Character Interview & Giveaway Info with Quinlan Lacey of Drain You by M Beth Bloom

Today, I've got the main character Quinlan Lacey on the blog from M Beth Bloom's Drain You to answer some this or that questions. Make sure to check them out and hang around for some info on the book and how you can get yours hands on a copy of it!
1) Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry?
Chocolate is the best ever.

2) Cat or dog?
Dog, obvie.

3) Recorded or live?
Recorded. Don’t make me go to the show.

4) Black, white or grey?
Black – for jeans, eye liner, Metallica records, sexy Lakers power forwards, and Tenacious D frontmen.

5) Pen or pencil?
Pen. Unless it’s mechanical, those are sick.

6) Being stuck with someone you hate or being alone?
Someone I hate. Then I can at least silently judge. Alone stinks.

7) Now or then?
Now. If now’s 1994.

8) All or nothing?
All. Give it to me.

9) Love, money or fame?
Love. I’m a sucker.

10) Noise or silence?
One after the other.

11) Fantasy or reality?
Reality. It gets weird.

12) Rain or sunshine?
Sunshine, all year long.

13) What is one secret you know about the other person that they don't think you know?
I don’t know anyone’s secrets. No one trusts me.

14) What do you think the other’s biggest fear is and how would you tell them to overcome it?
I assume everyone’s just afraid of not being liked. That’s easy to overcome – stop caring! Be awesome and smart and badass and proud, and if someone doesn’t like you then tuff stuff, their loss!

Check out the book that Quinlan comes from and see if Drain You be M Beth Bloom sounds like something you might like:

Summer. The 90s. The rich, sun-bleached neighborhoods of the Los Angeles canyons. Enter Quinlan Lacey, a cool, bored, sarcastic, sexy 17-year old with a dull part-time video store job and a mild case of teen ennui. That is, until she meets the alluring, River Phoenix-esque James, and realizes the hills are alive with the undead. Inspired more by the early, dry L.A. short stories of Bret Easton Ellis than the current crop of serialized vampire fiction, the supernatural grunge romance, Drain You, narrates the headaches and heartbreaks Quinn undergoes in her quest to stay sane and cool and in love and alive.

Sounds pretty dang awesome right? And this isn't your typical vampire book. Don't believe me?

Check out Publisher Weekly's review which says "Bloom debuts with a languid, stylish novel that reads like a love letter to cult vampire flicks like The Lost Boys, the work of Francesca Lia Block, and Southern California in the 1990s."

You can get yourself a copy of Drain You from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

But if you want to try your lucky and possibly win one first,  let's talk about how you can get your hands on a free copy of Drain You. Here are links to the giveaway launch at two blogs I often haunt Mundie Moms and Hobbitsies.

The Prizes:
-5 Copies of 'Drain You' signed by the Author -$50 Credit at Wasteland (Quinn's favorite store)
-Pages from Quinn's Notebook (pics attached)
-10 'Drain You' Bookmarks handmade by Quinn
-10 90's mixtapes curated and created by Quinn

The Rules (you gotta have them but they are simple!):
-Tweet the giveaway
-Like 'Drain You' on Facebook
-Like 'M. Beth Bloom' on Facebook or Follow @QuinlanLacey

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And before you click off, you really should read Ms. Bloom's bio. She's a pretty fascinating lady!

"Bloom's first short story “Love And Other Catastrophes: A Mix Tape” was featured in Story Quarterly and selected by Dave Eggers for inclusion in The Best American Nonrequired Reading: 2003 (Houghton-Mifflin), which he curates annually. Bloom is the founder of underground dance label 100% Silk (profiled here in LA Weekly) AND the producer/lead singer of the band LA Vampires (written up in The Guardian as well as Pitchfork and Fader). Her next book will be published through HarperTeen.

M. Beth lives on the east side of L.A. where she indulges in raw fooding, magazine subscribing, thrift shopping, Sunday matinee'ing, and ladies book clubbing."

Character Interview with Anita from Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Today I have the pleasure of having one of Ann Redisch Stampler's characters on the blog to answer some of my questions! Anita makes an appearance in Where It Began and is one of Gabby's best friends. You must check out this book! I've read it and it's wonderful.

Anita, welcome to the blog! Let's get started!


1) What do you think about Gabby and her accident?

It was a nightmare. One minute Billy Nash looks at her, the next minute she’s lost the ability to think. We all knew what he was like right from the start, there were so many rumors. You don’t want to believe all that gossip, but really, you know that cliché about where there’s smoke, there’s fire? Probably it wouldn’t be such a popular cliché if there wasn’t an element of truth to it.

My mother keeps telling me, you didn’t go to that party, you didn’t get drunk, you didn’t lie down with some terrible American boy. Stop beating yourself on the head with a mallet. This isn’t your fault.

