Ask a Debut Author
The Class of 2k7 is a collective of authors with debut middle-grade or young adult novels to be published in 2007. We welcome your questions for the "Ask a Debut Author" feature of this blog. Archives are located here.
Please check our website and class forum for more information. Thanks!
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The season is upon us. The American Library Association has announced one award and honor after another. I am so proud of the Class of 2k7--we appear on so many lists!
Sundee Frazier won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent for Brendan Buckley’s Universe & Everything In It(Delacorte).
G. Neri made the 2007 list for Notable Children's Books with his Chess Rumble, illustrated by by Jesse Joshua Watson (Lee & Low).
Then three members of the Class (yes three!) were chosen as the 2007 Best Books for Young Adults:
Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why (Penguin Group USA/Razorbill);
Ann Dee Ellis's This Is What I Did (Little, Brown); and
Sara Zarr's Story of a Girl (Little, Brown) which was also a finalist for the National Book Awards!
Congratulations all!
You go, Class of 2k7!!!
Sundee Frazier won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent for Brendan Buckley’s Universe & Everything In It(Delacorte). G. Neri made the 2007 list for Notable Children's Books with his Chess Rumble, illustrated by by Jesse Joshua Watson (Lee & Low).Then three members of the Class (yes three!) were chosen as the 2007 Best Books for Young Adults:
Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why (Penguin Group USA/Razorbill);Ann Dee Ellis's This Is What I Did (Little, Brown); and Sara Zarr's Story of a Girl (Little, Brown) which was also a finalist for the National Book Awards!Congratulations all!
You go, Class of 2k7!!!
Today the spotlight is on Sarah Aronson and her amazing young adult debut, HEAD CASE!
Will he ever feel like a whole person?
When you're a head, do you ever get to forgive yourself?
But if you ask most of the people who post on www.quadkingonthenet, he hasn’t been adequately punished. Two people are dead because of him. Frank should go to jail. Only “Anonymous” disagrees.
"It will make a strong impression on readers with its raw emotion and bitter narrative tone."—Booklist
"Aronson's raw first novel delves into the emotions, mobility, daily functions (e.g., eating, talking on a phone and using a computer) and even the pleasures and sex of quadriplegics. Above all, it asks us to consider how we value individuals with disabilities."—Kirkus Reviews
"First time novelist Sarah Aronson's take on a situation that most people would consider nightmarish manages to not only be hopeful, but also full of humor and the strength of the human spirit."—Reading Rants
“One mistake.Frank Marder is a head, paralyzed from the neck down, and it’s his fault. He was drinking. He was driving. Now Frank can’t walk, he can’t move, he can’t feel his skin. He needs someone to feed him, to wash him, to move his body. Now he must learn to deal with his lack of independence, his parents, his sister, his friends.
One bad night.
One too many drinks.”
Will he ever feel like a whole person?
When you're a head, do you ever get to forgive yourself?
But if you ask most of the people who post on www.quadkingonthenet, he hasn’t been adequately punished. Two people are dead because of him. Frank should go to jail. Only “Anonymous” disagrees.
A powerful and heartbreaking debut novel about a guy who had it all… until he drank that one last beer and got into the car. Head Case will make you consider how we judge each other. And how we can move beyond our mistakes—with honesty, compassion, and even humor.
"It will make a strong impression on readers with its raw emotion and bitter narrative tone."—Booklist
"Aronson's raw first novel delves into the emotions, mobility, daily functions (e.g., eating, talking on a phone and using a computer) and even the pleasures and sex of quadriplegics. Above all, it asks us to consider how we value individuals with disabilities."—Kirkus Reviews
"First time novelist Sarah Aronson's take on a situation that most people would consider nightmarish manages to not only be hopeful, but also full of humor and the strength of the human spirit."—Reading Rants
We've been featuring Autumn Cornwell's debut novel, CARPE DIEM. Today we get to tell you a little bit more about the fabulous Autumn.
Squat toilets, profuse sweating, bamboo huts, jumbo centipedes, ear nibbling — these are just some of the delights Autumn has encountered in her global travels. Not to mention the can’t-believe-it’s-true Laotian jungle adventure which inspired Carpe Diem. (You’ll just have to read the book!)
To find out more about Autumn or members of the Class of 2k7 check out our website!
Squat toilets, profuse sweating, bamboo huts, jumbo centipedes, ear nibbling — these are just some of the delights Autumn has encountered in her global travels. Not to mention the can’t-believe-it’s-true Laotian jungle adventure which inspired Carpe Diem. (You’ll just have to read the book!)
