Book Cover Reveal: Shattered Frost by Liz DeJesus

Shattered Frost

The Frost Series Book #3

By- Liz DeJesus

Publication Date- August 15, 2015

Bianca Frost and her BFF Ming Lee return to Everafter to attend the Winter Ball with their boyfriends, Terrance and Prince Ferdinand. They were looking forward to a short vacation, especially Bianca, who is being bullied at school. She is looking forward to the day when she can finally graduate from high school. But all is not cute hair and fancy shoes as a mysterious count sets his sights on Bianca at the ball. When Count Jonathan Bleu kidnaps Bianca and Ming, the pair must do everything in their power to escape his clutches. In this amazing adventure, Bianca and Ming find themselves traveling down a rabbit hole, where they have to survive the madness of Wonderland in order to make it back home to the men they love.

Bianca and Ming must travel to the Queen of Hearts’ labyrinth, find Bluebeard’s key and save Jack of Hearts before Bianca loses everything she holds dear.

About the Author-

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico.  She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 2011) First Frost (Re-realeased through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Glass Frost (Re-released through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Shattered Frost (Indie Gypsy, Summer 2015) and Morgan (Indie Gypsy, July 2014). Her work has also appeared in Night Gypsy: Journey Into Darkness (Indie Gypsy, October 2012), Twice Upon a Time (Bearded Scribe Press, Winter 2015) and Someone Wicked (Smart Rhino Publications, Winter 2013).

Liz is currently working on a new novel and a comic book series titled Zombie Ever After (Emerald Star Comics, Fall 2014).

Social Media Links-

Website- www.lizdejesus.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/lizdejesus

Blog- http://liz-dejesus.livejournal.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Liz_DeJesus23

Book Cover Reveal: Glass Frost by Liz DeJesus

Glass Frost

The Frost Series Book #2

By- Liz DeJesus

Publication Date- June 22, 2015

When joined together, Cinderella's slippers grant the wearer her heart's desire. But whose wish will be granted?

When Cinderella’s glass slipper is stolen, Queen Felicia sends her faithful steward Terrance to the real world to retrieve his love and witch-in-training, Bianca Frost. The power of the glass slipper, when paired with its mate, and in the wrong hands, could ruin the peace of Everafter. Bianca must gather every bit of magic she has learned in the past few weeks to find the slipper and protect her new love. Together, Bianca, Ming, Prince Ferdinand, and Terrance venture deep into the heart of Everafter to seek clues as to who has stolen the slipper and why. Along the way, they uncover what happened to the Seven Dwarves after Snow White married the prince, but also learn the awful risk of tampering with black magic and the high price that must be paid for magic, even when used for good.

Bianca and Terrance’s relationship is put to the test. Through the pain of suffering and loss, Bianca must determine if following her gallant boyfriend into his faraway world is in fact her heart's desire.

Link

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18040360-glass-frost

About the Author-

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico.  She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 2011) First Frost (Re-realeased through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Glass Frost (Re-released through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Shattered Frost (Indie Gypsy, Summer 2015) and Morgan (Indie Gypsy, July 2014). Her work has also appeared in Night Gypsy: Journey Into Darkness (Indie Gypsy, October 2012), Twice Upon a Time (Bearded Scribe Press, Winter 2015) and Someone Wicked (Smart Rhino Publications, Winter 2013).

Liz is currently working on a new novel and a comic book series titled Zombie Ever After (Emerald Star Comics, Fall 2014).

Social Media Links-

Website- www.lizdejesus.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/lizdejesus

Blog- http://liz-dejesus.livejournal.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Liz_DeJesus23

Book Cover Reveal: First Frost by Liz DeJesus

FIRST FROST

The Frost Series Book #1

by Liz DeJesus

Publication Date: June 22, 2015

Publisher: Indie Gypsy

Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is. ~~Follow First Frost on Goodreads!


ChickLitGurrl Note: First Frost will be re-released this summer by Indie Gypsy Publishing. If you have not read the book, the first in the Frost series, do yourself a favor and keep informed through Liz's online networks (links below) so that you can get a copy! I've been a friend of Liz's for a long time now, and what I'm about to say isn't because of that friendship: This series is WONDERFUL. Awesome for both children and adults. 

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico. She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 2011) First Frost (Re-realeased through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Glass Frost (Re-released through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Shattered Frost (Indie Gypsy, Summer 2015) and Morgan (Indie Gypsy, July 2014). Her work has also appeared in Night Gypsy: Journey Into Darkness (Indie Gypsy, October 2012), Twice Upon a Time (Bearded Scribe Press, Winter 2015) and Someone Wicked (Smart Rhino Publications, Winter 2013).

