Why I Love the Author Community

In honor of Valentines Day, I want to share a post from my blog that still warms my heart. It's about an New Adult book and I know this is YAtopia, but I hope it's okay because it contains characters from my YA Book Pretty Amy who are now in college AND it also includes a former YAtopian ;)

It's also really about how supportive this community of authors, writers and bloggers can be and THAT is universal regardless of genre.

Anyway here goes:

I want to tell you guys a story. It's sort of a fairytale.
About a week a ago I received a response to a tweet about The Next Forever being available from Daisy Whitney, author of the super-awesome Mockingbirds series that said:

I was floored. I LOVE the Mockingbirds series. Sure she is going to be publishing the BREAK-UP ALBUM with my publisher and my editor this year, but she didn't have to buy my book. It was very nice of her and I thanked her.
I kind of thought that would be it, but then a few days later she tweeted she was starting my book (eeeee!)

and then a few days after that she tweeted the tweet below to ALL OF HER FOLLOWERS (7,000 of them)

I couldn't believe it. It was so nice and so unexpected and so generous. She didn't have to do any of it and then it got better. She agreed to let me use her quote.

"Sharp, heartfelt and sexy with characters so well-developed and nuanced that they feel completely real." - Daisy Whitney, author of The Mockingbirds and When You Were Here
How awesome is that?

And, Daisy isn't even the only author who has amazed me with her generosity lately.
There have been so many who have supported me by posting reviews and tweets and FB posts, especially my girls at Entangled Publishing who I could NEVER do this without, but there was also another fairytale.

Nyrae Dawn author of Charade http://www.nyraedawn.com/ came through in a really big way for me right before The Next Forever came out and totally didn't have to.

The schedule for this book was CRAZY and we were doing the read-through for it up until the weekend before it came out. That meant there were no galleys to send to authors to get blurbs. I knew Nyrae a little bit from twitter and I LOVED Charade, so I went out on a limb and asked her if she would be willing to blurb The Next Forever.

This was 3 days before it came out. I told her I completely understood if she didn't have time because the schedule was so tight. I also said that if she couldn't make it by the time the book came out that was fine too.

Then I crossed my fingers.

An email came back from her saying that she'd love to read and blurb it. I was so excited and knew that even if the book came out without a blurb on the cover, it would have a great one in the next couple of weeks. But then she AMAZED me by finishing it over one night and sending me the blurb the next day just so it could be on the cover for release.

"An honest, raw, sexy night of self discovery. I loved Joe and Amy's story!"- Nyrae Dawn, Bestselling author of Charade (AND FORMER YAtopian!)

These two women are super-talented authors who certainly don't need to do anything for someone so new to the game like me, but they did and I am so grateful.

Why I love the author community is that you learn that people can be really wonderful even when they don't have to be.

Why I love the author community is that now that I'm a part of it, I can hopefully give back too.
Do you guys have any author, writer, blogger fairy-tale stories?

First Sight

Have you ever seen or met someone who you're instantly drawn to? Like they have a specific gravity to them that draws you closer. Your heart starts racing, beating so hard you hear it in your head, and a tingling feeling starts in your stomach before spreading to the rest of your body. And then you meet the person's gaze and everything seems to stop just so you can bask in each other's eyes. Suddenly, you're face to face with this person and you know, you both know, that you have fallen in love at first sight.

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? :-) I'm one of those people that truly believes people can fall in love practically instantly. I think that's why I don't hate YA stories where the two leads fall in love quickly. I will admit, though, that some instant love stories are rather unbelievable, but for the most part I don't mind them. Love is something everybody wants, especially teens and I think that's why the YA romance genre is so popular right now. I think falling in love at first sight is ridiculously romantic, but some think it's impossible and that all these YA novels give teens skewed perceptions of love.
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Do you all believe in love at first sight? Do you like books where the characters fall in love in a span of, like, two chapters? :-) I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts!

When Love is Too Easy (& winners!)

Disclaimer: The opinions I'm about to give relate ONLY to literary love and not the real kind that you may or may not be going through...

I had to put the above out there because, like most people, I think love is a great thing. I think that having someone, a partner, who is not only your best friend but your soul mate is something you don't get to experience very often and when you do, it's priceless. I believe that when you have it, the real kind at least, you should hold onto it with both hands and never let it go.

But...I think that kind of love is very boring to read about. Now, before you think 'what the hell is this girl talking about', let me explain.

