A Contest You Don't Want to Miss!

Over on my blog, I'm hosting a contest for a chance to win a spot on the ARC Tour for my wonderful friend Susan Dennard's debut novel, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY!

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Susan is a reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. She used to be a marine biologist, but now she writes novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (she really likes swoon-worthy rogues). She lives in Germany with her French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about her crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on twitter, facebook, or Goodreads. Her debut, Something Strange and Deadly, will be available from HarperCollins in July of 2012, and you will never believe how happy this makes her!

How does an ARC Tour work? Easy. I'm choosing FIVE winners, lining them up, and we ship the book from one person to the next. So, it’s shipped to you, you ship it to the next in line, etc. After you read it, all I ask is that you take a minute to tell someone about it. Blog it, Tweet it, put it on your Goodreads list, or just exclaim about it to everyone who comes within a three-foot-radius of you. That’s what I do! ;) (The only people seeing your address will be me and the person shipping the book to you, so it won’t be broadcast into the stratosphere.)

So, you want a chance to enter to win? Head over to my blog!

Teen Scene - Movie Madness

If you didn't know, the newest installment in the Twilight saga hit the big screen this past week.  Which, I'm not sure anyone could miss the furor it caused.  My Facebook feed was nothing but people checking in from the theaters.

So, I thought to celebrate this teenage phenomenon, I'd share some funnies I found thanks to Youtube.  Enjoy.  :)




And this one, well, isn't Twilight, but it's FREAKING AWESOME! lol
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Sometimes I Fail, so You get a Recommendation!

So, obviously I fail today.  Because it's 1pm and I'm just now realizing I was in charge of the Teen Scene post today.  Sorry, guys!  I'll blame it on the sick kid I'm home with.  ;)

In spite of my obvious lack of teen topic, I thought I'd share a book I read with you guys.  It's an ARC from Simon Pulse, the novel will be released January 3, 2012.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE

By Lucas Klauss

Phillip's sophomore year is off to a rough start. One of his best friends ditches him for a group of douchebags. His track coach singles him out for personalized, torturous training sessions. And his dad decides to clean out all of the emergency supplies from the basement, even though the world could end in disaster at any moment...and even though those supplies are all Phillip has left of his dead mom. Not that he wants to talk about that. 

But then Phillip meets Rebekah. Not only is she unconventionally hot and smart, but she has seriously great boobs. And she might like him back. 

As Phillip gets closer to Rebekah, he tries harder and harder to turn himself into the kind of person he thinks she wants him to be. But the question is, can he become that person? And does he really want to?

Something I haven't seen a lot of (meaning not much at all) in YA books is religion being discussed.  Which, I understand why.  That's a really hot-button topic that not many people want to touch.  Which is why I'm doubly impressed by Mr. Klauss.

First of all, the writing in this book is awesome.  I laughed out loud, I cringed, I got teary-eyed  -- everything I expect when I'm in the hands of a good book. 

Now, this story has a lot of religious discussion in it.  A. Lot.  BUT here's catch, Klauss handles every aspect of Phillip's exploration into the realms of religion with the utmost respect.  He argues both sides of the coin and holds true to the principle that overall, people are just trying to do what's right no matter what path they choose.

I highly recommend you pick this book up once it hits shelves for a funny, deep story of a teenager's struggle with life, religion, friends, and finding his place in the world.

The Teen Brain

During my usual internet browsing this week I came across an interesting article on the National Geographic website.  It's called Beautiful Brains and was written by David Dobbs.

The whole basis of the article is: Why do teens act the way they do?

I think that's a darn good question.


Well, Dobbs gives us an explanation, which I think makes a huge difference when we're writing about teens.  It really explains the difference in perception!

A test was done by Beatriz Luna on a range of students from 10 to 20 years old, which involved a video game type setting where the instructions were simple: don't look at the blinking light.

What Luna found most interesting, however, was not [the] scores. It was the brain scans she took while people took the test. Compared with adults, teens tended to make less use of brain regions that monitor performance, spot errors, plan, and stay focused—areas the adults seemed to bring online automatically.

 Interesting, right?

These studies help explain why teens behave with such vexing inconsistency: beguiling at breakfast, disgusting at dinner; masterful on Monday, sleepwalking on Saturday. Along with lacking experience generally, they're still learning to use their brain's new networks. Stress, fatigue, or challenges can cause a misfire.

 Then Dobbs suggests perhaps it's actually more than just the brain's growth that causes the sometimes outrageous actions of teens.

As B. J. Casey, a neuroscientist at Weill Cornell Medical College who has spent nearly a decade applying brain and genetic studies to our understanding of adolescence, puts it, "We're so used to seeing adolescence as a problem. But the more we learn about what really makes this period unique, the more adolescence starts to seem like a highly functional, even adaptive period. It's exactly what you'd need to do the things you have to do then."