But really, that first day Gabby couldn’t utter a single sentence without the word “Billy,” I wish I’d said something. There are so many times I could have said, “I don’t care if you don’t want to talk about it. Listen to me.”

Because maybe the accident was an avoidable nightmare. Just maybe.

2) Can you tell me a theme song to your life right now and why you chose that one?

“The Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine. I take is as meaning that you can leave the feeling of not being quite alive behind you, that the possibility of things being different and intense and happy is right there, even if the feeling of it is shocking to you. But you have to run with it.

3) What's your life motto?
Dig your well before you’re thirsty.

It’s something my grandmother says. I’m a planner, there’s no getting around it. It’s supposed to be a good thing, but it isn’t always.

4) What was your last text message?

I’ll be back by 10. I’m with Lisa in the library.

(And I guess something has snapped, because that’s not where I was.)

5) If you could go back and change one day in your life up until now, what would be?

I would tell Alain, this French man I met in India in the summer, how I felt about him. I know that nothing could have come of it, but why didn’t I tell him? Why did I walk out of that restaurant and leave him sitting there watching me leave, and not turn around? Why did I have to be so careful and so practical and so ridiculously in control of myself?

Thanks so much for hanging out on the blog for a while and telling us a little bit about you. A big thanks to Ann Redisch Stampler as well! As I said before, Where It Began is definitely something you need to check out if you love a moving contemporary novel! It was hard to put down.

Character Interview and Giveaway: Maggie Mae and Bridger from Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

Today we're shifting (oh yeah, I went there) gears as I hand over the reigns of the blog to two of my favorite characters from 2011. If you haven't read Shifting by Bethany Wiggins, I promise (cross my heart and hope to die) that you are missing out. You can check out my review of this killer debut here. So stick around and read a little bit about how Bridger and Maggie Mae are fairing in a rousing game of This or That!

Just a quick explanation, I'm asking the question and one character is answering for the other. So Maggie Mae is guessing what she thinks Bridger would pick and vice a versa!

I'd like to think Maggie Mae and Bridger for taking the time to answer questions and a big thanks to Bethany Wiggins for being so awesome!

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1) Skittles or M&Ms?

Maggie: I don't think he cares as long as he doesn't have to cook it himself. If it comes ready-to-eat, Bridger eats it. You know, he ate rotting horse flesh that was crawling with maggots once (Yes, he was an eagle at the time) so I think he can eat pretty much anything palatable.

Bridger: She loves chocolate cake, so I'm guessing chocolate. Then again, I don't think there is a food that Maggie doesn't like! Have you seen her wolf down fish tacos? She can eat.

2) Now or then?

Maggie: I don't think it matters to Bridger because his life has been good, both now and then.

Bridger: Maggie likes now for *clears throat* obvious reasons. But seriously, she's been through a lot of crap. Now she's happy. So now.

3) Night or day?

Maggie: I'd have to say Bridger likes the night better because he can be himself, as in turn into an eagle whenever he wants and no one will see him. And he's almost always with me at night, like it's our time together.

Bridger: I like the day! I can see what's around during the day, which means I can keep Maggie safe (and it is whole lot easier to fly when I can see well). I worry about her when it's night--dark things come out when the sun's not shining. But I bet she prefers night because she's so used to hiding, and that's easier to do in the dark.

4) Books or movies?

Maggie: Bridger absolutely likes movies over books. Have you seen the huge flatscreen TV in his bedroom? And in their kitchen? Seriously, who would put a TV in the kitchen unless they're die-hard movie fans?

Bridger: Books--she likes books. The few times we've actually sat down to watch a movie, if we're not making out (did I seriously just write that?) she's falling asleep before it's half way over (so I help her stay awake). But she reads a lot.

5) Read minds or fly? *SPOILER ALERT- SKIP OVER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW*

Maggie: This question is totally and completely unfair, Amber! Bridger can do both, if you really think about it. SO not fair.

Bridger: I will say fly. Can you imagine? She'd be flying with me. I could show her my world, my second love in life. I think of her flying with me all of the time. Maybe one day it will happen. No, one day it will happen. Just wait and see.

6) Recorded or live?

Maggie: Um, recorded? He has tons of music and movies. Those aren't live.

Bridger: Wow. I just had a huge revelation. I don't think Maggie has ever been to anything live--sporting events, plays, symphonies, concerts. I think I'm going to surprise her and take her to a Phoenix Suns game. Or maybe the symphony. I bet once she experiences something like that live, she'll be hooked.

7) Pencil or pen?

Maggie: I like pencils because I can go back and fix my mistakes. Bridger would say pens because he's always so sure of himself, I don't think he makes mistakes. Or if he does, he just scribbles them out and has no problem with that.

