Handpicked by Dani Oden |Book Blitz + Excerpt+ Interview + Giveaway|

Handpicked 

by Dani Oden

Publication date: August 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

 

College freshman Jill Holloway takes one look at the stuck-up girls going through sorority rush and nearly returns her borrowed dress and heels. Against her best judgment, she ends up falling for the prestige and parties, and snagging a bid from a top house. After moving in, she quickly grows skeptical of her too-perfect sorority sisters. She tries to ask questions, though no one will take time from their busy social calendar to give her any real answers.

Jill wastes no time digging for everything she’s not supposed to find, and soon comes face-to-face with a big and bloody secret hidden in her sorority’s basement. She knows she’s in over her head, but taking off so soon would raise the perfectly-plucked eyebrows of her suspicious new sisters. She’s stuck until she can make a smooth exit.

But the closer she gets to leaving, the more it becomes clear that it won’t be as simple as she hoped. A tempting fraternity guy, a best friend who needs her, and new details about what has really been happening in the basement have her questioning what her next move should be, and whether or not it’ll be worth the risks.

HANDPICKED is a New Adult coming of age, with elements of suspense and romance.

Purchase:

EXCERPT

The commotion in the center of the room seemed to grow, and I leaned my head back against the barrel behind us. "How are we going to keep up with these girls?" I asked.

"What?" Lindy leaned toward me, nearly tipping over.

"These girls! They drink hard!" I shouted.

"Yes," she said, and I wondered if she heard me.

"What's happening?" Hannah interjected, staring at the mob of colorful dresses directly in front of us.

Our pledge sisters had stopped dancing and were all crowded together. A handful of actives seemed to be trying to organize the group, and once they managed to get everyone to step back and give space, I could see a girl in a bright turquoise dress lying in a heap on the ground.

"Oh no," Hannah cringed, sensing the emergency.

"Someone hurt?" Lindy said.

Within seconds, actives swooped in and scooped the girl up. Whoever it was, she was completely limp. Her limbs dangled and swayed as they stealthily carried her away through a set of double doors in the back corner of the room.

The music never stopped, and the lights never came on.

"Who's that?" Hannah slurred.

"Was she okay?" I asked, knowing neither of them was actually going to answer.

Lindy scrunched her face in concentration. "Kimmy?"

"Kimmy?" I repeated.

"Her dress," Lindy said, as if it was an explanation.

"Cammie," Hannah mumbled, tilting her head against her barrel and closing her eyes. "Cammie ruined her dress."

"The Idaho girl from our lunch table?" I asked. She'd been with us in the limo, too.

Neither of them responded.

"Where'd they go?" Lindy wondered, staring at the closed set of double doors. The party had started up again, and girls were back on the dance floor, standing and swaying on the same spot where she'd just fallen.

"Away," Hannah mumbled.

I wanted to get up to inspect, but I didn’t trust my jello-y legs to navigate through the pulsing crowd. "I think something's wrong, you guys," I said.

***

AUTHOR 

INTERVIEW

 On Writing

Where did your interest in writing come from?

My interest in writing goes wayyyy back. I have memories of dictating stories to my mom and then illustrating the pages she wrote with stick figures. I was around four or five at the time. When I got older, my dad had a home office so I’d go in at the end of his work day and use his typewriter to type up my stories. It was only a matter of time before it turned into something bigger!

How did you come up with the setting and plot for HANDPICKED?

HANDPICKED takes place in a university Greek system, with the majority of the action in a sorority house. I was a member of a sorority when I was in college and for me it was a fantastic experience. But, like everyone else, I’ve heard all the buzz about what people think happens behind their closed doors, so I wanted to explore the rumors, and both confirm and contradict some of the stereotypes.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Oh my gosh! This book was a great exercise in editing. The first draft was over 90,000 words, while the final version is just shy of 65,000.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Building playlists for the project I’m working on! For HANDPICKED, I listened to a lot of Paramore, Alexz Johnson, Hey Monday and Marianas Trench. I try to find music that evokes the same moods I’m trying to create.

What was the toughest part about this process?

I had a few challenges with plotting HANDPICKED, but it was nothing compared to figuring out what I wanted to do after I finished it. I probably spent just as many hours writing it as I did researching independent publishing, traditional publishing, small presses, agents, etc. Ultimately, I’m happy with the decision I made to independently publish.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Unplug your modem J

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

THANK YOU for reading! And, please don’t be strangers – I can’t wait to hear from you!

Follow her in:

Twitter: @MsDaniOden
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8390838.Dani_Oden
Blog: www.trapperkept.com (blog on pop culture & nostalgia)

GIVEAWAY

Individual giveaways:

One  ebook copy of  Handpicked.

Open internationally.

The winner must be selected and turned in by latest September 6th, 2014.

GAME OVER!!!!!

We have a winner!

 

 

 

Special St. Valentine's Day,Review and Interview of Inner Core by Sigal Ehrlich

Hello readers! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is very special. Today we have a cute and lovely special with a book that definitely if you're a romantic girl should read:  Inner Core, the final novel in the  Stark Series.

Layers was the first title of this story, if you have not read the book do you expect?, click here to know it, if you already read it, and you fell in love with the characters, you will love and will definitely be one of your favorites.

Today I have a review of Inner Core and not only that, thanks to its author Sigal Ehrlich for giving  an interview for the blog, So Happy Valentine's Day and Let's Go!

THE BOOK:

Inner Core
(Stark #2)
by Sigal Ehrlich
Publication date: January 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When Hayley makes a resolution to take back the control over her life, and declare their relationship R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…

That is until Daniel decides to prove her wrong and get her back.

Together, Hayley and Daniel seem to have it all. But can love ever be enough when two strong personalities collide and while reality takes the lead?

Faced with more obstacles than she could have ever bargain for when it comes to Daniel, struggling to keep her own identity while sharing a life with her man. Buds of doubt start rooting in Hayley’s confidence, making her rethink her decision.

And just when it seems that they might make it together after all, life happens. Bringing a threat that neither Hayley nor Daniel could ever anticipate, a threat that could break them apart forever . . .

   

MEET / INTERVIEW  SIGAL EHRLICH

This is the section of the small biography of the author, but I wanted something different and fun for this section, and Sigal made ​​it possible: a short interview. So, Meet a little more about

the Author of Stark Novel: Sigal Ehrlich.

ATCS -Who is Sigal Ehrlich?

 Sigal Ehrlich: A wife, a mother, a reader, an author, a non-romantic that writes romance.

 When you are not writing, what do you usually do in a normal day?

Well, I’m a mother of three, I guess that kind of covers it. I mostly play house by day…

 For you, what means Stark Novel?

