Book Review: Starcrossed

Starcrossed
Starcrossed #1
Author: Josephine Angelini
Pages: 496 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: May 31st 2011
Review Source: Pitch Dark Books
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Starcrossed is another one to add to your favorites for those of us that love Greek mythology. Now don't think this is your usually story, Josephine created her own twist and turns to her debut novel. This novel is one that I can see on the big screen. Its very cinematic but haunting at the same time. The well described scenes bring you to Nantucket so that you can feel the wind blowing or smell the sea while reading the book. Read this book if you like action, drama, romance, angst, deceit, humor and magic. The characters in the books all connected with me. They feel real and easy to understand. Josephine makes Demi-Gods look good in Starcrossed. I think after you read the book, you will want to try and find your own Lucas. 

Helen live sin Nantucket all her life, she is as boring as they come. She knows there is something different or possibly strange about herself, but she doesn't ever let it come out in front of others. She actually suffers pain when she tends to drop her guard. She begins having these nightmares and then add new residents to the Nantucket, her whole life just takes a turn for the worse. How normal can she be, when she wakes up after having nightmares and her sheets are dirty with dirty. She has no one to talk to and she feels that if she opened up they would lock her up for being mental. Now throw in Lucas and his family and her basically attacking him in school, she has no clue what is going on with her. Now just attacking, its more wanting him dead. So what next, well Helen will have to try and keep herself calm while trying to figure out what is going on. Helen, Lucas, The Fates and a quite a few more Demi-Gods and well you have either the beginning of a War or maybe they can all come to terms and change history. Be prepared for the cliff hangers that will you leaving needing Dreamless now. 

So now you know this is one you want to read now. It was released today so go out and buy it at the store or download for your eReaders. I think buying would be best, look at that beautiful cover. So recap, Greek Gods, Trojan War, Nantucket, and Lucas. Enough Said! 

BEA Recap!

Hi everyone! So I wanted to do a small recap of BEA for everyone. BEA was just a great experience. This is the place to go for those of us that love books and everything that entails with that. I can't wait to return next year and see everyone again. I met quite a few publishers, editors and authors. It was great to be able to put a face with a name. If you have been following me on twitter you know books, were available by the ton. You actually have to make a plan and stick to it as much as possible. Do not get overwhelm and grab everything because then you wont have room to carry it all. You need the plan anyhow because when books are going to be dropped, you want to make sure you are 1st come if not it will be gone in seconds. If its a author signing and a popular one, you also will have to be early to line up to grab a copy and meet the author. Im so glad I listen to those on twitter who told me to take a roller suitcase. I checked it in everyday and during the day I would drop off my books collected, at the end of the day the bag made it real easy to get from Javits to subway station and post office. Honesty by the last day I didnt really grab anymore books. I just walked around and met more people and listen to panels and so forth. 

Now Im sure many saw on twitter or facebook, that there was drama. Honestly I stayed away from any of it, so I cant really say much on it. Line cutting and ARC grabbing was the main issue from what I hear. All that everyone needs to remember is to be courteous to one another. We are all there for the same purpose. 

So look for reviews for the next months from all of us here at OUaT. We will be reviewing everything that I brought home from BEA. 

Teaser Tuesday: 5/31/11 - Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB ofShould Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Yara's Teaser:

"Well, Josh or not Josh, I know you're tired. God knows I know. I know you probably can't hear me, either. But you've got to swim toward those voices. Do you understand?"

pg 12 of 416

Hereafter

Release Date: June 7th 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Review: Wrapped

Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Pages: 320 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: May 24th 2011
Review Source: Simon & Schuster
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history.

Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes.

This novel takes you back to 1815 but you don't really get a strong history lesson, you gloss through. The author delivers romance, history and some adventures. If you love Jane Austen, her work is reference constantly throughout the story by the main character. I feel that the book wad just a bit predictable, you can probably tell who the villain is and also how the story will end. This book should be liked more by MG or young YA readers. Its very lighthearted and easy to read, great book for a novice.

Agnes lives in London and its the year 1815. She begin her season, which means she must attend social events and hope to find her suitable husband. She is invited to a mummy unwrapping party at a very rich and eligible Lord Showalter's house. Now Agnes is not your typical girl who cares about all the hair, makeup and dresses. She rather travel and see the world for herself. So Agnes and her family attend this party and she is chosen to unwrap the mummy and see if she finds any artifacts, which she does and steals. Agnes has no idea that by stealing the artifact, she just opened the biggest door to the greatest adventure she will possibly go thru.