Bridger: Maggie is totally a pen girl. She's smart, strong, stubborn, and tough. She knows what needs to be done and then goes for it. No wimpy pencils for her. Give her a pen, and she just might change the world with her words.

8) Being alone or being stuck with someone you hate?

Maggie: Hmmm, that would be like putting me on an island with Danni Williams (before she apologised). No thank you! I like being alone. So much more peaceful. I'd say Bridger would pick alone, too, but I've never seen him with someone he hates.

Bridger: She thinks I'd pick alone? Actually, I'd pick someone I hate. If we could stop hating each other, we could figure out why we were alone together and then fix the problem. Maggie would pick alone, though. She likes her space. She's never been afraid of solitude.

9) Black, white or gray?

Maggie: Bridger sees everything in black and white. There is no gray for him. I mean, he shot me! ME! Like, five minutes after speaking about his undying love for me--bam! Sure he had a really, REALLY good reason, but that's about as black and white as it comes. But he says when you're dealing with evil, there is no middle ground.

Bridger: Maggie sees most everything in gray. She's been through so much, she's had to find ways to justify things.

10) Love, money or fame?

Maggie: Bridger already has those three, so I don't know. I've been poor my whole life and it makes life difficult. Really difficult at times. So maybe he'd say money because he wouldn't know how to live without it.

Bridger: What the . . . I can't believe she said that about me! *gnashes teeth* Yeah, I've grown up with money, and yeah, I was popular in high school, if that is what she means by fame. So I know the true worth of both. Love is so much more important than either of those things. I would trade everything I own, everything my father owns, for the chance to be with Maggie forever--for the chance at love.

11) All or nothing?

Maggie: All. Bridger gives it all, everything he's got, for what he knows is right. It all goes back to that black and white question.

Bridger: Maggie is a nothing girl. She will risk her life even when she has nothing to gain. She will work her butt off for next-to-nothing. She has lived her entire life expecting nothing. Which is why I want to give her everything. I will give her everything I have--and I'm not talking about possessions. I'm talking about me, life, everything.

13) Answer or question?

Maggie: Bridger likes answers. He already knows the answers. He has an answer for everything!

Bridger: Maggie is a questioner. She questions everything. If you think about it, that would make her an answer girl, because the whole reason she has so many questions is because she wants to know all the answers. Everything. Now. And she's right about me. I have the answers.

14) Fact or fiction?

Maggie: Bridger is all about facts. Yes, the recurring black and white thing again!

Bridger: Isn't there fact in all fiction? Maggie is both fact and fiction. Because she's lived her entire life believing that what is really fact (Skinwalkers) to be fiction, the two are intertwined. She is a creature of fiction living in a world of fact.

15) What is the other's biggest fear?

Maggie: Bridger's biggest fear is so easy that I can't believe you're asking. Skinwalkers! He's grown up his entire life being taught that they're lurking in the shadows and shown how to fight them. Think of what that would do to a person.

Bridger: She's wrong again, at least in part. My biggest fear is not Skinwalkers. It is that the Skinwalkers will find Maggie again and I won't be there to protect her. What if she can't protect herself? Mental note to self: teach Maggie how to protect herself . . . and buy her a cell phone.

What is something you see in the other that they don't see in themselves? *HUGE SPOILER ALERT- DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW*

Maggie: Bridger is so spiritual. I have never met anyone as spiritual as Bridger O'Connell in my life. His total, yet simple belief in good being stronger than evil is changing the way I look at the world. He has faith, too. Faith in me. He mentioned earlier that he wants to see me fly. Because of him, I already do. He lifts me higher than anyone ever has in my life.

Bridger: Maggie is a rare, preiceless blend of selflessness and power. But, if you think about it, being selfless is possibly the most powerful thing a person can be beecause they never put themselves first. They do everything in their power to keep those who they love safe. That scares me. She's already risked her life for the people she loves, like Mrs. Carpenter. And me. *hangs head in shame* I mean, she let me . . . shoot her . . . instead of attacking me . . . *Bridger is unable to go on. He's wracked with guilt, anguish, and the realization that he's possibly the luckiest guy alive*

*~~~*~~~*

Bethany Wiggins has always been an avid reader, but not an avid student. Seriously!!! She failed ninth grade English because she read novels instead of doing her homework. In high school, she sat alone at lunch and read massive hardback fantasy novels (Tad Williams and Robert Jordan anyone?). It wasn't until the end of her senior year that the other students realized she was reading fiction--not the Bible

Seven years ago, Bethany's sister dared her to start writing an hour a day until she completed a novel. Bethany wrote a seven-hundred page fantasy novel that she wisely let no one read--but it taught her how to write. Since then she has completed six more novels, each one a little better than the one before.

