Love, Leigh

Happy Monday!

I know I don’t usually update the blog on Monday. Well, I haven’t lately, but that’s because of a certain psycho class schedule that I am not going to complain about even though my “busy semester” which I thought was going to taper off in December is now full-on until February. . . .

*head desk*

Somehow I made it through November, though. (It took all day, all evening, and well into the wee hours of the morning . . . but I made it.)

Now I just have to make it through December. Then January.

*head desk*

Still, in light of the holiday, I didn’t update on Friday . . . so here I am.

Happy Monday!

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving. The guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online and I cooked lunch together. He made a delicious turkey, and I made what officially is the best sweet potato casserole in the whole wide world. (I never cook, so please, let me have a moment to gloat.)

Baby girl would not eat a blasted thing. She is so picky. . . .

I am *not* a Black Friday shopper, so while some of you were in line at 4am for door busters, I was tucked safely in my feather bed. And then I slept in. Honestly, it’s not worth the money I’d save for the headache I’d bring home.

I took most of the day off on Friday to decorate for Christmas. We put up our “beautiful tree” (real: silver and shades of blue) downstairs, and the “family tree” (fake: full of personal ornaments) upstairs. They are the most beautiful trees in the whole wide world.

Here’s your Fact on Monday: “Christmas Tree Smell” (Frasier Fir) is my favorite smell in the whole wide world.

(What is with these “whole wide world’s”? I’m full of hyperbole today. Clearly.)

I also went all Martha Stewart (sans ankle bracelet) on everyone and made two wreaths.



I am a master hot glue gunner. And yes, that is my bow. I’m a frakkin amazing bow maker. (Best in the whole wide world!!)

The sad thing, though, is that I had to work Saturday and Sunday to make up for the hours off on Thursday and Friday, but it all worked out. This week, I think, will be manageable. I might be able climb into bed BEFORE 2am.

I MIGHT even be able to blog twice.

We’ll see.

Have a great week!

Love,
~Leigh~

In case you haven’t heard, New Moon opens today. If you haven’t heard, well, I’m wondering what rock you’re living under, because I’d like to share it with you. It goes without saying that I *will* be seeing this movie very soon. Hopefully soon*er*, or, as *soon as possible*. It’s so bad in my household that every time the movie trailer comes on, all work/play/conversation ceases. It’s so bad that my four year old, who has never seen the movie or read the books (for obvious reasons), has been drawing pictures of Edward and Bella ALL WEEK LONG. And yes, she knows them by name. She points out the pictures and movies and posters in stores, and she recognizes the books by their covers.

Is it possible for a four year old to be a Twilighter?

I think so.

The truth is, though, that I can’t wait until she’s older and I can share the books with her (have sort of a mother/daughter book club thing) and watch the movies. . . .

And when she turns to me and says, “Mom, I’m so Team Edward,” I will sigh with happiness, because that means I’ve raised her right.

I know the guy who I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online is rolling his eyes as he reads this. I have but one thing to say to him: you promised to take me to the theater to see New Moon. Remember? As if you would ever forget. . . .

In other news, the two of us are cooking Thanksgiving dinner together. We’ll see how that goes.

(My child just walked over and handed me a picture she drew of Bella “as a skeleton.” Wow. Maybe there’s a vampires vs zombies sequel I don’t know about. . . .)

Have a great day, everyone!

Love,
~Leigh~

1. Still incredibly busy. As in . . . the last three nights in a row I’ve been putting in seriously late hours (in addition to daytime hours . . . my most productive time has been 11:30-2am). Yuck. The good news? This won’t last forever. The best news? Even though this was probably, by definition, the worst week I’ve ever had in terms of emails/papers to grade/discussions to answer . . . it turned out okay because I have a great guy who I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online who handled dinner and dishes ALL WEEK LONG. (sigh) I *heart* him.

2. I’m a faithful follower of Project Runway. We’re down to the final three, and I don’t have a favorite. Where are the Christians and Santinos and Austin Scarletts this season? I think I’m leaning towards Irena, but I have such a love/hate relationship with her. Love the clothes/style . . . hate the snarkiness.

3. I finally upgraded my laptop with MS Office 2007. I have no clue what I was waiting for. I LOVE the new features in MS Word. This makes me a nerd, I know. I accept that.

