Newsletter 10 Part 2

By Reyna
http://www.booksforteensreviews.blogspot.com/

Schools out, the weather’s warming up and we are digging out our swimsuits, however, the lazy days of summer aren’t complete without a good book, right? Take a look at these books and then head on over to the library or Barnes and Noble so that you will have a great beach read!

“Summer Boys” by Hailey Abbot



“Starlet” by Randi Resifeld


“Mermaid Park” by Beth Mayall


“Sea Change” by Aimee Friedman


“20 Boy Summer” by Sarah Ockler


“Seven Tears Into the Sea” by Terri Farley



And for the rainy days...

“Love You, Hate You, Miss You” by Elizabeth Scott


Put together by Reyna

Vania from “Reverie Book Reviews” took a few moments to let me interview her! She has been blogging for 5 months now and is a great at it! Vania is a terrific photographer and every week posts amazing book covers that she has created! She has also started making bookmarks, postcards, and other swag for authors that are looking to distribute swag to readers. You should be sure to check out Vania’s blog and if you aren’t already, follow!

Vania’s blog: http://reveriemedia.blogspot.com/

Q: Why did you decide to start a young adult book blog? What have you gained from blogging? Why did you decide to start a young adult book blog? What have you gained from blogging?

A: I started blogging because it gave me a way to express my thoughts about the books I've read. I was always giving recommendations to friends but many weren't into discussing books. It seemed a one way street. So as a result of blogging I have gained that which I was missing friends who loved books and loved talking about them.

Q: What types of books to you enjoy reading the most and why?

A: I mostly enjoy reading paranormal and fantasy. I love that fantasy can transport you into into a completely different world. That takes some major writing chops. But that's not to say i don't like to read realistic fiction. I do. It's just harder because most of the material tends to be too fluffy or too depressing. I don't want to be crying or sad and low after a long and depressing day at work. You know?

Q: What is your favorite book? Why do you like it so much?

A: That is a REALLY tough question. I don't know if I can honestly answer it. What I will say is that there are three books that are coming up (among others) that I am excited about and people should look into them; those are "Eyes Like Stars", "Prophecy of the Sisters" and "Beautiful Creatures" ok wait here's a few more "Fairy Tale" and "Shiver" OMG... I can keep going. I'll stop now.

Q: What is one thing that you really like to see in a book?

A: I am a huge sucker for romance. I love to see it even glimpses of it in a story. I just can't get enough. Really!

Q: Since you like romance so much, are there any YA romance books that you would suggest?

A: Graceling and Beautiful Creatures are my two fave paranormal romance faves. There are SO many and each book’s has a glimpse of it in there that really I cannot mention them all!

Q: Do you have any special quirks about you?

A: Hmmmm I giggle a lot. And can easily get hyper and ridiculous. Like drunk type but minus the alcohol. I also make silly sound effects. I don't think they are very accurate but fun nonetheless.

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Depends on the day and time. Most of the time I like aqua or purple. Black too!

Q: Do you hope to become an author someday?

A: I haven't really given it much thought. I write very little only because I don't have time but I enjoy reading more, I think. I am also really involved with my art to try and venture out. But who knows...?

By Reyna
http://www.booksforteensreviews.blogspot.com/
If you're reading this newsletter, you probably like to read, right? I know that I do! And a lot of times we will have special spots where we like to curl up and read a book whether it's lying on the beach, sitting under (or in) a tree, or any other neat place that you tend to find yourself migrating to with a good book! We want to know what YOUR favorite spot to read in is!

Send your response to: booksforteens@yahoo.com and a few of the responses will be featured in the next newsletter!

Newsletter 10 Part 1

The Happenings at Young Adult blogs…

If you know someone who would like to receive this have them email Ashley at princessashley9@gmail.com

~ If you can guess what one of the two pictures below is you win half a page to advertise your blog! They contain two book covers. Name both via email, to princessashley9@gmail.com. 2 winners. First come. First serve. J

(Photo not available.)

Giving It Away For Free
(the only time Momma would approve)
Serena Robar is giving it away for free the entire month of June. That’s right. A book a day, every day in honor of her latest book release Giving Up the V. All you have to do to is sign up for her newsletter and you are entered to win. Enter once and you are in the running to win a book every day the entire month of June.

