GCC Presents Melissa Walker and LOVESTRUCK SUMMER!

I am a huge Melissa Walker fan. Back when I was just a baby zygote of a YA author, Melissa Walker took time out of her insanely busy schedule to give me advice, and even talked me through a few writing funks.  Needless to say, I adore her.  But her writing?  That’s something else altogether. Melissa has the rare gift of being able to craft a world so real, that to read one of her books is to disappear into another dimension for a while.  When I read the VIOLET books, I felt that Violet’s friends were my own, and that in reading the series, I was hanging out with Violet herself, not just merely reading ABOUT her.  Let me tell you, folks, characterization like that is hard to pull off!

So I was beyond excited when I heard that she was coming out with a new book, and SQUEE!  It’s HERE!  But before Melissa is gracious enough to answer the same eight questions about glamor and celebrity I always ask, here’s a bit more about her newest scrumptious offering, LOVESTRUCK SUMMER!

LOVESTRUCK SUMMER is the story of Quinn, an indie rock girl who came out to Austin, Texas for a music internship. She also plans to spend long, lazy days in the sun at outdoor concerts–and to meet a hot musician or two. Instead, she’s stuck rooming with her sorority brainwashed cousin, who now willingly goes by the name “Party Penny.” Their personalities clash, big time.

But Sebastian, a gorgeous DJ, definitely makes up for it. Sebastian has it all: looks, charm, and great taste in music. So why can’t Quinn keep her mind off Penny’s friend cute, All-American Russ and his Texas twang?

Sebastian is the kind of guy Quinn wants, but is Russ the guy Quinn needs?  One thing’s certain: Quinn’s in for a summer she’ll never forget!

ABOUT MELISSA:

A former editor at ELLEgirl and Seventeen magazines, Melissa Walker knows her indie rock. She hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She loves talking about books, fashion, magazines and all kinds of pop culture. Visit her at melissacwalker.com or on iheartdaily.com

1.  What (or who) do you consider to be glamorous and why?

Right now, I’m in a Grace Kelly phase. Her poise, charm and grace–not to mention her quick wit and her flawless fashion–are the epitome of glamor.

2.  If you weren’t a writer, what other career would you like to attempt?

Can I be Grace Kelly in old Hitchcock movies? I’ve seen them so often I know all her lines!

3.  What is the one article of clothing in your closet that you can’t bear to part with?

Probably my bathrobe. Hey, I’m a writer who works at home. I need to be comfy. (Got a new one at my wedding shower–photo attached. I love it!)

4.  Who is your fav celebrity?

I’ll veer from Grace and choose a living celebrity: Ginnifer Goodwin. Total girl crush.

5.  If you could put together a “dream cast” of the big screen version of your book, who would play the leads?5

For Lovestruck Summer, I’d want an unknown alterna-girl to play Quinn. For Russ, I’ll take Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins on Friday Night Lights. Swoon.)

6.  Britney:  Comeback or train wreck?

Comeback! I still love B.

7. What is your fav glam or exotic location to visit? (Mine’s Paris!)

I once went to an island off the coast of Mexico, and it was the ultimate in exotic to me. It’s here: verana.com.

8.  Which character in your work do you most relate to and why?
In all of my books, I relate to Violet from the Violet series the most. She’s a lot like me. Quinn was really fun to write, though, and Lovestruck Summer definitely has some of my heart in it–I love both country and indie music!

PS-For a chance to win Lovestruck Summer, plus 3 other great beach reads, go to iheartdaily.com/Harper2009.html

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WINNER!

I know I am DAYS late in announcing this, but with everything going on with my dad, I’m a little preoccupied these days . . .  So, without further ado, the winner of the SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE ARC and prize pack is . . .

HILLARY!!!!!!

Email me ASAP Hillary, and congratulations!!!!!!!

xo

THE ELITE in JUSTINE MAGAZINE!

Well, at least ONE piece of good news has flown my way today–JUSTINE magazine has just let my publicist know that they will be featuring THE ELITE books in their June/July issue!  We’d known it was a possibility for a while, but it only became official today when they asked Penguin to send over the cover art for my books!

So this is very exciting!  THE ELITE was featured on Seventee.com when it was first released, but this kind of print coverage is invaluable. WOOT!