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Giveaway Time!

I loved this novel so much that I want to share it with you guys. So one lucky winner is going to get their own copy of Shifting from The Book Depository!

Rules:

-International Giveaway (if The Book Depository ships to you, you are eligible)
-Must be 13 years or older
-Must fill out the form below
-May only enter once
-Giveaway ends 2/16

Character Interview: Mia from The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Today I've got Mia on the blog from The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams and she's answering some of my burning questions. Check out what she has to say about her favorite kissing scenes and see a playlist that describes her trip to China.

Around the World in 80 Kisses Smooch Stop #30

Mei, thanks so much for stopping by on the blog today!

Thanks so much for having me today . I’m a big fan of your blog!

1) Is there a particular movie, book or comic kissing scene that is your favorite?

I’m a huge fan of movie kisses, so yes, there are a few. For movies, the good-bye kiss at the end of I am Number Four. For book kisses, I love both of the kisses between Cricket and Lola at the end of Lola and the Boy Next Door.

2) What does going to China mean for you? Is there one place you feel like you have to go and visit?

This visit to China means so much. I’m really nervous because I feel like I’m betraying my adoptive parents, but I just want to know where I came from. Who gave me up for adoption? Did they ever regret it? Is being born in China why I always feel like I don’t quite fit in? I want to go to the orphanage I was adopted from.

3) Looking at your suitcase, what are three things you can't live without?

My guitar, my Chinese-English dictionary, my laptop.

4) What is the least text message in your phone?

911! Emergency Meeting at Yogurt Worxx stat. (from Piper, of course).

5) Can you give me a playlist of about five songs that describe your trip to China?

• Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran (I starved for the first half of my trip. Literally, starved)
• Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix (You have to read the story to figure this one out)
• Skater Boy by Avril Lavigne (Ode to Guiran)
• Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper (Self-explanatory, I think ;)
• Learning To Fly by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (I think this fits my whole trip to China)

6) What's your motto to live by?

Study Hard, Play Harder.

Thanks so much for having me!

Pleasure was all mine! So I want to know from the readers, what are three things you must pack when going on a trip?

Thanks to:

Character Interview and A Giveaway: Sin & Dice from Swoon by Nina Malkin

It's only a slightly hostile takeover today on my blog as I celebrate all things Swoon-worthy. So it seems fitting to have Sinclair "Sin" Youngblood Powers and Candice Reagan "Dice" Moskow for an interview. If you missed it, check out my review of Swoon which posted earlier and get ready to hear all the steamy details of a This or That round.

I want to thank Nina Malkin and of course, Sin and Dice for participating in this interview. Some questions are mine, some are Nina's own special blend and all are awesome!

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Candice Reagan Moskow, AKA Dice, and Sinclair Youngblood Powers, AKA Sin—heroine and hero (or is that villain?) of SWOON and spanking brand new sequel SWEAR—riff on each other’s picks for this, that…or sometimes the other thing.

Good kisser or good listener? 

SIN: It's fairly simple to teach someone how to kiss, but not how to listen. Yet listening is the keystone to understanding, and so crucial if romance is to develop and endure. This is something I learned—slowly, but finally—from Dice, so I’m sure she’d choose good listener. Of course, for she and I, kissing came quite naturally.

DICE: I’m tempted to say that Sin would pick kisser. But he’s changed so much lately…I’m going to go with listener!

Lights on or off?

SIN: On! My lady is not shy. She wouldn’t choose to deny her sense of sight. Plus, Dice is…what’s the expression? A morning person…

DICE: Hmmm…Does firelight count? See, our first time was in front of the fire, and I know that holds a very special place in Sin’s heart.

Mountains, beach or a tour of European cities? 

DICE: Sin is incredibly inquisitive. So for him to have his life cut short at18 was especially tragic. He’d been all set to brave the frontier, apply his pioneer spirit—but he only got as far as Swoon, and we all know how that worked out for him! So I’d say his dream vacation would be to ramble around Europe, see some amazing sights, have some real experiences. Only he’d ditch the tour guide straight off.

SIN: The beach, surely. Considering that my lady recently—and mysteriously, might I add—learned to swim.

Bath or shower?

DICE: Bath for Sin. He’s the ultimate sensualist; he likes to luxuriate. Life was hard for him growing up, so now he’s all about indulgence.

SIN: In this hurry-up modern world Dice is as apt as the next person to grab a quick shower and be done with it. But I know her. She enjoys bubbles, and scent, and candles. And she likes the water very hot.

Silly or satirical?

SIN: My lady is intelligent, analytical and at times quite serious. So it may come as some surprise to hear that she is all about this silly. She enjoys bawdy jokes. And slapstick? Zounds, don’t get her started on those Three Stooges.