Liz is currently working on a new novel and a comic book series titled Zombie Ever After (Emerald Star Comics, Fall 2014). Learn more about Liz and her literary wares at her blog and website, and on Facebook and Twitter.

4.5 Latte Review of XY by Shanta Everington

[Purchase XY from Amazon]

Fifteen-year-old Jesse lives in a society where babies are born neither male nor female – gender is assigned at birth. Will the secret she closely guards be found out? Boyfriend Zeus, mother Ana's Natural Souls, and new friend Ork, leader of We Are One, pull Jesse in different directions, forcing her to make her own mind up about who she really is.

4.5 out of 5 lattes

I was introduced to Shanta Everington's literary works through her wonderful YA novel, BOY RED. I loved that story because Everington drew me in from the very start, gave me well-developed characters to care for, and paced her story in such a way that I had to read to the end in one sitting.

She does the same thing for me in her YA novel, XY. You can read the book description to learn what the story is about. Here, I just want to say this: Everington does a wonderful job of bringing serious subjects to light in her works, and she does so in a way as to not preach and turn a novel into a "message" for the reader.

In XY, we are once again brought into a story regarding identity, with a main character (in XY, 15-year-old Jesse) who struggles with her identity and through the obstacles faced in the story, comes not only to learn who she is but also to embrace that identity.

If you are a fan of quick reads that offer important topics, great characters, and writing that leaves you satisfied as a reader and a thinker (of said important topics), then do yourself a favor and pick up Everington's XY.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK RELEASE: The Watchers-Knight of Light by Deirdra Eden

[Purchase your copy from Amazon today!]

All the training in Heaven couldn't prepare me for the war on earth, nor for the love, loss, or loneliness humans feel. There are things worse than death, and every last one of them is hunting people like us. Even though we all feel human at times, we must remember, we are not them, we are their watchers.

In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, demons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.

The Watchers Series; has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Traditional Apocrypha, the Pearl of Great Price and the Kabbalah. The Watchers are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad.

Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden's; The Watcher's Series; is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl's discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.

Watch the AMAZING trailer for The Watchers!

My goal in writing is to saturate my books with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plot twists that will keep my readers in suspense. I want to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles!

Aside from writing, I enjoy jousting in arenas, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures.

Learn more about Deirdra at her website, and be sure to purchase your copy of The Watchers!

4.5 Latte Review of S.D. Everington's BOY RED

[Purchase BOY RED from Musa Publishing and Amazon!]

Boy Red is a story about identity, about where you come from and where you belong.

The day after his sixteenth birthday, Red discovers that the man he calls ‘Dad’ is not his biological father. Will Red be able to track down the anonymous sperm donor who gave him life? What will he learn about himself along the way? And just what else are his parents hiding?

4.5 out of 5 lattes

First, let me say that I could not stop reading this book.

From beginning to end, I was engrossed with the story of our main character, Red. I found the story full of drama, love, angst, all of the things that would occupy the mind of a young teenage boy when the life he's led for sixteen years disintegrates right before his eyes.

I was a big fan of the minor characters and the other major characters in the story, too. Everington does a wonderful job in giving us enough development of all of the characters--from the way they talk, to how they talk, to how they think, to how they move.

At the core, however, is Red, and Everington developed a character that I quickly latched onto and cared about, and because I cared so much for him, I had to read this book in one sitting so I could see how his story fared.

I wasn't disappointed.

This is a great book not just for young adults but for adults as well.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days by Kathleen Allen: A Book Review

[Purchase at Amazon]

17-year-old Cassie wants to be “seen,” so when she finds a book of rules on how to be famous in ten days, she devises a plan---with the help of her BFF---to do just that. Cyrano de Bergerac meets Comedy of Errors with a teen girl.

Watch the trailer for How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days!

CLG Review of How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days

4.5 (out of 5) lattes

Kathleen Allen's How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days is a fast-paced, funny, and endearing story about a young girl who wants more than anything to be seen and realizes that to be seen by others she needs to first truly see herself. From the first page, Allen gives us readers a main character we can sympathize and empathize with in 17-year-old Cassie, interesting and engaging characters that help to develop Cassie's story and set their own subplots, and conflict that escalates with each new chapter. I told myself I was going to open Allen's novel and read the first chapter before getting back to work. A little over two hours later, I was sad to have finished the book. Teens (and adults) looking for a quick, entertaining read with a message should give How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days a try.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days Excerpt

My fingertips drifted across the dusty books stacked haphazardly on the shelf. I wasn’t looking for any particular book title—just wasting time while Rachel searched for a book in the romance section. I walked around the second hand books piled in haphazard stacks on the faded brown carpet in search of a science fiction. Closing my eyes as my fingers flitted over the books, I played a game I used to play when I was younger. If some book wanted me to read it, I’d know by the feeling the book gave me. Forgetting about the piles everywhere I ran into one—or two, I’m not sure—I opened my eyes just as I fell, sending the piles sprawling across the floor.

