YA Connection
Week of September 13-19
The YA Connection is a collaborative column collected by Kristi (The Story) and Steph (Reviewer X). In it can be found links from around the YA blogosphere, including, but not limited to, contests links, author blog links, review links, and miscellaneous news pertaining to the age group. Also, Kristi and Steph hold weekly contests accompanying the column, as well as a book and author spotlight.
If you're a blogger, author or publicist looking to have your links added, please email me. Any book donations for giveaways are also greatly appreciated. Please note that the spotlights are not up to suggestion, but rather decided by both Kristi and Steph.
Don't forget to head over to Steph's blog Reviewerr X and sign up for this weeks contest. The secret word this week is poppycock. For all the information on how to enter head over to Reviewer X!
Contests
Here is a compiled list of some of the contest We've come across! Please be sure to check the official guidelines and deadlines!
Claudia Gray (Evernight) is having a contest for a copy of The Immortal! It's a vampire anthology, from various YA vamp authors! I know I really want a copy!
C.K. Kelly Martin (I Know It's Over) is giving away a copy of her novel I Know It's Over.
Words Speak Volumes is having a contest for a copy of The Elite by Jennifer Banash.
Debbie Reed Fischer (Braless in Wonderland) is giving away a copy of her new novel Swimming with the Sharks.
Bookluver Carol is having a your choice Contest. Head over to her blog for more info! She's also having a contest for a signed copy of Wish You Were Here by Catherine Clark.
Liv at Liv's Book Reviews is having a contest of a copy of Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell.
Harmony Book Reviews is giving away a signed copy of Sleepless by Terri Clark.
If you have a contest going on, please let me know and I'll post here for today! Sorry if I missed anyone!
Author Musing
Alexa Young (Frienemies) likes big nuts!
P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Chosen) have a new website for their vampyre series. It is really neat. You can upload a picture of yourself and add the vampyre tattoos, they also have character bio's with pictures, very neat!!
Visit Author2Author! It's hosted by 5 authors at varies stages in the writing careers. Lisa Schroeder (I Heart You, You Haunt Me), Kristina Springer, Deena Lipomi, Emily Marshall, and Kate Fall.
Amanda Ashby (Zombie Queen of Newbury High) changed her background!! She's also helping out at her local library and she mentioned something about maybe having a contest for some zombie survival kits!!
E.Lockhart (How To Be Bad)shares her choices for the funniest novels ever!
Jenny O'Connell (Local Girls) got her hair cut!
Maureen Johnson (Suitte Scarlett) started a site called YA for Obama. It officially launches Sept. 22.
Simone Elkeles (Leaving Paradise)posted about a very cute conversation with her son, over at Books, Boys, Buzz hosted by: Donna Sarkar-Mishra (How To Salsa in a Sari), Heather Davis (Never Cry Werewolf), Marley Gibson (Sorority 101), Simone Elkeles (Leaving Paradise), Stephanie Hale (Twisted Sisters), Tina Ferraro (How To Hook a Hottie) and Tera Lynn Childs (Oh. My. Gods.).
Regina Scott (La Petite Four) and Marissa Doyle (Bewitching Season) celebrated the one year mark on their blog NineteenTeen. They also shared reasons why the love the Ninteenth Century!
Tera Lynn Childs (Oh.My.Gods.) was one of the many authors affected by hurricane Ike. She is posting a three part mini series of how it has affected her life.
On Teen Fiction Cafe, Linda Gerber (Death By Latte) posted about getting the lyrics wrong with singing along to a song!! Which I do all the time! She also posted a hilarious YouTube video that you should check out. Teen Fiction Cafe is hosted by Amanda Ashby (You Had Me at Halo), Lauren Baratz-Logsted (Secrets of My Suburban Life), Teri Brown (Read My Lips), Jessica Burkhart (Take the Reins), Liza Conrad (High School Bites), Linda Gerber (Death by Latte), Sara Hantz (The Second Virginity of Suzy Green), Stephanie Kuehnert (I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone), Alyson Noel (Cruel Summer), Kelly Para (Graffiti Girl), Wendy Toliver (Secret Life of a Teenage Siren), Melissa Walker (Violet in Private), and Sara Zarr (Sweethearts).
