Today I’m happy to welcome Megan Frazer to my blog, to answer a few questions about her debut novel Secrets of Truth & Beauty. Megan is a fellow Mainer, and I have been fortunate to have had several chances to meet her in person, including attending her book launch party. I am right in the middle of reading Secrets of Truth & Beauty and enjoying it. While the book does confront important issues related to identity, perceptions of weight, family, etc. it also presents an appealing and engaging main character who I am rooting for, and is punctuated by moments of humor and beauty. I’ll post a fuller review when I’ve finished it!

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

A: The story hinges on Dara’s English project going horribly awry. It has to make her teacher worried about her and her parents angry. I can’t tell you how many times I went over the project. There was the Johnny Cash version, the John Mayer version, and who knows how many more. I think I finally got it in the end.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I have always loved the darker fairy tales, even though they scare me. Rapunzel, for example. I like the ones where there is a real danger, drama, and loves being separated from one another.

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

A: You know, this is kind of odd, but it didn’t really hit me until I saw an advertisement for Secrets of Truth & Beauty on the back of VOYA. It was like, “They’re really going to publish this!”

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Today I’m happy to welcome Cynthea Liu to my blog, to answer a few questions about her second novel Paris Pan Takes the Dare. Cynthea stopped by a few months ago to talk about her first debut novel, The Great Call of China. Yes, that’s right, she has two novels out this year! And that’s in addition to helping hundreds of other aspiring writers through her website, managing a family, AND running a hugely successful fundraiser (involving dozens of authors, agents and editors) for a school in financial need. I haven’t read Paris Pan yet, but it sounds like such a fun (and spooky) book.

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

A: The most difficult scene to write was the phone call scene involving Paris Pan, Tom’s mother, and Tom. It was soooo hard because not only did I have to deal with the dialogue of multiple characters, but I also had to deal with an interruption and an ending to that scene that involved a lot of emotion. I probably rewrote that thing a dozen times. And even now, I’m afraid to re-read it. I might find more things to fix!

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I remember loving Cinderella quite a bit as a kid. I’ve always gravitated toward stories featuring impoverished main characters who come out big in the end. I think that has a lot to do with how I felt I stood among my peers as a kid. I never got the dance lessons or the Cabbage Patch Kid (so I just called them “ugly instead), or the birthday parties thrown in my honor.

Though don’t get me wrong, my childhood was pretty darn good. (See the movie at http://www.cynthealiu.com/movie). But I do have an affinity for underdogs!

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

A: So far? The launch party for PARIS PAN called Take the Dare: Show You Care has been the highlight of my entire writing career. We raised $15,000 for a Title I school in Oklahoma. So many people came out to support the book and the cause, and I know now, that PARIS PAN has done good, and that has nothing to do with sales figures. Getting interview for the Chicago Sun-Times was also pretty cool, for sure. And when I learned that PARIS PAN was pitched to Hollywood, I kinda went into a coma of joy. All good things. But yeah, the launch party. I’ll never forget it. And btw, it’s still going on for latecomers who want to donate books or $$$ to Tulakes Elementary. Learn how to double your money at http://www.cynthealiu.com/showyoucare!

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Today I’m happy to welcome Cyn Balog to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Fairy Tale. I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy of this yet, but it is on my list, both because it involves fairies, and because the main character tells fortunes. And check out the cover! Sparkly!

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

A: Cam was really easy to write because he covers all his difficult emotions with snappy one-liners. My Irish dad is that way, too… all I had to do when it came time to insert dialogue from him is think of something my dad would say!

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I love Cinderella because I had a very similar name growing up, so people called me Cinderella. But I never did like Jack and the Beanstalk. In the versions I’ve read, it never says how the giant came upon his money. And Jack intrudes and steals money and lives happily ever after… but hello!? He’s a thief. The giant had every right to run after him and then he gets killed. Boo.

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

A: Probably having people go, “You do?” when I tell them I have a book coming out, and then acting all starry-eyed, like I am some sort of celebrity. Which I am totally not, but shhh.

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Today I’m happy to welcome Mandy Hubbard to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Prada and Prejudice.

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

A: Callie was a tough one. Over time, she morphed into a completely different character, about around drafts 4-6 she was a real mishmash of the two personalities. I had a hard time getting rid of her old traits… it was like a ghost of her former character was hanging out!

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: My favorite is probably The Little Mermaid. I still love Cinderella, but I’m more a fan of the Drew Barrymore film EVER AFTER than the disney movie– the Disney version makes Prince Charming seem flat and boring. I like the more flawed prince in EVER AFTER.

Q: EVER AFTER is one of my all-time-favorites too! So, what has been the most exciting part of selling your book(s) and getting published so far?

A: Seeing reviews of people who actually liked and/or loved my novel. It is still really strange to think that strangers everywhere will read it.

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Today I’m happy to welcome Sarah Ockler to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Twenty Boy Summer.

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

A: Frankie Perino, the main character’s best friend in Twenty Boy Summer, was the most challenging character to write. I knew that a lot of readers wouldn’t connect with or even like Frankie, because on the surface, she’s very shallow, materialistic, and bossy. But underneath all of her masks is a grieving, devastated girl who lost her brother only a year earlier and who is still struggling to be herself in the shadow of the family tragedy. I felt sad for her, knowing that I was creating someone with whom many readers wouldn’t empathize, but I had to write her honestly. It was a huge but rewarding challenge for me.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I’m not sure if it’s considered a myth or fairy tale, but I love The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I’m amazed at how Tolkien created an entire world, complete with its own rich history and mythology. Reading the trilogy, I’m transported to another time and place, as if all of these people and creatures and realms existed before us or alongside us in another world. The story itself builds on the traditional hero’s quest, but the characters and setting are so detailed and layered that I always get carried away in the story. I love books that do that!

