Interview with Lisa Mantchev

Today, I'm super excited to have Lisa Mantchev return to the blog. I've been a fan of Lisa's since I received an ARC (advance review copy) of her debut novel, EYES LIKE STARS. I fell hard for that book with it's incredibly unique premise, hilarious secondary characters, and wide scope of imagination that just took my breath away. SO SILVER BRIGHT is the third and final book in the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, and it's just as imaginative, just as sweeping, and just as full of hilarious moments as the first two. (She even gives us an army of zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ... a delightful surprise for those readers who love post-apoc stuff!) Lisa's writing is full of fantastic imagery, literary references, and wit. Here's a peek at SO SILVER BRIGHT:

Things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Something’s happened to the Théâtre Illuminata, putting the only home she’s ever known in limbo. Her mother’s sanity is fraying under the strain, her father has vanished and an angry goddess is out for revenge. Bertie is caught between her duties and her dreams, just as her heart is torn between Ariel and Nate. But hope glimmers in a Distant Castle, and if Bertie can put on the performance of her life, maybe she can win the magical boon that may save them all.

Now that you've had a taste of the book, let's meet today's guests. Lisa has been a regular on this blog, so she chose to be interviewed by our newest cast member, that conceited pink sock monkey, Giselle.

Giselle

Lisa Mantchev

Of course, before we dive into the interview itself, we get to reveal the incredible cupcake my hubby made in honor of Lisa. (And yes, every piece of this is edible. He really has TALENT.) Lisa asked for a quill and moleskine journal, both to represent the book of stories Bertie writes in and to represent herself as an author. My hubby complied. Without further ado, I give you the gorgeous quill and journal cupcake and Lisa vs. Giselle.

Quill and Journal Cupcake

1. I believe a girl should be able to describe herself in a single word. Naturally, the word I’d use for myself is “perfect.” What word best describes you?


Caffeinated. Either by coffee, tea, or chocolate (the three prongs in this writer's power plug.)

2. A common misconception about sock monkeys is that we adore socks. This is foolishness. Speaking only for myself, I adore Jimmy Choos and diamonds from Tiffany’s. What are a few of your favorite things?

Dusty antique stores. Anything art nouveau. Costuming (Corsets! Bustle skirts! Fairy wings!) Dessert. Quiet moments early in the morning with just myself and a cup of coffee. Loud moments with the family and dogs and laughter.

3. The only item on your list that looks remotely appealing to a girl of my particular proclivities is dessert. You can keep the rest. Many crave my approval, but few are clever enough to win it. What are you willing to do to win my favor?

*presents you with diamond-encrusted stilettos*

4. Your offering has been deemed acceptable. If I was a dessert, I’d be a French macaron. Strawberry, of course. Why? Because I am French and pink and altogether lovely. What kind of dessert best describes you and why?

Salted caramel chocolate tart. Because… er… I'm complex and rich and have a buttery crust. O.o

5. How ... delightful for you. I understand you write stories. Please tell me why the hero of your book would be my perfect boy toy for a day.

Ariel would be able to whisk you away to any city you desire. Paris, for instance, and a day of shopping.

6. Really? Any city? I'm afraid I'm going to need to keep Ariel for the foreseeable future. You Americans love your movies. One day, when Hollywood tells the story of my life, it will be called Gone With The Perfect Pink Monkey. If your life was a movie, what would be the title?

"Coffee and Chaos"

7. Pink? Or some lesser, inferior color?

Black. *STAGE NINJA*

8. Darling, black isn't even a color. I love fairy tales. If I was a fairy tale character, I’d be Snow White. The fairest in all the land. Which fairy tale character would you be and why?

Pretty sure I'm whichever one gets eaten by grues straight off. I have that kind of luck.

9. Well, maybe it's because you're busy wearing black instead of pink. Everyone knows all the handsome heroes willing to protect you from beasts love to see a girl in pink. Especially if the girl has puffy lips like mine. Angelina Jolie tried to imitate me, of course, but anyone can see I'm still the definitive example of the puffy pout. I am, of course, a fashion trend setter. (Glitter eye shadow? Six inch heels? Retro gowns making a comeback? Yes. You may thank me with your undying adulation.) If you were to start a trend, what would it be?

I would love to see pop culture trend back toward music and books and movies with substance. I've had enough crap reality television to last me two lifetimes, and I'm tired of celebrities famous for being famous. Give me artists and poets and thinkers of deep thoughts, please!

10. We are in agreement. Even though a reality show titled "Giselle Steals Your Shoes" would be a hit. (Who am I kidding? Anything starring moi is bound to be a hit.) I am addicted to all things French—baguettes, macarons, Chateau Lafite, moi … the list goes on and on. What is your favorite thing from France?

The food, of course. *swoon!* The architecture. The language (I took four years of French in high school, and my husband's first language is French.) The history! My house is decorated in a style I jokingly refer to as "Parisian Flea Market" with a mix of wrought iron, wood, shabby antiques, and vintage glass.