4. I’ve become kind of a chocolate/candy snob. I totally discriminate. How do I know this? I had a Hershey’s chocolate bar on the counter all week and never touched it. I’m a Cadbury’s girl. And Halloween candy? We bought mini-packs of Skittles and Starbursts to give out and ended up with some left over. Now there’s a pile of yellow and orange Sarbursts in the cabinet, because apparently I don’t like them. I only eat the pink and red. And Skittles? Only the red and purple.

At one time I was an equal opportunity candy consumer. No more. I wonder what this means. Life’s too short? I’m too picky?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Love,

~Leigh~

Hi Everyone!

 

I’m so happy to have JonnySkov on the blog today! Jon is celebrating the release of his debut novel, STRUTS AND FRETS. I managed to snag an ARC at the SIBA meeting last month, and practically devoured this book. So, so, funny, but heartwarming and genuine at the same time (as heartwarming as teen guy musicians can be, obviously). This book deals with a range of emotions, and I definitely have a new appreciation for indie artists.

 

You know the routine. . . .

 

About Struts & Frets

 

More than anything, Sammy wants to play guitar in a famous indie rock band. The problem is that his front man is a jerk who can't sing, his bassist is a burn-out who can't remember the songs, and his drummer is just out to lunch. But Sammy needs this band because it's the only good thing he's got going. His father skipped out before he was born, his mother is an overworked therapist with a drinking problem, his grandfather is slowly losing his mind to Alzheimer's, and the girl of his dreams is dating his jerk lead singer.

 

Now that jerk lead singer has entered them in a Battle of the Bands contest to win free studio time and guaranteed radio play. Sammy has two weeks to get them to sound like a real band, or face public humiliation in front of the entire local indie music scene.

 

About Jon Skovron

 

Jon Skovron is an insatiable music geek who can play eight instruments, but none of them well. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, has lived all over the US, and now resides with his wife and two sons in Washington, DC. His short stories and reviews have appeared in publications like Jim Baen's Universe and Internet Review of Science Fiction. Struts and Frets is his first novel.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Jon: Definitely the goofy dialogue between Sammy and his friends when they're just hanging out. I was cracking myself up when I was writing it.

 

Me: They had me cracking up, too. It’s always cool to get inside the head of teen guys. Scary, but cool. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Jon: I am working on something completely different from Struts & Frets. Still Young Adult, hopefully still a nice balance of light and dark. But the next one is urban fantasy, which is actually my favorite genre.

 

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Jon: Wow, there are so many great people to choose from...definitely one of the big ones for me is Cory Doctorow, not just because he writes great books, but also because he is such a great model of how to make fiction relevant in the 21st Century. I turned into a big fanboy puddle when he told me that he liked Struts & Frets and planned to post a review on BoingBoing.net.

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Jon at his home on the web: http://jonnyskov.com/

 

And . . . STRUTS AND FRETS is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Struts-Frets-Jon-Skovron/dp/0810941740

 

Jon will be chatting with Jenny tomorrow at: http://jenny-moss.livejournal.com/

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Jonny!

Hi Everyone! Today I’m thrilled to have Kristina Springer on the blog! Kristina is celebrating the release of her debut novel: The Espressologist.

 

About The Espressologist

What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

 

About Kristina Springer

Kristina Springer has a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Writing from DePaul University. Her first novel, THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, was published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux on October 27, 2009. Her second novel, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, also from FSG, will be published in the fall of 2010. She lives in a suburb of Chicago, IL with her husband Athens and their four small children Teegan, Maya, London, and Gavin.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Kristina: Favorite part of the book: The ending. Parts I had the most fun writing: The Espressology nights.

 

Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Kristina: I'm working on edits for my middle grade novel that comes out in the fall of 2010. It's called MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS.

 

Me: (lol) Oh that is scary!! Is your MC based on ME?? And finally: who is your writing hero and why?

 

Kristina: I adore Meg Cabot. Not only is she a fabulous writer but her career is a wonderful model to follow. Whenever I wonder if I should do something (exp: post questionable content on my blog) I think, WWMCD (What Would Meg Cabot Do?) and bam- there's your answer. If Meg wouldn't do it I shouldn't either. :)

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Kristina at her home on the web: http://kristinaspringer.com/

 

And . . . THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Espressologist-Kristina-Springer/dp/0374322287/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255842033&sr=1-1  

 

Kristina will be chatting with JE tomorrow at: http://jemacleod123.blogspot.com/

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Kristina!

