GFCC Presents: Melissa Walker and UNBREAK MY HEART

The Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit is a web ring of YA authors which I've recently had the great honor to join. Check these posts for the latest releases!

Today I am so excited to be featuring Melissa Walker and her newest contemp, UNBREAK MY HEART!  I had the chance to meet Melissa in Texas a few months back, and she was amazing, just as I'm sure this book will be!

The year that broke her heart. The summer that healed it. A dual love story.Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life. Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now. Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart? Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.

♥ “A super cute love story! Melissa Walker will inspire readers to never stop believing in true love.” —SUSANE COLASANTI, author of When It Happens and Keep Holding On

♥ “A raw, real, and ultimately heartwarming discovery of what it means to be a true friend. Walker gets it exactly right.” —JENNIFER ECHOLS, author of Love Story and The One That I Want

Melissa Walker is a writer who has worked as ELLEgirl Features Editor and Seventeen Prom Editor. All in the name of journalism, she has spent 24 hours with male models and attended an elite finishing school for girls in New Zealand, among other hardships.

She co-founded I Heart Daily with fellow ex-ELLEgirl Anne Ichikawa in 2009. It’s a daily newsletter about likable stuff.
Melissa lives in Brooklyn and has a BA in English from Vassar College. She would tell you her SAT scores too, but, you know, the math part was hard.

 She loves meeting teenagers, and is game to speak at your library or school about writing, books, fashion, magazines or pop culture (but, you know, in a smart way).


And now for a few hard-hitting questions...

1. Do you have a pre-game writing warm-up? Something you do before you write to help get you in the right frame of mind?

I love to have a large iced coffee with cream and sugar, so that it basically tastes like melted ice cream. With that by my side, I'm good to go.

2. Is there a time of day you like to write best?

In the morning. If I don't do it early, the day gets away from me, sacrificed to the gods of reality TV, snacking and twitter-feed-reading.

3. Where do you write most often? Do you have a picture you wouldn’t mind sharing of your writing space?

I write in various coffee shops all over Brooklyn these days. I'll attach a pic of one of my favorite windows in Manhattan, though, Housing Works!

4. What things do you always have on hand when writing?

Special pens, notepads, snacks…The above mentioned iced coffee and my laptop area all I need!


5. How do you stay focused when writing?

I don't. I find that if I look up, eavesdrop on a conversation, stare out a window, talk to someone next to me... that helps. What doesn't help is getting online and checking fb/twitter/email. I try to avoid that (unsuccessfully, usually).

6. What is your worst writing distraction/procrastination tool?

The internets. Totally. Sometimes I even go to a spot with no wifi to help me focus.

7. Describe your perfect writing day:

Coffee and a sit-down by 9:15am. Done writing 1000 words by 11am and ready to play with my 10-month-old daughter! (This very, very rarely happens... usually I'm plunking along until at least 2pm to get 1000 good words.)

Well congrats on your new release, Melissa!  UNBREAK MY HEART looks like the perfect summer read, and I can't wait to dive in!


For more about Melissa and her books, visit her website at www.melissawalker.com or follow her on Twitter here.

On the Road with YA Authors, featuring Katy Upperman!

 This month, IN HONOR is out in the world!It’s a story of a letter, a mistaken last request, and the road trip those things lead to.  I'm a fan of all things road trip related, and to celebrate, I’m hosting a Road Trip Interview Series featuring all of my favorite author friends! Stop by daily for dream cars, playlists, and tales from the road!

Today I'm so happy to have with me Katy Upperman, fellow Bookanista and YA author represented by Vickie Motter of Andrea Hurst Literary Management.  I met Katy on Twitter, where we bonded over our love of country music and Taylor Swift. 

So Katy, All road trips begin with a set of wheels. Close your eyes. Imagine your ideal road-trippin’ vehicle. What do you see?

I can't help but see a Jeep Wrangler. New. Red and shiny. With its top off, of course. Slightly impractical, perhaps, but can't you just feel the wind whipping through your hair?

Next up: travel companions. The right ones can make or break the whole thing. Who would you hit the road with? You can choose anyone—alive or dead, real or fictional. As many or few as you like.

Of course I'd choose my hubby. He's a blast and we've done MANY road trips together so I know his musical taste would be mostly awesome and, at the very least, tolerable. Also, I have a tendency to sleep a lot when on long car trips and he'd never give me a hard time about my car-induced narcolepsy. I'd take my four-year-old daughter too. She's delightful, if slightly high-maintenance.

It’s true that road trips are about the journey, but what’s your ideal destination?