11. Ahh ... a woman who appreciates the glory that is Paris. We shall be friends. Even if you refuse to wear pink. A smart woman always maintains an air of mystery. Often the art of being mysterious involves doing the unexpected. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?

I wrote a novel on a dare… does that count?

12. I suppose it will do. I also believe a smart woman always gets the last word. Any last word you’d like to leave with my readers?

Eat dessert first!



Thank you, Lisa, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Lisa, visit her site. To purchase your copy of So Silver Bright (which just came out in paperback) or to get started on the trilogy from the beginning, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

The fun isn't over yet, though. Lisa is offering a hardcover of SO SILVER BRIGHT to one lucky blog reader! The contest is open to North America and runs through 8 p.m. central time Thursday, June 21st. To enter, simply fill out the form below. Good luck, and happy reading!

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Interview with Diana Peterfreund

Because Diana and I share an editor, I was privileged enough to get an advance copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS several months ago. I didn't know what to expect from it as I started reading, but I was instantly captivated. It's a re-imagined PERSUASION in a dystopian-ish setting, and it is lyrical, heartbreaking, and wonderful. I don't even think I have the words to describe how unique and special this book is. I couldn't finish it fast enough, but I wanted to slow down and just ... savor. Here's a peek:

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Intriguing, yes? As soon as I finished the book, I jumped at the chance to have Diana on the blog. She chose to be interviewed by the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow. Let's meet today's guests.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Diana Peterfreund

Before we get to the interview, we get to reveal the amazing cupcake (and I do mean amazing!) my hubby made in honor of Diana's book. Elliot's grandfather left her a compass, and it's both important to Elliot's journey (metaphorically and literally) and serves as a motif throughout the book as Elliot and Kai both try to find their bearings in a world that insists on changing beneath their feet. So, my hubby made a compass cupcake for today's interview (And even ensconced it in a midnight sky w/glittering stars). Without further ado, I give you Diana vs. Captain Jack and the compass cupcake.

Compass Cupcake

1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Let’s be honest, here. Pirates or privateers, it’s a matter of semantics and whether or not your pirating is royally approved. Captain Wentworth, for instance, made his fortune out of capturing enemy ships and looting them.

2. Are you telling me there's an officially sanctioned pirate in your book? My dear, where have you been all my life? What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Eat Tartufo. Mostly for the story.

3. As long as you're willing to share. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

New Zealand. I know it’s a long trip, but it’s SO beautiful there. I mean, check out these pictures from my last trip:

4. As I see a notable lack of His Majesty's accursed navy, I will agree to this suggestion. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

Kai’s a little bit Jack and a lot of Elizabeth, and Elliot definitely plays the Will in that relationship.

5. A sanctioned pirate who is a mix of my rather glorious self and that minx Elizabeth? I don't know whether to cultivate his acquaintance or leave for safer waters before the world comes to an end. Rum? Or more rum?

Just rum for me, please. That’ll leave more for you, Jack.

6. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

Probably because my husband used it to make Painkillers, which is properly only made with the Official Rum of the British Royal Navy: Pusser’s.

7. A husband, eh? Well, if he absconds will all of the Navy's rum, he's welcome to join my crew. At least until the next port.What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Are you kidding? I stole the entire plot and most of the characters for my latest book from Jane Austen. Avast.

8. I am suitably impressed. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. There’s no such thing as rules.

9. I think I might be in love. And not just because of your husband's rum. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Obviously, there should be!

10. A matter of some debate. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

Especially that last one. In spades!

11. *locks away the rum and keeps a weather eye on his hat* One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

I love maelstrom. Also, encrusted.

12. I've seen plenty of encrusted ... things ... in Tortuga, and I'm afraid I cannot share your enthusiasm. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Sword. It’s probably not good to admit this, but I’m more of a shoot-first kind of gal.

13. I'll be sure to remain on your good side, then. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

Pit hem against each other. Cursed sailors are the favorite snack of many of the more common species of leviathan and/or kraken. Everyone knows that.

14. I do admire the way you think. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

You’re talking to the girl whose honeymoon was an adventure on the high seas, so I fail to see the distinction.

15. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Also, “Everything is better with Alan Rickman.”



Thank you, Diana, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Diana, visit her site. To purchase your copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS (and you really, really should) head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

The fun isn't over yet, though! Diana is giving away a copy of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS to one lucky reader. The contest is international and is open until 8 p.m. central time Wednesday, June 19th. To enter, simply fill out the following form. Good luck to you and happy reading!

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Interview with Kathleen Peacock

Today's interview is with Kathleen Peacock, author of the recently released (and fabulous) HEMLOCK. I really enjoyed reading HEMLOCK: it's tense, action-packed, and the characters feel authentic and vivid and real. It's definitely a worthy addition to the werewolf genre and worth picking up next time you're in the book store! Here's a peek:

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.


Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.


Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding supernatural mystery series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Looks good, doesn't it? :) Kathleen chose the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow as her interviewer. Before we reveal today's gorgeous cupcake and get into the interview, let's meet today's guests.

