Cinder - Marissa Meyer (#1)

I saw this frequently on the blogosphere with many bloggers raving about it, on their 2012 to-reads - needless to say, there was a lot of hype about this book. Which is what intrigued me when I found a copy at my local library. I nearly put it back down when I found it but thanks to my Goodreads app, I had a look at reviews and decided to give it a go. Wow - so glad I didn't put it back on the shelf...

Synopsis: The population of New Beijing holds mostly humans and androids. Oh, and Cinder - a cyborg. A deadly plague has swept Earth and the Lunar people on the Moon are waiting for their next move to start a war. No-one quite realises that the future hinges on Cinder herself. - neither does she. She is a second-class citizen with an unknown past, with an evil stepmother for a guardian and blamed for her stepsister's illness because she is...well, different. Soon her life becomes intertwined with Prince Kai's and she becomes caught between duty and freedom, past and future or loyalty and betrayal. She must uncover her previous life in order to help the future.

Review: So obviously my first thoughts were 'Really, a cyborg that's based on old fairytale of Cinderella?' I wasn't sure. I think the thing that made me doubtful was that this sounded such a far fetched story - something no-one has done before. I was so intrigued but I didn't know if it would let me down. Looking back now, that is such a stupid thought. I don't know if this review will be sufficient in showing my thoughts on this book - I shall try.

The novel is loosely based on the classic Cinderella story, the first in four books based around our traditional fairytales. There are all the elements we recognise in there - the ball, dresses, evil stepmother and sisters, handsome prince. But then, there are new things that really make this book unique (Exhibit A: Cinder is a cyborg).
Cinder's story is really unique, really. She was adopted by a brilliant scientist who died not long afterwards and since then, she has been with her stepmother and their two human daughters, Peony and Pearl. Another twist - Peony is her best friend and the less 'ugly stepsister' of the two. Cinder's guardianship means she earns money for the household while doing chores with the help of her assistant android with a faulty personality chip, the hilarious Iko. Because of working at the market every day, she has become one of the most skilled mechanics, so it is no wonder that the Prince approaches Cinder with his broken android for help.

My favourite part of this book was the subtle homage to the late Cinderella story - not the Disney one (although I love that film), the original fairytale. The setting is New Beijing - a city rebuilt after World War Four. Of course, the original Cinderella story was set in the Eastern world so I liked this touch. The ball where the prince dances with all the legitimate young ladies - ah, favourite part of Cinderella (and of the book!). Marissa Meyer has created a book that hasn't copied word for word the story of Cinderella but based Cinder around this idea and added her own unique and quirky edge, making this such an interesting, dense novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was nice for the major countries where most books are set (America and England) to move away from the spotlight for a bit. They placed such a minor role in the book (Nice reference to English royal family - 'Queen Camilla' - if anyone catches my drift...)

The story is really engaging, especially the climatic scenes at the end. We are drip fed information and there are moments where they're just going to reveal it...and then, something happens to stop them. Yes, it is frustrating but oh my, it made me devour this novel. I admit, it takes a while to warm up, but by halfway through, this book grabbed me, swirled me crazily to know what happens, and then spat me out in the end - stunned. There are so many things discovered in this book, I wonder what new things we will find out in the next. Although, there were all these interesting cliffhangers and revelations, some of them were quite predictable, but then, some weren't. The ending of the book I didn't expect at all, but the revelation at the end I guessed early on. The last page holds the moments after the major event at the end so if you read the last page (like I did) it is hard to discover what happens throughout the book. A good choice if those reading are like me!

Cinder herself, could be seen as irritating as she is quite cynical and sarcastic. But I liked it! I liked that she was a bit different - went away from the things most girls drew towards. She wasn't fazed when the Prince casually turns up at her stall - as you do - unlike Iko or Peony. She wasn't fazed when he helps her and flirts with her. She was very cool, calm and collected and not incredibly girly like Cinderella is mostly depicted. She has attitude and doesn't mind using it on those above her. Her sarcasm provided some much needed funny moments to the book, which otherwise may have been quite intense.

Prince Kai. Well. I can see why he is seen as quite a catch. I was starting to fall for him like the other single ladies in this book. He could be played two ways - incredibly pretentious or incredibly modest. Meyer optioned for the latter and it worked really well. He was this child Prince that suddenly had a lot of responsibility with the Lunar Queen demanding to marry him. He has deal with this and is only 18. With the combined sarcasm and humour for Kai and Cinder, it made a lovely relationship to read about and some of the most readable parts of the novel for those that did not like this book. They built their relationship up from helper, friends and then more. There is an instant where it all comes together and you want desperately for it to work out.

