Here at Class of 2k10, we’re thinking flowers and chocolates and kisses and those little paper hearts. And what do we love more than anything?
BOOKS!
And we know YOU love books too. So here’s what we’ve got to giveaway:
Signed copy of THE SECRET YEAR by Jennifer R. Hubbard
Signed copy of LEAVING GEE’S BEND by Irene Latham
Signed copy of ISLAND STING by Bonnie J. Doerr
and other assorted swag from Shari Maurer (CHANGE OF HEART), Jacqueline Houtman (THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS), Denise Jaden (LOSING FAITH), Leah Cypess (MISTWOOD), Rhonda Hayter (THE WITCHY WORRIES OF ABBIE ADAMS), Jame Richards (THREE RIVERS RISING), Kristina McBride (THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES), Mara Purnagen (TAGGED) and Janet Fox (FAITHFUL)
…all bundled up in a dreamy tote, just for you!
To enter, give a shout-out in comments to someone you love – maybe the librarian who first showed you where to find the good books, a teacher who encouraged you to write, or a fictional character who got your through a tough time. Extra points for tweeting or linking (tell us in comments!).
Contest ends midnight February 14. Open to US/CANADA residents only. Must be at least 13 years old to enter. Winner announced February 15.
And because I am most definitely feeling the love, I’ll get things rolling with a shout-out to my father, aka Papa, who cracked open some Shel Silverstein when I was very small and made me a lover of words. He’s also been my biggest fan from the very first poem I ever wrote. I love you, Papa!
BOOKS!
And we know YOU love books too. So here’s what we’ve got to giveaway:
Signed copy of THE SECRET YEAR by Jennifer R. Hubbard
Signed copy of LEAVING GEE’S BEND by Irene Latham
Signed copy of ISLAND STING by Bonnie J. Doerr
and other assorted swag from Shari Maurer (CHANGE OF HEART), Jacqueline Houtman (THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS), Denise Jaden (LOSING FAITH), Leah Cypess (MISTWOOD), Rhonda Hayter (THE WITCHY WORRIES OF ABBIE ADAMS), Jame Richards (THREE RIVERS RISING), Kristina McBride (THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES), Mara Purnagen (TAGGED) and Janet Fox (FAITHFUL)
…all bundled up in a dreamy tote, just for you!
To enter, give a shout-out in comments to someone you love – maybe the librarian who first showed you where to find the good books, a teacher who encouraged you to write, or a fictional character who got your through a tough time. Extra points for tweeting or linking (tell us in comments!).
Contest ends midnight February 14. Open to US/CANADA residents only. Must be at least 13 years old to enter. Winner announced February 15.
And because I am most definitely feeling the love, I’ll get things rolling with a shout-out to my father, aka Papa, who cracked open some Shel Silverstein when I was very small and made me a lover of words. He’s also been my biggest fan from the very first poem I ever wrote. I love you, Papa!
If you’re lucky enough to be in Key West, Florida this time of year, you’re also lucky enough to have the chance to meet Bonnie J. Doerr, author of Island Sting! Check out her schedule below:
February 4: US 1 Radio 104.1 FM Morning Magazine with Bill Becker 7:50 am
February 4: KONK AM 1680 AM “ECOcentricView” with Erika Biddle 2-3 pm
February 5: Walk on Winn Dixie, Big Pine Key 7 – 9 pm, National Key Deer
Visitor Center
February 7: Family Fun Day Fund Raiser, Key West Wildlife Center 1-4 pm
February 9: Florida Keys Community College Library 5:30 pm, “Manuscript
Makeover/What Not to Dare”
February 11: Café con Libros, Key West Public Library 9:30 –11:00 am,
“Evolution of a Novel/Survival of the Determined”
March 2: Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL 7pm.
This is with Alexandra Diaz and her book, Of All the Stupid Things.
We'll be interviewing each other.
It's February, the month that includes Valentine's Day but also encourages greater awareness of teen violence issues. It's Black History Month, and Heart Month too. If your class, book club, or library is looking for topical reads, we have a few in the Class of 2k10.
For Black History Month, why not Irene Latham's LEAVING GEE'S BEND, the story of a young African-American girl who strikes out on a hazardous journey to save her mother?
If you're up for Valentine reads, there's Alexandra Diaz's OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS, about the "lives, loves, and lies" of three teenage girls. For a case of is-this-love-or-isn't-it, Jennifer R. Hubbard's THE SECRET YEAR offers the dark story of a secret relationship.
(sneak peek: And later this year, you can celebrate Valentine's Day in May when Janet Fox's FAITHFUL debuts: a tale of romance and mystery set in 1904 in spectacular Yellowstone National Park.)
Just a few days after the official end of February, Swati Avasthi's SPLIT debuts, a perfect read for Teen Violence Month. In SPLIT, sixteen-year-old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother, Christian, with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
Finally, February is Heart Month, the perfect time for us to foreshadow the arrival later this spring of Shari Maurer's CHANGE OF HEART, about a young champion soccer player awaiting a heart transplant.
For a list of timely topics for 2k10 books throughout the year, see our seasonal/holiday/event-themed book list.
For Black History Month, why not Irene Latham's LEAVING GEE'S BEND, the story of a young African-American girl who strikes out on a hazardous journey to save her mother?
If you're up for Valentine reads, there's Alexandra Diaz's OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS, about the "lives, loves, and lies" of three teenage girls. For a case of is-this-love-or-isn't-it, Jennifer R. Hubbard's THE SECRET YEAR offers the dark story of a secret relationship.
(sneak peek: And later this year, you can celebrate Valentine's Day in May when Janet Fox's FAITHFUL debuts: a tale of romance and mystery set in 1904 in spectacular Yellowstone National Park.)
Just a few days after the official end of February, Swati Avasthi's SPLIT debuts, a perfect read for Teen Violence Month. In SPLIT, sixteen-year-old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother, Christian, with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
Finally, February is Heart Month, the perfect time for us to foreshadow the arrival later this spring of Shari Maurer's CHANGE OF HEART, about a young champion soccer player awaiting a heart transplant.
For a list of timely topics for 2k10 books throughout the year, see our seasonal/holiday/event-themed book list.
Congratulations to Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary Studio and her client, Irene Latham, whose debut book, LEAVING GEE'S BEND was recently released.
Rosemary agreed to join us here today to answer a few quick questions.
Rosemary agreed to join us here today to answer a few quick questions.
Rosemary, can you tell us what first drew you to the manuscript of LEAVING GEE'S BEND?
I am a language person at heart, and I was quite charmed by the lyrical, poetic prose that formed the narrative voice in this novel. I was touched by Ludelphia, wanted to know this girl and learn more about this place and the culture that shaped her person, her choices and decisions.
LEAVING GEE'S BEND is MG historical fiction. Where do you see the market right now for this genre?
I have always felt that "good" historical fiction puts a face on history in a way nonfiction text often does not. I think this is particularly true for young people today, who enjoy connecting with a young character and viewing all through his/her eyes. Historical fiction establishes an immediacy that allows the reader to step into periods and places past, and to gain insights into those who inhabited these times and settings in the most personal of ways. The trade market might be leaning toward the paranormal and dystopian at this time, but there is always room to shine light on a beautifully told historical fiction. Always a need for one. Karen Hesse's OUT OF THE DUST certainly has proven this to be true. And of course, there is always support from the institutional market, where teachers and librarians are always looking for literary opportunities to present and discuss historical moments.
Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for specifically and how can writers contact you?
I remain open to queries, ranging from picturebook to young adult. Taking very few new in the picturebook realm right now, looking for "fresh" middle and tween fiction and always ready for compelling YA novels. In all age groups and genres, I need to be blown away. Queries may be sent to info@stimolaliterarystudio.com. Guidelines are posted on my website. www.stimolaliterarystudio.com. Important to note that I can now only respond to those queries I wish to pursue further.
Great! Thanks so much again for joining us Rosemary and congratulations to you and Irene on the release of LEAVING GEE'S BEND!
Our latest launch:
Irene Latham's LEAVING GEE'S BEND (G.P. Putnam's Sons, January 7). In this middle-grade, historical novel, a 10-year-old girl during the Great Depression sets out to save her sick mother and records her adventures in quilt pieces.
To celebrate our launches, in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we're doing posts on the theme of interesting places. Here, Irene blogs about her favorite fictional places.
Top Five Favorite Places I Discovered in Books
Narnia: THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C.S. Lewis. Oh, to find the wardrobe that was a portal to this world! I still dream about it -- the White Witch and Aslan and Puddleglum. Is there anyplace more magical?
The deserted island where Alec Ramsey was shipwrecked with The Black: THE BLACK STALLION by Walter Farley was the book for horse-loving girl that I was. To be alone, on an island, making fires and stabbing fish with a pocket knife, all the while bonding with a beautiful, wild stallion... how the heart did pound!
Read more about Irene and LEAVING GEE'S BEND.
The Class of 2k10 is featuring a series of short interviews with editors and agents about the books of 2k10, and what they're looking for in the books of the future.
Today's interview is with Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown Ltd., who represents Jennifer R. Hubbard, author of The Secret Year. Nathan also runs a popular blog and online forums for people interested in writing, books, and the publishing world (see link in preceding sentence).
Q: Can you tell me what first drew you to the manuscript of THE SECRET YEAR?
A: Colt's voice grabbed me on the first page of THE SECRET YEAR and never let me go. I read the entire manuscript without stopping when Jennifer sent me the full and immediately offered representation. Not only was it some of the best YA writing I'd ever read, but the plot was so compelling and moving. It was the total package. I knew from very early on in the book that Jennifer was an author I really wanted to work with.
Q: THE SECRET YEAR is YA contemporary. Where do you see the market right now for this genre?
A: Forbidden romance in YA is obviously extremely hot, and we're all very optimistic about THE SECRET YEAR. I also see this as a book with serious staying power: it's an unforgettable read, and I think people are going to be talking about it for a while.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for specifically and how can writers contact you?
A: I'm always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling plots. Please e-mail me a query letter and the first 5 pages in the body of the e-mail to nb[at]cbltd[dot]com. Aspiring authors should also feel free to visit my blog, which has tips and information about how to find an agent and the publishing process: http://blog.nathanbransford.com
Today's interview is with Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown Ltd., who represents Jennifer R. Hubbard, author of The Secret Year. Nathan also runs a popular blog and online forums for people interested in writing, books, and the publishing world (see link in preceding sentence).
Q: Can you tell me what first drew you to the manuscript of THE SECRET YEAR?
A: Colt's voice grabbed me on the first page of THE SECRET YEAR and never let me go. I read the entire manuscript without stopping when Jennifer sent me the full and immediately offered representation. Not only was it some of the best YA writing I'd ever read, but the plot was so compelling and moving. It was the total package. I knew from very early on in the book that Jennifer was an author I really wanted to work with.
Q: THE SECRET YEAR is YA contemporary. Where do you see the market right now for this genre?
A: Forbidden romance in YA is obviously extremely hot, and we're all very optimistic about THE SECRET YEAR. I also see this as a book with serious staying power: it's an unforgettable read, and I think people are going to be talking about it for a while.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for specifically and how can writers contact you?
A: I'm always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling plots. Please e-mail me a query letter and the first 5 pages in the body of the e-mail to nb[at]cbltd[dot]com. Aspiring authors should also feel free to visit my blog, which has tips and information about how to find an agent and the publishing process: http://blog.nathanbransford.com
Our latest launch from the Class of 2k10 is
The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard.
After his secret girlfriend’s death, seventeen-year-old Colt finds the notebook she left behind,
but he is unprepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship.
To celebrate our launches, and in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we're doing posts on the theme of interesting places. So enjoy Jenn's post:
A Sense of Place: The River “Cure”
by Jennifer R. Hubbard
I’ve almost always lived near rivers and creeks, ranging from the small and (as far as I know) nameless creek that ran behind my house in Massachusetts, to the much larger Delaware River. Rivers have meant life to people for centuries: the sources of water and food, the means of our interconnection.
The characters in The Secret Year meet on the banks of a river, at a bridge that connects their very different worlds. They continue to meet at the river, to wade in it, to splash each other with its water, to test its ice in winter. After Julia’s death, Colt is drawn to the river as much as ever; it is the only remaining witness to the secret life he’d been leading.
After I wrote The Secret Year, I was startled to find that Anais Nin had once described a folk cure for madness that involved placing a person next to a flowing river. The person was supposed to throw a stone into the river to unlock any blocked feelings, so that the feelings could flow again. I was not aware of this before I wrote my book, but it certainly reminded me of Colt. (Yes, there’s even a scene where he throws stones in the water.) Whether he succeeds in healing his “madness” and unlocking all the secrets that bound him to Julia, I leave you to discover.
- Mood:
excited
This is a list of our books arranged according to holidays, seasons, events, and themes to which they may be relevant. We thought this list would be useful for teachers, librarians, and book clubs who want to focus on particular holidays, events, or issues.
More information about all the books can be found in our Class of 2k10 books-at-a-glance list, or in depth on our Class of 2k10 website.
FEBRUARY
Teen Violence Month: Split
Black History Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
Heart Month: Change of Heart
Feb 14, Valentine's Day: The Secret Year; Of All the Stupid Things, Faithful
MARCH
National Quilting Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
Red Cross Month: Leaving Gee's Bend; Three Rivers Rising
APRIL
Autism Awareness Month: The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
Alcohol Awareness Month: Shade
Physical Wellness Month: Of All the Stupid Things
Donate Life Month: Change of Heart
National Poetry Month: Three Rivers Rising
April 22, Earth Day: Island Sting
April 24, National Astronomy Day: Shade
MAY
Teen Self Esteem Month: Of All the Stupid Things; Tagged
Be Kind to Animals Month: Island Sting
May 9, Mother's Day: Leaving Gee's Bend; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
May 25, National Missing Children's Day: The Tension of Opposites
May 31, Memorial Day, remembrance of Johnstown flood: Three Rivers Rising
JUNE
Graduations: Party
National GLBT Book Month: Of All the Stupid Things
JULY
National Black Family Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
National Recreation and Parks Month: Faithful
AUGUST
National Inventors' Month: The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
National "What Will Be Your Legacy?" Month: The Secret Year; Losing Faith; Shade; Change of Heart; Tagged; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
OCTOBER
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Split
Oct 4-10, National Newspaper Week: Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
October 11th, National Coming Out Day: Of All the Stupid Things; The Secret Year
Oct 31, Halloween: Losing Faith; Shade; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale; The Carnival of Lost Souls; Under My Skin; Freaksville; The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams; Past Midnight
NOVEMBER
Family Stories Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
DECEMBER
Dec 21, Winter Solstice: Shade
More information about all the books can be found in our Class of 2k10 books-at-a-glance list, or in depth on our Class of 2k10 website.
FEBRUARY
Teen Violence Month: Split
Black History Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
Heart Month: Change of Heart
Feb 14, Valentine's Day: The Secret Year; Of All the Stupid Things, Faithful
MARCH
National Quilting Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
Red Cross Month: Leaving Gee's Bend; Three Rivers Rising
APRIL
Autism Awareness Month: The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
Alcohol Awareness Month: Shade
Physical Wellness Month: Of All the Stupid Things
Donate Life Month: Change of Heart
National Poetry Month: Three Rivers Rising
April 22, Earth Day: Island Sting
April 24, National Astronomy Day: Shade
MAY
Teen Self Esteem Month: Of All the Stupid Things; Tagged
Be Kind to Animals Month: Island Sting
May 9, Mother's Day: Leaving Gee's Bend; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
May 25, National Missing Children's Day: The Tension of Opposites
May 31, Memorial Day, remembrance of Johnstown flood: Three Rivers Rising
JUNE
Graduations: Party
National GLBT Book Month: Of All the Stupid Things
JULY
National Black Family Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
National Recreation and Parks Month: Faithful
AUGUST
National Inventors' Month: The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
National "What Will Be Your Legacy?" Month: The Secret Year; Losing Faith; Shade; Change of Heart; Tagged; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
OCTOBER
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Split
Oct 4-10, National Newspaper Week: Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
October 11th, National Coming Out Day: Of All the Stupid Things; The Secret Year
Oct 31, Halloween: Losing Faith; Shade; 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale; The Carnival of Lost Souls; Under My Skin; Freaksville; The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams; Past Midnight
NOVEMBER
Family Stories Month: Leaving Gee's Bend
DECEMBER
Dec 21, Winter Solstice: Shade
Welcome to the first installment of our periodic, interactive, multi-author feature, You Asked! Here we invite readers to ask the class of 2K10 questions about the writing process, research, publishing, and this crazy novel-making life in general.
I've come up with some questions for the first few entries, starting with one of the happiest topics--the "start your engines" moment where it all begins.
That moment when you realize: It. Has. Happened. You're going to be a published author. Life will henceforth be divided into Before and After.
In the days and weeks and months to follow, you will hurtle down the road to publication. Much of the scenery will go by in a blur. But for many, that first time hearing the words, "We'd like to publish your novel" will remain as frozen as a photograph.
Where were you when you received The Call from your agent or editor? How did you react? Who was the first person you told? How did you celebrate?
My agent had pre-arranged "The Call", so thankfully I had a chance to get my squeeing over and done with before the actual phone call. Unfortunately, she later had to bump the time a tad later, so I ended up taking the call on my cell phone at my parents' house with three screaming children and a neurotic dog in the background. Still, my agent (and the call) were everything I could have hoped for.
--Denise Jaden (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
denisejaden, Losing Faith, September)
At about 9:30 AM on July 3, 2008, I was sitting in my regular coffee shop, editing Biochemistry, when my editor called to make an offer. Since I had met her at an SCBWI conference, her voice was familiar and that helped me picture her face. All the same, I was pretty stunned, since I had only sent her the full manuscript two days prior. After I hung up, I tried to call my husband but got his voicemail and said “I’ll put the champagne in the fridge at lunchtime and it should be cold by dinner.” Then I emailed a bunch of writing buddies. Then I went up to the counter and told the barista and bought myself a mudslide cookie.
--Jacqueline Jaeger Houtman (jjhoutman, The Reinvention of Edison Thomas, March)
I had just gotten home from the park with my daughter, and had a message from my editor at HarperCollins asking me to call her back. I kind of had a sense of what was coming, because of our previous email conversation, but I still think I deserve mother-of-the-year-award for giving my daughter lunch before making her go take a nap! I waited until I was sure she was asleep, and then I called.
After I hung up the phone, I jumped all over my living room for about 5 minutes. Then I called my husband, who was in some meeting and had turned of his cell phone. So I called everyone else in my family. He didn’t hear the news until an hour later.
--Leah Cypess (leah_cypess, Mistwood, April 27)
I got the call on my cell phone -- which is weird because I don't it on my manuscript. My publisher had my cell number from a previous communication and I guess she just used what was easiest for her to get her hands on. Either way, I was elated. I think I called my husband first and he wasn't around (of course) so then I called my writers' group friends and they were more than happy to help me celebrate! We have a tradition in our writers' group -- if you get something published you have to buy chocolate for everyone! It was the best chocolate I ever ate/bought.
--Michele Corriel (mcorriel, Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery, June)
The day I received The Call, it was horribly hot. I had just returned from a family trip to the pool, and when the phone rang, I didn’t even hear it. Why? I was in the bathroom scrubbing two sticky children, who were screaming and writhing like I was giving them a bath in acid. It wasn’t until later that I saw the blinking light on the answering machine.
“Great,” I thought. “What next?”
All I wanted was to sit back and relax, but I hit the play button. When I heard the voice of my agent, I knew it would be something big because she had NEVER called me without scheduling. I shrieked with delight and ran to tell my husband the good news. We celebrated later by taking the kids out for ice cream. Which made them sticky all over again. But I didn’t care one bit!
--Kristina McBride, (kristinamcbride, The Tension of Opposites, May 25)
Other class members and community watchers are encouraged to chime in down in the comments. Let's hear your Call stories!
If you have a suggestion for a future You Asked feature, you can leave it in the comments, send me a message through LJ, or e-mail me at jeri AT jerismithready DOT com. Questions should be of a general nature that all or most class of 2K10 authors can answer, rather than a question directed at one or two authors.
--Jeri Smith-Ready
I've come up with some questions for the first few entries, starting with one of the happiest topics--the "start your engines" moment where it all begins.
The Call.
That moment when you realize: It. Has. Happened. You're going to be a published author. Life will henceforth be divided into Before and After.
In the days and weeks and months to follow, you will hurtle down the road to publication. Much of the scenery will go by in a blur. But for many, that first time hearing the words, "We'd like to publish your novel" will remain as frozen as a photograph.
Where were you when you received The Call from your agent or editor? How did you react? Who was the first person you told? How did you celebrate?
My agent had pre-arranged "The Call", so thankfully I had a chance to get my squeeing over and done with before the actual phone call. Unfortunately, she later had to bump the time a tad later, so I ended up taking the call on my cell phone at my parents' house with three screaming children and a neurotic dog in the background. Still, my agent (and the call) were everything I could have hoped for.
--Denise Jaden (
denisejaden, Losing Faith, September)At about 9:30 AM on July 3, 2008, I was sitting in my regular coffee shop, editing Biochemistry, when my editor called to make an offer. Since I had met her at an SCBWI conference, her voice was familiar and that helped me picture her face. All the same, I was pretty stunned, since I had only sent her the full manuscript two days prior. After I hung up, I tried to call my husband but got his voicemail and said “I’ll put the champagne in the fridge at lunchtime and it should be cold by dinner.” Then I emailed a bunch of writing buddies. Then I went up to the counter and told the barista and bought myself a mudslide cookie.
--Jacqueline Jaeger Houtman (
jjhoutman, The Reinvention of Edison Thomas, March)I had just gotten home from the park with my daughter, and had a message from my editor at HarperCollins asking me to call her back. I kind of had a sense of what was coming, because of our previous email conversation, but I still think I deserve mother-of-the-year-award for giving my daughter lunch before making her go take a nap! I waited until I was sure she was asleep, and then I called.
After I hung up the phone, I jumped all over my living room for about 5 minutes. Then I called my husband, who was in some meeting and had turned of his cell phone. So I called everyone else in my family. He didn’t hear the news until an hour later.
--Leah Cypess (
leah_cypess, Mistwood, April 27)I got the call on my cell phone -- which is weird because I don't it on my manuscript. My publisher had my cell number from a previous communication and I guess she just used what was easiest for her to get her hands on. Either way, I was elated. I think I called my husband first and he wasn't around (of course) so then I called my writers' group friends and they were more than happy to help me celebrate! We have a tradition in our writers' group -- if you get something published you have to buy chocolate for everyone! It was the best chocolate I ever ate/bought.
--Michele Corriel (
mcorriel, Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery, June)The day I received The Call, it was horribly hot. I had just returned from a family trip to the pool, and when the phone rang, I didn’t even hear it. Why? I was in the bathroom scrubbing two sticky children, who were screaming and writhing like I was giving them a bath in acid. It wasn’t until later that I saw the blinking light on the answering machine.
“Great,” I thought. “What next?”
All I wanted was to sit back and relax, but I hit the play button. When I heard the voice of my agent, I knew it would be something big because she had NEVER called me without scheduling. I shrieked with delight and ran to tell my husband the good news. We celebrated later by taking the kids out for ice cream. Which made them sticky all over again. But I didn’t care one bit!
--Kristina McBride, (
kristinamcbride, The Tension of Opposites, May 25)Other class members and community watchers are encouraged to chime in down in the comments. Let's hear your Call stories!
If you have a suggestion for a future You Asked feature, you can leave it in the comments, send me a message through LJ, or e-mail me at jeri AT jerismithready DOT com. Questions should be of a general nature that all or most class of 2K10 authors can answer, rather than a question directed at one or two authors.
--Jeri Smith-Ready
Kat O’Shea, Editor-in-Chief of Leap Books, LLC, which published Bonnie J. Doerr's ISLAND STING, answered a few questions for us:
Q: Can you tell me what first drew you to the manuscript ISLAND STING?
A: When I read Bonnie Doerr’s story, I was drawn to the fast-paced plot and the environmental theme. I’m always looking for books that will draw in reluctant readers, and ISLAND STING is guaranteed to do that. One other thing that impressed me about Bonnie’s manuscript was that it was error-free—not a comma out of place or a word misspelled—an editor’s dream.
Q: ISLAND STING is an eco-mystery. Where do you see the market right now for this genre?
A: There’s always a market for mysteries. And saving the environment is a hot topic, one that many teens are passionate about. In addition, teachers are always looking for books that can be applied across the curriculum, and ISLAND STING is perfect for that. Bonnie’s eco-mysteries are packed with facts about endangered species, but the story is so compelling and tightly plotted that many readers won’t realize how much they’re learning until the mystery is solved. For classroom use, Bonnie used her background as a reading and a science teacher to develop lesson plans that tie into all areas of the curriculum, so this title should do well in the school market.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for specifically and how can writers contact you?
A: At the present time, Leap Books is only open to queries from agents and from attendees at conferences where our editors speak. From time to time, we may put out special calls for submissions in a specific genre via Twitter. If you’d like to find out where our editors are speaking, check our online calendar at www.leapbks.com. So far, I’m scheduled to speak at Epicon in March, at Chicago-North RWA in April, and at the Oregon Christian Writers in August. I’ll also be at BEA in May. I’m always open to meeting writers, taking pitches, and critiquing manuscripts at conferences.
Thanks to Kat O'Shea for that backstage glimpse! Read more about ISLAND STING and Bonnie's experience in the Florida Keys.
Q: Can you tell me what first drew you to the manuscript ISLAND STING?
A: When I read Bonnie Doerr’s story, I was drawn to the fast-paced plot and the environmental theme. I’m always looking for books that will draw in reluctant readers, and ISLAND STING is guaranteed to do that. One other thing that impressed me about Bonnie’s manuscript was that it was error-free—not a comma out of place or a word misspelled—an editor’s dream.
Q: ISLAND STING is an eco-mystery. Where do you see the market right now for this genre?
A: There’s always a market for mysteries. And saving the environment is a hot topic, one that many teens are passionate about. In addition, teachers are always looking for books that can be applied across the curriculum, and ISLAND STING is perfect for that. Bonnie’s eco-mysteries are packed with facts about endangered species, but the story is so compelling and tightly plotted that many readers won’t realize how much they’re learning until the mystery is solved. For classroom use, Bonnie used her background as a reading and a science teacher to develop lesson plans that tie into all areas of the curriculum, so this title should do well in the school market.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for specifically and how can writers contact you?
A: At the present time, Leap Books is only open to queries from agents and from attendees at conferences where our editors speak. From time to time, we may put out special calls for submissions in a specific genre via Twitter. If you’d like to find out where our editors are speaking, check our online calendar at www.leapbks.com. So far, I’m scheduled to speak at Epicon in March, at Chicago-North RWA in April, and at the Oregon Christian Writers in August. I’ll also be at BEA in May. I’m always open to meeting writers, taking pitches, and critiquing manuscripts at conferences.
Thanks to Kat O'Shea for that backstage glimpse! Read more about ISLAND STING and Bonnie's experience in the Florida Keys.
Our latest 2k10 launch celebration is for:
Island Sting, by Bonnie J. Doerr, which debuted last week from Leap Books! (Young adult, ecological mystery.) Synopsis: Kenzie didn't expect her first summer in the Florida Keys to be murder. Cute guys, awesome boats, endangered species, gun-toting thugs ... in Angelo's up and down world, Kenzie needed a life jacket and Dramamine.
To celebrate our launches, in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we're doing posts on the theme of interesting places. So enjoy Bonnie's post:
Would I want to live in the Florida Keys where Island Sting is set?
Think winter. Bitter cold temps. Endless gray skies. Dangerous ice. Stuffy indoor living day after day. Piling on and crawling out of heavy clothes each time you go in or out the door. Now, think about wearing shorts and sandals all year long. Blue skies and ocean breezes every day. Oh yeah, that’s a good way to live. A cold day in the Florida Keys is a day you need socks. Outdoor living twelve months a year—swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, beach-combing, wind surfing, exploring uninhabited islands. Manatee, dolphin, sea turtle, sting ray, whale, and shark sightings!
I’m not a beach person, but just show me sunshine through a huge window or beyond the shade of an open-air restaurant and I’m a happy camper. In my case, it’s true what psychologists say about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Lack of sunshine makes me sad. But tropical colors perk me right up. Color rules in the Florida Keys. Sky and sea are a kaleidoscope of blended hues. An exotic underwater world teeming with life surrounds you. And, oh, the land creatures. From purple crabs so large their claws puncture tires to sweet, toy-sized deer that tip-toe to your door begging for attention. Let’s not forget the birds. Large and in charge. Regal eagles and ospreys, graceful herons, and playful pelicans.
Residents of the Florida Keys are as colorful as the natural environment. The open atmosphere attracts unique, creative, quirky characters that keep life interesting. Authors and poets. Artists. Musicians. Tight rope walkers. Fire eaters. Escape artists. Magicians. Animal trainers. Locals stroll the sidewalks with parrots on their shoulders or ride bikes with their dog propped on the handlebars. Cars roll along the streets decked out with wild, painted scenes or goofy objects epoxied on hoods and trunks.
The Florida Keys and Key West, magical, whimsical islands. Oh yes, I would so love to live there…again.
Read more about Bonnie and her book.
Island Sting, by Bonnie J. Doerr, which debuted last week from Leap Books! (Young adult, ecological mystery.) Synopsis: Kenzie didn't expect her first summer in the Florida Keys to be murder. Cute guys, awesome boats, endangered species, gun-toting thugs ... in Angelo's up and down world, Kenzie needed a life jacket and Dramamine.
To celebrate our launches, in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we're doing posts on the theme of interesting places. So enjoy Bonnie's post:
Would I want to live in the Florida Keys where Island Sting is set?
Think winter. Bitter cold temps. Endless gray skies. Dangerous ice. Stuffy indoor living day after day. Piling on and crawling out of heavy clothes each time you go in or out the door. Now, think about wearing shorts and sandals all year long. Blue skies and ocean breezes every day. Oh yeah, that’s a good way to live. A cold day in the Florida Keys is a day you need socks. Outdoor living twelve months a year—swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, beach-combing, wind surfing, exploring uninhabited islands. Manatee, dolphin, sea turtle, sting ray, whale, and shark sightings!
I’m not a beach person, but just show me sunshine through a huge window or beyond the shade of an open-air restaurant and I’m a happy camper. In my case, it’s true what psychologists say about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Lack of sunshine makes me sad. But tropical colors perk me right up. Color rules in the Florida Keys. Sky and sea are a kaleidoscope of blended hues. An exotic underwater world teeming with life surrounds you. And, oh, the land creatures. From purple crabs so large their claws puncture tires to sweet, toy-sized deer that tip-toe to your door begging for attention. Let’s not forget the birds. Large and in charge. Regal eagles and ospreys, graceful herons, and playful pelicans.
Residents of the Florida Keys are as colorful as the natural environment. The open atmosphere attracts unique, creative, quirky characters that keep life interesting. Authors and poets. Artists. Musicians. Tight rope walkers. Fire eaters. Escape artists. Magicians. Animal trainers. Locals stroll the sidewalks with parrots on their shoulders or ride bikes with their dog propped on the handlebars. Cars roll along the streets decked out with wild, painted scenes or goofy objects epoxied on hoods and trunks.
The Florida Keys and Key West, magical, whimsical islands. Oh yes, I would so love to live there…again.
Read more about Bonnie and her book.
We're thrilled to be launching another Class of 2k10 book this week:
Here's a little blurb on FREAKSVILLE by Kitty Keswick:
A group of teenagers, trapped in a haunted theater on the night of a full moon, find out that ghosts are the least of their worries…
Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a nrmal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick, Gillie Godshall, consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new realms, a lead in a play, a haunted theater ... and into the arms of Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?
To celebrate Kitty's launch, we have a short interview with her editor, Kat O’Shea of Leap Books, LLC:
Q: Can you tell our readers what first drew you to the manuscript FREAKSVILLE?
Kat O'Shea: I barely read a few paragraphs of FREAKSVILLE before I burst out laughing. It takes a fabulous sense of humor to tickle my funny bone. But what really kept me reading was the main character’s voice. Kasey Maxwell felt as if she stepped off the page and into my life; she was that real. And if you’re wondering how laugh-out-loud humor and paranormal fit together, you’ll have to read FREAKSVILLE to find out. It’s a terrific combination.
Both of the proofreaders and the copyeditor all emailed and begged to be assigned Kitty’s next book when it comes out. One of the proofreaders even informed me before she read FREAKSVILLE that she disliked paranormal. Now she’s eagerly awaiting the sequel, FURRY AND FREAKED. That’s how powerful and compelling Kasey’s voice is.
Q: FREAKSVILLE is a paranormal romance. Where do you see the market right
now for this genre?
Kat O’Shea: Paranormal is hot right now. As soon as we posted the FREAKSVILLE cover and blurb on the Leap Books website, we had so many teen bloggers asking for ARCs that we had to hold a contest to award them. I believe the teen interest we’ve seen for our forthcoming paranormals (another Spring paranormal release will be UNDER MY SKIN by Judith Graves) will translate into success for these two titles. Not only are they coming out during a time when many teens and adults are paranormal fans, but werewolves have just started coming into their own.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for
specifically and how can writers contact you?
Kat O’Shea: At the present time, Leap Books is only open to queries from agents and from attendees at conferences where our editors speak. From time to time, we may put out special calls for submissions in a specific genre via Twitter. If you’d like to find out where our editors are speaking, check our online calendar at www.leapbks.com. So far, I’m scheduled to speak at Epicon in March, at Chicago-North RWA in April, and at the Oregon Christian Writers in August. I’ll also be at BEA in May. I’m always open to meeting writers, taking pitches, and critiquing manuscripts at conferences.
Thanks so much to Kat for joining us and all our best wishes to Kitty on her debut!
Here's a little blurb on FREAKSVILLE by Kitty Keswick:
A group of teenagers, trapped in a haunted theater on the night of a full moon, find out that ghosts are the least of their worries…
Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a nrmal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick, Gillie Godshall, consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new realms, a lead in a play, a haunted theater ... and into the arms of Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?
To celebrate Kitty's launch, we have a short interview with her editor, Kat O’Shea of Leap Books, LLC:
Q: Can you tell our readers what first drew you to the manuscript FREAKSVILLE?
Kat O'Shea: I barely read a few paragraphs of FREAKSVILLE before I burst out laughing. It takes a fabulous sense of humor to tickle my funny bone. But what really kept me reading was the main character’s voice. Kasey Maxwell felt as if she stepped off the page and into my life; she was that real. And if you’re wondering how laugh-out-loud humor and paranormal fit together, you’ll have to read FREAKSVILLE to find out. It’s a terrific combination.
Both of the proofreaders and the copyeditor all emailed and begged to be assigned Kitty’s next book when it comes out. One of the proofreaders even informed me before she read FREAKSVILLE that she disliked paranormal. Now she’s eagerly awaiting the sequel, FURRY AND FREAKED. That’s how powerful and compelling Kasey’s voice is.
Q: FREAKSVILLE is a paranormal romance. Where do you see the market right
now for this genre?
Kat O’Shea: Paranormal is hot right now. As soon as we posted the FREAKSVILLE cover and blurb on the Leap Books website, we had so many teen bloggers asking for ARCs that we had to hold a contest to award them. I believe the teen interest we’ve seen for our forthcoming paranormals (another Spring paranormal release will be UNDER MY SKIN by Judith Graves) will translate into success for these two titles. Not only are they coming out during a time when many teens and adults are paranormal fans, but werewolves have just started coming into their own.
Q: Are you accepting queries right now, and if so, what are you looking for
specifically and how can writers contact you?
Kat O’Shea: At the present time, Leap Books is only open to queries from agents and from attendees at conferences where our editors speak. From time to time, we may put out special calls for submissions in a specific genre via Twitter. If you’d like to find out where our editors are speaking, check our online calendar at www.leapbks.com. So far, I’m scheduled to speak at Epicon in March, at Chicago-North RWA in April, and at the Oregon Christian Writers in August. I’ll also be at BEA in May. I’m always open to meeting writers, taking pitches, and critiquing manuscripts at conferences.
Thanks so much to Kat for joining us and all our best wishes to Kitty on her debut!
With our grad party to honor the Class of 2k9, and then our first official launch on December 22nd (Yay, Alex!), we haven't had a chance to formally introduce ourselves until now.
The Class of 2k10 is a group of twenty-three 2010 debut authors who have banded together for co-promotion and community. We come from a long line of successful 2k authors. Greg Fishbone created the first class in 2007, and since then the groups have seen many award winning and bestselling authors, including Jay Asher, Brooke Taylor, Cassandra Clare, Rosemary Clement-Moore, and Melissa Marr.
We're all very excited for the upcoming year. Community watchers are welcome! Our members include:
Alexandra Diaz, author of OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS (Egmont US, December 22, 2009). Young adult, contemporary. Tara, Whitney Blaire, and Pinkie were the best of friends—until the new girl Riley came to town and changed all the rules.
Bonnie J. Doerr, author of ISLAND STING (Leap Books, January 6, 2010). Young adult, ecological mystery. Kenzie didn't expect her first summer in the Florida Keys to be murder. Cute guys, awesome boats, endangered species, gun-toting thugs ... in Angelo's up and down world, Kenzie needed a life jacket and Dramamine.
Jennifer R. Hubbard, author of THE SECRET YEAR (Viking, January 7). Young adult, contemporary. After his secret girlfriend’s death, seventeen-year-old Colt finds the notebook she left behind, but he is unprepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship.
Irene Latham, author of LEAVING GEE'S BEND (G.P. Putnam's Sons, January 7). Middle grade, historical. A 10-year-old girl during the Great Depression sets out to save her sick mother and records her adventures in quilt pieces.
Kitty Keswick, author of FREAKSVILLE (Leap Books, January 8). Young adult, paranormal. A group of teenagers are trapped in a haunted theater on the night of a full moon.
Mara Purnhagen, author of TAGGED (Harlequin Teen, March 1). Young adult. Kate Morgan investigates vandalism and finds the trail leading to someone she knows.
Swati Avasthi, author of SPLIT (Knopf, March 9). Young adult, contemporary. Sixteen-year-old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother, Christian, with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
Jacqueline Houtman, author of THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS (Front Street, March 15). Middle grade, contemporary. Science geek Eddy Thomas can invent useful devices to do anything, except solve his bully problem.
Judith Graves, author of UNDER MY SKIN (Leap Books, March 27). Young adult, paranormal. When invading paranorms threaten her new home town, Eryn must choose between following Council orders to avoid paranorms at all costs, and joining forces with a young crew of hunters who must never know how she struggles to control the beast under her skin.
Rhonda Hayter, author of THE WITCHY WORRIES OF ABBIE ADAMS (Dial, April 1). Middle grade. Abbie Adams has to balance witchy and human life as she maneuvers her way through difficulties that any eleven-year old might face, while grappling with magical complications.
Jame Richards, author of THREE RIVERS RISING (Knopf, April 13). Young adult, historical. Celestia, daughter of a Pittsburgh steel tycoon, begins a forbidden romance with Peter, the hired boy at the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club where the dam breaks and the reservoir floods the valley below including the city of Johnstown, Peter’s home.
Tom Leveen, author of PARTY (Random House, April 27). Young adult, contemporary. Dovetailing perspectives unite eleven wildly different students at a graduation party in Santa Barbara in ways they never expected.
Leah Cypess, author of MISTWOOD (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, April 27). Young adult, fantasy. When an ancient shapeshifter is trapped in the body of a human girl, her quest to find out what went wrong draws her into a web of intrigue, betrayal, and conflicted loyalties… and leads her to the one question she hasn't faced in a thousand years: where does she come from, and what does she really want?
Shari Maurer, author of CHANGE OF HEART (WestSide, April). Young adult, contemporary. Emmi, a sixteen-year-old champion soccer player, struggles to maintain a normal life while she waits for a heart transplant and learns the truth about love, loss and the meaning of true friendship.
Janet Fox, author of FAITHFUL (Speak, May 13). Young adult, historical. FAITHFUL, the story of 16-year old Maggie Bennet, is a tale of romance and mystery set in 1904 in spectacular Yellowstone National Park.
Jeri Smith-Ready, author of SHADE (Simon Pulse, May 4). Young adult, paranormal. Aura Salvatore is a 16 year-old girl on a quest to uncover why everyone her age and younger can see ghosts, while coping with her boyfriend's own death and ghosthood.
Kristina McBride, author of THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES (Egmont USA, May 25). Young adult, contemporary, psychological thriller. Sixteen-year-old Tessa McMullen struggles to regain her best friendship with Noelle, a broken and self-destructive girl who has just returned from a two-year abduction.
Shannon Delany, author of 13 TO LIFE (St. Martin’s Griffin, June 22). Young adult, fantasy. A tale of teenage love, loss and—-oh, yeah—-werewolves.
N. H. Senzai, author of SHOOTING KABUL (Simon & Schuster, June 22). Middle grade. While Fadi escapes Afghanistan in early 2001, his younger sister is accidentally left behind. As a refugee in California post-9/11, he must find her, no matter what it takes.
Michele Corriel, author of FAIRVIEW FELINES: A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY (Blooming Tree/Tire Swing Press, June). Middle grade, mystery. Thomas Weston wants to start a school newspaper, but first he has to prove he has what it takes--which means solving the mystery of all the missing cats in Fairview.
Denise Jaden, author of LOSING FAITH (Simon Pulse, September 7). Young adult, contemporary.
In this lyrical, emotionally intense debut, a teenager encounters more questions than closure while mourning the death of her sister.
Laura L. Sullivan, author of UNDER THE GREEN HILL (Henry Holt, Fall). Middle grade, fantasy.
When six American children are sent to England to escape a plague, they find themselves plunged in the middle of a fairy war.
Laura Quimby, author of THE CARNIVAL OF LOST SOULS (Amulet, Fall). Middle grade, adventure. Handcuffs, straightjackets, evil magician, underworld labyrinth: no problem for The Handcuff Kid!
That's who we are and we look forward to sharing more about our books and our journeys in the coming months. If you have a question for us, please feel free to leave it in the comments, as we plan to have an upcoming "You Asked" feature on our blog.
Please watch in the coming weeks (click on "Watch this community" above) as several of our members will be launching their books and offering special launch day posts!
- Mood: chipper
The first Class of 2k10 book to launch is:
Of All the Stupid Things, by Alexandra Diaz, debuting today from Egmont US! Alexandra summarizes this young adult, contemporary novel: Tara, Whitney Blaire, and Pinkie were the best of friends—until the new girl Riley came to town and changed all the rules. For more, see Alexandra Diaz's Class of 2k10 page.
To celebrate our launches, we thought that in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we would do guest posts on the theme of travel. Enjoy Alexandra's post on her worst trip ever:
When I was sixteen, I went to Russia with my mother. The trip itself was fine, but after a week or so, I got bored and wanted to go home. Mom, however, had to stay an extra week. Because I was a very experienced traveler and very mature for my age (not to mention a bit stubborn), I convinced my mom to let me fly back to the States on my own. I passed the first security check point and x-ray without any problems. When I got to the second check point, the man there started asking questions I couldn’t answer.
“Where were you staying?”
“With a friend of my mom’s colleagues.”
“What is his name?”
“Nicolai.”
“Nicolai what?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where does he live?”
“I don’t know.”
The man phoned his supervisor and I was escorted into a private room with my bags. I repeated my story to the supervisor and was then thoroughly body searched by a female guard. If that wasn’t enough, they pulled out every single article of clothing out of my suitcase, even holding up my underwear and bras. After thirty-five minutes, the supervisor finally let me go. The man who started the whole thing didn’t give up though. He met me at the end of the jet way, seriously a foot before the airplane door, and insisted that he search my bags again. Finding nothing, he said, “Sorry for the inconvenience, hope to see you soon.”
I turned and glared at him, “After the way I’ve been treated, I hope I never see you again.” And I got on the plane.
They never told me what I did wrong, or why they were so suspicious, so naturally I started drawing my own conclusions. Once I got over the embarrassment and anger, I entertained myself with a great story about a drug lord called Nicolai who (being much younger and sexier than the real Nicolai) set me up by hiding his stash in my bags. As usually is the case, the story in my head completely made up for the reality of my life.
Visit Alexandra Diaz's website or order OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS.
Of All the Stupid Things, by Alexandra Diaz, debuting today from Egmont US! Alexandra summarizes this young adult, contemporary novel: Tara, Whitney Blaire, and Pinkie were the best of friends—until the new girl Riley came to town and changed all the rules. For more, see Alexandra Diaz's Class of 2k10 page.
To celebrate our launches, we thought that in keeping with the Class of 2k10's "Book Your Getaway" theme, we would do guest posts on the theme of travel. Enjoy Alexandra's post on her worst trip ever:
When I was sixteen, I went to Russia with my mother. The trip itself was fine, but after a week or so, I got bored and wanted to go home. Mom, however, had to stay an extra week. Because I was a very experienced traveler and very mature for my age (not to mention a bit stubborn), I convinced my mom to let me fly back to the States on my own. I passed the first security check point and x-ray without any problems. When I got to the second check point, the man there started asking questions I couldn’t answer.
“Where were you staying?”
“With a friend of my mom’s colleagues.”
“What is his name?”
“Nicolai.”
“Nicolai what?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where does he live?”
“I don’t know.”
The man phoned his supervisor and I was escorted into a private room with my bags. I repeated my story to the supervisor and was then thoroughly body searched by a female guard. If that wasn’t enough, they pulled out every single article of clothing out of my suitcase, even holding up my underwear and bras. After thirty-five minutes, the supervisor finally let me go. The man who started the whole thing didn’t give up though. He met me at the end of the jet way, seriously a foot before the airplane door, and insisted that he search my bags again. Finding nothing, he said, “Sorry for the inconvenience, hope to see you soon.”
I turned and glared at him, “After the way I’ve been treated, I hope I never see you again.” And I got on the plane.
They never told me what I did wrong, or why they were so suspicious, so naturally I started drawing my own conclusions. Once I got over the embarrassment and anger, I entertained myself with a great story about a drug lord called Nicolai who (being much younger and sexier than the real Nicolai) set me up by hiding his stash in my bags. As usually is the case, the story in my head completely made up for the reality of my life.
Visit Alexandra Diaz's website or order OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS.
Congratulations to the winners of our last 2k9 Graduation Party giveaway, listed below. But even if your name isn't there, never despair--we'll be bringing you bookish excitement throughout 2010! Tomorrow, our first 2k10 book launches: watch for the announcement right here. Yes, it's still officially 2009, but our books cannot be contained!
Watersmeet: Diana Dang!
Shrinking Violet: Riley Huruska!
Crash Into Me: Mu Ying Lin!
Initiation: Tenay H.!
Give Up The Ghost: Lilibeth Ramos!
My Invented Life: Sabrina Horande!
Nothing Like You: Shari Green!
Dreaming Anastasia: Julie Klumb!
Watersmeet: Diana Dang!
Shrinking Violet: Riley Huruska!
Crash Into Me: Mu Ying Lin!
Initiation: Tenay H.!
Give Up The Ghost: Lilibeth Ramos!
My Invented Life: Sabrina Horande!
Nothing Like You: Shari Green!
Dreaming Anastasia: Julie Klumb!
ETA: This giveaway is now closed, and the winners are being contacted. Thanks for participating, and tune in on Tuesday to find out the winners.
It’s the Final Week to Celebrate the Graduation of the Class of 2K9!
(And the final chance for you to win one of their great books in the 2K10 giveaway!)
But first, the winners of last week's contest!
Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French - Jessica Launius
Road to Tater Hill by Edith M. Hemingway - Yael Miriams
Freaked by J.T. Dutton - Marjolein Balm
Haven by Beverly Patt - Larissa Hardesty
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter - Tammi Sauer
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton - Cindy Chan
Breathing by Cheryl Renée Herbsman - Stacey Canova
The Class of 2K10 is proud to congratulate the Class of 2K9 as they approach the end of their launch year. Please help us celebrate the wonderful success they have had with their debut novels by posting a comment. Share your thoughts about why the book sounds like one you will enjoy, or if you’ve already read one, tell us which characters you loved or how the book made a difference in your life.
Contest Rules: For a chance to win one of the featured books, post a comment at the end of this entry (please include an email address so we can contact you for a mailing address, or check back next week for winners). To enter multiple times, simply tweet, blog, or Facebook about this post, and include a link in your comment. Winners will be chosen at random. You must be at least 13 to enter. The contest will be open until midnight Saturday. Winners will be announced one week from today.
Now here's the list of books you can win this week...
WATERSMEET by Ellen Jensen Abbott
Fourteen-year-old Abisina flees the prejudice and hate of her village and heads north in search of her father, accompanied by the dwarf, Haret. On their journey they face mythic creatures, benevolent spirits, challenges to their survival, their own prejudices, and dreams that look like nightmares.
Ellen Jensen Abbott is most likely to . . . have lots and lots of non-human friends! And they will be complex and beautifully-described and have a great impact on how she views the world.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Ellen Jensen Abbott . . . That it’s easy to get trapped in prejudices but worth the struggle to leave them behind.
Find Ellen Jensen Abbott here: http://www.ellenjensenabbott.com/ or here Class of 2k9.
SHRINKING VIOLET by Danielle Joseph
Painfully shy high school senior, Tere Adams, must learn to come out of from behind her mask and face the bullies in her life in order to reach her dream of becoming a radio DJ.
Danielle Joseph is most likely to . . . find her voice. Danielle's book, SHRINKING VIOLET, not only celebrates “finding your voice,” it’s funny and romantic as well!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Danielle Joseph . . . That when we trust ourselves, marvelous things can happen.
Find Danielle Joseph here: http://www.daniellejoseph.com/ or here: Class of 2k9.
CRASH INTO ME by Albert Borris
Four troubled teens embark on a road trip to visit the graves of celebrity suicides prior to their own planned demise in Death Valley.
Albert Borris is most likely to . . . save a suffering teen. He speaks their language, from his heart.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Albert Borris . . . When you see someone suffering in isolation, reach out.
Find Albert Borris here: http://www.albertborris.com/ or here: Class of 2k9.
INITIATION by Susan Fine
What comes from going to high school with eight hundred blue-blazered boys? That’s what freshman Mauricio Londoño discovers, along with a few things about Macbeth and geometry, during his first long year at the St. Stephen’s School for Boys in New York City.
Susan Fine is most likely to . . . Correct our grammar. Susan is a former English teacher and prides herself in being able to spot an I/me error a mile away!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Susan Fine . . . Sometimes being rich and “having it all” is not all it's cracked up to be.
Find Susan Fine here: Class of 2k9.
GIVE UP THE GHOST by Megan Crewe
A teen outcast who sees ghosts and uses the secrets they dig up to expose her fellow students’ deceits must choose between revenge and compassion when the popular student council V.P. comes to her for supernatural help.
Megan Crewe is most likely to . . . hear messages from the beyond. She has an uncanny ability to communicate.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Megan Crewe . . . Listen to your friends, even if you can’t see them.
Find Megan Crewe here: http://www.megancrewe.com/ or here:
Class of 2k9.
MY INVENTED LIFE by Lauren Bjorkman
A modern-day quasi-Shakespearean comedy about rivalry, deceit, and sisterly devotion, cast with characters of ambiguous sexuality.
Lauren Bjorkman is most likely to . . . get an international passport. As a child she sailed around the world with her family, stopping in ports most people only dream of.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Lauren Bjorkman . . . Be who you want, not who you think others want you to be; they may actually want you to be exactly who you are.
Find Lauren Bjorkman here: http://www.laurenbjorkman.com/ or here:
Class of 2k9.
NOTHING LIKE YOU by Lauren Strasnick
A seventeen-year-old grieving the loss of her Mom can’t let go of a one-night stand.
Lauren Strasnick is most likely to . . . sing a Neil Diamond song at a karaoke bar. The original title for “Nothing Like You” was “Holly Holy,” a Neil Diamond tune.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Lauren Strasnick . . . Inspiration can come from many places, including tunes. The Billy Joel song “Vienna” helped her shape the character of Holly.
Find Lauren Strasnick here: http://www.laurenstrasnick.com/ or here:
Class of 2k9.
DREAMING ANASTASIA by Joy Preble
Sixteen-year-old Anne’s line of descent becomes her destiny as she joins forces with mysterious Ethan to save Anastasia Romanov from the legendary Russian witch Baba Yaga.
Joy Preble is most likely to . . . know all the lyrics to Rasputin by Boney M (a standard at weddings!). Hey, she’s got a crazy Russian grandmother (her words, not ours) and her fantastical young adult novel, DREAMING ANASTASIA, stars a certain Russian princess thought dead long ago – she’s gotta know that song!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Joy Preble . . . That dreams really do come true.
Find Joy Preble here: http://www.joypreble.com/ or here: Class of 2k9.
Don't forget to leave a comment and spread the word for extra entries. Good luck!
WATERSMEET by Ellen Jensen Abbott
Fourteen-year-old Abisina flees the prejudice and hate of her village and heads north in search of her father, accompanied by the dwarf, Haret. On their journey they face mythic creatures, benevolent spirits, challenges to their survival, their own prejudices, and dreams that look like nightmares.
Ellen Jensen Abbott is most likely to . . . have lots and lots of non-human friends! And they will be complex and beautifully-described and have a great impact on how she views the world.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Ellen Jensen Abbott . . . That it’s easy to get trapped in prejudices but worth the struggle to leave them behind.
Find Ellen Jensen Abbott here: http://www.ellenjensenabbott.com/ or here Class of 2k9.
NOTHING LIKE YOU by Lauren Strasnick
A seventeen-year-old grieving the loss of her Mom can’t let go of a one-night stand.
Lauren Strasnick is most likely to . . . sing a Neil Diamond song at a karaoke bar. The original title for “Nothing Like You” was “Holly Holy,” a Neil Diamond tune.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Lauren Strasnick . . . Inspiration can come from many places, including tunes. The Billy Joel song “Vienna” helped her shape the character of Holly.
Find Lauren Strasnick here: http://www.laurenstrasnick.com/ or here:
Class of 2k9.
- Mood: chipper
ETA: This giveaway is now closed, and the winners are being contacted. Thanks for participating, and tune in on Tuesday for another chance to win!
The Class of 2K10 is proud to congratulate the Class of 2K9 as they approach the end of their launch year. Please help us celebrate the wonderful success they have had with their debut novels by posting a comment. Share your thoughts about why the book sounds like one you will enjoy, or if you’ve already read one, tell us which characters you loved or how the book made a difference in your life.
First, last week's winners:
Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry -- TBlackwell!
The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice -- Mike Jung!
Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams -- Patricia Weaver!
Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton -- Jpetroroy!
My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald -- Patricksjessica!
Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal --Thefirstlibrarian!
Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate by Donna St. Cyr -- Bianca/Infinitemusic19!
We can't be stopped--we're giving away more this week!
Contest Rules: For a chance to win one of the featured books, post a comment at the end of this entry (please include an email address so we can contact you for a mailing address). To enter multiple times, simply tweet, blog, or Facebook about this post, and include a link in your comment. Winners will be chosen at random. You must be at least 13 to enter. The contest will be open until midnight Saturday, December 12. Winners will be announced about one week from today.
OPERATION REDWOOD by S. Terrell French
When Julian Carter-Li intercepts an e-mail revealing his high-powered uncle’s plan to log an ancient redwood grove, it sets him and his friends on an environmental adventure filled with undercover plots, secret messages, and treetop stand-offs.
Most likely to . . . save a tree...or a forest. Susannah's love and respect for trees permeates OPERATION REDWOOD. And she's a lawyer.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from S. Terrell French . . . Aim high, and with knowledge and determination, you can reach your goal.
Find S. Terrell French here: http://operationredwood.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS by Fran Cannon Slayton
In a book that goes to the core of boyhood–its Halloween mischief, its hunting day mystery, its championship football game surprise, and its nighttime adventures–Fran Cannon Slayton brings her readers to the breathtaking crossroad of an unforgettable West Virginia railroad town, a family that matters, and adulthood itself.
Most likely to . . . Stop a Moving Train. Which was the original title of WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS - but, hey, she's a superwoman, anyway!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Fran Cannon Slayton . . . That love also means letting go.
Find Fran Cannon Slayton here: http://www.francannonslayton.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
ROAD TO TATER HILL by Edith M. Hemingway
Set in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in 1963. Grief-stricken after the death of her newborn sister, eleven-year-old Annie Winters finds comfort in holding an oblong stone she calls her rock baby and befriends a reclusive mountain woman with a devastating secret.
Most likely to . . . star in a bluegrass band. The longer Edie was acquainted with Miss Eliza on the page, the more she loved the mountain lady’s music. Edie picked up the dulcimer and began to create her own tunes. Next stop -- the bright lights. Just don’t stop writing great books, Edie!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Edith M. Hemingway . . . Love is stronger than grief and wisdom can outwit rumor.
Find Edith M. Hemingway here: http://www.ediehemingway.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
HAVEN by Beverly Patt
Soon after meeting orphan Latonya Dennis, fourteen-year-old Rudy Morris finds himself an unwitting participant in a runaway plan that has dire consequences for them both.
Most likely to . . . publish her first two books less than a year apart! Beverly’s next book, Best Friends Forever: A WWII Scrapbook is due out in Spring 2010 from Marshall Cavendish.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Beverly Patt . . . That being the driver doesn't mean you're just along for the ride.
Find Beverly Patt here: http://www.beverlypatt.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
FREAKED by J.T. Dutton
Set in the mid-nineties. Prep school student and ardent fan of the Grateful Dead, fifteen-year-old Scotty Douglas Loveletter road trips to the most unforgettable show of his life.
Most likely to . . . worship the Grateful Dead. Actually, she listens to a lot of music and isn’t a deadhead. That’s Scotty’s MO.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from J. T. Dutton . . . We will certainly listen to the Dead in a whole new way!
Find more about J.T. Dutton here: http://www.jtdutton.com/home.html or at the Class of 2k9
MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS by Sydney Salter
Seventeen-year-old Jory Michaels is convinced she can solve all her problems (and snag herself a boyfriend) by getting a nose job.
Most likely to . . . release 2 books in one year! Sydney not only had two debut books in 2009, but also launched over two different genres! MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS was her young adult debut. JUNGLE CROSSING was her middle grade debut.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Sydney Salter . . . Trying to fix the outside will not make things better on the inside.
Find Sydney Salter here: http://www.sydneysalter.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
BREATHING by Cheryl Renée Herbsman
Savannah believes she’s found true love and the cure for her life-threatening asthma all at once. But when life gets turned about, she finds her way to love, to following her dreams, and to learning to breathe all on her own.
Most likely to . . . relate to her main character, Savannah, in her debut novel BREATHING. Cheryl met her one true love, her soul mate, when she was a teenager. They recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Cheryl Renée Herbsman . . . Love at first sight isn’t just a hopeless romantic’s dream. It really can happen!
Find Cheryl Renée Herbsman here: http://www.cherylreneeherbsman.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
The Class of 2K10 is proud to congratulate the Class of 2K9 as they approach the end of their launch year. Please help us celebrate the wonderful success they have had with their debut novels by posting a comment. Share your thoughts about why the book sounds like one you will enjoy, or if you’ve already read one, tell us which characters you loved or how the book made a difference in your life.
First, last week's winners:
Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry -- TBlackwell!
The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice -- Mike Jung!
Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams -- Patricia Weaver!
Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton -- Jpetroroy!
My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald -- Patricksjessica!
Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal --Thefirstlibrarian!
Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate by Donna St. Cyr -- Bianca/Infinitemusic19!
We can't be stopped--we're giving away more this week!
Contest Rules: For a chance to win one of the featured books, post a comment at the end of this entry (please include an email address so we can contact you for a mailing address). To enter multiple times, simply tweet, blog, or Facebook about this post, and include a link in your comment. Winners will be chosen at random. You must be at least 13 to enter. The contest will be open until midnight Saturday, December 12. Winners will be announced about one week from today.
OPERATION REDWOOD by S. Terrell French
When Julian Carter-Li intercepts an e-mail revealing his high-powered uncle’s plan to log an ancient redwood grove, it sets him and his friends on an environmental adventure filled with undercover plots, secret messages, and treetop stand-offs.
Most likely to . . . save a tree...or a forest. Susannah's love and respect for trees permeates OPERATION REDWOOD. And she's a lawyer.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from S. Terrell French . . . Aim high, and with knowledge and determination, you can reach your goal.
Find S. Terrell French here: http://operationredwood.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS by Fran Cannon Slayton
In a book that goes to the core of boyhood–its Halloween mischief, its hunting day mystery, its championship football game surprise, and its nighttime adventures–Fran Cannon Slayton brings her readers to the breathtaking crossroad of an unforgettable West Virginia railroad town, a family that matters, and adulthood itself.
Most likely to . . . Stop a Moving Train. Which was the original title of WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS - but, hey, she's a superwoman, anyway!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Fran Cannon Slayton . . . That love also means letting go.
Find Fran Cannon Slayton here: http://www.francannonslayton.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
ROAD TO TATER HILL by Edith M. Hemingway
Set in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in 1963. Grief-stricken after the death of her newborn sister, eleven-year-old Annie Winters finds comfort in holding an oblong stone she calls her rock baby and befriends a reclusive mountain woman with a devastating secret.
Most likely to . . . star in a bluegrass band. The longer Edie was acquainted with Miss Eliza on the page, the more she loved the mountain lady’s music. Edie picked up the dulcimer and began to create her own tunes. Next stop -- the bright lights. Just don’t stop writing great books, Edie!
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Edith M. Hemingway . . . Love is stronger than grief and wisdom can outwit rumor.
Find Edith M. Hemingway here: http://www.ediehemingway.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
HAVEN by Beverly Patt
Soon after meeting orphan Latonya Dennis, fourteen-year-old Rudy Morris finds himself an unwitting participant in a runaway plan that has dire consequences for them both.
Most likely to . . . publish her first two books less than a year apart! Beverly’s next book, Best Friends Forever: A WWII Scrapbook is due out in Spring 2010 from Marshall Cavendish.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Beverly Patt . . . That being the driver doesn't mean you're just along for the ride.
Find Beverly Patt here: http://www.beverlypatt.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
FREAKED by J.T. Dutton
Set in the mid-nineties. Prep school student and ardent fan of the Grateful Dead, fifteen-year-old Scotty Douglas Loveletter road trips to the most unforgettable show of his life.
Most likely to . . . worship the Grateful Dead. Actually, she listens to a lot of music and isn’t a deadhead. That’s Scotty’s MO.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from J. T. Dutton . . . We will certainly listen to the Dead in a whole new way!
Find more about J.T. Dutton here: http://www.jtdutton.com/home.html or at the Class of 2k9
MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS by Sydney Salter
Seventeen-year-old Jory Michaels is convinced she can solve all her problems (and snag herself a boyfriend) by getting a nose job.
Most likely to . . . release 2 books in one year! Sydney not only had two debut books in 2009, but also launched over two different genres! MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS was her young adult debut. JUNGLE CROSSING was her middle grade debut.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Sydney Salter . . . Trying to fix the outside will not make things better on the inside.
Find Sydney Salter here: http://www.sydneysalter.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
BREATHING by Cheryl Renée Herbsman
Savannah believes she’s found true love and the cure for her life-threatening asthma all at once. But when life gets turned about, she finds her way to love, to following her dreams, and to learning to breathe all on her own.
Most likely to . . . relate to her main character, Savannah, in her debut novel BREATHING. Cheryl met her one true love, her soul mate, when she was a teenager. They recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
What the Class of 2K10 learned from Cheryl Renée Herbsman . . . Love at first sight isn’t just a hopeless romantic’s dream. It really can happen!
Find Cheryl Renée Herbsman here: http://www.cherylreneeherbsman.com/ or at the Class of 2k9
Let’s Celebrate! It’s Graduation Time for
The Class of 2K9!
From December 1-December 15, the Class of 2K10 is giving away one copy of each author’s book!
The Class of 2K10 is proud to congratulate the Class of 2K9 as they approach the end of their launch year. Please help us celebrate the wonderful success they have had with their debut novels by posting a comment. Share your thoughts about why the book sounds like one you will enjoy, or if you’ve already read one, tell us which characters you loved or how the book made a difference in your life.
- Contest Rules: For a chance to win one of the featured books, post a comment at the end of this entry (please include an LJ name or email address so we can contact you for a mailing address - or check back next week.). To enter multiple times, simply tweet, blog, or Facebook about this post, and include a link in your comment. Winners will be chosen at random. You must be at least 13 to enter. The contest will be open until midnight Saturday. Winners will be announced one week from today, and if a winner doesn't respond within one week, another winner will be drawn.
HEART OF A SHEPHERD by Rosanne Parry
With his father deployed to Iraq, sixth grader Ignatius–who goes by Brother–promises to keep the family ranch running perfectly in the hope that it will bring his father safely home. A year of hardship brings changes to the ranch and also reveals the man Brother is meant to become.
- Rosanne Parry is most likely to . . . be found in a tree house. Rosanne likes to do a lot of her writing in her backyard tree house.
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Rosanne Parry . . . We all have our own road to follow and you'll find your path when you're ready.
Find Rosanne Parry here: http://www.rosanneparry.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/22
THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
Eleven-year-old Eleanor “Groovy” Robinson plans to go to culinary school as soon as she’s old enough, but even her thoughtfully planned menus can’t fix the things that start to go wrong after her father is sent to jail. But as Groovy begins to expect the unexpected, she starts to understand the complex stories of the people in her family, and the importance of forgiveness.
- Kathryn Fitzmaurice is most likely to . . . open a restaurant. She has perfected the recipe for chocolate-covered strawberries. Yum!
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Katherine Fitzmaurice . . . Expecting the unexpected is not scary but wonderful.
Find Kathryn Fitzmaurice here: http://www.kathrynfitzmaurice.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/9
BULL RIDER by Suzanne Morgan Williams
When fourteen year old Cam O’Mara’s brother is seriously injured in the war in Iraq and returns to their central Nevada ranch to mend, Cam turns from skateboarding to bull riding, tradition, and family, to cope with loss and give his brother hope.
- Suzanne Morgan Williams is most likely to . . . ride a mechanical bull. Since she's such a spunky gal!
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Suzanne Morgan Williams . . . Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Find Suzanne Morgan Williams here: http://www.suzannemorganwilliams.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/20
JANE IN BLOOM by Deborah Lytton
In the wake of family tragedy, twelve-year-old Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom.
- Deborah Lytton is most likely to . . . help someone recover from loss because she knows how it feels.
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Deborah Lytton . . . Grief can open your heart.
Find Deborah Lytton here: http://www.deborahlytton.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/14
MY LIFE IN PINK&GREEN by Lisa Greenwald
An entrepreneurial story with an environmental twist: a debut featuring a narrator who knows what she wants, whether it’s great makeup, a killer business plan, or a better world.
- Lisa Greenwald is most likely to . . . Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN, young Lucy attempts to save her family's pharmacy in tough economic times by providing eco-friendly makeovers.
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Lisa Greenwald . . . That you're never too young to make a difference.
Find Lisa Greenwald here: http://www.lisagreenwald.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/51
ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER by Ann Haywood Leal
Harper’s world has been turned upside down–her father gone, her family evicted–which she could just about handle if it wasn’t for the poetry contest at school. If only she could get up on that stage and read her poems out loud . . .
- Ann Haywood Leal is most likely to . . . volunteer in a Soup Kitchen. Ann's experiences helping to feed homeless members of her community gave her the story idea for ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER.
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Ann Haywood Leal . . . Give people a chance: they're not always what they appear to be.
Find Ann Haywood Leal here: http://www.annhaywoodleal.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/11
SECRETS OF THE CHEESE SYNDICATE by Donna St. Cyr
When Robert Montasio finds a mysterious bottle of Madame Gorgonzola’s Effervescent Elixir on the bus, he has no idea it’s going to become the number one problem on his top ten list–and the biggest adventure of his life.
- Donna St. Cyr is most likely to . . . find her way through Neptune's realm. She can solve the most puzzling riddles!
- What the Class of 2K10 learned from Donna St. Cyr . . . Knowing your Greek myths can help you get out of a tight spot.
Find Donna St. Cyr here: http://www.donnastcyr.com/
or here: http://classof2k9.com/?q=node/6
Don't forget to leave a comment to enter (and spread the word for extra entries!)
- Mood:
bouncy
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Page Summary
- irenelatham : FEEL THE LOVE Giveaway! [+63]
- marapurn : Meet 2k10 author Bonnie Doerr! [+2]
- writerjenn : February reads [+0]
- denisejaden : Agent Perspective: Rosemary Stimola [+1]
- writerjenn : Leaving Gee's Bend, and Favorite Fictional Places [+13]
- writerjenn : Agent perspectives: Agent Nathan Bransford on The Secret Year [+19]
- denisejaden : Class of 2k10 Book Launch: The Secret Year [+21]
- writerjenn : Seasonal/Holiday/Event - Themed Book List [+2]
- jer_bear711 : Introducing...You Asked! [+10]
- writerjenn : Editor Perspectives: Kat O'Shea of Leap Books on ISLAND STING [+11]
- writerjenn : Island Sting [+8]
- denisejaden : Book Launch and Editor Perspective on FREAKSVILLE [+13]
- denisejaden : Class of 2k10: Who Are We, Anyway? [+6]
- writerjenn : Alexandra Diaz's Worst Trip and Great New Book! [+9]
- writerjenn : Winners! [+8]
- denisejaden : Grad Party Giveaway - The Final Week! [+54]
- writerjenn : The Celebration Continues! It's Graduation Time for the Class of 2k9! [+43]
- denisejaden : Grad Party Giveaway! [+73]
- denisejaden : Welcome! [+5]
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