Saundra Mitchell's Nine Rules for Getting by in Ondine, Louisiana

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 Mitchell

9. 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!

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!

Aprilynne Pike's Nine Rules to Surviving High School as a Faerie

I was incredibly lucky to release my YA debut, The Season, as a member of the 2009 Debutantes, in no small part because the Debs introduced me to the fabulous New York Times Bestseller Aprilynne Pike! Aprilynne's Wings, the first in a series, was one of the top YA books of 2009, and the sequel, Spells, due out in May, takes the awesome to the next level!

I am so happy that Aprilynne was willing to take some time to do a Nine Rules post to celebrate the release of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake...and I'm even more happy that her Nine Rules relate to the incredible world of Laurel, the main character of the Wings series. You see...in Aprilynne's world, Faeries are highly evolved plants. Which makes it tough to masquerade as a human teenager.  So, if you're anything like Laurel, you need these rules!

Nine Rules to Surviving Human High School as a Faerie

1. Don't eat the cafeteria food; it'll kill you. Literally. 

2. Take PE. You may think you hate it, but it's outside. It'll be your favorite class of the day. 

3. Attempt to blend in. Yes, even the clunky shoes. 

4. Pay attention in Chemistry--please don't blow up the school. It is a definite possibility for you. 

5. Lie. In so many small ways. Get used to it; it's for everyone's good. 

6. Don't kiss anyone who doesn't know what you are. They will have . . . questions. 

7. Do not participate in the blood-typing lab. Trust me. 

8. Make nice with the future valedictorian. It will pay off in more ways than academically. 

9. Don't wear sunscreen.

There's time before Spells's May release to get caught up on the Wings series...comment below with your very favorite flower and one lucky commenter (selected on Monday) will win a copy of Wings!

ETA: Congrats to Emily! Thanks to all for playing! 

Stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

Felicity Walker on Inside the Character's Studio

I'm very very happy to host Felicity Walker, the star of the truly hilariousRhonda Stapleton's Stupid Cupid, on Inside the Characters Studio!

Felicity Walker believes in true love. That’s why she applies for a gig at the matchmaking company Cupid’s Hollow. But when Felicity gets the job, she learns that she isn’t just a matchmaker…she’s a cupid! (There’s more than one of them, you know.)

Armed with a hot pink, tricked-out PDA infused with the latest in cupid magic (love arrows shot through email), Felicity works to meet her quota of successful matches. But when she bends the rules of cupidity by matching her best friend Maya with three different boys at once, disaster strikes. Felicity needs to come up with a plan to set it all right, pronto, before she gets fired…and before Maya ends up with her heart split in three.

Welcome, Felicity!

What is your favorite word?
Crap.

What is your least favorite word?
Ummmmm, this one's hard. I don't like the word "moist", actually.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
The feeling I get from making a great match.

What turns you off?
The feeling I get from making a wretched match. *sigh*

What is your favorite curse word?
Ass. I'll say it again...AAAAAAAAASSSSS. Man, it feels good. haha

What sound or noise do you love?
I love listening to my friend Maya play the trumpet. She's really good!

What sound or noise do you hate?
I hate the squeaky sound my shoes sometimes makes. Especially when it's just one shoe, so it's all lopsided.

What profession would you like to attempt?
I'd like to be a BETTER cupid than I am...I'm still attempting that one.

What profession would you not like to do?
Anything involving garbage or stinky stuff.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Felicity, thanks for working so hard as a cupid. And for saving those nuns from that burning building. That was extra generous of you.

LOL. That last answer always cracks me up! Thanks for coming over to play, Felicity!

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

I survived 2009

And this is very likely the reason why:

Thanks to the very fabulous 2009 Debutantes.  Yes.  They are made of win.

9 Things That Made 2009 Awesome

As 2009 draws to a close, I'm feeling a little nostalgic...after all, it was the year I published my first novel!

So, in honor of today...December 31st, 2009, on the cusp of a new decade that will bring who knows what, I give you, 9 Things That Made 2009 Awesome.

1. January 20, 2009 - History is made. And this happens.

2. March 1, 2009 - THE SEASON is released into the world. PW references its "clever conversation in the spirit of Jane Austen." I fall off my chair.

