YAFest14 Part: 2 (Interview) (Giveaway)

JACKIE MORSE KESSLER 

Author of the Riders of the Apocalypse series:

GOODREADS BIO:

Jackie Morse Kessler grew up in Brooklyn, NY, with a cranky cat and overflowing shelves filled with dolls and books. Now she’s in Upstate NY with another cranky cat, a loving husband, two sons, and overflowing shelves filled with dragons and books (except when her sons steal her dragons). She has a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature, and yet she’s never read any Jane Austen (with or without zombies). She also has a master’s degree in media ecology. (The living study of technology and culture. Which is cool, but she still can’t figure out how to use Tweetdeck.)

Jackie spends a lot of time writing, reading, and getting distracted by bright and shiny new ideas. (She just came up with a new idea right now.) She has a weakness for chocolate and a tendency to let her cat take over her office chair.  

YA Fest 14' Interview:

1. What drew you to YA and why do you enjoy writing it?

JMK: I had the idea for my first YA novel, HUNGER, for about 10 years. I'm a former bulimic, and it was important to me to write a book that took a hard-hitting look at eating disorders; because I love all things paranormal, it needed a supernatural twist. But I was going to keep waiting before writing the book; at the time, I was working on a superhero fiction duology with Caitlin Kittredge. But when I mentioned the plot of HUNGER to my agent -- an anorexic teenage girl becomes the new Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse -- she strongly encouraged me to write the book. And so...I did!

At first, the main character wasn't going to be a teenager; Lisa was going to be in her early 20s, and the story was going to begin in the hospital, after a failed suicide attempt. But as I started writing it, I quickly realized that the protagonist felt younger. And I had the wrong start. It's hard to explain how to know when a story is off, but I knew. So I started over, made Lisa 17, and began it immediately after a half-hearted attempt that didn't succeed. And I was really happy with the new direction, and there I stayed for all four books in the Riders of the Apocalypse series. And my new YA fantasy series. And a book currently on submission (although that one is middle grade, aimed at 10 and up).

Why do I like writing YA? It's terrific having characters who aren't so completely set in their ways -- they're willing to grow and change. Even the ones who aren't willing, who fight the process, have so much potential that the journey they take to grow and change is utterly fascinating. Teens can be so much more fun, and more real, to write about than adults.

2. When you pick up a novel what type of stories are you looking for?

JMK: It depends. (Don't you have those answers?) Sometimes, it's about pure entertainment. Sometimes, I want something meaty for me to sink my teeth into. Sometimes, I want something thought-provoking. Usually? I want all three. :) I used to be a massive urban fantasy/paranormal/fantasy fan, but lately I've been reading more contemporary. And every now and then, horror. 

3. Who or what inspires you?

JMK: My biggest writing influence, hands down, is Neil Gaiman. I'm also very inspired by Christopher Moore. And A.S. King, a friend of mine, is utterly brilliant (and everyone should read everything she ever writes, always). But my inspiration to write? That's because I have to. If I'm not writing, I'm not complete. I feel like I'm here to write stories. I've got worlds inside of me, and I have to let them out.

4. Is there anything you want readers to take away from your books?

JMK: For the Riders books, if people talk about the issues in those books -- eating disorders, self-injury, bullying, coping when a loved one has Alzheimers, depression, suicide -- then I'll be truly pleased. That's my biggest goal with those four books: to help raise awareness. For my upcoming YA traditional fantasy, TO BEAR AN IRON KEY, well, that's all about the fun and being entertained. 

5. Do you have any upcoming projects that you're looking forward to?

JMK: Yes! I'm currently working on three projects (because I don't believe in sleeping): The first is the follow-up to KEY, which will be called TO MEND A HEART OF STONE, which I'm aiming to finish by the end of this June. The second is a book I'm writing as part of my MFA in Creative Writing thesis, but that won't be done until January 2016. And the third is a project I wrote for my sons, which is currently on submission, so I have my fingers crossed. Wish me luck! :)

AUTHOR LINKS: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK !
 

