themselves in real life? The possibilities of character and story seemed so juicy, I couldn’t resist. Then I started thinking about how the rise of blogging and social media has allowed pretty much everyone to make themselves the “stars” of their own documentary. Every time we post a status, a photo, check in at a location… we’re building a narrative of our own lives. I think it’s scary-easy to share so much of ourselves, to think so obsessively about what we’re putting out there for the world to see, that we lose track of who we really are.

So the documentary film premise seemed like it was relevant on a couple different levels, and something I could really have fun with. After many years of working on THE BEGINNING OF AFTER, I needed some fun. I was ready to do something where nobody dies. That might have actually been the first note to myself about this book: “Dear Jane: Please don’t kill anyone.” You have to start somewhere.

2. What's one word you'd use to describe each character (Justine, Rory, Nate, Felix and Keira)?

I love you for this question, and also I hate you for this question. This was tough. But the good tough.
Justine: Lost
Rory: Found
Nate: Underestimated
Felix: Overlooked
Keira: Who?

3. With so many reality shows out these days, would you ever agree to have a portion of your life taped?

It’s funny, because while I was writing YOU LOOK DIFFERENT IN REAL LIFE, I spent an afternoon carrying around a small digital video camera, shooting everything that went on in my house. I just wanted the experience of choosing which moments to record and being conscious of this extra eye observing us. I only lasted a few hours, because it freaked me out that our family’s craziness, the absurd stuff that happens with me and my husband and my kids and my pets every day, was actually being saved for posterity. But maybe it would be cool to have strangers see this absurdity and say, “Yup, we are like this too. You’re normal, because there is no normal.” In the end, it would probably come down to whether or not I had to clean the house and put on something besides ripped sweatpants.

Do you have a favorite line from YOU LOOK DIFFERENT IN REAL LIFE?

Love/hate question! Again! I have many favorite lines, but most of them are in the later part of the book and might do some spoiling. I do have a soft spot for this early passage where Justine describes her connection to the others, because it’s generally how I feel about my own long-term friendships:
Sometimes I think of an invisible cord connecting Nate and Keira and Felix and Rory and
me. It’s made of something thin and deceptively powerful, like the stuff Spider-Man squirts out
of his wrists. Then I wonder who spun it. Was it Lance and Leslie? Was it everyone who’s ever
watched the Five At documentaries? Or maybe it was me. All I know is that it’s always there. It
stretches and winds but will never break.”

5. Can you share with us what you are currently working on?

With both THE BEGINNING OF AFTER and YOU LOOK DIFFERENT IN REAL LIFE, I loved writing the romantic storylines. Especially the kissing. Is there anything better than writing about kissing? Ah…

I’m sorry. Where was I? Oh yes. So my current project (which is still untitled, because I suck at titles) is a romance, pure and simple. It’s about what happens when a killer crush actually leads to something, and you have to navigate that intersection of fantasy and reality. It’s about figuring out what love actually is, when you don’t have any good examples in your life to base it on. And it’s got a cute guy who is amazing but not flawless, craveable but problematically complex, because “perfect” boys in YA lit really bug me. I’m hoping it will be done in time for an early 2015 release. Until then, I plan to squeeze out one or two digital short stories or novellas, like I did with PLAYING KEIRA. I like mixing up the long projects with shorter ones. It’s like creative snacking.

You Look Different in Real Life by Janenifer Castle
Published: HarperTeen (June 4th, 2013)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 355 pages
Summary:
For the rest of the world, the movies are entertainment. For Justine, they're real life.

The premise was simple: five kids, just living their lives. There'd be a new movie about them every five years, starting in kindergarten. But no one could have predicted what the cameras would capture. And no one could have predicted that Justine would be the star.

Now sixteen, Justine doesn't feel like a star anymore. In fact, when she hears the crew has gotten the green light to film Five at Sixteen, all she feels is dread. The kids who shared the same table in kindergarten have become teenagers who hardly know one another. And Justine, who was so funny and edgy in the first two movies, feels like a disappointment.

But these teens have a bond that goes deeper than what's on film. They've all shared the painful details of their lives with countless viewers. They all know how it feels to have fans as well as friends. So when this latest movie gives them the chance to reunite, Justine and her costars are going to take it. Because sometimes, the only way to see yourself is through someone else's eyes.

Smart, fresh, and frequently funny, You Look Different in Real Life is a piercing novel about life in an age where the lines between what's personal and what's public aren't always clear.

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BBRAW is a week away folks! Is anyone else getting overwhelmed?:) Here are the prompts for next week. The purpose of me giving these to you now rather than later is this way, if you prefer, you can write and schedule your posts so next week you can meander through different blogs, make new friends, and appreciate your readers to your full potential!

Monday — An Introduction and Thanks
Introduce yourself for new readers that will be stopping by. Take today to explain what BBRAW means to you. This is the ideal time to thank your readers for their comments, support, and post a giveaway if you plan on having one. Remember, as BBRAW is supposed to celebrate readers, requiring a "follow" for the giveaway would be in relatively poor taste.

Tuesday — A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment
Today commemorate a specific reader or moment in your blogging career that has made a significant difference in your IRL or blogging life. It might be that first comment you ever received, the first follower, the first interaction with a reader of your blog on Twitter, the first time an author commented on a review, etc. I have so many memorable moments of my own of readers making a difference in my life that I thought this would be the perfect time to share.

