Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit Presents...Jennifer Echols and SUCH A RUSH!

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!
The GCC is back again this week with another perfect summer read.  This week, I'm so happy to be featuring none other than Jennifer Echols, and her newest romance, SUCHA A RUSH.  I'm just going to go ahead and declare this the Summer of Awesome Contemporaries right now.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business--until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers--and the consequences could be deadly.

Engrossing and intense, SUCH A RUSH is a captivating adventure that is sure to keep readers soaring.

Praise for Jennifer Echols:

“Echols is a tremendously talented writer with a real gift for developing relationships between her characters.”—Romantic Times Magazine on GOING TOO FAR

"Emotional and expressive, Forget You is another intricately weaved romance from Jennifer Echols… a breathtaking ride into the world of teenage love and a perfect summer romance." –A Good Addiction on FORGET YOU

“Love Story is just as sexy as Echols’ other MTV books with the same level of intensity."

–Books By Their Cover on LOVE STORY

Meet Jennifer:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Echols is the award-winning author of multiple romantic dramas and romantic comedies for teens. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

And now, a peek into her writing world...

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 usually take a break and go for a run in the middle of writing, which is the best tool I know of to jog my brain out of a rut.

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

I get up at 4:30 to write. I am a morning person, obvs.

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

This is my screened porch on the back of the house. It’s on the second story, in the trees, and in the winter when the leaves have fallen, you can see the mountains.

What things do you always have on hand when writing? Special pens, notepads, snacks…

I create a calendar for the time span of the book, with notes about everything that happens on each day and what chapter that goes in, plus a list of all the characters’ names. Both of these documents are scribbled all over in red and pink pen and look like they have been left out in the rain by the time the book is done.

How do you stay focused when writing?

If I’m really having trouble, I go outside and write longhand--which is how I wrote my entire first two novels, because I didn’t own a computer.

What is your worst writing distraction/procrastination tool?

Twitter on my phone. Terrible. But I love keeping in touch with writing friends and book bloggers that way, so it’s worth it.

Describe your perfect writing day:

Theoretically, it’s a day like today. I have nowhere to go and nothing to do, and my husband and son are visiting relatives. But in reality, I miss them terribly, and if they’re not bursting into my office asking me what’s for lunch, I really don’t know what to do with myself. I think I may need the distractions to keep me motivated!

Thanks so much for stopping by Jenn!  Can't wait to read SUCH A RUSH!

Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit Presents Denise Jaden and NEVER ENOUGH

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!

It's been a busy few weeks for the the Girlfriends!  Today, I'm so happy to be featuring Denise Jaden and her new YA contemp, NEVER ENOUGH.  I absolutely loved her debut LOSING FAITH, and can't wait to dive into this:

From the author of Losing Faith, a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.

Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special…even if that means betraying her sister.

But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. And Loann is frightened she could lose the sister she’s always idolized.

As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late?

Buzz for NEVER ENOUGH:
"In her sophomore novel, Jaden (Losing Faith) offers an intimate and enlightened rendering of anorexia and bulimia...Loann's fight against forces that might be beyond her control is both harrowing and inspiring. While Jaden does not provide simple answers for the problems presented, she dramatically illustrates the importance of speaking out and reaching out."
—Publishers Weekly

“Denise Jaden's Never Enough is honest, gut wrenching, and oh so beautiful.  It's a book you can't wait to share.”
—Eileen Cook, author of Unraveling Isobel and The Education of Hailey Kendrick

“A poignant, important book...Denise Jaden has created a cliché-free zone filled with hurt, heart, and personal strength.”
—C.K. Kelly Martin, author of I Know It’s Over and Yesterday
 
“Denise Jaden positively nails the love-hate relationship between two polar opposite sisters who share a single quest: the desire to be perfect, regardless of the cost. A compelling, often gut-wrenching coming-of-age novel, Never Enough will haunt you long after the last page.”
—From Jeannie Garsee, author of Before, After and Somebody In Between

"A poignant look at sisterly devotion and heartache, woven into a sweet tale
of first love and a girl coming into her own."
—Holly Cupala, author of Tell Me A Secret and Don't Breathe A Word

About Denise:

Denise Jaden spent her high school lunch hours trying to tame her frizzy/curly hair in the bathroom, or playing freeze tag in the drama room. She attended the theatre program at college, and then enjoyed a variety of occupations, including stage production, mushroom farming, and Polynesian dancing. The first draft of her debut novel, Losing Faith, was written in 21 days during National Novel Writing Month. This is her second novel. She lives just outside Vancouver, Canada with her husband and son. Find out more online at http://www.denisejaden.comor on Twitter: @denisejaden

Make sure you check these out, because Denise is hosting a mega book giveaway on her blog, and anyone who comments on this post is eligible to enter! It's linked up here!

