WILL'S STORY by Jaye Robin Brown - Interview and Giveaway

WILL'S STORY, the companion novella to NO PLACE TO FALL, by Jaye Robin Brown is available now! I had an opportunity to meet Jaye on her book tour last year and she mentioned a banjo playing heartthrob, she sold me on her book. That banjo player is Will and now we get to learn his side of the story! 

Today I am pleased to host JRo (as she is called by her friends) for the WILL'S STORY Tour.

Check out the Q&A and then enter to win JRo's books!

We have 2 tour wide giveaways - one US only and one international!  

Welcome JRo!

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

As a little child, I loved the classics MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS and Tasha Tudor's CORGIVILLE FAIR. Both had these wonderfully detailed illustrations that really transported you into another world and I would spend hours poring over the pictures. I knew (and still know) those stories by heart. Some of the books I read in school that I remember making an impact on me were WATERSHIP DOWN, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and THE SCARLET LETTER. They carry a common thread of injustice and man against a bigger humanity machine. I think high school was when I really started to grasp that fiction could teach you as much about life as non-fiction. 

As a writer for young adults, I tend to be inspired by smart dialogue and stories that make me cry or swoon. Some of the writers I think do it best are Jandy Nelson, Emery Lord, Laini Taylor, Nina LaCour, though there are many others and I could be listing here all day.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Find the heart of your story. 

Writers love the written word, and as a result we (or maybe it's me I'm talking about) can easily spin into a new direction, a side plot, a character, that isn't really necessary for the trajectory of the tale you're telling. I'm a pantser so I often don't know all of the themes in my novel until I'm finished with a 2nd or 3rd draft. But, once I've figured that out, and figured out the essence of what I'm trying to say, it's important to make sure the entire novel flows in that direction.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Be kind to yourself. The novels you're grabbing off the shelves at the library have been through many, many, many revision rounds, at least three with a professional editor and copyeditor. Don't compare.

Also remember, your path is your path. It may seem like everyone around you has found a perfect CP or landed an agent or sold a book after a week on submission, but it's not that way. They've hit their own roadblocks and hurdles you can't see on social media. So if you find yourself getting scritchy that things aren't happening fast enough or that you'll never reach your goals, take a step back and make it all about the writing again. Focus on your words and your story and let the rest fall away.

Have interests outside of writing. Writers need to live to be able to bring words and insight to the page. As introverted as we are, it's important to get out there to see how the world interacts and moves and flows so we can bring our perceptions to the page. That's your voice!

Tell me 5 things about yourself.

These questions are always so hard. I find myself thinking, "Do they want funny things? Do they want biographical things? Bookish things? Out of all the things in all of the universe I can only pick five. They better be fantastic." Gah. I've paralyzed myself. Okay. Here we go. I'm going with things I've never told in an interview before.

1. I've never been able to do a cartwheel. Ever.

2. I have a signed copy of To Kill A Mockingbird. It's a 20th or 25th anniversary edition. My uncle got it for me when he went to Harper Lee's hometown for the event. 

3. I've worked at two bookstores in my life. One was an antiquarian bookstore in Atlanta, and Whoopi Goldberg came in with her publicist one night. We closed the shop for her and I ran her credit card for her purchase of a first edition Uncle Remus book. She's tiny and very nice. The other store was also in Atlanta, a large independent bookstore now closed, and I worked in the coffee shop. I loved people watching at that job and got my first insight into what it's like as both a superstar author at a signing (Anne Rice - line wrapped all through the store) or a relative unknown (sad little trickle of book buyers). I feel like it prepared me for the latter ;) and gave me something to aspire to in the former!

4. I'm an obsessive list maker. You'll find scrawled lists that say things like, "Hardware, Bank, Write, Dogs, Elizabeth, Phone" all over my house and desk at work. Occasionally one of the items will be marked through or have a check mark next to it. I don't trust my brain to keep my schedule!

5. I drive a Mercedes. Granted, it's 15 years old, but man do I love my car. It's 4 wheel drive and a station wagon that can hold about 10 bags of horse feed. I got it after saying goodbye to my 22 year old Toyota Camry (which was still driving fine!). That's one of my main pieces of advice to my students upon graduation. Never waste your money on a new car. You can buy a great car for cheap if you're willing to find one at least 10 years old.

No Place to Fall 

by Jaye Robin Brown

Published December 9th 2014 by HarperTeen

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Summary: Amber Vaughn is a good girl. She sings solos at church, babysits her nephew after school, and spends every Friday night hanging out at her best friend Devon’s house. It’s only when Amber goes exploring in the woods near her home, singing camp songs with the hikers she meets on the Appalachian Trail, that she feels free—and when the bigger world feels just a little bit more in reach.

