Interview with Melissa De La Cruz

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University. She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews. Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, and the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series .She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter. If you want to learn more about Melissa and her books, check out her website: http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/

1. Blue Bloods has a lot of interesting aspects. How did you come up with the many aspects?
I wanted to write an epic fantasy that capsulated a lot of my interests: art history, literature, world history, Paradise Lost, vampires, New York, fashion. I thought it would be fun to write about everything that interested me and as well as subjects in which I had a wealth of great material/research on hand (I used to cover the glittery scene in New York, one magazine assignment asked me to interview people about their private jets). In a way, Blue Bloods is the book I've always been itching to write all my life because so much of me, my life, my experiences, my interests are in the series. Although I don't know any vampires—my editor put that note in my bio as a tongue-in-cheek joke. You can't imagine how many emails I get from kids who want to know if I really know vampires. When I say no I feel like I'm the person telling them there is no Santa Claus.
　
2. The characters in The Blue Bloods series are so realistic. What is your process for developing characters?
Most of my characters come from an aspect of my personality, even the boys are part of me – they have to be to be real. I really try to root my story in reality as much as possible, especially the relationships, because I find it's the most important aspect of the story. They need to feel real, and they start out based on my life, friendships and romantic history, but then the characters have a life of their own, and their own voice and story that takes over.
　
3. You have been written both Contemporary and Fantasy. Which one do you like to write more? Also, does your writing process change over between genres?　
I really enjoyed writing the chick-lit books but I felt a bit burnt out after awhile. I enjoy writing fantasy more because there are more opportunities to make up stuff and take your story someplace it's never been. It's just a lot more fun and more the real "me." I always tell my agent I'm a role-playing LOTR geek dressed up in fashionista clothing. I was a huge reader of fantasy and sci-fi in my youth.
　
4. What do you like most about writing for teens?
I love their enthusiasm and how deeply they get into the story. I was just like that when I was their age. I re-read books constantly, I cried every time Aragorn thinks Frodo is dead in Fellowship of the Ring. I don't think I've ever grown up either, so I really relate to my readers—I feel like I'm just one of them, and I'm writing books that I would have loved at their age. Adults should never condescend to teens, the teens are so much smarter than we are. 　
　
5. What are some of your favorite young adult books?
I absolutely loved The Outsiders and all of SE Hinton's books as a teen, they are huge influences. I also loved Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time (who doesn't love Calvin and Meg). I wanted to be Jo March from Little Women (and I loved the sequel too – Little Men and Jo's Boys – I was and still am a big sequel reader). Sweet Valley High—I could recite the opening line right down to the lavaliers the twins wore! Right now there's so many – but I especially love Elizabeth Scott's Perfect You and Frank Portmann's King Dork.
　
6. How do you think writing for magazines, helped you became an author?
As a writer, you need to learn how to deal with deadlines and rejection, and working professionally with editors. I loved the magazine world and I'm so sad that the industry is failing. Magazines are ruthless – you sink or swim and it teaches you to be sharp and not to take things personally – like your piece not making it in. I would say 50 percent of everything I wrote for a magazine got "killed", which is normal. You develop a thick skin and good instincts for a story.
　 　
7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Sure – Keys to the Repository comes out in May 2010! Lots of fun stuff about the Blue Bloods' world is revealed!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 98/100 or A
Violet can find dead people, well murdered people. She can sense their bodies by an echo left on their body. An imprint is also left on the killer, too. When she was little, she had to bury a graves for animals to find solace in it. As if her powers weren't enough to deal with, Violet has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton. Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town and she realizes that she is the only one that can stop him.
The characters are fantastic. Violet is compulsive, but lovable and relatable. Jay is mysterious, but caring and cute. The killer is well done, he seemed crazy and like someone I wouldn't want to mess with. I liked that there were chapters of inside the killers mind. The plot is amazing. This book is impossible to put down. It was filled with suspense, romance, and action.The setting is awesome. I have been in the area before and it is well described. The Body Finder is really original. I love how the book is presented. Derting makes and amazing debut. I love this book and totally recommend it.

Waiting on Wednesday (38)

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.
This book looks so amazing and I want it so much. I also love the cover.