So, in essence, there's nothing lacking in the still-developing teen brain.  In fact, Dobbs suggests perception could be the issue.

As Laurence Steinberg, a developmental psychologist specializing in adolescence at Temple University, points out, even 14- to 17-year-olds—the biggest risk takers—use the same basic cognitive strategies that adults do, and they usually reason their way through problems just as well as adults. Contrary to popular belief, they also fully recognize they're mortal. And, like adults, says Steinberg, "teens actually overestimate risk."


So if teens think as well as adults do and recognize risk just as well, why do they take more chances? Here, as elsewhere, the problem lies less in what teens lack compared with adults than in what they have more of. Teens take more risks not because they don't understand the dangers but because they weigh risk versus reward differently: In situations where risk can get them something they want, they value the reward more heavily than adults do.

 I don't know about you guys, but that makes perfect sense to me.  As an adult, impressing my friend by driving too fast or pulling a crazy stunt doesn't hold the same reward as it does to a teen.  Even if the fact that it is rewarding to a teen is cringe-worthy.

What do you guys think?  Does this give you a better idea for writing a teenage protagonist?  A little deeper understanding of your own kids?  ;) 

If you'd like to read the full article, go HERE.

Teens and Teachers on Banning Books

For our contribution to banned book week, Pam and I talked to some real-live teens and teachers to see what they had to say about the practice.

One teen I talked to had this to say:

"I think it's stupid.  I mean, it's not like a book sitting in a library is hurting anyone.  What if the kid that wants to read it can't afford to buy the book, and what if that book would have changed their life?"

Another teen took a similar view:

We should have the right to read what we want.  Just because my best friend finds a book offensive doesn't mean I will.  Really, it doesn't mean anyone else will.  Should she be required to read it?  No.  But should I not be allowed to read it because of her beliefs?  Again, no.  We're all individuals here with different levels of comfort.  As long as you're not trying to force a book down someone's throat, I don't see the issue.

Here are responses from a couple of teachers Pam had the opportunity to speak with:

I understand why there might be a banned book lists for grades K-8 because of the maturity level of some students, and I can understand why parents might be upset with their child getting a hold of a book that they would find inappropriate for them, but I often disagree with what books are specifically banned.  It's a double edged sword.  I would like to think that there wouldn't need to be a banned book list, because parents should be able to work with their children and their children's teachers to communicate which types of books are inappropriate in their opinions to read.  I think that in some cases, there ARE children who are mature enough to handle the material in controversial books, and I hate to keep them from being able to read these books if they and their parents approve, so I would like to live in a world where I could make the books available to them, but without forcing anyone to read the books, so I am not offending any parents.  I do know, though, that often times middle school is a rebellious age where I cannot necessarily trust all my students to follow their parents' wishes for censureship.  It makes things difficult as a teacher, being torn between finding literary justification to read a story that you know students will love and being careful not to offend anyone!
-Jada Parr, 7th Grade English Teacher

My thoughts on book banning are that the choice should be left up to the parent as to what they allow their children to read. No one person's feelings about a novel should dictate to everyone's choice of which book to enjoy. I believe banning books so that noone can have the chance to experience that writing is unfair. Also, who makes up the Book Banning Committee? Is it a variety of ages and cultures so that each book can be evaluated fairly? Just some food for thought. Thank you for allowing me to share.

Charlene Walker-Briggs, Reading Specialist

I also had the opportunity to sit down and talk with my friend Erinn who is a teacher and a writer who has an interesting take on the subject:

Holly: Erinn, I'd like to know, as a teacher (instead of as a writer - even though I know you are one), how do you feel about banning books?

Erinn:  As a teacher, I sort of have a different opinion about it than as a writer.  Teacher Erinn thinks there should be rating system on books.  Teacher Erinn is VERY careful about books she talks to her kids about.  Teacher Erinn skips over scenes and chapters even in approved books because I'm SUPER PRUDE.  Shocking... I know.

 

Holly:  That is kinda shocking

Erinn:  I know, right?

 Holly:  That's an interesting idea though.  What kind of rating system would you suggest?  Like the ones they use on video games?

Erinn:  Yeah, I think books should carry the same labels as a video game.  As a teacher, I have to assume not everyone shares the same opinions I do.  When talking to the kids I err on the side of conservative.  The school I teach in is in an area that's very religious, and although I've never had a problem with a parent, I'd rather keep it that way too.

Holly:  Well, and you teach the younger end of teens -- which I think is where you really have to be careful in the classroom.