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the beautiful (and disturbing) cupcake my hubby made in honor of HEMLOCK. Mac is thrust into the conflict when her best friend, Amy, is murdered. It doesn't help that Amy (bloody and carrying a bit of a chip on her shoulder) keeps talking to Mac in her dreams. So, my hubby made Amy's tombstone, complete with bloody horns to show that Amy refuses to stay in the ground where she belongs. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Kathleen vs. Captain Jack.

1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Since my heart has belonged to the Dread Pirate Roberts since I was, oh, nine, I’m going to have to go with “pirate.” You’re not so bad looking yourself.

2. I don't know who this Dread Pirate Roberts person is, but he'd better not try to get his sticky fingers on the Pearl. Losing my ship to some scurvy nave who uses "Dread" as his first name would be inconceivable. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Not get killed. Or scurvy.

3. I am also a fan of not getting killed. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

There’s this other Captain Jack in a place called Cardiff… Think this boat could get us there? I’ve always wanted to go to Wales…

(Seriously, though, I totally want to go to Wales. It’s at the top of my “must go there” list.)

4. Another Captain Jack? *curls lip* I am the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy? Accept no substitutes. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

Elizabeth. What with the sword swinging and such.

5. *shudders* Heaven save us from women with swords. Rum? Or more rum?

How close am I to a deadline?

6. Hmm, I see your rum consumption is directly related to your publishing career. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

See answer to #5.

7. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Does watching fanvids on YouTube count?

8. Darling, we really must get you out of the house more often. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. And loose ones at that.

9. Now we're talking. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Not yet—although there’s always hope for book three.

10. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

No curses, but there is a maybe-ghost. And my stories always have women who take matters into their own hands.

11. As long as they don't take my rum into their own hands, I think I can live with it. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Wowzer. It’s totally a word.

12. It sounds rather like a condition that requires a cream of some sort. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Swords are very pretty awesome, but I’m kind of a coward when it comes to physical violence…

13. Darling, knowing when to flee so you can live to fight another day isn't cowardice. It's resourcefulness. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

In a TARDIS.

14. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Night in. I talk a big game, but I’d rather write about adventure than experience it.

15. Perhaps you just haven't had the right partner for said adventures. *winks* My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“When life gives you lemons, throw them back.” Actually, I never said that. My friend Jen said it when we were in high school. As far as mottos go, though, it’s not bad. I wouldn’t necessarily put it on a T-shirt, but it would do in a pinch.




Thank you, Kathleen, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Kathleen, visit her site. To purchase your own copy of HEMLOCK, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

But the fun isn't over yet! Kathleen is giving away a copy of her book along with a signed bookplate! The giveaway is open to North America and is open until 8 p.m. central time Wednesday, May 30th. To enter, simply fill out the form below.

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Interview With Jessica Spotswood

I met Jessica through the Apocalypsies (a group of debut authors whose books all hit the shelves in 2012), and as soon as I saw her book cover, I knew I had to read it. Because seriously--that's one of the prettiest covers ever. And once I read it, I knew I had to have her on the blog to give all of you a chance to get acquainted with this book too. It's atmospheric, romantic, and suspenseful. What more could you want? Here's a peek at BORN WICKED:

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.


Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word...especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Jessica chose to be interviewed by that sly minx Giselle, the French pink sock monkey. Let's meet today's guests.

Giselle

Jessica Spotswood

Before we get to the interview, it's time to reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made in honor of Jessica's book. In the book, Cate is very drawn to her garden--it's the one place where she feels free to be exactly who she is. It's also where she runs into Finn, so ... yeah. So, to represent the garden (and in homage to that stunning cover), my hubby made Jessica a rose cupcake. Without further ado, I give you the rose cupcake and Jessica vs. Giselle.

1. I believe a girl should be able to describe herself in a single word. Naturally, the word I’d use for myself is “perfect.” What word best describes you?


Cheerful. I’m pretty revoltingly optimistic.

2. As long as you aren't optimistic about stealing my boys or my shoes, we'll be fine. A common misconception about sock monkeys is that we adore socks. This is foolishness. Speaking only for myself, I adore Jimmy Choos and diamonds from Tiffany’s. What are a few of your favorite things?

Tea, books, theatre, Bananagrams, Betsey Johnson, wine, cookies, twirly dresses, and the sound of bells chiming the hour

3. I approve of the twirly dresses, Betsey Johnson, and the wine. Many crave my approval, but few are clever enough to win it. What are you willing to do to win my favor?

How do you feel about Betsey Johnson? I’m not opposed to bribery – I mean, friendly gifts! A girl needs a closet full of pretty dresses.

4. You'd give me your Betsey Johnsons? *examines perfect pink nails* I suppose that might suffice. If I was a dessert, I’d be a French macaron. Strawberry, of course. Why? Because I am French and pink and altogether lovely. What kind of dessert best describes you and why?