The name is Renee, and I'd like to welcome you to The Book Girl Reviews! On this site you will be sure to find reviews of many YA novels, some adult ones, interviews with the wonderful authors, and contests on special occasions. We may even throw in a guest review or some other fun things, just to keep you on your toes (:-p). Everyone is welcome to come join in on the sites fun; Share feedback, thoughts, book recommendations, opinions, and more! Disagree with something? Even better! We're all about having opinions from multiple angles; it gives readers a better idea of what to expect from a book.

As for the reviews, we have a strict policy: Don't Diss The Book. We are firm believers in the fact that our opinion is not the only one out there, and that a review can very easily make or break a book. Sadly, we have yet to earn our Book Goddess badges, so for now we're sticking to this: Sure, we'll mention the things we didn't like, but you'll hear a lot more about the things we did. We want YOU to be the judge of the books quality; We're just here to get you to read it a little sooner ;-).

Intrigued? We hope so! If you want to see all of this in action, head on over to http://thebookgirlreviews.blogspot.com/. Hope you like what you see!

~

Basically, my blog revolves around the YA literature world. I love interacting with other book bloggers like me, and getting to know their purpose in blogging as well. My blog isn't about getting the free books, or the exclusive ARCS, even though it is kind of fun to brag about. :D But it's about giving out my opinion without being judged, and telling about the books I read. I also love to get involved in challenges, and getting to see where everyone else is in a challenge, is amazing too.

I've made many friends through blogging, and I love being able to talk to someone about books, or their favorite authors, or just asking them how their week went. By the end of the day, I'm glad I had started up my blog, because it has left me knew experiences, and opportunities than before. I don't know where I'd be right now without my blog, my books, and the people I have befriended that made it all happen.

-Amanda reviewabook123.blogspot.com

UK Book: Blood Water by Dean Vincent Carter

From Amazon: They're all dead now. I am the last one. Dr Morrow can't identify the 'thing' he found living in the lake but he knows it's dangerous ...then it goes missing ...Caught in the flood that is devastating the town, brothers Sean and James stumble across Morrow and the carnage left at his lab. The missing specimen is some kind of deadly parasite that moves from person to person, destroying its hosts in disgusting, gory ways. The death toll will rise along with the waters unless the brothers can track down the homicidal specimen and find a way to destroy it.

Blood Water is such a fun book! It's horror and sci-fi all rolled into one, and is a fast, thrilling read. Plus, it has got a brilliant cover!

New & Upcoming UK Releases:

~ Killing God by Kevin Brooks (June 25th)
~ Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur (June 25th)
~ That Summer by Sarah Dessen (July 2nd)
~ WAGs World: Knowing the Score by Anonymous (July 2nd)
~ Selina Penaluna by Jan Page (July 2nd)
~ The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth P. Jones (July 6th)
~ What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell (July 6th)
~ Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters (July 6th)
~ Everlost by Neal Shusterman (July 6th)
~ Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick (July 16th)

~

~ Ashley is reading Pure.
~ Me/Lisette/robin_titan/T.V and Book Addict w/e you wanna call me- Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley and The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan
~ Liyana is reading Eyes Like Stars by lisa Mantchev.
~ prophecygirl is reading The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner.
~ Silvia is reading Swoon by Nina Malkin
~ Donna is reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
~ (: Isa :) is reading Ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley.
~ Diana Dang is reading Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber (re-read and it's still pretty good the second time around!) and Hush by Donna Jo Napoli.
~ katie says - I am reading Skin Trade by Laurell K Hamilton and I'm not liking it so much. It's kind of weird. I plan on starting You Are Here by Jennifer E Smith soon!
~ !!!!Jackie!!!! is reading Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley.

