Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Saenz

Weirdly enough I checked this book out from the library about the same time that someone randomly bought the book for me on reddit. I was meant to read this book, I guess.

Aristotle and Dante, is about two young teens who are best friends, one of whom happens to be gay. It's up to the two boys to figure out what their friendship means and at what cost.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. I enjoyed how the two young men really progressed as characters and you watched them grow. Each character had their own voice, there wasn't a moment when I questioned who was currently talking.

The pace of the novel was a little off to me, I'd been reading the books for a few months now when normally I would finish a book like this in a few days. Though, with that being said--I still suggest you check this book out. It had something that many books don't. It felt real, and while sometimes reality isn't always the most interesting, it's important.

Purchase
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication: April 2014

Review: Teeth - Hannah Moskowitz

I don't know where to start this review. I first purchased a Hannah Moskowitz novel at my event, The Teen Author Carnival. I had very little money that year and told her I needed to read Gone, Gone, Gone and it was in fact the only book I bought that whole trip to New York. I feel in love with Hannah's work and am glad that I decided to pick up Teeth.

What does a book about mermaids offer the young adult community? I was hesitant to pick up this book, not because I doubted the writing. I doubted anyone could make mermaids interesting. Many have tried, many have failed.

What makes Hannah's mermaid different then the other books? It's raw, in your face. After reading this I'm pretty sure Hannah could write a book about a magical piece of poop and I'd love it. There's something that Moskowitz has mastered that many have yet to learn.

She digs deep into herself to tell this story, a story unlike anything I've ever read from her. The story is so compelling and when you get down to the raw facts, it's about a boy, his sick brother and a fish boy. This is THE mermaid book the young adult genre has been waiting for. To put it simple it's fucking brilliant and I suggest you move it to the top of your reading piles if you haven't read it yet.

Purchase

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication: January 2013

Review: Six Earlier Days - David Levithan

I read Every Day by David Levithan and fell in love with the character known as A. It was one of the few books to ever make me cry, so naturally I had to get my hands on Six Earlier Days.

Six Earlier Days is the perfect companion to David Levithan's novel Every Day. You're quickly sucked into the life of A on page one, once more. It was nice to jump around, sometimes several years at a time in A's time line to see how A has grown to be the spirit it is today.

The first few stories were slightly jagged but I quickly fell into accepting A once more as I got deeper into the story. I bow to David for crafting together the life of A and giving his readers a little something more to help understand A.

Purchase

eBook: 47 pages
Published: November 26th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Love Is The Higher Law - David Levithan

Book Rating: 5/5

I've got to ask all of my readers to try to work with me and understand that this is not a traditional post--I'm going to speak from the heart about this book.

I've never read anything by David, when I was in New York in May for Book Expo America I purchased Boy Meets Boy--but have yet to read it.

I was given a copy of Love is the Higher Law by a friend, at an event that I hosted in New York. She told me that the book was amazing, I wish that I had the chance to speed read through the book and understand what she meant at that time. I wish I had a chance to give her--a real new yorker--a hug.

I'm not going to lie, this is the first book by David that I have read. While it is not the best book I have ever read, I kept noting that I could not find the plot of the story. The truth is how can there be a plot in something like September 11th, 2001.

The people in New York were just left to gather their pieces and to protect their family. That is what this book is about. Three very real teens collecting the pieces of their life and trying to put it all back together again.

This book didn't make me cry, but this book did pull me into New York for the short time that was September 11th 2001. The time that I, a teen from Michigan only witnessed on television. The last pieces of this book spoke to me, in which a comment was made that the president was not there---he did not feel the true pain that the city felt.

As I was reviewing this book I said a few comments about this book. One mistake I made was saying to a friend that this book was plotless. The plot is there, I just didn't open my heart in time to see it.

David is an amazing writer and after reading this book, knowing that he is from New York, I feel that he can overcome anything.