I am so, completely busy it’s not even funny. Which, of course, explains my lack of posts lately. Thank God for Debs Interviews.

 

So that’s my fact. I’m busy. No time to breathe. Some of it is writing-related, most of it is day job-related. And unfortunately, it’s going to stay this way until January. The end of January, probably. Maybe February. January sounds so much better, though.

 

Because of this, I won’t be able to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. Again! I know! This is the second year in a row. I love NaNoWriMo.

 

Alas. ‘Twill not happen this year. Maybe next year.

 

I think I said that last year, though.  :)

 

(reads entry)

 

I’m so glad my students don’t read my blog (that I know of, anyway). It’s hard to say:

 

“Do not use fragments. Make sure your sentences are complete and finish your thought.”

 

when my blog posts are wrought with such nonsense. Do as I say not as I do. :)

 

I’m busy. That’s a fact. Off to work.

 

Hope you have a spooktacular Halloween!!

 

Ugh. An ill attempt at holiday humor. Signing off before I embarrass myself further!

 

Love,

~Leigh~

Hi Everyone! I have another Deb Interview for you!

 

Today I’m happy to have Pam Bachorz on the blog. Pam is celebrating the debut of her novel, CANDOR, which I’ve heard nothing but AMAZING things about.

 

First. . . .

 

About Candor

 

Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.

 

About Pam Bachorz

 

Pam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees. Her mother is not happy that Pam’s degrees are stored under her bed.

 

Pam lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. She likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.

 

As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that’s just what she’s supposed to say.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Pam: I loved the ending. It's a twist, and a surprise, so I'm not going to say more!

 

Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Pam: I'm working on another YA project for Egmont USA. It's too soon to say, I think, what it's about but suffice it to say that I won't be straying all that far from the dark outlook on power and humanity. :)

 

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Pam: I admire people who turn out quality books, one after the other, and are in it for the long haul. Gail Giles comes to mind.

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Pam at her home on the web: http://www.pambachorz.com/

 

And . . . CANDOR is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Candor-Pam-Bachorz/dp/1606840126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251759032&sr=1-1

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Pam! Congrats on the debut!

Hi Everyone!

 

Today I’m pleased to have L.K. Madigan on the blog! L.K. is celebrating the debut of her novel: FLASH BURNOUT.

 

About Flash Burnout

Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.

 

When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.

 

In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.

 

About L.K. Madigan

L.K. Madigan is a writer living in Portland, Oregon, who finds it odd to speak in the third person. Therefore:

 

Hi. I am married with one son, two big black dogs, hundreds of books, and a couple of beaters, I mean vintage cars.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

L.K.: This is a hard question, because I really had fun writing the whole book! One of my favorite scenes, however, is when Blake's dad talks to him about birth control.

 

Me: Awkward!! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

L.K.: I'm working on revisions for my second book, which will be released in Fall 2010. It's a YA fantasy about a surfer girl who finds a mermaid!!

 

Me: Cool! We’re huge Little Mermaid fans here, so this sounds awesome! And finally: who is your writing hero and why?

 

L.K. My writing hero is jbknowles. Not only does she shine a light on difficult subjects, her prose is beautiful and breathtaking. I look forward to her blog entries the way I would a new book by a favorite author - her posts can be funny, touching, sad, or thought-provoking ... sometimes all at once! She has volunteered her time to leading writing workshops for women in prison, and she is a wonderfully supportive voice in the online writing community - for both published and unpublished authors. Someday I'm going to meet her, and gush in person. :-)

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit L.K. Madigan at her home on the web: http://www.lkmadigan.com

 

And . . . FLASH BURNOUT is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Burnout-L-K-Madigan/dp/0547194897/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255841483&sr=1-1  

 

L.K. will be chatting with (the other) Erin tomorrow at: http://bostonerin.livejournal.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

 

Congrats on the debut!

Hi Everyone!

 

I have another Debs post for you! The fabulous Lauren Bjorkman is here! Lauren is celebrating the release of her debut novel: My Invented Life.

