This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Sarah Fine on the blog! She is the author of the book Of Metal and Wishes! This book is absolutely amazing, my review is here. So without further ado, here is Sarah!

1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.)

I’m in the part of the publishing world fueled by caffeine and fever dreams. In other words, author.

2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?

Salman Rushdie. Wild creativity, beautiful prose.

3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?

Seth Rogen. I’m kidding. Or am I?

4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?

Reese’s Pieces.

5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

Orual from Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. I’ve just always related to her.

6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?

Project Runway.

7. Do you have a bucket list? What is one item on that list?

I don’t have a bucket list! Maybe I should get on that. Any suggestions?

8. Are you a Mac or PC
[Sarah forgot to answer this one!]

9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?

Katsa and Po from Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?

I don’t go to many movies and I’m never aware of what’s coming out, so ... maybe Mockingjay? But that’ll probably be two movies, right? Isn’t that what most studios are doing with adaptations of final books these days?

11. What season is your favourite, and why?

Fall. No more summer heat, lovely foliage, and the cozy slide into the darkness of winter.

12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?

A baker, maybe? One that makes bread, not cakes and cupcakes. I just think it would be a very satisfying physical and sensory experience.

13. Who was your first ever concert?

I honestly can’t remember. Candlebox, maybe?

14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?

Bed. Couch. Wherever. I don’t pay a lot of attention to my physical environment when I’m reading or writing. As long as I’m not uncomfortable, then my mind is free to submerge itself in the story.

15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If so what was it?

Sure--my mother called me the “demon barber.” Again, kidding. No nickname

16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?

Again, I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to my physical environment. And I have a terrible memory. Some concert posters, definitely. Tool, perhaps? Alice in Chains? It was the early 90s, after all.

17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

Urban fantasy and paranormal romance. It’s pure escape.

18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?

Salt and Cracked Pepper, I suppose. Generally tasty. A little too spicy for complete comfort.

19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books? 

Absolutely. But I think it’ll take a while.

20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?
Catalyst by Lydia Kang! It comes out in December and is the sequel to Control. I love those characters so much (I sigh for Cy).

BONUS!

Who would you love to see fill out this survey? 

Send it Lydia’s way. I want to know what kind of potato chip she is.






About The Author

I’m the author of the Guards of the Shadowlands YA urban fantasy series (Skyscape/Amazon Children’s Publishing), including Sanctum (October 2012) and Fractured (October 2013). The third and final book in this series comes out in October 2014. In May 2014, Putnam/Penguin will publish Scan, the first of two thrillers I co-authored with Walter Jury. My gothic young adult novel Of Metal and Wishes will be published by McElderry/Simon & Schuster in August 2014. When I’m not writing, I’m psychologizing. Sometimes I do both at the same time. The results are unpredictable

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Vikki Vansickle on the blog! She is the author of many Middle Garde books, and she is also a part of Penguin Random House Canada! Without further ado, here is Vikki!


1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.)
Author (Summer Days, Starry Nights; Words That Start with B; Love is a Four-Letter Word; Days That End in Y)

Marketing & Publicity Manager for the Penguin Canada Young Readers program

Occasional blogger (I haven’t posted in a long time)
2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?
I cannot possibly narrow this list down, but Alice Munro, Kit Pearson, Meg Wolitzer, Cynthia Rylant, J.K. Rowling and E. Lockhart are in my top 10. All of these authors have created characters and phrases that have stuck with me as a reader.
3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?
Tina Fey
4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?
I ate so many Mars bars as a child I can barely stand them today. Now I’m more of a Twix girl.
5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?
Kiki Strike (the main character from Kirsten Miller’s The Bank Street Irregulars series) is the perfect teen sleuth (sorry, Nancy Drew!)…although Flavia de Luce (from Alan Bradley’s fantastic mystery series) is a very close second. Generally I prefer my protagonists prickly and smart.
 