3. This rug from CB2 - Yes. It looks like grass. Yes. We have a dog. Never say we are not risk-takers.

4. I finish my second book - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake clocks in at nearly twice the length of The Season. My editor does not break up with me when she reads it. Sue Grimshaw at Borders True Romance compares it to Eloisa James. I fall off my chair.

5. The 2009 Debutantes - a few scores of writers all launching their writing careers in 2009. We keep each other sane. And honest. And we survive our debut year with relatively few scars.

6. The Jane Austen Society of North America, Connecticut Chapter Annual Tea - The ladies of JASNA/CT invited me to spend a day with them in early December to celebrate Jane. They ply with me with tea and cakes. I have a splendid time.

7. Cate Blanchett as Blanche Dubois - A Streetcar Named Desire at the Brooklyn Academy of Music blows my mind. I realize that a female director can make a play I've read 30 times seem like something I've never heard of.

8. RWA 2009 - I get to hang out with Diana Peterfreund, Anne Mallory, Sabrina Darby and Julianne MacLean. I sit next to Stephanie Laurens at an event. Manage, barely, not to fall off my chair.

9. Sherlock Holmes - Robert Downey Jr. + Guy Ritchie + Victorian London = Epic Win.

So...farewell '09.  Here's to you.  May 2010 be even awesomer.

Happy New Year, y'all.

Sammy Bojar on Inside the Characters Studio

Here's the thing about being a member of the 2009 Debutantes. There aren't many men on the scene over there (probably because they don't care to be referred to as "debutantes") but those who are, aside from being incredibly secure in their sexuality, are also super DUPER cool. SO...I'm very very happy to host Sammy Bohar, the star of the ineffable Jon Skovron's Struts & Frets, on Inside the Characters Studio!

More than anything, Sammy wants to play guitar in a famous indie rock band. The problem is that his front man is a jerk who can't sing, his bassist is a burn-out who can't remember the songs, and his drummer is just out to lunch. But Sammy needs this band because it's the only good thing he's got going. His father skipped out before he was born, his mother is an overworked therapist with a drinking problem, his grandfather is slowly losing his mind to Alzheimer's, and the girl of his dreams is dating his jerk lead singer.

Now that jerk lead singer has entered them in a Battle of the Bands contest to win free studio time and guaranteed radio play. Sammy has two weeks to get them to sound like a real band, or face public humiliation in front of the entire local indie music scene.

Welcome, Sammy!

What is your favorite word?
Music. it's what I love.

What is your least favorite word?
Hobby. It's what you call music if you aren't good enough to be a real musician.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
When other people express passion for something.

What turns you off?
Posers

What is your favorite curse word?
Fuck. Can I say that? I don't want you to get in trouble or anything...go ahead and put something else in if you have to.

What sound or noise do you love?
My guitar

What sound or noise do you hate?
The sound of Eddie Vedder's voice. Talk about a mega poser.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Rock star.

What profession would you not like to do?
Anything that has to do with math.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Do you know what would be really awesome? If he said something like, "Dude, I have all your albums! You rock!" How cool would that be?

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Paris Pan on Inside the Character's Studio

Give it up for Paris Pan, the star of Cynthea Liu's Paris Pan Takes the Dare, on Inside the Character's Studio!

So what if it is a rite of passage for every seventh grade girl in town to spend a night in the woods? Paris Pan only just moved here, the woods are super creepy, and she has enough weirdness to deal with in her own family. Finding out a girl died mysteriously years ago while on the Dare--right near Paris's new house, no less--is bad enough, but the unmistakably ghostlike noises coming out of the broken-down shed at the edge of the Pan's property? Definite deal breaker.

All Paris wants is to make friends, try to fit in, and not have to deal with a dead girl. But everyone has to take the Dare, and the new girl's turn is up. . . .

Welcome, Paris!

What is your favorite word?
I have so many. But I have to say hallucinations and dementia all have a nice ring to it. Though I hate to believe that I am guilty of having any of this stuff.

What is your least favorite word?
Freak. No one likes to be called a freak.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Give me some Magic Markers and construction paper and watch me create a card you'll cherish for years to come.

What turns you off?
Verona in her basketball uniform. (She always looks like a half-dressed pop star. Heinous!)

What is your favorite curse word?
Holy Cow is about as as far as I go.