 

First. . . .

 

About My Invented Life

 

Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.

 

Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.

 

My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.

 

Then. . . .

 

About Lauren Bjorkman

 

Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, they are still friends. She enjoys making things up, chocolate in large quantities, and anything that makes her laugh. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband, two sons, and a cat that plays fetch. 

Now. . . .

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Lauren: Impossible question alert--I suck at picking favorites. I loved writing the romantic scenes, but was totally wrapped up in the sister scenes, too. And using Shakespearean phrases. OK, if I have to pick ... the rehearsal scenes. They were a joy. Oh, wait, what about the scene in the peach orchard?

 

Me: (lol) What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Lauren: I'm sticking with contemporary, humorous, quasi (but not oh-so)-issue oriented YA for now. Considering a story set in the near future. I would love to write plays.

 

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Lauren: Sherman Alexie. He's an amazing slam poet, writes novels for adults, and then penned a mind-blowingly funny and moving YA.

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Lauren at her home on the web: http://laurenbjorkman.com/

 

And . . . MY INVENTED LIFE is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/My-Invented-Life-Lauren-Bjorkman/dp/0805089500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251760019&sr=1-1

 

Lauren will be chatting with Stacey Jay tomorrow at: http://staceyjayya.blogspot.com/

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Lauren!

Here:
 

(This is Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh.)

 

Listening to this:

 

 

AND. . . .

 

Watching him:

Hearing this:

 

(For some reason, LiveJournal isn't letting this video show all the way, but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSZv9KKf0g0) Sorry!!

Still. . . .

(sigh.)
 

Isn’t Bono Awesome? 

Both MUSE and U2 put on a fantastic show. Overpaid for concert t-shirts, but don’t care. Learned that cell phones are the new lighters.

Rock On!

 

Love,

~Leigh~

Hi Everyone!

 

Today I have Sydney Salter on the blog! Sydney is celebrating the release of her MG novel: JUNGLE CROSSING. I was one of the lucky firsts to read the ARC, and it was fabulous!

 

You know the routine:

 

About Jungle Crossing

 

Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona's minicamp. If she's not there, she'll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she's the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat's parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat's world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?

 

About Sydney Salter

 

Sydney Salter's fascination with Mayan culture started when she was six years old and climbed down a steep, dimly lit stone staircase to the elaborately carved tomb of King Pacal who had once ruled Palenque. Visiting Mayan ruins, walking through fragrant Mexican market places, watching women wash clothes in a river, and chasing lizards in the jungle ignited the spark in Sydney's imagination that led to writing Jungle Crossing. Sydney now lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and two dogs. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and traveling—especially to Mexico where she can explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim in underground rivers.

 

(I’m so jealous of Sydney’s travels!)

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Sydney: I loved writing the ancient Mayan story that weaves throughout the novel. I had so much fun researching Mayan culture and traveling to Mexico that I couldn't wait to create Muluc's adventure.

 

Me: Me too! The two stories fused together beautifully. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Sydney: I'm working on a new YA project right now. I also have a YA called SWOON AT YOUR OWN RISK coming out in April 2010 so I'm pretty excited about that.

 

Me: Awesome! Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Sydney: Madeleine L'Engle. Not only did she show impressive persistence in her writing career, she had a wonderful marriage and family life. I'm trying to figure out that balance right now.

 

Me: Aren’t we all!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Sydney at her home on the web: http://sydneysalter.com/

 

And . . . JUNGLE CROSSING is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Crossing-Sydney-Salter/dp/0152064346/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237326676&sr=1-2

 

Sydney will be chatting with Neesha tomorrow at: http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Sydney!

Hi Everyone! Today I have the fabulous Jennifer Brown on the blog! Not only is this girl freaking hilarious, she’s written an amazing debut novel. I can say this because I’ve read it, and it’s fantastic! Critics are raving, I swear. So . . . after you read this interview, you should head on down to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. This is one that will stay with you for a long time.

 

You know the rules:

 

About Hate List

 

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.

 

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

 

(Hijack: Doesn’t this sound amazing? It doesn’t disappoint!)