My desire to write something that I’d like to read. I wanted a story in which the characters actually had a relationship rather than the good ol’ push and pull game/ tension till the very end.

 What is the character who has more of your personality in Stark Novel?

Good question… I’d say that it’s more a combination of Daniel and Hayley.

 What is your favorite author ?

It’s almost impossible to answer this one, I have many, and it actually varies from time to time. If I had to choose one though, at this moment it would be Stieg Larsson.

 Your favorite book in this moment?

In Pursuit by Olivia luck. 

The new book of Stark novel is Inner Core, In less of 140 characters , what can expect the fans from him?

A change in roles between Hayley and Daniel. A glimpse into the pasts, and new layers of personality for each and every one of the characters.

 I checked the list of songs from Inner Core , what is your favorite song?

Dark Roman Wine by Snow Patrol. It is by far my all-time favorite song.

Your favorite moment of Inner Core?

Epilogue, Hayley’s part, when Daniel comes to talk to her.

What is your favorite food?

Spanish, Tapas.

What is the most important thing you've learned so far as a writer?

To take a very deep breath after reading an acid review, and push it out of my head.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? and your part least favorite?

Dialogues, as it’s the best form to really express the characters personalities.

The least favorite, to put mildly, part would be the editing.

One place in the world for your visit coming, where would it be?

Without a shred of a doubt, Barcelona. I’m in love with this amazing city.

If you could talk with any person in history (living or dead), who would it be?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, I’d love to hear her amazing story first-hand.

I Know than you speak spanish a little o much, and You like Spain, so what is your favorite word in spanish? your favorite food of Spain? and your favorite song in spanish?

My favorite word in this hermoso idioma is “Serenidad”

Favorite food, definitely Pimientos de Padrón Fritos

I have a few songs, but I’d say La Playa by La Oreja De Van Gogh. I could write a whole chapter with this sentence in mind: “Te voy a escribir la canción más bonita del mundo.”

Your next project is about:

A thirty-something who’s fed up with her life, and takes a decision to leave it all behind. She moves to a coastal town in Spain in order to really start living. Her grand plan is to enjoy life while breaking her many strict rules. During the voyage she takes to get to know the new country and herself, she maintains cyber therapy sessions with her questionable shrink.

When she finally begins to enjoy her new life, she meets someone that leaves her questioning everything she thought was right.

  Message to the fans and new readers

I am grateful to you, and overwhelmed by your response to Layers and Inner Core. Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, messaging, liking, loving, and spreading the word!

 And thank you Alice, for having me here!

You can follow her on:

Website     Facebook     Twitter     Goodreads

THE REVIEW

" To reach the core of inner beauty,
one must first unravel the many
protective layers."

It all started one weekend, if you have a long weekend, you can usually say "Hey, wait a marathon of movies" in my case it was not, I decided that that week was ideal for my marathon Stark Novel.

With Layers, I was familiar with, but still that feeling of excitement came back, and when you reach the end, I took a deep breath and I was ready to know what happened after that big break between D and H! I needed a snack for that time I did not know to wait, so ,as a good friend a girl chooses ice cream (a B & J flavor: mint chocolate is my favorite).for this book.

Hayley and Daniel return in this story at a time when their layers are trying to break after a difficult breakup, it's not just Daniel will struggle in this way, too Hayley has to begin to reveal the inside if you want proceed with Daniel at his side.

What I can say about the book? Definitely will be added to my favorites.

I liked more than the first, but of course, the first part is to know the characters and the story, in this second and final installment largely I liked for me  more the two book, because the 2 protagonists are definitely are at the same level. Daniel shows his cold side and "psycho" as Hayley says, but also their fears, insecurities, and it's not perfect, and also his sensitive side. Hayley met on the other hand sure of herself, love is not for me and in this part we find that she also has a sensitive side, has fears and above all want and need love. Everyone will have to go removing their protective outer layers to be able to find a way for both. 

His story is the inner core of this book, was releasing each of the characters so deeply and yet delicate, each character still have defined profile and undergoes natural changes only to advance the story.

The favourite friends of Hayley, Ian and Natasha still present and with great surprises, and funny, strong and thoroughly know more moments, my favorite of the two Ian!! That boy was my guru of laughter in several parts of the story.

Has tense moments, moments that help you release that tension, funny, sad moments, moments that do not let you breathe and romantic, very romantic without being sappy his moments, that's also something I liked.

As regards his writing and his genre, the first I must say that I like because it is clear, has no such exaggeration of what should be a relationship of two people, in contrast, feels very natural, unforced and takes you for that path with an ending that was very well deserved. And with it goes according to your type of genre. I only had a slight conflict with some details regarding the shape of the chapters in one hand, but nothing that could damage history.

Personally, I really was excited with this book, it was a great luck, fortune to read it, you get attached very easy to the characters: My favorites Ian and Daniel, since last year the author told me that this book was going to be definitely end of the book that did not want to stretch the story and damage it, this book had his way, and and I agree with her, it was a good decision. Love the end, it's very beautiful. I congratulate the author for this beautiful story.

For this special day if you have the chance to read it,do it! or it may be at any time, will love it, it's a very nice gift too, if you want to read it on marathon or each book individually. Definitely a good choice.

Sigal I hope we have a new story with romance, no doubt that I'll be waiting it!
Meanwhile a very happy Valentine's Day to Daniel and Hayley!

Happy Valentine's Day!

PD: My Star Hearts Reviews  5

Alice!

*An E-arc was provided for an honest review*

Rock'n'Roll Friday Review/ Interview : The Fire Walker by Nicole R. Taylor

The Fire Walker 

(Devil’s Tattoo #2) 

by Nicole R. Taylor 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Dylan “Dee” Cosgrove is one fourth of Australian band, The Devil’s Tattoo. Loveable, cocky as hell, but one thing is missing. He’s never  been in love. He doesn’t want meaningless, he wants meaningful and all he keeps hearing is I’m sorry… Forever the good guy finishing last.

A year after their first tour, The Devil’s Tattoo are making it big in LA recording their next album. For Dee, all he wants is to stand on stage and play. After all, music is his first love. He could care less about the money and the fakery that comes with the LA scene and the big executive types with dollar signs in their eyes. But in walks the woman who is about to obliterate him and she’s one of them. So, what’s a guy to do when one look is all it takes?

Jessie Ware is an intern at Galaxy Records, New York. When she’s asked to go to LA to help her boss schmooze with the latest big thing to come out of Australia, The Devil’s Tattoo, it’s her chance to get her foot firmly wedged into the door. If she can pull this off, then there could be a permanent job in it. But she didn’t count on one thing. Dee Cosgrove and his cocky Australian attitude. He makes her question everything without even trying and it might just push her over the edge… if she doesn’t give her heart to him first.

