I am so, completely busy it’s not even funny. Which, of course, explains my lack of posts lately. Thank God for Debs Interviews.
So that’s my fact. I’m busy. No time to breathe. Some of it is writing-related, most of it is day job-related. And unfortunately, it’s going to stay this way until January. The end of January, probably. Maybe February. January sounds so much better, though.
Because of this, I won’t be able to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. Again! I know! This is the second year in a row. I love NaNoWriMo.
Alas. ‘Twill not happen this year. Maybe next year.
I think I said that last year, though. :)
(reads entry)
I’m so glad my students don’t read my blog (that I know of, anyway). It’s hard to say:
“Do not use fragments. Make sure your sentences are complete and finish your thought.”
when my blog posts are wrought with such nonsense. Do as I say not as I do. :)
I’m busy. That’s a fact. Off to work.
Hope you have a spooktacular Halloween!!
Ugh. An ill attempt at holiday humor. Signing off before I embarrass myself further!
Love,
~Leigh~
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Pam Bachorz is Here!
Hi Everyone! I have another Deb Interview for you!
Today I’m happy to have Pam Bachorz on the blog. Pam is celebrating the debut of her novel, CANDOR, which I’ve heard nothing but AMAZING things about.
First. . . .
About Candor
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.
About Pam Bachorz
Pam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees. Her mother is not happy that Pam’s degrees are stored under her bed.
Pam lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. She likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.
As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that’s just what she’s supposed to say.
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Pam: I loved the ending. It's a twist, and a surprise, so I'm not going to say more!
Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Pam: I'm working on another YA project for Egmont USA. It's too soon to say, I think, what it's about but suffice it to say that I won't be straying all that far from the dark outlook on power and humanity. :)
Me: Who is your writing hero and why?
Pam: I admire people who turn out quality books, one after the other, and are in it for the long haul. Gail Giles comes to mind.
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit Pam at her home on the web: http://www.pambachorz.com/
And . . . CANDOR is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Candor-Pam-Bachorz/dp/1606840126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251759032&sr=1-1
Thank you so much for stopping by, Pam! Congrats on the debut!
Today I’m happy to have Pam Bachorz on the blog. Pam is celebrating the debut of her novel, CANDOR, which I’ve heard nothing but AMAZING things about.
First. . . .
About Candor
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.
About Pam Bachorz
Pam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees. Her mother is not happy that Pam’s degrees are stored under her bed.
Pam lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. She likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.
As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that’s just what she’s supposed to say.
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Pam: I loved the ending. It's a twist, and a surprise, so I'm not going to say more!
Me: What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Pam: I'm working on another YA project for Egmont USA. It's too soon to say, I think, what it's about but suffice it to say that I won't be straying all that far from the dark outlook on power and humanity. :)
Me: Who is your writing hero and why?
Pam: I admire people who turn out quality books, one after the other, and are in it for the long haul. Gail Giles comes to mind.
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit Pam at her home on the web: http://www.pambachorz.com/
And . . . CANDOR is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Candor-Pam-Bachorz/dp/1606840126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251759032&sr=1-1
Thank you so much for stopping by, Pam! Congrats on the debut!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
L.K. Madigan is Here!
Hi Everyone!
Today I’m pleased to have L.K. Madigan on the blog! L.K. is celebrating the debut of her novel: FLASH BURNOUT.
About Flash Burnout
Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.
When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.
In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.
About L.K. Madigan
L.K. Madigan is a writer living in Portland, Oregon, who finds it odd to speak in the third person. Therefore:
Hi. I am married with one son, two big black dogs, hundreds of books, and a couple of beaters, I mean vintage cars.
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
L.K.: This is a hard question, because I really had fun writing the whole book! One of my favorite scenes, however, is when Blake's dad talks to him about birth control.
Me: Awkward!! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
L.K.: I'm working on revisions for my second book, which will be released in Fall 2010. It's a YA fantasy about a surfer girl who finds a mermaid!!
Me: Cool! We’re huge Little Mermaid fans here, so this sounds awesome! And finally: who is your writing hero and why?
L.K. My writing hero is jbknowles. Not only does she shine a light on difficult subjects, her prose is beautiful and breathtaking. I look forward to her blog entries the way I would a new book by a favorite author - her posts can be funny, touching, sad, or thought-provoking ... sometimes all at once! She has volunteered her time to leading writing workshops for women in prison, and she is a wonderfully supportive voice in the online writing community - for both published and unpublished authors. Someday I'm going to meet her, and gush in person. :-)
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit L.K. Madigan at her home on the web: http://www.lkmadigan.com
And . . . FLASH BURNOUT is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Burnout-L-K-Madigan/dp/0547194897/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255841483&sr=1-1
L.K. will be chatting with (the other) Erin tomorrow at: http://bostonerin.livejournal.com
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Congrats on the debut!