~

~ L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad (6/16)
~ Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (6/23)
~ Alyzon Whitestarr by Isobelle Carmody (June 23)
~ Just Another Hero by Sharon M. Draper (June 23)
~ Fabulous Terrible, The Adventures of You: The Apocryphon by Sophie Talbot (6/25)
~ Tales of the Madman Underground: A Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes (June 25)
~ Killer by Sara Shepard (July 1)-Pretty Little Liars series
~ Hancock Park by Isabel Kaplan (July 1)
~ The Stolen One by Suzanne Carlisle Crowley (July 1)
~ Homecoming: ghostgirl by Tonya Hurely (7/1)
~ The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman (7/1)
~ Crash Into Me by Albert Borris (July 7)
~ Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev (July 7)
~ Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (July 7)
~ Simply Irresistible by Jennifer Banash (July 7)
~ Libyrinth by Pearl North (July 7)

Blog Tips:

~ Don't have too many ads all over the place, it's okay to have some since the money goes towards books or blog related stuff, but don't overcrowd your blog with them because it distracts from the content. –From Lisette

~ Try to post often otherwise you will most likely lose some readers. I've seen this happen in some blogs so ...update! :). –From Lisette

~ I would recommend making sure to proofread every post. Often we get really excited when sharing our opinions about books we love or did not love so much, that we forget to check for spelling and grammatical errors. A good way to resolve this is to type your review as a word document and complete a quick grammar check. Then cut and paste the post on your blog. –From Shalonda

~ Make sure your personality is reflected on your blog. You can go about this several different ways. Use a background and colors that you love. Also make sure your words show who you are. For example, if you are a naturally funny person, it's okay to use humor in your posts. –From Shalonda

~ I think the look of a blog says a lot about the blog, itself but also the person behind the blog. When someone visits your blog what is the first thing they see? Your blog’s design. It’s kind of like a first impression in that way. Sometimes when people don’t put a lot of effort into the way their blog looks it makes me think that they don’t put a lot of effort into the blog and whatever they do on their blog. It takes only a couple of hours out of your day but it looks good for so much longer. –From Kelsey


Our JJ interviewed Jonathan Berstien. Here is what he had to say:

1. How did you come up with the idea for Hottie?

It actually started life as a screenplay. A lot of movies, bad ones especially, come into being because of writers thinking things like `What if we took the kids from High School Musical and put them in a Halloween sequel?' In my case, it was, "What if I took the girl from Legally Blonde and put her in a superhero movie?" Nothing much happened with the script but I remained fond of the idea and the character. Although fiction was something I never thought I'd have the skills or endurance to attempt, I decided to give it a shot a couple of years ago. Thus, Hottie was salvaged from my teetering pile of good ideas and expanded into book format.

2. What was the hardest thing about writing?

Oh My God. Everything. Starting. Ignoring distractions. Fighting the temptation to do anything other than remain focussed on the computer screen. Ignoring the self-doubt that never goes away. Resisting the urge to quit. And that's just the first ten minutes...

3. Why did you choose the YA audience for your first book?

It's a book about a teenage superhero who shoots flames from her fingers and it's packed with pop culture references, poop-based humor, love triangles, destruction of designer clothes and high-school backstabbing. What other audience couid I aim for?

4. Do you have any kind of playlist while writing that helps you think?

The iPod is always set to Shuffle. Doesn't matter what's playing-- although loud, mindless electro-pop gets the job done-- as long as there's something pounding away in the background.

5. Could you put a theme song to any of your writings?

Ha! In my blog--jonathanbernsteinbook.blogspot.com-- I featured a bunch of heat-based songs that could function as an imaginary Hottie soundtrack. The one song I had in mind as the theme tune to a Hottie movie would be Back Of The Van by Ladyhawke.

6. Are you interested in writing more YA books?

Sure. Hottie 2: Burning Ambition (title subject to change) will be out next spring. I'm currently in the middle of a new, non-superhero book, that's still YA, still--hopefully--funny and which, frankly, is kicking my ass right now.

7. What kind of books did you read growing up?

Steven King. Clive Barker. I had a lot of pent-up hostility.

Newsletter 9 Part 2

(Photo not available.)

Sarah Dessen wins best teen romance books!

Blogging Tips:

~ Make friends with other bloggers. We really are one big support group.
~ Review honestly but do not be nasty. If you don’t like a book just say so. There is no need for degrading comments.


Here is what Vivian Marie Aubin du Paris had to say. Thanks J.F. for the awesome interview.

