FFBC: Welcome to the club, Sticks & Stones by Abby Cooper

Sticks & Stones
by Abby Cooper
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: July 12th 2016

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, School

Synopsis:

Ever since she was a baby, the words people use to describe Elyse have instantly appeared on her arms and legs. At first it was just "cute" and "adorable," but as she's gotten older and kids have gotten meaner, words like "loser" and "pathetic" appear, and those words bubble up and itch. And then there are words like "interesting," which she's not really sure how to feel about. Now, at age twelve, she's starting middle school, and just when her friends who used to accept and protect her are drifting away, she receives an anonymous note saying "I know who you are, and I know what you're dealing with. I want to help." As Elyse works to solve the mystery of who is sending her these notes, she also finds new ways to accept who she is and to become her best self.

Hello Abby! We are super excited to have you in our FFBC tours.

Thank you! Excited to be here.

Favorite Book? 

So hard to decide! My all-time favorite is Frindle by Andrew Clements, but there are so many books I love. 

Favorite TV show?

Big Brother. I’ll need to be pried away from the TV this summer because it’s on a glorious three times a week. 

Favorite movie?

You’ve Got Mail.

Your Favorite Song? 

It changes a lot. Right now I’m really into Adele’s Send My Love. So catchy!

Favorite Food? 

Cupcakes. ALL. THE. CUPCAKES. 

Name 3 fictional places you would move to in a heartbeat. 

Hogwarts (obviously), Blackbird Hollow (from Natalie Lloyd’s fabulous The Key to Extraordinary), and the island of Dr. Libris. 

Who is your perfect fictional boyfriend? 

Michael Moscovitz from Princess Diaries. He is just so wonderfully nerdy – and really cute, too!

Favorite Quote? 

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket

What do you find yourself “Fangirling” over? 

Bookstores and libraries for sure. Cool teachers, librarians, and booksellers. Also the National Spelling Bee because it’s the best night of TV ever.

If you could meet one author, dead or alive, who would it be? 

Probably A.S. King. I’m a HUGE fan of her books. She’s so brilliant! I actually met her once but I was so excited/nervous that I’m pretty sure I said something like “skghsdgjsggerumm.” If I ever get the chance to meet her again, I’m going to try my hardest to say something more like “hi.” 

Could you tell our Book Addicts a little bit about Sticks & Stones?

Sticks & Stones is the story of Elyse, a twelve-year-old girl who has a rare skin disorder where the names others call her appear on her arms and legs and stick like temporary tattoos. The good ones soothe and the bad ones itch. Early in the book, Elyse discovers that the things she thinks about herself appear as well. 

Can you tell us a bit more about Elyse and what is happening to her? 

Elyse has been dealing with CAV (short for Cognadjivisibilitis) her entire life, so she’s pretty used to seeing the words on her skin. But things change when she starts middle school. The words become increasingly negative, and Elyse starts wearing long sleeves and long pants all the time in order to cover them up. When she starts receiving mysterious notes from someone who says they know what she’s dealing with and wants to help, she has to decide if she wants to follow this person’s instructions. 

Since in Sticks & Stones it seems like Elyse is trying to find herself after being labeled all the time, can you pick a song that would describe her? 

I think Brave by Sara Bareilles would describe Elyse and her situation pretty well.

How did you come up with the story? Did you find inspiration in any other story/movie/show and how has this affected your writing?

I was really inspired by the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. When I was working as a school librarian, I couldn’t ever keep it on the shelf – kids loved it so much! I think Auggie, the main character, has a huge impact on readers. It seems like a lot of middle grade readers feel different from their peers in some way. I want them to know that it’s okay to feel different, and that you can still love yourself and be kind to yourself no matter what life throws your way. 

Tell us your favorite quote from Sticks & Stones.

My #1 favorite is kind of a spoiler, so I’ll go with my #2 fave:

“’You don’t really wanna be with me.’ 

I was pretty sure I did, actually.”

These lines make me laugh every time I think about them. Haven’t we all been there at some point in our lives with a crush? Those experiences, though cringe-worthy at the time, make us strong. Unfortunately for Elyse, this is just the beginning of her middle school struggles. 

Is there a specific scene that you had the most fun to write?

The scene at the fund-raising show, when Elyse is about to perform and is super nervous, was a ton of fun to write. There’s a big long paragraph that’s all one sentence, and it kind of seems like Elyse is saying/thinking it all in one breath, and that’s sort of the way I wrote it, too. I got right in the moment with her. I felt her nerves like they were my own, and when she took a breath at the end, so did I. 

If you had to pick one song to be the Theme Song for Sticks & Stones – Which one would you pick? 

Oh man! I probably shouldn’t say Brave again (such a great song, though) so I’ll go with Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. 

Imagine that we get to see your book on the big screen (how awesome would that be?). Who would you pick to play your characters?