Today I’m pleased to have L.K. Madigan on the blog! L.K. is celebrating the debut of her novel: FLASH BURNOUT.
About Flash Burnout
Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.
When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.
In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.
About L.K. Madigan
L.K. Madigan is a writer living in Portland, Oregon, who finds it odd to speak in the third person. Therefore:
Hi. I am married with one son, two big black dogs, hundreds of books, and a couple of beaters, I mean vintage cars.
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
L.K.: This is a hard question, because I really had fun writing the whole book! One of my favorite scenes, however, is when Blake's dad talks to him about birth control.
Me: Awkward!! What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
L.K.: I'm working on revisions for my second book, which will be released in Fall 2010. It's a YA fantasy about a surfer girl who finds a mermaid!!
Me: Cool! We’re huge Little Mermaid fans here, so this sounds awesome! And finally: who is your writing hero and why?
L.K. My writing hero is jbknowles. Not only does she shine a light on difficult subjects, her prose is beautiful and breathtaking. I look forward to her blog entries the way I would a new book by a favorite author - her posts can be funny, touching, sad, or thought-provoking ... sometimes all at once! She has volunteered her time to leading writing workshops for women in prison, and she is a wonderfully supportive voice in the online writing community - for both published and unpublished authors. Someday I'm going to meet her, and gush in person. :-)
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit L.K. Madigan at her home on the web: http://www.lkmadigan.com
And . . . FLASH BURNOUT is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Burnout-L-K-Madigan/dp/0547194897/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255841483&sr=1-1
L.K. will be chatting with (the other) Erin tomorrow at: http://bostonerin.livejournal.com
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Congrats on the debut!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Lauren Bjorkman is Here!
Hi Everyone!
I have another Debs post for you! The fabulous Lauren Bjorkman is here! Lauren is celebrating the release of her debut novel: My Invented Life.
First. . . .
About My Invented Life
Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.
Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.
My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.
Then. . . .
About Lauren Bjorkman
Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, they are still friends. She enjoys making things up, chocolate in large quantities, and anything that makes her laugh. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband, two sons, and a cat that plays fetch.
Now. . . .
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Lauren: Impossible question alert--I suck at picking favorites. I loved writing the romantic scenes, but was totally wrapped up in the sister scenes, too. And using Shakespearean phrases. OK, if I have to pick ... the rehearsal scenes. They were a joy. Oh, wait, what about the scene in the peach orchard?
Me: (lol) What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Lauren: I'm sticking with contemporary, humorous, quasi (but not oh-so)-issue oriented YA for now. Considering a story set in the near future. I would love to write plays.
Me: Who is your writing hero and why?
Lauren: Sherman Alexie. He's an amazing slam poet, writes novels for adults, and then penned a mind-blowingly funny and moving YA.
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit Lauren at her home on the web: http://laurenbjorkman.com/
And . . . MY INVENTED LIFE is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/My-Invented-Life-Lauren-Bjorkman/dp/0805089500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251760019&sr=1-1
Lauren will be chatting with Stacey Jay tomorrow at: http://staceyjayya.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for stopping by, Lauren!
I have another Debs post for you! The fabulous Lauren Bjorkman is here! Lauren is celebrating the release of her debut novel: My Invented Life.
First. . . .
About My Invented Life
Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.
Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.
My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.
Then. . . .
About Lauren Bjorkman
Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, they are still friends. She enjoys making things up, chocolate in large quantities, and anything that makes her laugh. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband, two sons, and a cat that plays fetch.
Now. . . .
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Lauren: Impossible question alert--I suck at picking favorites. I loved writing the romantic scenes, but was totally wrapped up in the sister scenes, too. And using Shakespearean phrases. OK, if I have to pick ... the rehearsal scenes. They were a joy. Oh, wait, what about the scene in the peach orchard?
Me: (lol) What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Lauren: I'm sticking with contemporary, humorous, quasi (but not oh-so)-issue oriented YA for now. Considering a story set in the near future. I would love to write plays.
Me: Who is your writing hero and why?
Lauren: Sherman Alexie. He's an amazing slam poet, writes novels for adults, and then penned a mind-blowingly funny and moving YA.
Me: Awesome!
Readers . . . You can visit Lauren at her home on the web: http://laurenbjorkman.com/
And . . . MY INVENTED LIFE is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/My-Invented-Life-Lauren-Bjorkman/dp/0805089500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251760019&sr=1-1
Lauren will be chatting with Stacey Jay tomorrow at: http://staceyjayya.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for stopping by, Lauren!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How I Spent my Saturday Night
Here:
(This is Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh.)