1. When did you start writing? Did you start with a book or a short story?

I actually started telling stories before I could write. I "borrowed" my sister's tape recorder, and when I would get stuck in my room to clean it, I would walk around cleaning with the record button pressed on my bed so that I could tell it stories. (Probably thankfully, those tapes are long lost!) The first story I actually wrote, though, was about a paragraph long, I must have been in kindergarten or so from the handwriting, and it was about two kids going roller skating. My stories got progressively longer from there, but it was hard... I had to keep setting new goals for myself. "This one will be ten pages." Then, "This one will be thirty." Until I finally got to a point where I was writing full-length novels.

2. Were you good at english in school? Was that your favorite subject?

I probably shouldn't admit this... I was terrible in school! English was really the only subject that I was good at, because I always loved reading the assigned books. I think I was the only one in class that did. I loved reading these books that I wouldn't have thought to pick up on my own, and then hearing different interpretations of them. It was by far my favorite subject.

3. One of the main things you tell people is never give up on their dreams. You made two of yours come true. What would you tell the people that can't make their dreams work?

This is such a hard question to answer... I think if someone told me that they couldn't make their dream come true, I would ask why. I don't think of myself as a huge problem-solver, but I guess in a way I am. Now, if someone said they wanted to have super powers or something, I wouldn't suggest that they go roll around in toxic waste or anything, but I would try to come up with something that would meet their need... Maybe reading about super heroes? Telling stories about them? Other than something we're physically incapable of doing, I think people really can do anything. If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever be published, I would have told you there was no way. Ever. It was just a dream. But here I am. And I'm the laziest person alive, so if I can do it, anyone can. So if you really think you can't do something, ask someone for some advice or their opinion on the matter. Keep asking until someone gives you something you can work with. Different people with different ideas will eventually lead you to an answer.

4. In your book 'The Quest Of Dai: The Eroe' the character, Westly, really stands out in both attitude and looks. Is he modeled after anyone you know?

Not at all, actually... Westly is a character type that fascinates me... The stereotypical cold-but-secretly-loves-the-girl guy. I read a lot, so I think he kind of developed from a bunch of different characters... Different parts of their personalities that I liked. His eyes were based on someone I knew at the time, though. He had these blue-green contacts that he wore, and every time he looked at you, it was shocking. I didn't actually make that part up, surprisingly enough. I will say that I'm a big fan of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and the actor, Thomas Dekker, looks almost exactly like I pictured Westly. So that was pretty cool to see!

5. Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

Not really! I know they say, "Write what you know," but I actually find that's the hardest thing to write about. I like to dream when I write, so I write about things I don't know--people I don't know. Dai was loosely based on a friend of mine from high school... She was the sweetest, most caring person. Super innocent, in a lovely clueless kind of way. You couldn't help but love and adore her. She was a great, great friend. But for the most part, the characters really took on a life of their own.

6. What advice would you give to teens that are starting to write they're own books?

Write what you like. It's good to push yourself into trying to write a genre that you don't read or don't have an interest in, but you won't be as in to it and therefore you'll be less likely to finish. Figure out your strengths in writing, play to those, and learn how to fix your weaknesses. Learn how to use criticism to your advantage! I refused to listen to criticism about my writing for most of my life, and it really suffered because of it. I'm still trying to get to a good point where I'm taking criticism about my writing and trying to figure out how to fix it. But also remember that you can't please everybody... Be sure that you stay true to yourself and that you write what you like. Set goals for yourself... Ten pages a day or whatever until you finish the manuscript. Don't go back and read from the beginning while a work is in-progress... If you're anything like me, if you do, you'll completely ruin your rhythm and you'll never finish the book. If you continually get writer's block or you find yourself making excuses to not write (and I'm as guilty of this as they come) every time you walk away from your work, make sure that you leave it in the middle of an exciting scene. You'll always want to come back and finish, and you'll still be on a roll.

Wow, I talk a lot...

Thanks so much for the interview! I really enjoyed your questions. :)

Newsletter 9 Part One

The Happenings at Young Adult blogs…

If you know someone who would like to receive this have them email Ashley at princessashley9@gmail.com

~ Ashley is putting it all together.

Win all of Erin Downing's Books via Reviewer X

Ends June 10. Enter here.

Win Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins via Reviewer X

Ends ??? Enter here.