 

About Jennifer Brown

 

Jennifer Brown is the author of HATE LIST, a YA novel coming out in September 2009. As a two-time winner of The Erma Bombeck Global Humor award and weekly columnist for The Kansas City Star, as well as Saturday Featured Blogger for Mom2MomKC.com, Jennifer spends a lot of time dressing up her dog for laughs and thinking of new ways to works words such as "Puh-lease" and "Ch-yeah!" into sentences. Jennifer grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri area, where she still lives with her husband, three kids, and whole herd of uncooperative pets.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Jennifer: I had the most fun writing the therapy sessions with Valerie and Dr. Hieler. The doc is really kind and caring and smart and intuitive, but he's also kind of a jokester. The scenes felt nice and light to me, and a way for Valerie (and the reader) to take a breath a bit.

 

Me: He was great! He definitely worked to get Valerie back on track. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Jennifer: I'm currently working on another YA novel. It's going to have a similar feel to Hate List, but is, of course, about an entirely different subject. I'm also working on a women's fiction project. That's the genre I started writing in, and I sometimes miss the lightness of it.

 

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Jennifer: Oh, I have so many! No fair making me choose one! Probably the one who pops into my head first would be Maya Angelou, because her writing seems so brave and lyrical... it's like every word was agonized over before being chosen. There's not an "and" or "the" out of place. And when she speaks... it's like every syllable is important. You know the phrase, "I could listen to her sing the phone book?" Yeah, I could totally listen to Maya Angelou read the phone book... and would come away feeling like a better person afterward.

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Jennifer at her home on the web: http://www.jenniferbrownYA.com

 

And . . . HATE LIST is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Hate-List-Jennifer-Brown/dp/0316041440/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251761088&sr=1-1

 

Jennifer will be chatting with Neesha tomorrow at: http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Jennifer!

Hi Everyone!

 

I’m finally back in town after my trip to the SIBA (Southern Independent Bookseller’s Alliance) Trade Show in Greenville, SC.

 

Long drive (which I shouldn’t complain about since technically I was chauffeured by the guy I’m sorta married to but not allowed to talk about online). Great hotel (I mean, it’s always a good thing when you can see your reflection in gold in the elevator. I’m so spoiled. Again, thanks Dude!). Fabulous signing!

 

I had a great time meeting booksellers and readers and catching up with some old BEA friends (and meeting some new ones!)

 

Thanks again, Dave, for getting such an awesome event together!

 

A lot of booksellers seemed excited about One Wish, which is always a good thing.

 

AND . . . in the hour before my signing, guess what I managed to snag?

 

ARCS!

 

 

I swear, perks of the job: free Advanced Reader’s Copies of books that haven’t even hit stores yet. It doesn’t get much better than that.

 

Here’s what I managed to snag:

 

Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron (2009 Deb!)

Shadow by Jenny Moss (2009 Deb!)

Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson (sequel to Suite Scarlett, which I loved!)

The Hole We’re In by Gabrielle Zevin (I met Gabrielle in NYC, and just finished     

     Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, which was fabulous!)

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

The Sky is Every Where by Jandy Nelson

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan (*sigh* John Green!)

Through the Heart by Kate Morgenroth

Becoming Jane Eyre by Sheila Kohler

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

 

AND, as if that wasn’t freaking awesome enough, I managed to score a SIGNED FIRST EDITION of Aprilynne Pike’s WINGS. Signed. First. Edition. I was actually going to buy it, because I knew it wasn’t free. Turns out Harper was going to give them away Sunday. When I mentioned that Aprilynne and I were both 2009 Debs and I thought she was fabulous . . . the Harper Rep handed me a copy. Of course, I told her she didn’t have to do that (while I was squealing on the inside), but she insisted. SO Sweet! My new best friend, really!

 

So . . . it was a successful weekend. I had a great time signing, and indie booksellers: You know you’re Awesome!

 

Can’t wait to sink my teeth into all these amazing books! In the meantime, I have to work the rest of the weekend to catch up (since we left Friday), and baby girl brought home a nasty cold from SC.

 

More than halfway through first round revisions on the WIP! Still plugging away!

 

Love,

~Leigh~

Today I’m happy to have Kate Messner on the blog! Kate is celebrating the release of her new novel: The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z!