We live in the Pacific Northwest, so I think it'd be fun to drive all the way down the west coast into Baja California. Once there, we'd obviously spend tons of time soaking up the sun on the beach.

Is your style more ‘map it out’ or ‘meandering route’?

I like meandering and exploring throughout the day, but I also like to have a scheduled hotel room and warm bed to sleep in each night.

What 5 songs are absolutely necessary on your perfect road trip playlist?

Oh my... Could not pick just five!

Alan Jackson's Drive, Sugarland's Already Gone, Brooks and Dunn's Red Dirt Road, Willie Nelson's On the Road Again, Tim McGraw's Something Like That, Kenny Chesney's Summertime, Jason Aldean's Big Green Tractor, Jo Dee Messina's Heads Carolina, Tails California, Brad Paisley's All I Wanted Was a Car, and The Highwaymen's Highwayman.

We all know that food consumed while on the road never counts against you. That being said, what are your favorite road snacks and/or eating establishments?

All terribly unhealthy, of course: Chili Cheese Fritos, Gummy Bears, Chunky Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Cheez-Its. And when we actually stop to eat, we always like to hit up the local Mexican restaurants and pizza joints. I like to gain *at least* ten pounds on my road trips. :)

Problems sometimes happen and inquiring minds want to know: Can you change a tire?

God no.

Best road trip memory:

My husband, daughter, and I spent ten days driving from Seattle to Phoenix. We hit up Portland, the Redwood forest, Disneyland, Seaworld, and the San Diego Zoo, among many other fantastic places. It was, in a word, AWESOME.

Worst road trip memory:

Thankfully, our road trips have been pleasant, for the most part. There was one trip that took place shortly after my husband and I were married where we hadn't scheduled hotel rooms ahead of time (we were trying that whole "meandering" thing on for size) and ended up in a very sketchy neighborhood outside San Francisco in a hotel that was ten shades of undesirable. Eek.

Eek is right!  Happy it turned out okay, and that you were able to stop by!  Thank you so much Katy!

 

On the Road With YA Authors

Featuring MORGAN MATSON!

This month IN HONOR is out in the world!  It’s a story of a letter, a mistaken last request, and the road trip those things lead to.  I love a good road trip, but I love a good road trip story even more, so this month I’m hosting a Road Trip Interview Series featuring all of my favorite author friends!  Stop by daily for dream cars, playlists, and tales from the road!

Today I'm so happy to have Morgan Matson here with me--especially since we're on the road together this week for the Summer Lovin' Tour!  Morgan is the author of SECOND CHANCE SUMMER, which just came out two days ago, and AMY & ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR--a fantastic road trip story, if I may say so myself!

Morgan, thank you so much for stopping by!  Let's get down to it!

All road trips begin with a set of wheels. Close your eyes. Imagine your ideal road-trippin’ vehicle.  What do you see?  Why? 

As a road trip veteran, I’m going to have to go with practicality over flash.  And while it’s awesome to imagine road-tripping with the top down in a sweet convertible, I’d have to pick what Amy & Roger crossed the country in – a Jeep Liberty.  I have to say, sometimes an SUV comes in handy, as I’ve found while driving cross country – like snow when you don’t expect it.  I also love the idea that you could go off the beaten path, if need be. 

Next up: travel companions.  The right ones can make or break the whole thing. Who would you hit the road with? You can choose anyone—alive or dead, real or fictional. As many or few as you like.

I’d have to say my boyfriend. We’ve taken many road trips together, and we’ve got the routine down.  Also, he’s much better with navigation than I am, which really comes in handy when you’re as directionally impaired as I am.

But I’d also like to make a case for the solo road trip.  It’s a little more daunting, and you need to prepare a little more.  But sometimes it’s great to have some alone time on the road.  Also, this way there’s no negotiating about stops or food!

It’s true that road trips are about the journey, but what’s your ideal destination?

This changes very frequently, but right now it’s Sayulita, Mexico.  I’ve been dying to go.  And it’s a 1500 mile drive from Los Angeles…which sounds just about right.

Is your style more ‘map it out’ or ‘meandering route’?

My favorite style is a combination of these.  I like having an ultimate destination, maybe some friends or sights that I plan to see.  But then I like to toss all the plans away and see where the road takes me.  But I find that have a few anchor destinations really helps – you almost enjoy the freewheeling aspect more when you have a loose structure to the whole trip.

We all know that food consumed while on the road never counts against you.  That being said, what are your favorite road snacks and/or eating establishments?

Eating establishments vary by region, but I always always make it a priority to eat the local fast food and to stop at local diners.  Mostly because diners = pie.

