YA 2013 Debut Author Event: Interview with author Lisa Amowitz, author of July debut Breaking Glass


Today we have author Lisa Amowitz on Reading Away The Days. Lisa released her debut novel Breaking Glass via Spencer Hill Press July 2013! Enjoy the interview with Lisa and please leave me a comment below letting know your thoughts on Breaking Glass!


The Author: Lisa Amowitz

My background is in art and graphic design, which I teach at a community college in New York City. I'm a native New Yorker, born and bred. I have two children, one a high school senior and the other a college senior, and I've been married to the same man for, like--okay forever. I kind of stumbled into writing through the back door (which I'll elaborate on below) and lately have been very busy doing cover designs for Spencer Hill Press as well as writing. It's a gas!

Writing

Here's the truth--after reading the first three Harry Potter books OUT LOUD to my daughter with a very poor British accent (yes, that's right--in their entirety)--the damage was done. I was hooked on urban fantasy. Then I decided I must illustrate a children’s' book, so I set about writing one without the foggiest notion of what genre I was writing. I became an undercover writer, too embarrassed to admit how obsessive I'd become. As luck would have it, I eventually joined an online critique group that basically taught me how to write. Members of this original group, (it will be eight years this February joined that group) are still members of my current critique group, the Cudas, which will be celebrating its seventh year next August.

    

 
The Book- Breaking Glass   

The inspiration for Breaking Glass came in bits and pieces. Though it is set in the fictitious town of Riverton, it is based on the actual town of Croton-on-Hudson, a semi-rural suburb of New York City where some good friends of mine reside. The winding forested roads, reservoirs, and upscale residents really set the tone for the story. I also had this idea stuck in my head about a boy who brings his crush back from the dead. So when I put those together, the story started to gel. And then Jeremy's voice got stuck in my head and I couldn't shut him up.

Blurb

On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, hes not sure whether they’re real or if he’s losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unravelling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself





How does it feel to be releasing your debut novel in summer 2013?

I'm very excited, but at the same time I'm a little nervous about publicity and such. Plus it's such a crazy year--my daughter is graduating from high school, my son from college and then my book comes out. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Can you describe your main protagonist Jeremy in less than 140 characters?

Haunted by his inner demons, high school track star Jeremy Glass tries to summon his crush from beyond the grave to solve her murder.

Alot of YA books I know use females as the main protagonist, especially YA paranormal books. Why did you choose to go with a male protagonist?

I like male protagonists because what they are thinking and what they actually say are two different things. Jeremy almost never admits how he truly feels, which is what made him so much fun to write.

If you could encourage readers to pick up your book in July when it is released, what would you say?

It's creepy, dark and a really good mystery. It's also a little bit funny at times. (I'm pretty bad at this!)

 
Bookie Questions:

Favourite genre and why?

YA dystopic or paranormal

Favourite YA author and why?

At this moment, I'd have to say that Maggie Stiefvater is the epitome of what I aspire to--her writing is literary and lyrical--just what I love. Do I have to pick just one? I have so many--Suzanne Collins, John Green, Cassie Clare, Patrick Ness.

Debut author/ upcoming author we should check out
Well obviously everyone from Spencer Hill Press--but also my very good friend Michelle McLean who has a bazillion books coming out next year with Entangled Publishing.

Favourite 2012 read and why?

Maggie Stiefvater--the Raven Boys. Ahhhh--Maggie is a poet. Her writing is so vivid I can taste it. Her characters are painstakingly real and heartbreaking. Her romance makes my heart stutter and her mysteries keep me turning the page. I can actually smell the fragrance in the air when she describes it.

A book series you love and why?

Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking series. After The Hunger Games, it is the best YA dystopic ever written. It's wildly original and filled with action, romance and total weirdness.

Stalk the author:


Lord of the Shifters Blog Tour: Interview & Giveaway

 
Welcome to my stop on the Lord of the Shifters blog tour! I bring you a fun interview with author Angela Carlie & a chance for you to win an Ebook of any book in the Lord of the Shifters Series!
 
About the Lord of the Shifters series!
 
Spider Wars:
 
Spider Wars (Lords of Shifters)

What happens when a species is tired of being stomped on?