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MARIA V. SNYDER

New York Times Best-selling author of the Study series

GOODREADS BIO: 

Meteorologist turned novelist, Maria's been writing fantasy and science fiction since she was bored at work and needed something creative to do. A dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria's learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her MA degree in Writing from Seton Hill University where she's been happily sharing her knowledge with the current crop of MFA students. She also enjoys creating new worlds where horses and swords rule, 'cause let's face it, they're cool, although she's been known to trap her poor characters in a giant metal cube and let them figure out how to get out. 

YA Fest 14' Interview:

1. Why do you write YA?

MVS: Why? Because it's fun! I like it—I like that I can kind of have a young voice and not take on real serious or adult problems because they're my problems and I'm not interested in exploring them. So I would rather go and find somebody younger whose new, and doing fun things like that.

2. What kind of stories appeal to you when you're reading?

MVS: I like stories where I care about the character. If I don't care about the character I won't finish the book. So, I have to have a character that I can really relate to and I can encourage, and I care about then it doesn't matter what happens in the story—I'm hooked.

3. Who or what inspires you?

MVS: My children are big inspirations. I mean, their both teenagers now so I get a lot of a whole teen thing going on. They inspire me all the time!

4. What do you want readers to take away from your books?

MVS: That anything is possible—that you can't give up, you have to persevere and keep going going and keep going and even though it looks like things are really dire you just have to power through it and you'll get to the other side. Like don't ever give up, ever.

5. What projects are you looking forward to next?

MVS: Well I have more books coming out in my Study series that I'm working on. And that is one of my most popular series and I get a lot of reader feedback from it and a lot of begging over the last few years for more books. So I can't wait till it comes out so I can say okay, there, now be quiet! They won't, they'll finish that first book in a day and say, "when's the next one coming out!"

Now, do you feel attached to that series more-so than the others? 

MVS: Yes. That was my very first book Poison Study. It was the very first book I wrote and I have the most attachment to it.

 The real interesting part of the interview occurred once the recorder turned off! Maria had some pretty awesome things to say about writing and we had a great chat about how big YA has become and we talked a little bit about how her covers are constantly getting new looks to attract new readers—which I think, is fabulous!

AUTHOR LINKS: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK !

*Important note: Jackie Morse Kessler's interview was conducted online and Maria V. Snyder's is transcribed from an audio recording. Some words were condensed but nothing was cut that changes the content, misquotes it, or alters the original context.*

Maria and Seirra (Me!) at YA Fest 2014 - Palmer Branch, Easton Library Event in PA!

 

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~Giveaway~

It's giveaway time! While at the YA event I snagged some bookmarks from Maria and Jackie! Since I only have one of each I'll be sending them out to one winner. Instead of creating a rafflecopter all you need to do to win the swag is comment on this post with your answer to this question:

What are some of your favorite YA reads? & Are you a fan of either author listed above? 

Share your answer in a comment and be sure to include your name and email to be alerted if you've won!

I will be choosing one lucky random commenter on 4/28!

Bonus entry: Tweet about the swag contest and tag @RestlessReader

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

RULES:

U.S. residents ONLY. (I'm sorry I don't have the money to ship internationally but I hope to throw together an awesome giveaway for you all SOON!)

Leave a comment with your answer to the above question(s)!

Hunger (Review)

Hunger

(Riders of the Apocalypse, #1)

By: Jackie Morse Kessler

Publisher: Harcourt Graphia

Release Date: October 18th, 2010

Genre(s): YA Fantasy

My Review: (4/5 stars*) 

Hunger is raw, heart-rending, and it'll be firmly locked in hands from beginning to end. In so many ways I can relate to this book and to the lead character Lisa. The story shows the darker side of eating disorders and the affect it can have on you and your loved ones. Sure this is a fantasy about the four horsemen but it does exploit real issues and sends a strong message in the process that's significantly insightful. Kessler unites personal experience and reality with supernatural circumstance in an awfully brilliant way.

I love that not only is this about the four riders of the apocalypse envisioned anew as youths which alone is a totally riveting idea but Kessler spotlights the self-harming dangers of extreme eating habits. The protagonist Lisabeth Lewis' view of food is not that of enjoyment but instead a hellish nightmare. She's battling a war within herself just to keep going and some days the scales tip out of her favor. It twists her thoughts and makes her feel worthless and weak. Not everyone of course will understand it in the same way but it reached for my emotions most unexpectedly. I felt crushed for this girl who sees the weight in everything all while carrying a huge weight of her own. While dealing with this crucial disorder she is pushed into a supernatural role she neither wants but can't walk away from. It's emotionally tormenting to read and I think that's the point.