Win 20 Boy Summer via TruBlu93

Ends June 14. Enter here.

Win One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin via Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf

Ends June 19. Enter here.

Win a Royal Pains Summer Tote via Shooting Stars Mag

Ends June 22. Enter here.

Win 20 Boy Summer via And Another Book Read

Ends June 30. Enter here.

~ If you can guess what one of the two pictures below is you win half a page to advertise your blog! They contain two book covers. Name both via email, to princessashley9@gmail.com. 2 winners. First come. First serve. J

(Pictures not available at this time.)

UK Book: Breathing Underwater by Julia Green


From Amazon: Freya has come to visit her grandparents who live on a remote island. Last year she visited them with her brother - but last year her brother died alone in a boating accident. Whilst back on the island, Freya finds a way, with the calming presence of her grandparents and the gentle care and attention of the people around her, to adjust to the fact that her brother has gone, and that life - and love - are still vibrantly in the air.

I absolutely loved this book! It's a brilliant story of loss and grief, and includes a range of instantly likeable characters. The settings are all richly described in detail, and the conclusion is filled with hope and the acceptance that life has to go on.

New, Upcoming and Recently Released in the UK

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (May 28th)
The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (June 1st)
Devil's Rock by Chris Speyer (June 1st)
Sprout by Dale Peck (June 1st)
Blood Water by Dean Vincent Carter (June 4th)
The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks (June 4th)


~ Ashley is reading Breathing


~ Slept Away by Julie Kraut (5/26)
~ Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott (5/26)
~ Hunger: A Gone Novel by Michael Grant (5/26)


~ Gorgeous by Rachel Vail (5/26)
~ Sea Change by Aimee Friedman (June 1)
~ Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (June 1)


~ Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison (June 1)


~ Entr@pment: A High School Comedy by Micheal Spooner (June 2)
~ Elyon by Ted Dekker (June 2)
~ The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan(June 2)


~ Lunatic by Ted Dekker(June 2)
~ It's Not You, It's Me by Terra Cohen Hoffmann(June 9)
~ Tempo Change by Barbara Hall (June 9)


~ The Year of the Bomb by Ronald Kidd (June 9)
~ Goddess Boot Camp by Terra Lynn Childs (June 11)
~ Prada & Prejudice by Amanda Hubbard (June 11)


~ The Orange Houses by Paul Griffin (June 11)
~ L.A Candy by Lauren Conrad(June 16)

Newsletter 8 Part Two

New and Coming Soon in the UK:

The Resistance by Gemma Malley (4th May)
Warriors of Ethandun by N. M. Browne (4th May)
If I Stay by Gayle Forman (7th May)
Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda (7th May)
Envy by Anna Godbersen (7th May)
My Dating Disasters Diary by Liz Rettig (7th May)

What everyone is reading:

• Ashley is reading Dreamland by Sarah Dessen.
• Kate is reading Extreme Kissing by Luisa Plaja
• Polo Pony is reading The Off Season
• PG is reading Stolen
• PM is reading Kissed by an Angel.
• Hope is reading The Beef Princess of Practical Country by Michelle Houts
• Bookworm is reading S.A.S.S.: The great call of china
• Donna is reading Stake That!
• Book Resort is reading Going too Far
• Maggie is reading Maggie's Story by Dandi Daley Mackall
• Laina is not reading much right now

New and upcoming releases:

A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn (4/28)
Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey (4/28)
The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Iboston (4/30)
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita (5/1)
The Plague- Joanne Dahme (May 4th)
The Awakening: Ghost Hunteress by Marley Gibson (5/4)
Dark Guardian No. 2: Full Moon- Rachel Hawthorne (May 5th)
Wings by Aprilynne Pike (May 5th)
Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker (May 5th)
Girlfriend Material- Melissa Kantor (May 5th)
The Visibles by Sara Shepard (May 5th)
Being Nikki by Meg Cabot (5/5)
The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones (5/5)
Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joesph (5/5)
So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones (5/5)
Kiss of Life- Dan Waters (May 12th)
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow (May 14th)
A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker (May 14th)
Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund (May 14th)
Waiting For You- Susane Colasanti (May 14th)
The Vast Fields of Ordinary- Nick Burd (May 14th)
Swoon- Nina Malkin (May 19th)
You Are Here- Jennifer E Smith (May 19th)
Vampire Kisses No.6: Royal Blood- Ellen Schreiber (May 19th)
Love you Hate you Miss you- Elizabeth Scott (May 26th)
One Lonely Degree- CK Kelly Martin (May 26th)

Blog Tips:

• Make sure you keep authors happy. If you promise a review then get it done. Free books are free to you. The author still has to pay and/or makes no money from it.
• Don’t request ARC’s until your blog is well developed. You’ll make yourself some enemies.