The more Dee gets to know Jessie, the harder he falls and he’d walk over fire and back to win her over. That’s if she doesn’t deliver him  straight into the ranks of the scarred and broken first.

—

The Fire Walker is a companion novel to The Devil’s Tattoo. It has a dose of drama, some colourful language, a HEA and some sex scenes.
It’s recommended for readers 18 and up.

Amazon    B&N    ITUNES    KOBO    Smashwords

AUTHOR

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser.
She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first.The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is available in e-edition and print from March 20th 2013

Hello Readers!

It's Friday! and the best of the Friday is than for me is synonym of music all the time. So today I decided to allow room for one of the books I expected before the end of this 2013, The Fire Walker by Nicole R. Taylor.

For those who read The Devil's Tattoo and we were in love with the story, it was an incredible expects his brother The Fire Walker, but the wait was a great reward, the book is amazing!!  In the first book,We  know  the story of Zoe and Will, as well as the formation of the band The Devil's Tattoo. Now with more writing experience and showing your love for music and this saga, Nicole brings us the story of Dee, a secondary character  well loved  in the first book.

Dylan "Dee" Cosgrove, has only one love: music, Zoe and Will still together and more in love than ever and the band The Devil's Tattoo embarks on a journey to America to present their work. Dee still has the same attitude as in the first book, simpatico, loveable, cocky as hell until his world is unbalanced with the fucking but adorable glance of ones Bambi eyes, Jessie Ware, the girl that many fans of Dee probably will hate and loved at the same time.

The book is certainly a rollercoaster of emotions until the end. Nicole takes us on a safe path, then brake, change the speed to something faster, stronger and feel that at some point we're going to crash with everything in your way and in the end leaves us with a WT WAO! !

My favorite character, Jessie, is the first time I identified with the character of Nicole's books. Favorite moment of the book: several! Phrase which I remain: Fucking Bambi eyes.

They realized I did not put spoilers? I will only say a few, accompany your reading with a cheeseburger and a cherry coke , (personally I like more the vanilla coke). The Indie, classic rock and punk music are present. And Yeah! there are tattoos.

THE INTERVIEW

Nicole is an author with multiple talents, if you follow her in Facebook will see several things done in Photoshop by her, is good with recommendations of music and always is up to date when it comes to their work.

Now yeah, they had expected: the interview with Nicole R. Taylor!

1 - Describes to Nicole R. Taylor with the fragment of a song:

Keep on chasing down that rainbow

You'll never know waht you might find

Over the sunset on the horizon

- AKA... What a life by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

 

2 - When not writing, What do you usually do in your free days?

 

Um... think about writing?

 

3 - With 140 characters, which means to you The Devil's Tattoo?

 

A little self-indulgent fantasy.

 

4 - In  the book The Devil's Tattoo We met the story between Zoe and Will, and the story of how the band formed, now we have The Fire Walker, Dee Cosgrove is the star now, how you felt with this book?

 

Dee is a pretty strong character. He's always been there to protect others and when his life is turned upside down, it was interesting to think about how he would handle that. They're all going through a big change with the band becoming more popular and being overseas in a new environment is hard enough for Dee. When he's hit with his own troubles he doesn't know how to handle any of it being so far away from home.

 

5 - Dee is definitely a favorite character for many, but... this Jessie. In who inspired you to create this character?

 

In the book Dee is described as being the good guy and hasn't had anything bad happen to him before. He's always there to help others, so Jessie is there to challenge him. They have two very different backgrounds, so she was a way to help him grow. She isn't based on anyone in particular.

 

6 -Your favorite moment o curiosity when writing The Fire Walker?

 

The Fire Walker is different to The Devil's Tattoo in that it doesn't focus on the band being on tour. Dee's comfort zone is music and I had to take that from him! Definitely showing how he coped with being on his own without a stage and a guitar to lean on for a little while was a surprise.

 

7 -Joan Jett, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana are mentioned in the book and the playlist of this book is in your WebPage, what song would you choose as the main theme for Dee and Jessie?

 

Ohio by Kingswood

 

8 -Among your work, you have many female characters with great character, and than they learn to defend of themselves of uncomfortable situations for a woman, what is your favorite and why?

 

There are so many romance books out there at the moment that have female leads being treated like trash by their male love interests. Don't know about you guys, but that doesn't make me swoon AT ALL. I like to write my female characters with a bit more bite. They are perfectly capable of standing up for themselves and don't take crap lying down.

I don't really have a favourite out of all the characters I've written.

If I'm going to write them well, I find that I need to love them all equally ; )

 

9 - About you:

-The first book in your life?

When I was a kid (about eight or nine) I loved any book to do with horses. There's an Australian author, Elyne Mitchell, that wrote a whole heap of middle grade books about Australia's wild horses and I'd devour them all. Then I moved on to The Babysitters Club, Goosebumps and Sweet Valley High! 

 

-Your first CD or Record:

I brought one of those various artist CDs with bands like Faith No More, Blur, Butthole Surfers, the Cranberries...

It was the early nineties!

 

-What is your favorite food?

A good cheeseburger and fries always goes down well. I have simple tastes!

 

-If you could talk with any person in history (living or dead), who would it be?

Joe Strummer from The Clash. He had a lot of important things to say, whether it be about music, politics or spirituality.

 

-You have visited many places, so what would be your next destination?

I'm saving for a holiday to Italy. I want to see all the art museums and eat margarita pizza in Naples!

 

-Your last concert was of?

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. They're one of my favorite bands.

 

-You're a big fan of tattoos. One advice for novices who want a Tatttoo?

Definitely make sure you want it because it's a hundred times more painful to get it lasered off. And make sure you go to a place that's well known and health certified!

 

-Recommend a place in Australia

Australia has a lot of different things to see and a lot of different climates! People sometimes don't realise how big it actually is. There's tropical rainforests, reefs and beaches, islands, deserts, plains, mountain ranges... and a few nice cities

(Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to name a few.)

 

10 - What are the characters you most enjoy writing? the villains or heroes/heroines 

 

I like writing both! I enjoy writing witty conversations and I think it shows between Zoe and Dee in both

The Devil's Tattoo and The Fire Walker.

 

11 - What is the most important thing you've learned this year as a writer ?

 

What works for one writer doesn't necessarily work for another and you can't measure your success against others. No matter what anyone tells you, there are no rules! Well, maybe only where grammar is concerned. ; )

 

12 - I speak spanish, so, You know any word in Spanish, a song, food?