An Update

Well, after a long, sleepless night and a myriad of long distance conversations with my brother, the general consensus is that nobody knows much of anything.  When they did a CAT scan, they found a bunch of blood in my father’s brain, but now aren’t sure if it’s a stroke, or an OLD stroke that happened some time ago, and nobody caught, or a WORSENING of that older stroke. It’s very confusing and completely frustrating.  I’m getting a lot of “maybe’s,”  and I don’t do well with uncertainty–I never have.  He’s also in a lot of abdominal pain, so they think he may have a bowel obstruction, which would require surgery—an operation that he is unlikely to make it through because of his weakened condition. Oh, and did I forget to mention that they ALSO found pneumonia on his right lung?????

Whatever the outcome, it seems clear that my dad will no longer be able to work a full-time job. The irony of all this, of course, is that he is a doctor, a guy who spent his entire life taking care of other people, and ignoring his own health as a result.  So now my brother and I are faced with the daunting task of researching care units and assisted living facilities.  My father had a heart attack–followed by open heart surgery a few years ago–and he never quite recovered.  Shortly after the surgery, he went into congestive heart failure.  Since then, he’s caught pneumonia at least twice a year, and these constant bouts of illness have weakened  him beyond belief. Then, last year, he had a stroke.  My mother is not in good health, and my father will need constant care–there is no way he can stay at home alone if/when he comes home from the hospital. The only solution seems to be to move both of them closer to my brother and I, and into an assisted living facility where they can get the care they need, and where we can visit often.

This has been a completely lousy year in many respects, but mixed with joy.  I moved to California, which I love.  My first two books were published, and I’m damn proud of them.  My third book will be out in July, I’ve hired a kick-ass PR firm to hype it, and I’m really excited.  It looks like I’ll be doing a slew of television interviews, and various other publicity.  My brother’s wife is having a baby, and I’m thinking of having one of my own soon. All this is very exciting, but the situation with my dad’s health darkens it all, and makes me realize just how precious every moment is. So much of what I see going on online is hateful and snippy.  People saying things they wouldn’t DARE utter to another human being face-to-face.  So, no matter what happens to my dad, I’ve decided to approach things from a more positive outlook.

Life is too short not to.

XO

Bad News

My father had a massive stroke today.  I’ve been dealing with doctors and hospitals for most of the afternoon/evening, and my faith in the medical profession is shaky at best.  No one seems to know anything for sure, and what they DO know is sketchy. I don’t know if he’ll be OK–I don’t even know if he’ll make it through the night.  All I can do is hope. I feel so guilty that I’m not there by his side, but here in LA, writing these words on my blog that no one really reads. I feel alone, but probably not half as alone as my father does in that hopsital, confused and scared about what comes next.

Last Chance to Enter!

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the last day to enter the contest to win an ARC of SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, a $25 Amazon gift card, and ENVY, the third novel in The Luxe series!  I’ll announce the winner over the weekend 🙂

Good luck!

xo

Awesome Trailer!

I just saw this trailer for BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE over on The Compulsive Reader’s blog, and all I can say is WOW!  Now I am DYING to read this book!

I’m usually not a huge fan of trailers (unless they’re mine lol!), but this one is amazing, and so totaly creepy that I jumped a mile out of my seat at the end.

What do you guys think?  And does a trailer make you want to read the book?  Or do you think they’re mostly a waste of time?

Kick A$$ YA: Megan Kelley Hall’s SISTERS OF MISERY

I’m not even going to begin this review by talking about what a great writer Megan Kelley Hall is, or how gorgeous the cover is for SOM, or even what a wonderful, lovely person Megan is to talk to.  I’m just going to cut right to the chase.

This book killed me.  It’s one of the ONLY YA titles in the past year that I wished I’d written myself.