Listening to this:
AND. . . .
Watching him:
Hearing this:
(sigh.)
Isn’t Bono Awesome?
Both MUSE and U2 put on a fantastic show. Overpaid for concert t-shirts, but don’t care. Learned that cell phones are the new lighters.
Rock On!
Love,
~Leigh~
(This is Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh.)
Listening to this:
AND. . . .
Watching him:
Hearing this:
(sigh.)
Isn’t Bono Awesome?
Both MUSE and U2 put on a fantastic show. Overpaid for concert t-shirts, but don’t care. Learned that cell phones are the new lighters.
Rock On!
Love,
~Leigh~
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sydney Salter is Here!
Hi Everyone!
Today I have Sydney Salter on the blog! Sydney is celebrating the release of her MG novel: JUNGLE CROSSING. I was one of the lucky firsts to read the ARC, and it was fabulous!
You know the routine:
About Jungle Crossing
Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona's minicamp. If she's not there, she'll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she's the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat's parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat's world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?
About Sydney Salter
Sydney Salter's fascination with Mayan culture started when she was six years old and climbed down a steep, dimly lit stone staircase to the elaborately carved tomb of King Pacal who had once ruled Palenque. Visiting Mayan ruins, walking through fragrant Mexican market places, watching women wash clothes in a river, and chasing lizards in the jungle ignited the spark in Sydney's imagination that led to writing Jungle Crossing. Sydney now lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and two dogs. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and traveling—especially to Mexico where she can explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim in underground rivers.
(I’m so jealous of Sydney’s travels!)
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Sydney: I loved writing the ancient Mayan story that weaves throughout the novel. I had so much fun researching Mayan culture and traveling to Mexico that I couldn't wait to create Muluc's adventure.
Me: Me too! The two stories fused together beautifully. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Sydney: I'm working on a new YA project right now. I also have a YA called SWOON AT YOUR OWN RISK coming out in April 2010 so I'm pretty excited about that.
Me: Awesome! Who is your writing hero and why?
Sydney: Madeleine L'Engle. Not only did she show impressive persistence in her writing career, she had a wonderful marriage and family life. I'm trying to figure out that balance right now.
Me: Aren’t we all!
Readers . . . You can visit Sydney at her home on the web: http://sydneysalter.com/
And . . . JUNGLE CROSSING is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Crossing-Sydney-Salter/dp/0152064346/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237326676&sr=1-2
Sydney will be chatting with Neesha tomorrow at: http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sydney!
Today I have Sydney Salter on the blog! Sydney is celebrating the release of her MG novel: JUNGLE CROSSING. I was one of the lucky firsts to read the ARC, and it was fabulous!
You know the routine:
About Jungle Crossing
Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona's minicamp. If she's not there, she'll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she's the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat's parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat's world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?
About Sydney Salter
Sydney Salter's fascination with Mayan culture started when she was six years old and climbed down a steep, dimly lit stone staircase to the elaborately carved tomb of King Pacal who had once ruled Palenque. Visiting Mayan ruins, walking through fragrant Mexican market places, watching women wash clothes in a river, and chasing lizards in the jungle ignited the spark in Sydney's imagination that led to writing Jungle Crossing. Sydney now lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and two dogs. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and traveling—especially to Mexico where she can explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim in underground rivers.
(I’m so jealous of Sydney’s travels!)
On to the Interview!
Me: Without giving away too many spoilers, what is your favorite part of the novel/what was the part you had the most fun writing?
Sydney: I loved writing the ancient Mayan story that weaves throughout the novel. I had so much fun researching Mayan culture and traveling to Mexico that I couldn't wait to create Muluc's adventure.
Me: Me too! The two stories fused together beautifully. What kind of writing projects are you currently working on? Or, if you aren't working on anything new, is there a different demographic/genre you wouldn't mind tackling in the future?
Sydney: I'm working on a new YA project right now. I also have a YA called SWOON AT YOUR OWN RISK coming out in April 2010 so I'm pretty excited about that.
Me: Awesome! Who is your writing hero and why?
Sydney: Madeleine L'Engle. Not only did she show impressive persistence in her writing career, she had a wonderful marriage and family life. I'm trying to figure out that balance right now.
Me: Aren’t we all!
Readers . . . You can visit Sydney at her home on the web: http://sydneysalter.com/
And . . . JUNGLE CROSSING is officially on sale. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Crossing-Sydney-Salter/dp/0152064346/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237326676&sr=1-2
Sydney will be chatting with Neesha tomorrow at: http://neeshameminger.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sydney!
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