Melissa Walker stopped by to tell us a little bit about her new book, Lovestruck Summer.

"When I started writing LOVESTRUCK SUMMER, I knew I was going to need a ton of random, fictional band names to use in the book. I couldn't think of them all on my own, so I asked my blog readers to weigh in, and they came up with GREAT stuff! I used dozens of these fake band names in the book, and I'm so grateful. Look for them if you get a chance to read LOVESTRUCK SUMMER!" –Melissa

Newsletter 8 Part One

If you know someone who would like to receive this have them email Ashley at princessashley9@gmail.com

• Hi, everyone! My name is Maggie: obsessive reader, writer, and creator of BeanBagBooks.

I primarily read and review from the YA genre, but occasionally from Adult. My reviews are quite honest--I don't sugar-coat things. If I don't enjoy a book, then I'll tell you, and vice versa. Along with reviews, I am a member of Waiting on Wednesday, where I preview a book that is yet to be released.

I also have a second blog, called Musings of a Fledgling Writer. There, I post about the various thoughts that circle through my head in a given day. It's kind of random, but a fun place to escape to.

So, hopefully you readers will check out my blogs and enjoy them. Happy Reading!

• Hey I'm Jill from Reading is Bliss where I review any and all YA fiction I can get my hands on. I started this blog in January and I love it more and more every day. I love books and I love to speak my opinion which makes reviewing books sort of a must for me. I participate in IMM and try to update as frequently as I can. I also host contests, guest blogs, and interviews. My reviews are always honest while still bringing out the best points with the worst in every book I review. My favorite part of blogging is being involved in such a wonderful and welcoming book blog community made up of people just like you. Thanks for being so amazing! And be sure to check out my blog Reading is Bliss. Thanks!

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

From the author's website: Gemma, a British city-living teenager, is kidnapped while on holiday with her parents. Her kidnapper, Ty, takes her to the wild land of outback Australia. To Gemma’s city-eyes, the landscape is harsh and unforgiving and there are no other signs of human life for hundreds of kilometres in every direction. Here, there is no escape. Gemma must learn to deal with her predicament, or die trying to fight it.

Stolen is a brilliant book, and is one that I think will appeal to a wide range of readers. It's shocking and, at times, difficult to read. It explores obsession, love, and the boundaries that lie between each. It's only published in the UK at the moment, but if you can get hold of a copy, I'd highly recommend it!

Newsletter 7 Part Three

Stephanie’s interview with Yan

1. Why did you start blogging?

Yan: Have you seen me rant? Blogging is an excellent method to vent out your inner frustration. That and I happen to like…ranting. Wow I am truly pathetic.

2. Why did you choose YA as your main focus?

Yan: -looks down at self- I think that is self-explanatory. But really though I was never a huge reader when I was younger. I read the occasional school books but nothing else. It was only during the 8th grade when Scholastic gave the school some free bookcases filled with new releases that I read my first outside of school book. The first book I ever picked up was The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. Truly amazing! Then my friend handed me Artemis Fowl as soon as she was done. Addiction! Then of course I stopped reading when school was over. –Sad Yan- 3 months later in high school. More school reading. Then came…Twilight! Granted I started to pick up some other books before that from the library while doing some volunteer work [requirement for school]. Reading Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, other not as popular YA authors. But Twilight was the craze! It was everywhere at school. People were talking; books were passed around, so I borrowed a copy[from the library]. Then I went crazy from there—borrowing 10 books each week, reading after school, in school, on the weekends. Nowadays I am not a frequent visitor to my library but I just stay home and tackle my piles. I still go to the library now and then.