In terms of mini-mart food, I always like to have a variety of things to get me through to the next rest stop. Diet coke, always.  Almonds or trail mix…for energy.  And then something sweet – my last few road trips, I’ve been partial to Spree. And then something salty to round out the mix! My go-to is always BBQ potato chips.  Oh no, now I’m hungry….

Problems sometimes happen and inquiring minds want to know:  Can you change a tire?

No! And I really think that I should learn, because I’ve been in quite a few road trip situations where I’ve been in the middle of nowhere, with nothing around for miles.  Scary!

Best road trip memory:

Oh, there are so many! But recently, I took my first international road trip and loved it. My boyfriend and I flew down to Mexico and rented a Jeep and drove down the coast.  When we crossed the border into Belize, I remember thinking that this was really the only way to travel.

Worst road trip memory:

Several years ago, I was driving from LA to Arizona.  I was pretty much in the middle of the desert, and my engine light went on.  I didn’t have any cell service, and I’d just passed a sign that said “Prison area – do not pick up passengers.”  I made it through, but it was really scary there for a while!

Any road trip pictures you want to share?

I document my trips on this tumblr – feel free to check them out! J

http://morgansroadtrips.tumblr.com/

That's so awesome Morgan!  Thanks again for stopping by!

Want more Morgan? Visit her on her website or Twitter!

On The Road With YA Authors

Featuring...

JENNY HAN!

Tomorrow, IN HONOR is out in the world!  It’s a story of a letter, a mistaken last request, and the road trip those things lead to.  I love a good road trip, but I love a good road trip story even more, so this month I’m hosting a Road Trip Interview Series featuring all of my favorite author friends!  Stop by daily for dream cars, playlists, and tales from the road!

Today, I'm so happy to have Jenny Han stopping by--especially since we happen to be on tour together this week!  Jenny is the author of the upcoming BURN FOR BURN, with Siobhan Vivian, THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY trilogy and two childrens' books, including one of personal favorites, SHUG.

So Jenny...

All road trips begin with a set of wheels. Close your eyes. Imagine your ideal road-trippin’ vehicle. What do you see? Why? 

A 1956 Jaguar Roadster, aka the car that Sebastian drives in Cruel Intentions. No, wait! The Knight bus in Harry Potter because for 15 sickles, you can get hot chocolate and a toothbrush in any color.

Next up: travel companions. The right ones can make or break the whole thing. Who would you hit the road with? You can choose anyone—alive or dead, real or fictional. As many or few as you like.

Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Oprah Winfrey, Harper Lee, Jesus

It’s true that road trips are about the journey, but what’s your ideal destination?

Italy. No, wait! Hogwarts.

Is your style more ‘map it out’ or ‘meandering route’?

Map out the luxury hotels, meander the sights

What 5 songs are absolutely necessary on your perfect road trip playlist?

Tangerine by Led Zeppelin, Free Fallin by Tom Petty, Set Adrift on Memory Bliss by PM Dawn, Everyday People by Arrested Development, Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley, Feeling Good by Nina Simone, That’s the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson

We all know that food consumed while on the road never counts against you. That being said, what are your favorite road snacks and/or eating establishments?

Cherry Coke slushies, gummy candy, fresh baked goods, Wheat Thins

Problems sometimes happen and inquiring minds want to know: Can you change a tire?

Wah. No. But everybody should still want to road trip with me because I can radio DJ like no other. Also I am the one who brings the fresh baked scones!

Best road trip memory:

Scream-singing to Life Is A Highway with Siobhan.

Worst road trip memory:

Getting lost trying to quickly meet my friend at a Whole Foods in Northern Virginia and then nearly missing my international flight to France. It wasn’t exactly a road trip but my sister and I were on the road for like three hours so I think it counts.

Any road trip pictures you want to share?

Whatever happens on the road trip, stays on the road trip. No photo evidence!

I can respect that. I guess. Though I make no promises for our road trip this week... 



Want more Jenny? Check out her website, or find her on Facebook or Twitter!

Watch out California...

Here comes the Summer Lovin' Tour!

IN HONOR comes out on May 8th, and I'm heading out on a book tour next week with Jenny Han and Morgan Matson! If you're free, come out and hang with us! There will be readings! and Skittles! Hope to see you there!

May 7 at 7PM
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
Montrose Shopping Park
... Montrose, CA 91020

May 8 at 7PM
Barnes & Noble
7881 Edinger Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

May 9 at 6PM
Book Passage
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111

May 10 at 6PM
The Reading Bug
785 Laurel Street
San Carlos, CA 94070

May 11 at 7PM
Copperfield’s Bookstore
140 Kentucky Street
Petaluma, CA 94952