Hug An Author: Day 2, Interviews with author Diana Peterfreund & fellow blogger Tamara

Welcome to Day 2 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!

Today I have the privilege of presenting special guests author Diana Peterfreund & my friend and fellow blogger Tamara B.

My Q/A for the day:

Which author wrote the character that you would want to be your best friend?

When I was a little girl I was absolutely in love with Anne Shirley from LM Montgomery's "Anne" series. In fact, I was so much in love with her character that I wanted MY middle name to be spelled with an "e" as well. Alas, my mom told me no. So I'm stuck with plain Ann. But I digress. I do believe if Anne were real and she were my best friend, we would have gotten into many more scrapes (that's saying a lot since Anne was always getting into messes) and we would have been kindred spirits.

As an adult, I read Diana Peterfreund's "Secret Society Girl" series and immediately fell in love with the main character, Amy Haskel. Amy is the kind of girl I would want in a best friend. In a way, I almost view her as a modern day Anne Shirley. She loves literature and writing, has some very crazy relationships, & gets into tons of trouble and scrapes. I'm seeing a pattern here... Amy is quick-thinking, intelligent, fiercely loyal, and persistent. She also has a nose for mystery. I also have to say I'm a little envious of Amy's love interests but I don't want to spoil the series for you. You'll just have to read about all of Anne & Amy's adventures yourselves. 

Ms. Peterfreund's interview was perfect to present to you today because we share one of the same characters that we would want to be our best friends! 

Interview with

Diana Peterfreund

Author of

RAMPANT and ASCENDANT: Killer Unicorns (Harper Teen)

SECRET SOCIETY GIRL Series (Bantam Dell)

Tell us about yourself.

Oh, let's see. I prefer hot weather to cold, owing to growing up in Florida. I also love thunderstorms. I was named after a Bond chick. Ice cream is best when there's chunks of chocolate, candy, and nuts in it. Thai food is my favorite of all Asian cuisines. I live in Washington, DC, with my family. I am a total sucker for dogs, especially my Toller, Rio. My favorite TV shows are: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars, The West Wing, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Arrested Development, How I Met Your Mother, and The Wire. I used to be a food critic. I'm the author of the four books in the Secret Society Girl series, the killer unicorn novels Rampant and Ascendant, the upcoming post-apocalyptic For Darkness Shows the Stars, and a bunch of short stories.

Where can readers follow you on the web?

My website and blog: http://dianapeterfreund.com

My twitter: http://twitter.com/dpeterfreund

My tumblr: http://landsbeyond.tumblr.com

Who is your favorite author(s)? Their genre? What makes them your favorite?

For a long time, I've loved L.M Montgomery and read her "Anne" series over and over every year. I think she's a master at crafting distinctive character voices and finding the magical in the everyday. I'm also a lifelong fan of CS Lewis's Narnia series, which is the fantasy world I'd probably go live in if given the chance. Other favorites: Alexandre Dumas, Jane Austen, Edgar Allan Poe. Currently publishing authors: Tamora Pierce for awesome heroines, Laini Taylor for gorgeous wordsmithing, and Scott Westerfeld for pure, unadulterated fabulous storylove.

What inspired you to become a writer? Was it another author, self-driven, or something/someone else entirely?

I honestly can't remember a time I didn't want to be a writer. In first grade, when we were given black and white composition notebooks nad told to use our vocabulary words in a sentence, I used them in a story. But until I graduated from college, I never even met a professional writer, I never thought it was something I could do (it didn't help that the established narrative at Yale was "if you're not going for a Nobel in Literature, don't write books"). I made myself a bet: said, if you write a book -- a whole book -- you can spend $100 and join Romance Writers of America. Well, I respond well to bets, apparently. I finished that book, joined RWA, and spent the next few years soaking up as much info as I could.

Which author wrote the character that you would want to be your best friend?

Currently, I want to be BFFs with Lola from Stephanie Perkins's LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR. But usually, Anne Shirley Blythe from LM Montgomery's "Anne" series.

Who is the author that wrote your first fictional crush? Which book/series and what made you crush on them?

Edmund Pevensie from CS Lewis's "Narnia" series. He went through some rough times in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but he emerged from the other side a better man and proceeded to be one of the strongest and most admirable characters in the series. In fact, I wrote a whole essay about my love for Edmund, called "King Edmund the Cute" in the non-fiction anthology Through the Wardrobe. 