DICE: Satire is defined as the use of wit to attack the vices and follies of humankind. And Sin’s whole reason for being in SWOON was to attack the vices and follies of humankind. Of course, his attack was a lot more literal, but I’d still say he goes for satire.

Car, plane or foot?

DICE: Plane! Seeing as how he was born in 1751, Sin’s never flown before. And he’s definitely the type to do what he’s never done before—whatever it is.

SIN: Foot. Dice still doesn’t drive, which suits her fine. She does all she can to reduce her carbon footprint, and from what I understand about New Yorkers, they’re all big pedestrians.

Being alone or being stuck with someone you hate?

SIN: Alone. My lady does not suffer fools.

DICE: Alone. Sin’s spent a lot of time alone, so he’s used to it. And I can’t imagine a worse hell for anyone than being stuck with an asshole.

Coffee or hot chocolate?

DICE: Coffee. He’s a fiend.

SIN: Any other time that morning, Dice would choose hot chocolate. My lady has a sweet tooth. You do know of her Cocoa-Puffs obsession?

Pen or pencil? 

SIN: Pencil. A year ago, I would have said pen, since Dice believes in loyalty and would want it in ink. The things she struggles with in SWEAR, however, may lead her reassess her perspective on promises.

DICE: Pencil. Sin is…let’s just say he’s prone to mistakes. He’d want the erase option.

Black, white or gray?

DICE: Sin is prone to extremes, and he definitely has a dark side, so: Black.

SIN: Gray. Dice is adept at recognizing and navigating the gray areas of existence.

Now or then?

DICE: Sin is not nostalgic. He’d say now.

SIN: Now. For the first time, Dice and I have an opportunity to be together without an agenda. She is enjoying it—and so am I.

What one quality do you admire about the other? 

DICE: Sin appreciates what he calls my nobility. Though to me, it’s just honesty. I say what I mean; I mean what I say. My game is no game.

SIN: Dice enjoys my innocence. Don’t laugh! I’ll not deny that I’m a man of some experience, and there have been times I’ve felt compelled to…scheme, I suppose. But my approach to life, especially its pleasures, is most natural, ingenuous.

What is the other’s biggest fear?

DICE: Sin fears injustice. He’s been on the receiving end, and it’s awful.

SIN: Lies. Dice would prefer a brutal truth to a tender lie.

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Nina Malkin is the author of five YA novels, one novella, and an adult memoir.  Before turning to books, Nina was a journalist specializing in entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyles.  She has held executive positions as an editor and writer at Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Teen People, and her work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Seventeen, Real Simple, In Style, and numerous other publications.  A New York native, Nina lives in Brooklyn with her musician husband and assorted felines.  Find out more at ninamalkin.com and follow her on Twitter at @SwoonAuthor.

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Giveaway Time!

I'm offering up a SIGNED Swoon and SIGNED Swear to two lucky people (1 person will get Swoon, the other Swear) I want to thank Nina Malkin for the interview and Simon and Schuster for providing the novels!

Rules:

• US giveaway only (sorry, international folks! Next contest will be international though)
• Must fill out form
• Must be 13 years or older
• May only enter once

Good luck and swoon on!

Character Interview: Kat from Frost by Wendy Delsol

Today, I've got Kat from Stork and Frost by Wendy Delsol on the blog! We're here to talk a little bit about everything with Kat from her favorite myth as a child to which star she'd like to dress and why! In case you haven't read about Kat's adventures yet, Id suggest doing so. Hopefully meeting her will help make up your minds!

Kat, thanks for coming on the blog today!

Kat Leblanc here. You know, human Stork. My friend Amber over at Down the Rabbit Hole had some fun questions for me. So fun, I just had to share.

1) Kat, in your adventures, you hear a lot of stories. Will you tell us your favorite story/myth as a girl?

As a girl, I couldn’t hear enough or watch enough of Cinderella. The gown, the makeover, the dreamy prince. It’s a little embarrassing now, but I had some serious fan-girl stuff going on. I even crammed my foot into an empty pickle jar to simulate the whole glass-slipper experience. Like trouble, it was easier get in than out. And forget duct tape, it’s Vaseline that has 1001 uses.

2) You grew up around your French grandmother but had a lot of Nordic background there too. What is your favorite French word? Nordic word? Why?

Pamplemousse is French for grapefruit. Isn’t that a great word? And at least it’s distinctive. Our English word makes no sense; the tiny grape has nothing to do with the rock-heavy member of the citrus family.

A Nordic word, hmmm. My grandfather, my afi, once had a wiry-haired old dog named Igull, which he said was Icelandic for porcupine. That dog had a personality as prickly as its namesake, but he was a good guard dog and could howl the Ee-I-Ee-I-Oh of Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

3) What's your idea of a perfect day?