6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?
I cannot get enough of VEEP right now, but ask me this question in one week and I’ll be totally absorbed in Game of Thrones.
7. Do you have a bucket list? If she what is one item on that list?
I don’t have an official bucket list, but lately I’ve been itching to go to Berlin.
8. Are you a Mac or PC
PC
9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?
Do Mulder and Scully count?
10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?
The Fault in Our Stars- not simply because the book is amazing, but I’m a long-time John Green fan and it’s so wonderful to see how the world is embracing his work.
11. What season is your favourite, and why?
Spring- the snow is melting, you can un-do your coat, patios open up and everyone is smiling again.
12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?
I would love to adapt my favourite books into HBO miniseries or write musicals for Disney.
13. Who was your first ever concert?
Sharon Lois & Bram
14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?
Bed. I have excellent pillows, there are few distractions, plus I get to cuddle with my cat at the same time. Multi-tasking!
15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If she what was it?
SO many- both my first and last name rhyme with everything; Sticky, Picky, Icky, Van Pickle, Van Nickel. . .if it rhymed, I heard it.
16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?
When I was very young I had this amazing painting of a candy factory hanging on my bedroom wall. All of the factory workers were different animals. It was very detailed and I remember staring at it and making up stories about who the animals were and what fun things they got up to in the candy factory as I fell asleep.
17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?
Middle grade fiction is my favourite genre, but I also love contemporary YA, magical realism, big juicy family sagas, novels set during periods of historical strife and literary mysteries.
18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?
I prefer chocolate to chips, but I suppose Miss Vickie’s Original…classic, curly, and they have a GREAT name.
19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books?
Nope- I think both will continue to exist side by side.
20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?
E Lockhart, Jandy Nelson and Meg Wolitzer have new YA novels that I’m eagerly awaiting, and over in the world of adult fiction Lee Henderson, Miriam Toews and Ann-Marie MacDonald have some exciting projects on the horizon. 


Books By Vikki



Brilliant. Best-ever. That was how grade seven was supposed to be, but so far things aren't turning out as well as Clarissa Delaney had planned. It's hard enough being the unexceptional daughter of a bona-fide beauty queen, but lately her best friend Benji can't seem to stand up for himself, Michael Greenblat keeps giving her strange gifts and Mattie Cohen, world-class goody-two-shoes, seems to think they are friends. Things can't possibly get any worse ... or can they?

In this year of surprises, you'll laugh as Clarissa takes on boys, bullies, and the one B word she can't bring herself to say.
 

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Sarah Ockler on the blog! She is the author of many Young Adult books, her newest one released this week! Without further ado, here is Sarah!

1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.)

I’m an author.

2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?

This answer changes for me every time I discover a new favorite, so I’ll just share my current obsession – Maggie Stiefvater. Her writing is just so evocative, and her characters are never what they seem on the surface. I love getting lost in the worlds of her stories. The Raven Boys series is my absolute favorite.
3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?

Drew Barrymore. Through the ages, of course!

4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?

It’s a toss up between Keebler Fudge Stripes and Pringles Sour Cream and Onion potato chips. I haven’t had either in decades!

5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

At the moment it’s Dean Winchester from Supernatural, because reasons. I mean, he’s super flawed and kind of a jackass, but on the inside, he’s all vulnerable and loyal. I love multilayered characters like that.

6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?

Um... is it cheating to say Supernatural? And the only reason I’d call it a guilty pleasure instead of just a pleasure is that I’ve been watching back to back episodes on Netflix instead of working on my new book, which is due... very soon.

7. Do you have a bucket list? If she what is one item on that list?

Nope. Generally, if there’s something I want to do, I do it (or make the plans to do it, if it’s something that requires planning, like a big trip for example). The whole crazy thing about a bucket list is that you never know when you might kick it. If you spend all that time working on your list, and then you die tomorrow, well. That’s one day you could’ve been doing something fun, like hiking or eating cake or hanging out with your favorite person, but instead you stayed home working on your list. Sad trombone, right? ;-)

8. Are you a Mac or PC

Um. What is a PC?

9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?

A few come to mind, but I can’t say because spoilers! I’m a sucker for the seemingly impossible romances that ultimately work out... on the very last page!
10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?