Lisa's daily routine consists of counting calories and exercising excessively. At just seventeen food consumes her life, controls it, and destroys it. Horrified by her own mirror image and the voice that whispers that she's "too fat", that she'll never be skinny enough she sinks into the dark depths of anorexia. Angry over weight gain and the inability to view food as anything other than her own worst enemy Lisa's world starts to fall apart. Her life worsens when her family and those she believed to be her friends ambush her about her destructive behavior. After a near-fatal incident Lisa wakes up to find herself as the new rider of the apocalypse—Famine. Her life takes on more meaning than its ever held before when she has a responsibility greater than she's ever known. Lisa's journey begins when her life almost ends, and follows a path full of surprises.

Hunger sates reader's appetites with a heartbreaking story of truth and discovery. Equal parts paranormal and realistic this novel is eye-opening and will leave you fully satisfied and ravenous for the next. Hunger is a short novel that packs a hard-hitting and gut-churning punch. It's an upper teen read with dark content that may be unsuitable for 14 and under. This one is going to take me awhile to digest because it's so good and thought-provoking. Consider me pulled out of my YA slump! I'm ready for war in the next installment and sequel, Rage!

Synopsis:

“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”
 
Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?

LINKS: GOODREADS |AMAZON | B&N !


LOOK OUT FOR:

*My interview with Jackie Morse Kessler! I asked her 5 questions at YAFest and they will be featured here, so check it out!*

YAFest14: Part 1 (Event)

YA Fest 2014 kicked off last weekend in Easton, Pa at the Palmer Branch Easton Public Library with a full house of 45+ authors! Best-selling writer Maria V. Snyder known for her Study series was present along with the extremely talented Jennifer L. Armentrout who has penned a number of bestsellers in just a few short years! Also amongst these recognizable faces were Demitria Lunetta, Jackie Morse Kessler, Cristin Terrill and many many more. It was a total hit for younger and older teens alike (even the adults—such as myself—were excited and overwhelmed). As a blogger of all genres I always seem to find myself reaching for a YA read, and you know why? A good book is for all ages no matter the intended consumer target.

 Hundreds of people came out to the event to meet their favorite authors, discover new titles, and join in on the fun! From the raffles, treats, and swag goodies to the entertaining YA panel event going on the YAFest turned out to be a great time for everyone, and it was a truly spectacular and well-planned event. The people responsible for putting it all together did a wonderful job and made everyone feel more than welcomed. Thank you for a fantastic YA festival!

Special thanks to the coordinators and volunteers who made it what it was - you rock!

YAFest Highlights:

The impressive list of attendees! For the complete list of authors you can visit the official fest page here!

Raffles by the dozen! There were plenty of giveaways to enter to win amazing prize-packs loaded with hot titles. I threw in a few tickets but I didn't take home a prize—which wasn't a total bummer because I did end up acquiring a massive amount of books anyways from the incredible young adult book sale they had going on! My haul will be posted here!

The opportunity to chat with your favorite authors face-to-face. The rare chance to speak with each writer added to the experience you don't get when you attend huge conventions. Everyone was friendly, polite, and willing to answer any questions you had which—for a fan—is indescribably awesome!

Panel discussion with Cristin Terrill, Amalie Howard, Lisa Amowitz, David Lubar, Kit Grindstaff, Alison Ashley Formento, Laura Toffler-Corrie, Aaron Starmer,  Page Morgan, Justina Ireland, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Michelle Madow. They spoke about writing for young readers as well as shared their own experiences while answering a variety of questions asked. It was lively, fun, and overall interesting to hear what they had to say. Personally, I loved their insight and enthusiasm when speaking about different topics. Sadly, I was only present for half of the panel due to arriving late.

The main signing area (photo was taken when it wasn't so jam-packed!)

YA Panel Discussion

Only a few of the many raffle prizes you could win!