I know the festival of dia de los muertos! The day of the dead.

And it reminds me of this song!

 

13 - What news can we expect in 2014:

In 2014, I plan to release the last Witch Hunter book, The Awakening and work on the novella that goes with it, Young Blood.

Then I'll start work on a new series! But, my lips are sealed on that one.

 

 Message to the fans and new readers

Ever since I started publishing back in March, I've met so many awesome people and I'm truly grateful

for everyone who has taken the time to read my books. I wouldn't be half as sane as

I am now without you guys, so thanks and keep rocking.

She will be attending to:   Indie Authors Down Under.

in March, 2014

FOLLOW HER IN:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Thank you Nicole for the interview! :)

PD: the first picture, I made inspired by an excerpt from the book, hope you like it!

ALICE

Eramane by Frankie Ash visits the Blog!

Today the blog hosts a book that came out this year and personally, I really wanted to read. Why? Well, maybe  was  the reveal the cover or the Book Blitz, I don't Know. It had a different title, a girl with expressive eyes and a very unusual attire for this time. For when I come the Book Blitz, and I had read the synopsis and an excerpt but  I had to wait to read this story. I decided to add it to my Goodreads and Bumb! Eramane by Frankie Ash, with us today on the blog!

Describing Eramane by Frankie Ash:

If you still have not check it this story, here is synopsis:

In the village of Eludwid, seventeen-year-old Eramane Fahnestock goes about her life, cheerfully disregarding a prophecy made to her parents that she would have a great gift. Not yet wed and beset with boredom, Eramane cannot shake the feeling that something exciting awaits her beyond Eludwid. But when she is invited to picnic with a handsome young suitor, Eramane has no idea that her life will soon change forever.

As Eramane prepares for her date, she is suddenly hypnotized by a strange voice that tells her he will be coming for her that night. Unsettled but determined to press forward, Eramane and her suitor, Lebis, head to the woods to enjoy their picnic. As darkness falls on the forest, however, a beast emerges, transforming their beautiful outing into a terrifying scene. Taken captive and carried away to a mountain hideaway, Eramane finds her memories are soon clouded, even as her family frantically searches for her back home.

In this gripping fantasy tale, evil is summoned to the mountaintop, forcing a young woman to discover her magical gifts and exact revenge against a beast determined to destroy everything she has ever loved.

PURCHASE   AMAZON

REVIEW

What's the story?

“We belong to each other now,” the beast declares as

it grabs my limp body and takes me up into the darkness.” 
― Frankie Ash, Eramane

***Insert here music of Carl Orff ***

This is the first installment of 3 books that has the Eramane series , If you read my reviews you know that usually in this type of series I think this first book is where you put the cards on the table and you know most of the characters that  accompany you on this voyage . Eramane also applies to this rule.Eramane Fahnestock , she is the protagonist of the story , She has the whole kit  to be the main character, is cute, good feelings and great desires . Also in the book we find his family , including his brother  Samiah , with whom has a very good relation of brothers. Samiah have your partner Mira. Their relationship is very sweet. Eramane parents are very compressive and expect their daughter to have a couple  who She wants,with respect , a life partner and in love with each other . In this case appears Lebis , the blacksmith, and as any girl  Eramane is interested in him. Their parents the  help them to have a date ( something sweet on their part) but hey every parent wants the best for her daughter. Anyway Eramare have  your date with Lebis , but here is where everything changes , something happens that changes the life and destiny of Eramane .

Destiny? I think the book presents two key points (well, a few more) important or what is important for me, the beginning of the story where we narrate something that happened before by the time of Eramane and Chapter of date of Eramane and Lebis. I think you should go looking for clues in this book, is good, I love the description of the villa Eludwind, lots of action in the book but still insist I think Frankie Ash put us clues or riddles in because there are so many questions that make, I wish the output of the second part is here! By the way also a character who should check is Limearsy , just put it here without reference because  seriously worth it than readers  discover this character. He is my favorite.

In the second part I think Eramane as a character is going to undergo a radical change and will surprise us even more. His writing in my opinion is a classic style and have something current that mixes very well, has good descriptions and is one of the things that charm me of the book, another is the unexpected situations, at some point in the table below our feet shakes us and say WHAT HAPPENED HERE?? and elsewhere you expect more. There are some small details that make you see that it is the first book of the author, but the exceeds  very well each of them

Without a doubt, I loved, going according to your type of genre and readers. If you have of opportunity  read this first book, READ!  and Discover what's behind the story of Eramane Fahnestock. Or if possible add the book on her shelf in Goodreads as a book to read next.

My stars: 4.5

P.S: The image I found on the  Pinterest of Frankie, she says:"inspiration for Eramane's costume in book 2, but let's not get ahead of ourselves" Frnakie , please Go ahead!

Meet the mind behind of Eramane:

After finishing the book I got in contact with your the author Frankie Ash for an interview . She is very accessible and very friendly, if you have the opportunity to contact your favorite authors, Do it!. Frankie shows us a way cool, funny of as she is, about his book and so fun facts.  INTERVIEW HERE! Enjoy it! :)

1.-Who is Frankie Ash in 140 characters?

 Oh this sucks, I couldn’t do it for Twitter either, but I’ll try my best for you Alice, here goes: I’m a mom, wife, SFF nerd, beach bum @heart, Chiver, and optimist. If I’m not being a goofball, then I’m probably pissed.

See what I mean? Uggh :)

2.-For you, what means the book Eramane?

Eramane has been the most important part of my life as a writer for over a decade. Writing this book, telling her story, bringing a world to life to share with others; I can’t imagine now how I ever thought I shouldn’t keep going because there were times when a year would go by without working on Eramane. At one point I was like, “maybe there is no story,” but the characters were a persistent thought, they were alive in my mind, so I had to let them out. 

3.- When not writing, what do you usually do in the real world?

When you’re a writer, your real world is writing, but I know what you mean so, I dunno, I do family stuff, and house stuff, CHORES SUCK! I do research for writing projects. I do a little baking. I mess with my cats, or they mess with me. I really love going to concerts though, but it’s been a few years since I‘ve been to one. Live music is oh so good.

4.-What is the first book you read and the last (so far)?

The first book I read that really sticks in my mind as the first book I read, cause I’m sure there were others, but this one has always been the one that I remember as my first book that wasn’t a children’s book, Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. I cried so hard, I’ll never forget that book. But it wasn’t long after that when I discovered The Hobbitand BAM!  I was properly introduced to the fantasy genre. I’ve been hooked ever since.   The last book I read was

5.-Your favorite program of T.V?

