The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Shelley Coriell

I am honored to host Shelly Coriell, author of Wecome, Caller, This is Chloe, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.
I got to ask Shelley some "this or that" questions!

1 Coffee or Tea? Tea. Green tea in the morning. Chai in the afternoon. For those of you who like chai with a kick, check out this chai concentrate recipe.

2 Hard copy of a book or e-book? I swear I never thought I’d say this, but…e-book. Great for travel and easy to read in bed.

3 Dog or Cat? Dog. I’m owned by a needy rescue weimaraner.

4 Girly Girl or Tomboy? Both. I pine for cute shoes, especially sexy sandals, but I also have a serious crush on my dusty hiking boots.

5 Cake or Ice Cream? Ice cream with toffee and double fudge brownie bites.

6 Color pictures or black and white pictures? Black and white. There’s so much story in shades of gray.

7 Travel the word or homebody? Travel the world. Just spent some time in Venice, Italy, and will be heading off next month to Alaska’s inside passage. Plus one of my best friends is a luxury travel writer, and I keep begging her to tuck me in one of her suitcases.

8 Beach or mountains? Beach. One of my favorite lines in WELCOME, CALLER, THIS IS CHLOE, is when Grams picks up a seashell and holds it to young Chloe’s ear and says, “Listen. It’s the heartbeat of the ocean.”

9 Watch movies at home or in a theater? I bow to the almighty Netflix. Current addiction: Downton Abbey.

10 Cook at home or go out to eat? Cook. I’m a former food magazine editor and love hanging out in my kitchen. I’ve been on a pasta kick lately. Tonight’s menu: orecchiette with broccoli, asiago breadsticks, and spring mix salad with orange wedges.

11 Early riser or night owl? Early riser. It’s amazing how productive I can be between five and seven every morning when everyone but the weim is asleep.

12 Popcorn or peanuts? Popcorn. Even better when made on the stove and drizzled with real butter. Never popped it yourself? Here’s an easy tutorial.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Andrea. May your world be filled with good books and great people!

To learn more about Chloe’s high school radio world and win a $50 electronic/radio store gift certificate or one of ten CHLOE swag packs, go to Shelley Coriell’s website, www.shelleycoriell.com/blog/. Good luck to all!

Popcorn is my all time favorite food--I'm not joking when I say I have it almost every day!  But I've never tried it made on the stove--I'm so doing it!  Thanks for the tip, Shelley, and for stopping by!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Karen DelleCava

I am honored to host Karen DelleCava, author of A Closer Look, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I got to interview Tommy, from the book!

1.What is your favorite quality in Cassie?
She’s open to jazz and is willing to listen to anything I write even if it stinks. If I hit an off note, she’ll call me out in a nice way, “Did you mean that little part there?” I like that she’s honest.

2.What were your first thoughts when hearing about Cassie's condition for the first time?
Immediately I thought she had cancer. Crazy, I know. Chemotherapy is the only thing that I heard of that would cause someone’s hair to fall out. I felt scared for her and for me--which was really lame of me since she was the one dealing with something so major.

3.You wrote a song with Cassie in mind. If the song had lyrics, what would chorus be like?
We act like strangers now we’re in danger of tearing this apart.
The danger is you just can’t see it’s you who holds my heart.
It’s our last chance and we’re both here
So shed your doubt. Release your fear.
The danger is you just can’t see it’s me who holds your heart.

4.When did you finally get to meet your new sister and how did it go?
It was about two weeks after Cass’s meet against Cranford. I had bought Jenny that book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carl when Cass and I were at the mall. Anyway, it was weird. I went with my brothers, Eric and Rich, to a playground in town to meet her and my father who I haven’t seen in who knows how long. The sight of him really pissed me off because of what he did to my mother-all of us--but since this was supposed to be about meeting Jenny I held my shit together.
When I saw her, it finally sunk in that I was a big brother now. I gave her the book and Jenny not being shy at all, gave me hug and asked me to read it on the spot. That pretty much won me over. Then she gave us a drawing she’d made--a pink frog--that was covered in glitter. We took turns pushing her on the swings, just spending time all together. My little sister, Jenny. Kind of a mind blow but very cool.

5.Pretend I'm in high school...create a hall pass for me with a poem to get out of class to meet you!
If you tell Cass about this I’m dead meat. I did a little research on you so, okay, just for fun....

Roses are red
Hummingbirds hover
The library @ 1
But come undercover

Thanks, Andrea!

Visit www.karendellecava.com for details on how to win a signed copy of A Closer Look plus a surprise gift but “Do not open it until page 153.”

A Closer Look Book Signing Friday, April 13th 6:30-8pm
Teens will receive a surprise gift but “Do not open it until page 153.” (While supplies last.)
Well Read (New & Used) Bookstore
425 Lafayette Ave
Hawthorne NJ 07506
973-949-3440

http://www.karendellecava.com/ Read Chapter 1 of A Closer Look

http://www.thewellreadbookstore.com/

Thanks for joining us Tommy and Karen!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Katie Dale

I am honored to host Katie Dale, author of Someone Else's Life, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked Katie what she did when she's not writing.