Jess' life has never been ordinary. After all, life on the road with an immortal family of gypsies is hardly predictable. Living in the small town of White Salmon, Washington has brought some normality to her life. But when her cheating, sometimes boyfriend, Nicu, gets involved with a group of arachneshifters, life gets a little sticky. Will she be able to save him from the web he's spun? More importantly, how much is she willing to risk to get him back?

Loramendi's Story: 
 
Loramendi's Story

Lora wants nothing more than to be the wind behind sexy windsurfer Chance's sails. But fulfilling that wish just became...complicated. After seventeen years of normal life, someone wants Lora and her family dead. And the attempted massacre isn't nearly as strange as the reason behind it.

Dark Horse:
Dark Horse (Lords of Shifters)

Amethea thought she was the last of her kind, a creature from mythical stories, from light, peace, and magic. But, Amethea isn't a myth, and she doesn't hold any peace in her heart. She watched as her family was murdered for the magic of their horns. She'd give anything to avenge their deaths. She just hasn't figured out how yet.

When she meets another, Cerus, everything changes. Together, they harness more power than Amethea ever dreamed. But is it enough to take down the Lords of Shifters?

We all have demons hidden deep in the crevices of history. Johnnie's have busted out, exposed for all to see. But he doesn't care that everyone knows. Just Jess. She's got a front row seat to the Johnnie's demon show, and Johnnie's about to find out that he hasn't met all of them yet.

Blood Pyre:

Coming 2013
 
Some fun book questions with author Angela Carlie:

Fave 2012 read and why?
 
My favorite read this past year has to be Dead Heat by Lisa Nowak. The subject matter is dark, but the characters are so full of life that they become your best friends. This novel moved me to tears on several occasions.
 
Fave YA author and why?
 
Oh, I don't have a favorite anything, really. I enjoy the work of so many authors.
 
YA author you would recommend we check out?
 
Andrew Smith, Lisa Nowak, Megg Jensen, Stacey Wallace Benefiel, Karly Kirkpatrick, G.P. Ching, and Cheri Lasota are some of the few I'd recommend.
 
Book crush?
 
Shine by Lauren Myracle
 
Fave female from a book and why?
 
Katniss for obvious reasons. She's badass
 
Buy any book in the Lord of the Shifters Series:
 
 
Stalk the author:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/angelacarlie

Twitter: http://twitter.com/angelacarlie

Website: http://angelacarlie.com

Blog: http://angelacarlie.blogspot.com

Giveaway!

One Winner can choose a ebook of your choice from any book in the Lord of the Shifters by Angela Carlie.

To Enter simply leave a comment below along with your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Giveaway is International and ends 14th January 2013








YA 2013 debut author event: Interview with author of Triangles, Kimberly Ann Miller (Summer 2013 release)

 
Today we have author Kimberly Ann Miller who releases her debut novel, Triangles, summer 2013! Enjoy the interview and leave me a comment below, letting me know what you think of Triangles!
 
 
The Author: Kimberly Ann Miller
 
I received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. I’m an avid reader and particularly enjoy true crime and young adult novels. I grew up in New Jersey and currently reside in Monmouth County with my husband and three cats. When I’m not writing, I love to travel to sunny islands where I snorkel by day and stargaze by night. Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. I always take my Nook with me and make sure to have plenty of good books loaded up!
 
Writing
 
Believe it or not, my sister forced me to read Twilight in 2008. I had never read a YA book before, and fought her on it, but in the end, I loved the series and read all four books in a week. When I finished, I realized I would love to write a story that others would like to read as much as I liked Twilight. By the next month, I had already outlined my first book and started writing!
 
Triangles
The Book- Triangles
 
 
Triangles is a young adult contemporary fantasy.
 
 
Here is the blurb from Spencer Hill’s website:
 

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?


In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.


Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.


She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?
 
 
What inspired me to write the story is my love for Bermuda. I’ve been there five times and plan on going back. It’s one of the safest, cleanest, nicest islands I’ve traveled to, and I have both stayed on the island and cruised there. The people are amazing, the sights rock, and the weather is perfect. Plus, they have the Bermuda Triangle! As I outlined the book, I wanted to capture a unique premise that hadn’t been done before, and the Bermuda Triangle came to mind. Next thing I knew, the book was done!
 
How does it feel to be releasing your debut novel in summer 2013?
 
Exciting! Since it involves cruising and tropical islands, Triangles will be released just in time to be a beach read for the summer.
 
Can you describe your main protagonist Autumn in less than 140 characters?
 