A travel junkie, Autumn has explored twenty-two countries and counting. She’s spent the last couple summers working with refugees and orphans in Burma, Thailand, and Laos. Southeast Asia remains close to her heart since her days as a missionary kid in New Papua — where she ate her weight in guavas and mingled with reformed headhunters and cannibals. Which was nothing compared to navigating the intrepid jungles of the TV & Film Industry, where she spent most of her career. (Not including her stint as a tour guide at Hearst Castle).
After spending the rest of her childhood in Washington State, Autumn moved to Southern California for college and refused to leave. She lives in Los Feliz, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, with her husband JC, who works in visual effects at Imageworks. With his assistance, she’s produced her biggest project to date: son Dexter, born August 2006 — who thankfully doesn’t require much editing.
( Read more... )
To find out more about Autumn or members of the Class of 2k7 check out our website!
Yesterday we featured a fantastic interview of class member, Autumn Cornwell. Today we feature her debut novel, Carpe Diem.
Book: Carpe Diem
“I’ve got my entire life planned out for the next ten years — including my PhD and Pulitzer Prize,” claims overachiever VASSAR SPORE (16), daughter of overachiever parents, who in true overachiever fashion named her after an elite women’s college. Vassar expects her sophomore summer to include AP and AAP (Advanced Advanced Placement) classes to propel her to a 5.3 GPA and Ivy League fame. Surprise! Enter long lost bohemian GRANDMA GERD (60s) who sends her plans into a tailspin: she blackmails Vassar’s parents into forcing their only child backpack with her through Southeast Asia.
Vassar freaks out – her entire academic career is at stake! She can’t believe her parents are insisting she go and that they refuse to reveal the Big Secret. But, being a Spore, Vassar soon transforms the negative into a positive by turning the trip into an extra credit novel for her AAP English class.
Vassar tries to immerse herself in her novel. But what starts out as research turns into a series of misadventures from Malaysia to Cambodia to the remote jungles of Laos. She sweats, falls in love, hones her outdoor survival skills — and uncovers a family secret that turns her whole world upside-down.
Vassar Spore can plan on one thing: she’ll never be the same again.
Class of 2k7 author Jen Garsee interviews fellow classmate, Autumn Cornwell. Autumn's debut Carpe Diem has received rave reviews and we'll post some more about the book tomorrow. But for now.... here's the fantabulous interview.
( Read more... )
The last few posts we've been featuring class member A.C.E. Bauer. A New Englander and all around amazing person,
A.C.E. Bauer has been telling and writing stories since childhood. She took a short break to write dreadful poetry, and then a longer one while she worked as an attorney, writing legal briefs and telling stories about her clients. She has returned to fiction, and now writes children’s books and short stories for all ages. No Castles Here, a finalist for the 2002 Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children’s Literature, is her first middle-grade novel.
A.C.E. Bauer has been telling and writing stories since childhood. She took a short break to write dreadful poetry, and then a longer one while she worked as an attorney, writing legal briefs and telling stories about her clients. She has returned to fiction, and now writes children’s books and short stories for all ages. No Castles Here, a finalist for the 2002 Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children’s Literature, is her first middle-grade novel. Born and raised in Montreal, she spends most of the year in Cheshire, Connecticut, and much of the summer on a lake in Quebec. She lives with her husband, two children, and their dog Speedy.
( Read more... )
On Monday the Class posted a fantastic interview of A.C.E. Bauer. Today the Class delves into A.C.E.'s debut novel, NO CASTLES HERE, which has received loads of praise, including a starred review from Kirkus.
Book: No Castles Here
Camden, New Jersey, is the armpit of the world, as far as Augie is concerned. Home to losers and bullies, its schools offer nothing to someone who isn’t smart, isn’t stupid, and who isn’t a troublemaker. When Augie escapes to Philadelphia dreaming of castles and promise, he becomes a thief and steals a magical book of fairy tales.
Life only gets crazier. For sixth grade, Augie is assigned the meanest, toughest teacher in school. His mom signs him up with a Big Brother he doesn’t want. And he discovers that even in his world, there might be such a thing as a fairy godmother.
Augie is eleven-and-a-half. This is his time for adventure. He hadn’t figured it would begin in a bookstore.
( Read more... )
Today Class member Sarah Aronson interviews fellow class member, A.C.E. Bauer.
Both of these New England writers had debut titles this fall. Alice's book is called NO CASTLES HERE (Random House). Check out behind the cut to see the exciting interview.