Erinn:  Yes, I teach 13-14 year olds.   Whenever I read a book, I like to share it with the class.  Because I want my students to have a love of reading like I do.  Last year I read Across the Universe and when I was telling my students about it I told my students "there are a few scenes in the book that skew risky,  there's an attempted rape scene.   It's a great book, but it's for mature readers."   I also tell them if they are reading the book  because of the mature content then they've missed the point of the book.  And I only told my 8th graders who are above grade level reading class.  NOT my 7th graders.

While I don't feel that any book should be banned, I don't feel that every book should be in every middle school library either.

People who ban books assume a sixth grader is going to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I say, it's a good book, but a 6th grader was NEVER the intended reader.

 
Holly:  That's very true.  Authors usually have a very specific age group in mind when they write books.  (I know I do!)

Erinn:  I think books should match the reader.  A 6th grader IS NOT the intentioned reader for ATU or Twilight or An Abundance of Katherines.  9th graders are.

 
Holly:  Right, which is where you suggest a rating system could help.

 
Erinn:  Yes, a rating system would make it easier for parents to know about a book's content too.  The parent who went to the book store and couldn't find a book for her 6th grader was in the WRONG section.  I think labels would make it easier not only for them to find books, but to decide which ones are appropriate for their children as well.  Also, an author shouldn't be asked to remove a scene because BN won't buy YA-15 books...

I think John Green did it best.  When Will Grayson Will Grayson came out he said, "This book wasn't written for my middle school readers.  It wasn't even written for Freshmen or Sophomores.  It was written for older high school students and kids in college."

I think the author should have the final say.  The author/publishing team should give the rating and make it clear who the intended readers are. I don't think that that's banning or censorship.

Holly:  No, I think I'd call that targeted marketing.

Erinn:  Right, I think that's good marketing and making sure the content matches the reader.  I'm not a fan of blanket statements that no one can read this book.  I feel that parents should have the right to let their child opt out of the book, but they shouldn't keep someone else's kid from reading it.  As a writer, I know HOW MUCH work goes into making a book.

If a book was good enough to get past the gatekeepers, editors and the publishing team, then chances are there's literary merit to the book.  And the book shouldn't be banned.

Holly:  Wow.  You've thought long and hard about this haven't you?

 
Erinn:  Yes, I have.

 
Holly:  I love it, I think you bring forward some really important points.  Thank you so much for agreeing to interview with me, it's nice to get a view from inside the classroom!
Come back every day this week for more talk about banning books

Read for Relief

Today I wanted to let you know about something Pam and I are both taking part in.  Hopefully you've heard of Read for Relief, which is an auction to fund Hurricane Irene relief brought about by the wonderful Sarah Enni, Tracey Neithercott, Erin Bowman, and Caroline Richmond.

The auctions have already begun, so head on over and see what kind of awesome you can snag.  There are manuscript critiques, books, and all sorts of goodness over there.

Tomorrow an auction will go live for a Super Critique Package from me, Alicia, Erinn, Pam, Quita, and Katharine!  We've teamed up to bring you a kick-butt critique package that includes:

1 query critique: Pam Harris
1 synopsis critique (1-2 page limit): Holly Dodson
1 first pages critique (10-15 page limit): Marquita Hockaday
1 first 50 pages critique: Alicia Gregoire
1 full manuscript critique: Katharine Owens (Detailed Crit.)
1 full manuscript critique: Erinn Manack (Big Picture Issues)

SO, make sure you head over and check out everything that's being offered every day this week!  After all, it's for a good cause. 

A huge thanks to all the ladies who have worked so hard to set this up.

Teen Scene -- The Older Crowd

So, I know Pam and I usually feature teens who are in high school, but today I've got a new sort of teen for you: The College Student.

The College Student works at my day job part time -- she sits in my office when she's there.  *evil grin*  So, naturally I've pinned her down to talk about books.  Because that's what I do.  To everyone.

The last two books she has read were:

James Patterson's MIRACLE ON THE 17th GREEN

"Travis McKinley is an ordinary man living an ordinary life - he has a job that he despises, a marriage that has lost its passion, children from whom he feels disconnected, and at age fifty, a sense that he has accomplished nothing of consequence with his life. But on Christmas Day, he goes out to play a round of golf, and for the first time, he finds himself in the "zone." "

Nicholas Sparks's THE LAST SONG

"Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them."

And according to The College Student, it's really hard to find books she wants to read.  Not because there's nothing out there, but because she doesn't know where to go look.

This is where I realized how much a New Adult section could influence younger readers like her who don't see themselves as teenagers anymore.  Until that time comes though, I promised to bring her a healthy dose of YA books with older protagonists. 

What do you all think of this?  How do you feel about a New Adult taking hold of the industry?  I know there isn't much market for it right now, but in my opinion it could be the next Big Thing.