Cardamom cookies are my favorite. They are like sugar cookies, but with added sass. I like to think I am sweet, with added sass.

5. That may be true, but just remember that nobody out-sweets or out-sasses moi. Even if you did just give me all of your Betsey Johnsons. I understand you write stories. Please tell me why the hero of your book would be my perfect boy toy for a day.

Finn Belastra is extremely loyal; he’d do anything for the people he loves. He’s not the type to back down from a fight, but he’d try to negotiate his way out of it first. He’s a scholar and a book-lover and a hell of a kisser. Honestly, he’s more the marriage type than the boy-toy type. But he’d tell you he’s already taken.

6. *laughs* Darling, once they meet me, no boy is already taken. You Americans love your movies. One day, when Hollywood tells the story of my life, it will be called Gone With The Perfect Pink Monkey. If your life was a movie, what would be the title?

Love & Sunshine (I told you: optimistic! That’s how I signed all my notes to friends in high school.)

7. Love & Sunshine? It's like I've fallen into a 70's sitcom. The theme might be lovely, but the decor is hideous. Who buys orange couches and green shag carpet? *shudders delicately* Pink? Or some lesser, inferior color?

Pink! I have pink highlights at the moment.

8. Of course you have pink highlights. Every girl who isn't born a natural pink spends her life trying to add it in. *peers at perfect pinkness in a mirror* I love fairy tales. If I was a fairy tale character, I’d be Snow White. The fairest in all the land. Which fairy tale character would you be and why?

Beauty from Beauty and the Beast – because she has an awesome library.

9. *sniffs* Does that library come with books devoted to moi? Because otherwise, what's the point? I am, of course, a fashion trend setter. (Glitter eye shadow? Six inch heels? Retro gowns making a comeback? Yes. You may thank me with your undying adulation.) If you were to start a trend, what would it be?

Crazy colorful Betsey Johnson dresses, all the time.

10. I am addicted to all things French—baguettes, macarons, Chateau Lafite, moi … the list goes on and on. What is your favorite thing from France?

Pink champagne!

11. *beams* You may add a case of that to the Betsey Johnson bribe, and in return I will show you how to make those pink highlights permanent. A smart woman always maintains an air of mystery. Often the art of being mysterious involves doing the unexpected. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?

If I told you, it wouldn’t be mysterious anymore, would it?

12. Touché. I also believe a smart woman always gets the last word. Any last word you’d like to leave with my readers?

Deplorable!



Thank you, Jessica, for the entertaining interview! To learn more about Jessica, visit her site. To purchase your copy of BORN WICKED, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, or Amazon.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Jessica has offered to give a signed hardback copy of BORN WICKED to one lucky winner. The contest is open to North America and you have until 8 p.m. central time Tuesday, April 17th to enter. To enter, simply fill out the form below.

Good luck and happy reading!

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Author Appreciation Blog Tour: MYRA MCENTIRE

Today, I'm delighted to take part in a new feature dreamed up by the brilliant and conniving owner of YABooksCentral, M.G. Buehrlen. She is running an Author Appreciation Blog Tour every month or so where she lines up bloggers and other authors to surprise one special author with an avalanche of love one Wednesday morning.

This inaugural tour features Myra McEntire who, in addition to being one of my favorite authors (Seriously, folks. You thought HOURGLASS was good? Wait until you read TIMEPIECE. You will love it!) is also one of my closest friends.

So close, in fact, that she visited me in the hospital two years ago when I had emergency gall bladder surgery and faithfully tweeted all the things I said while I was flying high on pain killers and then brought me spaghetti the next night when I got home. Proof of true friendship, yo.

Here's proof of mine.

My Top 5 Reasons Why I Want Myra McEntire On My Side In An Apocalypse

1. Research: Let me tell you something you may not know about Myra. Girl does her RESEARCH. All caps. REEE-SEARCH. She buys non-fiction books for fun. And drools over them. And calls me to drool over them over the phone while I laugh and shake my head because if I bought a 500 page research book, I'd look at the pictures, read the captions, and then use it as a door stop.

But if an apocalypse happened, you can bet I'd want the girl with all the research on my side. She knows all kinds of weird stuff. And I do mean all kinds. I have no doubt that somewhere in that plethora of facts, she's got knowledge that would come in handy. And if none of it comes in handy, well ... her brain is probably bigger than mine. Zombies can tell.

 

Not that I'd throw her to the zombies and run for it. No. Never that. *eyes Myra*

2. She's Funny: Really. She has an excellent sense of comedic timing and she produces the kind of slapstick physical comedy that would make Jim Carey weep with envy.



AND she often does it without meaning to, which is even better. She's the first person I've met who can match me in the "You did WHAT in public??" category. Which is handy. Because a) I appreciate that when I'm with her, nothing I do seems abnormal to her and b) laughter is a powerful defense mechanism. If I'm in the middle of an apocalypse, I'm going to want some comic relief. Myra will have my back. The fact that I'll be doing something even more ridiculous right behind her is proof that we're a good team.