***UPDATE!*** Diana has informed me they have made the King Edmund essay FREE this week. You can get here at http://www.smartpopbooks.com/1052

What advice would you give to an aspiring author in regards on how to reach their readers/fans?

I feel like "reaching fans" is a little cart-before-the-horse for an aspiring author. The best way for any author to reach readers is to write a book someone will become a fan of. Make a book worthy of fandom, and the readers will find you.

Interview with
Tamara B.

Blogger & bookish friend

Tell us about yourself.

I am Tamara, I'm from a small European country called Croatia, I'm fifteen, adore to read, inspiring author and that, I think, sums me up about nicely. 

Who is your favorite author and why?My favorite author is Cassandra Clare, but notice it is a very hard pick. Why? Because there's just something about her novels and her writing that captivates you right from the start and doesn't let you go... ever.

Do you have a blog? If not, where do you like to discuss your favorite books & gush about authors?Why yes, I do have a blog. http://tamarasbookramblings.blogspot.com/ But I also gush about books on twitter.

Where can we follow you? (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)You can find me on twitter @tamsbookramble, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002414984749 and also I have a page of my blog on Facebook which you can like, if you want to *wink wink* http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamaras-Book-Ramblings/130306430401156

Which author wrote the character that you would want to be your best friend? 

Lennie from The Sky Is Everywhere, because she is similar but different from me. I think we'd make a good team.

Is there an author who brought you to reading or got you started reading after having stopped for a time?

Umm, I'd say Stephenie Meyer, because Twilight made me a booklover I am today... if it wasn't for Twilight, I'd never open a book that wasn't mandatory to read.

Which author created a world so vivid you were actually lost after the book/series was completed? (i.e. who gave you a book hangover from hell?)

Again, Cassandra Clare and the Shadowhunter world. I mean, it is just a-mazing! It has got all of the mysterious creatures incoorporated and Jace is there *swoons*... So what is there not to like? :)  

Thank you again to my lovely guests today. Please share with me

Which author wrote the character that you would 

want to be your best friend?

Remember to drop back in tomorrow for Day 3!

1. 

Hug An Author: Day 1, Which I dedicate to Anne McCaffrey

Welcome to Day 1 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!

During the preparation for this week, I was able to interview some of my favorite authors and book-crazy friends! Each day this week I will be answering a question from the list our hosts have chosen. Also, I will be sharing the interviews with you. Of course, I would LOVE to hear what all of my followers have to say about their favorite authors so don't forget to comment.

To end my portion of the blog hop I will be doing a giveaway. The prizes are yet to be determined so check back during the week for details and to find out how to enter.

Without further delay, let's get this celebration started!

Is there an author that brought you to reading?

Anne McCaffrey

1 April 1926 – 21 November 2011

I would like to dedicate this first day of the Hug An Author celebration to the award winning author, Anne McCaffrey (Goodreads).

Last week I was devastated by the news of her passing. The world has lost a truly creative, brilliant soul but I am warmed with the thought that she will live on with her legacy of the written word. I am truly thankful that her son, Todd McCaffrey, has taken up his pen and has worked with his mother in the recent years in continuing her Pern series.

Ms. McCaffrey was a master of the sci-fi/fantasy world and is probably best known for her beloved Pern series. Among the Pern novels, she wrote a small trilogy called The Harper Hall Series: Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, & Dragondrums.

The book that brought me to reading was Dragonsong. The main character Menolly spoke to me very deeply and reached out to me. Here was a misunderstood girl that found solace in music. Menolly is a vivacious and determined young girl, and highly skilled in her art & shows a profound love for music. Dragonsinger is my favorite of all her books. It is THE book I always return to as it were a security blanket. I guess you could say it's my security book.

After reading the Harper Hall Trilogy, I went on to read the other Pern novels. I remember staying up until sometimes 1 or 2 in the morning, on school nights, when I should have been sleeping. I wouldn't realize the time because I would get so caught up in the wonderful story Ms. McCaffrey crafted. 

My husband and I also bonded over our love of these novels so that is something else I will always treasure. 

Thank you for sharing your tremendous gift with the world, Ms. McCaffrey. You will be truly missed.