What sound or noise do you love?
The sound of Go relieving herself outside so I don't have to hang out in the creepy yard a moment longer.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Eeeeeeeeeeeer. The shed door opening. On its own.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Professional Muppeteer for Sesame Street. But then again, I'm not sure if that would make enough money to satisfy Mom. In which case, doctor will do.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Hellooooo, Paris. You're here because you just won a zillion dollars. No, how about ... Have you check out Cynthea Liu's launch party yet? You're VIP! www.cynthealiu.com

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Blake Hewson on Inside the Characters Studio!

Give it up for Blake Hewson (named for another famous Hewson, I'm told), the star of LK Madigan's Flash Burnout, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.

When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.

In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.

Welcome, Blake!

What is your favorite word?
Yes.

What is your least favorite word?
Tweaker.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Making people laugh. Trolling around town with my camera. Funny movies.

What turns you off?
Conflict.

What is your favorite curse word?
My mom would kill me if I answered that. Um, how about “bloody”? That’s a British curse word, right?

What sound or noise do you love?
Shannon’s belly laugh.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Cappie’s Love-Gone-Wrong broadcast. She is such a tool.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Stand-up comedian.

What profession would you not like to do?
Medical examiner. Blech. My dad rocks that job, but I would lose my lunch on a daily basis if I had to do it.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Blake, awesome job on the Letterman show. There’s your new BMW, it doesn’t need gas and there are no speed limits here. You go onstage tonight at ten, Robin Williams is opening for you.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Jane Turner on Inside the Characters Studio!

Ok...as a former barista myself--and one who used to dream of matchmaking the customers who came in (and myself with not a small amount of the attractive men who frequented the cafe), I am thrilled to host Jane Turner, the main character of Kristina Springer's The Espressologist, on Inside the Character's Studio!

The Espressologist is In

Fridays 6-10 p.m.

Come in for a little latte and love.

That's the sign outside of a local Chicago Wired Joe's every Friday night when jerky boss Derek Peters finds out about 17-year old barista and high school senior Jane Turner's unique talent to match couples based on their favorite coffee drink (which she calls Espressology). He decides to capitalize on it-turning Jane into the holiday promotion for the month of December. She's never been wrong, sales are through the roof, and the line of people each Espressology night wraps the block. But can it be too much of a good thing? During an interview with a talk show at the height of Jane's fame, she is faced with a dilemma, lose her love or lose her credibility? Or possibly lose it all, including her best friend.

Welcome, Jane!

What is your least favorite word?
Love

What is your least favorite word?
Melissa

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Will!

What turns you off?
My boss yelling at me.

What is your favorite curse word?
I don't really swear. But I say freakin' a lot!

What sound or noise do you love?
Friends laughing.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Customers yelling at me.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Fashion Designer

What profession would you not like to do?
Butcher. Ick.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Start the party!

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Roz Peterson on Inside the Character's Studio

Give it up for Roz Peterson, the star of Lauren Bjorkman's My Invented Life, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.

Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.

My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.

Welcome, Roz!

What is your favorite word?
clotpole

What is your least favorite word?
ex-boyfriend

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
When I'm up on stage, my wings unfurl and I can fly.

What turns you off?
unrehearsed death scenes

What is your favorite curse word?
dankish puttock

What sound or noise do you love?
applause, mingled with stomps, and hoots of approval

What sound or noise do you hate?
the sound of my nails being chewed to the nubs.

What profession would you like to attempt?
professional acting (for obvious reasons, and not just to meet the hotties)

What profession would you not like to do?
accountant (for even more obvious reasons, though I bet there are a few cute accountants, too)

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Shakespeare is dying to meet you.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Kyra Sellers on Inside the Character's Studio!

I'm super excited to host the awesome Kyra Sellers, the star of Barry Lyga's Goth Girl Rising, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Time is a funny thing in the hospital. In the mental ward. You lose track of it easily. After six months in the Maryland Mental Health Unit, Kyra Sellers, a.k.a. Goth Girl, is going home. Unfortunately, she's about to find out that while she was away, she lost track of more than time. Things seem normal at first. Roger's his typical, pain-in-the-ass fatherly self. Jecca and Simone and the rest of the goth crowd still do their thing. And Kyra is back in black, feeling good, and ready to make up with the only person who's ever appreciated her for who she really is.

But then she sees him. Fanboy. Transcended from everything he was into someone she barely recognizes.

