Cover/Description Reveal: Easy by Tammara Webber

Hello, everyone. I know I haven't blogged in forever but I am super excited to share this cover and description reveal with you. One of my favorite authors has a new Mature YA stand-alone novel coming out. I cannot wait to read it. Everything Tammara has written I have absolutely adored. I know where I'll be on 5/25 ;) 

Easy
Tammara WebberMature Young Adult (language/sexual situations/drinking)Publication date is tentatively set for May 25, 2012

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email. 

Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees—hoping for more.

Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they’ve hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

 

Hug An Author: Day 5; Interviews with author, Tammara Webber & Janette, fellow book lover

                                     

Welcome to Day 5 of the Hug An Author Blog Hop 

hosted by 

myself, Lynn from Bringing the Epic & Jen from What's On the Bookshelf 

to celebrate authors!

Which author inspired you? Made you cry? Made you laugh til your sides split? Writes the closest to the way you speak?

There are so many writers that have inspired me over the years that I'm not sure I can pick just one. Recently, Jandy Nelson did all of these things in her book The Sky Is Everywhere. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you bump it up on your TBR. Forewarning, you WILL need tissues. 

If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh til your sides split, consider Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan. I literally almost wet myself reading this book. I haven't gotten around to reading any of the authors' other works, but I most certainly want to. And it's a great holiday read (shameless holiday plug there) that takes place in NYC over winter break. The antics in this one are sure to please!

Now, please help me hug and celebrate one of my new-found favorite authors, Tammara Webber. When I read Between the Lines I was not expecting to fall in love with the book. Even better bonus, Tammara is always so friendly and just awesome all around. Not only can she write her pants off - she can charm the fans! We do have such a blast on Twitter! Recently she and a few of my fellow online gal pals have been "dream casting" her characters and we have been rowdy and very vocal in swooning over some of our choices. I am so pleased Tammara agreed to interview for the hop!

Tammara Webber

Author of 

Between the Lines, Where You Are, 

and Good For You (out on 16 December)

Tell us about yourself.
I fell in love with young adult books when I took a YA Lit course in college, thinking I might teach. I ultimately decided teaching wasn’t for me, but my enjoyment of YA novels stuck. I’ve been a writer in one form or another all of my life, so I decided to try writing for the genre I’d come to love reading most. Eventually, I came up with Between the Lines.

Where can readers follow you on the web?

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TammaraWebberAuthor

Blog: http://tammarawebber.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tammarawebber (warning: I suck at Twitter)

Who is your favorite author(s)? Their genre? What makes them your favorite?
Jennifer Echols (YA contemporary romantic author) is my favorite. I adore her stories and writing style. Her books are a blend of humorous, hot, and serious stuff, and that appeals to me as a reader—and is also something I seek to emulate as a writer.

Which book makes you cry, laugh ‘til your sides split?
I laugh often when reading anything by Echols, but Endless Summer was hysterical. Simone Elkeles’ How to Ruin series was also especially funny (particularly the first one—I actually snorted twice while reading). Going Bovine (Libba Bray) made me bawl. Also teared up reading I Know It’s Over (C.K. Kelly Martin) and Please Ignore Vera Dietz (A.S. King). Laughed and cried repeatedly in the same book: The Sky is Everywhere (Jandy Nelson).

Which author wrote the character that you would want to be your best friend?
Hmm. I think Seth from Wicked Lovely (Melissa Marr) would be pretty cool as a best friend. Or Matt from Flat-Out Love (Jessica Park). I suppose you can see where my head is on best friends… I’m married to mine. ;) I guess if I had to choose a literary female best friend… I’d want America from Beautiful Disaster (Jamie McGuire). She’s loyal, protective, supportive and hilarious. (Just like my RL female BFF.)

Is there another author that when you see on tour/at conferences you feel fan-girly about? Who have you gotten star-struck over?
I haven’t met many authors in person. I could imagine going a little fan-girly over John Green, though. He’s so brilliant and talented and socially aware (and cute… which certainly doesn’t hurt).

As an author, how does it feel to have your readers crushing on the fictional boys you have written?
I LOVE writing a guy who readers fall for. My goal when creating them is for the guys to be realistic, which means they will not be perfect. Of course, even imperfect guys will do some things perfectly. ;)

What advice would you give to an aspiring author in regards on how to reach their readers/fans?
A reader who enjoys what you’ve written will find you. Make yourself available! I felt really silly setting up a FB fan page when I indie-published my first book, but I did it. I set up a Twitter account at the same time. I already had the blog, which I rearranged to accommodate book information like descriptions, reviews, and the trailer for Between the Lines. Each of these has links to the others.

Interview with fellow book lover

Janette

Tell us about yourself.

