Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

What does realistic fiction mean to you? What kinds of contemp stories draw you in? Check out my take on keeping it real and why I lean toward the darker topics, as opposed to puppies and rainbows. Read my essay in Book Page and let me know your thoughts.

So, I should be working on a new project right now but I just got the go-ahead to share my cover for PIECES OF US (Flux, March 8, 2012), and I can’t think straight. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Hope you do too! And summary for the book is below too!

PIECES OF US Summary:

At home in Philly, Alex is angry. Angry at the dad who offed himself rather than stay around; angry at the mom who goes from one guy to the next without a thought for her family. Alex may be a player and a bully, but his little brother Kyle will do anything for his approval.

At home in the suburbs, Katie is Miss Popularity, the golden girl that everyone expects too much of, the one who will always be the prettiest and best in her parents eyes, and everyone else’s. Her shy little sister Julie just wants a bit of the attention that Katie gets so easily. 

But during their summers at lake houses in Upstate New York, all four teens have a chance to leave their old identities behind. They can be anything here.

Here, no one knows the truly disturbing nature of Kyle and Alex’s dysfunctional relationship. No one knows that the girl Katie pretends to be is a lie. Julie never worries that Kyle is only spending time with her to get to her prettier sister. And the secrets that are threatening to destroy each of them seem are safe.

But secrets have a way of getting out…

Today’s AN! post discusses why I love writing. Check it out here.

I had the opportunity to do an interview for Cynsations, Cynthia Leitich Smith’s blog. Was so happy to have the chance to do this because not only is Cynthia an amazing author but she does so much for writers, the writing community, and educators. Check out my thoughts on my teen years, finding time to write now, and Inconvenient here.

We know that hating a main character can completely ruin a novel. But what about characters we’re SUPPOSED to hate. Have they ever ruined your enjoyment of a novel. Check out my take on the subject and post your thoughts on The Story Siren’s blog! I got to guest post today!!

What do you feel a writer’s responsibility is when it comes to YA novels? Check out my post on AuthorsNow! and let me know your thoughts.

So, after a really really long labor, Inconvenient is here! And, maybe it’s because I’m the mom, but she’s the most beautiful book I have ever seen. I just love her.

And like any proud mom I want to show her off. So…please buy a copy. Should be at B&N, Borders, and Books-A-Million. If yours doesn’t have it, please ask them to order it. If your indie doesn’t have it, please ask them to order it as well. I’m just so proud of her! I think she has my eyes. OH and it’s also on Amazon.com and the online versions of the stores above. AND even though she’s super special, she only cost $9.95. How do you beat that?

Below are some reviews and interviews to hopefully whet your appetite! Thanks for all the support!!

A wonderful review from Shaun David Hutchinson.

An interview and GIVEAWAY on Spotlight for AuthorsNow!

An interview on The Crazy Bookworm.