The last part of The Hobbit trilogy! There are so few movies I look forward to seeing on the big screen, but the Tolkien adaptations are some of my favorites. I loved the Lord of the Rings movies, and the first two parts of The Hobbit were great. I can’t wait for the last.

11. What season is your favourite, and why?

I’m an autumn kind of girl. I love hot cider, thick sweaters, Halloween, the changing and falling of the leaves, the smell of fire in the hearth. It’s such a sensual and beautiful time of year. Also, hibernating. Love hibernating on a chilly night, especially if I have a nice creepy book to read (the Beautiful Creatures series is one of my favorite fall reads).

12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?

I’d love to be a professional tarot reader. I’ve studied the cards for several years now and I’ve often wondered what it would be like to read for a living.

13. Who was your first ever concert?

Rush! My best friend’s older brother took us. It was winter, and we got into a car accident on the way there, but he didn’t let that stop us from getting our late 80s / early 90s rock on!

14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?

I don’t actually have a favorite reading spot. I can curl up anywhere with a book and get lost in the pages. But if I have a fuzzy blanket, all the better!

15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If she what was it?

Not one that really stuck – I honestly don’t remember! I know, I’m causing a lot of trouble on these questions today!

16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?

Haha you’re really taking me back. Okay, at the risk of totally dating myself here: The Coreys took up a lot of wall space (and if you don’t know who the Coreys were, I can’t help you!), George Michael, Kirk Cameron (yeah, I know, but it was before all that), Robert Smith, and Alyssa Milano.

17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

My favorite category to read is YA, and that’s pretty much the only thing I read. But I’m open to any genre in YA – fantasy, romance, contemporary realistic, historical, science fiction, horror, anything. I’m not a huge fan of dystopian, though.

18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?

Chocolate dipped salted potato chips. A little sweet, a little salty, a little crunchy!

19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books?

Nope. For one thing, once the apocalypse hits, ebooks are toast, and we’re back to scavenging the ruins of libraries. So, there’s that!

20. What are you reading right now?
I’m reading PRINCE OF THORNS by Mark Lawrence, though I’m not exactly sure whether it’s YA or adult. So far, it’s pretty interesting!

BONUS!

Who would you love to see fill out this survey?

J.K. Rowling!


About the Author

Sarah Ockler is the bestselling author of several books for teens: The Book of Broken Hearts, Bittersweet, Twenty Boy Summer, Fixing Delilah, and the upcoming #scandal. Her books have received numerous accolades, including ALA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, Girls’ Life Top 100 Must Reads, Indie Next List, Amazon Top Movers and Shakers, and nominations for YALSA Teens’ Top Ten and NPR’s Top 100 Teen Books.
She’s a champion cupcake eater, coffee drinker, tarot enthusiast, night person, and bookworm. When she’s not writing or reading at home in Colorado, Sarah enjoys hugging trees and road-tripping through the country with her husband, Alex. In addition to her website at sarahockler.com, fans can find her on Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook.

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Suman Seewat on the blog! She one of the amazing women behind HCCFrenzy, the Teen social media division of HarperCollins Canada! Without further ado, here is Suman!

1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author,
Blogger etc.)

I am the Print Marketing Coordinator at HarperCollins Canada. One of the many super-exciting things I get to do is talk about teen books on Frenzy.

2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?

I don’t have just one favourite but I do love Jhumpa Lahiri, Neil Gaiman and
Nicole Krauss. I get chills when I read their novels.

3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?

I don’t think there are a lot of actresses to pick from. Maybe Dilshad Vadsaria?
She was so fun on Greek. If you have never seen Greek, please stop what you are doing and go watch Greek.

4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?

Nerds! Fuzzy Peaches! Cherry Blasters! Fudgeos!

5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

Harry Potter for so many reasons. His courage is high on the list. Plus, Harry is incredibly sassy in the books. I appreciate that in fictional characters.

6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?

I don’t feel guilty about any of the shows I watch! They’re all awesome.

7. Do you have a bucket list? If so what is one item on that list?

I do! We actually talked about bucket lists on Frenzy here: http://hccfrenzy.tumblr.com/post/79362120369/in-andimjulies-debut-book-side-effects-may-vary

I definitely need to relearn French.