Well right now it’s The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. But of all time, I have to say Star Trek (TNG) and X-Files. Those two shows were on air when I was in middle school, they will always resonate with me.  Don’t get me wrong, I have seen every episode of Star Trek, but TNG was my fav.

6.-- In Eramane, what is the character who has more of your personality?

Samiah, Eramane’s brother. He is laid back, yet driven by his emotions. He was easier for me to write than any of the other characters. I guess that’s how I know that I’m more like him. Plus he’s funny, not a deliberate jokester, it’s just a part of who he is.  My family and friends laugh at me… a lot, so that’s another similarity. Hopefully I wrote that characteristic of Samiah well enough to shine through to readers.

7.- What are the characters you most enjoy writing? The villains or heroes/heroines?

Writing the villain is always fun for me. I feel that the better I write the villain, the better the hero/ine will be. But, overall, writing the protagonist is my favorite. It’s like a victory of my own when I write the demise of the antagonist. I’m at my keyboard all, “what now jerk?” It can be comical for my family when they hear me shouting at my laptop.

8.- Your favorite phrase of Eramane?

Hmmm…well on Goodreads I have a quote that I really like from the book, but I’ll give you another one.  This quote is from a Rider who has accompanied Samiah to the scene of a dead man, “He looks deader than a dead man is supposed to look.”  I don’t know why, but when I wrote that, and every time I read or think about that line, it makes me laugh. But that’s bad because the scene is not funny at all.

9.- What is your favorite food?

My husband makes a delicious cowboy steak. It’s seasoned with coffee! It’s delicious!  But as long as I have my ice cream...I’m good.

10.-What is the most important thing you've learned so far as a writer?

I’ve been asked this question before, and it’s still the same answer; I haven’t.  I learn something crucial to my craft almost every day. But one of the many important things I’ve learned is to always write. It’s like that with anything you do. You don’t learn to dance a ballet from standing on your tip-toes a few times. You must practice, always. And drink lots of coffee/tea/insert other liquid of preference, whichever.

11.- If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?

How about one continent…that’d be Europe. Or Australia…Italy. Man I don’t know; I want to go everywhere!

12.- If you could talk with any person in history (living or dead), who would it be?

Alive, Will Ferrell, cause he makes me laugh, that stupid laugh that I don’t like for anyone to hear but they do. I can’t hold it in. Dead, umm....would they be all zombiefied or am I getting an interview pre-checkout? These are things I need to know!

13.- What is the song of your life?

OMYGOODNESS…I have to say that I cannot, CANNOT! answer that. Seriously, I love music so much and soooo many songs mean too much to me to choose one that would define me.

14.-I speak Spanish so, You know any word in Spanish?

I know some words when I hear them, took two years of Spanish in college. But I would do a great disservice to the language if I tried to speak it.

15.-Your next project is about?

Well, I’m working on two at the same time right now. I’m finishing the Eramane series and I’m working on a sci-fi project. I’m so excited about writing this sci-fi book, that I’ve actually considered putting the Eramane series on hold. I write what I feelz, and I feelz the sci-fi :)

16.-Message to the fans and new readers.

Thanks for picking up a book written by someone you haven’t heard of. Thanks for giving me a chance. I have a lot to say, so keep reading :)

 AUTHOR

Frankie Ash is the author of the YA novel Eramane, COMING SOON! She holds a B.A. in English and resides on the east-coast somewhere between “Will it ever be warm again?” and “The summers here are too short!” She is currently writing book #2 of The Eramane Trilogy, to be published in 2014.

WEBSITE    GOODREADS    TWITTER    FACEBOOK

I want to thanks to Frankie Ash for the facilities granted for the interview and for this review :)

Book Blitz and Giveaways of The Red Sector Chronicles by Krystle Jones

The Red Sector Chronicles

by Krystle Jones
(The Red Sector Chronicles Omnibus)
Genres: Dystopia, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and she vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life.

But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. A war is brewing between the humans and vampires, along with a growing web of deceit and betrayal. And before it’s all over, loyalties will be tested, hearts will be broken, and no one’s lives will ever be the same.

The Red Sector Chronicles series, Goodreads:

The Red Sector Chronicles Omnibus Edition, Goodreads:

Purchase on:

--Amazon          --Smashwords

EXCERPT

 – The Scarlet Dagger *free download!* Or get the whole trilogy for $5.99. *Offer valid through November 25th.*

I heard Dezyre suck in a sharp breath. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “You’re one of them.”

Her voice was so soft, I would have missed it if I didn’t have vampire hearing. What is she talking about?

I turned back toward her. Her face was completely drained of color, and she looked like she might pass out any minute. Her eyes were fixed on my right wrist. My tattoo barely showed above my sleeve, which had slipped down when I’d gone to pay.

Damn! That was careless!

The clerk, completely oblivious to the unfolding drama, handed me back some tiny silver coins with the forget-me-not emblem stamped in the center. Whatever currency they used down here wasn’t anything I was familiar with.

I masked my alarm with boredom. “What? This?” I pointed to my wrist before casually pulling the sleeve back down, covering the tattoo. “It’s just some ink. No big deal.”

“That’s the Black Cross.” Dezyre’s voice trembled slightly. “No wonder Aden’s keeping such a close watch on you. You’re a hunter, aren’t you?”

Forcing myself to stay calm, I didn’t let her comments show how close they had hit home. “First I’m incompetent, now I’m dangerous? Please. It’s just a stick-on tattoo that could mean a million different things.” I turned my back. “Maybe you shouldn’t spray so much of that perfume,” I called over my shoulder. “I think the fumes are going to your head.”

I walked off, hoping she wouldn’t report me. I need to eat and get out of here before I’m the one getting staked by Scarlet Steel.

I hurried through the buffet line, which actually had a nice assortment to choose from: two kinds of salad with an island of various dressings, entrées of fried chicken or steak, and a bar full of side items, like steamed veggies and fruit. The most surreal part – and the one that woke me up, reminding me I wasn’t human anymore – was the ice box full of cartons of blood, all labeled by blood type. I guess O negative had a different taste than B positive or something. Shuddering, I meandered away from the ice box.

I’d have to be near death before I’d ever consider drinking blood.

Quickly, I filled up my tray and grabbed a bottle of water. I had started walking back to the booth when my leg caught on something, and I lost my balance.

Everything moved in slow motion. Despite my best efforts, the tray went flying, and my plate shattered on the ground as I began to fall. A hand reached out and grabbed my right forearm, jerking it up high in the air. My elbow popped as it hyper extended, and I swore. Razor sharp nails dug into my wrist, which was bare since my sleeve had gathered at the crook of my arm.

I looked up to see who had caught me.