Which, by the way, smelled and looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in centuries.

Rachel called out, “You okay, Cassie?”

“Yes,” I mumbled, sitting up.

No clerk came to my rescue, so I began to restack the books. My elbow was a bit scraped a bit, but otherwise no damage. Sighing, I continued piling up the books until a small yellow book caught my eye.

“How to Be Famous in Ten Days,” I read aloud.

“What?” Rachel asked from the other side of the aisle.

“I found a book,” I yelled back.

The Boogie Down Clique Series: The Kids at Latimar High

Have you gotten a taste of that eastcoast flavor?—Well, maybe that’s because you haven’t met the teens from the Boogie Down Bronx yet!

Meet Lauren, Rosalyn, Kevin, Trinny, and the rest of the teens at Latimar High.


The Boogie Down Clique Series



The Kids at Latimar High

Going to Lewis Latimar High used to be easy for Lauren O’ Neil. As long as she stayed on the honor roll, got the juiciest stories for the school paper, and made sure her silky thick flip reigned amongst all the other girls at Latimar High, things stayed as smooth as a White Castle’s vanilla shake until the day she got the assignment of a lifetime: to interview Kevin Johnson, Latimar’s star quarterback, the finest boy in the Bronx, who was up for grabs by every girl in the school, including her best friend Rosalyn, who makes a move for Kevin. And in doing so, violates just about all of Lauren and her “Girlfriends’ do’s and don’t codes to live by.” In fact, as the competition heats up, Lauren breaks a few friendship codes herself. With a sudden bitter twist, life at Latimar High isn’t as easy as it used to be...


Check out snippet of The Kids at Latimar High Cartoon!

Excerpt

Chapter 1
Lauren


Boom-boom-boom-da-boom-boom-boom-da went the drums. All the students jumped to their feet. The bleachers felt as if they were about to cave in. The band struck up a hip-hop beat just for him. The hottest song in the nation, “Lights, camera, action!” by Mr. Cheeks exploded on the field. Trumpets and trombones were swaying. The band was shaking.

Screams and roars held me captive on an overcrowded bench as I clutched my writing pad. I couldn’t tell if he or the hysteria of the crowd was making me tremble. Lewis Latimar High School colors, blue and white, collided on the field with the opposition, The Lincoln Bears’ red and black padded uniforms. With percussions and brass swaying behind him, he ripped through the field, clutching the football, stiff-arming any player trying to stop him. The bench shook and pounded as he raced for the touchdown. I stood on my feet, dropping my pad, watching him juke and knock the opposition out of the way. He was like a sculpted piece of art in motion. Strong, tight muscles bulged through his uniform as if the uniform had been painted on him. Only sixteen-years-old, and our star quarterback, Kevin Johnson, had it going on. I was so engrossed in his victory that I didn’t see Darren Medford with his camera wave at me to come and join him on the field. I was too busy watching Kevin take his helmet off. As he victoriously swung his helmet in the air, I envisioned myself corn-rowing that six-inch Afro of his. The boy could stand a good brushing and braiding by the hands of a female—me. Jolted from my fantasy, I felt the vibration of a herd of elephants charging down the bleachers. In a near panic, I swung around at the crowd. Students were leaping over each other, madly dashing down the bleachers, rushing into the field. Latimar’s Panthers had won three games in a row!

“Lauren, come down here!” Some psycho pushed his way towards the descending crowd. I looked down and spotted Darren, mister-school-photographer-of-the-year, and the year before that. He was the school’s newspaper, the Latimar Defender most talented photojournalist, and he let everyone know that.

“You got to come down here and interview Kevin. Jody is in the bathroom crapping in his pants!” Darren’s narrow face was just inches from my face. I blinked uncontrollably at what I had heard, or thought I had heard.

“What?” I could hardly get the words out.

“Jody told me to tell you to take the Panthers story. I told him to stop eating Pop Rocks for breakfast,” said Darren.

“Take Kevin,” I said weakly. Darren smirked at me. His unibrow wiggled behind his square gold-rimmed glasses.

“Look, I took some dope pictures of him, so I need one bad-ass story to go with it…Can you handle that, Lauren?”