3. Loyalty: Myra is loyal to her friends in the same way I am loyal to Captain Jack Sparrow and lemon bars. It doesn't matter what happens, she's got your back. If I'm in an apocalypse and it's fight time, I want Myra on my team. Heck, even if it isn't the apocalypse, I want Myra on my team. She'll go to bat for her friends with whatever she has handy. Frying pan. Blog post. Life-size Edward Cullen statue.

Which she totally DOES NOT own.

But which I would buy for her if I found one. After I slicked him down with Elmer's and dunked him in glitter.

4. Unconventional: Myra does thing her own way. It's one of her best qualities. The whole world can say "everyone should do life like THIS" and Myra will say "watch me do it like THAT." This is a valuable skill to have in an apocalypse because you can bet whatever nasty creature we're fighting will adapt to our usual strategies quickly. We need someone who can think outside the box. Myra is perfect for the job! Plus raising her two boys has given her a crash course in the whole "ANYTHING can be a weapon" life philosophy.

5. Dance Breaks: It's a well known fact that Myra takes dance breaks while she's writing. She says it helps kick start her brain and puts her in a better mood. She's also been known to say she's got a "stank face" she wears when she dances to hip hop. I can't help but think dance breaks would be an awesome component to any apocalyptic survival effort. For one, who doesn't love the idea of a bunch of armed apocalyptees breaking into choreographed hip hop dance moves? For another, I think we could all stand to learn how to wear a stank face. I bet Chuck Norris's stank face drops zombies before they even come out of the ground.

I bet Myra's does too.

 

So, there you have it! My top 5 reasons why I want Myra on my side in the event of an apocalypse. Want to see what other bloggers are saying about Myra today? Want to leave Myra some comments and show your love as well? There are links at the bottom of this post.

Want to participate on Twitter? Use the hashtag #authorlove

Want to get on board the awesome that is her Hourglass series?? Pre-order Timepiece now and grab your copy of Hourglass!

Participating Blogs:

Fire and Ice

Mundie Moms

Swoontini

Jenuine Cupcakes

Shannon Messenger

Sara McClung

Jodi Meadows

Bloggers[heart]Books

YA Books Central Blog

Pageturners Blog

Jill Van Leer

Kate Hart

Book Love 101

Harmony's Radiant Reads

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Interview with Elizabeth Norris

Today's guest is Elizabeth Norris, author of the upcoming debut novel UNRAVELING (April 24th!). I met Elizabeth through our editor, Kristin, and was privileged to read an advance copy of her book. It had me at the edge of my seat from the word Go! If Fringe and Veronica Mars had a baby, this book would be it. Full of heart-stopping action, fringe-y science, mystery, romance, and characters who are both complicated and relatable, this is a book worth devouring. If that doesn't convince you, let me add this. 1. There's a debate scene that will melt your face off. 2. There's a countdown. Literally. To the end of the world. 3. You won't see the ending coming.

Here's a peek at UNRAVELING:

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.


But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

Elizabeth decided to take on the ever-suave Captain Jack Sparrow. Let's meet today's guests.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Elizabeth Norris

Of course, before we get to the interview itself, we get to see the cupcake my hubby designed in honor of UNRAVELING. I mentioned a countdown (literally) to the end of the world, right? Well, my hubby decided to make an end of the world cupcake. It is both edible and apocalyptic. Without further ado, I give you Elizabeth vs. Captain Jack and the cupcake that will end the world in 3 - 2 - 1.

1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


Pirate. Most of the time I tend to deviate from rules and structure. For instance, I don’t even like to write in chronological order. I’ll write scenes, snippets of dialogue, and descriptions, and then eventually throw them into the manuscript somewhere. I’m also a big fan individualism.


2. Darling, I like your style. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Pirate watch! I’m more on the introverted side anyway, which means that in large groups of people, I do more observing than anything else. I love to people watch wherever I go (Time Square is another great place to just watch people and what they’re doing). Unique clothing and hairstyles, interesting behavior—it all captivates my attention and sometimes is really inspiring.

3. I'm all for watching people, as long as we're keeping a running tally of all the shiny valuables we're planning to remove from their personage in the very near future. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

Oh, this is tough. I’d be game for going just about anywhere. I’m a huge fan of sun, sand, and warm water so there are a number of tropical islands I’m dying to vacation to (like Fiji, Tahiti, St. Lucia, etc). I’d also love to take an Alaskan cruise because I’ve heard how lovely some of the views are. But I guess if I had to pick just one place I’m dying to go, it would be Greece. (I actually tried to go once when I was studying abroad in college, but I was traveling by bus and ended up having to go back to Budapest where I was staying instead). In addition to the beautiful setting, it has so much history and culture that I’d love to be able to see firsthand.

4. I know this lovely string of islands where the tediously loyal members of His Majesty's Royal Navy never visit. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

My main character, Janelle Tenner, is probably a mix of all three. She’s definitely savvy. Her dad is in the FBI so she knows a lot of things that he taught her and a few things he didn’t. But she’s also pretty honorable and definitely focused on saving the people she loves.

