Interview with Abigail Johnson for Every Other Weekend

Every Other Weekend

by Abigail Johnson
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: January 7th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

What if your safe place…is a person?

Adam Moynihan’s life used to be awesome. Straight As, close friends and a home life so perfect that it could have been a TV show straight out of the 50s. Then his oldest brother died. Now his fun-loving mom cries constantly, he and his remaining brother can’t talk without fighting, and the father he always admired proved himself a coward by moving out when they needed him most.

Jolene Timber’s life is nothing like the movies she loves—not the happy ones anyway. As an aspiring director, she should know, because she’s been reimagining her life as a film ever since she was a kid. With her divorced parents at each other’s throats and using her as a pawn, no amount of mental reediting will give her the love she’s starving for.

Forced to spend every other weekend in the same apartment building, the boy who thinks forgiveness makes him weak and the girl who thinks love is for fools begin an unlikely friendship. The weekends he dreaded and she endured soon become the best part of their lives. But when one’s life begins to mend while the other’s spirals out of control, they realize that falling in love while surrounded by its demise means nothing is ever guaranteed.

Can you briefly describe EVERY OTHER WEEKEND and its characters?

EVERY OTHER WEEKEND is a dual point of view story about two teens, a boy who thinks forgiveness makes him week and a girl who thinks love is for fools, who meet and spend every other weekend together the same rundown Philadelphia apartment building. It’s a messy, complicated, romantic, funny, heartbreaking and heart-healing story of first love. There are tons of movie references, deeply broken families, characters you love to hate, text messages, sneaking out, kissing, fighting, and kissing again. I hope readers laugh, they’ll probably cry, but I promise they’ll be smiling by the last page.

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

At different points of the story I would have given you different answers but overall I have to say Jolene. I loved how much was always go on with her and how the way she outwardly portrayed herself was almost always at odds when what she was feeling on the inside. I also loved writing her dialogue because she’s funny but the teeniest bit mean too. 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

EVERY OTHER WEEKEND was inspired by an old episode of The Wonder Years where Kevin falls for a girl he meets on vacation and then has to leave her behind when he comes home. I started wondering about what it might have been like if they’d continued to see each other regularly, but briefly, and forged a relationship that was totally separate from their ‘real’ lives back home. Adam and Jolene’s story evolved radically from that inspiration—they always do—and there were other inspirations I drew from including ELEANOR AND PARK by Rainbow Rowell and my own childhood growing up in Pennsylvania.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

Love Someone by Lukas Graham

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters? 

I have a Pinterest board for EVERY OTHER WEEKEND (https://www.pinterest.com/AbigailJBooks/every-other-weekend/) that includes my casting picks for several characters including Hailee Steinfeld as Jolene and KJ Apa as Adam. 

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

This book takes place in Philadelphia during the winter and Adam spend a lot of time walking through the city sipping on hot cocoa. Oh, and a soft pretzel from a street vendor!

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish EVERY OTHER WEEKEND?

Absolutely! If you haven’t read my book IF I FIX YOU, it technically takes place after EVERY OTHER WEEKEND and shows you what happens to the character Daniel. Also, since I mentioned my undying love for ELEANOR AND PARK by Rainbow Rowell and it’s influence on my writing and this book in particular, I highly recommend reading it.

What’s next for you?

More contemporary YA! I’m working on loath-at-first-sight story right now that I can’t get enough of. I’m also beyond excited to be branching into a new genre with the release of my first YA thriller in October 2020!

Abigail was born in Pennsylvania. When she was twelve, her family traded in snow storms for year round summers, and moved to Arizona. Abigail chronicled the entire cross-country road trip (in a purple spiral bound notebook that she still has) and has been writing ever since. She became a tetraplegic after breaking her neck in a car accident when she was seventeen, but hasn’t let that stop her from bodysurfing in Mexico, writing and directing a high school production of Cinderella, and becoming a published author.