And the anger and memories come rushing back.

Fanboy. The Spermling. Miss Powell. Roger.

Her mother.

There's so much to do to people when you're angry.

Kyra's about to get very busy.

I have it on good authority (ie, Barry's) that Kyra is not the sharing type, so I'm even more honored than usual that she consented to doing this interview!

What is your favorite word?
I love saying "douchebag." It just rolls off the tongue.

What is your least favorite word?
The F-word. I don't say it anymore.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Telling people the truth. Especially when they're in denial.

What turns you off?
Hypocrisy

What is your favorite curse word?
Hmm. Well, I say "shit" a lot, but that's not really my favorite. Probably "bitch," because it has so many uses, you know?

What sound or noise do you love?
Silence.

What sound or noise do you hate?
People not shutting up.

What profession would you like to attempt?
I don't know. I haven't thought about it since before my mom died. I guess... Honestly, I never thought I'd make it past 16.

What profession would you not like to do?
Anything where anyone else tells me what to do.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
I don't want to answer- What? I have to? I guess... Look, I don't think I'm going to the Pearly Gates, but I guess if I get there somehow, I hope God says, "Your mom is waiting over by the chocolate trees and the coffee fountain." Shut up - I am SO not crying.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Win great stuff from the 2009 Debs!

Laurel Sewell on Inside the Characters' Studio!

I am so hapy to host Laurel Sewell, the main character of Aprilynne Pike's Bestselling Wings, on Inside the Character's Studio! Aprilynne is a good friend who has written a fantastic (in all senses of the word) book, and if you're one of the 13 people left in the world who haven't read it...go now!

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Welcome, Laurel!

What is your favorite word?
Sunshine. Also my favorite thing. Can those go together?

What is your least favorite word?
Barnes. Even the sound of that name makes me squirm!

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
I like to go outside and play my guitar. It relaxes me and helps me think.

What turns you off?
Dark rooms with no windows. I can't concentrate!

What is your favorite curse word?
I admit, I say damn a little too often.

What sound or noise do you love?
I love music. Almost any kind!

What sound or noise do you hate?
My parents yelling. At me or each other. I hate it.

What profession would you like to attempt?
I think I would like to be a nurse.

What profession would you not like to do?
Strangely, I don't want to be a doctor.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
That my family and friends have been waiting for me.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Oscar Banks on Inside the Characters' Studio

Give it up for Roz Peterson, the star of Pam Bachorz's Candor, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.

Welcome, Oscar!

What is your favorite word?
escape

What is your least favorite word?
control

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
getting away with something

What turns you off?
having to obey

What is your favorite curse word?
The Messages make it too hard to curse. Usually it's not worth the effort.

What sound or noise do you love?
The scrape of my girlfriend Nia's skateboard coming down the sidewalk.

What sound or noise do you hate?
The Messages, crawling around in my brain 24-7. I hate them all and I hate my father for putting them there.

What profession would you like to attempt?
I never really thought about this until you asked. But I'd like to be a scientist so I can find a way to break the Messages' grip on people's brains.

What profession would you not like to do?
My father thinks I'll be taking over the family biz of building a town that controls all its residents. Never.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
I'd like God to tell me there will be zero background music in Heaven. In Candor, you never escape the music--or the Messages.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Kat Crosby on Inside the Characters' Studio!

Give it up for Kat Crosby, the star of Sydney Salter's Jungle Crossing, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona's minicamp. If she's not there, she'll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she's the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat's parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat's world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?

Welcome, Kat!

What is your favorite word?
Minicamp

What is your least favorite word?
Mexico

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
I like to draw, but please don't tell anyone. Fiona wants us all to take dance again this year.

What turns you off?
Oh, I have a whole list, starting with forced family vacations to Mexico and ending with mean teen tour guides!

What is your favorite curse word?
Barb. My little sister is a serious curse in my life!

What sound or noise do you love?
Quiet. The kind you hear in a Mayan village.

What sound or noise do you hate?
The crazy sounds a plane makes while taking off--I'm so afraid of crashing!

What profession would you like to attempt?
I'd like to illustrate Nando's story about Muluc. And maybe some other books someday.

What profession would you not like to do?
Hotel maid.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Don't worry, Fiona isn't here (she didn't meet the requirements). But Muluc is waiting for you. And does she ever have a story to tell!