About SISTERS OF MISERY:

There are some girls who have everything…

She has the right clothes, the right friends, and the right last name, but fifteen-year-old Maddie Crane sometimes feels like an outsider in her clique in the wealthy, seaside town of Hawthorne, Massachusetts. And when her gorgeous, eccentric cousin Cordelia LeClaire moves to town, Maddie is drawn toward her ethereal, magical spirit and teeters even more toward the edge of her friends’ tightly-knit circle…

Then there are the jealous ones…

Kate Endicott and the Sisters of Misery—a secret clique of the most popular, powerful girls in school—are less than thrilled by Cordelia’s arrival. When Kate’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Trevor takes an interest in Cordelia, the Sisters of Misery become determined to make her pay…

Now Maddie must choose between the allure and power of the Sisters of Misery and her loyalty to her beloved cousin. But she’ll have to give up on ever fitting in and accept the disturbing truth about the town, her friends, her mysterious cousin, and even herself as she faces the terrifying wrath of the Sisters of Misery…

About Megan:

Megan Kelley Hall, 34, freelance writer and literary publicist living in Swampscott, Massachusetts, is currently represented by Elisabeth Weed of Weed Literary in NYC with her first YA novel, SISTERS OF MISERY.

Hall regularly writes articles for a variety of local and national magazines and publications, including Elle, Glamour, Boston Magazine, Parenting, American Baby, Working Mother, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Better Homes and Gardens.com, More.com, Ladies Home Journal.com, New England Bride, MetroSports, Parents and Kids, The AKC Gazette and various online publications.

She studied creative writing at Skidmore College under the Pulitzer-Prize winning author Steven Millhauser. Hall is also writing a non-fiction memoir about her recent open heart surgery, as well as her life as a cancer survivor, her partial vision loss and the premature birth of her very healthy and happy four year old daughter Piper Elizabeth. The memoir is tentatively entitled, BLINDED BY LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE. Hall was also the editorial consultant for The Official TV Guide Collectors Guide.

She opened Kelley & Hall Book Publicity and Promotion (www.kelleyandhall.com) with her mother, Gloria Kelley, and sister, Jocelyn Maeve Kelley, over a few years ago and has run very successful campaigns for authors, including New York Time’s best-selling author Jacquelyn Mitchard.

I am a sucker for a great suspense tale.  When I was a teenager I devoured the novels of Lois Duncan–particularly SUMMER OF FEAR–a book which still resonates in the back of my mind as one of the most spine-chilling, Young Adult works of suspense I’ve even had the pleasure of reading.Even long after I finished it–hell, even now, many years later–the thought of that book still sends an icy shiver of fear down my spine, and produces an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. SISTERS OF MISERY is the first work of YA suspense I’ve read since SOF that has generated the same fear and fascination in me as a reader.  I read SOM in one day, unable to put it down for longer than the time it took to make a sandwich, or run to the bathroom. I was seriosuly obsessed–I don’t think I even checked my email until I was done, and, for me, that’s really saying something . . .

What make SOM sing is not only Kelley Hall’s obvious gifts as  a writer, her ability to craft a story that races along breathlessly toward a chilling climax, but the depth of her characterization.  I felt that I KNEW Maddie, and even Kate Endicott.  I particularly enjoyed the fact that Hall isn’t afraid to make Kate a true villain in the purest sense.  Kate Endicott doesn’t have a remorseful body in her scheming, conniving body, and to create a character like that takes guts.  Megan Kelley Hall doesn’t care if we like Kate, admire her, or outright despise her–she refuses to cater to the desires and preferences of her audience, and thus creates a uncompromising villain who drew me into the creepy, bonechilling world of Misery Island from the very first sentence, to the breathtaking final pages.

Pick up this book and proceed to devour it.  You won’t regret it.

GCC Presents Lucienne Diver!

Today Lucienne Diver is stopping by the GCC to talk about her new book, VAMPED, which came out just last week!  If you love vampire stories, glamor, and high school VAMPED is right up your alley!  Ive heard about this book for a LONG time, and now I’m completely stoked to read it–my copy should be here any day now from Amazon!  I was not a huge fan of TWILIGHT, but I have a feeling that VAMPED will leave me hungry for more . . .  And Lucienne is also a literary agent!  Isn’t that cool?  But before I get to the same eight questions I always ask authors about glamor and celebrity, let’s find out a little more about Lucienne and VAMPED!

Bio:

Lucienne Diver is a long-time book addict who went to work for NYC’s Spectrum Literary Agency fifteen years ago to feed her habit.  Recently, she traded in her high-rise for a lake view.  She now lives in Florida and works for The Knight Agency (www.knightagency.net).   Through various play-dates and in various coffee bars, on the backs of envelopes, carry-out bags and anything else within reach, including, sometimes, her checkbook, she’s penned the serio-comic tale of what happens when a young fashionista goes from chic to eek.