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Interview with Jacqueline Firkins for Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things

by Jacqueline Firkins
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: December 17th 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Retellings, Contemporary

Synopsis:

Mansfield, Massachusetts is the last place seventeen-year-old Edie Price wants to spend her final summer before college. It’s the home of wealthy suburbanites and prima donnas like Edie’s cousins, who are determined to distract her from her mother’s death with cute boys and Cinderella-style makeovers. Edie has her own plans, and they don’t include a prince charming.

But as Edie dives into schoolwork and applying for college scholarships, she finds herself drawn to two Mansfield boys who start vying for her attention. First there's Sebastian, Edie’s childhood friend and first love. He’s sweet and smart and . . . already has a girlfriend. Then there's Henry, the local bad boy and all-around player. He’s totally off limits, even if his kisses are chemically addictive.

Both boys are trouble. Edie can’t help but get caught between them. Someone's heart is going to break. Now she just has to make sure it isn't hers.

Can you briefly describe HEARTS, STRINGS AND OTHER BREAKABLE THINGS and the characters?

HSAOBT is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. 17-year-old Edie Price moves in with her rich relatives during her last semester of high school. She’s far more interested in books than she is parties and clothes, but when her cousins sweep her up in their Cinderella schemes, she finds herself torn between her childhood crush--the sweet-but-taken boy next door--and the town’s increasingly appealing bad boy. As she grapples with her unexpected romantic entanglements, she learns that doing nothing can sometimes be the worst choice of all.

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

Edie (the main character) is closest to my heart. As a bookish introvert who’s still trying to figure out what she wants and who she is, she’s the most relatable for me. That said, Maria and Henry were the most fun to write. Edie’s based loosely on Fanny Price from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. Fanny has very strict principles. Edie’s somewhat similar. She needs that trait in order to make the story work without tossing out the Austen entirely. Henry and Maria have much more erratic moral compasses. Irreverence is great fun to write, as is unshakable confidence. The characters say things I’d never utter aloud in real life. Politeness and apologies go out the window, as does the need to please, impress, or get along. It’s liberating, and great for comedy.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

The seed for HSAOBT was planted when a friend and I were discussing Jane Austen heroines. My friend had recently re-read Mansfield Park and was frustrated with the passivity of Fanny Price after enjoying Austen's feistier and more outspoken heroines. But I'd remembered relating to Fanny more than I did to Elizabeth Bennet or Emma Woodhouse. So I went back and re-read Mansfield. I recalled why I loved its heroine. She was like me. I wasn't feisty and outspoken either. I preferred a book to a party. And I always had a crush on a guy who didn't notice me. Or more than one guy. So I started thinking about how I could bring that character into a contemporary world, allowing more readers access to a heroine I was grateful to find when I most needed her, during my teenage years. 

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

If HSAOBT ever got produced for the screen, I imagine a soundtrack filled with female singer/songwriters to parallel the main character’s artistic journey. I’d love to hear some of Edie’s lyrics put to music, even those that were excised during edits. However, in choosing an existing song that feels like the book, the one that came to mind was the Lumineers “Ho Hey.” The title’s not very telling, but the song starts with a single acoustic guitar. The lyrics mention loneliness and a search for family. Then it breaks into a cheerful chorus about love and belonging. The instruments build and blend. Voices join force. It ends on such a joyous note. It feels like a simple, happy love story. It also has undertones of a complicated struggle against loneliness. Much like the layers I hope a reader finds with HSAOBT.

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

Edie Price: Millie Bobby Brown. She’s brilliant at conveying a lot with silence, which works well for a character who likes to observe others. She can be angry but vulnerable at the same time. Strong but self-doubting. She does complicated well.

Sebastian Summers: Asa Butterfield. He nails adorably awkward, sensitive, earnest, and self-deprecating. He’s the guy you can’t help but root for, no matter what role he plays. And he has those eyes.

Henry Crawford: Jacob Artist. He’s good at playing sensitive guys, but I think he can pull off a bad boy, too. He’s drop-dead gorgeous and he does a great job emitting rock-solid confidence.

Claire Crawford: Zendaya. She’s stunningly sexy. A total head-turner. The girl who seems to have everything, but maybe doesn’t.