The other characters are all lovely. Adri, Pearl and Levana I hated. I loved the characters of Peony and Iko and the way they help Cinder. Dr Erland was a strange character - I'll leave your views on him for later.
This novel holds all the ingredients for a great book and it delivers. For those who are sceptical about a Cinderella re-telling with a cyborg, just go for it. It's so worth the surprise.
Meyer, my hat goes off to you, well done for making such a lovely, surprising, thrilling novel based upon one of the most loved fairytales. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

Verdict: Bottom line? I really really liked this book.

I give it 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://marissameyer.livejournal.com/
Pages: 387
Publisher: Penguin
Challenges: None

The next book in the series SCARLETT will be released in 2013 (oh, so long...)

Tuesday Top Ten: Favourite Book Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. 


This week's theme is my favourite book covers, and THERE ARE A FEW. So this may just be rambling on about how pretty books are in general because I ALWAYS judge a book by it's cover - just a warning before we start.  


*Some of the covers may be different to others as I live in the UK*

 The Lover's Dictionary - David Levithan


This is the hardcover version and I don't know why but I love it.
It was what drew me towards the book, I liked the italic writing, the way it is arranged into a heart and the 'V''s being in a different colour.
It is such a simple cover but did it for me.

 Wither - Lauren DeStefano


Let's face it, this is going to be on most of these posts. But it is so beautiful.

What I like about it is that although some covers have pictures and colours that vaguely relate to the book, all the aspects of this cover make sense and relate utterly to the novel.
The subtle circles to highlight the main things - the dress, face, ring, birdcage. Knowing the story now, I think this is so clever and how all book covers should be really.

 The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky


I must admit, this cover has no correlation to the events in the book. But I love this cover anyhow!
This is again the reason I wanted to read the  book (see a theme?). And it shows the style of the book - modern, quirky, indie.
I guess I liked the pink and black contrast that looked like someone just wrote it on there a minute ago. The pictures creep me out a bit though...

 The 10pm Question - Kate De Goldi


Not the best book I have ever read but again, the appeal for me to read this book came from the cover.
The book is set in New Zealand and knowing that, you can see that in the bird.
It's just such a nice original cover that works with the book itself.
And it's a preeetty bird...

The Luxe - Anna Godbersen


How could I not include this?! The Luxe series features some BEAUTIFUL DRESSES that had me lusting over them and wishing I could wear a dress like that. My favourite has to be RUMOURS - that red is such a lovely colour. LUXE comes closely behind. Ah! Amazing!

The Selection - Kiera Cass


I do not own or have read this book but it keeps popping up on the blogosphere and on Goodreads. HAVE YOU SEEN THAT DRESS? HAVE YOU SEEN THAT COVER? IT IS GORGEOUS. 


I want this book, just merely to lust over the cover. Don't judge a book by it's cover? THAT is out of the window right now.

On My Bookshelf (16)

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren  (I don't have a Mailbox...)

On Monday, there was a broken down train so I couldn't get to college until later. So what did I do?
I went to Starbucks with friends and then went next door to Waterstones to buy books!

Bought:

Divergent by Veronica Roth - this is the new UK paperback and a very last minute purchase as I picked it up as I was heading to tills. I mean £4.99 for a book of this size - very good! I've heard it's a great book so I thought it was worth a shot. 

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson - this was the book I went into the bookshop for in the first place. As I mentioned here, they are doing special £1 editions to honour World Book Day. £1? I'm there. 

What books did you get this week? 

Looking back at FEBRUARY

February seemed very long. I mean, it was a month since I turned 17 and that seemed to me like ages ago. I look back at what I read and think 'That seems like I read that a while ago now'.
We're into March which means 2012 has really got under way - why must the time go so fast?

Blogging wise - I feel bad because I want to improve the blog to gain more people, make people more knowledgeable of the blog. But I don't know how - Suggestions from anyone are welcome!

Reviews: 

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Notes to Self - Avery Sawyer

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters - Meredith Zeitlin 

The Lover's Dictionary - David Levithan

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

So, had a bit of a David Levithan fest/introduction this month and honestly, he's good. Very good. I have reviewed three requests this month (more than EVER!) which makes me feel like a proper reviewer now, ha. 

Memes:

On My Bookshelf (14)

On My Bookshelf (15)

Sorry, no Top Ten Tuesday's - I have either been too busy/tired or just didn't like the subject. I'll try to do some in March. 

Author Interviews:

Mary Pauline Lowry

Meredith Zeitlin

Jenelle Jack Pierre

So I launched the new feature THE 5 QUESTIONS and I have some authors coming up in March for you guys. If you are an author reading this, contact me (look at Review Policy for email) to let me know!