Books Read In November

Posting this kind of late, but I am ashamed by the lack of books... I totally understand why people don't read as much when they write.
202. Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
203. Jumped by Rita Williams Garcia
204. Lost by Jacqueline Davies
205. Because I am Furiture by Thalia Chaltas
206. Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters
207. Fat Cat by Robin Brande
208. Krama for Beginners by Jessica Blank
209. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
210. The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith

Reviews posted from these books: 2 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 1 books
Books for Review: 7 books
Books borrowed: 0 books
My Favorite: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
My Least Favorite: I am not sure.
Update:
100+ Reading Challenge: 210 read.
V.C. Andrews: Read Good Trash movement: 3 read. 8 to go
Debut Authors '09: 49 read

Random Vlog!

This is a random vlog with writing questions, if you could answer them, you are amazing.

Girl on The Other Side by Deborah Kerbal

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 87/100 or B
Tabby Freeman comes from the richest family in town. She is the most popular girl in school, but honestly, no one really cares for her. Lora Froggett is intelligent, shy, and constantly bullier. Every day, she takes care of her little siblings, because her mother has Multiple Sclerosis and most days she can verily walk. Both Tabby and Lora are in their own world of misery. Slowly, secrets are revealed and these two girls will have to decide, if the secrets have changed them.
I feel as though I have met both of the girls before. I found it interesting, how Kerbel show how complex people can be. I also enjoyed the plot. I feel that it ended too quickly and that it could have been paced a bit better. One of my friend's mom has Multiple Sclerosis and I have seen how much of can effect a whole family. It was a bit original, I liked how Kerbel added family issues to both characters, instead of the basic popular girl vs the unpopular girl story. The writing was pretty good, but I felt that it was better in Mackenzie, Lost and Found. I recommend Girl on the Other Side, to those that like a short book with some complex issues.
Here is a book trailer that Deborah made for it:

In My Mailbox (Week of December 13th)

Books and such that I got:
Some Girls are by Courtney Summers
How It Ends by Laura Wiess
Christmas Card from Zombie Girl.

Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Madeline has been teased for her whole life. She is overweight. She also has to take care of her alcoholic mom and then she meets Tad, who is a McDonald's counter guy. He sees something in her that no one else has. Desiree avoids her neglectful mom, who is too high on pain pills to see that her boyfriend is hitting on her daughter. Desiree just wants to hang out with her boyfriend, Jeremy. Ariel has too many AP classes, a workaholic mom, and her dad is in prison. Her boyfriend, Shane helps makes the worst days better. An unexpected phone call has, Ariel visiting a sick grandma and revealing family secrets. Ariel finds the courage to make the right choices for her future.
As three girls from three different decades lives converge, they discover they are connected ways they could never imagine. Each of them finds strength that brings her closer to healing a painful past, and faith that there is a happier future.
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are such amazing characters that are one of a kind and so amazing. I loved how I could relate to each character and they were so different. Blue Plate Special has such an amazing plot that I enjoyed every part of it. I also liked how the stories connected. It is such an original book that had a lot of unique voices. Kwasney is an amazing writer and I can't wait for her to read more of her young adult novel. I honestly recommend this book to anyone. It is a true page turner and you want to re-read this book, when you are done.

How It Ends by Laura Wiess

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
When Hanna was five years old, her parents were having a hard time. During those times, Hanna would spend her time with her neighbour. Over time, Hanna adopted Helen and Lon as a Grandma and Grandpa. Hanna always wanted to know what was going on, when Helen was her age and Helen would tell her happy stories, because she didn't want to trouble Hanna with what really happened. They would also spend their time, reading books, talking, walking the deer path and taking care of strays. But as Hanna grows older, the inevitable happens, and she begins to spend less and less time with Helen.
Hanna starts her sophomore year at a private school and has fallen head over hell for Seth. She start obsessing over him and even Jesse, who has "FUCK" tattooed on his arm, can make her forget him. Finally, Hanna gets over Seth, but now he wants her. Seth is who she though he was.
Helen is growing older and needs to tell Hanna, what really happened. Hanna also has to do community service and ends up doing it for Helen. Hanna listens to audio book, while taking care of Helen. The audio book has Hanna thinking about passion, sacrifice, and devotion. That is until the book becomes to real to handle.
The characters in How It Ends are so well developed. Hanna is like any other teenager, a bit obsessive and selfish at time, but really has a heart underneath it all. Helen was remarkable and interesting. The plot was really well developed and I enjoyed the many twist and turns that are in this book. You were never sure what was going to happen at times and I had tears coming down my cheeks for the last one hundred pages. How It Ends was such an original book and unlike anything that I have read. Wiess is such a wonderful book. I have enjoyed all of the books that she has wrote to date and can't wait for her next book. I recommend How It Ends to everyone, it an amazing and one of kind book that will touch your heart.