Maria Vernon: Madelaine Petsch. She’s brilliant and portraying offhanded narcissism. Then busting through it all for a moment of pure, relatable vulnerability.

Julia Vernon: Jane Levy. She’s cute. She’s likable. She fits in well as the less flashy, more accessible version of her sexy older sister.

Tom Summers: Harry Styles. All style and swagger. Zero regrets. The image of popularity and confidence his younger brother will never live up to.

WB: Arata Mackenyu. He might be a bad boy. He might be a nice guy. Jury’s out. He’s cute, confident, and versatile.

Aunt Norah and Uncle Bert: Jane Lynch and Jim Gaffigan. The perfect odd couple. They’re both brilliant at dry humor and a look that says everything.

Winter is here and we love to go out and enjoy the sun. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

Starbucks blossoming rose tea latte in a winter rose garden, or anything that feels warm, sweet, cozy, and romantic!

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish HEARTS, STRINGS AND OTHER BREAKABLE THINGS? 

Anything by John Green and Rainbow Rowell. Both authors are astonishing at writing messy, funny, unique, profound, and beautifully sincere romantic relationships. Assuming most readers are already familiar with Green and Rowell, I’ll recommend a couple of 2019 debuts I’ve enjoyed this year. Laura Taylor Namey’s The Library of Lost Things also follows a bookish teenage girl as she navigates new love and a challenging family life. Sonia Hartl’s Have a Little Faith in Me is a friends-to-lovers story that takes a serious—and hysterical--look at the effects of poor sex education. 

What’s next for you? 

I have three projects in development. The first is a follow up to HSAOBT that draws on my experience as a costume designer. It’s a YA enemies-to-lovers rom-com about a fashion-loving high school student who signs up to work on her school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for all the wrong reasons. While designing the costumes, she finds an unlikely soul mate in the project’s surly set designer—the guy who was responsible for her worst (and only) date ever. The second novel is a middle grade story about a girl whose dreams come true and she can’t control them. Some of the effects are ridiculous. Others are truly frightening. With the help of two new friends, she learns that sometimes the greatest powers aren’t magical at all. The third novel is an adult historical romance/thriller based on the Bluebeard myth, braiding together the folktale (told from her POV) and the opera (told from his POV). How much do we ever really know about our partners? And are there doors that should simply remain locked? Of course I’d also love to write the sequel to HSAOBT, as long as Jane Austen would forgive my plans for what happens after the happily ever after!

  

Jacqueline's a writer, costume designer, and lover of beautiful things. She's on the fulltime faculty in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia where she also takes any writing class they’ll let her into. When not obsessing about where to put the buttons or the commas, she can be found running by the ocean, eating excessive amounts of gluten, listening to earnest love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.

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👫 G I V E A W A Y 💔 . . Happy Wednesday, Beautiful Bookish People! Have you visited any Christmas Markets? What is your favourite drink during winter time? . Today, we have a very cute and special book to share with you: #HeartsStringsAndOtherBreakableThings by Jacqueline Firkins. I say special, because I love summer romances, and this book is perfect for this winter because it makes me start daydreaming about summer and my favourite stories! In this novel, we meet Edie about to spend her last summer before colleague in a place she would rather not be while dealing with her mother's passing. While she keeps trying to stay focused on colleague, 2 distractions in the form of a bad-boy and her old-time crush come knocking on her door, leading to heartbreak and romance. Edie just needs to make sure she's not the one getting her heart broken! . I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE stories like this one and today we have partnered with Jacqueline (@jfkillsdarlings) to give you not only the chance to win a hardcopy of #HSAOBT but also a book-inspired dress! 3 designs available. 3 prizes! Swipe left to see pics (⬅️). . . ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY: ▪︎Follow @theffbc & @whatmakespatri ▪︎Follow the author @jfkillsdarlings ▪︎Follow the publishing house @hmhteen ▪︎Comment (to let us know you are participating!): Which dress do you like the most (& why)? . EXTRA ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY: ▪︎Tag a friend (each friend will be an extra entry). ▪︎Share on your stories about the giveaway (remember to tag me @whatmakespatri and @theffbc) ▪︎Follow @michellesulk & @artsyreadergirl . ▪︎Follow any other FFBC team member participating in the tour (let us know on the comment section who did you follow). Check everyone's Instagram handles below: @wishfulendings @l.m.durand @BookBriefs @stars.brite @booknerdanonymous @shelflifechronicles @agingerlyreview . Also, stop by my site to read an interview with Jacqueline and learn more about #HSAOBT! . . #bookshimmy #giveaway #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookstagramming #bookgram #yabookstagram #ireadya #booksatgrammer