5. Savvy and honorable? An intriguing combination. Rum? Or more rum?

The more the merrier.

6. A woman after my own callous heart. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

Probably because it’s good.

7. *gives you the side eye* You're a lovely wench, there's no denying. But if you consume all of my rum, I'll strand you on a deserted island faster than you can say Tortuga. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

When I was a senior in high school, my English teacher had a lot of boxes that she needed to load into her car. She asked me and two of my friends to carry them out to the parking lot and put them in her trunk. We did.

But we couldn’t just stop there. To play a joke on her, I drove her car around the back of the school and parked it in substitute parking.

Luckily she was the kind of teacher who loved a good prank. The next day my desk was missing from our classroom and she told me she walked around for fifteen minutes looking for it so I’d have to stand all period.

It was worth it.

8. You have potential, my dear. A true pirate would've driven to the nearest chop shop, sold the car for parts, and then used the money for more rum. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Guidelines. If we listened to every rule and never challenged those rules, nothing in our society would ever change. We’d still be ruled by Her Majesty!

When I was in high school, I read Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and he said “[A person] has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” and that always stuck with me.

9. I find any law that denies me what I want to be highly unjust. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

No undead monkeys in Unraveling, but there is a sequel so maybe one will turn up there.

10. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

No curses or monsters. Unraveling is pretty grounded in reality (and then some science fiction). But it does have a countdown that’s possibly to the end of the world and an Unidentified Improvised Explosive Device, which is a fancy way of saying a potential bomb that no one can figure out how to stop.

And Janelle is definitely one of those girls who insists on taking matters into her own hands (I’m a huge fan of those girls, after all I am one). She’s also someone who is aware of her own limitations. There are even several times that she recognizes that she’s gotten in over her head, but at the same time, she knows this is a mystery she has to see through to the end—she has to solve it.

11. Usually, I'm not a fan of women taking matters into their own hands. The last one who did that landed me in the belly of the Kraken. But since this one is trying to save me from the end of the world, I'll make an exception. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

I love the word “sporadic.” I love the way it sounds and I love anything without a pattern.

12. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

I always try to parlay first, but I won’t hesitate to draw my sword if it’s needed.

13. That's my girl. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

I would hope one of my best friends was with me. She’s the type to walk into a room and always plan exactly how she’s going to escape if the zombie apocalypse starts. I’m not a big planner when it comes to escapes, but I am a pretty good runner and a really good swimmer, so I’d hopefully be able to use one of those skills.

14. I say toss your friend to the monsters and then swim for it while they're distracted. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Why not both? Adventure first, then some quiet time alone. There’s nothing like adventure to get your heart rate up and make you appreciate the people you love.

15. Both it is. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”



Thank you, Elizabeth, for such an entertaining interview. To learn more about Elizabeth, visit her site. To pre-order your copy of UNRAVELING, visit Indie Bound, Books a Million, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Elizabeth is offering a pre-order of UNRAVELING to one lucky commenter. To enter, simply fill out the form below and be sure to leave a comment in the Blogger comment box at the end of the post. The contest is open to North American residents and will run until 8 p.m. Central Time Monday, April 2nd.

Good luck and happy reading!

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Interview with Beth Revis

My blog readers know that Beth Revis has become somewhat of a repeat offender regular visitor around here. There was the time she was interviewed when ACROSS THE UNIVERSE came out. And then there was the time she tried to kill me. Not once, but twice. Still, since apparently I enjoy a good nemesis (especially one as devious as fun as Beth), I've invited her back. :) ACROSS THE UNIVERSE was different, compelling, and has one of the best opening scenes ever. I can't wait to get my hands on A MILLION SUNS! Here's a peek.

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship.

Um ... yes, please! I was thrilled when Beth agreed to come back on the blog, especially because she agreed to be the first author to take on our newest interviewer, Giselle. Let's meet today's guests.

Giselle, the French sock monkey

Beth Revis

They look like two worthy adversaries, don't you think? Before we dive into today's interview, we get to see the cupcake my hubby made in honor of A MILLION SUNS. Rejecting all of my perfectly valid suggestions to make a jar of Nutella labeled "Instant Death" or a tombstone for my local dental hygienist (If neither suggestion made sense to you, you didn't click on the links above to read about Beth's various crimes against me.), my hubby made a cupcake that beautifully reflects the meaning of A MILLION SUNS: a scattering of stars against an ebony background. Without further ado, I give you the star cupcake and Beth vs. Giselle.

1. I believe a girl should be able to describe herself in a single word. Naturally, the word I’d use for myself is “perfect.” What word best describes you?


Humble.

2. As all should be when they come into my presence. A common misconception about sock monkeys is that we adore socks. This is foolishness. Speaking only for myself, I adore Jimmy Choos and diamonds from Tiffany’s. What are a few of your favorite things?