Hmm, what can I tell you that will make me seem more exciting than I really am? I’m a

thirty-something Midwestern girl who has made her way to the South. I’m a married,

SAHM of three girls 13, 12, & almost 11. In my former life BC (before children), I was an

audiologist. [Sorry to disappoint, but no, that’s not someone who fixes stereos. ;)] I’m

not a writer or a book blogger, so I guess I’d refer to myself as a book enthusiast. I read

a lot, whenever I can, and spend countless hours volunteering for community and

education non-profit organizations. (In other words, I work for free. :D)

Who is your favorite author and why? What genre do the generally write?

I knew this question would be part of this interview, but I dreaded it anyway. My first

thought was ‘I have to pick 3 or less?’ My next was that I really wish I could say it’s

someone classic like Jane Austen or Tolstoy. If I’m being honest, my very favorite author is Stephen King. I love his writing style, and I’m completely drawn in by his ability to set a scene and develop complex characters. He writes primarily horror (what does that say about me?), and I will generally read ANYTHING he’s written from novels to his

column in Entertainment Weekly. He’s got a great sense of humor and wit that manages

to come through in all his work.

Do you have a blog? If so, what is the website. If not, where do you like to discuss your favorite books & gush about authors?

I don’t have an active blog; I started one a LONG time ago, but I rarely update it. I guess

you could say I’m a wanna be blogger. I love to spend time on twitter or goodreads

discussing my favorite authors & books with others.

Where can we follow you? (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

I’m on Twitter (@jderucki) and Facebook (Janette Derucki)

Which one of your favorite author's books is the one that made them your favorite?

If I had to choose one, I’d choose It. I read that book when I was a sophomore in high

school (about 15 years old), and it pretty much terrified me. I was so frightened that I

couldn’t help but keep reading. I rushed through my homework every night just to get

back to it. I’m not even sure I could tell you what it was that captivated me...maybe the

clown? To this day when I read a book that features a clown, Pennywise is still who I

picture. He’s the ultimate in creeptastic!

Who was your favorite author when you were a child? a teen? during your

adulthood? (has it ever changed?)

My favorite author changed quite a bit growing up. I loved Beverly Cleary’s Ramona

series, then Gertrude Chandler Warner’s Box Car Children before I eventually found my

all-time favorite author from childhood, Judy Blume. I read the Fudge books and

everything else she’d written (well, that my mom would let me read anyway). As a

preteen I discovered the Sweet Valley High books by Francine Pascal and plowed my

way through those. I’ve always read a wide variety of books in many genres.

Eventually I read Stephen King and, as I mentioned before, he became my all-time

favorite. Since then I’ve found tons of authors I really love; it would be impossible to

name them all!

Is there an author you've met or attended their book signing? If not, who would yougive your right arm to see?

I love to attend book signings; living near Atlanta we’re lucky to get many authors

passing through. I attended my first signing with my friend Sue during grad school. We

attended a Nora Roberts event to get signed books for our moms, and I’ve been going

ever since. For the past several years I’ve been able to attend the Decatur Book

Festival in Decatur, GA. It’s held during Labor Day weekend and features tons of

authors for all ages, all genres, including local & up-and-coming names. I’ve attended

many readings & panels of my favorite authors (new & old); this year my favorite panel

featured Beth Revis, Myra McEntire & Rachel Hawkins. To name a few, I have been

fortunate to meet Diana Gabaldon, Richelle Mead, Kate DiCamillo, Lauren Myracle,

Judy Schachner, & Jackson Pearce.

TGIF (1): Making a Difference

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads.  Each Friday Ginger poses a question for us to share our thoughts on.  If you'd like to participate, head on over to her awesome blog and link up!

This week's topic:

Making a Difference: Which book(s) would you put in the hands of today's teenagers in hopes of making a difference in their lives?

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, & Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins            In order to get the full effect of the series, I think teens should have to read all three.  There are so many great themes and room for discussion.  Dystopian world, politics, radical government, class system, family issues, morality, mortality, love, relationships, revolution...I could go on and on.  


Back when I was in high school, I had to suffer through reading 1984  by George Orwell.  Please don't get me wrong.  I respect that it is a classic and has been on required readings lists forever.  But it was hard for me to relate to as a sophomore in high school.  In my very humble opinion, I think The Hunger Games series could easily replace the idea of Big Brother watching and a corrupt, heavy handed government.  Not to mention, the story is written through the eyes of a teen-age girl, not some middle aged man.  It brings the story down to a teen's level and makes it more accessible. 

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
This story is about the touchy subject of teenage sex.  (I'm not here to preach against it or for it.  That is your own view and I'm not writing this to change it).  But teen age sex does happen.  Sex complicates lives and relationships.  As we grow older we realize this.  However, teens don't often think of the complications and consequences.  They do it because they think everyone else is doing it or for all the wrong reasons (Yes, I realize this is a generalization but more because it is a majority and not an exception).  