 My experience at YA Fest 2014:

1 week previously if you asked me what YA Fest was I would have looked at you funny. I stumbled across its existence on Facebook from a post Jennifer Armentrout made about where her next signing would be so I thought I'd check it out. Well, I did, and as it would turn out it was my lucky day because the event she posted about was local—LOCAL! Where I live it is nearly unheard of for big-name authors—let alone authors I LOVE—to come around here. It's such a small dot on the map so I was shocked. I had to go, I just had to. So, I did. It was even better than I could have imagined. As soon as I got there I was anxious, perspiring a little, and hopped up on caffeine. It wasn't the entrance I wanted to make but that's how it went. Immediately upon my arrival a volunteer approached me and told me I could look around the library (which I was more than happy to do—yay books!) because the event wasn't starting for another two hours—enter my nerves again. I mentioned I was a book blogger and the coordinator was wonderfully kind and let me join the author conference going on and free reign to conduct a few interviews with the authors themselves! I was a bit unprepared because I hadn't even thought about taking notes or anything blogging related, I was just intending to go as a fan but ended up getting so much more from the event than I planned. Thus began my day of taking everything in and chatting up every author I could. It was unbelievable how cool and nice everyone was. I even got to interview Maria V. Snyder, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Jackie Morse Kessler, and Demitria Lunetta who were all ridiculously sweet. Though I only named a few I met a TON of new-to-me authors and I can't wait to check out their books! I may have to make an extra post just for them!! All of my interviews can be found in Part 2 & 3 of my posts which will be coming soon!

Overall this was one of the best events I've attended this year! Most importantly It offered so much to readers both young and old. I loved that it was an entire event created to promote and support reading for teens. It allowed many personal interactions not found at larger venues and a day of absolute bookish fun!

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 (Author interviews from Maria V. Snyder & Jackie Morse Kessler!)

Stacking the Shelves (#27)

~ Stacking the Shelves is a weekly post hosted by: Tynga from Tynga's Reviews. Stacking the Shelves is where you share your recent book purchases, physical book buys, review books, borrowed books, or any books you have recently acquired. ~

First off WOAH. This week I spent a lot of time shopping for books and bargain prices but what I could have never imagined was buying and receiving so many at a time!! I went to the library and took it home with me! But, really I did go to a library and they had a 50 author signing event...and a MAJORLY cheap book sale going on. Now that I've explained the reasoning for my lot I want to say there are no words to describe my bookish joy. I have a good year's worth of reading material here. The books highest in my TBR are Starcrossed, Poison Study (which I got signed!), Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, Forgotten, Left Behind, and Unearthly. All of them though look disgustingly good!

Physical Purchases: Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by: Sarah MacLean  | One for the Money by: Janet Evanovich | Left Behind by: Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins | The Fourth Bear by: Jasper Fforde | "A" is for Alibi | "C" is for Corpse by: Sue Grafton | Pretty Little Liars by: Sara Shepard | Wuthering Heights by: Emily Brontë

Physical Review Copies: Swimming Through Clouds by: Rajdeep Paulus | Surrounded by Sharks by: Michael Northrop

Library Books: Freakonomics | Superfreakonomics by: Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

Physical Purchases #2: Poison Study by: Maria V. Snyder | I Am Number Four by: Pittacus Lore | Wicked Lovely by: Melissa Marr | Evermore | Blue Moon by: Alyson Noël | Prophecy of the Sisters | Ender's Game | Inkheart by: Cornelia Funke | The Hobbit by: J.R.R. Tolkien

Physical Purchases #3: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by: Ransom Riggs | Beautiful Creatures: The Manga by: Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, and Cassandra Jean | Jane by: April Lindner | Forgotten by: Cat Patrick | Starcrossed by: Josephine Angelini | Unearthly by: Cynthia Hand | Fallen by: Lauren Kate | Archon by: Sabrina Benulis

What do you think of the books I picked up? What did you get recently? Leave your Stacking the Shelves link :)

  

Hard to Hold on To (Cover Reveal)

*Avon favorite Laura Kaye just released the cover of her upcoming novella in the steamy special ops. series Hard Ink, Hard to Hold on To! It's not-so-shockingly delicious, take a look and pre-order your copy right now!!*

Hard to Hold on To

(Hard Ink, #2.5)

By: Laura Kaye

Expected Publication: August 19th, 2014

Genres: New Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense

*Cover Reveal hosted by: InkSlinger PR*

Synopsis:

Edward "Easy" Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves--which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight.  He may have just met her, but Jenna's the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel--and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.