A post shared by Patricia Lopez (@whatmakespatri) on Dec 11, 2019 at 9:37am PST

Interview with P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast for Forgotten

Forgotten (House of Night Other World #3)

by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Release Date: October 29th 2019 

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Before he was freed by Neferet, Kalona was imprisoned within the earth for centuries because of the Darkness in his heart. But what happened to the Other World’s Kalona? It’s as though he’s been forgotten, or maybe he never existed at all … 

In the present, Other Neferet may have left her House of Night, but she has far from given up her goal of immortality and world domination. As she operates in secret to gain access to Old Magick, the new High Priestess, Anastasia Langford, works toward peace and acceptance for the vampyres of the Other World. But just as Other Kevin’s broken heart will take time to heal, peace in that world will also take time and work—and not all of the Other World vampyres want peace. After all, why should they return to being shunned by humans, especially when they’ve had a taste of how it feels to be in power? 

Meanwhile, Zoey is desperate to help rid the Other World of Neferet once and for all, and not knowing what’s going on over there is eating away at her. But, as the Nerd Herd warns, it’s far too dangerous to call on Old Magick time and again. As a distraction, she throws herself into her work and attempts to bring the humans and vampyres of Tulsa closer together with the first human-vampyre swim meet in history! It’s too bad that something always seems to go wrong whenever the stakes are high. 

What happens when worlds clash and powers that should be left alone are awakened? Can Other Kevin and his world heal from the wounds Neferet continues to inflict? Can Old Magick ever truly be harnessed and used for good? Or will Darkness extinguish Light and leave our heroes broken, hopeless, and as forgotten as Kalona of the Silver Wings? Don’t miss this second to last volume in the House of Night Other World saga!

Can you briefly describe the Other World series, FORGOTTEN and its characters?

PC: FORGOTTEN is the third book in a spin-off of the House of Night series. It’s a mixture of beloved HoN characters and new characters with awesome new adventures.

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

PC: I’m enjoying the evolution of Other Neferet’s character. It’s interesting to see how just a few changes can completely alter a character’s destiny.

KC: I really love Aphrodite – where she started and who she’s become.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

PC: When I realized the 10th anniversary of the publication of MARKED was near (actually, Kristin reminded me) I thought it would be lovely to write a surprise book – like a love letter to HoN fans – thanking them for a decade of loyalty. That book inspired a spin-off that’s been a lot of fun to write. 

I find inspiration everywhere. A life lived fully is filled with inspiration. 

Which book was the most difficult to write about? And between the series and the House of Night Series, which one was your favourite to write about?

PC: It was difficult for me to begin the first book of the Other World series, LOVED. It had been several years since I’d written in the House of Night world and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find my HoN voice again. Kristin finally just told me WRITE THE BOOK WOMAN (literally). As soon as I started it was like coming home and I have enjoyed every moment of revisiting the series. 

My favourite book is the last one, FOUND, which I just finished. I adore the ending. It made me snot cry.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

PC: I have delusions of grandeur, so I’ll say the soundtrack to LotRs, RETURN OF THE KING. 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters? 