Becoming Chloe - Catherine Ryan Hyde

BECOMING CHLOE

CATHERINE RYAN HYDE
RATING: 4.5/5

This is a powerful book.

Becoming Chloe opens with Jordy a gay homeless teen prostitute, witnessing a rape taking place. Jordy rescues the young girl--the book focuses on the building friendship of the two. Jordy sets out to show Chloe that not everything in the world is bad--the two go on a road trip to see the beautiful things of the world. Of course not everything is as easy as it sounds, the two find themselves in some crazy (sometimes terrifying) situations.

By reading the book you can tell that Hyde knows her characters well--giving hints of their pasts. Just enough to keep the reader satisfied but not to give everything away. I hardly spend one day reading a review book--but I could not put this book down once I got past the first three chapters.

The book is raw and true and you can easily connect with the characters and their mission regardless who you are. If you are looking for an amazing quick read this book is for you!

I would add this book to my "Books To Read Before You Die List"--If I had one*.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 rating!

Interview #10 J. M. Warwick

I recently had time to chat with J M Warwick author of A Season Of Eden!

Where did the idea of the book come from?
Girls having crushes on their teachers is nearly as old as sin itself. In fact, I don't know many girls who didn't have a crush on a teacher at one point in their schooling career! I did. But he was waaay old and more fatherly than a hottie like James Christian.

How long did it take you to complete the book?
About 3 months to write, another 3 to edit.

How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?
About 2 years. But, as you know, I am indie pubbed. The concept of the cover, the book trailer and all was my idea. I LOVE the cover. LOVE the back, with the piano keys. I really like publishing my own stuff because I can keep control over the creative aspect.

Did you listen to music when writing this book?
Totally. Eden's soundtrack is moody, dark and sexy. I only wish I'd found CHANCES by Athletes earlier. That song pretty much embodies A SEASON OF EDEN.

Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?
Read a lot and find good critique partners. Good critique partners are as essential as a good marriage partner. :)


What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?
Next project is another YA project: OVERPROTECTED, about a girl whose father goes to obsessive lengths to keep her safe.

Thanks for taking time out to talk to us!
Purchase A Season of Eden, here!

Bones of Faerie - Janni Lee Simner

What would you do if the word as you know it took one giant step backwards?

That's what happened in Bones of Faerie. The war between humans and Faerie devastated both sides. Remains from 'before' are small trinkets that contain names like Disney World—things that no longer exist.

Survivors, trinkets and of course Faerie magic are all that remain on the earth. Magic is seen as a horrible burden and in Liza's village everyone who is believed to have magic is killed—to keep the others in the village safe.

Liza has something that happens to her that makes her believe that she may have magical abilities—to see not only into the future but into the past as well. To save her life she flees from the village—an is thrown into a page turning adventure.

Simner has added her name to the list of amazing YA Fantasy authors. Bones of Faerie had me hooked from the first chapter. You can definitely tell when an author feels passion for a book that they have written, not only did I feel the passion but you can find traces of her research as well. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good YA Fantasy!

Back of the book;

Magic was never meant for our world, Father said, and of course I'd agreed, though the War had ended and the faerie fold returned to their own places before I was born. We knew the rules. Don't touch any stone that glows with faerie light. Don't venture out alone into the dark. And cast out the magic born among you, before it can turn on its parents.

Towns had died for not understanding that much. But the memory of my sister's bones, cracked and bloody in the moonlight, haunts me still.

_______________
Buy Bones of Faerie here.
Visit Janni Lee Simner's website here.

Epoch - Timothy Carter

Vincent is your normal teenage.

The world he lives in however is anything but normal.

The end of the world is looming and it is Vincents job to save it with the help from his friends—old and new. His church however has two goals in mind for each member—Save every persons soul and to boycott boy wizard movies.

Can Vincent save the world before it is too late?

I really enjoyed this book.

I did not think I would considering the context.

The book is full of magical creatures which really caught my attention and as the book went on you really had a chance to get to know Vincent. Personal struggles and all.