Hypothetically, I'm reading about Sam and Laura. They meet. It's a very straight forward introduction to one another. Maybe they meet at school. He's new and she falls madly in love at first sight. They begin to talk and wow! Sam admits he likes her too. Dating ensues, a little bit of hesitant kissing and they become boyfriend and girlfriend. And then NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS.

Maybe the plot isn't centred around Sam and Laura and so it's like nothing needs to be dramatic between the two of them. Maybe they are just THAT perfect. No arguments, no difference in vocal opinions. Laura might narrate that Sam was being a little harsh, but to his face she's supportive. Maybe Laura is actually a vampire slayer who kicks butt and the plot focuses around her saving the world. Not around her relationship with Sam.

But I still find that boring. If a relationship is too sweet and too perfect - I get bored FAST. I stop rooting for the couple. I lost interest and I begin to roll my eyes at some of the things they say and do. I lose focus on the actual plot and start to pick holes in the two perfect relationship, longing for some substance, some kind of issue that may make the couple have to step away and think only to realise they can work through it. Call me odd, but I like an argument every now and again! Making up is the best part of breaking up after all.

So as much as I love a good romance, I will not enjoy a book if the romance isn't developed realistically. Who here can ever say they've never had an argument with a partner? Or entered rocky grounds where they panic for maybe a day that this isn't their soul mate because he left the toilet seat up? Easy love does not lead to good entertainment for me.

Onto you guys. Who agrees? Who doesn't agree? Who likes to read about easy, sweet love because it's nice to read about it when they're not experiencing it themselves? Or who likes problems so our literary couples can overcome it?

WINNERS!!

The winners of the Angelfire giveaway are...
*drumroll please*

Shannon the Bookstalker wins a copy of Angelfire!

Grig wins some Angelfire book swag!

Look out for an email in your inbox at some point today/tomorrow. Thanks for reading!

The Tuesday Twaddle - The Anti Valentine's Day

Firstly, I have a confession to make. I totally forgot it was my turn to post today. Oopsie! AND the YAtopia gang has been doing the whole homage to love and romance, and after a somewhat crappy Valentine’s Day, I’m not really feeling the love. So, I’m breaking ranks with my fellow bloggers (sorry guys) and I’m going turn viciously on the day that is all pink and fluffy.

I’ve always hated St Valentine’s Day. From the moment I hit puberty, I was painfully aware that I was not one of lovelies who was going to be inundated with balloons, cards, messages of undying love, and heart shaped chockies. There were always the groups of squealing girls in school showing off their Valentine's swag and trying to guess what hottie from the boy's school next to us fancied the pants of them.

So I ignored all things teen romance and scorned anything that came close to resembling pink and heart shaped. Let’s be honest, most of those girls probably sent that swag to themselves. I kind of guessed it at the time, and I’m fairly sure of it now. Fourteen year old boys have better things to spend their cash on.

And if there’s one thing we learn from all these gorgeously romantic books that we read (and write), it is that life isn’t supposed to be roses and chocolates. All the best romantic couples from both film and literature had to suffer for their love. Indeed, in most movies the pink and fluffy couples are usually first to bite the big one. It’s the hopelessly mismatched, seemingly doomed relationships that capture our hearts.

They say romance is dead… well I say, yeah they’re so right! In fact, in a lot of the most amazingly romantic stories it helps to be dead. Let’s face it, zombies, vampires, and ghosts make for the best boyfriends/girlfriends, and I believe them to be a product of the imagination of the thirteen year old in all of us, who secretly watched the pink orgy that is Valentine’s Day and quietly seethed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

In the spirit of Valentine's Day (and I get the joy of updating on the actual holiday, too!), I'm keeping with the YAtopia ~love~ theme!

I'll admit, I've never been a huge fan of the obsessive can't-EXIST-without-you kind of pairings, be them in books, games, movies, anime, whatever. The co-dependency, such as that seen in Twilight (don't hurt me!) and the way Bella completely shuts down without Edward around really doesn't do it for me.

Me? I like the couples who aren't afraid to oppose each other. The ones who don't necessarily love everything about one another. In fact, there are things that drive them absolutely nuts. It's the girl who comes home and chucks her diary against the wall because her one-true-love isn't perfect.

Howl and Sophie are one of my all-time favorite book couples for this exact reason.

(Nevermind that Howl is also one of my literary crushes...)

Sophie can be pushy and naggy, while Howl is... well, in Sophie's own words:

"You talk, mighty mistress of magics," he quavered. "Tell me of this Wizard Howl of yours."

Sophie's teeth chattered, but she said proudly, "He's the best wizard in Ingary or anywhere else. If he'd only had time, he would have defeated that djinn. And he's sly and selfish and vain as a peacock and cowardly, and you can't pin him down to anything."