ABOUT VAMPED:

From “Valley Vamp Rules for Surviving Your Senior Prom” by VAMPED heroine Gina Covello:

Rule #1:  Do not get so loaded at the after prom party that you accidentally-on-purpose end up in the broom closet with the surprise hottie of the evening,  say the class chess champ who’s somewhere lost his bottle-cap lenses and  undergone an extreme makeover, especially if that makeover has anything to do with becoming one of the undead.

Gina Covello has a problem. Waking up a dead is just the beginning.  There’s very little she can’t put up with for the sake of eternal youth and beauty.  Blood-sucking and pointy stick phobias seem a small price to pay.  But she draws the line when local vampire vixen Mellisande gets designs on her hot new boyfriend with his prophecied powers and hatches a plot to turn all of Gina’s fellow students into an undead army to be used to overthrow the vampire council.

Hey, if anyone’s going to create an undead entourage, it should be Gina!  Now she must unselfishly save her classmates from fashion disaster and her own fanged fate.

What people are saying:

“VAMPED is a total delight!  Diver delivers a delightful cast of undead characters and a fresh, fast take on the vampire mythos.  Next installment, please!”   — Rachel Caine, New York Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series

“I really sunk my teeth into Lucienne Diver’s VAMPED.  A fun, frothy, teenage romp with lots of action, a little shopping, and a cute vampire guy.  Who could ask for more?”  — Marley Gibson, author of GHOST HUNTRESS: The Awakening

“This book rollicked along, full of humor, romance, and action.  Gina is a smart-aleck heroine worth reading about, a sort of teenage Besty Taylor (Undead and Unwed) with a lot of Cher Horowitz (Clueless) thrown in.  Fans of Katie Maxwell will devour “Vamped.”  — Rosemary Clement-Moore, author of the Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series

“Move over Buffy! Lucienne Diver transfuses some fresh blood into the vampire genre. Feisty, fashionable and fun–Vamped is a story readers will sink their teeth into and finish thirsty for more.”   —Mari Mancusi, author of The Blood Coven Vampires series

1.  What (or who) do you consider to be glamorous and why?

Halle Barry, Catherine Zeta Jones, Selma Hayek.  I’d pretty much give my left kidney to look like any one of these women – I’m kind of attached to my right.  Partly it’s the exotic looks, partly it’s the way they make it look effortless…not that you don’t see the make-up and designer clothes and all that, but their smiles and their natural glow are what make them truly glamorous.

2.  If you weren’t a writer, what other career would you like to attempt?

Well, I’m also an agent, and I can’t imagine anything better.  I love working with brilliant, creative, unique people and helping dreams be fulfilled.  Plus, no one will trust me with a magic wand, so fairy godmother is right out.

3.  What is the one article of clothing in your closet that you can’t bear to part with?

Wow, just one?  It would have to be my gorgeous, steel-boned corset shot through with gold, red and green thread.  It’s the most completely decadent (and costly) thing in my closet, but I only get to wear it a few times a year when I go to Renaissance faires.

4.  Who is your fav celebrity?

Beyond Hugh Jackman?  Joss Whedon, hands down.  He’s absolutely a brilliant writer and an outside-the-box thinker.  His characters and dialogue are inspirational.

5.  If you could put together a “dream cast” of the big screen version of your book, who would play the leads?

Another toughie!  I think that Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly would make a wonderful Gina, as would Ashley Tisdale.  Bobby…well, Zac Efron is probably on everyone’s wish list!

6.  Britney:  Comeback or train wreck?

Her scooter has definitely jumped the curb, but people have come back from worse.

7. What is your fav glam or exotic location to visit? (Mine’s Paris!)

Ooh, I loved Paris!  I desperately want to get back there.  I also truly loved Glastonbury Abbey, Bath, London, everywhere we’ve been in Scotland, Heidelberg, Germany, and, of course, the Big Apple.