SO who should read this book, I think MG and the younger YA audience. I thought it was a cute fast read, so maybe older audience will enjoy it as well. Its Egyptian mythology meets Historical romance.
 

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by One Persons Journey through a world of Books. Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

Finished:

• Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - Yara
• Heart of Evil by Heather Graham - Trudy
• My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares - Trudy
• Scandal in Scotland by Karen Hawkins - Trudy
• Mishap & Mayhem by M.M. Shelley - Ana
• The Advice Girl by L.A. Shaw - Jenny

Currently Reading:

• Hereafter by Tara Hudson - Yara 
• Ultravoilet by R.J. Anderson - Yara 
• Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh - Trudy
• Redheart by Jackie Gamber - Jenny 
• Destiny by Laura Deluca - Ana

Next in Line: 

• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Yara 
• The Pack by Jason Stabb - Trudy

Strand Tote Bag Giveaway!

So of course I have to share the love with my followers for Strand Book Store in NYC. I was able to go there while in NYC for BEA and bought a extra tote bag and button for one of you to win. 

There is the wonderful prize. So one of you will have the chance to win this cute tote and pin for yourself to take to your book signing or anywhere you like. 

to Enter:

• Fill the FORM
• Ends June June 6th at Midnight
• Only US and CA 

Friday Five: 5/27/11 BEA Edition

It's Friday so that means Friday Five that was inspired by Author Cheryl Renee Herbsman. Our friends at Eve's Fan Garden and Page Turners also partake in this meme. 

Each Friday we will post a question or topic, then respond with our five choices. 

What will be 5 things I do after BEA?

Yara's Answer:

1. Sleep - I know that I will be a bit sleep deprived but it will be all worth it. I can sleep at home.
2. Vlog - I plan to do my first Vlog showing all the goodies I brought back from BEA. Now I need to learn how to post it but Im sure someone will teach me easily. 
3. Eat - why Eat, with all the commotion and stuff, I would have either forgotten to eat or only had junk food.
4. READ - your probably saying read, yes usually on trips I can't concentrate long enough to read at my normal pace which is about 3-4 books a week lately. If I finish one book while at BEA I think its to much. 
5. Write - Write down everything I learned the whole week that is beneficial to me and the blog. 

Now is there something you guys might want me to post or blog about pertaining to BEA, let me know.

Trailer Thursday: (BEA Edition) Witch Eyes

Witch Eyes

Witch Eyes #1

Author: Scott Tracey

Summary: (from goodreads) Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

Keeping the theme of BEA, I chose another book that will show itself at BEA this year. How great is that cover. Hopefully I can snatch a copy up and read real soon.

Book Review: Mishap & Mayhem

Mishap & Mayhem
Author: M.M. Shelley
Pages: 288 pgs
Published: April 3th 2011
Reading Level: YA
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) For centuries magical beings have hidden in the darkness, waiting. Some good, some evil. A battle is brewing, and only twins, Grasiella and Tatiana, have the power to stop it.
A secret that has been kept since the dawn of time is about to be revealed with devastating consequences. It's the summer of the year 2045, and sixteen year old Grasiella, along with her twin sister,Tatiana plan to visit their grandmother in Hawaii. They have no idea that when they arrive on the island of Kauai, they are about to be drawn into a secret, the secret, of their family's dark origins and magical powers.

On the first day of their arrival, their grandmother is accused of a horrible crime involving a faerie. Whispers have spread throughout the islands about the disappearance of a faerie named Sita Knook and her connection to a mysterious group known only as the Cinerians.

Before long, Grasiella and Tatiana are doing battle with ancient races and magical beings. All the while trying to retrieve an ancient stone of power and impress a couple of local surfers, Kana'i and Kye, cousins who have some pretty exciting family secrets of their own. It's pretty serious stuff for two girls who were planning to spend the summer at the beach getting tans, but then that's the trouble with secrets, sometimes they just don't stay buried.

The cover to me represents a lot of what the story is about. I am not sure if it is Tatiana and Grasiella who are on the cover, or just Grasiella, but I like how in the back of the girls is the picture of Mauna Kea, the volcano in the story.