"Indeed?" asked Abdullah. "Strange that you should speak so proudly such a list of vices, most loving of ladies."

"What do you mean, vices?" Sophie asked angrily. "I was just describing Howl."

There's even a line where Howl comments about how Sophie isn't at all pretty. (She's incredibly plain.) But they compliment each other so well, and there's no one either of them loves more than each other.

On top of that... I'll admit, I'm a sucker for trios. Whether it's a strong friendship bond or a romantic one, I fall all over it. Sadly, I haven't read many books yet where this is done, since the recent YA trend tends to be an MC with two potential opposing love interests (but it's common in the anime and video game world). Which sort of drives me nuts. Not because I think having two love interests is bad, but because of the MC's who are too wishy-washy to make up their mind and lead both interests on – and the interests put up with it.

The above also ties into my last romantic love: the best friend bond. The two who have been friends for ages, who may or may not end up together, but most of the time I'm rooting for it to happen.

What about you, darling readers? What kind of relationships do you find yourself rooting for the most in your favorite books?

Looking for Mr. Perfect? Open a Book!

I read a one-star review for Twilight written by a young man who admittedly did not read the book; however, he felt led to give it the lowest rating because his girlfriend broke up with him after reading it. Apparently he wasn’t “Edward” enough for her. Hmm. Perhaps he didn’t smell heavenly? Or maybe he wasn’t projecting his intense, undying devotion to her? Shame on him. I will admit, during the time when I was wrapped up in that series I found myself giving my husband the stink-eye and thinking, “Edward would never treat Bella that way.” Well, yes, because Edward isn’t real.

Ah, the power of books. So who’s really at fault here? The author who writes a gorgeous fictional character that makes readers swoon? The parent who hasn’t taught their child to understand the realities of real-life relationships? Or could it simply be a matter of the reader’s life experience and maturity?

In books, just as in “real” life, we love passionately, we disagree, we get annoyed, we question our initial feelings, and we make hard decisions about whether to stick together or not. But when lovebirds in books argue it’s not so ugly and painful. Well, yes, because it isn’t real.

Readers escape into books momentarily, knowing we will eventually have to return to reality. We do know that, right? That life is hard and nobody is perfect? Because I have come across many negative comments concerning Young Adult literature, especially in the paranormal and fantasy genres, in which readers are disgusted by “too-perfect” lead characters.

What do YOU think? Are YA readers being turned into unrealistic mush brains?

Happy Valentine’s Day, YAtopians. If you are blessed enough to be in a relationship this holiday, I hope you’ll take the time to set down your beloved book and snuggle the warm body of the imperfect person in your life. They may not have superhuman powers or the looks of an avenging angel, but unlike fictional characters, your partner can put an actual kiss on your lips. Enjoy it. XOXO

First Kiss

In case y'all didn't notice yesterday on Kelley's post, the YAtopians will be talking about Love & Lit over the next few days, in honor of one of my favorite holidays: Valentine's Day. (I realize this is a rather unpopular stance among smart single girls, but I make my case for the day on my personal blog today.)

It happened to me when I was eleven years old. I was sitting on the couch in the downstairs area of the house we rented on Primrose Avenue in Long Key. His name was Nick, he was a little older than me and his house was much nicer than mine. We had just finished playing a neighborhood-wide game of hide and seek, like we did pretty much almost every night. He leaned toward me and I closed my eyes, my heart beating so fast I was actually afraid he might hear it.

My first kiss.

For days afterward it defined me; it was all I could think about. From the outside looking in, there was nothing special or out-of-the-ordinary about it, but you couldn't have convinced me of that at the time.

For me, that's part of the charm of writing Young Adult literature. Instead of recounting the events that made your character who he/she is, the reader gets to experience these events first-hand. And there is nothing like a first kiss to define a person.

I don't how many of you were My So Called Life fans back in the day, but there is so much about teen fiction that show did right. This is the first time Angela and Jordan ever kissed:

But if you ask any fan of the show? They'll remember this, which is technically their second kiss:

These two scenes are incredibly similar, but manage to tell two entirely different stories in the space of three minutes.

Luc and Frannie's first kiss in Personal Demons (150 pages in!!) made my face flush with heat. Katniss's first kiss in The Hunger Games made me want to cry and scream and throw things (in a good way - if that makes sense?). The entire plot of The DUFF was set in to motion with Bianca and Wesley's first kiss. And I willed Max and Fang to kiss so hard that I thought my head might explode before it ever actually happened.