PC: As the series is being readied for TV, I think I’ll leave that to our wonderful producers. Keep an eye on our HoN Facebook page for exciting updates! (read more here)

Fall is here, and we love to go out and find our perfect cosy spot. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

PC: A good book is my favourite dinner date! Right now, I love taking mine to a fantastic little vegan Japanese infusion restaurant called Ichiza Kitchen in Portland, OR. I’m a big sake fan – unfiltered is my choice. And I love a giant bowl of noodle soup to go with it!

KC: I love The Stacks Coffeehouse in PDX and always order a London Fog but with breakfast tea and oat milk, so maybe a Portland Fog??

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish FORGOTTEN?

PC: Yep. Anything written by Kristin and/or me. Check out our books at www.infinitelyinteresting.co

KC: And, if you’re looking for racier vamp stories, check out Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. Sooooo good!

What’s next for you?

PC: Kristin and I are working on a new YA trilogy that hasn’t been announced yet, and I have a YA historical (with paranormal elements) series that also hasn’t been announced. What HAS been announced is Kristin’s new series, THE KEY, releasing in 2020, and a possible HoN TV series! Keep an eye on the HoN Facebook page for updates!

KC: Yep! The Key to Fear, the first novel in my YA trilogy releases October 1st, 2020!

P.C. Cast

PC was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 1, LOVED, releases July 11th. SUN WARRIOR, book 2 in the Tales of a New World series releases October 17th.

Kristin Cast

Kristin Cast is a #1 NY Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the wildly successful HOUSE OF NIGHT series. She has editorial credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal.

When away from her writing desk, Kristin loves going on adventures with her friends, family, and significant other, playing with her French Bulldogs (Grace Kelly and Sir Laurence Olivier), and discovering new hobbies. This year she'll work on handstands, gardening, and taking her new puppy (Baloo) to puppy classes.

#HoNLoved releases July 11th.

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🌙 G I V E A W A Y 🌙 . . “We stand separate from the world because of our gifts. Never forget that, because you may be sure the world never will.” —Neferet . . Happy Wednesday, beautiful bookish people! What have you been up to? I am super happy today because I have the privilege to host a tour for 2 of my favourite authors: @kcastauthor and P.C. Cast. #Forgotten, the last book in the house of Night Other World. I feel like if it wasn't for them, I would have never started reading YA. I love the #HoN series and knowing it's going to become a TV show? 🤯 . . To celebrate we have the opportunity from @theffbc to give away a #HouseOfNightOtherWorld bundle that includes a copy of #Loved, #Lost and #Forgotten and some bookish swag. . . ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY: ▪︎Follow @theffbc & @whatmakespatri ▪︎Follow the author @kcastauthor ▪︎Follow the publishing house @blackstonepublishing ▪︎Comment: Which element would you have an affinity for? (so we can track your entry & to get to know you!) . . EXTRA ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY: ▪︎Tag a friend (each friend will be an extra entry). ▪︎Share on your stories about the giveaway (remember to tag me @whatmakespatri and @theffbc) ▪︎Follow @michellesulk & @artsyreadergirl ▪︎Follow any other FFBC team member participating in the tour (let us know on the comment section who did you follow). Check everyone's Instagram handles below: @moonlight_rendezvous @jessicabeckett @Bookbloglondon @nayspinkbookshelf @l.m.durand @shelflifechronicles @poisonbooknerd @disubsits @booksonthebookshelf @a_bookish_dream @adreamindream @the_bibliophagist_ @bookarlo @derelza28evans @shelfrated @mahkjchi_books @thereadingchemist @BookishEnby @abronxlatinareads GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO ALL US RESIDENTS ONLY. Winner will be announced on NOVEMBER 6th 2019 via @theffbc and contacted via instagram. #blogtour #bookstagram #bookporn #instabook #booksofinstagram #bookphotography #booklover #yalit #booksofinstagram #bookgiveaway #bookish #booknerdigans #bookstagramfeature #bookaesthetic #bookworm #bookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #epicreads #youngadult #bookstagrammer #bookgram #yabookstagram #ireadya #booksbooksbooks #bookphoto #igreaders

A post shared by Patricia Lopez (@whatmakespatri) on Oct 23, 2019 at 8:42am PDT