Darren had the nerve to ask me that. I mimicked the cocky look he was giving me. He had the nerve to doubt my competence. I had been writing for the school paper since my freshman year, had been on the honor roll all through junior high, and now, as a sophomore at Latimar High, I ranked in the top fifty out of the entire school. Mr. Camera boy couldn’t edit a paper with a tutorial. I stood up straight and squinted at him. Darren’s face flushed a deep reddish brown. He glared at me insulted. He assumed I was making fun of him. Darren was half Chinese. But I wasn’t making fun of him. It was his eyebrows. They connected like a fuzzy piece of brown yarn on his face. I was trying to make my eyebrows meet like his, hoping he would crack a smile. Darren was too serious. He would actually be kind of cute if he learned how to relax a bit. And maybe get rid of that gooey stuff he puts in his hair in a vain attempt to create dreadlocks. Not that I was knocking dreads–dreads were way cool on people with the right hair texture. Darren looked like a brown Dragon Ball Z character that had dumped his head in molding mud. I guess that was his way of claiming his black side.

“Of course I can handle it,” I said, putting my attention back on the football field.

“Well, get down there before he hits the showers,” Darren said. I tried to act cool and confident, but the thought of me standing in front of Kevin Johnson and looking into those deep eyes of his made my knees go weak. Get it together, girl, I told myself, following Darren down the bleachers. Then I realized that I didn’t even have my notebook! I scrambled back up the stairs looking for it. I saw it all crushed and dirty underneath the bench. I swiped it up, trying to flatten the pad out.

“Lauren!” Darren’s impatient voice made me cringe. Ah! I wanted to scream. Where was Rosalyn when I needed her? I retracted that thought. She was probably down there with the rest of those “hoochie momma’s” shaking their pom-poms and everything else in Kevin’s face. True, Rosalyn was my best friend. But we were both after Kevin! How could I ever get Kevin with Rosalyn looking the way she looked. We were complete opposites. I took a deep breath, reminding myself on what I did have: brains for one, and long thick hair that every girl at Latimar High would die for. I wasn’t tiny and curvaceous like Rosalyn, but I had something too, now. I was thinking really hard. Yeah, I had C-cups and...I caught myself. What on earth was I doing? I was violating our “Girlfriends’ Do’s and Don’t codes” number one.


RULE #1
Never size yourself up with your best friend. Remember, you don’t get a boyfriend based on looks alone.

Glimpsing down at Kevin, I took a deep breath and stood up straight. After all, I was the one who made up that rule. You didn’t get a boyfriend based on looks alone, but character, intelligence, and charisma—if you had it! Rosalyn lacked at least two out of the three. I slapped my forehead, realizing I was doing it again. This wasn’t a competition. For goodness sakes, I had to get a story! I did, however, smooth out my silky black flip before I bravely tapped Kevin on those broad shoulders of his. He was talking to Coach Jay. He turned his head slightly to see who had touched him.

I fought my insides from turning to Jello and bolted out in an aggressive Cheryl Miller voice, “Can I get a few minutes with you for the press, Kevin?” He peeped at me from the side before turning his full frame to my attention. Although I was five feet seven, he towered over me by at least four inches. His deep-set brown eyes looked me over.

“I’m Lauren with the Latimar Defender. Can we go somewhere less distracting?” I asked him, keeping my professional pitch. All the while I was trying not to let his manly attributes affect me, especially those lips which had curled into a little pout like a little boy who just had been scolded by his momma.

“Uh, yeah, one second,” he said, gesturing his index finger at me. As he turned back to talk to the Coach, I spotted Rosalyn’s honey brown face and blue and white pom-poms heading my way. I cringed when I saw her, wishing a steel iron gate would come charging down to stop her from messing up my—my what? I checked myself. This wasn’t about me. It was about the Latimar Defender.

“Hey, girl!” Rosalyn chirped, flashing that soft, dimpled smile of hers. She was right up on me now. Her mischievous hazel brown eyes focused in on Kevin.

“What cha’ doing?” Rosalyn asked, giving me a quick hug.

“An interview,” I said tightly.

“What!” she almost screamed. Her mouth flew open, and she flashed a finger at Kevin.

“No, way!” she tried to whisper. I nodded at her, shooing her away. She ignored me.

Kevin turned around.

“Ready?” I said loudly. I knew Rosalyn’s angelic little frame took Kevin by surprise. A crooked smile reshaped his lips. He stood there staring at Rosalyn, who beamed back at him. I couldn’t stand it! I didn’t know if I should introduce them, or pretend there was no “cutesy putesy” Rosalyn Brown standing there. Quickly, Kevin wiped the sweat that had been running down the sides of his temples with his towel. I took in his body language. He stepped back a half of a foot as if he was suddenly aware that he might have a body odor.

“How about the gym?” I blurted out, breaking up the silent attraction waves emitting between those two.

“Yeah, sure,” Kevin said, still looking at Rosalyn. Rosalyn shot me one of those looks that said: “What are you waiting for? Introduce us!” I did something I’d never done in the six years that I’ve known Rosalyn. I violated rule number two of our “Girlfriends’ Do’s and Don’t codes.”