From The Back Of The Book:

The Alphega Corporation

MEMO

TO: All senior managers

FROM: Pharley Seamore Edwards, CEO

RE: The end of the world as you know it

There have been some changes to the format of the apocalypse.

1. There will be no horsemen, not even one. Just demons-hungry ones-with lots of teeth.

2. Trumpeting angels are out. We've had some reports of pixies and elves, but those should be cleared up soon; see point 1, especially the part about the teeth.

3. Rivers of blood and hellfire are canceled due to environmental concerns. There will, however, be some seriously bad weather, though that will be the least of your concerns (see point 1).

4. Rumors about the faithful being spared at the last minute are just that: rumors. Don't hold your breath. That is all Have a nice death.

Buy the book by clicking here.
View Timothy's blog here.

Interview #9 - A. W. Gryphon

Interview with A. W. Gryphon, Author of Blood Moon! Read our Blood Moon interview, here!


Where did the idea for Blood Moon come from?

That is a wonderful question. Many people ask this and I always find myself with a somewhat different answer because, quiet honestly, I don’t know. I’ve always been drawn to mysterious lore, powerful women, suspense and the supernatural. I think it was inevitable that I’d write a mystery driven suspense with a powerful female witch leading the way, but I’m not exactly sure how I’ve arrived here.

What is a typical day in your shoes?

A typical day in my shoes is very exciting. I’m a morning person so I’m up at the crack of dawn. I love that. I like being awake and alone with the earth while everything is still and people are in bed. I have my coffee and breakfast, work for a couple of hours, hit the gym with my trainer or a Pilates Plus class, then I’m back to writing until somewhere between noon and 2pm. At that point, unless I’m really on a role, I’m done writing for the day.

I take care of any business matters and personal ods and ins, I usually stop for tea at three – sometimes with a colleague, usually with Oprah, then I might see a movie or take a little time with a good book… unless Bones is on. That’s my favorite show. Everything stops for Bones. And that’s it. I’m generally in bed early so I can get up and start all over again the next day.


What are your writing habits, daily goals, etc.?

Every day that I write something down or simmer ideas in my head is a great day. My goals are really to keep my life in order enough to let me come in out of my writing flow without too many interruptions. That being said, I don’t put any pressure on myself. When I’m really cooking I write like crazy so it’s okay when all I’m doing is thinking about and absorbing an idea without putting it on paper.


How long did it take you from the point you started writing to the point of getting the book published?

I can’t remember exactly. I think it took about three years, more than half of which was wasted on waiting for someone else to do something for me. That was a big lesson.


What has been your least favorite part of the process?

I don’t have a least favorite part! It’s all fabulous!


Do you listen to music while you write?

Yes and no. I need total quiet while I’m typing, but I need a soundtrack for inspiration while during the writing process. I’ll play it in the car, while I’m having my coffee, when I’m taking a break or when I’m looking for a kick start. I usually have a few artists that really become all that I listen to over the course of getting a project completed. Right now I’m listening to Melissa Etheridge, Gaven Rossdale and Enya, and I can’t get enough of them.


Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write, write, write and always listen to your heart. It’s all up to you and if you want it, you can have it.


What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?


I’m continuing with the Witches Moon Series. You will see Amelia continue on from where we left her at the end of Blood Moon, with a whole new story. I’m working on book three. I’m not exactly sure when book two will be out, but believe me, we’ll make sure everyone knows!


THANKS FOR TAKING TIME OUT TO CHAT WITH US A. W. GRYPHON!
You can check out her website here, and you can buy Blood Moon here!

Carrie Jones - Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape)

Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape)
Carrie Jones

Jones does it again, bringing back the beloved cast of characters. This time around Belle has found her true love, however she is having trouble accepting that Tom is not Dylan (her gay ex-boyfriend). The men in her life have left her Dylan has a boyfriend now and her Father passed away in war.

Belle must learn to deal with her issues; as well as the issues around her and realize that she is not the only person in the world with problems, she needs to trust the people around her and most of all she need to learn how to trust herself.