That would be SO awesome! This is hard. Maybe Daisy Tahan (from Little Fockers) for Elyse and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Lily on Modern Family) for Jeg. (She’s a little young right now, but the movie probably wouldn’t come out for a couple years, right? Ha, ha.) Quvenzhane Wallis for Olivia, and August Maturo (from Girl Meets World – he’ll get a little older before the movie comes out, too) for Nice Andy. I’ll keep thinking about the rest! 

Is there any recommendations you could give your readers to be in the “perfect mood” to read Sticks & Stones (specific music, snacks…)? 

Well, Elyse is super into cupcakes (and, okay, so am I), so I definitely recommend getting one of those to go along with your reading experience. (Just be careful not to get frosting all over the book. I learned this the hard way.) As for music, probably something upbeat and fun – anything that makes you feel like the awesome person you are.

Is there any advice you could give to middle graders who are in the same situation as Elyse?

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

What’s next for you? 

I’m finishing up BUBBLES, my 2017 book, and working on a few other manuscripts. I hope to keep writing books for as long as the middle grade book world wants to keep me around :)

Something to say to our Book Addicts? 

You’re awesome! Thanks for reading. 

Thank you so much for everything, Abby!

Thank you!

Follow the Sticks & Stones by Abby Cooper Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Abby Cooper lives in Minnesota with her miniature poodle, Louis, and a whole bunch of books. A former teacher and school librarian, her favorite things in the world (besides writing) are getting and giving book recommendations and sharing her love of reading with others. In her spare time, she likes eating cupcakes, running along the Mississippi River, and watching a lot of bad reality TV.

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Blogoversary: Interview with Kelly Walker

Book Addicts!

Today we have another of my favorite authors. She was the first author to be in our site back when we started and we opened the site with her Blog Tour for her Souls of the Stones novella.

Her books blew my mind and made me fell in love with her epic fantasy set in a medieval world full of magic. I can assure you she's the main reason I'm reading some of the historical books I'm reading right now ;)

Because of all that, we had to have her in our blogoversary event. Yes, guys, it's the awesome Kelly Walker, author of the Souls of the Stones, her YA fantasy series, and author of the New Adult titles No One's Angel and No One's Hero. If you have heard about her, you know her books are simply amazing. But if you haven't, here's your chance to get to know her and her books!

Have fun and don't forget to enter Kelly's blogoversary giveaway!

Cornerstone (Souls of the Stones #1)
by Kelly Walker
Release Date: November 30th 2013

Synopsis:

Epic Fantasy combines with Young Adult romance in this stunning new adventure set in a richly developed medieval world.

When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she'll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian's foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother's killers--and a deadly secret.

Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift passed down through each of her families, the prince she's promised to marry possesses a third, and an ominous prophecy has warned the three gifts must never be combined.

If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won't be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won't be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all.

Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn't want to share her mother's fate, she'll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.

Discover the heartbreaking betrayals, fascinating magic and fated love of Cornerstone.

Hi Kelly! I am really happy to have you in my Blogoversary event. I am completely in love with the Souls Of The Stones series and I am happy to share them once again with my readers.

For literally years I had this vision in my head of a pale blonde girl in an icy gown standing before a frost covered wall, with followers standing behind her, counting on her, while the unknown stretched on the other side of the wall. It was a moment of choice, and change and uncertainty, and yet she felt she had no choice, because she had to do the right thing for her people even though she was terrified. 

For those that have read Cornerstone, you'll likely recognize the scene. For me, it was introduction to Riya and it would not get out of my head. Eventually I had to give in and start exploring her story, figuring out why she had to make that choice, and what that choice would ultimately mean. 

After that, the world sort of took on life of it's own, and it continues to grow in my mind.

I think Broken Stone is my favorite, because Riya is just so powerful at that point. She's become the woman she needed to be, and I love seeing her so strong. Or maybe it's just because I'm currently reviewing the Broken Stone audiobook files, so it's fresh in my mind.

Riya and Torian, all the way. I'm fond of tall dark and handsome men, and Torian really fits that. But I just think the way they love each other is sort of magical.

From a technical standpoint, I'd have to say Jaded Stone, just because I had to be very exacting in making sure I didn't mess up any of the history of the world that's been built through the other books. But it was also difficult just from an emotional standpoint. Valencia's story is so different than Riya's. It was also hard to portray her in a way that would let people relate to her, because she can come off sort of cold, and some readers were already determined to hate her. Hopefully she changed some of their minds.