Tatiana and Grasiella are sent to one of the Hawaiian islands to spend the summer of 2045 with their grandmother, who they call “G.” Tatiana and Grasiella know the story about their ancestors and how they came to possess the magic from fairies, but there is more to the story that they haven’t been told just yet. While on the island they meet Kye and his cousin, Kana’i. Soon Tatiana and Grasiella find out that they are not just regular boys, they also have a family secret. One night a faerie shows up at their grandmother’s house telling the twins to give them back Sita Knook. They have no idea what the faerie is talking about. The faerie tells them that she knows they have Sita Knook locked up some where and that bad things would come to them if they don’t hand her over. This is where the journey begins. Tatiana and Grasiella go on an adventure filled withgnomes, gods and goddesses.

Although the plot of the story is really unique and good, the story felt rushed. There were times where I was confused and lost because there was so much going on. But besides that, it is a good book and I did enjoy reading it. What can I say, I’m a sucker for Mystical creatures. The second book should be coming out soon. I will make sure to add it to my “to-be-read-pile.”

Waiting on Wednesday: (BEA Edition)

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Yara's Pick:

Frost

Author: Marianna Baer

Pages: 400 pgs 

Reading Level: YA

Release Date: September 13th 2011

Publisher: Balzer & Bray 

Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders 

Summary: (from goodreads) Leena Thomas's senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate -- confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena's anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena's own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste's brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. FROST is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological...well, which answer would let you sleep at night?

Seriously just for the cover, i would go out and buy this book. How crazy good is it. This book will be at BEA, I'm crossing my fingers I can grab one, because I really want to read it yesterday. 

Book Review: Scandal in Scotland

Scandal in Scotland
Hurst Amulet #2
Author: Karen Hawkins
Pages: 384 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: May 31st 2011
Review Source: Simon & Schuster
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from Amazon) New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins spins an unforgettable tale of a captivating beauty with a secret, a dashing sea captain on a treacherous mission—and the priceless artifact that seals their destiny.

A DESPERATE BEAUTY

Despite fame and countless admirers, actress Marcail Beauchamp has never forgotten William Hurst, the audacious seafarer she once loved . . . and lost. Now, forced by a mysterious blackmailer who threatens her family, she must steal an ancient onyx box from the one man she’s vowed never to see again.

A BOLD ADVENTURER

To save his brother from a ruthless abductor, William must deliver the artifact as ransom. He’s stunned when Marcail, more lovely than ever, suddenly appears on his ship. But when she drugs him and steals the box, his fury knows no bounds.

THE TREASURE EVERYONE WANTS

William pursues Marcail, but too late: she has already delivered the box. The estranged lovers realize they must work together—both to regain the artifact that could mean life or death to his family and to destroy the mysterious blackmailer’s power over her family. Thus begins a high-stakes quest through the reaches of Scotland, a quest that stirs up long-forgotten memories and an unquenchable passion. . . .

The 2nd Book of the series, continues the saga and suspense for the Hurst clan and the pursuit for answers and unforeseen surprises keeps you glued to the pages. Even if you haven’t read the 1st book the author gives you enough details to be able to follow the story line, without feeling that you are missing details, although you will end up wanting to read it.

A despondent and heartbroken William, finds the object of his problem, Marcail back in his life. Her only option to protect her family, from the mysterious blackmailer forces her to steal from him an Egyptian artifact that his family had recovered to saved his brother from the kidnappers. He follows her to get it back, only to find out it has been taken from her as well, and now the fun begins. Forced together now in a journey to find the amulet, they soon discover that their previous relationship was sabotage by her secrets to help her family and his possessiveness and jealousy that prevented her trust and are now faced with their renewed feeling and passion . The flare of old feelings, romance and passion is added to the mystery and suspense of the story to make it fun and entertaining. Some of the questions are answer and new surprises appear to hint and spike your interest on whom the probable love interest and new adventure is going to be for the other Hurst brothers in the coming sequel.

Book Review: Flowerbed of State

Flowerbed of State
A White House Gardener Mystery 
Author: Dorothy St. James 
Pages: 320 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: May 3rd 2011
Review Source: Berkley
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) Cassandra "Casey" Calhoun's passion for gardening has carried her to President's Park on which sits the White House. But when she finds a dead body in a trash can, Casey has to root out a killer before she ends up planted herself.