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Emily Carson on Inside the Character's Studio!

Give it up for Emily Carson, the star of Jennifer Jabaley's Lipstick Apology, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted. What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: Emily please forgive me scrawled in lipstick - her mother's last words.

Now it's fall in New York City and Emily's trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media - and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can't let go of her mother's mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

With help of a whole new kind of family - one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser - Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.

Welcome, Emily!

What is your favorite word?
Family

What is your least favorite word?
Apology

What turns you on, creatively, spiritually?
Owen's green eyes. Anthony's kindness. Owen's charisma. Anthony's jokes.

What turns you off?
Meanness

What is your favorite curse word?
Crap

What sound or noise do you love?
The sound of the trees rustling in the breeze. It reminds me of home.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Planes flying above.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Maybe a make up artist like my aunt. or a hair stylist like Trent. Or maybe just a great mom like my mom was.

What profession would you not like to do?
Anything involving chemistry.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Welcome, Emily. Your parents are waiting for you."

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Dara Cohen on Inside the Character's Studio!

Give it up for Dara Cohen, the star of Megan Frazer's Secrets of Truth & Beauty, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Secrets of Truth & Beauty -- When Dara Cohen was little, she was crowned Little Miss Maine. That was then. Now Dara's seventeen and she's not so little anymore. That's just one of her many problems. Another is that her control-freak mom won't get off her case about anything. Yet the one that hurts the most is the family secret: Dara has an older sister her parents tried to erase from their lives.

Welcome, Dara!

What is your favorite word?
Encore

What is your least favorite word?
Ridiculous

What turns you on, creatively, spiritually?
Honesty

What turns you off?
Ignorance

What is your favorite curse word?
I don't swear much, and when I do, it's mostly muttering under my breath. I haven't settled on a favorite, though.

What sound or noise do you love?
A really strong voice, like Cass Elliot or Christina Aguillera.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Glop.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Night club singer. Just for a little while, not like as an actual profession. (Let's hope my mom doesn't see this.)

What profession would you not like to do?
Before this summer, I might have said goat farmer -- if it had ever even occurred to me -- but now I see it's not so bad.

I didn't answer the question, did I?

All right then, I have no interest in even trying to be a deep sea fisherman. Or a taxidermist. Yeah, let's go with taxidermy as the profession I don't want to attempt.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Um, I'm Jewish so I haven't really given this much thought. Does G-d really greet you? It seems like he would have better things to do than play Welcome Wagon to the new recruits. But, okay, buying into this whole hypothetical situation, I hope he'd say, "Welcome," of course, and point me in the direction of my family -- my real family.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Wrenn Scott on Inside the Characters' Studio!

Today, I'm happy to announce that Wrenn Scott, the star of Leigh Brescia's's One Wish. Ok, let's start with how much I judge this book by its cover. And I judge it as AWESOME. But then I met Wrenn (and Leigh) and I judge it also by its author and main character. That's acceptable, right?

Overweight Wrenn Scott desperately wants to be popular and snag a hot boyfriend. Her amazing voice (for once) overshadows her weight when she lands a lead role in the high school musical. Pushing to get thinner by opening night, Wrenn's waistline shrinks as she learns all the wrong ways to lose weight from a new "it-girl" friend in the show. By opening night, the old Wrenn has almost disappeared. After a crisis reveals her weight-loss tricks, Wrenn realizes there are much more important things than being thin, popular, or even dating a hunk.

Welcome, Wrenn!

What is your favorite word?
Popularity (and everything that comes with it)

What is your least favorite word?
Terrific! Ugh! It’s so overused. I hate it!

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Music

What turns you off?
Phil in his boxers. I’m serious. I’m actually throwing up a little bit in my mouth like, right this moment.

What is your favorite curse word?
I don’t really curse. My mom used to (enough for all of us), but ever since Phil came along she’s choosing her words more wisely. It’s annoying, actually.

What sound or noise do you love?
The click of the “on” button of my electric piano

What sound or noise do you hate?

Mr. Pike when he yells: “No! No! No! Cut!”

What profession would you like to attempt?
I might like to be a Broadway singer, but I have to get over the stage fright first.

What profession would you not like to do?
Work for Mitzi Monroe at Channel 8. She’s wicked.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
We’re needing a lead soprano for the angelic choir. You interested?

