Today I’m happy to welcome Leigh Brescia to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel One Wish.

I’m particularly excited about this book (which I haven’t had a chance to read yet, but hope to soon) is that it tackles a subject I find very important: body image, and the pressure on young people (especially girls) to be insanely thin. Kudos to Leigh for writing about this topic!

On a related note: if you are interested in body image issues in YA/MG books be sure to also check out the My Favorite Author Blog where they’re spending a whole week talking about fiction related to body image.

Q: Tell us about a scene or character from your novel that was especially easy (or especially difficult) to write.

A: I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but there is a scene towards the very end that my editor wanted added. I was reluctant at first because it changed the entire ending. When I started writing, though, I was surprised at how natural it turned out. It’s almost like it was meant to be that way the entire time. Editors are *really* smart.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why?

A: I think my favorite myth (recently refuted, because they found her remains) surrounded the disappearance of Anastasia Romanov. So many people believed she was still alive and waiting to re-claim the Russian throne (or were pretending to be her). It’s more modern, but I like it.

The original fairytales were pretty gory. I’ve read some of them. Ew. I’ll take the Disney versions, thank you. I liked Beauty and the Beast: Belle was pretty AND smart AND she could sing . . . and because she looked on the inside she inherited a hot prince and a huge castle with a two-story library. I mean, really: Where do I sign up?

Q: What has been the most exciting part of selling your book(s) and getting published so far?

A: The most exciting part so far was when my ARCs arrived, because it finally looked like a *real* book.

About One Wish
Overweight Wrenn Scott desperately wants to be popular and snag a hot boyfriend. Her amazing voice (for once) overshadows her weight when she lands a lead role in the high school musical. Pushing to get thinner by opening night, Wrenn’s waistline shrinks as she learns all the wrong ways to lose weight from a new “it-girl” friend in the show. By opening night, the old Wrenn has almost disappeared. After a crisis reveals her weight-loss tricks, Wrenn realizes there are much more important things than being thin, popular, or even dating a hunk.

About Leigh Brescia

Leigh Brescia grew up in North Carolina, spending most of her days playing in the woods behind her home and imagining she was a princess. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Communication from Mount Olive College and her Master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches online English composition courses for three universities, and an online “Writing Novels for Young Adults” course for UC Irvine.

When she’s not grading papers or writing, she enjoys reading and watching movies. She sings when she’s in a good mood and has killed every plant she’s ever owned. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and her three-year-old.

You can visit Leigh at her website.

One Wish is available now! I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore!

Tags: debs blog tour