Interview with avid reader

 Malia Summerfield

Let me preface Malia's interview by saying that she is the first person I met when I started high school. What is even funnier is that we lived in the same neighborhood for most of our lives and hadn't met until visitation day at CAPA. When I want something new to read or want to discuss books, Malia is the go to gal! Without further ado, I present one of my oldest and dearest friends and her book love:

Hello there! My name is Malia and I am currently having a flashback of starting the school year in elementary school/ submitting a profile for a dating website. Wow, there is an odd juxtaposition, eh? 

I am a hopeful writer slash painter slash one of those artistic people. I have a love affair with words, especially those of the printed sort. I enjoy painting glass and things with the things that make me smile.  I have a small addiction to video games and love my XBOX 360. I enjoy long walks on the beach….oh wait…flashback again…

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

Ok, asking me who my three favorite authors are, well is a really, really, freakin’ really hard question. I have way too many, so I will go with the three that jump into my brain first and go from there. Well, there is really a fourth but he doesn't need any explanation as to why, so I’ll just name drop. You are totally on the edge of your seat, waiting in suspense right? 

1.) William Shakespeare (he has always been my favorite writer. when you get your first Shakespeare anthology in 5^th grade, yeah has to be on the list…. 

2.) Kasey Michaels                                                                                                                    I stumbled upon her books one day when scanning for something quick to check out from the library. It looked cute, quick and like a decent read. Within five minutes of reading it, however, I was laughing so hard I was crying. This brought on some interesting stares from my husband… 

She writes romance novels, some current day, some historical, but all written with a sarcastic, intelligent whit. Romance may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I call them my cupcake books, fluffy, pretty and fully of amazing tastes and flavors, with no real benefit to health. But with Kasey Michaels’ books, she does make you think by working in literature, pop culture and music references, Les’ Miserables, for instance. 

There isn’t a true style to her writing, some of it is in the Faulkner style (we’ll get to him in a minute), while some is very linear and clear. Sometimes she writes from first person and other times third person. She also has no problem inserting herself into the story as a narrator or psychic when needed. She can do this all, in the same novel, flawlessly. The sarcastic comments made by the lead characters never miss in rhythm. The characters are true and full, very well rounded and believable.  They may get into crazy predicaments or involve the supernatural, but there is never a time where when you, as the reader, ever question whether or not this would really happen. From the wealthy members of the Main Line to a girl coming out for her first season in London, Kasey Michaels intertwines you in the story and makes you believe. 

At the end of each of her stories, I always want to know, what happened to them? Where did they go? What life did they live? A truly great story always leaves you wanting just a little bit more…

3.) William Faulkner
Here is a little bio for you “William Cuthbert Faulkner (born Falkner, September 25, 1897 – July 6, 1962) was an American writer from Oxford, Mississippi. Faulkner worked in a variety of media; he wrote novels, short stories, a play, poetry, essays and screenplays during his career. He is primarily known and acclaimed for his novels and short stories” 

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, William Faulkner is my all time second favorite author. (I guess I have a weakness for Williams). His book, “The Sound and The Fury” is my favorite book.  It is written in true Faulkner style. (I call it that at least, a book where each character tells different parts of the story separated by chapters. It can either be in chronological order or not.) 

His overall immersion into each character is poetic and almost cinematic. In each of his books, he completely becomes each character he writes for. Sometimes, it is 5 year old; other times a slave, or a person experiencing a mental breakdown and finally a mentally handicapped adult male. Every time, he completes the transformation, slipping effortlessly into character. The only unifying thread is the different viewpoint of the same story and the total absence of the author. 

His roundabout way of storytelling is what I love the most. When one event happens, everyone who saw it sees something different. It affects them all differently also. The way Faulkner tells relates his stories you see that. He paints and unbelievably brilliant picture of life, that I never want to stop looking at…

4.) Sarah Addison Allen
She is the newest author I have been reading. Again, when I was stumbling around looking for something to read, her newest book popped up as a suggestion. After reading the sample piece on the website, I had to read more.
Her books are short maybe 250 pages with some under 200. I should mention here I read fast, like freakishly fast. Usually a 200 page book will maybe take me 4 hours uninterrupted, a day at most. But her books took me so much longer, because I would read a part and go back and read it again 3 or 4 times. 