When I’m not writing (or blogging/tweeting etc) I love to get out of the house. I spend so much time in my flat (often I go all day without leaving at all!) that it’s great to go out, leave my laptop behind and re-engage with the world outside.

If the weather’s nice, there’s nothing like a long walk in the countryside, with fresh air and sunshine and birdsong, to clear your head and lift your spirits. Two things I miss since moving to Cambridge are hills (Cambridge is pretty much completely flat) and the sea (it’s a two-hour drive to the nearest coast) but when I go back to Sussex (where SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE is set) I delight in walking on the South Downs, with its gorgeous coastal views. My mum and I share the same passion for the sea, and love to go down to the beach to watch the waves fling themselves at the shore, then we roll up our trousers to go and paddle in the shallows – even in the middle of winter! Nothing makes me feel more awake – or more alive!

I love to travel, see new places, try new things – even if it’s just for a day out. There’s so much to discover in the world, and nowhere near enough time to see everything, so I relish the new discoveries I can make.

When I’m back home with my family, all of us – from my three-year-old niece to my ninety-three-year-old granddad love to play mini-golf, so we can often be found crowded round the green or crazy golf course desperately trying to put balls into impossible holes! And laughing. A lot. Any time spent with my family – especially my little niece – is an absolute joy. She has her own unique view of the world – and it’s completely hysterical!

Acting is my other passion. I trained as an actress after university and have performed in national Shakespeare tours (Juliet, Viola) and in a couple of independent films, and I love to take on new characters, as I do when I write, losing myself in someone else’s world. It’s the closest I can get to trying on other peoples’ lives, if only for a little while, and I think it can be quite magical.

If the weather’s horrid (or even if it isn’t) I just love going to the movies. There’s just something so special and timeless about sitting in those velvet chairs in front of the big screen, buzzing with anticipation – and I always make sure I get there in time for the trailers – sometimes they’re the best bit!

Finally, I love snuggling down in bed with a good book. There’s nothing like reading – for pleasure, for romance, for education or thrills, books have got it all.

Perhaps that’s why I choose to write them.

That's so neat the you also trained in acting!  And I agree about the trailers sometimes being the best bit..I absolutely CANNOT miss them! Thanks for sharing with us, Katie!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Rachel McClellan

I am honored to host Rachel McClellan, author of Fractured Light, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked Rachel what her Top Ten Movies were.  Her reply

Top Ten Movies

10. Ladyhawk
9. Napolean Dynomite
8. Nacho Libre
7. Phantom of the Opera
6. Far and Away
5. Alias series with Jennifer Garner (okay, not technically a movie, but one of my favorite DVD’s)
4. Moulin Rouge
3. Batman series except for the weird ones, Batman 3 and 4.
2. Count of Monte Cristo
1. Underworld’s

I've heard of all of the movies, but only seen Moulin Rouge (so love this one!)  and I watched the Alias series when it was on!  I need to check out the other movies.

Thanks, Rachel!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog and Giveaway!: Ivy Adams

I am honored to host Ivy Adams, author of The International Kissing Club, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I got to interview some of the characters from the book!

What is the most significant thing that has happened in your life so far?
Piper: Honestly, going to Paris and taking an art-blowing class. I've been drawing and painting since I knew what it meant to hold a pencil, but none of my art classes before ever came close to what it felt like to create glass in Paris. That class was the hardest I've ever taken, but it taught me what kind of art I want to create.
Mei: Getting adopted. For whatever reason my birth parents felt they had to give me up, I ended up with the best family I could have ever hoped for.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Izzy: Oh, man, I have a lot of those... I going to go with the time I tried to kiss a boy to earn points for IKC, and the guy turned out to be only twelve. Twelve! Hey, all I can say in my defense is that he was really tall for twelve.

What is your best piece of advice for travelling abroad?
Cassidy: Always pack your toothbrush in your carry-on! You never know when fresh breath will be an absolute necessity, and your toothbrush is in your checked luggage. Ugh.

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
Piper: Besides to have that stupid Kiss the Pig video vanish from YouTube forever? I wish that my mother would see me, the real me, instead of the disappointment that she usually sees whenever she looks at me.
Mei: Full scholarship to MIT, of course.

Which person in your life has has the greastest impact on you and why?
Izzy: Probably my father, but keep in mind, his impact hasn't always been good. He's the football at the local high school and all he cares about is football. When I was younger, I drove myself crazy trying to win his approval. I'd never act that way now. Once I realized he was never going to get me, it gave me the freedom to stop caring what he thought.
Cassidy: My mom, hands down. She’s given up everything for me, and while I don’t want my life to be like hers, if I can grow up to be half as strong as she is, I’ll be doing okay. The Barlow women against the world!

Thank you for hosting us today!

Now tell me your best piece of travel advice in the comments (leave your email so we can contact you) to be entered to win the Around the World In 80 Kisses daily and weekly prize and also become eligible to win the Grand Prize, a Kindle Fire. For a list of all our Smooch Posts you can visit and earn more entries to win, visit us here.

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams is the story of four best friends: Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy--the misfits of Paris, Texas. Their whole lives, they’ve dreamed of escaping small-town life and seeing the world. So when Piper is the victim of an embarrassing prank that goes viral online, she gets the idea that the girls should escape via the school’s international exchange program, in search of fun, love and internet redemption.