The Author



Deborah J. Copeland is a native New Yorker from the Boogie Down Bronx. She captures her memories and experiences coming of age in her North Bronx neighborhood in her YA books, The Kids at Latimar High and Spring Fever, Pink Snowballs, and a Splash of Haterade. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science from UMA and a MFA in Creative Writing from UCLA.

When Debbie was a child, she started writing plays. She took it so far that she hand-picked her childhood friends to play the actors. They rehearsed on the stoops and in their backyards, taking turns with the meeting spots. One summer they performed a play that she had written, “Little Miss Broadway,” in her parent’s backyard. They made tickets: $.50 cents for the adults and $.25 cents for the kids. Parents donated chairs and before they knew it, neighbors filled Debbie’s backyard, and they had a show going on!

Debbie and her childhood friends made about $45 dollars that summer. She recalled what a great feeling it was! She remembers her friends’ parents shaking her hand and calling her Miss writer/producer. After that, Debbie fell in love with writing. Not to mention that every summer she and her friends put a show on and made money every time! They performed everything from variety shows, beauty pageants, puppet shows, and original plays. By the time Debbie graduated from high school, she knew she wanted to be a writer.

Debbie also has her own radio show on Blog Talk Radio called [The Teen Zone] where she interviews and spotlights Indie and self published books. She believes there are a lot of self-published gems that are flying under the radar and readers don’t know anything about the author or their books. In addition to promoting self-published books, she looks for multi-culutral books written by Latino authors and authors of color that need more exposure to the market.

Debbie just recently launched a new blog called [The Teen Zone Book Club], which will feature exclusive author interviews, guest bloggers, giveaways, book and movie news, fashion tips, fun surveys, and much more.

She currently resides in Southern, California, where she is happily anticipating an animated film of The Kids at Latimar High, optioned by an independent film company in New York. Currently she is busy writing the third book in the Latimar High series, 4ever and 4always, 4real, and a YA fantasy novel yet to be titled. She is also a foster-mother of three tenacious teens, and has worked as a social worker and a library technican.

In the Spotlight with YA Author Diana Rodriguez Wallach

The Author



Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s debut young adult novel, Amor and Summer Secrets, is the first in a three-book series published by Kensington Publishing in September 2008. The second two books in the series, Amigas and School Scandals and Adios to All The Drama, come out in November 2008 and January 2009, respectively. Diana holds a journalism degree from Boston University, and has worked as a reporter and as an advocate for inner city public schools. She currently resides in Philadelphia.

You can find Diana all over the Internet: her website, her blog, her MySpace page, and on Twitter!



The Book


Fifteen-year-old Mariana Ruiz has no desire to step foot outside her affluent Philadelphia suburb. BUT she may not have a choice.

With total disregard to the high-glam Sweet 16 her best friend is hosting, Mariana’s father ships her off to a tiny mountain town in Puerto Rico to stay with family she’s never met. The heat is merciless, the food is spicy, and only one of her relatives—her distant cousin Lilly—speaks English. Her consolation prize is Lilly’s homespun Puerto Rican Quinceãnera. Only the riotously festive party exposes Mariana to more than just her culture. She uncovers new friends, her first love, and a family secret that’s been buried on the island for more than 30 years.

Click cover above to order AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS!


The Interview
Fill in the blank: "Writing AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS was organic and very speedy."


AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS is book one in a series you have coming out through Kensington - what was the spark that created this series in your mind?
The idea behind it developed during a phone conversation with my agent, Jenoyne Adams. She had mentioned seeing an increase in interest from editors seeking multi-cultural YA projects, and like any good agent, she asked the infamous question, “Got any ideas?” I didn’t. But by the end of our conversation, I pitched the story for what became Amor and Summer Secrets.

My goal was to feature a character with a background similar to my own—a girl who was half Puerto Rican and half Polish, a girl who grew up not speaking Spanish, a girl who didn’t look like the Latina stereotype. Many of the feelings Mariana expresses about her cultural identity are similar to the questions I faced growing up.

She was a lot of fun to write about, and I was thrilled that Kensington gave me the chance to expand upon her story with two more books—otherwise how would find out what happens when Mariana gets back from Puerto Rico, meets a new boy, throws her own Sweet 16, and ends up at a frat party? Stay tuned for the sequels!


YA is huge - there are so many books on the market that feature girls having to spend what's to be their best summer away from home in a different place. There are a slew of books about best friends, new friends, and love - how do you make your series UNIQUE? How does it stand out from the pack?
I didn’t set out to write a “fish out of water” story. My goal for Amor and Summer Secrets was to offer a modern-day look at the reality facing many American teenagers who are torn between two ethnic groups. It doesn’t matter whether your half Polish and half Puerto Rican, or half Filipino and half Russian, people can relate to what Mariana is feeling.