Wait. Did I even answer the question? I don’t think I did, did I? Okay so here’s the deal, the down low. I am a huge sucker cliché plotlines and pretty covers. YA books so far have the best covers. I am a teen myself so I can pretty much relate to most topics.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Yan: …I like comments? …Yes that is true. Talking to authors, coming up with these most outlandish ideas ever! [see April Fools week. The evil baby as a result of my and Carol’s tender nurturing…okay so I happened to smack its head a few times and dropped it down the stairs but a few dusting and it’s good!] Talking to fellow bloggers, stalking fellow bloggers, pestering fellow bloggers, etc…

4. How did you gain more traffic to your site?

Yan: Easy. You wave a very shiny ARC in front of other YA bloggers. You lead them into a cage with your said shiny ARC. Then close it and lock it. If the competition is “unavailable” then you are the only one left. So that means you get the traffic. Problem solve. Key word is spread the word that you exist. Comment on other blogs, host giveaways or interviews, POST REVIEWS. If you mainly post about contests, like who’s giving away what, then many of us will not take you seriously. It might draw in some people but they will not stay long. Do not call yourself a “reviewer” if you do not review, and no, one or two reviews does not count. Basically befriend someone. I started out by just emailing people [Sharon and Carol!] and joined social networks and it escalated from there.

5. What are some advices you can give to fellow Bloggers?

Yan: Do not start your blog when you are in high school and a junior. This was the most awful decision I have ever made. Think about it, ACT, SAT, AP exams, evil teachers!, idiotic classmates! A social life, which I am sad to say has quite plummeted a bit [just don’t tell my friends that or they’ll drag me out of my house kicking and screaming]. I knew I should have started this when I was a sophomore…BE NICE! No one likes a snobby, greedy bastard, so good things will be awarded through good work. It will all work out if you are in it for the long haul.

Author guest blog:

Today we have the amazing Janette Rallison, author of Just One Wish, visiting us.

Enjoy!
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I admit that in a lot of ways my latest book, Just One Wish, is writing the story teens wish could happen—a girl goes to Hollywood to find a hot actor (Think Orlando Bloom, Robert Pattinson, or insert your own idol) to convince him to visit her sick brother before his surgery. I will not give away the plot, but I will say: romance follows.

I would have loved to do this (not the sick brother part, but the hot TV star part) when I was a teenager. I had a huge crush on Richard Hatch, the original Apollo in Battlestar Gallactica. I could wax nostalgic for quite a while about Richard Hatch, but I will spare you. Sigh . . . *Janette suddenly gets all dreamy* . . . Where was I again? Oh yes, writing the book Just One Wish.

The reviews for this book have been good, but a few of them have said in a dismissive manner, "Of course the idea that a girl could go to Hollywood, find the hot teen movie star, and have him fall for her is completely unbelievable."

Which always gives me pause for thought. Which part, I wonder is the most unbelievable--that she finds him or that he falls for her?

I actually researched this book by talking to a woman who used to be Harrison Ford's assistant. (She is now the assistant to another hot celebrity. What a cool job that would be! How come the career counselors in high school never mentioned this as a possibility?)

Did people sneak onto the sets? Oh yes. And she had some interesting stories about that too. Was it as easy as I made it sound in my book? Easier, actually. I made the main characters in my story have to work and rely on a bit of luck to get in, but that was because a) it made for a more suspenseful story and b) I didn't want to tell would be star-stalkers the easy way to sneak onto sets. It just didn't seem like I should be encouraging that sort of behavior.

Do movie stars ever fall for normal people? That we doubt this, says something about our society, don't you think? We somehow believe deep down that stars are not real people. They do not put their pants on one leg at a time, but simply stand in their room and wait for fairies to zap designer clothes onto their bodies.

I haven't done a survey but I imagine for every Brad and Angelina couple in Hollywood, there are famous people paired with normal people. For a while George Clooney's girlfriend was a woman he met when she waited on his table. Jonny Carson married a woman who he met walking on the beach--and by the way, she found out where he lived and purposely walked on the beach by his house in hopes of meeting him.

So go ahead and be cynical. I’m a romantic at heart and I think it’s all believable.

-Janette Rallison

http://www.janetterallison.com/
http://janette-rallison.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Jill for arranging this!