8. Are you a Mac or PC

Can I be both? I think I’m both.

9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?

DO I?! Yes. So many. My favourite literary couple is probably Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables.

10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?

The Fault in Our Stars! I am going to cry so much. So much.

11. What season is your favourite, and why?

I love the fall because that’s when most of my favourite TV shows return, plus I can eat pumpkin pie after every meal and it’s at least somewhat acceptable.

12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be
and why?

I think it’d be really cool to write for a TV show. I’d love to see what that’s like. Can you imagine being in The Mindy Project writer’s room for a day?

13. Who was your first ever concert?

I was way late to the concert game. My first one was Metric a few years ago.

14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?
My room. I tried the whole reading in a café thing and got distracted every 30 seconds by the people around me. How can I focus on reading when the teenage couple next to me is breaking up??

15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If so what was it?
Yes, but I’m not telling because it’s incredibly embarrassing!

16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?
I had a shocking number of cat posters, plus posters of BSB, Spice Girls and my favourite Bollywood actors. Also, maybe a Hanson poster?

17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

I don’t have just one, but I definitely read a lot of adult fiction and contemporary YA. 


18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?

This is an interesting question that I have to think about. Possibly spicy Doritos? What
flavor would you be? (I think I would be Cool Ranch...cause you know I'm so cool LOL)





19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books?

Nope!

20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?

Falling into Place (which I actually literally just finished and am in love with!)

BONUS!

Who would you love to see fill out this survey?

Kaiti Vincent!



Suman is one of the lovely women behind HCCFrenzy. They are the Social Media Teen team of HarperCollins Canada.

They LOVE talking about teen books, and book related news in general! So if you haven't already you should follow them! Links Below!

 Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram






HCCFrenzy had some amazing books coming out in the next few weeks, and I have highlighted a few below!



When the picture tells the story…

Senior year is almost over, and Jamie Peterson has a big problem. Not college—that’s all set. Not prom—he’ll find a date somehow. No, it’s the worst problem of all: he’s fallen for his best friend.

As much as Jamie tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where his affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help Jamie get together with Mason. But Jamie isn’t sure if that’s what he wants—because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?

This book is about what happens when a picture reveals what we can’t say, when art is truer than life, and how falling in love is easy, except when it’s not. Fan Art explores the joys and pains of friendship, of pressing boundaries, and how facing our worst fears can sometimes lead us to what we want most.

Add to Goodreads 

The thrilling conclusion to In the After, the survival story of Amy and Baby, set in a near future where Earth has been overrun by vicious, predatory creatures.

It’s been three months since Amy escaped New Hope, and she’s been surviving on her own, like she did in the After. Until one day, her former fellow Guardian’s voice rings out in her earpiece. And in a desperate tone, Kay utters the four words Amy had hoped she would never hear: Dr. Reynolds has Baby.

Now it’s a race against time, for Baby is in imminent danger, her life threatened by the malevolent doctor who had helped start the end of the world. In order to save Baby, Amy must make her way to Fort Black, a prison-turned-survivor-colony, where she will need to find Ken, Kay’s brother. He alone holds the key to Baby’s survival.

One small slip-up on this quest could spark a downward spiral that would not only cost Baby and Amy their lives, but threaten the very survival of the people in the After.

Add to Goodreads


She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Fun, original, and endearing, On the Fence is a romantic comedy about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect.

Add to Goodreads


Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town.

I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig.I am looking for the things that are buried.

From bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson comes a friendship story bound in snow and starlight, a haunting mystery of love, betrayal, redemption, and the moments that we leave behind.

Add to Goodreads

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Paula Stokes on the blog! She is the author of The Art of Lainey, a book I absolutely loved myself, check out my review here. Without further ado, here is Paula!

 
--> 1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (i.e. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.) 

I’m an author. We’re the ones who spend all day in our pajamas on twitter, publicly angsting about our deadlines and tweeting pictures of our cats when we should be working.
2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?  