Wednesday — Oh the many choices...
Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.

Thursday — Survey your readers (look for ways to improve your blog)
Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless! I love numbers and statistics and generally surveys are a great way to find out what your readers are looking for in a blog (or what they are not) and it's always nice to have a subtle "pat on the back."

Friday — Wrap Up
You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!

Remember to stop by throughout the week to nominate your MVR and to sign the links! Each day I'll post the prompt given here and a linky that you can sign so others can visit!

I hope you enjoy what I've come up with! Feel free to manipulate the prompts or do something entirely different! Have fun bloggers and see you next week!!

Everlasting is an amazing story that blew me away! I highly recommend it and my review will be coming up tomorrow. Until then I have a special guest from the book, Samuel. * This interview does contain spoilers.

J: Thanks Samuel for stopping by. I'd love to know- what was your reaction when you found out your mother had another child before you?
Samuel: At first, I didn’t want to believe it. But my mother had always been secretive and quiet. She’d never really spoken much about her past, so I’d always assumed there was something she was keeping locked away. After my initial disbelief, it all made a lot of sense. I was just happy to finally know what my mother’s secret was.
J: What was your initial thought when you first saw Camille and knew she was your sister?
Samuel: I felt as if I already knew her. Like I wasn’t alone anymore, if that makes any sense.
J: How did you manage to take care if your mother during her illness?
Samuel: It wasn’t something I had to think about—it was just something that I did. She needed me, and there was no one else to care for her. So I did it.
J: With everything that happened, what is your biggest regret?
Samuel: I wish I had listened to Camille when she warned me about my father. I was jealous that she’d known him before I did. I felt like I’d been left out of everything, while she’d been included. I regret feeling jealous.
J: What do you hope for in the future regarding your relationship with Camille?
Samuel: I want to know my sister better, and I want her to be able to look at me without seeing my father. He was her worst enemy, and I don’t want her to always wonder if, deep down, I am more like him than I am our mother. I think it might be a while before I can convince her.

Everlasting by Angie Frazier Publisher: Scholastic Press (June 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 336 pages Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.

The sequel, The Eternal Sea, will be released June 1st, 2011! This is a"teaser" Angie released of the cover. Love it!

Find Angie Frazier Angie Frazier / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Everlasting Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Thanks to Angie Frazier for allowing me to borrow Samuel and The Teen {Book} Scene for the tour opportunity!
USE GOOGLE to follow the other blogs on the tour and stop back by later today for my review of Everlasting.

I am so pleased to be part of the Descended by Blood blog tour! Angeline is here today to tell us who she would cast if the book was made into a movie (Yum!) and she has offered up an amazing giveaway!

Who would I cast for my characters if Descended by Blood were made into a movie?
Brooke, main character: Lucy Hale

When I was doing my characterizations during the plotting phase, Lucy was the closest that I could find for what I saw in my mind's eye for Brooke. Brooke's eyes are blue, though, but the face shape and hair are very similar.

Jaren: I see him as a nephew-to-Brad Pitt… look-a-like. -Alex Pettyfer

This one is really hard for me because no actor really looks like Jaren. The image from the bookmarks IS Jaren. But I would probably have to say I would like Alex Pettyfer to play Jaren. He has a young face, that's broad and sweet. Plus, he looks fit, like he could play lacrosse. I saw him in I Am Four, and I think he did a good job. He would need to get a haircut, though.

Mirko: Wentworth Miller

Wentworth has those straight, serious eyebrows, same as Mirko does. He also keeps his hair cropped short like Mirko does. Wentworth would have to train his face to smile how Mirko does. As soon as Wentworth smiles, he doesn't look like Mirko anymore. When Wentworth smiles, his face scrunches up from around his nose and out around his mouth. Mirko smiles more with his eyes and a wicked side-lip curl.
--Yummo!! (Added by Confessions of a Bookaholic)

Kaitlynn, Brooke's best friend: Amanda Seyfried

I LOVE Amanda. She is such a good actress. Have you seen in her in Dear John? She even has a song she sang on the sound track. I love her and think she would make a great Kaitlynn. She has the slender face and blonde hair. Plus, who wouldn't want her as their best friend?

Jelena, the villain: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine has that sexy, high class,"I'm going to get what I want" vibe. She's tough and a great actress. I think she would make a great vampire villain. Plus, she's gorgeous and that's a requirement for vamps, right?

Thank you so much for having me! It's truly an honor to be hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic!

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace
Publisher: Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 263 pages
Series: Vampire Born #1
Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

Giveaway

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Descended by Blood, 2 signed bookmarks, and nail polish!

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 1st (Midnight PST).
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

*This giveaway only runs for 2 days!

Find Angeline Kace
Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Series Site

Purchase Descended by Bood
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

As a special during the tour, the price of the Descended by Blood ebook is only $.99 through September.
Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook
Book Trailer

Upcoming Tour Posts (and giveaways coming up!)
Thursday, September 01, 2011 ~ A Cupcake and a Latte, Guest post with Skin
Friday, September 02, 2011 ~ The Bookish Brunette, Guest post with Paperback
Saturday, September 03, 2011 ~ Fiktshun, Interview with Skin
Monday, September 05, 2011 ~ Book Passion for Life, Interview, Paperback-US & ebook-Int
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 ~ Two Chicks on Books, Guest post with Skin