When Amber learns about an audition at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she decides that her dream—to sing on bigger stages—could also be her ticket to a new life. Devon’s older (and unavailable) brother, Will, helps Amber prepare for her one chance to try out for the hypercompetitive arts school. But the more time Will and Amber spend together, the more complicated their relationship becomes . . . and Amber starts to wonder if she’s such a good girl, after all.

Then, in an afternoon, the bottom drops out of her family’s world—and Amber is faced with an impossible choice between her promise as an artist and the people she loves. Amber always thought she knew what a good girl would do. But between “right” and “wrong,” there’s a whole world of possibilities.

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Will's Story: A No Place to Fall Novella 

by Jaye Robin Brown

Published April 5th 2016 by Epic Reads Impulse

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Summary: Will McKinney is a bad boy. At least, he used to be. After nearly getting arrested for some poor decisions involving prescription drugs, Will has been trying to turn over a new leaf. Well, it’s that or suffer the wrath of his father, the judge. Will's starting to get his life in Sevenmile, North Carolina, in order. He’s applying to colleges. He's dating the most popular girl at school. And he recently discovered a love of playing the banjo and performing in front of a crowd. But it's that same love of music that draws him to Amber Vaughn, his younger teenage brother's best friend. Now Will finds himself wondering if he just might really be a bad guy because even though he's got a girlfriend, he can't stop thinking about Amber.

Will’s Story is a companion novella to Jaye Robin Brown's young adult debut, No Place to Fall, and perfect for fans of her novel and newcomers alike.

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About the Author
Jaye Robin Brown, or Jro to her friends, lives and writes in the mountains north of Asheville, North Carolina. She's in awe of magic and beauty, and is a stalwart champion for the underdog, both human and other. When she's not writing, you can find her in the art room of the high school where she teaches, or on her small farm hanging out with her dogs, cats, and horses.

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OUTSPOKEN by Lora Richardson: Author Interview and Giveaway

Today Lora Richardson is here to share her debut novel OUTSPOKEN which released earlier this year. I've asked Lora to share some thoughts on writing, her love of books, and a little bit about herself. After the interview, enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of OUTSPOKEN.

Welcome Lora!!

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading and writing?

I have always loved books that turn me into an emotional mess. The first book that made me cry was Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, which I read when I was in third grade. In high school, I devoured a lot of Anne Tyler’s books. Though they aren’t the kind of books that make me cry, I definitely find her an inspiring and authentic story-teller who is wonderful at creating characters who feel real. A couple of recent books I love are Making Faces by Amy Harmon and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. When I want to read a passionate romance, I reach for anything by Mia Sheridan. I have also fallen in love with two historical fiction series: The Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons, and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Both are highly emotional and full of adventure.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

There are two things I’ve been told that resonate with me, and I try to reflect on them both when I sit down to write. The first one is that a writer should write as though she is her only audience; that I should write what I would want to read. The second piece of advice I have found helpful, is that the real story emerges in later drafts. This quote from Shannon Hale describes vividly what I mean: “I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” I’ve learned that I change so much from the first draft to the final product, that now I don’t worry so much when I am first putting words on the page. I can, and probably will, change it all later anyway. So as much as I can, I write freely and without fear.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I don’t know that I’m qualified to give any advice, as I am a very new writer myself. I did learn some things in the time it took me to write Outspoken that work for me personally. When creating a first draft, I find it very effective to commit to sitting down and writing at least 1,000 words per day until that draft is finished. I am more relaxed as I revise, but I do find it helpful to work on it at least a little bit every day. The biggest thing, I think, is not to give up!

Tell me 5 things about yourself.

1. Cake decorating is a hobby of mine. My children always have elaborate requests for their birthday cakes, and I enjoy figuring out how to make each one. I’ve made everything from Hagrid’s Hut to a combine harvester, to an elephant out of cake and buttercream.

2. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I wonder if that’s one reason why I still love reading YA books? When I think of falling in love, I think of been sixteen.

3. I grew up on a farm, and showed pigs, rabbits, and dairy cows at the county fair.

4. I love picnics. Any meal is better when eaten sitting on a blanket on the ground.

5. My favorite movie of all time is My Girl, starring Anna Chlumsky. Talk about a tear jerker!

Thanks, Joli, for interviewing me, and for your interest in my book!

OUTSPOKEN

by Lora Richardson

Publication date: August 18, 2015

252 Pages

Penny Beck is a girl who says yes when she means no. She keeps to herself, follows the rules, and does what she's told. After a disastrous experience with her boyfriend, she's determined to change from the spineless person she's always been into the strong woman she wants to become. All she needs is a little practice. 