Emily McKay, Shellee Roberts and Tracy Deebs write under the pseudonym Ivy Adams. They shop, gossip and watch movies in Austin, Texas.

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Megan Curd

I am honored to host Megan Curd, author of Forbidden, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I got ask Megan several questions!

1) Where did you get the idea for your story?
As cheesy as it sounds, I actually had a dream one night. I don’t remember a ton of it, but I remember a young man tortured from his past and trying to make up for it. I couldn’t imagine how hard it would be to be in that predicament – to be trying to atone for what you’d done in your life, but feel helpless. It was actually ironic, because it was Sunday morning and I had to go to church. I sat through church thinking of this guy and what he’d do. The youth had an event after church that I was going to help with, and on the way to the museum we were going to, I wrote the first four chapters of FORBIDDEN as I drove – NOT SAFE…but I wasn’t taking anyone in my car with me, so it’d have just been me if something had happened! (That’s my safety announcement for the day, haha)


2) There have been a lot of angel stories lately. What makes yours different?
It’s a different look on what a fallen angel might go through. I think a lot of angel stories are pretty straightforward, but I wanted mine to have a different take on what could happen. I love writing characters that have twists you don’t see coming, and I hope I did it with FORBIDDEN. My favorite thing about FORBIDDEN is that it’s from a guy’s POV. Not as many YA novels are from the guy’s POV, so I wanted to freshen that up. I think people will enjoy it!

3) Did you have a say in your cover? If so, how did you come up with that idea?
 I love love love my cover! My good friend and fellow writer, Hope Collier, as well as another writer and friend, Beth Isaacs, both worked with Neil before me and spoke very highly of him. I also design book covers for eBooks, but I wanted to outsource my own (I would never be satisfied with something I made – I’m OCD like that :) ). I sent Neil three different designs I’d created, as well as my back blurb. He sent me two different options, and one of them was the cover. I knew the minute I saw it that it would be the cover! It is just perfect and embodies Levi’s struggle and mystery so well. ::Sighs:: I’m fangirling right now, but I loooove the cover! Lol :)

4) How do you come up with the names for your characters?
Some are names I liked and wanted to name my kids someday. Others are names of people I knew. If I run out of names I really like, then I go to baby name websites and lurk around on there until I find one I think fits. It can’t just be any name – the name has to fit the character. Sometimes I just put a letter in to mark a spot for the name when I find one that fits.

5) And just for fun, if you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’ve been really blessed and been able to travel to Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland. My favorite of those were definitely Ecuador and Italy! I did missions work in the South American countries, and I went snowboarding with some friends in Europe. If I could travel anywhere else, I’d choose England, Australia, Japan and China. I want to learn to surf, see the Great Wall of China, and I’d love to see Tokyo. England is just cool in general. I’d love to see London!

Thanks, Megan! I love that you based a book off of a dream..how neat! And I'm taking a girl's trip to Hong Kong and Tokyo this summer...you're more than welcome to come along!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: W. Bruce Cameron

I am honored to host W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog's Purpose, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.  I read this book last week and L-O-V-E-D it!  In fact, it's my favorite book so far this year!  If you want to read my review, go here.

I asked him what he did when he's not writing.

I find that writing can be broken down into several phases, such as panic, loathing, and screaming. When I’m in the middle of writing a book, I need to take time “for myself,” meaning, I need to be lazy and unproductive. Sometimes, the lazy and unproductive phase of writing consumes about 90% of my time, and then I have to nap.


When I’m not writing, I like to save mankind, explore outer space, and cure diseases. Since I haven’t actually done these things, it must mean that I’m never not writing. That’s certainly how it feels: I came up with the plot and characters for A Dog’s Purpose while driving with my then girlfriend up the coast of California. We stopped at a rest area, she went into get coffee, and when she came out, I said, “sit down, I have a story I want to tell you.” The whole novel downloaded into my brain as if straight from a DVD, so that even though I was driving, I was, well, writing.


I was hiking with that same girlfriend along the Hogback Ridge in Golden, CO when I got the idea that became my novel Emory’s Gift. What occurred to me was that we were way up high and could see everything, from Boulder in the north to Castle Rock in the south to Kansas in the east, and that after a few hours we’d be in the car driving through the canyon and able to see very little except what was out the windshield. I decided I wanted to write a book about that conflict between having so much revealed and then going back to seeing so little. In Emory’s Gift, something happens that, if you consider the larger consequences, is hugely profound and lends a whole new perspective to life, yet for Charlie, the 13-year-old protagonist, life is only about surviving Jr. High.


So even when I’m not sitting in front of the computer, I’m writing. My head is always plugged into a flow of stories and characters and events and plots flowing past in a continual river.


Even telling the stories to that girlfriend seems like writing—she’s a writer herself, and her questions, feedback, and suggestions often mold the books as I’m pitching them to her.