A year ago I’d have said it was shopping on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. But nowadays I’d have to say hanging out with my boyfriend, Jack. He’s the outdoorsy type and likes nothing more than a hike up some hill or through some state park. Given the right weather, this combination of fresh air, pretty scenery, and the buddy system does make for an ideal day.

4) You're designing a gown for your favorite actress. Who is the star, what does the dress look like and why did you choose the color/style you did?

So which under-a-rock dweller out there hasn’t heard that Jennifer Lawrence is going to play Katniss Eberdeen in the Hunger Games movie? When she walks the red carpet and picks up her first Oscar, I’ve got just the dress for her. Red, naturally. I’m thinking off-the-shoulder and hip-hugging with a flared, full-length swisher of a ruched hemline. And how cool would it be for one Kat to dress another!

5) If you could pick any fictional character in the world and get to spend a day in their life, who are you choosing and why?

Hmmm. Good question. I’m thinking Hermione Granger. It’d be fun to live at Hogwarts for a day. I think Harry would be fun to hang with, as would Ron. And I’d have a crack at both Hermione’s hair (I’m packing a flat iron) and robes (I’m bringing belts). Now that I’m on the HP subject, wouldn’t Dumbledore and my Hulda make a cute couple??? (I'm pretty much pretending it's so even though Dumbledore is gay.)

6) What's the last text in your cellphone?

U left the milk out again. (from my mom, of course)

7) I know you hate the whole "capping" thing for the Stork Society. If you could change it to some other magical way to communicate, what would the new message be?

Twitter, naturally. It’s not magical, but at least it’s bird themed. I’d just love to send Fru Grimilla an @ message, something along the lines of: @thepeacock Hey soul sistah, C U 2night 4 another gulls night out. Same time, same place.

Note regarding the little blue bird twitter icon: Has anyone else heard that his name is Larry? Larry? So not a good bird name. Come on Twitterverse, we can come up with something better than Larry. Is Tweety Bird copyrighted? 

Big thanks to Kat and Wendy Delsol for coming on my blog! Here's a brief bio about Frost:

Frost by Wendy Delsol

In this sequel to STORK, Katla Leblanc has to employ her grit, spirit, and special gifts to rescue the boy she loves.

After the drama of finding out that she’s a Stork, a member of an ancient and mystical order of women, and that her boyfriend, Jack, is a descendent of the Winter People able to control the weather, Katla Leblanc is delighted when all signs point to a busy and peaceful Christmas. That is, until the snowstorm Jack summons as a gift to Katla turns into the storm of the century, attracting Brigid, a gorgeous scientist who, in turn, attracts Jack. Between the school play, a bedridden, pregnant mother’s to-do lists, and keeping an eye on her aging grandfather, Katla doesn’t have time to question Brigid’s motives or deal with Jack’s increasingly cold behavior. But Katla’s suspicions mount when Jack joins Brigid on a research expedition to Greenland, and when the two of them go missing, it becomes clear that Katla is the only one who can save her beloved Jack from the Snow Queen who holds him prisoner. Adventure, romance, and myth combine in this winter escapade for teens who like a bit of fire with their ice.

Big thanks to: 

Interview & Giveaway: Kendare Blake, author of Anna Dressed In Blood

So first, it should be known that I screwed this post up. The wonderful Kendare Blake gave me this awesome interview where she answered my questions with book quotes (no easy feat I imagine) and I just forgot to post it. Because of that, we get a special after the date sort of thing going on here AND I'm giving away a finished copy of this super fabulous amazing novel at the end of the interview since I deprived you all of it on the original date.

I'd like to welcome the amazing Kendare Blake to the blog! Today, I'm asking some questions and she is answering them with book quotes! Hope you enjoy!

1) What is ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD about at its heart?

I don’t particularly like being a leader. I don’t have much practice at it, and I’m much more comfortable risking just my own skin. But this is it. There’s no time for excuses or second-guessing. In the thousand ways I pictured this going down, I could never have imagined it like this. Still, it’s nice that I’m not fighting alone.

2) What do you like to do for fun?

He hunkers lower as the food arrives, two plates of circular mystery, one deep fried and the other covered in small orange dots. “Try some,” he says.

            “What is it?”

            “Philadelphia roll.”

            I eye the plate skeptically. “What’s that orange stuff?”

            “Cod roe.”

            “What the hell is cod roe?”

            “Cod eggs.”

            “No thanks.” I’m so glad there’s a McDonald’s across the street. Fish eggs. Who the hell is this kid?

(I like to try new food.)

3) What is one thing you and Cas have in common?