Dezyre’s magenta lips were pulled into a vicious smile. And hovering just above her clasped hand was my cross tattoo, clearly exposed and held high for everyone to see.

“You seem to like it in the spotlight,” she said. “That’s good, because you’re about to be a freaking celebrity.”

There was no time to react. By the time I realized what she was going to do, she had already inhaled a huge breath right before she screamed, “Vampire hunter!”

Walking in a Vampire Hunter’s Shoes

By

Krystle Jones

I didn’t know my MC, Sloane, was going to be a vampire hunter when I came up with the idea for The Red Sector Chronicles. I just saw a dark-haired girl, standing in a cityscape painted in shades of red. (Random aside: I think red moons look so cool. Naturally, I had to find an excuse to have one in my novel. =)

A lot of my character ideas start like this, as pictures in my head, and then I flesh them out on paper during my brainstorming process. At first, I was just going to have Sloane be a vampire, because I thought, “Writing as a vampire would be fun!” Then I got to playing the “what if…?” game and thought, “What if Sloane was a vampire hunter who became a vampire, and vampires are what she hates more than anything on this earth?”

That made for a much more compelling character and plotline, so I rolled with it.

Thus, Sloane the Vampire Hunter was born.

I wanted her to be tough. I wanted her to be sassy. Most of all, I wanted her to kick a lot of ass. But kicking said ass was a lot harder to write about than I thought it would be!

In my original draft of the first book in my trilogy, The Scarlet Dagger, I knew she would have to “prove herself” to the audience if she was going to be perceived as a femme fatale. So I had her run-up on a vampire straight-away – and she got her butt kicked. My hubby, when I shoved the manuscript in his face he lovingly agreed to see my baby book, I said, “So, she’s pretty cool, huh?”

“Not really.”

Now, my husband isn’t known for beating around the bush. He just says what he means.

“What?” I asked. “Why not?”

“She gets beat-up right away,” he said, pointing to the manuscript. “She needs to kill this thing. Then I’d be impressed.”

“Huh.”

“Oh, and make her more like Blade, ‘cuz that’d be cool.”

(No kidding on that last part.)

I did make her more like Blade, in the sense of her being a lot tougher to tango with. And that was part of the challenge. She couldn’t be so awesomely badass that no one could beat her, because that gets old. Plus, it’s unbelievable. She needed to have some kryptonite. And she gets that, in the form of a hot vampire, some acidic metal called Scarlet Steel, and a whole slew of other problems.

One of my favorite parts of writing from Sloane’s perspective were all the fighting scenes. I didn’t want to drag them out, but I wanted readers to feel like they were there with her, so I put as many details as I could in them instead of saying, “She punched him. He punched her. Sloane goes flying through a cement wall.” I took karate lessons for many years when I was a kid, and it was fun reliving those years through Sloane, because all of a sudden, I had someplace to use my knowledge. (Never had to get in a fight yet, thankfully!)

When she becomes a vampire, I also had to think about how that affected her psychologically, since she despised vampires. I mean, they did ruin the world. Sloane was very complex and fun to write about while she was in the “figuring-things-out” stage of being a vampire. She sort of wants to like vampires, but she knows she’s supposed to hate them – and she really does – so she’s kind of stuck.

I’d like to keep writing about tough chicks. Not that I have anything against softer heroines (the Bella’s of the literary world), but writing about a girl who can protect herself is a lot of fun.

AUTHOR 

Krystle Jones was born and raised in the small, southern town of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Reading and writing have been lifelong passions of hers. In addition to being a novelist, she is also an award-winning flutist, and moonlights as a voice actress. Her voice can be heard in the popular online game, Alice is Dead 3.

Author Links:

www.krystlejonesbooks.com

twitter.com/kryjonesbooks

facebook.com/krystlejonesbooks

goodreads.com/krystlejonesbooks

AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

1. What inspires you? Anything and everything. I draw inspiration from whatever I can, though music and art are helpful in coming up with story ideas. I also tend to be the most creative when I’m more relaxed.

2. Are you a pantster or a plotter? Both. Tried pantsting once. The book was a trainwreck and took about four complete rewrites to get right. Never again. *shudders* I plan things a lot more now that I’ve studied story structure, and I’ve tried really detailed outlines. They tend to make the whole writing process not as much fun for me. Things are “too” planned out, so it takes the fun out of writing. I do make notes about major plot points, as well as some sparse notes about how my scenes go. Then I just let my imagination do the rest.

3. Why did you decide to write about vampires? Vampires are one of my favorite paranormal creatures. (And I think a lot of people would agree with me!) They’re alluring, sexy, dark, mysterious. There’s also a certain romanticism that goes along with them, which lends itself well to paranormal romance.

4. Tell us a little about The Red Sector Chronicles. In a nutshell, it’s the story about a teenage vampire-hunter-turned-vampire and her adventures. =P That’s the super-short version. It’s a young adult trilogy that’s a mash-up of dystopia, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy, some of my favorite genres. There are laughs, gasps, and swooning-over-book-boyfriends to be had. If you’re a fan of Vampire Academy or Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, you’ll probably like this series.

5. Do you write out your stories in journals, or do you type them? I like to brainstorm story ideas in notebooks. That way I can scratch things out and be very sloppy about the whole process. As for my outlining and drafts, I always do that with Scrivener, my writing program.

6. What are some of your favorite movies? I love Victorian romances, so I’m a sucker for almost any Jane Austen film. I also love fairy tales and films with strong female leads. Gotta love a kickass girl. I also LOVE scary movies and anything that makes me laugh. Some favorites that come to mind are Ever After, Underworld, The Conjuring, and Tropic Thunder.

7. What do you do to relax? Writing, to an extent, relaxes me. I always read before going to bed. It gets my mind off things. Otherwise, I have a tendency to just lay awake and worry about things I have to do the next day. Then I don’t sleep, and Zombie Krystle isn’t much good for anything. =P

8. Do you have any advice for new writers? Read. A lot. And not just within your genre, but outside your genre. Also read as many writing references as you can, and practice what you learn. That’s the key. And speaking of practicing, write every day. Not edit. Write. Pour new words onto the page. That’s how you perfect your craft.

**GIVEAWAYS**

- Grand Prize Giveaway

Click on the image of Rafflecopter below:

Individual giveaways:

One  ebook copies of The Red Sector Chronicles - Books 1, 2, & 3 -

One winner  gets the Trilogy.

Open internationally.

 by latest December 4th, 2013.

FILL THE CONTACT FORM, BELOW.

The first mail requesting the giveaway will win.
You will be notified with an email.