Now, I don’t only talk about the books in my head to her. Sometimes I change the subject, as when I asked her to marry me and she said yes. (Actually, what she said was, “are you kidding?” but eventually it turned into a yes.) She’s the love of my life, my writing partner and best friend, so maybe when I’m “not writing” I’m just being with her. That’s why she’s my “then girlfriend” instead of my “now girlfriend,” because the wedding gave her a promotion. It’s fun, though, to know that whatever we’re doing, I can turn to her and say, “hey, I have a story idea I want to run past you.”


Well, maybe not whatever. I can think of a few things where if I said that it would sort of spoil the mood, if you get my drift.


I never wanted to do anything but write, so now that it’s my full time job, it is as if my hobby is supporting me financially. I’d probably do nothing but write if it weren’t for my then-girlfriend now-wife, who drags me from my daydreams back to reality every once in awhile just to make sure I recognize the difference.


So there’s my answer: when I’m not writing, I’m writing. Except for when I’m not.

Thank you so much for joining us W. Bruce Cameron!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Heather Davis

I am honored to host Heather Davis, author of Wherever You Go, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I got to ask Jason, a character in Wherever You Go, some of his preferences!

1) Dog or Cat? I don’t have a pet but I like both.



2) Air or water? Water. I like to sail.


3) Day or night? Day.


4) Ocean or mountain? Ocean.


5) Hot or cold? Hot.


6) Cake or ice cream? Cake.


7) Bookworm or TV couch potato? Bookworm.


8) Disney or Universal? Neither. These places don’t interest me.


9) Junk food or healthy food? Healthy food.


10) Shop in stores or online? Store.


11) Desktop computer or laptop? Laptop - Mac


12) Email or snail mail? Snail mail.

Thank you so much for joining us Jason, and Heather!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog & Giveaway!: Wendy Delsol

I am honored to host Wendy Delsol, author of Frost (Stork #2), on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

Thank you to Andrea at So Many Books, So Little Time for having me. To be clear, the answers below are my own and NOT from the POV of my main character, Katla Leblanc. We’re so very different that probably not a single answer would be the same. And she’d probably have a snarky comment, or two, about some of my responses.


Sweet or salty?
If it’s what I like to eat, then sweet. I’m a sucker for anything lemon/lime: lemon bars, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie (which, as a girl, I used to request instead of cake for my birthday treat), etc.
If you’re asking about my personality, a little of both

Dogs or cats?
Cats. I’ve never owned a dog. Growing up, I had a cat named Tinkerbell. Our family now has a cat named Valentine. She kind of has the personality of a dog, however. She’s affectionate to the point of needy.

Coke or Pepsi?
Neither. I rarely drink soda of any kind. My parents only let us have pop on weekends so it wasn’t something I had often as a child. In my teens and twenties the diet drinks were so perfectly awful (anyone remember Tab?) that I never acquired the habit.

Hard copy of books or electronic copy of books?
I’ve yet to read a book on any type of e-reader, thus definitely hard copy. I spend so much time on my computer writing during the day that this has more to do with eye fatigue than an aversion to new technology.

Color pictures or black and white pictures?
Hmmm. Probably black and white. Next to the bed in our master bedroom is a wall of family pictures, all in black and white. There are four generations of photos, many date back to when black and white was the only option.

Cake or ice cream?
Ice cream. Baskin-Robbins’ chocolate peanut butter is my favorite flavor.

Hot dog or hamburger?
Burger. If it’s an option, patty melt.

Fab 5 Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto) or Disney Princesses (Cinderella, Bella, Snow White, Ariel, etc.)?
Princess, all the way. Girl Power!

Watching movies in movie theatre or at home?
I watch more movies at home these days. Having said that, there’s nothing like seeing a “big” movie on the screen. The last movie I saw at the theatre was The Help. Loved it. Loved the book, too.

Country music or Hip hop music?
Country. My two teen sons will give me major eye rolls for this confession, however.

McDonalds or Burger King?
Neither willingly. If we’re on the road and fast food is the only option, then I’m more likely to suggest Subway or Quiznos’.

Stay up late or get up early?
Stay up late, definitely. The alarm clock is evil incarnate.

Left-handed or right-handed?
I’m right-handed. Here’s an interesting fact. While writing Stork, I injured my right arm and was forced to type (and even write long-handed) with my left. Since then I’ve stumbled across brain studies that suggest using your non-dominant hand can lead to increased creativity. By exercising the other side of your brain, you force the two hemispheres to create new synapses or connections.

Thanks Wendy!  And I agree about girl power and that the alarm clock is evil!!!

Also, thanks to Wendy, I have one copy of Frost to giveaway!
To enter, fill out the form HERE!


~U.S. or Canada only
~contest ends on October 27th at 11:59pm EST
~ extra entries
+1 blog follower
+1 leave link to contest on twitter
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+3 leave link to contest on blog

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Catherine Ryan Hyde

I am honored to host Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Second Hand Heart, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked Catherine to list her top ten vacation spots that she's been to.  And she was even nice enough to put links to her photo galleries from each location (I'll include one picture for each too!)

#1 Machu Picchu



I backpacked from a trailhead outside Cusco to the monument, meeting my mother there (she came up on the train). It had been a dream trip for both of us. I’m not usually a history buff, but this place is amazing. An ancient city in the clouds. With llamas. What’s not to like?

http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100036

#2 Back-to-back cruises in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas


I had a chance to take these cruises as a speaker (just for the cost of airfare and extras). Otherwise I doubt I could have afforded a trip like this. Some of the highlights were Rome, Venice, Tunisia, the Greek Island of Santorini, Athens. I’d never been on a big cruise ship (not so much my thing, it turns out) and I’d never been to Europe. Memorable trip!