Teen Scene Back to School

I don't know about the rest of the country, but here in Florida we're gearing up to head back to school next week.  There's a buzz in the air, an anticipation to return to those gossip-filled halls so thick you can almost taste it.  While parents run frenzied through the big box stores with mile-long supply lists to fill, the teens are hitting the malls in search of that perfect back to school wardrobe.

This past week I got to have this experience with my brother -- and fashion is oh so important.  You've got to get it right from the start or you're doomed.  At least, that's what he says.  ;)  So what are the kids wearing this year?  I'll tell you one thing, high school style sure has changed since I was there...


There seems to be a throwback trend yet again this year, but this one is a little on the softer side:

Lots of polka dots and plaids:

According to Elle, it's all about the tights and the floral prints:

 And, guys, these aren't the Nikes of our childhood:

Also, apart from what the Old Navy ads are spewing, skinny jeans still seem to be the "in" jean for the fall, and the more distressed, the better.

The point here, guys?  Pay attention to what you're dressing your characters in.  Trendy isn't what it used to be, and it is ever changing. 

Teen Scene -- The Mom Factor

If you've ever visited my blog or caught my tweets, you probably know I'm a mom.

I just recently finished a round of revisions on my manuscript, and some things my main character says and does to her mom made me pause and cringe.  The thought of my own child saying or doing those things to me some day in the future almost made me hit the delete key.

But I didn't.  Because that's a part of life. 

I also have a teenage brother, and I can tell you from first hand exposure that sometimes (some, not all, of course) teens are downright evil.  (Well, sometimes all of us are.)  They'll say things to their parents to be intentionally hurtful.  They'll do whatever they can to push that big red button on the end of their parent's nerves only because they can.

And the thing is, no matter how much I don't want to admit it as a parent, it's how teenagers are.  Even if I want to create a parent/teen relationship that's super close and friendly, there are still going to be those moments. 

Trust me, as a mom I'd much rather have perfect parent-child relationships in my books.  I mean, that's exactly what I want for me and my kid, so it's what I skew toward.  But let's face it, it wouldn't be realistic.  Teens fight with their parents, so don't let the Mommy Factor blind you of that.

Any other moms (or dads!) out there dealing with this?  What do you do to make sure you're being authentic instead of projecting your wishes in your writing?

Trendy Teens

Over the weekend I found myself perusing a couple of teen magazines online.  You know the type -- secrets of back to school style, perfect prom updos, and everything you need to know about nail polish.

I came across an article for a trend I've actually started to notice more and more where I live:  Rainbow Hair!

As the article in Teen Vogue said, "This fall's brightly-colored clothes aren't the only vibrant hues ruling the runway. Models in this seasons' hottest shows stepped out with lovely locks streaked in every color of the rainbow. Designers like Prabal Gurung and Tracy Reese gave their models enviable dimension by adding hot pink, rich purple, and neon green-dyed stripes to their strands."

Read More http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/fall-hair-makeup-2011/runway-beauty-trend-colored-hair#ixzz1SW3nKuJE

From the images on Teen Vogue's site, it seems that the color choices range everywhere from in-your-face

to the more subtle.

I'll admit -- even my own sister has become a part of this trend.  Have any of you hopped on board?  I wonder what I'd look like with pink streaks...  ;)

Teen Scene Tuesday -- Summertime

I don't know about everyone, but down here in the warmth of the Florida sun, life tends to revolve around summertime.  Especially if you're a teen.  It's funny to watch my brother and his friends go off and do the same things my friends and I did when we were their age.

Here are a few things typical of a teenage summer:  (Around here anyway.  I know not everyone can hop over to the beach every afternoon.)


1) The Beach!  We used to spend nearly every summer weekend laying out on the soft, sandy beaches.  An alternate would certainly be the pool.

2) The River!  Ever hopped in a boat and jetted up the river to a hidden dock so you could swim in the cool water?  It gets really adventurous when the first snake is spotted.  Then if you're canoeing, going back upstream is the biggest adventure of all.  And full of giggles as you vow to never make the mistake again, knowing you'll be back in a couple weeks.  ;)

3) The Movies!  I don't know what it is about summertime that sends teens flooding to the movie theaters, but my brother and a pack of his friends are forever seeing the next big show.

4) The Mall!  Teens love to shop.  Clothes, shoes, each other...you know.  That's what the mall is all about.

5) Work!  Most teens I know have a summer job.  They do have to be able to finance all of these shopping trips, ya know. 

There's nothing quite comparable to sitting back and thinking about what summertime was like when I was a teen.  Fourth of July really brought it back to mind, so that's why I'm sharing.  As I played with my four-year-old yesterday I remembered all those past celebrations spent at the river with a pack of friends and a cold cherry coke.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  Do you have any other typical summer activities you did as a teen?