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

A: Hearing from readers! Yes, seeing the book on the shelves has been incredibly surreal and exciting, but when I hear from a reader who really connected with the characters and struggles in Twenty Boy Summer, it’s like a reminder from the universe about why I’m writing books for teens. I mean, not that I need a reminder, because I *love* writing YA, but it’s a great feeling to know that even just one reader was touched by my book enough to send me an email or Facebook message.

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Today I’m happy to welcome Sarah Cross to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Dull Boy. I am extra-excited about this book because it’s about SUPERHEROS! As a girl who with a closet full of comic books I have been eager to get my hands on a copy of Dull Boy ever since I read the synopsis. And check out the amazing cover! Look, her name is in comic book font and everything.

I only recently picked up a copy for myself, so I’ll be coming back later with my own review after I’ve read it. But for now, here’s some tidbits from Sarah:

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

A: Action scenes are always hard to write. It’s like writing a regular scene and then doing choreography on top of it, while making sure that the action you’re describing never feels mechanical. And yet I always look forward to writing them.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I love Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” because the tin soldier falls in love with the ballerina for all the wrong reasons, and it ends badly, and I somehow find tragic toy romance really
moving. Don’t judge me.

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

A: Seeing the interior design for the first time was by far the most exciting part of the process. Oh–that and getting a Library of Congress summary for Dull Boy. I love those summaries! They’re so efficient.

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Today I’m happy to welcome Danielle Joseph to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Shrinking Violet.

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

A: It was hard to write the character, Delilah, Tere’s mother. She can be petty cut throat and I felt bad for Tere at times while writing the intense scenes with her mother.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I really liked Cinderella as a child because she did not give up and in the end she was rewarded.

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

A: I have really enjoyed the whole ride! It’s really a dream come true!

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Today I’m happy to welcome Cindy Pon to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Silver Phoenix.

But first, check out the beautiful cover! I try not to judge a book by its cover but this is definitely one of my favorites this year. Such beautiful colors! I love how it conveys the strength and determination of the main character, Ai Ling.

I have to admit that I am posting this entry a day late, and part of the reason for that is that I’m right in the middle of reading my copy of Silver Phoenix. I kept telling myself last night that I’d just read a little bit more, and then go do my posting. The Kingdom of Xia, in which the novel takes place, is a fascinating setting. One of my favorite aspects of the books is seeing just what sort of new creatures, spirits, gods, and challenges (not to mention delicious food!) I’m going to find on the next page. But I’ve finally torn myself away, so here’s Cindy to answer a few questions about her book!

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

A: one of my favorite scene takes place in a bamboo forest and it’s key to the development of my hero and well as heroine. i found that scene esp easy to write. i had written the entire novel and realized i needed this extra scene–so by that time, i knew my characters pretty well.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: i really like the little mermaid. i’m not sure why, but mermaids just fascinated me. and the whole story about the sacrifice and pain she endured for love. and the very tragic ending. it really resonated for me as a child.

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

A: seeing my jacket for the first time was surreal and really moved me. i got tears in my eyes!

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Today I’m happy to welcome J. E. MacLeod to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Waiting to Score.

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

A: I really can’t say exactly what it was, but if you’ve read the book and you are really curious, shoot me an email and I’ll tell you. It was a tough scene, but explained a lot about two important secondary characters and why they were the way they were. It moved me and was cathartic at the same time.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: Fairy tales hmm. I was raised in the days when women were still fighting for equal rights. Nowadays I don’t think teen girls have to really question their equality? I hope not. Anyhow, because of that I couldn’t stand fairy tales like Cinderella, where the heroine had to be saved by a man. Sleeping Beauty, too. I liked the show Alias, where Sydney was a bad ass who could look after herself, but still had a soft feminine side and wanted to be in love. Not a fairy tale, but oh well. I always did have trouble with some rules.

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

A: The most exciting part of getting published so far (and keep in mind while I’m answering this my book isn’t on the shelves yet, or even reviewed very widely) has been validation. It’s so difficult to judge your own writing and when someone else in this big subjective world says, hey….I like this story and I want other people to read it too… WOW. Just wow. I know not everyone will like it, but I really hope it speaks to some teens out there.

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Today I’m happy to welcome Cheryl Renee Herbsman to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Breathing.

I had the chance to read an ARC of this book a few weeks ago. Here’s what I said on goodreads:

I have to admit I roll my eyes a little at the depictions in a lot of books and movies of two teens finding each other and acting as if they are soul-mates destined to be together forever. But there’s another part of me that desperately wants to believe that it’s possible. And BREATHING makes me believe. From the initial wild crush to the deepening connection, to the doubts and jealousies and abiding love, this book captured my heart and pulled me in to Savannah and Jackson’s world.

I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to believe that love can be true at any age, even if it is tested.

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

A: Savannah was the easiest character I’ve ever written. I’m not sure why, but her voice just came into my head and told me exactly what to write.

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I love the Baba Yaga tales and wrote a fantasy/fairy tale based on it that hasn’t been published.

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

A: So many: getting an agent, getting offers, accepting an offer, working with my editor, seeing the cover, seeing the ARC, getting to know other debut authors, getting to know readers… and on it goes!

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