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100114

#3 The Grand Canyon


One of my absolute favorites. I’ve hiked the Canyon three times now to really breathe it in, and I’m going back in early December. Staying a couple of nights at Phantom Ranch (at the bottom). It’s a real trial climbing out, but so worth it! There’s just nothing else quite like it.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100106

#4 Bryce Canyon


Just got back from my second time there. Otherworldly. Not sure what else to say about the colors, the shapes. If you haven’t seen a hoodoo, it’s a tricky thing to describe. That’s why I always bring back plenty of photos. The first time I was there, I hiked the Peekaboo Loop. This time, the Fairyland Loop. Both amazing!


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100154


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100642

#5 The Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast


About a year ago I took a long motor home trip up through Central Oregon, along the Columbia River Gorge, and then down the coast all the way to home. The waterfalls along the gorge were amazing, and Highway 1 from Northern Oregon was scenic beyond belief. I love Big Sur, and my local Highway 1, and I’m not saying it was better up there… but it was different, and the views just went on and on. Love waterfalls, love rugged coastlines. Good for the soul.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100272


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100282

#6 India


I traveled to Rishikesh in 2005 to meet with a Swami who was a big Pay It Forward fan. Stayed at an ashram for about two weeks. The trip was life-changing and unforgettable, but I have to say that India is an acquired taste. There are wild monkeys everywhere, the poverty is horrifying, the sanitation all but non-existent. It took me awhile to adjust. But then I could definitely feel the way the area had gotten under my skin (in a good way). It pushed me over the edge into a Yoga and meditation practice, and I still have those to this day. That, the photos, and some very adventurous memories.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100023

#7 Yosemite


I feel fortunate to live so close. I can drive there comfortably in a morning or afternoon. As a result, I’d guess I’ve been there maybe ten times or more. I’ve hiked Half Dome (though I chose not to go all the way up the cables), I’ve done Cloud’s Rest from the Valley (the longest and highest day hike I ever did). I got “lightning-ed out” of a hike over the Panorama Trail last fall, and hope to make that up next month, weather permitting. The first link to the photos below is Yosemite in Winter, because I think it’s at its most beautiful then. I’m also including a May trip.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100139


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100424

#8 Zion National Park


Great hiking. A shuttle system that drives you through the valley and drops you off at all the best sights and trailheads. There’s an epic hike you can do through the Narrows, but the wading aspect and the specter of flash floods have caused me not to try it. So far. But I’ve hiked all but the last horrifying cap of Angel’s Landing, the Overlook Trail, the Watchman Trail, Emerald Pools. It’s just a spectacular park.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100142

#9 The Wave


This is a little-known spot. I found it by searching online for world-class hikes. It’s an acre or so of red rock sandstone in the most amazing wave-like pattern. You have to see pictures of it to really get why it’s so special. It’s located in Coyote Buttes North, the Vermillion Cliffs area of BLM land. Right on the state line separating Arizona and Utah. To get to the trailhead, I had to drive my motorhome about 5 mph down a 20-mile dirt road with ruts deep enough to take out my exhaust or sewer pipe. But it was worth it. It was a hike unlike any other.


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100325

#10 Cambria, CA


Okay, this is not so much a place I’ve visited. It’s more a place I live. But it is a really nice vacation spot. Just a quick drive north from Morro Bay, where the estuary makes for great kayaking. Just a bit south of the southern gate of the Big Sur Coastline. Doesn’t get much better than that. I just happen to be very fortunate to live in a town that many people consider a vacation spot. Every day I take a walk by the ocean on Moonstone Beach Drive. It’s like being on vacation all the time. (Except I still have to get my work done.)


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100214


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100640


http://gallery.me.com/catherineryanhyde#100475

Wow!  These places are GORGEOUS!  (I especially liked The Wave!) I'm so jealous you've been to all of them!  Thanks for sharing!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Jen Nadol

I am honored to host Jen Nadol, author of The Vision, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked Jen about what books her character, Demetria would pick to read.  Here's what she said

Demetria’s kind of hard to pin down as you’ll see when you read the book, but I’m pretty sure her nightstand would be well stocked with romance (back home, that is…I’m not sure they let you bring books to the mental ward).

My own reading tastes are a bit darker, so I might need some help with this one, but here’s my best guess…

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I haven’t read this one yet, but have heard great things about it and most reviews include the word “swoon”. Right up Demetria’s alley.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain. Good girl rescues bad boy, true love, mystery. I really liked this and Demetria would too.

Anything written by Sarah Dessen. I haven’t read any of her books yet (for shame, I know!), but there are at least five on them on a Best YA Romance list I found. I’m guessing Dessen would be a staple for Demetria.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Of course!

And I’m not sure Demetria would actually read these two, but I’m going to throw them out there anyhow:

Tess of the d’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy –innocent girl only wants love, but bad luck and bad decisions put her in one unfortunate situation after another. Not a happy story, but one I think Demetria would understand.