Justine Chen Headley (Girl Overboard) shares some new events that we can look forward to happening over at Readergirlz!
Heather Brewer (The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd) celebrated Pirate Day by sharing with her readers about The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King.
The Class of 2k8 celebrated author Donna Freitas (The Possibilities of Sainthood)
The Novel Girls is new blog I've discovered. It is hosted by a group of authors, Tracy Madison (A Taste of Magic), Mareen Lipinski (Was It Planned), Lisa Patton (Whistlin Dixie in a Nor'easter), Jillian Cantor (The September Sisters), Lesley Livingston (Wonderous Strange), and Carolyn McTighe (How to Ruin Your Live and Other Lessons from the Fourth Grade). This week they blogged about their quests for agentsand what to do and not to do!
Maggie Stievfvater (Lament) shared a picture of her recent delivery from Flux!
Rachel Vincent (Stray) posted a massive Q & A that she had with her readers.
Ally Carter (Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy) has some great posts about the questions people should be asking about the YA genre: The Wrong Questions --- The Questions No One Asks At All.
Author in the Spotlight
"KELLY PARRA is a Mexican-Filipino-Italian writer. Through her teen years, her nationality was many times a guessing game by new acquaintances and today she often writes her multicultural characters with the same experiences. She debuted into young adult fiction with the Latina novel GRAFFITI GIRL, a Latinidad top pick in 2007. Her next novel is the YA contemporary paranormal, INVISIBLE TOUCH, and will be released in the fall of 2008.
Kelly currently lives somewhere in between dreamland and her hometown in Central Coast California. When not pulling her hair while writing her current novel, she likes to play with her abundance of websites and feed a serious television addiction." http://www.kellyparra.com
Blogger Blurbs
Angieville posted a picture of her bookcase... jealous anyone? And she also reviewed
Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier. "Though some outcomes were fairly predictable, I always appreciate the loyalty Marillier's characters show one another."
Em of Em's Bookshelf reviewed Looking for Alaska by John Green. "Looking for Alaska is why I like teen novels. Miles’ voice is real and he has a way of thinking about the world that is accessible."
Chelsea of The Page Flipper reviewed In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Tempestt of Tempatt reviewed Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez. "This book really hooks you in and then at the end leaves you hanging with an amazing cliffhanger."
Hillary of The Book Reader reviewed Twisted Sisters by Stephanie Hale. "The book was quick paced and fun to read. Anyone would adore these books."
Dominique of The Book Vault reviewed A BFF Novel: The Guy Next Door by Carol Culver and Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott.
The YA YA YAs reviewed I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin. "Know It’s Over is a very character-driven novel, but the writing is so good I wouldn’t be surprised if teens who usually read more plot-heavy books also enjoy it."
Vanessa of What Vanessa Reads reviewed Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. "This was a charming tale of coming-of-age."
May of YA Book Realm reviewed Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott. "Has all the great qualities in a book romance, amazing characters, and an interesting plot!"
The Bookworm at Au Courant reviewed Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers. "The story crawled along and there was barely any breaks or high points from the slowness. Maybe I am an adrenaline junky (I’m not really) but this book was sometimes a pain just to flip the page."
Megan of Simply Books reviewed Death by Latte by Linda Gerber.
YA New York reviewed How to Ditch Your Fairy. "All in all, Justine’s latest is wonderfully enjoyable, hilarious, frustrating, well-written, and just … worth every penny."
Aella of Charybd's Reviews reviewed How Not to be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler.
Lexi of is Another Page is Used reviewed Befor I Die by Jenny Dowhnham. "Ilove this book. Tessa seemed to find herself and what she truly wanted throughout out the book."
Tasha of Another Book Read reviewed Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler. "For me it felt more like a classic chick lit novel. I was disappointed that I couldn't distinguish the characters from each other."