She writes I guess what would be called southern gothic but with romance mixed in. There is an element of the supernatural to her stories, sometimes a hint, other times a main plot point. But she pulls you in, makes you believe everything she says. 

My favorite part about her writing is the description. She describes in tastes, smells, feelings like no other writer I have ever read before. For instance, she describes the smell of opportunity as fresh lemons and the smell of regret as sour lemon meringue pie.  Her descriptions mix feelings and tease the senses. Does regret really have a smell? Does a first kiss have a particular taste? What does a secret feel like against your skin? 

You get lost in the world of her stories and are happy to be held prisoner. With the tastes, smells, and feelings she depicts, who wouldn’t want to stay forever…

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 have a sadly much neglected blog. I usually discuss my favorite authors with Marissa and other random people on Facebook.

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

Right now only my painting has a Facebook fanpage and webpage. The Facebook fanpage is under Bruce & Harley and the webpage is bruceandharley.webs.com. Maybe one day my writing will have one too.

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

 1.) “Much Ado About Nothing” William Shakespeare 

2.) “Everything’s Coming Up Rosie” & “The Butler Did It” Kasey Michaels

3.) “The Sound and The Fury” William Faulkner 

4.) “The Sugar Queen” & “The Peach Keeper” Sarah Addison Allen...sorry, I can be a little indecisive
 

Which author wrote the character that you would want to be your best friend?

Yikes! Ok, this is way too tough. Beatrice definitely from “Much Ado About Nothing”.  Doug Llewellyn and Rosie Kilgannon from “Everything’s Coming up Rosie” I just love true sarcastic whit.  Josey Cirrini from “The Sugar Queen”. I didn’t write the "Why I would want these particular characters to be my friend” because this is already over a thousand words and I have another question to answer lol
 

What advice would you give to an aspiring author on how to reach their readers in the future? What qualities do you look for or have you found you like best about your favorite author? 

I am pretty interested in the answer to that first question, myself. I have never contacted another author, well strike that. I talk to other aspiring authors, free lance writers etc, but never to a mainstream, published author. 

I am a sucker for description and great characters. Those things can pull you through the murkiest of plots and the most boring of chapters. Weak characterization just kills it for me, “who cares” just echoes in my head as I read it. 

I like being put in the setting of my book, right in the heart of it. I want the author to paint a complete and total picture of everything and plop me right in the middle. These are also key points I try to implement into my writing also. 

Thanks for stopping by and a huge thank you to Malia for allowing me to pick her brain and for taking some time away from her family & crafting projects! Join me tomorrow for more author gushing and a special appearance by author Diana Peterfeund, author of the Ivy League Society series.  


There is still time to sign up for the Hop! Check out how to participate HERE!


Is there an author that brought you to reading? I'd love to hear about it!

Something Spectacular

Something spectacular is brewing and coming soon to some blogs near you and you can participate! It's been cooking for a month or so now and I am so excited to be hosting this event along with a couple of my blogging friends. Now presenting: *trumpet fanfare*

HUG AN AUTHOR Blog Hop 

December 5th - December 10th

Myself, Lynn from Bringing the Epic and Jen from What's On the Bookshelf are hosting a blog hop to celebrate authors! 


One day while chatting on Twitter we realized that many of us coo, swoon and drool over books and their characters (steamy, sexy boys and men, yes?) but rarely get to extol the greatness of the authors behind our favorites. Do you find yourself saying: "This book was great!" "I loved these characters!" "I want [insert girl name here] to be my best friend." Behind all of that was an author that created that world for us. The time has come to honor those authors. 


Do you have an author that you will read no matter the genre they write for us? Is there an author you just can't live without attending at least one of their signings or readings? Which author's books do you count the seconds, minutes, hours, & days until their next book is released? Join the blog hop and share your love & admiration with us in December.


Here's how to participate:
1. Sign up with the linky below. (Won't be active for a few days so make sure you keep checking back).
2. Pick your favorite author (or authors).
3. Pick a question (or questions) from the below list and answer them during the Hug An Author Blog Hop.

• If you could ask your favorite author anything what would it be?
  
• Which one of your favorite author's books is the one that made them your favorite?
  
• What advice would you give to an aspiring author for their future fans on how to reach a reader?
  
• Who was your favorite author when you were a child? A teen? During your 20s? Now as an adult?
  
• If you could pick 3 authors to have a meal with, which author would you choose for
  Breakfast
  Lunch
  Dinner
  And why?
  