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen, A memoir about a teenage girl’s time in a mental institution

Feel free to add to my romance list…what amazing books did I miss?

Ooh!  Great list!  I've loved Anna and the French Kiss, The Dark Divine, and the Twilight books!  Thanks for stopping by, Jen!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Kiki Hamilton

I am honored to host Kiki Hamilton, author of The Faerie Ring, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked her several questions about her beautiful cover!

1) What is your favorite part of the cover?


I love every part of my cover! I love the glowing ring, I love how vague Tiki’s face is, I love the swirling font of the title, I love the snowflakes, I love the mystery, I love the colors—I love it all!! But if I had to pick one thing, I think that I love that the very subtle design of Tiki’s birthmark on her wrist is braided like a Celtic knot. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you read the story, then you can flip back and see it.

2) What kind of input did you have on the cover?

I actually got to have a lot of input of my cover – for which I am very grateful. Susan Chang, my awesome editor, asked me for my thoughts from the very beginning. I shared my ideas and she shared hers and then Seth Lerner, the oh-so-talented Art Director at Tor, put together this beautiful cover, which I think is perfection! There are things about the cover that you won’t necessarily notice until you read the story, then you can flip back and go ‘oh yeah – I see that now.’

3) Did you get to pick the model?

I did not pick the model, but I did give a description of what Tiki looked like, including the birthmark on her wrist and I think they nailed it perfectly.

4) How did you decide whether to have a real picture on the cover versus a drawing?

I didn’t have any input on real vs. drawn but I think they did a wonderful job of combining both elements to provide all the necessary details.

5) If you could change one thing about the cover, what would it be?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I think it reflects the story perfectly!!

Thanks Kiki!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Christine Seifert

I am honored to host Christine Seifert, author of The Predicteds, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.

I asked Christine what her favorite books were favorite books were growing up.

Reading has always been an important part of my life; I can’t imagine what life must be like without books. What would you do on long car trips? Before bed? In the morning when you are eating breakfast or blow-drying your hair? Between appointments or in line at the post office? What do you do during the commercials? Or when you’re relaxing at the beach or on a hammock? Honestly, it’s an utter mystery to me. Books have been my constant companion since before I was old enough to actually read them. There were times in my life when I had less time for them, but I never forgot about them. And now, when I look back, most of my important memories are colored by the books I was reading at the team. 


When I was five, I was anxious, timid, and painfully shy. Curious George delighted me precisely because he had none of those problems. I also had severe asthma as a child and zillion allergies, so I spent much of my time at the doctor. George’s positive experiences at the hospital—and his fearlessness—made me less afraid. And, come one, that part where he swallows the jigsaw puzzle piece is riveting!


When I was eleven, I couldn’t get enough of Judy Blume’s books. I was especially fond of the Fudge series, probably because Peter and Fudge and the gang lived such different lives than I did. Living in an apartment building with a doorman in Manhattan is about as far from Fargo, North Dakota as you can get. Judy Blume helped me to understand that there was a big world out there, one that I wanted to experience.


At eleven, I was also a fan of books about camp, probably because I never went to a sleep-away camp (and wouldn’t have been brave enough, even if there had been one in the vicinity of where I lived). Laura’s Luck by Marilyn Sachs was my absolute favorite book about camp, followed closely by Love, Betrayal, and Hold the Mayo by Francine Pascal. I’m long past camp age, but I still secretly really want to go.


Eleven was also the year that I found the Sweet Valley High books. I was pretty convinced that high school was going to be just like it was for Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. (It wasn’t). I should’ve savored sixth grade more. Once junior high started, there was no more SSR (sustained silent reading). What I wouldn’t give for my employer to implement SSR now! (Hmmm, must write proposal immediately.)


When I was sixteen, I discovered VC Andrews. I read Flowers in the Attic so many times, I practically had it memorized. And Heaven was a close second. Something about the melodrama of those books—the utter cruelty of the one-dimensional villains and the innocence of the victims—delighted me. I think sixteen is an age when we need to believe that there’s justice in the world. VC Andrews’ books might’ve been filled with gruesome (and, let’s be honest, pretty kinky) events, evil is always transparent and goodness always prevails (you know, after twenty-plus years of suffering).


When I was twenty, I was a junior in college, the year I decided to study literature. It was that year that I started reading the classics, not just because somebody made me do it (as in high school) but because I really wanted to. I loved Flannery O’Connor’s short stories, Fitzgerald, Wharton, and Steinbeck. That critical year propelled me toward advanced degrees in English (though I still snuck VC Andrews when nobody was looking).


It seems like there’s an explosion of great books now, especially YA books. When I was a kid, I would’ve adored all of these epic series we’re seeing. I also think I would have been a particular fan of Sarah Dessen’s books. I wish I could travel back in time and tell my younger self about the Kindle. It would totally blow my adolescent mind!


The beauty of YA books is that we’re never too old for them. The inner young adult lives in all of us, and I can still enjoy these great books now. And you know what’s even better about reading these books when you’re old? No more bedtimes. I can stay up as late as I want!


So what are your pivotal books from your childhood/teen years? Do they still resonate with you?