On a cross-country trip to check on her grandpa, she strives to become bolder and more outspoken with the strangers she meets. Penny's plan is to practice saying and doing what she wants without worrying about what anyone else thinks. 

Then she meets Archer, an introspective loner to whom she finds herself drawn. She realizes she does care what he thinks, very much. Will Penny be able to stick to her plan, or will she revert back to her people-pleasing ways?

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Blog Tour: A HISTORY OF GLITTER AND BLOOD by Hannah Moskowitz

Today I'm hosting author Hannah Moskowitz as part of the A History of Glitter and Blood bog tour. I became a fan of Hannah's books when I first read her YA contemporary Invincible Summer and then Gone, Gone, Gone. I have several of her books in my TBR pile and I've just added A History of Glitter and Blood to it. Check out my interview with Hannah, read an excerpt from her new book, and then enter for a chance to win a copy.

Welcome Hannah!!

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading and writing?

I read Tuck Everlasting when I was eight, and I remember reading the first few pages over and over again, particularly the line about how the dog days of summer were like being paused on top of a Ferris wheel, and just really having a love affair with words for the first time. I also have a huge amount of affection for Andrew Clements's The School Story, which taught me all about how publishing works. I read it in fifth grade and my best friend (who's still my best friend!) and I immediately started scheming about how we were going to get our books published.

And I have to give a shout out to Bears on Wheels, because that's the first book I read on my own, after my sister taught me to read.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Get distance from your book. Sometimes this means actually putting time between yourself and the last draft, but for me a lot of the time it just means being able to take a figurative step back and try to see the book as a whole and not as a bunch of paragraphs, or scenes, or chapters. You have to get a sense of what the whole book looks like in its current form before you can tell what needs to be changed.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Stop calling yourself "aspiring." You're writing. You're a writer.

Tell me 5 things about yourself.

• I'm an ex-opera singer.
• I always have bruises on me because I think walls and corners are suggestions.
• I run a pretty popular chronic illness humor tumblr. 
• I'm a redhead, as of yesterday.
• I am unbelievable at pig latin.

Thanks for sharing!

A History of Glitter and Blood

By  Hannah Moskowitz

Ages 14 and up

August 2015

Sixteen-year-old Beckan and her friends are the only fairies brave enough to stay in Ferrum when war breaks out. Now there is tension between the immortal fairies, the subterranean gnomes, and the mysterious tightropers who arrived to liberate the fairies. But when Beckan's clan is forced to venture into the gnome underworld to survive, they find themselves tentatively forming unlikely friendships and making sacrifices they couldn't have imagined. As danger mounts, Beckan finds herself caught between her loyalty to her friends, her desire for peace, and a love she never expected. This stunning, lyrical fantasy is a powerful exploration of what makes a family, what justifies a war, and what it means to truly love.

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(link to Scribd.)

About Hannah Moskowitz

Hannah Moskowitz wrote her first story, about a kitten named Lilly on the run from cat hunters, for a contest when she was seven years old. It was disqualified for violence. First published at sixteen, she is the author of two middle grade and six young adult novels. Her books have received starred reviews, landed a spot on the ALA’s Rainbow Book List, and received a Stonewall Honor. Hannah lives in New York City.

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Interview with PLACID GIRL author Brenna Ehrlich

Today on the blog I'm hosting Brenna Ehrlich author of Placid Girl - available August 25, 2015 from All Ages Press.

Punk was created for the malcontents, something that loner and aspiring drummer Hallie understands all too well. Trapped in a boring suburban life – dysfunctional parents included! – Hallie drowns her angst in the angry songs of Haze, a masked musician who has not been heard from in five years. So naturally she’s surprised – and more than a little skeptical – when someone who seems to be Haze starts flirting with her via her favorite photo-sharing app. Is he who he says he is? What does he want from her? The questions only multiply when Hallie — along with bandmate Sarah and aspiring music journalist Steve — roadtrip to Haze's comeback gig to unmask the reclusive musician once and for all.

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Welcome Brenna!!

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading and writing?

I like the dark and twisted books. I would say some of the books that made me want to write were "The Catcher In The Rye" (gotta love Holden -- or not, if you want to have a healthy relationship ever), "A Clockwork Orange" (the way Anthony Burgess uses language is incredible), every single Robert Cormier book (we NEED more YA like that) and "Lolita" (English wasn't even dude's first language and most of us will never be that good). Also, on a less dark note, "The Princess And The Goblin," which you MUST read all in one night when it's raining and you're drinking tea.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
Kill your darlings. Seriously. Those darlings need murdering. I have an entire unpublished book of darlings that can attest to that. Because they are still alive and should not be.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don't listen to any advice than anyone gives you -- ever. Writing is personal. If you're going to write, you're going to write your way -- and that's the right way. (I really didn't intend to pun right there and I kind of hate myself.)