True story: once I was on a Jack the Ripper tour in London with some of my students (when I was a teacher). The Jack the Ripper tour guide started telling a story about a murderer in this old London house who liked to chop up his victims and then, to dispose of the bodies, he would wrap their dismembered flesh in brown paper and tie it up with string.


One of my trouble-making students then asks, “What did you say?”


The tour guide (a little louder): He wrapped up their flesh in brown paper and tied it up with string.


My student (with a completely straight face, starts singing): These are a few of my favorite things…


We had to tip the tour guide extra for that one.


Wait, what was the question?

3. I find this discussion of dismembered body parts wrapped in brown paper and tied up with strings to be one of my very least favorite things. Many crave my approval, but few are clever enough to win it. What are you willing to do to win my favor?

I have been known to attack my enemies with Nutella, and have a legion of ninja dental hygeniests on my side, ready to kill at my whim.


(And now I hope that CJ links to those posts so that new readers know I’m not an insane creeper…)

4. *sniffs* If I was to attack my enemies, I would have better weapons at my disposal than some sugary hazelnut spread and a person who spends all day obsessed with teeth. If I was a dessert, I’d be a French macaron. Strawberry, of course. Why? Because I am French and pink and altogether lovely. What kind of dessert best describes you and why?

Oh, that is a REALLY good choice. Seriously. OK, if I were a dessert, I’d be a cupcake. Because my favorite drink is cupcake-flavored vodka, and honestly, I’ve drunk enough of it to become one myself.

5. Then henceforth I shall refer to you as Cupcake, the vodka swilling, Nutella wielding author. I understand you write stories. Please tell me why the hero of your book would be my perfect boy toy for a day.

Well, Elder is the hero of my books. He’s a genetically engineered spaceship commander trying to hold together his people before mutiny tears apart his ship. Also, there’s a scene where one of the characters has to tell him to, and I quote, “Shut up and put some pants on.” So there’s that.

6. *gazes off into the distance and delicately fans face* Genetically engineered, you say? *raises brow* ALL of him? You Americans love your movies. One day, when Hollywood tells the story of my life, it will be called Gone With The Perfect Pink Monkey. If your life was a movie, what would be the title?

Much Ado About Awesome

7. Pink? Or some lesser, inferior color?

Silver. Which is actually a very nice compliment to the color pink.

8. I prefer diamonds, myself. I love fairy tales. If I was a fairy tale character, I’d be Snow White. The fairest in all the land. Which fairy tale character would you be and why?

Rapunzel. Because my mother was actually an evil witch who locked me in a tower until I was 18. Or, really, just because I have crazy long hair.

9. I am, of course, a fashion trend setter. (Glitter eye shadow? Six inch heels? Retro gowns making a comeback? Yes. You may thank me with your undying adulation.) If you were to start a trend, what would it be?

I am all for glitter anything, so I thank you for the eye shadow! If I were to start a trend, though, it would be that yoga pants were suddenly the most fashionable thing ever. Because honestly? That’s all I wear anyway.

10. What are these ... yoga pants? *Googles* Oh. How ... utterly delightful. I suppose you have some in silver? I am addicted to all things French—baguettes, macarons, Chateau Lafite, moi … the list goes on and on. What is your favorite thing from France?

Macarons are pretty freaking sweet. I also like cheese and wine. Basically, whatever can make me fat and/or drunk is probably a good thing.


Although I have to say…Nutella, the most perfect food form in the universe, comes from Italy, not France.


Also: J'ai appris le français au lycée et je peux encore parler un peu. Pouvez-vous faire cela, le singe?

11. Comment osez-vous insinuer que je serais incapable de parler ma propre langue, vous la vodka swilling cupcake, vous! A smart woman always maintains an air of mystery. Often the art of being mysterious involves doing the unexpected. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?

I once killed a squid and then ate it. After, you know, cooking it. Have I mentioned that my mom is Katniss and my dad is Aquaman?

12. If I ever need a squid killed and then eaten, I now know whom to call. I also believe a smart woman always gets the last word. Any last word you’d like to leave with my readers?

Bazinga.


Thank you, Beth, for such an entertaining interview! I think you gave our fair Giselle a good run for her money. To learn more about Beth, visit her site. To grab your own copy of A MILLION SUNS, visit Indie Bound here.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Beth is giving away a signed copy of A MILLION SUNS to one lucky reader. The contest is open to North America and you may enter until 8 p.m. central time, Monday February 6th. To enter, simply fill out the form below. And be sure to leave a comment for Beth in the blogger comment box at the bottom of the post!

Good luck and happy reading!

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Hourglass Cover Revealed!

My good friend and writing partner Myra McEntire has some exciting news to share today! Her debut novel, HOURGLASS, hits the shelves in May. It's an incredible book, and I can't wait for other readers to get a chance to enjoy it. Humor, suspense, and some really awesome plot twists combine with authentic, well-drawn characters and a super-cool time travel premise to make this book a must-read! To be one of the first to get this book, head to Amazon and place a pre-order.