Tough question, but I’m going to say Dean Koontz, because he’s the first author I ever loved so much I read all of his books. He really kept me reading as I transitioned to high school and all of its non-readerly distractions, AKA boys. Also, my mom (she’s the cutest) sent him a snail mail when I got my first book deal and invited him to my launch (Me: OMG, Mom. You didn’t!) He couldn’t make it, but he sent us both personal responses and autographed books. Love you, Dean!
 
3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?  

Jewel Staite. She’s very quirky and energetic. That’s how I roll.
4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood? 

I feel like this implies I’m supposed to be eating grownup snacks now or something, and I still eat Pop Tarts and Smuckers Uncrustables for meals. And zebra cakes!
5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?  

Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities. So much bravery. So much unconditional love. I am not as good of a person as Sydney Carton, but I would like to be someday.
6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it? 

Chicago Fire. Do I need to explain why? ;-)
7. Do you have a bucket list? If she what is one item on that list?  

Shark dive with great white sharks.
8. Are you a Mac or PC?  

Total PC.
9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple? 

Veronica Mars and Logan. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but since there were no violent outbursts on twitter, I will assume things go the way the whole freaking world wants them to go. Good call, Rob Thomas.
10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why? 

Honestly, I’m not looking forward to any movies right now. I spend a lot of time in front of the screen writing, so I try to limit screen-time when I’m not working.
11. What season is your favourite, and why? 

Fall, I think. The weather is still okay to be outside and it’s cool enough that I can wear my tall boots and knitted hats. I love boots and hats!
12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?  

Dolphin trainer, zookeeper, pet detective. I like animals! But I would still have to write too.
13. Who was your first ever concert?  

Alice in Chains
14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?  

My sofa. There’s just enough room for me and my two kitties to snuggle in and read together. (Well, one of them just likes to lick the covers, but I’m pretty sure the other one is reading :D)
15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If she what was it? 

 My family calls me Dee, to this day. It’s a long story.
16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?  

OMG—every single millimeter of space was covered with rock band posters. Guns and Roses, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains. Less cool bands that I won’t name here ;-) I even tried to put posters on the ceiling.
17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

I am a girl who reads across genres. I love contemporary books that make me feel all snuggly. I like murder mysteries that keep me frantically turning pages to find out whodunit. I like scary horror books I have to read with the lights on.
18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why? 

I’m kind of addicted to Chicken in a Biskit crackers, so I’m going to say those. Like me, they look kind of plain and ordinary, but when you try them you find out they’re really flavorful, yet it’s difficult to pin down what makes them so delicious.
19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books? 

I mean, maybe someday, but people said that about newspapers like 15 years ago and we still have those. Honestly, I don’t worry about it. I really love print books, but I also really love trees. It’s kind of a win-win for me.
20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor. Also Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippart-Martin.

Kristen Lippart-Martin—one of the funniest writers I know!





ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Paula Stokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She started out writing historical fiction under a pen name and is now branching out into other YA genres.

When she's not working (rare), she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. She's petted tigers, snuggled snakes, snorkeled with stingrays, and once enjoyed the suction-cuppy feel of a baby elephant's trunk as it ate peanuts from her palm. Her future goals include diving with Great White sharks, learning Krav Maga, and writing a whole slew of novels, not necessarily in that order.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be? 

Amazon | Indigo | TBD | Goodreads 

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Jennifer Echols on the blog! She is the author of Biggest Flirts, a book that came out this past week! Without further ado, here is Jennifer!

1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.)

2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?

3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?

4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?

5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?

7. Do you have a bucket list? If she what is one item on that list?

8. Are you a Mac or PC

9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?

10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?

11. What season is your favourite, and why?

12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?

13. Who was your first ever concert?

14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?

15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If she what was it?

16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?

17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?

19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books?

20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?

My favorite YA writer, Rosemary Clement-Moore!


About the Author 


Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son. 





About Biggest Flirts



Tia and Will’s lives get flipped upside down when they’re voted Yearbook’s Biggest Flirts in this sassy novel from the author of Endless Summer and The One That I Want.

Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laidback swagger.