Teen Scene on Romance

If you were privy to my Facebook feed, you'd know I see a lot of teen drama go down via the internet.  It can be so interesting (and seriously funny to me, though I know it's not to them) to watch the exchanges fire back and forth.

One thing in particular I've noticed about teenage girls:  It's all about the romance.

The progression every few months goes like this:

Teen 1:  "I'm fine on my own, don't need a man to make me happy!  Life is goooood!"
Teen 2 response:  "I'm so happy for you, you go girl!  You don't need anyone."
Teen 3 response:  "That's right, girl, we don't need nobody."

A month or so later:

Teen 1:  "He makes me so happy, I've never felt so good.  I don't know how I'd live without him!  <3 [boy's initials]
Teen 2 response:  "Awww, that's so sweet.  You'll be together forever!"
Teen 1 response:  "I feel so lucky to have found him at such a young age!  <3 [boy's initials]
Teen 3 response:  "I'm so happy for you!"

Another month or so later:

Teen 1:  Song lyrics to the effect of, "My broken heart will never beat again.  I'll never be happy again.  The skies will always be BLACK. </3"
Teen 2 response:  "You're too good for him.  He doesn't deserve you!"
Teen 3 response:  "Let's kick his ass!"


Rinse and repeat.

My point?  When teens are in the moment, everything is very much exaggerated.  All the emotions run through them at a much faster and more fierce level than they do an adult.  So when you're writing romance scenes for teenagers, you have to keep that in mind.  Remember that they live fully in the moment, without much thought to what could happen tomorrow.  (I'll put a disclaimer here that nothing is true for everyone, this is just an observance I've made on teens via Facebook.)

Have any of you seen exchanges like this go down via social networking?  It makes me chuckle and shake my head, but then it also sends me running back to my WIP to dig a little deeper into that endless depth of emotion teen girls seem to have.

Teen Scene Tuesday -- YA Saves

There's no doubt most of you have heard about the Wall Street Journal's article on YA fiction.  It set Twitter ablaze with reactions over the weekend with the #YASaves hashtag.  If you haven't read it, head HERE.

I'll say my first reaction to this was a gut-wrenching sadness.  I think it's really sad that someone would judge an entire group of literary works in this way, even though I realize it happens all the time. 

One thing Ms. Gurdon said in the article that really made me shake my head was:

"If books show us the world, teen fiction can be like a hall of fun-house mirrors, constantly reflecting back hideously distorted portrayals of what life is."

Thing is, life is not perfect.  Bad things happen to good people every single day.  Horrible things!  Have you seen the news lately?  I realize not every teen goes through dark experiences like some (note: not all) YA books are based on.  But there are plenty of teens that do.  Plenty of them need to be able to find these issue-based books to help them.  Teens are also going to have a different view of the world than a grown woman.  Everything is more vivid, more dramatic, more full of emotion.  It's how teens work.  I can understand a parent protecting a sensitive reader, and I absolutely support that, but I do not support the thought that YA fiction is inappropriate just because it's dark.

I know for me, as a teen, YA fiction helped me understand myself.  It helped me work through grief.  These books helped me cope with losing not one, but two siblings.  Because of these books, I was able to work through depression and my parent's divorce.  I can honestly say that YA books saved me.

Anyway, enough ranting about things you've no doubt thought yourself already.  I asked the Paper Hangover crew to share their feelings on the matter.  Here's what they have to say:

Pam says, "As a school counselor, I've definitely seen first-hand how YA books save many of my students. For example, a few years ago, one of my students shared with both his parents and me that he was quite suicidal. We discussed Thirteen Reasons Why so much that he decided to read it for himself. He said that book basically changed his life, and now he's flourishing at his new school. :)"

Michael says, "Real life is so much worse than books will ever be, mostly because life is real. You can't close the book on your life and set it on the shelf, or return it to the store where you purchased it. It's yours forever. No refunds. In real life, Tinkerbell doesn't wake up no matter how hard you clap. Some people go through life never experiencing its harsh realities first-hand, while others are bludgeoned with bad occurrences every single day. There's an author and a reader for all those stories. They should be told."  See his full blog on the matter here.

Adrienne says, "I read Flowers in the Attic at 12, and for some strange reason I didn't go on to 'sleep' with my brother or plot to kill my mother.  I read Carrie at 13, and low and behold didn't go ballistic at my Prom or whatever it was I had.  I read Sidney Sheldon for years and I am not secret undercover agent or a diamond thief.  And as for Jackie Collins before 15....I am quite the normal person.