But in terms of uniqueness, the novel also brings to light many secrets that would have stayed hidden in Puerto Rico had Mariana not taken that trip. It opens Mariana’s eyes to a side of her family she didn’t know existed, and I think many teens can relate to being kept in the dark about unpleasant family histories. Trust me, I know. I was the youngest. I practically lived in a bubble.


Do you think the multiculturalism is an aspect that helps to illustrate the series uniqueness?
Absolutely. I think it’s becoming rare to find many American kids who are 100% affiliated with just one ethnic group. And I find that many people, including myself, connect more to the culture that they “physically” resemble.

For much of my life, I had a hard time connecting to my Puerto Rican roots because I didn’t fit the stereotype. My picture’s posted here, take a look. Would you look at me and think “Puerto Rican”? But as I grew older, I chose to seek out those connections. I studied Spanish in school, took a semester abroad in Madrid, and visited my family in Utuado.

So I purposely sent Mariana on a journey that it took me much longer to take. After all, Mariana’s a smart cookie, I knew she could handle it.


Your publishing journey: once you completed AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS, how long did it take you to find an agent and to receive a book deal?
I lucked out on the agent front. I only queried for two weeks (don’t hate me). I didn’t realize until much later how incredible lucky I was—not only to have skipped an incredibly demoralizing process, but to also land such an amazing agent right out of the gate—Jenoyne Adams.

The journey to find a publisher was much longer. My first novel, the one that landed me an agent, has yet to sell. But it still holds a special place in my heart (pitter pat)—I might one day release it on my website. I hear e-books are all the rage.

That said, when “Amor and Summer Secrets” did sell, it was quick. We submitted the manuscript to Kate Duffy at Kensington on a Thursday and by the following Tuesday, I got THE CALL.

It was Fat Tuesday. I was at Mardi Gras wearing beads and feathered mask. There’s a photo on my website of me on the phone during the exact moment that I got the news from my agent: [LINK].

It was awesome! I danced in parades and drank hurricanes the rest of the day.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS?
Fun, smart and engaging.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Creative, ambitious, and outgoing.


Diana Rodriguez Wallach: The Soundtrack: What THREE TRACKS would HAVE to go onto a soundtrack of your life?
Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall –It fits the mood I felt while chasing this writing dream.

Someone Like You, Van Morrison –It’s my wedding song. I’m cheesy like that.

One, U2 and Mary J. Blige –It might be my favorite song in the entire world (I wish I could sing like Mary J—oh, to dream), and it perfectly fits the theme of my new WIP. It’s pretty much my anthem at the moment.


We all know that writing for an author is only part of the journey - publicity soon follows. What are some things you're doing to promote AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS?
You mean besides this interview? Hehe.

Well, I used to do PR for a nonprofit so I have some experience drumming up press. I’ve sent out several press releases, and I have some articles coming out in Main Line Magazine, Motivos Magazine, and Philebrity to name a few. I also threw a Book Launch Party for more than 100 people. And I was a panelist at the Baltimore Book Festival on Sept. 27th.

Plus I have book signings set up in October at stores in Philadelphia, the Philly suburbs, and Wilmington, DE.

I also created a fun book trailer. And I’m blogging and twittering, and I have accounts on MySpace and GoodReads. I keep very busy and truly empathize with every word in the YouTube sensation, “Book Promotion 2.0.”


Many people believe that good writers are also voracious readers. What are three of your favorite books, and why do they make the list?
I like to read every genre, so these were chosen at random merely because there are part of a select crop of books that I’ve read more than once.

Pride and Prejudice—I’m an Austen fan, and the first time I read this book I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I went out and rented all the movies adapted from it. I devoured Bridget Jones, which is loosely based on it. I didn’t want to let the characters go. I still don’t. And I love Colin Firth.

Twilight—I know many people are divided on the Twilight phenomenon, but I loved Stephenie Meyer’s debut novel. I stayed up late on my vacation, not wanting to put this book down (I chose reading it over the casinos). I love the characters she created, and they made me aspire to go deeper with my own.

Cider House Rules—I actually cried while reading the end of this novel, and I was sitting outside in Manhattan eating lunch on a workday. This book really made me think, and you can’t ask for much more than that.


Looking back on your writing journey, who has been one person that has inspired you the most in your literary aspirations? How has he/she inspired you?
My husband, hands down (he’ll be happy I said that). He’s my biggest fan. I literally dreamt the concept for my first novel, and when I told him about the dream, he didn’t laugh. Instead, he immediately reminded me of a psychic we had met years earlier who had predicted I would “write books, little books, like children’s books.” This was long before the idea ever popped into my head, and if my husband hadn’t reminded me of that story, I might not have been so determined sit down and write that first novel. I owe a lot to him—including the fact that I was able to quit my day job. Plus, he’s a great publicist and a thoughtful editor.


Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
FRIENDSHIP: Girls
AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS: Awesome
TEEN: Steam (Teen Steam is Alyssa Milano’s 1980s workout video, I don’t know what made me think of that)
WRITING: Creative
DIANA RODRIGUEZ WALLACH: Author (How cool is that I get to say that now?)


AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS: The Movie. Who would play Mariana Ruiz?
I love this question! Usually, I say Miley Cyrus so the film will make a bazillion dollars in its opening weekend! LOL.

But in all seriousness, this would be hard to cast. As I’ve mentioned, Mariana does not look like the stereotypical Latina. But I think for politically correct reasons, I’d have to cast a Latina in the role. So I would need a Cameron Diaz type, only younger and with red hair.


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
The sequels to the series, Amigas and School Scandals and Adios to all the Drama, will be released in November 2008 and January 2009, respectively. I’m very excited for those debuts!

Also, I’m currently working new YA project. It’s a complete departure from what I’ve done in the past—lots of spies, suspense, fight scenes and, of course, a love triangle. I get to travel for it because I’m setting some scenes in Europe, which is amazing. Also, the character is a lot of fun to write. She’s much cooler than me, all about girl power, and her dialogue is very punchy. I hope to have it ready for the publishing world soon!

Spotlight on Debbie Reed Fischer, author of Swimming with the Sharks

The Author
Author Debbie Reed Fischer worked for many years as a model booker in Miami, where the daily dramas of the weird and the beautiful inspired her to write Braless in Wonderland. Other job adventures from her past include hosting a cable TV show for teens, picking melons on a kibbutz, teaching middle and high school English, and singing in a USO troupe. She grew up in a sleepy Florida town and has also lived in England, Greece, and Israel. A graduate of the University of Miami's screenwriting program, Debbie currently lives in Boynton Beach, Florida, with her husband and two kids, where she feeds them a steady diet of take-out. Her second teen novel, Swimming with the Sharks, will be released in September. Visit her at her website, blog, and MySpace page.


The Books

Released September 2008

"Blubber for the 21st century. Debbie Reed Fischer's sizzling take on girl hazing and cheer pressure mixes the perfect ratio of humor to anger for a compelling, un-put-downable read." - Alex Flinn, award winning author of Beastly

Meet Peyton Grady: self-declared president of The Neverhadaboyfriend Club, six feet tall, “freckled and flat as a skateboard,” on financial aid, with only her best friend Maya to rely on. Until now, she hasn’t exactly been the poster child for popularity at her posh private high school, Beachwood Prep. But everything is about to change, because this year, Peyton has a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. Now she’ll finally have a shot at the life she’s always wanted, complete with membership in the Alpha Clique, the boyfriend of her dreams, and “no more standing on the social sidelines.”

But treasured goals never come easy. When the principal, Dr. Johnson, appoints new student Ellika Grosset, a “squatty stump of a girl” with zero athletic ability as the squad’s newest member, things get complicated. Peyton and the rest of the squad are outraged that this girl has been forced upon them, simply because her parents donated millions for a new athletic facility.

None are more furious than the queen fly girl herself, charismatic and powerful squad captain, Lexie Court. Ordering Peyton and her team mates to “take initiation rituals to the next level,” Lexie hatches Operation Smellika, a bullying campaign to drive Ellika out. “Do whatever it takes,” she tells them. “It’s for the good of the squad.”

Peyton knows it’s wrong. Horrible, even. She feels sorry for Ellika. But in the end, Peyton participates along with the others. Torn by her conscience, yet seduced by the chance to have everything she wants, she gets further and further involved in Lexie’s sick hazing plan.

Until it goes too far.

Peyton knows she has to stop Lexie.

But how?



Released April 2008

Allee Rosen is a lot of things: high school senior, overachiever, brain. The one thing Allee is not is supermodel material—at least that’s what she thinks until modeling scouts spot her and she moves to Miami to work with an elite modeling agency. Suddenly Allee is swept up?p in a whirlwind of designer labels, photo shoots, go-sees and some seriously backstabbing models. Will this fabulous new life go to her head? New author Debbie Reed Fischer offers readers a fresh, fun, and honest peek into the crazy and glamorous world of professional modeling.


Click covers above to order both SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS and BRALESS IN WONDERLAND!