 

About The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z

 

Gianna Zales has a lot on her plate this fall – a father who drives her to school in the family hearse, a mother who’s turned into the junk food police, a little brother who thinks he’s a member of the paparazzi, and a grandmother who leaves false teeth in the refrigerator. Worst of all, she’s left her 7th grade leaf collection to do at the last minute. It’s a monster project, and Gianna will miss cross-country sectionals if she doesn’t meet the deadline. She’ll need the help of her geeky friend, Zig, and some brilliant ideas of her own to pull it off.

 

About Kate Messner

 

Kate Messner grew up in Medina, New York and graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communication with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She worked as a television news producer and reporter in Syracuse, NY and then Burlington, VT, before going back to school to get a teaching degree. These days, Kate is a National Board Certified middle school English teacher. She has helped hundreds of kids work on leaf collection projects and likes sugar maples and catalpa leaves the best. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her husband and kids and loves spending time in the woods.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Kate: I loved writing the scene that takes place on the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail in Ripton, Vermont. We spent a glorious fall day hiking there during my research, and writing that scene was a joy, not only because of the fun I had describing the trail but also because of what that setting brought out in my characters.

 

Me: Sounds magical! I *love* that kind of writing research: it’s the best! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Kate: I'm working on revisions for my next middle grade novel with Walker/Bloomsbury. SUGAR ON SNOW is about a girl from a small-town maple farm who earns a scholarship to figure skate with the elite in Lake Placid. It will be published in Fall 2010.

 

Me: YAY! You’re definitely keeping busy! Finally: who is your writing hero and why?

 

Kate: I have a bunch of writing heroes - including many of my friends on LiveJournal who keep me going every day. I love the writing community here. Other heroes? Laurie Halse Anderson and Jane Yolen, both of whom are kind, wonderful people and incredibly diverse in their writing talents, too.

 

Me: I *adore* my LJ friends, and I totally agree about Laurie Halse Anderson. She’s fantastic!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Kate at her home on the web: http://katemessner.com/

 

And . . . The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Fall-Gianna-Z/dp/080279842X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251760751&sr=1-1  

 

Kate will be chatting with Sydney tomorrow at: http://www.mybignose.blogspot.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Kate!

I just wanted to take a moment to say that I had a fabulous time at my signing at Page After Page in Elizabeth City this past weekend!

 

And . . . a special shout-out to Sarah, who stopped by to chat with me and was just . . . the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. :)

 

If you’re a bookseller/author and will be at the Southern Independent Booksellers Association (SIBA) trade show/meeting this weekend in Greenville, SC: I will be signing at the WestSide Booth on Saturday.

 

More details to follow!

 

Love,

~Leigh~

Hi Everyone! I have another Debs post for you! Megan Crewe stopped by to talk about her debut novel: GIVE UP THE GHOST.

 

(I read the ARC, and it was awesome! Definitely unlike any ghost story I’ve read before. Highly Recommended!)

 

About Give Up the Ghost

 

Cass McKenna much prefers the company of ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody... and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

 

But when the vice president of the student council discovers secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

 

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad--and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance...

 

About Megan Crewe

 

Like many fiction authors, Megan Crewe finds writing about herself much more difficult than making things up. A few definite facts: she lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and two cats (and does on occasion say "eh"), she tutors children and teens with special needs, and she has yet to make friends with a ghost, though she welcomes the opportunity.

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Megan: I pretty much love any time Cass and Tim are interacting, particularly the scenes at his house and at the end.

 

Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Megan: Right now I'm working on a YA urban fantasy novel. Considering dipping my toes into historical and science fiction in the future.

 

Me: Who is your writing hero and why?

 

Megan: Roald Dahl. He managed to write books that are silly and bizarre, but also deeply moving (consider DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD and the end of THE WITCHES), and his world-building and eye for detail was amazing.

 

Me: Awesome!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Megan at her home on the web: http://megancrewe.com/

 

And . . . GIVE UP THE GHOST is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Give-Up-Ghost-Megan-Crewe/dp/0805089306/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234364355&sr=1-5

 

Megan will be chatting with Heather tomorrow at: http://heatherduffystone.blogspot.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Megan!

Hi Everyone!

 

This is just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be reading/signing copies of One Wish tomorrow (Saturday, September 19th) at Page After Page Bookstore in Elizabeth City (NC).

 

I’ll be hanging out at the store from 11:00am-3:00pm, so stop by if you’re in the area (or don’t mind the drive!).