As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

A Note from Laura:

Hey guys! I am so excited about Easy’s book that I can hardly wait for August to get here! Easy’s character was a total surprise to me. When I initially plotted out the series, there were four surviving members of the Army Special Forces team and therefore I planned for and sold four book in the series. But then, when I sat down to write Hard As It Gets, all of a sudden the story demanded there were actually five guys, and Edward “Easy” Cantrell was born. And I’m so glad! Because Easy’s character is a totally tortured hero, which I adore writing! So I’m super happy that we added his story and this novella into the series, and I can’t wait for you to learn about Easy in Hard to Hold On To!

Is it August yet???

xo, Laura

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:

For Hard As You Can:

"TOP PICK! There is a sinister and desperate edge to this tale that will keep readers glued to their seats. Kaye has dark romantic suspense nailed!" ~ RT Book Reviews Magazine

"Hard As You Can is another five star read. The characters Ms. Kaye has created are wonderfully broken and the drama is gritty, but the burgeoning romance and the tight-knitted relationship of the team leaves you with a sense of redemption. A must read series!" ~San Francisco Book Review

For Hard As It Gets:

"Edgy, sexy and full of suspense!  A great read from a great new author!" ~ #1 NYT Bestselling Author J.R. Ward

"Sizzling romance... The intriguing tattoo parlor and military background will appeal to fans of Suzanne Brockmann and Lindsay McKenna." ~Publishers Weekly Review

"Kaye's depiction of sexual tension and her sex scenes are masterful and this will appeal to fans of Maya Banks' KGI and Julia Ann Walker's Black Knight's series." ~Booklist

PREORDER LINKS: AMAZON U.S. | CA | UK | B&N !

ADD HARD TO HOLD ON TO ON GOODREADS!

 

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~Author Bio~

Laura Kaye

 Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

AUTHOR LINKS: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER !

 

Stacking the Shelves (#26)

~ Stacking the Shelves is a weekly post hosted by: Tynga from Tynga's Reviews. Stacking the Shelves is where you share your recent book purchases, physical book buys, review books, borrowed books, or any books you have recently acquired. ~

Hello my awesome followers I'm really sorry for the bereft blog and lack of posts these last few months. I've had a few major giant obstacles thrown my way and I needed to make them my #1 priority. In Dec. I briefly mentioned my absence here about why I had to take some time away—my grandmother has been terribly ill. Things seem to be improving which is why I'm finally back in the blogging world - hurray! I've missed you all!!! Now, onto new books, I got an astounding amount from Avon and I'm basically drooling over them as I type. I got SOO many wonderful romance titles along with a few random but really cool reads. Since I don't want to make this too long I just want to say I'm very much looking forward to reading some older titles sent to me. These look fab: Sarah MacLean's Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Shanna by: Johanna Lindsey, The Duke and I by: Julia Quinn, and Kiss An Angel by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips! The rest I'm just as equally hyped for but those are at the top!

If you're wondering how I got all these goodies it's thanks to the Avon Addicts program which is accepting new applications now for bloggers! I highly HIGHLY recommend applying, it has been one of the best blogging experiences for me yet and the perks are incredible! So apply now!! (you have till the end of April.)

Physical Copies from Avon: Up From the Grave by: Jeaniene Frost | The Last Hellion by: Loretta Chase | Heart of Danger by: Lisa Marie Rice | Be With Me by: J. Lynn | A Duke of Her Own by: Eloisa James | Lord of Temptation by: Lorraine Heath | A Week to Be Wicked by: Tessa Dare | See Jane Score | The Trouble With Valentine's Day | Truly Madly Yours by: Rachel Gibson | Tarnished by: Karina Cooper | Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by: Sarah MacLean | The Duke and I by: Julia Quinn | Kiss An Angel by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips | Warrior's Woman by: Johanna Lindsey | Shanna by: Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Physical Review Copies: Night Diver by: Elizabeth Lowell

Physical Purchases: Of Poseidon by: Anna Banks | The Wise Man's Fear by: Patrick Rothfuss

E-Copy Purchase: Of Silver and Beasts by: Trisha Wolfe

 

What do you think of the books I picked up? What did you get recently? Leave your Stacking the Shelves link :)