Later this week we'll feature some more about A.C.E's debut book, and more about the writer, herself.
Both of these New England writers had debut titles this fall. Alice's book is called NO CASTLES HERE (Random House). Check out behind the cut to see the exciting interview.
Later this week we'll feature some more about A.C.E's debut book, and more about the writer, herself.
Today let's talk a little about Carrie Jones.
She's a Class member, blogger extraordinaire, and all around good person. Did you know that Carrie likes Skinny Cow fudgicles and potatoes? She does not know how to spell fudgicles, but this has not prevented her from writing books--one is on the shelves, and another five are on their way! She lives with her cute family in Maine. She has a large, skinny white dog and a fat cat. Both like fudgicles. Only the cat likes potatoes. This may be a reason for the kitty’s weight problem (Shh… don’t tell). Carrie has always liked cowboy hats but has never owned one. This is a very wrong thing. She graduated from Vermont College’s MFA program for writing. She has edited newspapers and poetry journals and has recently won awards from the Maine Press Association and also been awarded the Martin Dibner Fellowship as well as a Maine Literary Award.
We asked Carrie some nosy questions a while back. This is one of my favorites:
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You can read more interview answers on her Class of 2k7 Interview Page, and find about more about her on her website, her MySpace page, and her blog.
Congratulations, Carrie! We are so proud of you.
She's a Class member, blogger extraordinaire, and all around good person. Did you know that Carrie likes Skinny Cow fudgicles and potatoes? She does not know how to spell fudgicles, but this has not prevented her from writing books--one is on the shelves, and another five are on their way! She lives with her cute family in Maine. She has a large, skinny white dog and a fat cat. Both like fudgicles. Only the cat likes potatoes. This may be a reason for the kitty’s weight problem (Shh… don’t tell). Carrie has always liked cowboy hats but has never owned one. This is a very wrong thing. She graduated from Vermont College’s MFA program for writing. She has edited newspapers and poetry journals and has recently won awards from the Maine Press Association and also been awarded the Martin Dibner Fellowship as well as a Maine Literary Award.We asked Carrie some nosy questions a while back. This is one of my favorites:
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( Read more... )
****************************************You can read more interview answers on her Class of 2k7 Interview Page, and find about more about her on her website, her MySpace page, and her blog.
Congratulations, Carrie! We are so proud of you.
Today we're featuring Class member Carrie Jones debut novel: Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend.
Belle, a high school senior, has a perfect long-time boyfriend, Dylan. But then Dylan turns out to be gay. Belle must come to terms with what this means for her, for him, and for the small town they live in. Not only must she deal with the all-time stinkiness of being dumped, but with Dylan being in real physical danger because he is gay. Belle is the high-school’s resident militant leftie and crusader for the oppressed—including homosexuals, of course. She never thought that she’d be crusading for her blonde, green-eyed ex-boyfriend. And at the same time, she falls in love, all over again, with Tom, who is hopefully not gay. Belle has her fingers crossed.
Carrie’s second novel, Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape), will be released in March 2008, followed by a third titled True Grit.
The Class of 2k7 continues its series of debut author interviews today.
And, uhm, yeah...
Hhmm. It's a little awkward introducing this one, but today the Class of 2k7 is featuring a debut author interview of me, Carrie Jones. The brilliant and cool, Autumn Cornwell asks me about my debut novel, TIPS ON HAVING A GAY (ex) BOYFRIEND, its sequel and Postum, a liquid beverage.
It really all comes back to the Postum.
To find out more about Class of 2k7, the members and the books, check out its website.
And, uhm, yeah...
Hhmm. It's a little awkward introducing this one, but today the Class of 2k7 is featuring a debut author interview of me, Carrie Jones. The brilliant and cool, Autumn Cornwell asks me about my debut novel, TIPS ON HAVING A GAY (ex) BOYFRIEND, its sequel and Postum, a liquid beverage.
It really all comes back to the Postum.
To find out more about Class of 2k7, the members and the books, check out its website.
Today we get to talk about Laura Bowers, class member, beauty shop expert, and a really good conversationalist.
Things you should know about Laura:
Laura Bowers lives in Maryland with her husband, two boys, three horses, and one deaf dog. When she’s not at a baseball field or basketball court cheering for her kids, Laura spends her time writing, reading, horseback riding, and watching way too much reality TV. Some of her past job titles are waitress, gym membership salesperson, secretary, telemarketer, and during her broke college days, one of those roving characters you see at malls during holiday parades. (The time she had to wear a candy cane costume makes quite an interesting story!)