Breanna of B is for Books reviewed The Debs by Susan McBride. "All in all this was just a fabulous book about the lives of four different girls who all want the same thing. Definitely check it out."
Carol of Bookluver-Carol's Reviews reviewed Moonstone by Marilee Brothers. "I liked everything about this book."
From the Corner of Megan's Mind reviewed I Wanne be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert. "This novel has it all – girl strength, great music, and a powerful message."
Book Chic reviewed Death by Latte by Linda Gerber and Switch by Carol Snow.
Hope's Bookshelf reviewed The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer. "This book overall was a good book. It took a while to get into it - I didn't get into it until around pages 50-75."
Just Blinded Book Reviews reviewed The Secret Circle: The Initiation and the Captive by L.J. Smith. "I was so excited to finally get to read some of L.J. Smith's work, but I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with the book."
Kayla of Midnight Twilight's Book Blog reviewed Deadly Little Secrets: A Touch Novel by Laurie Farie Stolarz. "The book played out almost like a really good suspense movie, one where you think you know the ending all along, and then it just sneaks up and surprises you."
Mrs. Magoo Reads reviewed The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson. "I also loved Pearson's writing style. Basically, she doesn't waste words. She cuts straight to the point with no embellishments and no nonsense, showing the reader just where things stand."
Lenore of Presenting Lenore reviewed Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina. "Savvy Girl is a quick read and gives an fascinating inside look at the magazine world (Author Lynn Messina used to work at In Style among other publications) and the life of a lowly intern (yep, a lot of time spent stuffing envelopes)."
Reader Rabbit reviewed Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky. "Now onto the plot. It's good. It's entertaining. And you never know, you could enjoy it too."
Kelsey of Reading Keeps you Sane reviewed All We Know of Heaven by Jacquelyn Mitchard. "Okay, this book has made it to the top of my "Favorites" List. It is so completely amazing, unique, plausible, and, well, lovable."
The Book Muncher reviewed The Emerald Tablet by PJ Hoover. "The interesting and slightly futuristic plot is really what captured and held my interest throughout the book, as well as the twists, riddles, and deception, but the characters could’ve been improved on."
Nicole of Word for Teens reviewed Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. "One of my favorite series EVER. Jacky is such an original, quirky character - you can't help but love her."
Holly of Writer's Block Reviews reviewed Reality Chick by Lauren Barnholdt. "This book is one of those fun, fast reads."
Interviews
This is a new feature that Steph came up with. We'll be posting interviews or guest posts now as well!
Megan of Simply Books interviewed author SarahBeth Carter, author of Meeting Lizzy.
YA New York interviewed Robin Wasserman, author of Skinned.
Gabbi of All FIve Stars interviewed Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Forbidden Daughter.
Kyle of Book Review Manic interviewed Stephanie Kuehnert, author of I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone.
Book~Adorer interviewed Coert Voorhees, author of The Brothers Torres.
From the Corner of Megan's Mind interviewed Dia Calhoun, author of Aria of the Sea and Avielle of Rhia.
Liv of Liv's Book Reviews interviewed Lisa Ann Sandell, author of Song of the Sparrow.
Steph and Kristi's Book Pick of the Week
At Face Value by Emily Franklin
In this modern love story, Cyrano de Bergerac is reinvented as a brilliant and funny seventeen-year-old . . . girl. A tennis champion, straight-A student, and editor of the school paper, Cyrie Bergerac has learned to live with her (ahem) peculiar proboscis. And she's got an armory of witty retorts for every schnoz joke that comes her way. But despite her talents and charm, Cyrie is convinced that no guy—hot or otherwise—would deem her crush-worthy. Certainly not Eddie "Rox" Roxanninoff, who's gorgeous, smart, and genuinely nice to boot!
There's someone else smitten with Rox, too. It's Leyla, Cyrie's pretty yet tongue-tied best friend. Helping Leyla seduce Rox through email provides a wonderful way for Cyrie to express her true feelings. But watching her crush hook up with Leyla may be more than she can take. Will Cyrie find the strength to risk it all—nose be damned—and confess her love?