And now, my favorite part, a peek into Denise's writing life...

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?

No, I pretty much just sit down in front of my laptop whenever I can find spare minutes to write. I’ve learned to be able to sit down in five minute shots and have truly productive moments. When I get stuck, I pace around my kitchen and dining room a few times and that seems to get my mind working again.

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

I really like to write first thing in the morning. Often when I’m first waking up, I get some great ideas that I want to work into my current manuscript. It’s always best if I can implement these right away, but often I have to wait until the afternoons to get any serious writing done.

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

I have an office, officially, but really it’s just our spare room with a teeny-tiny desk shoved into the corner. To be perfectly honest, though, I wrote Losing Faith at my kitchen table during my pre-office days, and quite often I migrate back there with my laptop.

4. What things do you always have on hand when writing? Special pens, notepads, snacks…

I used to crunch on baby carrots all the time while working until I learned they’re soaked in bleach. Yelch! Now I try not to snack, but more often than not, you’ll find a dark chocolate bar somewhere in the vicinity of my desk.

5. How do you stay focused when writing?

Believe it or not, Twitter helps. I’m serious! I tweet that I’m going to be working, sometimes I have a wordwar or challenge with somebody, and those are often my most productive times. I’m very goal driven, and once I say something (or type it in 140 characters or less), I stick to it.

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

Twitter! Wait, does that work to answer this the same way? But it’s true. While it can be my best helper, it can also be my worst hindrance. There’s always someone fun to chat with on there.

7. Describe your perfect writing day:

My perfect writing day would involve my husband getting my son up and out of the house before I wake up. Then I could go straight from bed to my laptop, which would be ideal. After an hour or two’s work in the morning, I’d probably take a break, do some homeschool with my son, and ideally have another two hours to work in the afternoon. When my husband goes out of town, I also write a little in the evenings (a glass of wine is a nice bonus!) but I don’t think I’d want to write in the evenings every day.

Thank you so much for stopping by, Denise!  I can't wait to read Never Enough!

Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit Presents Jessica Brody

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!

This week I'm so excited to welcome fellow contemp author, Jessica Brody!  Jessica's newest release, 52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER, hit the shelves last week, and sounds like the perfect fun summer read.  Check it out:

Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.

Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteenth birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.

Praise: 

“The #1 reason you’ll love this book? Because it’s tons of fun.”
-Bestselling author Meg Cabot

 “Famous and spoiled teenage heiress Lexington Larrabee could give the Kardashians a run for their money in this opulent and fast-paced story…sharp writing and over-the-top scenes will appeal to readers looking for a fun summer read.”
-Publisher’s Weekly

“This unusual riches-to-rags tale is fun and interesting…the mysteries layered throughout, as well as the depth of the main characters, draw you in. Lexi is an obnoxious but lovable character you’ll root for!”
-Romantic Times Book Review (4 Stars!)

 
 About Jessica:

Jessica Brody is the bestselling author of The Karma Club and My Life Undecided, as well as two books for adults: The Fidelity Files and Love Under Cover. In researching this book, she took on several minimum wage jobs, her favorite of which was working the drive-thru at a fast food restaurant. She splits her time between California and Colorado. Visit her online at: www.jessicabrody.com

You can also find her on:

Website: www.jessicabrody.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jessicabrody
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicabrodyfans
YouTube: www.youtube.com/jessicabrody1

Now let's find out a bit more...

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?

Yes, actually I have a whole SLEW Of things! First off, I can’t write at home. I have to write in a public place. Like a coffee shop. For some odd reason, all the stuff going on around me keeps me from getting distracted! I know, counter-intuitive, right? It’s when I’m alone in my office that I find SO many other things to do and think about!

Secondly, I have a really cool “white noise” track that I listen to. Despite the fact that I have to have people and things around me when I write, I can’t have any noise. (Writers are so weird!) So I found this track called “Waterfall Entrainment” and it’s nothing but a constant waterfall sound that goes “SHHHHHHHH!!!!” in my ear. I loop it and play it full blast.

And third, I ONLY drink coffee when I’m writing. I’ve actually managed to trick my brain to thinking that coffee equals productivity. Plus, limiting my caffeine intake makes the caffeine more effective. So as soon as that coffee hits my blood stream, I am ready to rock!

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

Definitely the morning. If I wait too long, I get bogged down with other stuff and I lose motivation. And then I’m like, “Eh, screw it! I’ll write double the amount tomorrow!” Which of course, I never do. So I like to write first the morning and get it done!