Not That Kind of Girl is a story that talks just about reputations and connotations that can come along with losing your virginity for both boys and girls.  The main character feels that she has to hide the fact that she is no longer a virgin to avoid being "that type of girl".  The journey she makes through the book is a pretty typical story with ordinary events but the end message is truly strong and meaningful.  Something I wish I would have realized for myself when I was growing up or that someone had explained to me.  I can see why it wouldn't necessarily be required reading but I think it is something every young woman should read on their own.  The boys could benefit as well.  Labels are a horrible thing and it effects both of the sexes.  

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber 
This book is rated for the mature teen reader based on the content of sexual situations, language, and drinking but I don't think it should stop someone from reading it.  Honestly, it's no worse than the reality crap on TV right now (that I avoid like the plague).  Teens in the public eye being idolized for things such as teen pregnancy, under-age drinking, etc.  But I digress...
  
Another book about complicated teen relationships, Between the Lines is really about growing up, making decisions, making mistakes, making good decisions, and how you handle the cause and effect of your actions molds your life (in my humble opinion again).  You can royally screw up BUT it's whether you take responsibility for that mistake or whether blow it off and let someone else handle it that makes you grow as a person.  I fell in love with this book and there are so many characters that anyone that reads it will be able to identify with one and really get into the story.  Life with all its highs, lows, and inbetweens.  (Read my review here).   


Which book(s) do you think could make a difference?

Review: Between the Lines by Tammara Webber

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber
self-published
April 29, 2011
Amazon Kindle edition


When Hollywood It Boy, Reid Alexander, arrives on location to shoot his next movie, his goals are the same as always—film another blockbuster hit and enjoy his celebrity status to the fullest while doing so. His costar is a virtual unknown with whom he had blazing hot chemistry during her auditions. The universe is lining up nicely to grant whatever he wants, as usual, until he’s confronted with unexpected obstacles on location like a bitter ex-girlfriend and a rival for the first girl to spark his genuine interest in years.

Emma Pierce just got her big break after more than a decade of filming commercials for grape juice, department stores and tampons, and more recently, bit parts in made-for-TV movies. Nailing the lead role in a wide-release film sent her agent, father and stepmother into raptures, and should have done the same for her. The Problem? Emma is experiencing a building desire to be normal, and starring in a silly, modernized adaptation of one of her favorite novels—opposite the very hot Reid Alexander—isn’t going to advance that aspiration.

Graham Douglas doesn’t fear playing the part of a nerdy dimwit; when it comes to choosing film roles, if it pays, he’ll do it. Besides, his friend Brooke Cameron snatched up the role of the bitchy hot girl and could use his help as a buffer, because her ex is the star. Graham has no problem keeping a handle on the situation, until he finds himself attracted to Reid’s costar, Emma, the girl Reid is pursuing full-throttle with his standard arsenal of charm, good looks and arrogance.

Author recommendation: Mature teens+ (language/drinking/sexual situations) -Goodreads.com


When I picked up Between the Lines for my Kindle my reasoning was that it was only $2.99 and the premise sounded interesting.  Cute guy, nice girl & both in show business working on a movie together.  Add in some teen-aged friends and voila! quick easy read.  I was not expecting to fall in love with this book and the characters.  When I got to the last page all I wanted to do was read more about Emma & the cast (especially a certain male).



I really identified with Emma and her adventures in making the right decisions.  Of course I haven't ever been in the position of being close to movie-stardom and having to navigate life in the public eye but Emma is still a regular teenage girl trying to decide on how she wants to live her life.  I think we've all been at that stage or still are in that stage, struggling to find ourselves.  We have all been at that point where we were almost an adult but not quite a little girl (or boy) any more.  Should I go to college or pursue a career in something else?       I'm about to be thirty and I still don't know "what I want to be when I grow up."  So when Emma is deciding on continuing with acting or going to college, I can sympathize with her.  


When the light bulb is turned on over her head and Emma graduates from the self-centered thinking she has been doing and starts thinking about how relationships are more than one-sided and how to be a good friend, I also identified with that notion.  Maybe that's a sign of growing into adulthood.  It's so easy to get lost in our day to day little dramas.  It's more difficult to step out of our shoes and see that other people have issues they need to work through as well.  


Tammara really gives us a wide variety of characters and shows that people deal with their lives and hardships in different ways, and not always for the better.  I'm sure that anyone that reads this book will find a character to identify with.  She touches on a lot of different issues, some that can even be uncomfortable but are inevitably a part of life.  Tammara's approach is honest and purely brilliant.       


OH! And one more important thing that I thought was a primary point of this book without being preachy:  Life may throw you curve balls and you might make mistakes, but it is how you handle them that can ultimately show the world how you are as a person.  After all, that's what growing up is all about. 


I highly recommend Between the Lines if you are looking for a contemporary read.  Here's hoping you fall in love with it like I did.