Wow!  We seem to have a lot of books in common that we read while growing up!  Sweet Valley was my go to choice.  I loved the Twin, High, Senior, Year and University (and I even read the new one that recently came out!)  And then I loved V.C. Andrews.  There was something so wrong about the books, but they were addicting.  And now I'm back to YA.  Love it!

Thanks for joining us Christine!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Heather Terrell

I am honored to host Heather Terrell, author of Eternity, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour. She answered as Ellie, the main character in Eternity.  I asked her to pick "This or That".

1) Sweets or salty foods? Sweets. She loves her desserts, as Michael so smartly noticed on their first date.

2) Cake or ice cream? Ice cream, although she likes cake a lot too.

3) Dogs or cats? Dogs.

4) E--books or hard copies? Hard copies. She is old school.

5) Romance books or horror books? Romance books, if she had to pick one of these two. She’s had enough horror lately.

6) Country music or hip hop music? Neither really, but if pressed, she’d pick country.

7) Night owl or early bird? Night owl, if she’s allowed to be one.

8) Movie in theater or movie at home? Movie in the theater. Always.

9) Girly girl or tomboy? A mix of both.

10) Coke or Pepsi? Coke.

11) Neat or messy? Neat.

12) McDonalds or Burger King? Burger King, if she was desperate.

I am old school too, because I prefer hard copies!  If you're interested in knowing more, visit Heather Terrell's website!  Thanks for joining us, Heather!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Carrie Harris

I am honored to host Carrie Harris, author of Bad Taste in Boys, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.  I got the chance to ask Carrie what she does when she's not writing.

Before I sold my book, I spent a lot of time daydreaming about what it would be like to be an author. (Admittedly, if I’d spent less time daydreaming and more time WRITING, I might have found out a lot sooner.) Would people actually want my autograph? Would anyone ever recognize me out in public? Would anything change? Were the rumors true, and did my book deal come with a free sparkly vampiric pool boy?

Sadly, it didn’t. But I’m holding out hope that he might arrive when book 2 hits the shelves.

But really, my life is pretty much the same as it was before. People have asked for my autograph, which is surreal, especially when you open up the cover and realize you have no idea what to write. I think I signed my first book, “May the brains be with you—Carrie Harris,” because I figure you can’t go wrong with a zombie Star Wars reference, and I’m hoping someone will take the hint and give me a lightsaber. People ask me to do interviews and give them writing advice, and that’s pretty surreal. In real life, I’m the kind of girl who you hunt down when you want to know random bits of useless medical trivia or need a name for your new zombie penguin. I’m not the girl you go to when you need to know something, you know, useful.

See, when I’m not writing or doing something related to writerdom, you can find me doing the same things I’ve always done. Usually, that means something that solidifies my geek cred. Yes, I parent and clean the house and things like that, but I also spend way too much time searching for the perfect zombie wallet. (Found it—and it turned out to be my Mother’s Day present.) I crochet ninjas. I make baked goods in the shape of supernatural beasties. I like to swim, which sounds comparatively normal until you realize that I’m in the habit of impersonating merpires when I do so.

A merpire = a vampire + a merperson. They drag their baby pools into your bedroom to watch you sleep. So if you hear a sloshing sound coming from your carpet in the middle of the night, you’ll be prepared.

And then, after a long day of baking cupcakes shaped like skulls and swimming back and forth in the pool yelling, “SLOSH SLOSH SPARKLE SPARKLE,” I go back to my computer, where someone has emailed me to ask for writing advice. I guess the best thing I can tell you is to be yourself. Because it CAN happen, even if you’re a monster-obsessed crazy person.

Trust me. I know these things. Anybody want a cupcake?

Carrie, you seriously crack me up!  And yes, I'd love a cupcake!

The Teen Book Scene: Guest Blog: Suzanne Young

I am honored to host Suzanne Young, author of A Need So Beautiful, on my blog today as part of a Teen Book Scene Blog Tour.  I got the chance to ask Suzanne one of the questions I had.

How did you come up with the names for your characters?

When writing a book, I’m rarely set on a name from the start. For A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL, Charlotte’s name was originally Sara. After a few chapters I switched it, first to Elise, and then to Charlotte. Monroe Swift was originally Lincoln, and Alex—her foster brother—was originally Theo. The only name I knew from the beginning was Harlin. It just sounded right.

To truly name my characters, I have to learn their voice first. I can write a synopsis with names and then as I start the manuscript, I might change them completely and confusing my friends. I have to feel a connection with the name—something that ties it to that character’s behaviors.

Now when I start writing, I often look up old fashioned baby names so that I can grab something with personality. Next book, look for an Elise and an Abraham. At least for now…

Thanks Suzanne!  Here is my review of A Need So Beautiful.

Class of 2k11 guest post-- Christina Mandelski

Over the next little while (honestly not sure how long it will be), I will be posting guest blogs by authors from the Class of 2k11! I am so honored to be doing this!

Each author will be talking about who they would cast in the movie version of the book.
 

Next is Christina Mandelski, author of The Sweetest Thing.  I just revewied the book yesterday.  You can read it here.
 
Here's a summary of her book from Goodreads:
 

In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems - only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.


Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.