Today, Myra unveils her cover. Here it is! (Pay close attention to where she's standing...)

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Eyes Like Stars - Part IV

In the last installment of our peek into Lisa Mantchev's EYES LIKE STARS, we find the fairies rallied around their creator, in various stages of ... well, see for yourself.



Mustardseed: Why, I want to know, are we wearing tea strainers on our heads?

Lisa: You are going into battle. (sounds of duct tape attaching silverware-armor to the fairies' limbs.)

Moth: (peering at his gauntlets, made of pocket watch bits) Against whom?

Lisa: The demons from Prophecy of the Sisters. You're going to fight them. To the death.

Peaseblossom: I... don't think I like the sound of that.

Lisa: (more duct tape sounds) Sure you do! You can jab at them with toothpick swords, and the winners will get spectacular prizes.

Cobweb: What kind of prizes?

Lisa: All sorts of fabulous shiny things, but you'll mostly like the candy. Pop Rocks and Airheads... Peaseblossom will like all the glittery makeup--

Mustardseed: Makeup schmakeup... what if we PERISH?

Lisa: Then you go to some sort of fairy Valhalla, no doubt, and gorge eternally on cake.

(Silence a moment, then four-part harmony)

Fairies: BRING ON THE BATTLE!

To help the fairies win their battle (and to win the totally rocking, shiny prize package for yourself!) go to the contest site and get the details. Also, hie thyself to thy nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Eyes Like Stars (which already went into its second print run during it's debut week!).

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Eyes Like Stars Act III

The next installment in the adventures of author Lisa Mantchev (Eyes Like Stars hits your local bookstore next week!) and four very mischievous fairies. If you missed the first two installments, go here and here.

(The fairies are in a tremendous hurry to finish, as Lisa has now eaten her fruit roll-up gag.)

Moth: Shove another peanut butter cup in her piehole!

Peaseblossom: I dunno... she might go into a diabetic coma, and then what happens to us?

Cobweb: Hm. Good point.

Mustardseed: I think the trick is just to be far, far away by the time she undoes the knots in the licorice.

Lisa: Just wait until I get back on the laptop. I'm writing a scene where you all eat broccoli. In the bathtub. While someone reads Goethe to you.

ALL: (chorus of screams) NOT THE BROCCOLI!

Peaseblossom: Maybe we should ask her some real interview-type questions. Like "what's inspired you to write this book?"

Moth: Yawn-tastic. How about "if you were going to exact revenge upon someone, what kind of explosives would you use?"

Mustardseed: Or, "what's your favorite method of extracting boogers and ear-wax?" That's actually a useful question.

Lisa: There's a difference, Mustardseed, between useful and disgusting.

Cobweb: O-ho! Look who's Miss Hoity-Toity! I saw you cleaning up that crusty Princess of yours last night!

Lisa: (unbeknownst to the Fearsome Foursome, has now untied the licorice ropes and is awaiting the right moment to grab all of them and exact revenge) That crusty Princess inspired you guys, so show a little respect. Er. Never mind. Forgot who I was talking to there, for a minute.

Peaseblossom: (peering upside-down at Lisa) Why are you eyeballing the duct tape?


Tune in next week for the exciting conclusion and order Eyes Like Stars now!

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Eyes Like Stars - Act II

When we last left author Lisa Mantchev, she was bound with licorice ropes while four very mischievous fairies romped across her galleys, leaving frosted footsteps in their wake. Today, the saga continues:

Peaseblossom: So, here's the deal. Lisa's got revisions on the second theater book.


Cobweb: Perchance to Pudding.


Moth: No... it was something about sleeping.


Mustardseed: To sleep, perchance to pillow-drool.


Cobweb: I wasn't going to say anything, but she totally does. And snore!


(There's a hail of giggling before a chorus of thumps and "ow!" from the boys.)


Peaseblossom: (with an angelic clearing of her throat) So she asked us to do this guest blog thing on her behalf.


Cobweb: The licorice ropes were totally her idea.


Moth: They weren't, but they are for her own good.


Mustardseed: Otherwise she gets on that Tweeter-thing and totally forgets about us.


Peaseblossom: (over the top of the boys) What they mean to say is, writers have some Very Bad Habits.


Moth: Not as bad as forgetting to make dessert, but Bad Enough.


Cobweb: And it's not just Tweeter... it's that Bookface, and a OurPlace and the website.


(Chorus of groans.)


Mustardseed: Don't even get me started on the website! And I'm still mad we weren't invited to the cake-wrecking.


Peaseblossom: (with an audible smirk) That's because you three can't take direction!


(A fight breaks out amongst them, with the sounds of punching and shoving and the smashing of crockery. Very faintly, in the background, Lisa can be heard, chewing through her gag of Fruit Roll-up.)


Will Lisa chew through her Fruit Roll-up gag in time to complete her revisions? Or will Peaseblossom and the boys take over the book? Tune in next week for Act III!

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