Our Reviews
Kristi reviewed: Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs by Jen Calonita, War of the Witches by Maite Carranza and Secrets of My Hollywood Life: On Location by Jen Calonita.
Steph reviewed: The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas.
Visitors
These cool people stopped by The Story and commented on a review or post! I just wanted to thank you personally for stopping by! This is by far my longest list ever! Thanks everyone! I also listed it a little bit different. Do you like the long list, or should I go back to the paragraph style?
Liviania from In Bed With Books.
Melissa Walker author of the Violet Series.
BookDevourer from Fallen Penguin.
Erin Dionne author of Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies.
Book~Adorer from Book~Adorer Forever Reading.
WannabeWriter an awesome reader and regular visitor!
Shooting Stars Mag a blog full of music, books and fun
Reader Rabbit from Reader Rabbit: A Book Site.
Jillian Cantor author of The September Sisters.
Kristina Springer a soon to be published author!
P.J. Hoover author of The Emerald Tablet.
Steph from Reviewer X.
Khyrinthia from Frenetic Reader.
Amee of The Chick Manifesto.
Harmony of Harmony Book Reviews.
Kelsey of Reading Keeps You Sane.
softindierocker an awesome reader and regular visitor!
Ladytink_534 from the Movieholic & Bibliophile's Blog.
Chelsie from Read, Read, Read.
Diana Dang from Stop, Drop and Read.
Breanna from B is for Books.
Carol from Bookluver-Carol Book Reviews.
Lauren from Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf.
Book Spot from The Book... Spot.
Trueblu93 from Starry Night.
Yan an awesome reader!
Meredith from Meredith's Musings.
Diana Peterfreund author of Secret Society Girl series.
Evan an awesome reader and new visitor!
Heather from What Was I Thinking.
Book~Adorer from Book~Adorer Forever Reading.
pepsivanilla an awesome reader and regular visitor!
TheBookworm from Au Courant.
Adayla an awesome reader and regular visitor!
Taren from the Chick Manifesto.
Taylor Morris author of Total Knockout: Tales of an Ex-CLass President.
Amanda from The Luscious Literary Muse.
Shana an awesome reader and new visitor!
Heather J. from Age 30+...A Lifetime of Books.
Michele from Michele-- Only one 'L'.
mari from marireads.
mari from Sharon Loves Books and Cats.
sharonluvscats
vanessa church an awesome reader and new visitor!
Alessandra from Out of the Blue.
Kara from World According to Books.
chris from book-a-rama.
Carmen T an awesome reader and regular visitor!
Jessica Secret from The Delicate Genius.
cat from Beyond Books.
Gerb author of Death by Latte.
Em from Em's Bookshelf.
Book Chic from Book Chic.
Hope from Hope's Bookshelf.
Tempestt from Temppatt.
Mrs. Magoo from Mrs. Magoo Reads.
In Other News
The Winner of The Queen Geeks Series is Evie S!! Congrats! You will be getting an email from me sometime today!!
Lauren from Shooting Stars Mag and Chelsea from The Page Flipper have some big news!! Here is the official press release from Chelsea's site...
"There's going to be a fantasticfabulousamazing event running on both mine and Lauren's blogs from October-December, and we're hard at work organizing everything. We're going to be holding a charity event called Leave a Mark, auctioning off "marked up" copies of author's books. Tons of authors are participating, writing notes and post-its all throughout copies of their books.
They'll be auctioned off on both of our blogs throughout these months, and believe me, you WON'T want to miss it.
The best part is that 100% of the proceeds are going to First Book, a charity that provides low-income families with books. The winners of the auctions will donate directly to the First Book website, sending us a confirmation email before we ship off their book.
So. Save your money. There are a ton of well-known authors and celebrities participating. (If you're an author wanting to participate, we've still got some spots open, so feel free to email Lauren or I -- thepageflipper@yahoo.com or lauren51990@aol.com)"
I also want to say congrats to all the winners for BBAW!!! Sadly The Story did not win "Best YA Lit. Blog" but congrats to Bookshelves of Doom!!