First I want to say that I made the mistake of looking in the back of the book to read how to plant a pineapple, which Ms. St. James was so kind enough to tell us how. As I was flipping through the last pages, I accidentally read who the killer was! Which totally killed it for me because that’s what a murder mystery is all about; trying to figure out who the killer is. Besides that, “Flowerbed of State” is an amazing book. The characters are very well developed. There is never a dull moment through out the whole book. Ms. St. James did a wonderful job describing the characters and their surroundings. It made me feel like I was actually there following Casey and helping her look for clues. I also loved the fact that Ms. St. James brought her love for gardening into this book. You can really tell she loves what she does.

Casey is the newest member of the White House gardening team. Although she has only been there for two years, she really knows her way around compost and rose bushes. LOL Casey is attacked one night while she was pulling some weeds from the freshly planted tulip bed. That same night a woman turn up dead in the same area that Casey was attached. She doesn’t remember anything but shoes her attacker was wearing, which apparently are very popular. Turner, secret service hunk, has been given the duty of babysitting Casey because she is the only witness and the killer might come back to kill her, but Casey isn’t having it. She wants to find out who the killer is and since she has read many mystery novels, she thinks that she can figure it out - hopefully before the killer strikes again.

I love Casey’s character. She is a stubborn and witty girl from South Carolina, who is always getting herself into trouble and sometimes more than she can handle. I have to admit that I would prefer Turner over Richard. Yes, Richard is sexy and rich, but who doesn’t love a tough man with a six pack in uniform? Yummy right? If you are looking for a great murder mystery book with a surprise ending? You MUST read this book.

Book Review: The Advice Girl

The Advice Girl
Author: L.A. Shaw
Pages: Kindle Edition
Reading Level: YA
Published: March 27th 2011
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Kira and Sophia have been best friends since they were five years old. They share an apartment together, and tell each other everything.
Everyone loves Sophia, and she is often called the advice girl by people who know her. Kira believes she knows her friend better than anyone. But in a mysterious accident, Sophia loses her life.

Kira is mourning the devastating loss when she finds a note addressed to her from beyond the grave. Kira realizes she doesn't know her friend as well as she thought, as she starts to uncover the truth. She falls into a deep depression, confused and lost, until a visit from a strange man puts her in the middle of a war between two secret societies.

Kira soon understands that she is in danger, and doesn't know who to trust. She has to fight for her own life now.

I am extremely confused as to the purpose behind this book. It did not make sense at all, I felt it was rushed and all over the place. One paragraph would be one character, and then the next would be another character. I would have to read the first sentence twice to realize who is the character that i was reading on now. However, I did like where the author was going with the story. I like the suspense and the romance but i there was no description of any kind about anyone. Who are "The Guild" "The VS" the little description that was provided would not suffice. As well as the characters? Also, its stated that the main character Sophia contained some special powers??? All i got from the book was that she can pull the "White" light and that she comes from a weird family? I would have liked to learn about her gift, her family as well as Kira's background since she's sort of a main character as well. I believe this story has A LOT of potential but like I said, It felt rushed. Overall, I liked the plot/story line but would have liked more descriptions and background information.

Teaser Tuesday: 5/24/11

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB ofShould Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Yara's Teaser:

I'd heard that name before, but right now I couldn't place it. My memories were all in a tangle. "How long have I been here?"

Rachel's eyes flicked away from mine. "Only a little while," she said, but those words rang so sour in my ears, so unexpectedly foul, that bile rose in my throat. "You were agitated, so we brought you here to calm down--"

pg 5 of 304

Ultraviolet

Release Date: (US) September 1st 2011

Publihser: Carolrhoda Books

Monday Recap!

Monday Recap!

Hi from NY, another day has come to its end. Today was what I called the Pre-BEA Fest. I began my day with attending a special Harper Children's Breakfast. I had such a great time talking one on one with the publishers while eating a yummy breakfast. I left Harper with a great bag full of ARC goodies. Then I continued my day heading to have a preview luncheon at Simon & Schuster. Again another great group of publishers. We were treated with a presentation from Elizabeth Miles and Ellen Hopkins.  The lunch provided was delicious. They also provide the cutest floral bag with ARC's and they also did raffles and many won a prize including myself. Then last but not least I headed to Teen Author Carnival. It was a full house. We had panels to choose from and so many great authors were present. The organizers also gave out a tote with goodies. I was able to get a ARC and get it signed while there.