As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal…until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a lighthearted fling is about to get very complicated…

This is a brand new feature for the blog! This is where I ask publishing professionals (authors, marketers, and bloggers) some awesome questions!

Today I am happy to have Kelley Armstrong on the blog! She is the author of Sea of Shadows, a book I absolutely loved myself, check out my review here. Without further ado, here is Kelley!

1. Explain what part of the Publishing world you are a part of (ie. Publisher, Author, Blogger etc.)

I’m the author of the Cainsville modern gothic series and the Age of Legends YA fantasy trilogy. Past works include Otherworld urban fantasy series, the Darkest Powers & Darkness Rising teen paranormal trilogies and the Nadia Stafford crime trilogy, I also co-write the Blackwell Pages middle-grade fantasy trilogy as K.L. Armstrong with M.A. (Melissa) Marr.


2. Who is your favourite author of all time, and why?

My favourite writer changes all the time, but the one who was my favourite for the longest length of time is Stephen King--for his ability to make the supernatural seem natural. I've been reading him since high school.


3. Who would you chose to play you in the movie depicting your life?

Some twenty-year-old gorgeous starlet who looks nothing like me, because that's probably the only way you're going to get people to watch a movie about my life!


4. What was/is your favourite candy or snack from your childhood?

Chocolate chip cookies.


5. Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

I always go with Anne from Anne of Green Gables, because she was the first character I could really relate to. Until that point, most of what I read either had male leads or “perfect” girls. She was strong but flawed.


6. Do you have a TV show that is your guilty pleasure? If so which one is it?
Probably CSI. After so many years of following a formula, it’s incredibly repetitive, but it’s mental comfort food—if I’m tired, I can just watch it and shut off my brain and enjoy the mystery.


7. Do you have a bucket list? If she what is one item on that list?

I don’t have one. Sorry!


8. Are you a Mac or PC

I think like most people I would say “Mac.” That old ad was genius in appealing to our need for individuality. Few people want to be seen as just a face in the crowd. We like to think we’re unique and quirky, so we identify more with the Mac guy in the ad.


9. Do you have a favourite fictional couple?

I have lots, but I’ll go with Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson from Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody series.


10. What is your most anticipated movie you cannot wait to see, and why?

I’m a huge movie buff, but I don’t hotly anticipate new releases. It’s more like “Oh, look, there’s a movie out I wanted to see. Let’s do that at some point.”


11. What season is your favourite, and why?

It’s a toss up between spring and fall. I’ll go with fall because it’s less muddy and rainy.


12. If you could do any profession, other than your own for a day, which would it be and why?

Any profession at all? Lion tamer. But, yeah, I’d need some training. And, preferably, a toothless lion. As for why…well, I figure it’d be just about my only chance to ever do that, and if I get a chance at any experience, I’ll go for an extreme one!


13. Who was your first ever concert?
Raffi J


14. Where is your favourite reading spot, and why?

Any recliner, which is also where I write. I have about 4 of them in my house.


15. Did you have a nickname as a child? If she what was it?

Nope, I was nickname-free.


16. What posters did you hang on your wall when you were younger?
Animals. I don’t recall ever having rock stars or actors on my walls. It was always posters of animals.


17. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?

I read a lot of genres, but my favourite is crime thrillers.


18. If you could describe yourself as a potato chip flavour, why would it be and why?

Let’s go with salt and vinegar. It’s suitably tart :)


19. Do you agree with the notion that over time, ebooks will eliminate print books?

Things are clearly changing, but I don’t agree with the doom-and-gloom hand-
wringing I see and hear. I hate to see Borders go. Competition is good for the business. My hope is that it will be seen by others—chains and independents—as a sign that these changing times require changes in the book-business, rather than being seen a death omen for all.


20. What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?

I’m as bad with this as I am with movies. I love to read, but it’s more a case of seeing that something I want is available and buying it, rather than knowing when one comes out and waiting for it. Which is the wrong thing for a writer to say!

About Kelley


I’ve been telling stories since before I could write. My earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, mine would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to my teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make me produce “normal” stories failed. Today, I continue to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in my basement writing dungeon.

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About Sea of Shadows

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.