Jones only proves again that 'real life issue' books are alive and and doing well. Teens can easily relate to the problems in the book—which is the key to success.

-------
You can buy LOVE here.

You can check out Carrie's website here.

A.W. Gryphon - Blood Moon

BLOOD MOON
A. W. Gryphon

All of her life Amelia was told she was the same—not different from anyone else. What was the past would stay her past, and she would go on to live her happy normal life. That is until a letter from her fathers death bed would unravel everything she knew to be true.

Amelia is thrown into her past, what she has been trying to avoid all of her life. Now she is in a battle of good and evil—only if she can find out the difference between what she wants and what will be best for witches all over the world.

Gryphon has woven a believable tale of witchcraft set in a modern time that will be sure to please Holly Black & J.K. Rowling readers alike. This book had me hooked—I avoided sleep to see what turns the book would take next. It is a must read for all fantasy lovers!

You can buy the book Blood Moon here.

Kristi Collier - Jericho Walls

Jericho Walls
Kristi Collier

Jericho Walls is an amazing new book written by Kristi Collier. The book follows the life of a young girl named Jo, who moves from town to town with her Pastor father-on top of everything her mother is not making her life easy-he walks has been talking to the ‘black folk’.

Can Jo look past the racism that fuels the town, or will she fall into the mix of hate for each other? This book is for everyone who has attempted to read To Kill A Mockingbird and could never finish it, as well as for everyone who has read the book and loved it!

Collier locks your mind away in her writing time machine, and makes you feel the fear, love, hate of each of the characters, I loved the book and will not be surprised if it becomes required reading right beside Mockingbird.

Interview #8 With Patrick H. T. Doyle!

Q: Where did the idea of your book come from?
A: For “Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt, “In the lair forgotten bears” and Next Rest Stop Earth” the ideas came from asking “What if...” The nugget of a idea can come from anywhere. Edgar came from a dream one night, Forgotten Bears came when I found my old teddy bear in a box in the attic and Rest Stop came from my love of the paranormal. Never stop asking questions—even if you think you have the answer. That’s what I love about the paranormal, we don’t have the answers. Perfect! Let your imagination roll.

Q: What is a typical day in your shoes?
A: There is no typical day. Some mornings it just takes a pot of coffee and I’ll write nonstop for hours. Other days I’ll stare at the last line I typed and only be able to think about unpayed bills and the people I need to call.

Q: What are your writing habits (daily goals… etc)?
A: I give myself weekly goals (write a chapter, finish 15 illustrations, call these reviewers, etc.). Some days I don’t even want to write a word, but I’ve gotten into the habit of doing at least one thing per day that gets me closer to my dream. This could be something as simple as writing a blog or talking to a local bookseller.

Q: How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?
A: It took me almost three years to write the first Edgar Font book. Two years was simply developing the characters and tone. If you don’t have these two things, hold off on sending letters to agents or publishers. I didn’t send a letter or email until I knew for certain my idea was unique and I was able to talk about the characters and story as if they were as real as life. All-in-all, expect to work harder than you’ve ever worked before for at least five years. Some days (even weeks) will drive you to tears, but just hold on tight to your dream and picture yourself walking into a bookstore and seeing your work on the shelf. It’s friggin’ awesome!

Q: What was your favorite part & least favorite part?
A: My favorite part is hearing from people who enjoy my stories—especially kids. Good reviews put me in a good mood for a week (hint-hint) and let me know that all those years weren’t wasted. My least favorite (thinking... thinking...) I really don’t know, because even on the worst day, I at least know I’m working towards my dream.

Q: Do you listen to music while you write?
A: Sometimes, but it has to be something without words, because after a while I’ll find myself singing along and nobody wants to hear that. So I stick to either instrumental jazz, blues, or classical. Soundtracks to movies and stageplays are also good, but I have to make sure the score matches the scene I’m writing. I can’t have Grandpa Edgar battling an evil spirit during a makeout song—wrong on so many levels.