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Win Free Stuff!

Get over there and win!!!!

This day in history...not at all DULL.

Today is a very special day. Very. Special. No, dear readers...not because it is the 134th day of the year. No, not because, on this day in 1804, Lewis and Clark began their expedition. No, not even because it's the feast day of St. Boniface of Tarsus. (Although I know we're all putting our party hats on for that last one)

Today is special because it is the launch date of Sarah Cross's DULL BOY--which I have been rather vocally in love with for a while.

"Who is this DULL BOY of which you speak, Sarah?" you ask.

Well, let's just say this boy is not at all dull, and the veriest of awesome. One might say he is a modern day superman. Imagine, if you will, a book that includes both superheroes and awesome, witty characters and a story that has you cheering straight to the end and desperate for a sequel. That is the DULL BOY of which I speak.

Order your copy now. It's as awesome as its cover. I swear.

Have I ever steered you wrong? Well...aside from hyping the feast of St. Boniface of Tarsus?

Ai Ling on Inside the Characters' Studio!

Today, I'm happy to announce that Ai Ling, the awesome star of Cindy Pon's's Silver Phoenix. Ai Ling is amazing. She's beautiful, brilliant and buff. Do not mess with her. She will take you down. No joke.

On the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--Ai Ling discovers a power welling deep within her. She can reach into other people’s spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams…and that’s just the beginning.

Ai Ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the Emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. Here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is one of my favorite movies of all time...so when I heard of Silver Phoenix I practically clawed my way to the front of the line to read it. It did not disappoint. Well, except for the fact that you have to wait for a sequel to get more of super hawt Chen Yong. ;)

Welcome, Ai Ling!

What is your favorite word?
Meal

What is your least favorite word?
Betrothal

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
i love to paint and find that the scenery in nature, the jaded peaks, the opening of a lotus flower, a dragonfly fluttering above a pond--these small moments really inspire me.

What turns you off?
brutish behavior. the idea that women are not good for anything but remaining within the inner quarters and birthing babies.

What is your favorite curse word?
there aren't curse words in the xian language. more so phrases. "dung of a diseased turtle" is one.

What sound or noise do you love?
ink stick ground on stone before i begin to paint.

What sound or noise do you hate?
dead silence, when i feel too alone.

What profession would you like to attempt?
i haven't thought about it truly. an artist would be a fine profession, although i'm not very good yet. and there aren't too many women artists.

What profession would you not like to do?
anything that is forced upon me, without my say.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
You've done well, Ai Ling.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

OMG! Carrie Ryan goes HOLLYWOOD!!

This is late to the party, slightly...I meant to post last week when the news went public, but life got away from me...so apologies...but as you all know, I *heart* Carrie Ryan and her incredible book, The Forest of Hands and Teeth which is all zombies and romance and yes, please.

So...imagine my incredible SQUEE when I heard from Publishers Weekly that:

Alan Nevins of Renaissance Literary & Talent has just closed film rights on Carrie Ryan's YA novel, The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Nevins, who brokered the deal on behalf of Jim McCarthy at Dystel Literary, sold the book, which Delacorte Books for Young Readers published in March, to Seven Star Pictures (K-11, forthcoming). Nevins said the book, a zombie thriller set in colonial times about a girl who lives in a religious community in the woods and is equally worried about a zombie invasion and her planned marriage, is in line to "do for zombies what Twilight did for vampires." Supposedly Seven Star is developing the project for an-as-yet-unnamed A-list starlet, and fast-tracking the project with a first draft of the screenplay already in the works.

Uhm...I think it's worth repeating that FHT will "Do for zombies what Twilight did for vampires."

That's my girl Carrie, yo.

Design Your Own Ballgown, Win a copy of The Season!

The wonderful Aprilynne Pike, who happens to be a friend, fellow 2009 Debutante and author of the soon-to-be-on-everyone's-list, WINGS (HarperTeen, May), is hosting a super fun The Season related contest over on her blog! Head on over there, design the gown you'd like to wear to your own first ball and, if Aprilynne picks yours as her favorite, you win a signed copy of The Season!

Who doesn't love ballgowns and free books?

Surely not readers of this blog.