Things you should know about Laura:
Laura Bowers lives in Maryland with her husband, two boys, three horses, and one deaf dog. When she’s not at a baseball field or basketball court cheering for her kids, Laura spends her time writing, reading, horseback riding, and watching way too much reality TV. Some of her past job titles are waitress, gym membership salesperson, secretary, telemarketer, and during her broke college days, one of those roving characters you see at malls during holiday parades. (The time she had to wear a candy cane costume makes quite an interesting story!)
In 1998, Laura was a full-time mom when she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Fourteen multi-rejected picture books, and two so-so young adult novels later, she was inspired to write her first published novel, Beauty Shop for Rent, after passing a rusted sign that was posted in front of an old, but charming house. And now, she can honestly say that writing and motherhood is a thousand times more rewarding than being a candy cane.
Today we're featuring Class Member Laura Bower's debut novel:
Beauty Shop for Rent
Abbey Garner has a plan: to earn a million dollars by the time she’s thirty-five. No way is she going to fall prey to the curse of unhappiness that plagues the women in her family. Determined to fulfill her dream, Abbey works at Granny Po’s struggling beauty shop, where the feisty Gray Widows go to primp, polish, and perm; and of course, gossip. There, among the hair dryers and curling rods, and with the help of a new friend, Abbey finds the courage to open her heart. But when her mother suddenly shows up with a wild scheme of her own, Abbey’s plans begin to fall apart.
Beauty Shop for Rent
Abbey Garner has a plan: to earn a million dollars by the time she’s thirty-five. No way is she going to fall prey to the curse of unhappiness that plagues the women in her family. Determined to fulfill her dream, Abbey works at Granny Po’s struggling beauty shop, where the feisty Gray Widows go to primp, polish, and perm; and of course, gossip. There, among the hair dryers and curling rods, and with the help of a new friend, Abbey finds the courage to open her heart. But when her mother suddenly shows up with a wild scheme of her own, Abbey’s plans begin to fall apart. With a host of raucous characters, debut author Laura Bowers creates a funny, touching novel about family; both the one we are born to and the one we create ourselves.
Some Class members are ALREADY (Yes! Already!) releasing their second books this year. And Paula Chase Hyman is leading the pack.
Find out more about class members and our books here.
Today the Class of 2k7 continues its series of debut author interviews. Class member Stephanie Hale interviews Laura Bowers, author of Beauty Shop for Rent.
Get ready for some writer girl talk. These two are dangerous together... in a good way, of course.
Next post we'll focus more on Laura's book and then Laura.
For more about the Class check out our website.
Get ready for some writer girl talk. These two are dangerous together... in a good way, of course.
Next post we'll focus more on Laura's book and then Laura.
( Read more... )
For more about the Class check out our website.
Lately, we've been featuring Class member, Heather Tomlinson's debut novel THE SWAN MAIDEN.
Now, we get to talk about Heather.
Now, we get to talk about Heather.
Heather Tomlinson grew up in California and New Hampshire, graduating from Wellesley College with a degree in French literature. After teaching English in Paris, and French in the US, she worked at a book wholesaler and now writes the kinds of novels she likes to read.
The Swan Maiden was inspired by French fairy tales and the magical countryside of Provence, where ruined castles await discovery and wild herbs perfume the hills.
Heather lives in southern California with her engineer husband and cats X, Y, and Z. When not writing, she’s sailing, quilting, or scheming to get back to France.
Here's some links to find more information about Heather:
Find out more about Heather and other members of the Class at our Website.
Congratulations again, Heather, on a great debut.
Yesterday The Class posted a fantastic interview of Heather Tomlinson. Today we're going to focus on her debut book.
The Swan Maiden
In the quiet hour before dawn …
The Swan Maiden
In the quiet hour before dawn … Anything can happen. A third daughter can dream of being a creature of flight and magic, of wearing a swan-skin like her sisters. But Doucette is only a chastelaine in training, learning to run the castle household while her older sisters are taught to weave spells. For Doucette, the dream of flying is exactly that-until the day she discovers her own hidden birthright.
Sudden, soaring freedom; it is a wish come true. Yet not even magic can protect against every danger, especially where the heart is involved. As she struggles to find her own way in the world, Doucette risks losing the one she loves most of all.
“Layered, elegantly written, and filled with unexpected twists and turns, The Swan Maiden soars with grace and power.”-- Booklist, Starred Review
Joining me (Sarah Beth Durst) today in the 2k7 Lounge is Heather Tomlinson, author of THE SWAN MAIDEN. Imaginary coffee is in the corner, along with chocolate-covered pretzels. Please help yourself. I am so thrilled to be interviewing Heather. THE SWAN MAIDEN is a beautiful book that sweeps you into a rich and lovely fairy-tale world.