Q: Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?
A: CHARACTERS. Get to know your characters. Make them as real as you, your parents, your boss, and the bagger at the grocery store. If you’re not hearing their voice in your head when you’re typing out their dialog they will be one dimensional and booooooring! I like to insert the personalities of people I’ve met in my life. Larry Hammonds, in Adventure Two of the Edgar Font series, is actually my art teacher from high school. I didn’t even change his name. So just remember—characters make the story, not the other way around.

Q: What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?
A: I’m staring at four projects right now. The next one you’ll see on the shelf is “The Flint Island Treehouse,” the third adventure in the Edgar Font series. It will be available in July. Later in the year I’m hoping to have “In the lair of Forgotten bears” out. It’s a children’s picture book for ages 4-8 (forgottenbears.com). After that is another picture book (Title still in the works) and a Sci-Fi Fantasy based on a screenplay I wrote in 2005 entitled “Next Rest Stop Earth.” If you’d like to receive updates on everything I’ve got going on or have any questions for me, find me on myspace (myspace.com/patrickhtdoyle) or goodreads (search “Patrick H.T. Doyle”).

THANKS FOR TAKING TIME TO CHAT WITH US PATRICK! =)

Patrick H. T. Doyle - Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt (Adventure One)

Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt

Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse

By: Patrick H. T. Doyle

Not many of us know daring adventurers that live a retirement community. That is until you meet Edgar Font! Join Edgar Font and his two grandchildren (Audrey & Garrett Font), in his search for a house to haunt.

Edgar Font is a curious man, who in his time of age feels the need to find a house to haunt, no one can object to that—who would want to haunt a retirement community? We travel to a lighthouse, which seems to have a horrible dark past.

Can the Font’s work together to figure out what horrid secrets the lighthouse holds, and better yet can they work together to fix the past. We are guided through the book with wonderful artwork, writings, puzzles and plots-this is a nail bitter, you feel that you are truly a Font yourself!

Mature readers have a new series to latch onto, and follow it until the end. Doyle’s artwork and writing combines to create an amazing plot, this novel is truly a wonderful read that anyone of any age will enjoy!

You can buy the book on: AMAZON.COM And the adventure continues at EdgarFont.com!!

Interview #7 with J M Warwick!!

Where did the idea of your book come from?
An Open Vein stewed in my head for years. The idea of a revenge taking over someone to the point where they truly lost reality intruiged me. And I loved the idea of a love triangle with a child in the middle, both the imagery and the possibilities were very cool to me.

What is a typical day in your shoes?
I have 6 children, ages 11-22 who all live at home. So I get everyone on their way then start writing. I write from 9-5 every day that I can.

What are your writing habits (daily goals… ect)?
No goals. Just concentrated writing. With a few jumps from the computer to keep the blood flowing and my rear-end from spreading.

How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?
3 years.

What was your favorite part & least favorite part?
I loved it all. Being an indie author, I got to create my own cover image -- which I think is one of the strongest covers I've EVER seen. Who says authors can't decide their own covers? Who knows better what the story is about, right? I also loved finding the syringe pens I give out when I sell a book, or just give out for promo purposes. The pens are linked to the story and they have the website on them: www.anopenvein.com

Do you listen to music while you write?
Definitely. Coldplay and Keene for An Open Vein

Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?
The subjectivity of the business can kill you, so do your own thing.

What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?
I have a bunch of other YA books in the works but none will ever be as edgy as An Open Vein. You can find my other works at www.katherinewarwick.com

Faerie Drink would like to thank J. M. Warwick for taking time out of the day to speak to us!

J. M. Warwick - An Open Vein

J. M. Warwick
An Open Vein

Every one of us has someone important in our lives. Someone we say we would trust, but what if in all actuality the person may have another agenda, rather then trust. What if the information in one folder could change your life in an instant? That is exactly what has happened to John.