She clears her throat and does her best to start, laying out the technical specs of last year’s party: who was there; what they were doing; why they came with this or that person. I guess she wants me to have a full and realistic picture. Some people need that, I suppose. Personally, I’m the type who likes to fill in the blanks and make it my own. It’s probably better that way than it really was.

4) What's the best way to cure the blues?

It’s what I’ve been missing, and I think Will was a blessing in disguise. This is what I’m after: this edge, this living on the balls of my feet. I can see everything in an instant: that Thomas is genuinely thinking about how to protect Carmel, and that Will is trying to work up the nerve to try something himself, to prove that I’m not the only one who can do this.

5) Cas takes over his father's business which is an incredibly dangerous vocation. If you hear a noise outside the house are you running out to investigate or running up the stairs to hide under the bed?

I’d like to leave now. I’d very much like to leave now. The hairs are up on the back of my neck and my teeth would chatter if I wasn’t clenching so hard. Given the choice between fight or flight, I would choose to dive out the window, knife in my hand or not. Instead I turn and pivot closer to my mom, putting me in between her and the open door.

Thanks so much to Ms. Blake for answering my questions! I love the answer to the last one. I'm not as brave as Cas and her but I'm glad there are people out there that would be willing to stick by me in an incident. Anna Dressed In Blood was a super fun read and one I think you should definitely check out. In fact, I'd like to give one of you a copy. 

Rules:

• Must fill out the form below
• Must be 13 years or older
• This is international (as long as the Book Depository ships to you)

Jana Oliver, author of Soul Thief, Character Interview & Giveaway!

Today, I have a really fun interview for you. Ms. Jana Oliver has been kind enough to lend her characters Beck and Riley so that they can answer a few questions.

The twist? They'll be answering questions about each other! I'm just so in love with this interview and the answers, I can't even tell you. Get ready to get to know these two characters a whole lot better by the end of the is post!

So just to make sure you get it, I'll be asking easy type questions and Beck will be answering what he thinks Riley would choose and Riley will be answering for Beck. Let the games begin!

1) Summer, winter, fall or spring?

Riley: I’m guessing Beck would say fall. Guys like autumn, right? I mean there’s football and all that. ::winces:: Does that sound sexist?

Beck: Spring. It’s got all those flowers and things so I figure she’d like that.

2) Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?

Riley: No way on the chocolate. He hates it. I’m thinking he’ll go for vanilla. He’s kind of plain, you know? Strawberry would be really radical for Beck.

Beck: Chocolate. She loves the stuff. I just don’t get it.

3) Dog or cat?

Riley: You know, I’m not sure. He seemed okay with my neighbor’s cat, but who knows? No, I think he’d like a dog better. They’re loyal and don’t think they’re smarter than you are. A cat would just give Beck a hard time.

Beck: Cat. She’s got a thing for them.

4) Recorded or live?

Riley: Beck has this thing for CD’s so I’m guessing recorded.

Beck: I’m not sure. She’s been to some concerts so I’m goin’ to guess live.

5) Black, white or grey?

Riley: Beck’s got a lot of grey to him. I think I’ve figured him out and then he changes on me.

Beck: She’s grey. There’s not black and white with that girl. No way.

6) Sunrise or sunset?

Riley: He seems like a sunset kinda guy. You know, the “thank God I’ve lived through another day” kind.

Beck: I’m bettin’ she likes the sunrise. Promise of a new day and all that nonsense.

7) Pen or pencil?

Riley: Pencil and I can’t tell you why or he’ll get mad at me

Beck: Riley would use a pen. Once it’s on paper, it’s there for life.

8) Read minds or fly?

Riley: He just goes with his gut and most of the time he’s right. How does he do that?

Beck: She reads minds. I swear it.

9) Coffee or hot chocolate?

Riley: He drinks coffee like it was actually good. Remember I said he hates chocolate?

Beck: I’ve never seen her drink coffee. It’s always that disgustin’ hot chocolate.

10) Being alone or being stuck with someone you hate?

Riley: Ouch, that’s a little bit close to home, isn’t it? Beck would rather be alone. He’s got LONER stamped on his forehead and the letters glow in the dark.

Beck: Alone. She’s a lot like me in that. When things are buggin’ her she heads off on her own to work things out in her head.

11) Book smart or street smart?

Riley: Beck is totally street smart. I wish I could be like that sometimes

Beck: She’s book smart. Man, I wish I was.

12) Love, money or fame?

Riley: Beck’s not into fame. In fact, if someone offered to make him famous he’d run the other way. Money is important to him, but I’m not sure if it’s that big of a thing. He’s happy with the simple stuff so I think that maybe deep down he’d pick love.

Beck: Fame? She doesn’t want that, not with all the crap she’s had to put up with the Guild. I think if she had to choose, she’d go for love.