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

I’m on the road a lot so I don’t really have a permanent writing space. I try to find a coffee shop near wherever I’m staying and write there. Panera Breads and Corner Bakeries are always good reliable spots. But I’ve been known to write in some very strange places! I finished my most recent novel in the lobby of a LaQuinta near the Orlando airport at 4 am in the morning.

4. What things do you always have on hand when writing? Special pens, notepads, snacks…

Just the aforementioned coffee, white-noise track, and of course, my headphones!

5. How do you stay focused when writing?

I don’t allow myself to check email, Twitter or Facebook at anytime during my writing session. It’s way too easy to get distracted that way. I only write about 2-3 hours a day but those are 2-3 intensive hours of JUST writing. Nothing else. For me, it’s easier to just power through and not take breaks then to write on and off all day.

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

Basically ANYTHING that needs to be done in my house: Laundry, cleaning my office, organizing my desk, unpacking my suitcase. Which is why I always have to get out of the house if I want to get any writing done!

7. Describe your perfect writing day:

I love days when you sit down to write and the next thing you know, three hours have passed by and you’ve written 3000 words without even trying. Those are the best days!

That would be a DREAM DAY.  Thank you so much for stopping by, Jessica! Can't wait to check out 52 REASONS!

In Town for ALA? Don't Miss Crystal Cove, the Real-Life Setting of MOONGLASS!

I am BEYOND excited that ALA is coming to Orange County this year!  Anaheim is, for all intents and purposes, right in my backyard, so the fact that so many amazing authors will be there is seriously giddy-making for me.  And all of the librarians and book lovers who will be attending? Even more exciting!

I feel a definite pride in welcoming you all to Southern California, and as a local, want to share the place I am most proud of.  Crystal Cove is not only one of the best kept secrets around here, it is also the place that inspired my debut novel, MOONGLASS, and a must on your list of things to see while in SoCal.  Not only can you check out the real-life setting of the story, but you can grab a shake at the legendary Shake Shack, comb the beach for sea glass, and watch the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen.

And, if you're a fan of the book, you can get a firsthand peek at the real-life place!

One of the most special things for me about writing MOONGLASS was being able to set in a real place, and one that I love at that. It's actually a State Park, and if you haven't come for a visit yet, you must. It's a place made of magic. Really. There is something so poignantly beautiful about Crystal Cove that I can’t define it in any other way. I grew up in the mountains, but I love this place like I’ve been here my whole life. Being here is like falling through a crack in history and going back in time to a place that captures the beauty of simplicity. From the crash of waves over the rocks to the tumbling-down cottages and serene sunsets, this place inspired MOONGLASS in every sense of the word. Below are a few pictures I snapped while I was writing it.  I dare you to look and not want to come for a visit.

The "Beaches Cottage," where the movie was filmed.  Also the inspiration for Anna's mother's cottage.

The iconic sign in front of the artist's studio.

One of the tumbling down cottages and the boat that inspired the Crystal Crawler's story.

 The tidepools where Anna and Tyler meet...

Sunset at the Cove. My favorite time of day!

 

Sea glass found on one of my many beach "runs".

There are so many AMAZING events going on at ALA this year, and I know many people won't have a chance to slip off to the beach, but if you do, you know where you should go.  In the meantime, if you'd like to know more about Crystal Cove, you can visit www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org.

Hope to see you all at ALA!!!

Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit Presents Amanda Ashby

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!

This week I'm so happy to introduce to you Amanda Ashby and her middle-grade series, SOPHIE'S MIXED-UP MAGIC.  Books one and two of the series are both out this week, and you'll definitely want to check them out!

Be careful what you wish for…

After eleven year old Sophie accidentally gets herself turned into a djinn, she starts to think that it might not be so bad after all. (Of course, that’s after she gets the whole orange skin problem sorted out.) Who wouldn’t enjoy having the power to grant wishes! But when Sophie develops RWD (Random Wish Disorder) and can’t STOP granting wishes, things get more than a little mixed-up!

And that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E…

As Sophie gets used to her magic, her relationship with the adorable Jonathan Tait is blossoming. There’s only one problem: Jonathan’s twin sister, Melissa. She’s a total mean girl who seems intent on making Sophie’s life miserable. On top of that, Melissa somehow seems to sense that Sophie has powers–and manages to bind Sophie to her in a totally self-serving way. Can Sophie figure out a way out of this–without ruining her chances with Jonathan?