In contrast, there have been first kiss scenes that have totally killed the romance of the novel for me. I found myself rooting against the two MCs' relationship more than rooting for them to succeed. Sometimes it's due to the awkwardness the author obviously felt in writing the scene leaking through. Other times it's because of the crudeness of the narrator when he (usually a he, in this case) describes the kiss. And still other times it just doesn't feel right, though I couldn't tell you why.

In teen lit, the first kiss can make or break a story. If it doesn't resonate with the reader, there's a good chance they'll just put the book down and walk away. But if it's done right? We can fall in love with the characters just as they're falling in love with each other.

What are some of your favorite first kiss scenes in YA lit?

Favorite YA Couples ~ And a Contest!

It's no big secret that I'm a total softy when it comes to romance. There's nothing I love more in a book than a solid, romantic, sweet romance. So, when some of the YAtopia authors mentioned doing something fun for Valentines Day, of course I was in!

That means for the next two weeks, you can count on the kind of posts I love! We're going to blog about boys, kisses, couples, any and everything related to LOVE!

To kick things off I'm going to talk about some of my favorite romances in YA. It was really hard for me to narrow it down, but I think I have a solid group of swoon-worthy romances to talk about.

Justin and Drea from Harmonic Feedback~ This was a really special romance, IMO. I love how Drea sees the world. In some eyes, she's "different" (she has a touch of Aspergers), but not to Justin. He liked her for who she was from the very start. He never wanted or expected her to be anything except who she was and he saw how special that person was. He was always there for her, took his time, went slow with her because he knew it was what she needed. Even when other's did, he never laughed at her (not in a mean way), never pointed out those little things about her that others consider strange. He SAW her, loved her, and it was incredible.

Because Justin is all kinds of sweet, a couple of my favorite scenes from Harmonic Feedback:
"She's kind of adorable, isn't she?" Naomi asked.
I focus on his tennis shoes. Dirt was caked around the rims, and one of his laces was coming loose.
"Yeah, she's kind of a lot of things." His vice was soft, like he meant it as a compliment. But a lot of things could mean, well, anything.
"You should double knot your laces." I pointed at his shoes.
Naomi giggled and plopped on my bed again, and Justin let out what sounded like a soft laugh. I look up at him hesitantly.
"I'll keep that in mind."

And

He folded his arms across his chest. "Okay, then, I'm asking. How do you feel about me?"
"It's hard to explain. You make me feel connected to the world in ways I've never felt connected before. Usually I hate it when people touch me, but with you--its comforting. Not in the same way as my mom."
"God, I hope not." He gave me a strange look before holding up his hands. "Sorry, go on."
"It's a warm feeling, and my stomach kind of tickles. And...why are you smiling?"
He moved from the wall and sat on the bed. Close, but not close enough to touch me. "You're describing actual sensations."
"You asked me how I felt."
"I know and its the most real and honest answer I've ever heard. That's why I'm smiling."

*Sigh*

Adam and Mia from If I Stay~
I love this book. Everything in if felt so completely, real and raw. The flashbacks of their life made me giddy happy, and the pain after her accident is heartbreaking. It's amazing how I could actually feel how much Adam loved her even without the book being written in his POV. I can't explain what was so special about this romance, but it is one that will always stay with me! It's one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.

Alex and Brittany from Perfect Chemistry~
I almost didn't pick this book up. I wasn't sure a gang member falling in love with the "perfect" rich girl would be believable. Alex and Brittany touched my heart. I love how they started at complete odds, but something grew between them. Something real. It was sweet and a complete joy to watch them fall in love.

There are MANY more on my list (Edward and Bella. Yep, I just said that, lol. Tucker and Clara from Unearthly to name a few), but I'm pretty sure you don't want to read a ten page blog entry :) Instead...I thought you would all enjoy a contest! SO, I just need a few things from you. First, you must be a follower of YAtopia AND a follower on my personal blog HERE. If you'd like extra points, you can follow other YAtopia members blogs or Tweet or blog the contest. Please provide links.

Then, all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me one (or more) of your favorite YA couples. I also want to know why they're one of your favorites. I'll leave the contest open until the end of our Love and Lit extravaganza which is Saturday, February 20th. On Sunday the 21st, I'll post the winner who will get their choice of any paranormal or contemporary romance (value up to 15.00) from Barnes and Noble. So sorry, but I can only ship in the USA.

Enjoy and I'm looking for some new books to read. I can't wait to see what couples you mention. Hoping my to be bought list will grow!

*Update*
Just finished Sea by Heidi R. Kling. Am in awe by the awesomeness that is this book.