The Interview


Fill in the blank: "I wrote SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS BECAUSE a few years ago, I was watching this news story about a powder puff football incident in a wealthy suburb of Chicago. Privileged girls ganged up on each other in a brutal melee, while 200 high school spectators cheered them on. They strangled each other with pig intestines, threw buckets of animal waste on each other and wound up in the hospital with broken bones. I thought to myself, ‘Why are these young women so angry that they have to inflict that kind of humiliation and brutality on each other? These are wealthy kids from beautiful homes; what is bubbling under the surface?” The next thought that occurred to me after watching the footage was, “Which one is the ring leader? And why did the others go along with it? There must have been kids that knew it was wrong but went along with it anyway.” And that’s how my character Peyton was born. I started researching other hazing incidents and I was shocked by how widespread it is, and how private schools often manage to keep it under wraps. The whole idea of someone being a hateful bully has always baffled me. Mob mentality has always baffled me."


Peyton Grady, the main character of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS, is a girl we all know and sympathize and empathize. Shoot, some of us can admit to even BEING a Peyton in the past. How invested did you find yourself in developing Peyton and telling her story?
Very invested. Her guilt became my guilt. Writing is a lot like acting. You really go into character sometimes.


What themes, topics will readers find within the pages of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
Appearance versus reality. No one is ever really what they seem. People always surprise me. The idea of keeping secrets is a theme as well; the fact that there really aren’t any secrets; they’re like money, for trading. Self-acceptance is something I hope readers will think about after they read the book too. I love that Christina Aguilera song, Beautiful, with the lyric, “I am beautiful in every, single way.” We’re all imperfect, and imperfection is what makes us beautiful. Love yourself. Love your friends. And my favorite theme is inner-strength. It takes courage to stand up to bullies. Sometimes there is a price to pay, and it’s not easy. Those are all themes I thought about while writing SHARKS.


There are a lot of YA novels that have the same basic premise: unpopular and/or unattractive girl gets an in to the "in" crowd and then must decide if it's worth being in the "in" crowd. How do you combat the basic premise in SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS and make it unique?
Well, for one thing, my book has a lot of humor, so hopefully, just when you’re wincing in horror as the hazing unfolds, you’ll laugh too. I’ve been told by some readers that what surprised them the most was that it’s as funny as it is dark. The book also focuses on cyber hazing as well as traditional hazing, not to mention the allowances schools make for their athletes. I’d say SHARKS is pretty timely, because there have been quite a few reported incidents involving cyber hazing, brutal beatings and cheerleaders in the media lately. What is going on with girls’ athletics? With teen angst and anger? With cyber abuse? I hope SHARKS gets people to think about it, talk about it, take a look at what’s going on.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
One review recently called it “scintillating.” I’d add powerful, fast-paced and funny.


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Silly, serious, grateful


INSIDE YOUR MP3: What THREE TRACKS are you loving right now and why?
”Touched” by Vast, “The World Spins Madly On” by The Weepies and that Britney song “Piece of Me.” Except I keep thinking she’s singing, “You want a piece of meat?” And then I get hungry and go make a sandwich. Check out my playlists on my website at www.debbiereedfischer.com.


We all know that writing for an author is only part of the journey - publicity soon follows. What are some things you're doing to promote SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?
Interviews for awesome blogs like this one. I also have a blog, a MySpace page, and a Facebook page where I love to exchange messages from readers. I also run contests and will be running a contest soon, so please stop by my blog or myspace. The best thing I’ve done publicity-wise is join the author class of 2k8. Come stop by our site at www.classof2k8.com. I’m also setting up signings locally that will involve cheerleaders performing an anti-bullying cheer and door prizes. Plus I’m ordering cool promotional stuff to give away.


Many people believe that good writers are also voracious readers. What are three of your favorite books, and why do they make the list?
Jane Eyre – I love her self-confidence. No matter what life throws at her, she believes in herself and demands respect from others.

Anything by Judy Blume. She’s the original chick lit girl for teens.

The Adrian Mole Diaries. British humor and teen angst combined. It doesn’t get any better than that.


Looking back on your writing journey, who has been one person that has inspired you the most in your literary aspirations? How has he/she inspired you?
My husband. He believed in me from day one and gave the most inspirational pep talks to help me stay focused on my goal of getting published. Meeting other authors at conferences and online was really inspiring too. I thought, ‘If they could do it, I can too.’


SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS: The Movie. Who would play Peyton Grady and Lexie Court?
Dakota Fanning would play Lexie and Ashley Tisdale would play Peyton. And I would have to have a cameo as the gym teacher or the vice principal or something.


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
I’m promoting my other book that came out in April, BRALESS IN WONDERLAND, gearing up for the launch of SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS, and working on book number 3, currently titled BORN FUNNY. Oh, and answering letters from readers! Write to me at www.debbiereedfischer.com! I promise I’ll write you back!