Tell me five things about yourself.
1. I really like to mosh. Like, too much. Like, until I am gross and sweaty and have bruised the shit out of my knees. 

2. I have been in love with David Bowie since I was six years old.

3. I am legally blind out of my left eye and I should probably, you know, get that looked at more closely (again, with the terrible puns).

4. My greatest regret is that I can't sing -- but my bigger regret is that I didn't use my lack of singing to start my own punk band when I was a teen.

5. I actually have a cat named Edie, like in the book, and she's a biter.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing (and I enjoyed the puns)!

DON'T EVER CHANGE by M. Beth Bloom - Review, Interview, & Giveaway

Today I am participating in the DON'T EVER CHANGE Blog Tour hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club. DON'T EVER CHANGE by M. Beth Bloom was published on July 7th by Harper Teen. As part of the tour, I had a chance to interview M. Beth and ask about some writing advice and share some fun facts about herself with readers. Please check out the interview and my review of DON'T EVER CHANGE, and then enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Welcome M. Beth!!

What are some of the books that make you fall in love with reading?

The Secret History, by Donna Tartt. 

Who Will Run the Frog Hospital, by Lorrie Moore

American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis

How Should A Person Be, by Sheila Heti

Karoo, by Steve Tesich

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Begin in the middle.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t take yourself so seriously.  Laugh at your own writing, see comedy in tragedy, allow cleverness and wit to move you.

Tell me 5 things about yourself. 

I never take off my gold rings.  EVER.

I don’t know how to use Twitter or really know what a hashtag is.

I collect i-D magazines and even have a i-D logo tattooed on my hand.

My stepsister and I have the same first name.

I’m about to direct my debut feature film in August.

Thanks for sharing!

DON'T EVER CHANGE

by M. Beth Bloom

Publication Date: July 7, 2015

Published by Harper Teen

Pages: 368

Source: Author

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Synopsis:

Eva has always wanted to write a modern classic—one that actually appeals to her generation. The only problem is that she has realized she can't "write what she knows" because she hasn't yet begun to live. So before heading off to college, Eva is determined to get a life worth writing about.

Soon Eva's life encounters a few unexpected plot twists. She becomes a counselor at a nearby summer camp—a job she is completely unqualified for. She starts growing apart from her best friends before they've even left for school. And most surprising of all, she begins to fall for the last guy she would have ever imagined. But no matter the roadblocks, or writer's blocks, it is all up to Eva to figure out how she wants this chapter in her story to end.

Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell, Don't Ever Change is a witty, snarky, and thought-provoking coming-of-age young adult novel about a teen who sets out to write better fiction and, ultimately, discovers the truth about herself.

My Thoughts

I really liked this book. A lot. Like a lot, a lot. I ate this book up! The short chapters, quick wit, and appealing storyline make for an enjoyable, entertaining read. Bloom skillfully pieced together a story about a girl who wants to be on the cusp of something big, but doesn't know exactly how to make it all happen. 

The MANY things I liked:

• The first person perspective and getting to know Eva's thoughts (rational and irrational); the mind of a writer
• Eva - she's judgemental and stubborn and opinionated and I like this about her because it proves that she has some growing up to do. She may not see it, but others do and they make sure to tell her.
• Eva's relationship with her older sister, Courtney. She wanted to be worldly too, but she had fears about growing up and moving on.
• Eva's job as a camp counselor - she didn't have a clue what she was doing and her method of "winging it" 
• Aloof Elliot - he's such a guy, I looked forward to reading the minimalists  texts and conversations  
• Foster - there's just something about him 
• Literary references, thinking about writing, talking about writing (but not much actual writing)
• The take on high school friendships and Eva's need to be best friends foreva' and her reactions when she realizes that those friendships are changing too
• Eva's realization that forgiveness can come easy if you don't make it so difficult
• You don't have to have it all figured out, but you should take the time to live, have experiences and embrace opportunities, so you can figure it out

Favorite Quotes

"You're not alone if you have your books and your pen and your ideas," I say. 

"That's sometimes when the best writing comes out -- when you feel challenged, when you don't want to write because it's too hard," she says. "If you only wrote when you felt inspired, you wouldn't find something new inside of it, you wouldn't uncover anything." 

" . . . I veer pretty close to being an Unlikeable Character, I'm at least aware of the fact. Which means I have the chance to stop what I'm doing and change, before I become so unlikeable that the reader gives up on me, shuts the book, and sends it flying across the room, disgusted."

Disclaimer:  I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

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