• Which author inspired you? Made you cry? Made you laugh til your sides split? Writes the closest to the way you speak?

4. If you want to give away a book or swag from your favorite author feel free, but it's not required.

5. Grab the button and spread the word.

<a href="http://www.manytoread.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/MarissaOdom/HugAnAuthorGraphic.jpg" border="0" alt="HugAnAuthorBlogHop"/></a>

6. Come back here and see our answers to the questions. Visit your fellow participants as well.

Jen, Lynn and I will be hosting blogger/author interviews throughout the week as well. If you are interested in participating please email us and we'll send you the interview questions.

You can reach me at mavso29 at hotmail dot com. Use the subject line "Blogger/Reader interview"

We can't wait to share with you and hear all about your favorite author sightings, stories, and fan girl and boy moments! Don't forget to sign-up :)

Hangout with Jeri Smith-Ready, 11/14/11 @ 8 P.M. CST

Wooooo Hoooooo! Monday, 11/14/11 is almost here!

Wanna know why Fictitious Delicious, Living-Fictitiously, What’s on the Bookshelf, and And Many to Read Before I Sleep are smiling from ear to ear and flipping cart wheels? Do you? *drum roll…………………………………….*

Jeri Smith-Ready will be video chatting with us live on Google+ hangout at 8pm CST about the FANGtabulous WVMP Radio Series!!! Jen D. from What’s on the Bookshelf will be hosting this radical event from 8pm – 9pm CST.  

If you do not have a Google+ account, set one up immediately so you can join in on the fun! Jen D. from What’s on the Bookshelf will be sending all who participate a hangout invite. We ask you to log on 15 minutes early (7:45pm CST) and to have your microphones muted and camera’s off, but volume turned up. Jeri and Jen D. will be the only one’s live and the rest of us will be using the chat feature to type in questions and/or comments.   

If you were a WVMP read alonger, we have your email address. For those who didn’t participate in the read along, please leave a comment below with your email address. All participants will receive an email from Marissa (And Many to Read Before I Sleep) with more formal instructions on attending. 

Don’t forget to enter the Ultimate Feed the Need Giveaway hosted by the blogs mentioned above. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, 11/13/11. 

Remember, WVMP Radio Series is an adult read. Topics discussed could stun young ears. Hell, we may even shock ourselves…… NAH!!!! 

Thanks everybody and we look forward to seeing you at the chat on Monday! 

Jen S. & Amy- Fictitious Delicious 

Kimberly & Britney- Living-Fictitiously 

Jen D.- What’s on the Bookshelf 

Marissa- And Many to Read Before I Sleep

WVMP Read-Along Wrap-Up & Giveaway

First of all, as your hosts, we would all like to give a HUGE Thank You to all of you who joined us for the WVMP Read-Along in October. We truly enjoyed sharing these wonderful books with you all, and we hope you enjoyed it too. Thank you also to all of you who participated in the discussions for each book. We have sent out all the bookmarks and buttons to our giveaway winners. Jeri Smith-Ready is a very talented woman, and I think we can all appreciate her hard work. Especially on the #intheshower scene! 
And how about that fabulous chat with Shane and Ciara? Wow! They were so kind to join us and answer some of our questions. They were both very good sports about some of the rather outrageous inquiries. 

Now for a couple of announcements:

• We have had to postpone the live Google+ chat with Jeri due to her deadline; however, we now have that chat all lined up for you.  The chat will take place on Monday, November 14th at 8 PM CST (9 PM EST). So come join us, and bring your questions for Jeri!
  
  
• We are also starting the final giveaway. The giveaway will run from Monday, Nov. 7th until Sunday, Nov. 13th at 11:59 PM EST. Entering is easy. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and answer all the WVMP questions. All participants who were ORIGINALLY signed up for the Read-Along will receive extra entries. The winner will receive the following:
• WVMP Tote Bag from Fictitious Delicious
• WVMP Coffee Mug from What's on the Bookshelf
• ETERNAL: Love stories with Bite from Living Fictitiously
• $15 iTunes Gift Card from And many to read before I sleep

Jen Duffey from What's on the Bookshelf 
Amy and Jen from Fictitious Delicious
Britney and Kimberly from Living Fictitiously
Marissa from And many to read before I sleep