John is what some would call an overachiever. Preparing for his first year of college, while being torn between two, one his father would like him to attended, and one his father’s best friend would like him to attend.

Kane (John’s Fathers best friend) has always been there for John, birthday parties, Christmas and sporting events. He became part of family, so close to the family John did not think twice when Kane asked him to visit, when he moved to New York.

At first everything is fine, that is until John finds a folder. A folder that would change his life forever and pushes Kane into an erratic behavior –wanting to bond, treating his ‘new patient’. That’s not even the beginning—John’s life is being threatened—in the worst ways possible.

J. M. Warwick has defiantly weaved a very believable cast of characters that will keep you in your chair for hours waiting to see what will happen next. As dark as the novel may be, it can hit home in many aspects. I know I look forward to see what else Warwick has up her sleeve!

--------------------------------------------

Buy:

You can find An Open Vein on Amazon.

Judy Gregerson - Bad Girls Club

Bad Girls Club
By: Judy Gregerson

Every family has a member who has a problem. It could be addiction, theft, or even a mental illness. It pains us to see the roads that they have to go down in there life. We want to help, even if we do not understand that there problem is hurting us worse then it is hurting them.

Des is your normal teenager, but she has a mother with a mental illness. She is left with two choices in her life to reach outside the family and ask for help possibly tearing her family apart forever or trying to help her mother through the tough times and ‘not think about herself’.

Gregerson creates a very believable set of characters, you start to care for the characters as if they are your family making you feel like you need to help piece the story together. As I have said before real life books have been having a big boom and Gregerson’s name will surely be added to the best of list.

Buy:

You can find Bad Girls Club on Amazon.

On The Web:

http://www.JudyGregerson.com

Interview #2 Carrie Jones

I have had a chance to interview Carrie Jones, the author of Tips On Having A Gay (ex) Boyfriend.

Where did the idea of your book come from?

I’d heard about a girl who’d been harassed because her boyfriend broke up with her and simultaneously came out. That seemed so wrong to me that I wanted to figure out how something like that could happen. I mean, obviously it’s wrong to get harassed for being gay, or having seizures, or because of your race or gender. Still, getting harassed for someone else being gay? It made no sense. So I started writing.
Plus, um, well… Yeah, I’ve had a few gay exboyfriends.

What is a typical day in your shoes?

It begins with a cry of pain as the feet cram inside them.
“No,” they beg. “Please… Please… wear the running shoes today. How about the flip-flops? You haven’t worn the flip-flops for awhile.”
“Will you be quiet,” grumps back the little toe. “This is your destiny.”
“To be walked on? To contain a foot? Oh… No… It can’t be true. Why must I bear all the weight of Carrie Jones? Why could I not have been born a glove? Or a hat? Even, gasp, underwear would be better than this.”
“Will you shut up? She’s not even walking right now.”
The whining and bickering continues unabated until dinner time when the shoes are released from their tortuous existence.

What are your writing habits (daily goals… ect)?

I write every weekday. I write in the morning. I try to write at least 500 words on each project every day. That word count gets all messed up when I’m revising. And I make lists on the computer so I can feel like I’ve actually accomplished something and I check things off on them.

So, it’ll look like this:

Weird Book: 18 (4,062) 21 (4,718) 23 (5,156) 25 (5,564) 30 (6,576) 33 (7,127) 36 (7,915) 40 (8,709) 45 49 (10,551) 52 (11,254) 55 (11,829) 56 (12,153) 60 (13, 249) 66 (14,130) 70 (15,227) (Goal for week) (16,906) Goal:85 17,398 19,153 20,436

So every time I stop I put in the page I’ve stopped on and the word count. Then I bold the page number every Monday so I can have a week by week process. It seems weird, but if I don’t do it I feel like I’m getting nothing done. Yes, I do it for each thing I'm working on.


How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?

I wrote it in November, then I didn’t look at it. I submitted it in the winter some time. It was accepted off the slush pile, which was ultra-cool. It was on shelves the next year in May. So, it took about 18 months from the first word to the first bookstore appearance.

