As I mentioned earlier this week, being a debut author is made infinitely better by having a collection of other debut authors to cling to during the insane time. When The Season released this time last year, I was lucky enough to have the 2009 Debutantes with whom to share my wins and losses…and as part of that, I was lucky enough to find the fabulous Saundra Mitchell, who isn’t just a fellow 2009 YA debut, but also a great friend.
Aside from being a 2010 Edgar Nominee for best Teen Mystery, Saundra’s Shadowed Summer is also just a terrific book…a vivid ghost story that stands up to the best in the genre. Iris Rhame is the book’s main character, but she is given a run for her money for the title by the small-town in which the book is set, Ondine, Louisiana. Ondine is hot and sleepy and quiet and full of secrets…and ghosts…
I’m so happy that Iris was willing to share her Nine Rules for Getting By in Ondine, Louisiana for my celebration of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake!
Nine Rules for Getting by in Ondine, Louisiana
by Iris Rhame, as told to Saundra Mitchell9. Where you found it in The Red Stripe is where it belongs, even if that means the mandarin oranges are with the mayonnaise. Mr. Ourso has a system, and he’ll make you sorry if you mess it up.
8. Shea Duvall only charges two dollars for a ride to St. Amant in his car, and it’s still a rip-off.
7. 2:30pm is when Collette’s mama sneaks out back of the diner for a cigarette. 2:30pm is the best time to get free Cokes from the diner.
6. Don’t even think about turning your back on a woman that gives you candy for prayers. There’s a real good chance she’s dangerous.
5. Miss Nan loves to talk, and if you sit quiet and listen, she’ll cuss in front of you and everything.
4. Chances were, Deputy Wood was gonna write six or seven speeding tickets today anyway. He ain’t picking on you because you’re from out of town. Actually, he probably is.
3. Tip for genealogists who don’t want us laughing at you: no matter what your granddaddy said, your people ain’t Voodoo Royalty from Ascension Parish.
2. If the Delancie Brothers are running, you’d best run, too.
1. If somebody asks you “Where y’at?”, you might wanna think twice before you answer.
If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to get enough of Iris’s voice…so, how about a chance to win a copy of Shadowed Summer? Comment below with your favorite thing about summer…and I’ll choose one person at random on Sunday to win! Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you!
ETA: Congrats to Lynsey! Thanks to all for playing!
Keep coming back for a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read the existing Authors Rule(s), please click here!
March 26th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
My favourite thing about summer isn't having a fish & chips day at the beach, or sipping on a banana shake for breakfast, or the smell of chlorine after a lazy Saturday afternoon at the pool – even though I love all of those things. It's having a couple of extra hours of daylight, sitting in my backyard playing with my dog with my family and thinking about all the things I could do tomorrow. :)
Thanks for the thought-provoking question, Sarah! I loved hearing about the 9 things to get you by in Ondine, Louisiana! Please enter me in the contest. My email address is maineambition @ gmail.com.
March 26th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
My favorite thing about summer is plain and simple: not being freezing and dressing in layers all the time.
jpetroroy at gmail dot com
March 26th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
My favorite thing about summer is the feeling of freedom and sun on your face. Remember when you were a kid and Summer meant slacking off? Even with Summer school (if you had to attend) there was this sense of enjoyment for your time off. Now as an adult, I always take some time off work in summer and take a trip. And sun and the beach? Forget about it! In San Francisco there aren't many times besides Summer you can lay on the beach and not freeze to death, so I take the sunny Summer days with a grain of sand (from the beach!)
angel28140 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
March 26th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
My favourite thing about Summer is that everyone is so happy because the sun is shining! People are kind and more courteous to each other because they are happy :) I love the sounds of birds singing and when I shut my eyes, I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I love the fact that I have a great excuse to eat ice cream and sit in the park :) Please enter me to win, I'd love to read this. lynsey (AT)narrativelyspeaking(DOT)com
March 26th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
My favorite thing about summer is the sun shine itself. I'm moody all winter, with gray skies and cold winds etc. Come summer and I'm alive.
The heat from the sun invigorates me. The smell of beautiful flowers and the option of floating on my back and absorbing the sun is beautiful.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
March 27th, 2010 at 1:11 am
My favorite thing about summer is just the feeling. Everyone is relaxed, it feels like anything can happen, it feels like you have all the time in the world. it's just a good time :)
abbymontgomery9@gmail.com
March 28th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
My favorite thing about summer is getting to spend so much extra time with my kids! Plus, I can stay up late reading and writing because I don't have to get them up for the bus. Always a bonus.
email: cjredwine01 (at) yahoo
March 28th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I love boating with friends in the summer. Every other weekend is like a mini-vacation. We swim, sunbathe, read, listen to music, dance, (sometimes get a bit wild), and then I can come back to reality completely refreshed and ready for the week. Nothing like it. h dot faesy @ gmail dot com
Thank you!
March 29th, 2010 at 12:38 am
My favorite thing about summer..is there is no snow:) Sorry I live in Colorado and we keep having these spring snow storms:) I also enjoy how the days are longer and that you are able to have your windows open to let in the night breeze. Just the feeling of fresh air!
email bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
I would love to read this book!
March 29th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Lemonade and thunderstorms.
March 29th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
My favorite thing is the warm weather.= ]
yilingni@yahoo.com
March 30th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
A slice of juicy, ripe homegrown tomato on a hot, freshly made biscuit loaded with real butter. This must be washed down with sweet iced tea with lemon. Perfection : )
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
April 1st, 2010 at 2:27 pm
The best thing about summer in Louisiana (I live near Baton Rouge), in my opinion would have to be the following:
-Crawfish Boils
-Camping by the Tangipahoa River
-Night Rides
whisper_09@live.com
April 3rd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
My favorite thing about summer is that I'm a teacher, so for two months I can read whatever I want.