8.  Which character in your work do you most relate to and why?

Between the glamor girl and the geek, I’m definitely the latter.  Oh, I’ve learned to dress up and schmooze, but beneath it all is the girl who just wants to put on her drawstring pants and curl up with a good book.

Check out Lucienne and VAMPED at:

Publisher: http://www.fluxnow.com
Author: http://www.luciennediver.com
Author blog: http://varkat.livejournal.com

GCC Presents Linda Gerber and Death by Denim!

Linda Gerber, the author of the forthcoming DEATH BY DENIM is stopping by my blog today.  I LOVED DEATH BY LATTE and DEATH BY BIKINI, and I can’t wait to get my hands on DBD to see what happens next!  Linda is hosting a blog launch party for DBD on May 14th, which is ALSO the book’s release date!  So go on over to http://lindagerber.blogspot.com and join te festivities!

About the book:Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom’s lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she’s in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom’s contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth’s location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . . .

Early praise for DEATH BY DENIM:

“Starting with a heart-pounding chase scene… Gerber weaves in some major cultural landmarks as Aphra races through Paris and then Italy on a mission to expose the would-be assassin and rescue her love interest, Seth. Taut suspense… along with interesting tips of the espionage trade, will propel readers to the neat ending.”   – Booklist

“Death by Denim, the third book in Linda Gerber’s fun, action-packed, and suspenseful series, is just as riveting as its prequels. Gerber’s style is not only modern and down to earth, but cunning and intelligent as well… Aphra is an engaging and lively narrator whose bravery and smarts readers will admire. Equal parts action, romance, and mystery, Death by Denim is a fun-filled and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series.”  – The Compulsive Reader

“Gerber does not disappoint with this exciting novel from her Death by… series. Gerber’s strength is by far in creating such a thrilling and fast paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. …Death by Denim is a wholly enjoyable read, full of action, romance, and international flair. Fans of Death by Bikini and Death by Latte, the earlier installments in this series, won’t want to miss Death by Denim. Teen girls in particular looking for a fast and fun mystery to devour will enjoy Gerber’s Death by… series.”  – The Book Muncher

About Linda:

Linda Gerber recently returned to life in the Midwest after four years in Japan, where she served as the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her books include SASS: NOW AND ZEN, SASS: THE FINNISH LINE and the YA mysteries DEATH BY BIKINI, DEATH BY LATTE and DEATH BY DENIM. She currently lives and writes in Dublin, OH, blissfully ignoring her husband, kids, and one very naughty puppy.

The Same Q’s I ALWAYS ask!1.

1. What (or who) do you consider to be glamorous and why?

Michelle Obama, because she can make J Crew look like designer chic. We’ll just overlook that kind of strange Moschino shirt with the huge bow…

2.    If you weren’t a writer, what other career would you like to attempt?

I’d love to own a bookstore. That’s my idea of Nirvana – being surrounded by books all day. Especially if we could throw in a beach setting and plenty of chocolate.

3.    What is the one article of clothing in your closet that you can’t bear to part with?

An old jean jacket that Stacy and Clinton from WNTW would surely trash, but I love it because it’s comfortable and… me.

4.    Who is your fav celebrity?

Good question. My favorites are constantly revolving. This week it’s Salma Hayek because I love her idea of a Venetian Masquerade wedding dinner.

5.    If you could put together a “dream cast” of the big screen version of your book, who would play the leads?

Oooh. Let’s see… Aphra = Jordan Pruitt (w/dark hair)
Seth = Clay Adler
Ryan = Milo Ventimiglia
Natalie = Kate Beckinsdale  (though she might be too young.)
Agent Caraday = Julianne Moore
The Mole = Sean Connery (sure, why not? This is a dream cast, right?)

6.    Britney:  Comeback or train wreck?

I’d like to say comeback, but only time will tell…

7.    What is your fav glam or exotic location to visit? (Mine’s Paris!)

Loved Paris, too! Another favorite is Kyoto, Japan. So much ancient history and stunning architecture, and culture.

8.    Which character in your work do you most relate to and why?

Probably Natalie because she’s the mom, and Aphra because she gets into trouble and makes mistakes.

Big thanks to Linda for stopping by!  I have DEATH BY DENIM pre-ordered, and you should too!  Find out more about Linda at:

http://lindagerber.com
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=518643863
http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gerbsan