About Amanda:

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally moved back and now lives on the Sunshine Coast. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award, and her first young adult book Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Her latest release, Fairy Bad Day, has been selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and is a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region. To find out more, please go to www.amandaashby.com

And now, for a peek into her writing world...

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 used to play solitaire on the computer before I started writing but that was a bit disastrous and could go on for ages so I had to stop it. These days I just need some Diet Coke and my playlist!

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

During the day, though my first few books were written at night after my kids had gone to bed, but now that they are in school I can finally work when the sun is out!

Where do you write most often? 

I tend to pick up my laptop and follow the sun around the house. I do have a study desk but it tends to be covered in bills and junk so I don’t tend to use it very often!

What things do you always have on hand when writing? Special pens, notepads, snacks…

Diet Coke, snacks and often a pad full of scribbled down ideas that I’ve made the previous night (and which I can never read because my writing is so messy!)

 How do you stay focused when writing?

I don’t! In fact most of the time I have no idea how I ever manage to finish a book since I’m pretty erratic. My only saving grace is that when the story is flowing I can write a lot in a short period of time (followed by long periods of laziness!!)

 What is your worst writing distraction/procrastination tool?

The Internet, definitely!

 Describe your perfect writing day:

Getting 3-4k written while the kids are at school as well as squeezing in a walk!

Amanda, thank you so much for stopping by! I will definitely be ordering the Sophie series for my middle school library.

Want more Amanda? Visit her at:

www.amandaashby.com

Bookanista Thursday!

It's been SO long since I've done a Bookanista post. Too long.  I miss recommending amazing books, and the good news is that I'll be back at it soon!  In the meantime, I hope you'll check out all of the Bookanista goodness and recommendations going on this week around the blogs:

Stasia Ward Kehoe is blown away by DINOSOARING

Jessica Love celebrates SECOND CHANCE SUMMER

Nikki Katz is crazy about Holly Black’s Curse Workers series

Shelli Johannes-Wells shares a guest post by SURRENDER author Elana Johnson

Shannon Messenger champions ALL THESE LIVES--with a GIVEAWAY!

Gennifer Albin swoons for A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHTMARE.

Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit Presents: Elana Johnson and SURRENDER!

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!

I'm SO excited today to be featuring one of the most awesome people in the writing community, Elana Johnson.  Elana's second novel, SURRENDER is out today, and you don't want to miss it.  Check it out:

SURRENDER

Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque...

You can Purchase your copy here.

AND, because she's so awesome, she's also hosting an awesome Spectacular Seconds GIVEAWAY   giveaway this week! You can enter to win one of five signed sophomore books by Beth Revis, Ally Condie, Veronica Roth, Kristi Cook, and Kim Harrington. CLICK HERE for all the details and to enter.

About Elana: Elana's work including POSSESSION, REGRET, and SURRENDER is available from Simon & Schuster wherever books are sold. She is the author of From the Query to the Call, an ebook that every writer needs to read before they query, which can be downloaded for free on her website. She runs a personal blog on publishing and is a founding author of the QueryTracker blog. She blogs regularly at The League of Extraordinary Writers, co-organizes WriteOnCon, and can be found on Twitter and Facebook.

She 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.

And now for my favorite part--a little peek into Elana's writing world...


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 like to go back 5-10 pages and read what I wrote during my last session. This helps re-immerse me in the world and the voice. Dude – the voice! I also like to draft really fast, so I don’t forget where I am and what’s happened.

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

Between 9 pm – midnight. I love being awake when everyone else is sleeping. There’s something peaceful about it. Freeing.

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

I write in the “cockpit.” It’s this table shoved against a wall in my kitchen, well, here. Just look at it. And that’s clean!

 4. What things do you always have on hand when writing? Special pens, notepads, snacks…

Headphones and iTunes. I need to block things out sometimes. I do like to have sour patch kids or Swedish fish nearby, but that doesn’t always happen.

 5. How do you stay focused when writing?

Self-imposed deadlines. Otherwise, I’d languish on twitter and blogs. On top of the deadlines I make for myself, I email other people and tell them about my plans. They hold me accountable and that helps me to stay focused on what I need to get done.

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

Words with Friends. Once I found out it was on Facebook, I was a goner.

7. Describe your perfect writing day:

The husband and kids are gone for the day. I sleep late. Pour myself a big bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Open the computer and turn on iTunes. Check email. Open document. Write in 1-2 hour spurts, with breaks for lunch and social media (Words with Friends!). Repeat all day. Stay up late. Ah, bliss.

That does sound like bliss...and you deserve nothing less!  Thank you so much for stopping by and congrats on your Spectacular Second!