So needless to say, Im exhausted. It was a long day that required walking and riding the subways, but well worth it. I came back with 2 full bags of ARCs. Cant wait to share everything with you all when I get back home and do In My Mailbox. 

Tomorrow begins the 1st official day of BEA, so i can imagine what a crazy day it will be. I have my schedule ready to go. I will also be attending the BEA breakfast tomorrow and Wednesday. So stay tuned tomorrow night for my Tuesday update. 

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by One Persons Journey through a world of Books. Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

Finished:

• Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - Yara 
• Tempest Rising by Tracey Deebs - Yara 
• Earth From Above by Yann Arthus-Bertrand - Yara 
• Seduce Me in Dreams by Jacquelyn Frank - Trudy
• Scandal in Scotland by Karen Hawkins - Trudy
• Murder Under Cover by Kate Carlisle - Jenny
• FLowerbed of State by Dororthy St. James - Ana

Currently Reading:

• Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson - Yara
• Heart of Evil by Heather Graham - Trudy
• Mishap & Mayhem by M.M. Shelley - Ana
• The Advice Girl by L.A. Shaw - Jenny

Next in Line:

• Hereafter by Tara Hudson - Yara
• My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares - Trudy
• Redheart by Jackie Gamber - Jenny
• Destiny by Laura DeLuca - Ana

Blog Tour: Interview with L.A. Weatherly author of Angel Burn

Today we are happy to bring you a great interview on the blog tour for Angel Burn. L.A. Weatherly, author of Angel Burn answered some questions for you all that we hope you enjoy reading. 

L.A. Weatherly's Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads

Welcome L.A.,

OUaT: Was writing Willow's part easy or hard for you?

I love Willow as a character, but for some reason I didn't find her voice as easy as Alex's to write - Alex's voice comes totally naturally to me, but when I'm writing Willow I have to sometimes concentrate a little more and make sure I'm firmly in the 'Willow-zone'. Weirdly, the character whose voice I find the easiest of all to write is Raziel. I have a lot of fun with him, and in fact have to make sure that I don't have TOO much fun. With Angel Burn, I went back and cut about half the humor from his sequences, as I don't think that readers should actually like him that much!

OUaT: Describe the Angels in your book to us in 5 words.

Beautiful, mesmerizing, powerful, sexy, deadly

OUaT: I think its great that you didn't write Willow as your stereo typical girl, what made you choose her love for mechanics?

Thank you! But you know what, I didn't choose that - Willow did! When I first starting writing the first chapter, suddenly she was just repairing her friend's car, and I had nothing to do with it. I left it in, though (sometimes you have to be careful with that kind of thing, as it can lead you down paths that have nothing to do with the story), and am really glad I did. It gives us an immediate sense of her as a girl who's not helpless and can take care of herself. Also, when I found out the backstory of WHY she enjoys fixing engines, I just loved it - it makes so much sense, I think it really fleshes her out as a character.

OUaT: Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

I'm HUGELY enjoying YA paranormal romance, and want to stay here! I already have an idea of what I want to do after the Angel trilogy.

OUaT: What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. Dark, dark chocolate. Preferably with cherries. Mmm.

OUaT: If someone wrote a book about your life, what would they title it?

I couldn't think of anything so I asked my (English!) husband this question, and he said, "Tales of a Mad, Obsessed Woman", so let's go with that. (I won't comment on the state of my marriage.) ;)

OUaT: Do you have any quirks or habits you have to do while writing?

Um...not really. But I like to get up early to write, if that counts; I love writing when the world is asleep. And also like my desk to be clutter-free. Usually I write a particular number of words a day (I try to do at least 2,000 daily), and tend to edit a lot as I go. I can't continue with a draft if I KNOW something isn't right about it, so I spend a lot of time fiddling with structure before I even get to the end. Plus panicking! Panicking is good.

OUaT: Do you have a favorite quote, you can share with us?

Carpe Diem - Sieze the Day! (Of course, I usually spend the day hanging around in my jim-jams and playing on Twitter, but the sentiment is there.)

OUaT: Are there any authors (living or deceased) that you would name as influences?

Barbara Wersba, S. E. Hinton, Lloyd Alexander, Stephen King

OUaT: How can a reader contact you, or purchase your books?

I'm on Twitter a lot - readers can always drop me a line there; my name is LA_Weatherly. And you can purchase my books on Amazon, or in bookstores.