I wish there were books for girls who were overly tall, skinny and a sports jock, someone who had a single mother who was never home due to 'survival of fittest.'  If I had those books I would never have felt alone or 'different.' I would have grown up more confident knowing it wasn't just me, 'cause that's how teens feel.  Shedding light on the miserable or the depraved in a book helps teens to:

A. Cope with their lives
B. Know that the world outside their front door is not as it seems
and C. Know they are not alone.

I think we need to give teens more credit, society has changed so much, why haven't these people who are complaining about certain books. Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll, it happens, whether you read a book or not, get over it!"

Hannah says, "99.999% of the YA books out there are also hopeful. That hope is there even if only as a sliver. The darkness is "too visible", okay. But that's not just in books; look around you, turn on the news--the things teenagers are reading about? They're happening—to other teenagers, to their friends, to their families. Where else are they going to hear that they're not alone? There are kids who choose life everyday because they feel less alone, because reading about it made them feel stronger. Are they not worth it?"  Read the rest of Hannah's post here.

How about the rest of you?  We'd love for you to share your reactions, or your own story of how YA has saved you.

Teen Scene Tuesday

credit

Today I've got an interview with a fifteen-year-old guy for you!  He's home schooled through a virtual school program, and spends a large majority of his time online.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I like reading a lot of different kinds of books, playing video games, and listening to music. 15 years old

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

If it has an interesting cover or is a certain genre, I’ll pick it up.

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months?

Deathly Hallows

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Wimpy characters.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

More well developed characters, someone with some strength.

What's your favorite part of a story: plot, characters, or setting?

The plot.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you?

Yeah.

What's a saying that you use frequently? One that you can't stand?

Don’t know.

What did you eat for lunch today?

2 quarter pounders.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to fly.

Last, but not least, if you could have a book written for you, what would it be about?

Sci-fi and adventure books.

Thank you for agreeing to interview with me, T!

What did I take away from this interview?  That teen guys are almost impossible to get more than a one-word answer out of!!  lol 

Teen Interview with a Samurai

This week I have the pleasure of talking to the one and only Blue Lipstick Samurai, Glenna.  

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

If I were a ninja, I'd have to say no. Ninja I am not, but alas, I'm not a samurai either. I am a part-time water ice scooper, full-time dork, and moonlighting baking enthusiast. In three years I will no longer be a teenager, and about a year ago I was a redhead. Come fall I'll (hopefully) be a college student, and I've never liked cauliflower. I would LOVE to thank Holly and all the wonderful folks of Paper Hangover (HEY PAM YOU ROCK bye sistah) for having me.

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

Recommendations, usually; whether an author I like says so, a blog/reviewer I respect, a friend whose taste extends beyond Twilight, if they recommend it, I will make a point to pick it up. But if not, my book-picking process can be summed up in one example: I was in Target (I know! Books from Target!) with some moolah to spare and came across a little square (I know! Books in square shapes!) book called What-The-Dickens. (1) The title was clever and evocative at the same time, like Sisters Red or Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. So I looked at the (2) author, who was Gregory Maguire, who I'd heard of and almost sure I'd enjoy (but I don't ALWAYS have to recognize the author; I bought Fablehaven without any idea who'd written it). With these two checked off I flipped it over to look at the blurb, which gave me an idea of the (4) premise. What-The-Dickens is a story within a story, told on a dark and stormy night, about a tooth fairy. Then I was sold. A clever title, an (optionally) recognizeable author, and a premise that is both familiar and inspired. If not recommendations, those four things will make me more than ready for fork over twenty dollars for a hardcover.

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months?

Most definitely WICKED, which I found in Goodwill (I know! Forty-two cent books!), also by Gregory Maguire. (He's a flippin' fantastic author, read WICKED and What-The-Dickens now, now, now!). Clever, satirical, intelligent, lovely. That book made me cry, gave me chills, and had me talking about it for weeks afterward. Everything I want a book to be, whether I write it or read it.

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Without a doubt, the idea that a decision does not have consequences, or worse, there is an end to anything. They fall in love, live happily ever after, the end. No. No, no, no, NO. If I could ban anything, I'd ban the blasphemy that love comes without loss, good deeds go unpunished, risk is neither scary nor rewarding, and a story ends when you finish a book. Who in the hell came up with that nonsense? (If not that, sparkles. I'd get rid of all things sparkly. I'm coming for you, Cullens.) I don't like the idea of censoring, but I also think the schools of thought indicated above are narrow and just plain wrong.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

Respect for the classics. Yeah, everyone is giving props to Jane Austen and other classic writers, but in blunt ways (if I read one more freaking book that has the MC read Wuthering Heights when she's trying to unwind, I will vomit. Vomit, vomit, vomit. It's a great book, but advertising other books within your story, even in effort to get readers to read more, is just shameless). Give the classics their due and respect why their classic. Admire the classic hero, or anti-hero. Surrender to the classic plot arc. Cheat a little bit and copy from them here and their. Shakespeare ripped off Sophocles. 10 Things I Hate About You ripped off Shakespeare. It's not wrong, because it's timeless (and, Heath Ledger).