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Book Blitz and Giveaway of Living Blond Trilogy by Allison Rushby

Living Blond Trilogy: Diamonds Are a Teen’s Best Friend, The Seven Month Itch, How to Date a Millionaire
Allison Rushby
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Book 1 in the Living Blond trilogy…

Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend

Nessa Joanne Mulholland, aka Marilyn Monroe's No. 1 teenage fan, is used to moving house. This time, however, she's relocating in movie-star style—crossing the Atlantic on board the Majestic, headed for Paris from New York City. And it really would be in movie-star style if it wasn't for the fact that she's bringing her cringe-fest professor dad along for the ride (Dad's specialization: human mating rituals—need Nessa say more?). Oh yeah, and sharing a cabin that's five decks below sea level and next to the engine room. Still, at least Holly Isles is on board. Yes, really, that Holly Isles—star of stage and screen. Suddenly, things are looking up. Looking a little Marilyn, in fact, because events are strangely mirroring Nessa's favorite movie of all time, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Watch!

As Holly Isles, world-famous actress, confides in Nessa over mocktails.

Listen!

As Nessa coaches Holly in the amazing "Nessa's Lesson's in Love"—the ultimate man-catching rules to finding true and lasting lurv.

See!

Nessa fall for Holly's too-cute nephew, Marc. . . and

Cover your eyes!

As it all goes terribly, horribly, embarrassingly wrong.

There's no doubting it. This is going to be one pitchy crossing.

***

Book 2 in the Living Blond trilogy…



The Seven Month Itch

Nessa Joanne Mulholland, aka Marilyn Monroe's No. 1 teenage fan, is living the high life in Manhattan. Literally. Waffling and pancaking it up every morning (care of housekeeper Vera) in her soon-to-be stepmother's Tribeca penthouse apartment. Things couldn't be better. Or so she thinks, until things start to go terribly, horribly wrong, in true Nessa fashion. All of a sudden, she's starting to feel the need to pull at her collar. Yes, it's summer in NYC and things are heating up fast, including the professor and Holly's wedding plans.

Gasp!

Along with Nessa as her dad's too-gorgeous research assistant moves into the new family penthouse while Holly's away filming in LA . . .

Cringe!

As Nessa gets dumped for "Doris Day" . . .

Hiss!

As Kent Sweetman decides he wants Holly back, wedding or no wedding . . . and

Bite your nails!

As the cupcakiest wedding ever hangs in the balance.

Phew! The temperature's getting hotter by the second, heat rash is setting in fast—and everyone's starting to scratch that Seven Month Itch!

***

Book 3 in the Living Blond trilogy

How to Date a Millionaire

Nessa Joanne Mulholland, aka Marilyn Monroe's No. 1 teenage fan, is about to become a big sister—twice over. Her movie-star stepmother, Holly, is very pregnant with twins when, suddenly, B and G (that's Boy and Girl) decide they need to get away from it all.

Within hours, Nessa, her dad, Holly, her best friend Alexa, and tag-along cousin Nat are on a private jet and headed for some rest and relaxation Hawaiian style. Except that, on hitting the sand, there's not a lot of rest and relaxation to be found. The penthouse apartment they've booked is suddenly unavailable, Holly's blood pressure skyrockets, Nat is bronze-beach-boy crazy, and what's with the three cute guys living upstairs?

Laugh!

At Nat's crazy antics (will Nessa and Alexa really have to chain her to the apartment balcony to keep her out of boy trouble?)

Cry!

When Nessa meets someone who's had the life-saving operation her mother couldn't have.

Sigh!

As two gorgeous babies make their way into the world . . . and

Applaud!

As Nessa finally gets things right . . . for once.

Purchase:

Amazon          B&N

EXCERPT

"Is this the boat to Europe, France?"

Honestly, I tried to stop myself from asking the question, I truly did. In front of me, the porter guy looks at me as if I'm a thirteen (almost fourteen!)-year-old idiot. Beside me, dear old Dad looks at me as if I'm delusional (that's because a lot of the time he actually thinks I am—he's even had me tested to make sure I'm not). And he's about to open his mouth to start in on me (again . . . sigh) when, behind me, I hear it—someone laughs. Right on cue.

I swing around quickly, my head zipping from side to side, trying to see who it is, but it's practically impossible in this traffic jam of a crowd, especially when you're as short as I am and your dad won't let you wear a kitten heel, let alone rhinestones in the daytime. I bet Marilyn Monroe's mother never said a thing about Marilyn wearing rhinestones in the daytime. Then again, Marilyn Monroe's mother let her get married at sixteen and spent a great deal of time in a mental institution, so that's probably not saying very much. I'm just about to give up on the searching thing when the crowd parts and someone dressed entirely in red, going out/in/out (in all the right places) and hips swaying, passes me by with a wink and a lift of one perfectly arched eyebrow.

"Honey," she says, in the kind of voice that makes everyone turn and look at her. "France is in Europe."

Oh. My. God.

It's one of those moments when you just know you'll think up a zillion and two perfect things to say later, but instead you stand there looking like you've recently had a lobotomy. Especially when I realize that the someone is actually a Someone and that the woman now heading up the escalator to the biggest ship I've ever seen in my life is, in fact, Holly Isles.

Yes, the Holly Isles.

Actress. Goddess. Star of stage, screen and various tabloid magazines that you skim as fast as you can at the supermarket checkout because your dad will never let you buy them, Holly Isles.

Someone whistles. And this time, I don't need to look around. This time, I know for sure it's not for me. (Laughing, sure. Whistling? I am sincerely doubting it . . .) And because I don't turn around, I don't move for the guy. The one who smacks into my shoulder and says, "Excuse me. I need to get to my aunt."

I follow his gaze directly up the escalator to Holly. His aunt? Holly is his aunt? Well, la de da. I go to give him my best "Get your filthy mitts off me, don't mess with the outfit and don't go anywhere near the hair, buster" look when my mouth drops even further. Hello, sailor! Cute boy ahoy! This guy is definitely related to Holly in a big way.

"Ah . . ." my dad exhales, the lecture he'd been working on giving me obviously forgotten. Funny, but he's got the same kind of lobotomy look as me. And he's staring straight at Holly.

It takes me a moment to get over the shock. When I finally do, my eyes move back from my dad to Holly's form as she goes up, up, up (and I'm not alone, I think

everyone on the dock is watching Holly go up, up, up). Slowly, I shake my head from side to side. I can't believe it. I can't believe Holly Isles just said that to me. And it wasn't exactly the line from the movie I was thinking about, but then again, neither was mine. And I could probably go on watching her forever, my mouth hanging open (okay, so I only check out her nephew a few more times), except that Holly's now out of sight and my dad has obviously returned to his old lecturing form.