What was your favorite part & least favorite part?

I get really frightened about reviews and the fact that my dad thinks that the main character in the book is me and he keeps saying things like, “Carrie. I never realized you were so sexual.”
And I keep saying, “Dad. Dude, it’s not me.”
And he keeps saying, “Yep. Right. I didn’t know you had sex with Joe in high school.”
And I’m all, “Dad. It is FICTION! Fiction! And I’m so not telling you if I had sex in high school.”

That’s pretty bad.

My favorite part is when people write to my about the book. I got the BEST letter from this person who said she never reads past 50 pages in books but she read all of TIPS and she did it in two days. I pretty much jumped around the kitchen for two minutes when that happened.

Oh! And the other cool thing was when I went into Borders to see my book for the first time and there was a girl there and she ACTUALLY PICKED IT UP and then she bought it! I almost died. I leaped around the YA fantasy aisle silently screaming and pumping my first in the air. Security made me leave shortly afterwards.

Do you listen to music while you write?

I do an M.T. Anderson and listen before I write because I don’t want to think that all the emotion in the music is the emotion in the writing. I get confused that way. Plus, sometimes I start singing along.

Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?

The only way I’ve ever managed to get out the first drafts of things is by saying, “It’s okay to be mediocre.”

I think when we write that first draft we expect it to be perfect. We expect ourselves to be perfect and that’s a heck of a lot of pressure. Once you give yourself the ability to suck, to say it’s an experiment, life becomes a whole lot easier.

Revision is the time for perfectionism and pressure, not first drafts.

What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?

The next book is a nonfiction picture book about this major league baseball player who was also a spy in World War II. That’s coming out in January 2008. The next young adult novel is LOVE AND OTHER USES FOR DUCT TAPE, which is a sequel to TIPS. It comes out in March 2008. Another YA will come out in July 2008 and then… Who knows?
Thank you so much for interviewing me. It was really fun. Plus, Holly Black is amazing. So being interviewed by one of her big-time fans is super cool. I’m honored! Thanks.

Carrie Jones - Tips on Having A Gay (ex) Boyfriend

Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend

By: Carrie Jones

Belle is your normal high school girl. She has a wonderful boyfriend, great friends and the jocks always have a go at her. That is until the perfect boyfriend tells Belle he is gay.

Bell has to cope with the whole school finding out, and look back at her life with Dylan. Was she the only one who did not realize he was gay? As much as she wants to hate him she loves him even more. Living in a small town can be horrible if you are gay, can Belle save Dylan before it is too Late?

Jones weaves a believable cast of characters, which allows the reader to easily connect to the book. Fantasy used to be the major reading craze. Jones is breaking that tradition with this well written novel. Teens alike will gobble up this real life issue book.

******

Buy:

You can find Tips on Having A Gay (ex) Boyfriend on Amazon.

On The Web:

http://www.carriejonesbooks.com/

Jo Knowles - Lessons From A Dead Girl

Have you ever had to keep a secret? One that you would not know the outcome of--what if they laugh--its my fault--what if I get in trouble--what is they get in trouble? Laine is faced just with that issue. Leah (Laine’s “BFF”) has a new idea one day to ‘practice’ things that they will do when they get older.

As time grows on the ‘practicing’ continues--and the secret is kept. Laine must decided for herself if she is going to tell the secret or hold in it forever and will she ever forgive Leah.

I must admit when I received this book I was very skeptical about the content. However the book was rather addicting--The fact that Knowles tells all parts of the story and not just the main characters truths is satisfying. Children are abused every day by adults, and you always hear of that but when a child abuses another it is swept under the radar.

Knowles gets the points out and tells the story of a young girl in the situation of child / child abuse. Not only is Laine the only one being effected in the book. Knowles tells the story of the unheard child.

******

Buy:

You can find Lessons From A Dead Girl on Amazon.

On The Web:

www.joknowles.com