 

Your facts for this Friday are as follows:

 

Fact #1: Whenever I’m nervous, I talk way too fast and tend to ramble on and on and on about nothing. Then, when I leave, I think of a million things I should have said, shouldn’t have said, or should have said better.

 

Fact #2: I just checked my closet, and I have nothing to wear. (Ack!)

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Love,

~Leigh~

 

I just spent a fabulous day at the zoo.

 

My fact for this Friday: Gorillas kind of creep me out.

 

Love,

~Leigh~
 

Hi Everyone!

 

Today I have Jennifer Jabaley on the blog! Jennifer is celebrating the debut of her YA novel: LIPSTICK APOLOGY. (Which, btw, I’ve read and is FANTASTIC!!)

 

You know the routine. . . .

 

About Lipstick Apology

 

Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted. What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: “Emily please forgive me” scrawled in lipstick - her mother's last words.

 

Now it's fall in New York City and Emily's trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media - and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can't let go of her mother's mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

 

With help of a whole new kind of family - one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser - Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.

 

About Jennifer Jabaley

 

Jennifer Jabaley was born in New York and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in chemistry and received a doctorate from Southern College of Optometry. A part-time optometrist and mother of two, Jennifer began writing her first novel after a phone call from her sister sparked an idea for a story that lingered in her mind and stirred her creative juices. LIPSTICK APOLOGY will be released in August of 2009 by Razorbill. Jen lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia and is currently at work on her second book.

 

Ambitious, Right? I envy her!

 

On to the Interview!

 

Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing? 

 

Jennifer: My favorite part of LIPSTICK APOLOGY is the end. It's sort of cheesy but I love it. Someone told me the ending reminded them of "A Wonder Years" episode and that to me was a huge compliment.

 

Me: That is a compliment in the highest form! I loved the Wonder Years! I loved the ending of LA, too! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?

 

Jennifer: Actually I am crossing into a new genre: I'm working on an adult chick lit novel. I've finished my first draft but have lots of work still left to do!

 

Me: That is awesome! Good luck! And finally: who is your writing hero and why?

 

Jennifer: Hmm, that's tough. I'm going with Judy Blume for many reasons. First, she and Beverly Cleary were the first authors I really fell in love with. I devoured their books! But I think Judy Blume is amazing because after all these years her novels still touch upon universal themes of a girl's coming of age. And she really pushed the limits when at that time in publishing many authors were playing it safe. She's been an advocate against book banning and I respect her for that work.

 

Me: Great choice!

 

Readers . . . You can visit Jennifer at her home on the web: www.jenniferjabaley.com

 

And . . . LIPSTICK APOLOGY is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Lipstick-Apology-Jennifer-Jabaley/dp/1595142312/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234903854&sr=8-1

 

It comes highly recommended by yours truly!!

 

Jennifer will be chatting with Sydney tomorrow at: http://www.mybignose.blogspot.com

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Jennifer!

Yesterday, I went into the playroom and found a missing container of Reese’s Pieces. They were in the “refrigerator” of baby girl’s plastic kitchen. Yeah, it’s pretty obvious who the culprit was. My mom, who was there at the time, asked: “Why are you so surprised? When you were a teenager you kept a tub of cake icing in your bathroom.”

 

To which I responded: “What? Are you serious??”

 

I did not remember this—at all. But once she mentioned it, yeah, I have a vague recollection of hoarding a tub of Chocolate Betty Crocker icing in a bathroom drawer.

 

For a late-night chocolate fix, I guess? Who knows?

 

Of course, now I’m all like: “Aren’t you supposed to refrigerate those things after opening?”

 

Whatever.

 

I saw a fantastic movie last night. I don’t think it was in theaters; as far as I know it went straight to DVD. Still, it’s a “Hot New Release” at Blockbuster, and I highly recommend it. They’re calling it a “Romantic Comedy,” but there’s some drama mixed in, too. Seriously: there are some “laugh out loud” moments, and some times you might need a tissue, which is the perfect combo, in my opinion.

 

There are some quirky moments: you have to employ a bit of imagination, but love stories don’t get much better than this. And really, I could think of worse things than staring at James Franco for an hour and a half.

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Love,

~Leigh~