13) Now or then?

Riley: Beck is way more patient than I am so he’s a “then” kind of dude.

Beck: Riley is a “now” kind of girl. Once she decides she wants something, nothin’ is gonna stand in her way.

14) All or nothing?

Riley: Beck wants it all. I respect that.

Beck: She’s totally “all”. “Nothin’” isn’t her kind of thing.

15) What would the other look for in a relationship?

Riley: Someone who would treat him with respect, who wouldn’t cheat on him. Who would be there during the good and the bad. I don’t think he’s found a girl like that yet.

Beck: Riley needs someone who can keep up with her, who understands just how amazin’ she is and doesn’t try to put her down. Not speakin’ ill of her old boyfriends, but they sucked at that.

16) What is the other's biggest fear?

Riley: That someone might see behind all those defensive walls he’s built. See what he’s really like. That scares him big time.

Beck: Riley is worried about not bein’ taken seriously. But I don’t think that’s her biggest fear. I think it’s that she might never find real love. ::shrugs:: Guess we’re all like that.

17) What one quality do you admire about the other?

Riley: He’s totally fearless, even when he can’t possibly win. He throws himself into situations that scare me to death. I know that no matter if we’re not getting along, he’s got my back. That’s awesome, you know?

Beck: She never backs down. Sometimes it would be smarter if she did, but Riley isn’t built that way. You diss her and yer in big trouble. Ya tell her not to do somethin’ and yer wastin’ yer breath. She’s fierce and I respect that.

Didn't you just love that? Seriously, we got some incredible insight into what these characters think about each other and a little bit about what they think about themselves. Thanks so much to Jana Oliver for taking the time to lend out her characters and agreeing to do this interview.

All yous guys, you need to march your bottoms on out and grab yourselves a copy of Soul Thief! It's amazing. How about I help you out with that though? Fill out the form to enter an ARC of Soul Thief.


Rules:

• US Giveaway only
• Fill out the form below
• Must be 13 years or older
• Giveaway closes 9/12

Good luck!

Character Interview: Aunt Sue from What Comes After

Today, I'm tangling, er, talking with Aunt Sue from What Comes After. If you haven't heard, Aunt Sue gets a bit of a bad reputation in What Comes After and she's here today to clear that up... well, sort of. I ask her to anyway. She's also talking about "what comes after" (see what I did there?) for her and more.

1) Sue, there are two sides to every story. Will you tell us in your own words what happened that day at the lake?


I will not allow a child to break bad in my house, and some need to learn their lesson the hard way. That’s how I was raised. That’s how the girl’s mom was raised. I did not touch a hair on that girl myself. It might of gone too far, OK, but sometimes things happen. That don’t make it criminal. It’s just what is.


2) You mention that Iris is just like her mother. What did you mean by that?


Spiteful. Doesn’t appreciate what she’s given. Thinks she’s better than anybody else. Thinks she’s pretty.


3) Your son's name is Book which I've never come across before. Is there a story behind his name?


Yes there is, but that’s between his daddy and me, and his daddy is out of the picture, and removed himself from the picture before Book was born and he can go to Hell for all I care and that’s all you need to know.


4) We hear Iris's side of the story and how hard it was for her to leave her home. But will you tell us how you felt when you got a call about having your niece come and live with you?

Didn’t feel much about it one way or another. The girl’s mom--my sister—run off and left me alone back here with Momma and Daddy, so I figured I was owed something. Did I feel sorry for the girl because her daddy died? Sure, who wouldn’t? But you get over it and no need crying about it.

5) What are you plans for the future?

Back to the farm. If WalMart won’t hire me back I’ll get on at Target or K-Mart. About time Book was done with school anyway and working to pay his way, unless he can still get a scholarship and start bringing in money from that and then the professionals. There’s some colleges out there that pay for football. I’m thinking about expanding egg production in the barn—taking on more chickens, turning the whole business over to eggs. I’m done with them damn goats.

6) I know you like reality television. If you could be on one show what would it be and why?

"Survivor" of course. What the hell did you think? "The Bachelor"?

7) Is there anything you'd like people to know about your story?

I said enough already. But I know what you're looking for. You're looking for me to say how sorry I am for what was done to that girl. You're looking for me to be sorry for making Book do what he done. You're looking for me to be sorry for everything. Well maybe I'm sorry for some things and maybe I'm not sorry for some other things, and that's all I'm gonna say about it. There is one thing. Connie who I went to high school with and who works at the jail? I been thinking about giving her a call and maybe buying her a beer when I get out. I might kind of owe her.

Feel free to leave a comment for Aunt Sue, if you dare!

Thanks so much to Teen Book Scene for making this interview happen: