This is why it's hot!

The best part about being an author is, people think you know things. So they call you and ask you questions and you can spout off about anything you want.

So, when Wendy Coakley Thompson called wanting to inquire why YA is so hot, right now, I went on and on. And contrary to the aspects of the Sormag chat where it was debated if it were hot or not, YA is hot. There's a lot of focus on it, certain YA best sellers are getting total mainstream attention (Hello, Hunger Games) and well, I write it...so um, by association it's hot!

Check Wendy's article, leave a comment on her article and weigh in - is YA hot or not? And how come?

Top Teen Books in '09

Ahh did you think I was going to list them?

Namp!

The list is all up to you, dear teen readers. Head over to YALSA and submit up to three books that you think are the tops for '09.

Yes, it would be wonderful if you submitted Flipping The Script, but I'm all about free love. I feel like if enough love is given - no matter to whose book, I'll get it back at some point.

So go, nom what you want.



BTW, YALSA stands for Young Adult Library Services Association. Consider yourself, schooled.

Real Teen Talk - Drama-Free, That's Me!

Write, Damn You!

It's no secret to most I've had a rough year. My dad passing, my fam's car accident and then there's the general burn out that comes from being a multi-slash (mom/wife, PR hack/writer/self-promoter).

Through it all, I've tried to maintain a writing schedule. For weeks at a time I managed to do so and then for weeks at a time I didn't. Usually when I need a break from something (like say exercise) I don't angst over it. My body or mind is tired, I know I need the break, so I take it. Guilt-free.

Not so with writing.

When I take a writing "break" either I outwardly angst or it bubbles underneath, the characters, story lines never too far from my mind making me want to run for a notebook even though I know a break is what I need.

I don't need excuses. Having a full-time job, a family and stomping the yard (aka promotion) for the Del Rio Bay series are pretty much explanation enough for why my mind is often too tired to properly engage with new imaginary characters.

But the light at the end of the break tunnel is - the new school year.

Yippe kay yay mo' fo's...school is back in session soon and I'm hoping it's the springboard to launch me back into a consistent and regular writing schedule.

We'll see.

On one hand, I wouldn't mind taking off a solid year from writing. I mean five books in three years, you do the math and if you're not tired afterwards, give me a call, I have some books I need you to tap out for me!

But on the other, these characters keep whispering in my ear. And while I rarely have the time or energy to hear them out, I also need to shut them up.

So, the countdown begins. In two blissful weeks both the Princesses will be back in school and I'll be back in the saddle...I hope!!!

Readergirlz Love Drama

So Not The Drama that is.

The Readergirlz Divas and their Postergirlz advisory council has selected So Not The Drama as a recommended read.

It's no secret that I'm a Readergirlz fan. They promote great books that focus on the inner strength every woman, young and not so young, possesses. Having my book selected as a must read is truly an honor.

Mad girl-power shout out for the love!

What makes this doubly delicious is I'm a recommended read the same month my girl, Coe Booth, is the Readergirlz featured author. Coe's gonna be chatting at RGZ on August 26th 9 p.m. Eastern. Please drop by and show her some love as she talks about her book, Kendra.

And if you haven't read Kendra yet, run don't walk to the nearest bricks and mortar book store and cop it. You won't regret it!