What's your favorite part of a story: plot, characters, or setting?

How the heck am I supposed to choose? For me, setting is the other character; call me zen, but I think the setting interacts with the characters as much as they interact within it. The setting can be the bully or the best friend or the mentor. The plot is what brings them to life and tells us why they mean something. You can't pick favorites. They're like the Holy Trinity; separate entities, separate functions, but one in the same.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you?

Not usually. I can't relate to most YA books. I can't relate to most adult books. I also can't relate to most people, but that's why I write books. But I think I can't relate to most YA books BECAUSE they try to represent me, and no one is allowed to do that.

What's a saying that you use frequently? One that you can't stand?

I say Jeebus Crisco a lot. I started saying it as a substitute for 'Jesus Christ,' because it would upset mi madre if I used Jeebus's name in vain. But then I started referring to him as Jeebus and things got out of hand. I absolutely hate the saying 'f-bomb.' It's the 'f-word.' In the immortal words of The Count, of the Philip Seymour Hoffman in Pirate Radio variety, not the Seasame Street brand, "If you shoot a bullet, one dies. If you drop a bomb, many die. If you hit a woman, love dies. But when you say the f-word, nothing happens." Preach it, brotha. It's a word. It's a powerful word. It's an unpleasant word. It can be an inappropriate word, but given the occasion, so can 'poop' and 'thingamabob' (you wouldn't say it at a job interview. I dare you.). Some may say it's an unnecessary word, and bully for you. But it's a word. That's it. Not a bomb. It causes no destruction. Except maybe to one's vocabulary.

What did you eat for lunch today?

Since I was at work and didn't think to pack or buy one, a chunk of soft preztel and a spoonful of chocolate peanut butter water ice. Holla for nutrition.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Ugh, I had to consult the Children of the Red King series (SO GOOD!) for this one, but ultimately, I don't know. What the hell would I do with superpowers? Superpowers mean an obligation to use them for good, and hell, I'm not in any way suitable to save anyone. I write. That's what I do. I also bake. I have several cosmic abilities, but they're more to do with my wonky brain than anything otherwordly (I haven't lost a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors since kindergarten, I have an inexplicable penchant for gift giving, and my online shopping abilities are like, woah. But superpowers? Hardly. Help anyone? Not so much.). I do, however, request a magic cure for carpal tunnel. Please and thanks.

Last, but not least, I know you're a writer too, so would you like to share a little about what you're working on?

Well. I'm writing little things here and there, and researching a project that I'd love to share with you all but needs a LOT of historical facts in check before I proceed (I think y'all will enjoy it [;...); other than that, I'm not working on anything. I have a part time job and I'm trying to get into school for the fall. The glorious news is the program I'm studying requires TONS of writing and includes a writing workshop class that is simply FANTASTIC. I've shelved three important projects, and have several ideas waiting to be fleshed out, but I came to the conclusion a few weeks ago that I am not at all the writer I want to be. I'm okay, but I want to be great, and the only way writers can do that is to study, and more importantly, read. So I'm going to read, read, read, write, write, write, and study, study, study until I simply can't contain myself anymore. Maybe then, I'll be something good. But right now, I'm student who writes. I'm working really hard at that.

Thank you, Glenna, for interviewing with me!

Teen Interview #8

It's time for another teen interview, guys!  This week I've got a lovely teenage girl from North Florida.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m an 18 year old senior who spends most of her time hanging out with her friends and doing homework.  I like to play guitar and softball.

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

An interesting title or an author I like.

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months?

Lock and Key by Sara Dessen

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Flashbacks.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

Less sex, more realistic scenarios.

What's your favorite part of a story: plot, characters, or setting?

The theme or the moral.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you?

In some ways.

What's a saying that you use frequently?

I use, “That’s what she said,” frequently.

What did you eat for lunch today?

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a cheese stick.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Invisibility.

Last, but not least, if you could have a book written for you, what would it be about?

Anything with a happy ending.

Thank you to the teen for interviewing with me!  It was a pleasure.

Teen Interview #6

Today for our teen interview, I'm bringing you answers from a teen I've had the pleasure of watching grow up.  She's my best friend's sister, and quite possibly the sweetest sixteen-year-old you'll ever meet.  

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a random, mostly happy, and very unique person.  I love APH and history, my two major weaknesses. ((Side note -- APH is a type of manga. I had to look it up, lol.))