I'm not sure I can pick a single favorite qoute. I love the last few lines of Cornerstone, but I don't want to spoil the end for anyone. And the paragraph of Riya to Torian after she runs away from their camp and he catches her, she's just so angry and fed up, those make me laugh every time, because I totally get being just that sputtering mad that you're not quite sure what you're saying. Kate, the narrator for the series, really nailed that scene in the audiobooks too, and hearing those words acted out was beyond amazing. There's a specific paragraph from Broken Stone that's always stuck with me: Dark storm clouds concealed the sun, leaving the early afternoon cloaked in shadows that matched Emariya’s mood. Trepidation blanketed every corner of her consciousness, but rays of hope stubbornly forced their way through. Emariya cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted toward the gate. “This will be your only warning. Open the gates, or we will bring them down.” The wind ripped her words away from her mouth, just as it waved her black and silver gown around her legs. She’d considered wearing a pure, innocent white but decided against it. She didn’t want there to be any misconception that she came in peace.

I think I like that section because it really highlights who Riya has become, opposed to who she was at the start at the series. It's dark and angry, and so much of her lightness is gone. But she's fierce, and I like that. 

Cornerstone: Eyes Open by Taylor Swift

Second Stone: Believe by Skillet

Broken Stone: The Catalyst by Linkin Park

Jaded Stone: Fade Away by Breaking Benjammin

Severed Stone: Crashed by Daughtry

There's actually a playlist on Spotify with a few more songs.

For some of my characters I have very definite ideas of who would really showcase them. Ian Somerhalder for Torian, Taylor Swift for Riya. ( Although Kate Metroka, my narrator would also be perfect.) I'm not sure that I've seen a perfect Ciorstan. Who could capture that early naivete she has? Alexis Bledel could do a great Terin and she'd have been perfect for Ciorstan when she was younger, but I'm not sure if she's still got the vulnerability. I always love seeing who you all cast in your reviews, I think you're better at it than I am.

Well, No One's Hero is a standalone, so if anyone hasn't read No One's Angel, no worries, you won't be lost and confused. But it is connected, and those who have read the previous book will be familiar with the characters already to some degree. No One's Hero is a LOT lighter. While both Lexi and Kevin have some mental issues, it's not as emotionally taxing. No One's Hero has a lot of suspense, and fans of Romantic Suspense should enjoy it.

I think Stephen Amell would be perfect for Arion. He's so fierce and he can protect me any day. For Angel, the model I used in this teaser picture is really how I see her. Whoever played her on screen would have to be able to capture a perfect blend of flighty, yet strong. I think Brittany Murphy with dark hair could have done it. That edge of a little bit crazy, a lot vulnerable, but also ready to bring out the claws. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/85286986666365474/

I'm really not sure on Kevin and Lexi. Zach Roerig from Vampire Diaries might be able to do it. He's got that tough but wounded thing going on. Kevin is such a rock, but so damaged. Hayden Panettiere (I probably butchered that spelling) might be able to do Lexi, although I imagine her a bit taller in my head.

I tend to be a flavor of the week type of song person. Currently on repeat at my house is Battleships by Daughtry 

Can anyone truly pick ONE favorite book? I don't think I can. The book I've reread the most however is Twilight. There's something magical about it. No matter what the book's many critics say, it captivated a lot of people, and that's sort of awesome. It definitely captivated me. 

I'm a really big fan of The Good Wife, but I'm not sure I have an actual favorite. I like The Originals, Vampire Diaries, Law and Order Svu, Greys Anatomy, Game of Thrones, the list goes on and on. Fortunately we have a DVR because I'm generally quite a bit behind keeping up with all the shows I like. 

Reading, of course. I also like to sew. 

I'm not really a sports person. But my husband used to be really into Nascar, and my son still is, so we usually watch that on Sundays. 

Favorite thing to do? Taking a steaming hot bath with a good book. It's the most relaxing thing ever.

The best thing about being an author I think is getting to tell my stories. It's completely okay for me to let characters take over my head and talk to me, and expected for me to think of them as sort of real. What other sane person can really claim that? 

The worst thing is that sometimes it makes it hard to read. I try not to read anything to similar to my own current projects because I don't want any accidental influences. And when I'm in editing mode it makes me really critical when I don't mean to be. When I've got my brain working hours at a time looking for mistakes and ways wording can be better, that can be hard to shut off, but it ruins the simple enjoyment of just reading a book for a good story.

I generally block my internet for 90 minute blocks of time to crank out the words without distractions, while I play music—usually instrumental, but upbeat instrumental like Epic Soundtracks Radio on Pandora.

I'm still trying to decide that, and I've got to decide really soon. It's either going to be Chelsea's story from the No One's books, another side character who we haven't really met yet's book—but I think I'm going to wait on this one, so I can introduce them a bit in Chelsea's book, OR I could write the next Souls of the Stones book. Riya's daughter Chari has been telling me all sorts of things, and there's definitely a story there. I'm a bit nervous about going back to the world of Souls of the Stones, because we left the world in such peace, in some ways it will be sad to see turmoil rise again, albeit it would be in a very different way. At the same time, I love the thought of getting back to those characters.

Thank you. A million times, thank you. You all have supported me through literally ALL of my books, and that's something that I'm incredibly grateful for.

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

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