Autumn’s a complex girl, dealing with guilt, grief, and fear. She’s determined to do things her way, and escaping her home life is her goal.
 
Why should we pick up Triangles when it is released later in the year?
 
For readers who enjoy romance, exotic locations, and dealing with human emotions, Triangles offers all those things as well as a touch of fantasy. My hope is that Triangles will be a book that readers want to recommend to their friends as well as read over and over again!
 

Bookie Questions!
 

Favourite genre and why?
 
Young adult, because the teen years are the most emotional times of our lives. Everything is so new and raw, and we experience so many‘firsts’ that we can never get back—first kiss, first love, first job, first taste of independence. I would never want to go through it again, but oh, the memories!
 
Favourite YA author and why?
 
There are so many great authors out there, but one of my favorites is a fellow Spencer Hill Press author, Jennifer Armentrout. She writes the best kick-butt females and moody males, and the interactions between her characters always end up in sparks flying off the page. She’s great at what she does, and she’s an amazing person, too!
 
Debut author/ upcoming author we should check out?
 
I read many great ARCs from BEA this summer, and would highly recommend Maureen L McGowan, author of Deviants; Sarah Fine, author of Sanctum, and Emily McKay, author of The Farm. These books rocked and the authors are pretty awesome, too!
 
Favourite 2012 read and why?
 
I really cannot choose just one book. I read over thirty books this year and loved most of them!
 

A book series you love and why?
 
I love the Covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout because of the characters. The main character and the guys she interacts with throughout the series makes me wish I had written the books!



Pre-Order Triangles:


Barnes & Noble
Amazon

 
Stalk the author
 
 
Website: www.kimberlyannmiller.com 
Twitter: @KimberlyAnnNJ  
Facebook-author:
https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.a.miller.180

YA 2013 Debut Event: Interview with author of Perfection, J.L. Spelbring (May Release)

 
 
Today we have author J.L. Spelbring on the blog! J.L releases her debut novel, Perfection in May via the awesome Spencer Hill Press! Enjoy the interview and leave a comment and let me know what you think of Perfection!



The Author- J.L Spelbring

PerfectionHmm? Me? All about me! I live in the wonderful state of Texas. Everything people say about Texans being proud of their state is true. LOL!!! I have a wonderful daughter, two sons, and an awe-inspiring granddaughter. My degree is in Psychology--I sprinkled some concepts in PERFECTION. Also, I enjoy long walks along the beach and quiet evenings curled on the couch with a good book. LOL!


Writing
 
Since my early twenties (we don't need to discuss how long ago that was), I wanted to write a book. About six years ago, I sat down in front of my computer and did it. My poor first manuscript is still on my memory stick begging to be revisited. I've learned so much since then.

 



The Book: Perfection
 
Like most books, PERFECTION is based on a 'what if' concept. In this case--What if the Nazis won the war? What would happen if Aryan ideology came to be? 
 
Blurb:

The personification of Aryan purity, Ellyssa's spent her whole life under her creator's strict training and guidance; her purpose is to eradicate inferior beings. She was genetically engineered to be the perfect soldier: strong, intelligent, unemotional, and telepathic.

Only Ellyssa isn't perfect.

Ellyssa feels emotions--a fact she's spent her life concealing. Until she encounters the epitome of inferiority: a dark-haired boy raised among renegades hiding since the Nazis won the war a century ago. He speaks to her telepathically, pushing thoughts into her mind, despite the impossibility of such a substandard person having psychic abilities.

But he does.

His unspoken words and visions of a place she's never visited make Ellyssa question her creator. Confused and afraid her secret will be discovered, Ellyssa runs away, embarking on a journey where she discovers there is more to her than perfection.
 
 
 
 
 

How does it feel to be releasing your debut novel, May 2013?
 
 
 
It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Writing is a long, hard road, but definitely worth the struggle.


Can you describe you protangnist Ellyssa in less than 140 characters?
 
 

Ellyssa is a genetically engineered female, who struggles between what her creator bred her to be and what she really is.

 



What would you say to encourage anyone to pick up Perfection when it releases in May?
 
 
 
 
What? And not grovel? LOL! I would say if you like a your dystopian with a little science fiction, a little paranormal, and the discovery of first love, then PERFECTION is for you.

 




Bookie Questions
 
Favourite genre and why?
 