And who would Christina cast in her movie?

Isn’t it every author’s dream to create a beautifully written story – to pull readers into the pages and take them on a journey that they won’t soon forget? It’s all about the literature, right? Um … yes, that’s true, of course. But, if we’re being honest, at some point in the writing process certain authors might allow themselves to expand on that dream. You know, dress it up in Prada heels and sequins and take its picture under the HOLLYWOOD sign?

In other words, we might wonder … what if they turn my book into a movie?


You’ve probably already gleaned that I’ve done a little fantasizing myself. I’ll admit it. And while my debut young adult novel, THE SWEETEST THING, may never make it to the big screen, I’m ready, just in case. Would you like to meet the cast? I’m still waiting on a few of them to return my calls, but another thing we writers have is patience. I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.


So without further ado … the fantasy cast of THE SWEETEST THING:

Sheridan (aka Cake Girl) Wells, fifteen year old cake decorating prodigy, hapless romantic and disgruntled daughter will be played by talented newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. She’s nominated for an Oscar for her role in True Grit, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind expanding her resume while making some spectacular cakes and kissing cute boys.

For bad boy Ethan, I discovered (well, okay, he was probably already discovered) the uber hot Alex Pettyfer, who is starring in the upcoming movie I am Number Four. He’s also, I hear, vying for a role in The Hunger Games. He can go ahead and work on that little movie too, if he must.

Best friend and nice guy Jack’s role goes to Jeremy Mockridge, who as far as I can tell only works in Germany. But I saw this picture and thought – “It’s Jack!” I’m hoping this movie will finally give him the big American break he’s been looking for. You’re welcome, Jeremy.

Mean girl Hayley goes to Taylor Momsen, formerly of Gossip Girl, who has that nasty look down so well. I’m mean, look at her, she’s got “cat fight” written all over her.

Sheridan’s dad, Donovan, is a superstar chef and budding reality TV star. He’s played by one of my personal favorites, Josh Duhamel. Maybe he’s a little young, but I’ll take any excuse to stare at a picture of him, so there he is.

And Nanny, Sheridan’s feisty baker grandma, naturally, is played by the indomitable Kathy Bates. If you can get past her memorable role as a psycho fan in Misery, she’ll be ideal.

So there you have it, my dream cast for The Sweetest Thing. Oh, and if you go and see it, look for me because I’m going to insist on a cameo. I’ll be the one in sequins and Prada heels, standing next to Josh Duhamel.





While reading this I was thinking, yeah, I can see these people as the characters but I had to look up Jeremy Mockridge.  And when I saw him, I immediately thought "Omigosh!  That is the PERFECT Jack!!"

The Sweetest Thing was released today!

Class of 2k11 guest post-- Carrie Harris

Over the next little while (honestly not sure how long it will be), I will be posting guest blogs by authors from the Class of 2k11!  I am so honored to be doing this!

Each author will be talking about who they would cast in the movie version of the book. 

Up first is Carrie Harris, author of Bad Taste in Boys.

And here's the summary of her book from her website:

Someone’s been a very bad zombie.

Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will the experience look good on her college apps, she gets to be this close to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except . . . the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating . . . zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend . . . not even Kate . . .

It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.

And who would Carrie cast in her movie?

It’s confession time—I haven’t exactly dreamt about turning BAD TASTE IN BOYS into a movie, but I might have dreamt about turning it into a Buffyesque TV show. With cameos by Spike. And Angel. And Buffy. Heck, can we just take clips from Buffy and mix them all up and do that show all over again, only with zombies? That would make me happy.

While we’re at it, I’d really love to own a unicorn.

But if the Buffy thing isn’t possible (PLEASE, JOSS WHEDON!!! WITH UNICORNS ON TOP!), I’ve got backups. Here’s who I’d cast in my dream production of BTIB:

Kate Grable is the kind of girl I’d like to hang out with. But then again, I’m a big fan of random bits of inappropriate medical trivia, self-deprecating humor, and atrocious zombie theories. I wanted an actress who could pull off her humor but still be accessible, and zombie slaying experience was a big plus. That’s why I think Abigail Breslin of Zombieland would be a perfect choice.

And then there’s love interest Aaron Kingsman. Aaron’s a jock, but he’s not very good at it. He’s led the Bayview Bantams to a no-scoring season when the book starts. But we love him anyway because he’s adorbs, and smart, and funny, and kind, and did we mention adorbs? So for this one, I drew on my copious Disney Channel watching experience and went for Gregg Sulkin of Wizards of Waverly Place fame. Because let’s face it, Alex Pettyfer cannot play EVERY hot guy in a YA adaption.

Then there’s younger brother Jonah. Jonah is an uber-geek. He dresses up as the Bayview Bantam—a cheerleading chicken. He’s the kind of kid who wears rubber elf ears to school and carries around swords made out of PVC, but that doesn’t stop him from manning up when his sister is in trouble. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am totally TEAM JONAH, so I wanted someone BIG to play him.

Yes, that’s Justin Bieber in a chicken suit. I’d go to a movie to see that. Wouldn’t you?

Umm, yes, yes I would!  Visit Carrie Harris's website to learn more about her and Bad Taste In Boys.