I promised that we'd spend a little time talking about classmate, Tiffany Trent. And since it's Thanksgiving, I'm making sure I keep my promise. Plus, it's always fun to listen to Tiffany's thoughts on things and delve a little more into her debut author year.
Tiffany Trent has been writing since she was nine. Thankfully, she has graduated from writing Lloyd Alexander knockoffs and will soon publish her YA fantasy, In the Serpent’s Coils, the first book in the Hallowmere series from Mirrorstone/Wizards of the Coast. In high school, she won her first major writing award for a fantasy story about a Chinese assassin. In addition to writing fantasy, she also writes nonfiction and has published essays and articles about environmental issues. She has three master’s degrees and though she swore she would never go back to school, teaches English at Virginia Tech. To feed the muse, she has lived and worked in Hong Kong, mainland China, Oregon, Montana, and North Carolina. She currently lives in Virginia with her globe-trotting wildlife biologist husband and four charming felines.
If you'd like to check out other members of the Class, just visit our website. It's full of links, reviews and information.
Tiffany Trent has been writing since she was nine. Thankfully, she has graduated from writing Lloyd Alexander knockoffs and will soon publish her YA fantasy, In the Serpent’s Coils, the first book in the Hallowmere series from Mirrorstone/Wizards of the Coast. In high school, she won her first major writing award for a fantasy story about a Chinese assassin. In addition to writing fantasy, she also writes nonfiction and has published essays and articles about environmental issues. She has three master’s degrees and though she swore she would never go back to school, teaches English at Virginia Tech. To feed the muse, she has lived and worked in Hong Kong, mainland China, Oregon, Montana, and North Carolina. She currently lives in Virginia with her globe-trotting wildlife biologist husband and four charming felines.If you'd like to check out other members of the Class, just visit our website. It's full of links, reviews and information.
On Monday The Class posted a fantastic interview with Tiffany Trent. Today, The Class is posting a little more about Tiffany's debut novel, IN THE SERPENT'S COILS. On Friday, it'll be all Tiffany. All the time! Look out.
Book: In the Serpent’s Coils
As the Civil War ends, Corrine’s nightmare begins.
Ever since her parents died, Corrine’s dreams have been filled with faeries warning her of impending peril. When she’s sent to live at Falston Manor, she thinks she’s escaped the danger stalking her. Instead the dreams grow stronger, just as girls begin disappearing from school.
Then Corrine discovers letters of forbidden love by a medieval monk who writes of his entanglement with a race of vampiric Fey—the same Fey who haunt Corrine’s dreams. Who are these creatures and what do they want? Corrine knows only one thing for sure: another girl will disappear soon, and that girl just might be her.
In the Serpent’s Coils marks the debut of Hallowmere, a dark, edgy historical fantasy series that teens won’t be able to put down!
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acebauer : Class honors! [+2] - laurabowers : HEAD CASE by Sarah Aronson! [+0]
- carriejones : MORE ABOUT AUTUMN CORNWELL [+0]
- carriejones : Autumn Cornwell Carpe Diem [+0]
- carriejones : Debut Author Interviews: Jen Garsee Interviews Autumn Cornwell [+2]
- carriejones : SPOTLIGHT: A.C.E. Bauer [+0]
- carriejones : Spotlight: A.C.E. Bauer's NO CASTLES HERE [+0]
- carriejones : Debut Author Interviews: Sarah Aronson Interviews A.C.E. Bauer [+0]
- acebauer : Spotlight: Carrie Jones [+2]
- acebauer : Spotlight: Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend [+0]
- carriejones : Debut Author Interviews: Autumn Cornwell talks to Carrie Jones [+5]
- carriejones : Spotlight: Laura Bowers [+0]
- carriejones : Spotlight: Beauty Shop for Rent [+0]
- carriejones : It's Second Book Time [+0]
- carriejones : Debut Author Interviews: Stephanie Hale Interviews Laura Bowers [+0]
- carriejones : Heather Tomlinson [+0]
- carriejones : More About The Swan Maiden [+0]
- carriejones : Debut Author to Author Interviews: Sarah Beth Durst Interviews Heather Tomlinson [+1]
- carriejones : All About Tiffany! [+1]
- carriejones : SPOTLIGHT: IN THE SERPENT'S COILS [+0]
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