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

The title.

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months?

Hmm.... Either Unwind, Gathering Blue, The Giver, or Messenger. I can't decide.

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Corny/Lame Characters

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

More adventurous heroines.

What's your favorite part of a story: plot, characters, or setting?

All of it? They all make a great story.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you?

Yes, most of the time when it comes to the books I read.

What's a saying that you use frequently?

"Heh... I'm hungry."

What did you eat for lunch today?

A sandwich, tortilla chips, swiss cheese, a banana, and a fudge round. And water.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to fly.

Last, but not least, if you could have a book written specifically for you, what would it be about?

A heroic girl with an adventurous streak and a love for animals. Set in a middle-earth type time. With magical creatures and magical powers. ^-^

Teen Interview with Yahong Chi

 

 Today I'm bringing you an interview with the fabulous Yahong Chi.  Yahong is a teen writer from Canada, and you may have seen her around on Twitter or her blog.    Thanks so much, Yahong, for agreeing to be interviewed! 

 

 

 

Can you tell us about your school? What are the demographics? Are there any noticeable cliques?

Since I go to a Canadian school hosting the International Baccalaureate program (which I’m a part of), Asian students figure in largely; Oriental students are a major portion of those Asians. As for cliques, it’s mostly the IB students vs. the non-IB students, as well as the usual grade differences.

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store? A great title and a reasonably well-known publisher. I’ve found that the better books are published by the bigger publishers. It makes sense, right?

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months? Most definitely Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John. It’s— just go read it. I’m not even going to try and explain its awesomeness.

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be? Hmm… I don’t think I’d ban anything in books. Life doesn’t ban anything, and books are representative of life. I want them to stay real.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels? More action, the kind of adventure that you see more in middle-grade. A lot of YA has to do with discovering yourself, which I get. But sometimes it makes for slow reading, plus it’s not always fun to be inside someone’s head who’s going through a lot. I really like when the story’s been rollicking, and then at the end I realize how the protag’s changed for the better. It’s the best ending for me.

What's your favorite part of a story? The moment right after the black moment where the protag is on the verge of winning. I love the feeling of finally overcoming the huge obstacle and having a triumph to savour.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you? Most of the time. Maybe it’s because I’m not as much of a teenager as others my age, but there are times when I just want to scream at the characters’ decisions.

What's a saying that you use frequently? Um, I’m totally going to sound lame, but I say “Holy crackerdoodles” a lot. I don’t believe in excessive swearing— I stay away from people who drop F-bombs all the time.

What did you eat for lunch today? What? Today? Um, today happens to be the day I left NYC for my hometown in Canada, so… instant noodles? I promise I’m not usually that unhealthy. Usually.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To be able to breathe fire. I think being able to have fire in my hair, in my hands, in my eyes (metaphorically!) would be so wicked. But I’ve also wanted to be able to fly since about forever, too, so I’m not sure… ooh! And I’d love to have the ability to talk to animals! Okay, I think I’m the wrong person to ask this question. I can’t make up my mind at all…

I know you're also a writer, would you like to tell us what kind of things you're working on? I’m currently in revisions with my contemporary middle-grade FAKING THE AURORA BOREALIS, about crop circles, a family mystery and horses. My current WIP is DREAMING UP MY BROTHER (whose name shortens conveniently to DUMB! I still crack myself up with that one), the first full-length YA novel I’ve attempted— it’s a bit frightening. Middle-grade is usually my age group of choice.


Can I say, I love "Holy crackerdoodles".  I'm going to have to use that one some time.  Thanks again, Yahong, for your fabulous answers!

Teen Interview

 

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing my sixteen-year-old brother for you guys.  He is a sophomore at a high school in Florida.  Without further ado, I give you J...







Can you tell us about your school? What are the demographics? Are there any noticeable cliques?

There are a lot of cliques in my school, but there are also a lot of kids who blend from one to another, but I'd say about 70% of our school is white.

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

The cover catches my attention first.  If it's cool I'll pick it up and read the back.

What's the best book you've read in the last 6 months?

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Twists where your favorite character turns out to be the bad guy.  It has happened in, like, the last five books I read and now it just makes me angry.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

More action.

What's your favorite part of a story?

The setting and the characters.

Do you feel like characters in YA books are representative of you?

Yes, very much so.

What's a saying that you use frequently?

 "That was awesome."

What did you eat for lunch today?

Buffalo chicken sandwich...and it didn't taste as good as it sounds.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

X-ray vision.

Last question, what kind of YA book would you like to see on the shelves that you haven't found yet?  

Some stories based in ancient China with a lot of action and folklore.         


There you go!  Thanks, J, for taking the time to answer these questions.  I hope you guys find them helpful.