"Nessa Joanne Mulholland."

"Mmmm."

"NESSA JOANNE MULHOLLAND!"

"Huh?" I finally look up, only to see him looking down at something. At my chest. Ugh. Gross. What is he doing? He'd better not be doing any research on me. But then I look down too.

Oops. The tissues are escaping again.

I surreptitiously stuff them down my black-with-leopard-skin-trim top with one hand. "I've got a cold, okay?" I mutter. Geez. So much for Marilyn's mother. I bet she never had to put up with this kind of harassment from her father, either. Except that no-one was ever quite sure exactly who he was. And, of course, Marilyn didn't need to stuff, either, did she?

I sigh my second sigh of the morning. Life. It's just so . . . unmovielike.

 AUTHOR

Having failed at becoming a ballerina with pierced ears (her childhood dream), Allison Rushby instead began a writing career as a journalism student at The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Within a few months she had slunk sideways into studying Russian. By the end of her degree she had learned two very important things: that she wasn't going to be a journalist; and that there are hundreds of types of vodka and they're all pretty good. After several years spent whining about how hard it would be to write a novel, she finally tried writing one and found it was quite an enjoyable experience. Since then, she has had nine novels published. She keeps up her education by sampling new kinds of vodka on a regular basis.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Living Blond Q&A

 About the Living Blond trilogy

Q. What's Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend (the first book in the Living Blond trilogy) about?

A. In Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend, we get to meet Nessa – a thirteen-year-old (almost fourteen-year-old!) with quite the vivid imagination. Infatuated with Marilyn Monroe, she has such a vivid imagination that the plots from Marilyn's movies somehow tend to work their way into her life. A lot. This is something that tends to get Nessa into quite a bit of trouble!

Q. Was there something in particular that inspired you to write this book?

A. There definitely was! Nessa had a funny start in life as a character. I was house-sitting for a friend, who told me to peep inside her housemate's room one day (she was also away at the time). When I did this, I couldn't believe my eyes. All over the room were huge glamour portraits of the housemate dressed up as Marilyn Monroe. Apparently she had quite the Marilyn obsession, as the portraits demonstrated. I wondered about this for years afterwards – I couldn't stop thinking about how a young person could be so obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, a star long dead. This is how Nessa evolved – I took that character trait to an even younger, stranger place. Imagine a thirteen-year-old with a Marilyn obsession – how strange would that be? What would people make of it? What would her parents do about it if it got out of control? And that was how Nessa came to be. It was interesting to stay with her over three books and watch her grow and her obsession slowly fade, with her eventually handing the torch over to a new Marilyn fan by the end of the third book.

Q. Do you think today's teens will connect with Marilyn Monroe?

A. Now that I've spent so long writing the books, I'm amazed to see how current Marilyn Monroe still is today. There's hardly a day goes by that I don't spot a reference to her, or see her image pop up somewhere. For example, just this week I've seen a Marilyn Monroe calendar for sale in my local post office, read an article in the newspaper about Hollywood's top-earning deceased stars (she was one of them) and seen her image also used to sell personalized car number-plates on a TV ad.. And it's only Wednesday! I'm hoping teens who read the books will be intrigued by who she was and go and watch her films, which are truly hilarious. She may have had a problematic private life, but on screen she is amazing – a brilliant comic actress.

Q. What other novels would you compare Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend to?

A. I think they're a lot like The Princess Diaries series in tone (which I adore). Nessa is also more than a little crazy and reminds me of Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicolson at times.

 

About the author

Q. What are you working on next?

A. I recently finished writing another YA novel called Being Hartley. In Being Hartley, we meet Thea. Thea's a dancer, but she's also the daughter of a famous actress from a Hollywood dynasty who's going to do anything it takes to keep her daughter out of show business. Thea, however, has other ideas! Being Hartley will be released in early 2014 and I'll also release another YA novel in 2014 called Blondtourage.

Q. What do you do when you're not writing?

A. I love to travel and had a very nice stint of traveling not too long ago when I lived in the UK for 18 months and Europe was close by. I normally live in Australia (where I am now), which means a little more flying time! I'm looking forward to my next trip away – a South Pacific cruise in a few weeks' time.

Q. What sort of books do you like to read?

A. Anything and everything, but especially YA! At the moment, I'm reading Gail Carriger's fantastic Etiquette & Espionage and I recently loved (Loved!) Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park. It was so lovely I slowed right down over the last few pages because I didn't want it to end! I've just downloaded Fangirl onto my Kindle and am looking forward to reading.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. I have a gorgeous Devon Rex kitten, Claudia. Claudia is our third Devon Rex cat (I had to put down my elderly, diabetic Devon Rex, Violet, earlier this year… sob). They're a very odd breed – rather like monkeys. They like to be up high, on top of bookcases (and shoulders!). After you've had a Devon Rex, you'll never go back to a normal cat! When I had my most recent headshots taken, Claudia was only about three months old and was into everything. I couldn't keep her out of the headshots, so she stars in most of them – one of which is on my bio. page at http://www.allisonrushby.com

 

For writers

Q. Why did you decide to write YA?

A. I actually started out writing women's fiction, published four books in that genre, and then realized that my voice was more suited to YA. I really love the immediacy of YA and the fact that characters tend to act on their true emotions, rather than already being weighed down by years and years of emotional baggage!

Q. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A. I'm a terrible, awful plotter. In fact, I'm such a plotter, I have a little formula for writing my books now which is a very odd combination indeed of three-act structure along with a bunch of other plotting methods (mostly screenwriting techniques) that helps to keep me on track. Of course, things change along the way, but I find that if I don't do this I tend to get lost in the middle of the story and forget what I'm trying to say and what should be happening. Like a lot of novelists, I find I have to write from beginning to end, too.

Q. Do you have a favorite writing quote?

A. I really love this quote from Harlan Ellison. I'm often asked where I get my ideas from, or people will tell me it must be amazing having such a creative job. When they do, I'm always reminded of this:

People on the outside think there's something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn't like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that's all there is to it. – Harlan Ellison

This is so true. In so many ways, writing books is a job like any other. Sometimes it's very, very difficult, sometimes it's easy. You have good days and bad days. And deadlines! I never forget, however, it's a job I'm extremely lucky to have. Not everyone gets to work in their pajamas or use movie ticket stubs as tax deductions!

**GIVEAWAY**

Grand prize giveaway

Prizes (open internationally):

--20 super-cute ‘We love Marilyn’ ‘Marilynette’ wristbands

CLICK ON THE IMAGE OF RAFFLECOPTER BELOW AND GOOD LUCK!