 
 
Urban fantasy. I really enjoy reading about life intertwined with fantasy. Gets my creative juices flowing.

 


Favourite YA author and why?
 

 
 That is impossible to answer. There are so many authors who have weaved intriguingly, beautiful stories. For instance, I could put down the names of all my publishing brothers and sisters. I've had the great fortune of reading their books and they are all wonderful.  



Debut author/upcoming author you would reccommend my readers check out?

 
 
A.E. Rought's BROKEN. A.E. has a knack for building a tangible world with her mere words.

 
Favourite 2012 read and why?
 
 
 
 
CLOCKWORK PRINCE (which was actually released Dec. 2011, I think). I just love the world Cassandra Clare built with all the fantasy elements mixed with some steampunk.

 
A book series you love and why?


The Infernal Devices. Same reason as above.


Stalk the author:

Blogs: http://jlspelbring.blogspot.com/  and http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlspelbring

Author page: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/Judy_Spelbring.html


 

YA 2013 Debut Event: Interview with author Lenore Appehans & Giveaway!

 

I have another great YA 2013 debut author for you! Author Lenore Appehans, releases her debut novel, Level 2 this month! Enjoy the interview with Lenore and why not enter to win a copy of Level 2!
 
 The author: Lenore Appehans

 
 
I’m an American girl living in Germany with my illustrator husband (Daniel Jennewein) and three Sacred Birman cats. Due to my father’s US Air Force career, I moved around a lot, and have now visited nearly 60 countries. I also love to read and have been blogging about books at http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com since 2008.
 
 
Writing

 
 People have always told me I have a talent for writing. I won competitions in school. I studied journalism at university and worked as a freelance advertising copywriter for many years. It wasn’t until I met authors through my blog that I realized writing fiction for publication might be an attainable goal. And now here I am!


 
 
Level 2 (The Memory Chronicles, #1)The Book- Level 2 About/inspiration behind the book

 
Level 2 is a sort of dystopian afterlife, and Felicia ends up joining a rebellion to try to make things right. At the same time, she tries to come to terms with bad decisions she made during her life.

 
The inspiration for the book was the combination of two questions: “What kind of currency might you have in the afterlife?” and “What would a dystopian afterlife look like?” I enjoyed exploring these questions immensely.
 
 
Blurb:

 
 
'I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'



Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.


Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves

.
 
 
 
How does it feel to be releasing your debut novel in later this month?
 
I’m so excited for the book launch party Usborne is throwing on Jan 10. This would actually be my mother’s 64th birthday, and I know she’d be so proud if she could see me with my own published book now. She always loved reading so much.
 
Can you describe your protagonist Felicia in less than 140 characters?
 
Felicia can be impulsive, stubborn, and self-centered but she can also be incredibly loyal, fun and smart. With Felicia, it’s complicated.
 
Why should we pick up Level 2 when it is released in later this month?
 
 
I’ve read over 400 YA novels in the past couple of years, so I know what’s out there. I strived to make LEVEL 2 really unique. And it’s the type of novel I love to read: high concept and full of twists with a swoony sweet romance.
 
Bookie Questions!
 

 
Favourite genre and why?
 
I love anything high concept – books that ask tantalizing questions and promise tantalizing answers. Some of my favorite topics are time travel, afterlife, dystopia, fairy tale retellings and historical plague tales.
 
Favourite YA author and why?
 
I can’t choose just one! I love authors who are innovative and experimental and who also produce lyrical prose. AS King and Lauren Oliver are great examples.
 
Debut author/ upcoming author we should check out
 
I’ve just read STARGLASS by Phoebe North (another book blogger turned author) and was so impressed by its depth.
 
Favourite 2012 read and why?
 
Again, so hard to choose! There were several books that hit my high concept/literary sweet spot: YESTERDAY by CK Kelly Martin, EVERY DAY by David Levithan, THUMPED by Megan McCafferty, TIME BETWEEN US by Tamara Ireland Stone and THROUGH TO YOU by Emily Hainsworth.
 
A book series you love and why?
 
Funnily enough, before I started reading YA, I wasn’t much of a series girl, but now it seems every book I pick up is the start of a series. From my pre-blogging days, one of my favorites is Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books (starting with THE EYRE AFFAIR). These are just so inventive and fun. I also read all 13 volumes of Lemony Snicket’s A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS. I can always count on them to put a smile on my face.