Interview with Lauren Bjorkman

Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat. She met her husband to be in a poetry class at the local junior college. She was a senior in high school then. She went to UC Berkeley and UC Davis, majoring in International Agricultural Development. Secretly, she hoped to be a writer one day. After her first son was born in Honolulu, she quit my job, and pursued my dream. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband and children. Her first book, My Invented Life is in bookstores now.

1. My Invented Life really shows how sister relationships are today, keeping secrets and more distance. Were you inspired by your own sister?
Yes and no. My sister and I were very close growing up. We lived on a sailboat, and shared the tiny foc’sle. So we had to be! When we moved back into a house, things changed. Secrets came between us, and the distance grew. Luckily, we got through it, and became close again.
But Jolene and I are nothing like Eva and Roz. And the secrets and the issues between us were entirely different. When she read My Invented Life, Jolene was a little disappointed that she couldn’t recognize us in the story.

2. I love Eyeliner Andie. I have read that you would love to write a book about her. What would you like to write about her?
Andie is so mysterious. This makes her unpredictable, and a bit dangerous as a close friend. In My Invented Life, I never lay out the reason why she’s this way. She just is. The truth is, I don’t know the answer. I would love to write a story where she’s the main character, and gets peeled layer by layer to her core. Then I would understand her at last.

3. What was your favorite thing about writing about theater geeks?
I was too shy to audition for a play in high school, but I found the whole scene fascinating, and would often attend school plays two nights in a row. In my senior year, I got an “in” to the theater geek crowd and attended their parties. They are a wild lot—uninhibited, talented, and a bit crazy. While writing the novel, I especially enjoyed imagining doing the things I never dared to do.

What are some other plays that you can see Roz in?
Roz would be excellent as Medea in the play called Media by Euripides. Or as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. And though she might not be content in a smaller role, Nathan Detroit’s girlfriend Adelaide would be perfect for her.

4. What is a normal writing day for you?
I write while my kids are at school. After I drop them off, I make myself a cappuccino, pile up snacks on a tray, and go back to bed! Really. I did all my school work in my bunk on the boat, and the habit stuck. I work on a laptop propped up with pillows. When I get excited about an idea, or don’t know what to write next, I get up and pace around.

5. What book(s) are you working on right now?
I’m almost finished with a major revision of my new YA, Miss Fortune Cookie. It will come out in the spring of 2011. It is the story of a friendship triangle gone wrong—with bad advice, teen pregnancy, a Mini Cooper, and fortune cookies. My agent is calling it a Chinese-American Juno.

6. Other then writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to travel to far flung places. Other than that, I gravitate towards quieter activities like sewing, reading, and eating good food. But my daredevil husband has gotten me mountain climbing, kayaking, and camping among Grizzly bears in Alaska. When I do these things, part of the joy is the sheer terror.

7. How did being a part of Class of 2k9 help you with the release of your book?
When I got the book contract, I hadn’t the slightest idea what to do next. Both the Class of 2k9 and the 2009 Debutantes have been enormously helpful and supportive groups. Now I can ask questions and get advice when things go wrong from other authors. The Class of 2k9 focused on marketing, which was great because I didn’t have the faintest idea how to go about it. When I started, I barely knew what a blog was! Now I’m a huge fan of the book blogging community.

8. Is there anything that you would like to add?
My sisters from My Invented Life have started their own advice column, like Dear Abby with a twist. It’s called Ask My Sister—(mostly) good advice for those who dare. And if you write a letter asking for advice, I’ll send you a signed My Invented Life bookmark.
Go here for details: http://laurenbjorkman.wordpress.com/