Alex eats a Reese's

To celebrate her debut, Alex has been invited to lunch with the fabulous Jennifer Brown, one of my fellow 2009 Debutantes and author of Hate List. Jen let Alex pick the place, the menu and the company for their luncheon...and they had a great time!

You can read about it, and Alex's reaction to her first Reese's, here...

Alex gets her debut!

Head on over to the fabulous Sarah Ockler's blog to read all about the debut party that Alex *wished* she'd had! From a guest list that spans four centuries to party favors and music, Sarah Ockler hasn't forgotten a thing...and, thanks to her, Alex is finally getting the debut she wants.

For those of you who don't know Sarah, you should. She's another 2009 debut YA author...and I'm predicting now that her INCREDIBLE book, Twenty Boy Summer will be a contender for the 2009 National Book Award. Yes. It's that good. You should preorder it.

Yesterday, Sarah and I also discovered a very bizarre coincidence about our lives...stay tuned...I'm going to blog about that later. But now, back to the day job!

Q: Who loves free books?

A: Everyone loves free books.

Every person. Even more, everyone REALLY loves free books they get to choose themselves! Especially you!

So hightail it on over to the 2009 Debutantes, comment on the amazing Jennifer Hubbard's post and enter to win a $25 gift card to Powell's bookstore! Just in time for the holidays, don't you think you deserve a little gift yourself?

If you're not sure what to buy with your awesome gift card, how about something to keep you happy in 2009?

Make the Holdiays Awesome. Give Books!

Inspired by Sarah Ockler's Buy a Book, Save the World post, I am feeling the love for book buying for Holidays. One of the things I like best about Amazon is preordering. You pop a bunch of books in your cart, enter your credit card info, and get charged as they ship...so...in honor of the Holiday Season, I present:

The Official Sarah MacLean Recommends book-of-the-month club! Pre-order these upcoming novels for the teen (or the YA lover) in your life, pop in your credit card info, and get charged as they ship, one a month, through the next six months! Christmas shopping list, complete!

January 2009: Is there anything better than an Anna Godbersen book to wile away the cold, sad, post-festive days of January? Take it from me, there isn't. Start 2009 with Envy: A Luxe Novel . That's how I'll be starting mine. And because there's no cover yet on the Amazon page for Envy, I shall tempt you with a link to it. Are you kidding me? WHO DOESN'T WANT TO READ THAT BOOK?

February 2009:
Do you long for the days of spine-tingling ghost stories that scared the bejeesus out of you? Long no longer! Pre-Order Saundra Mitchell's Shadowed Summer and spend February sleeping with the lights on!

March 2009: Ok. I'm torn. Because, as you know, my book comes out in March...so I would really like to recommend you preorder that. HOWEVER. There is another, AMAZING book that is making its debut just 10 days after mine. And I promise you, Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth is going to be THE YA book to read this Spring. Perhaps you could just read The Season quickly? ;)

April 2009:
It doesn't get better than Lisa Ann Sandell's newest book, A Map Of The Known World. I'm serious. Lisa's written a stunning book that reminds us of the two things that make life beautiful...art and love. A must buy for the girls on your list.

May 2009:
Ok...Sarah Cross is my hero. She's written a book that is so clever, so funny, so...well...perfect that I don't quite know how I would have been able to wait until May for Dull Boy. Luckily, I didn't have to. First line of the blurb will suck you right in: Superpowers are awesome - unless you actually have them, like Avery does. Uhm...yes. I must read that.

June 2009:
June gets two recommendations...one for the girls, and one for those who think girly books are, well, girly. Plus, they're both written by Sarahs. So how could I choose?

Sarah Ockler...yes, the muse of this post...is also an amazing author. I know this because I just finished an ARC of the incredible Twenty Boy Summer, which is, you heard it here first, going to rake in the awards in 2009. Don't be the only one who hasn't read it. That would make you very uncool.

Also coming in June is the long awaited The Demon's Lexicon, by the incredible Sarah Rees Brennan. Demons + Magic + Hot boys with talismans and swords = yes, please.

This is just a sampling of the amazing books (Like Aprilynne Pike's Wings, Aimee Friedman's Sea Change, and dozens more from the 2009 Debutantes) that are coming throughout the first half of 2009...not to mention the hundreds ALREADY out that I'd love to recommend...stay tuned for more recommendations in the coming weeks and months!

What's on your list of books that must be given as gifts this year?