Other:

Patrick Ness Signing

Turned 17

£1 Editions of Maureen Johnson and Will Hill (UK Only)

Apart from all these lovely posts, you may have noticed the new header (made by my own fair hands) and a general spice up of the blog. I hope you all like it!

So a lot has happened this month really...

Author Interview: Derek Kent

This is a original feature made by me where I give authors five questions to answer on their new book

Today, I have Derek Kent (aka Derek the Ghost), author of The Scary School series to talk about the first and upcoming second book in the delightful series.

How did you come up with the idea for Scary School?

The first novel I ever wrote was originally called SCARY SCHOOL: BOOK 1 - MY HOMEWORK ATE MY DOG!  - it's a middle-grade fantasy series very similar to Harry Potter. The only problem was, it didn't have a whole lot to do with a "scary school". I just thought of that title and wanted to use it before someone else did. So my editor at HarperCollins read the book, and almost acquired it, but in the end, they ended up passing on it, but gave me the recommendation to write a book series called SCARY SCHOOL that was lighter, funnier, and more school-centric. I took their advice, which became the Scary School series we know today.  It was also great because for inspiration I got to use all of my favorite characters from the horror movies I loved, like Jason, and Freddy, and even the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park! I wanted to imagine what it would be like if they had all gone to school together when they were kids, and in my silly head, the reality of that would be pretty dang funny.

By the way, the original book ended up becoming RUDY AND THE BEAST: BOOK 1 - MY HOMEWORK ATE MY DOG! which is available exclusively through my website at http://www.scaryschool.com/bookstore.html  - and you can get it on Kindle (just $2.99!) or paperback! For those who like dark fantasies like Harry Potter, I've gotten many responses that young readers enjoy it even more than Scary School! 

What did you enjoy writing most about in the book?

I had to change schools when I was 11 years old after being with the same group of kids my whole life. I had a really hard time adjusting, so both books of Scary School and Rudy and the Beast deal with kids starting a new school and figuring out how make new friends. I enjoy writing about problems like this. Experiences that every kid has to go through at some point in their life, but told against the backdrop of a fantastical or supernatural story that kids love.

Describe the book in a sentence.

At a school where the daily routine consists of learning, horror, and mayhem, unique kids and scary teachers have the time of their lives at a place where just making it lunch with all your arms and legs is considered a great day.

What advice would you give to future writers - both writing and publishing wise?

For writing: just read and write as much as you can. The more you read and the more your write (especially in the genre you want to write in) the stronger your writing will get and the more aware you will be of your strengths and areas open for improvement. For publishing: if you are in the Southern California area, I'd actually highly recommend you take my class that I teach on getting an agent or publisher. I also teach 5-week children's and YA writing workshops as well as those special one-day workshops on getting published through Writing Pad in Los Angeles - www.WritingPad.com - so that's one option. If that's not an option, first off I'd advise you to complete your novel. That's an important first step. And when it's ready to be submitted, make sure you have a super-strong query letter and then get very serious and focused about sending it out, for which there are many different strategies that I wish I could get into, but that would go on for hundreds of pages. There's lots of good information about it online though.

What are you working on next?

I recently turned in Book 3 of Scary School, so you can expect new books in that series every June. Scary School #2: Monsters on the March comes out June 26, 2012 and Book 3 comes out June 2013. I also recently finished a new middle-grade comedy book called Principal Mikey about a 10-year-old kid who becomes principal of his school, and we're shopping that around right now. You may also see a spin-off of Scary School in the near future as well as a cinematic adventure book!

For more information on Scary School and all my other books, I invite everyone to visit www.ScarySchool.com- it's a super-fun website! You can play a video game on it, and if you win, you will receive the weirdest trophy ever! Plus you can tour the school, meet the students and faculty, watch some cool videos, and even unlock the "Secret Last Chapter" but you'll only know how to do that after you finish reading Book 1 of Scary School!

Thank you Derek!

The first book in THE SCARY SCHOOL series is out now. 

The second book will be released on 26th June 2012

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi (#1)

Sometimes crazes of certain books sweep the blogosphere and make everyone hyped up about it. First, the Hunger Games, Matched, Divergent...this one I think can be included.
This is a book I probably would have pondered over if I saw it in the library or a bookshop. This was sent to me by the publisher (THANK YOU SO MUCH BY THE WAY!) and although I looked at it and wondered 'Oh god, I am not going to like this', there was something nagging me at the back of my mind 'Hey Rebecca, read it and see!'
So I did read it and see.

Synopsis: Aria has always lived her life in the protected domes of Reverie - she's never had to do anything herself as she lives her life through the virtual worlds of the Realms through her permanent Smarteye. So when she is forced into the outside world, nicknamed the Death Shop, because of events beyond her control, she knows her chances are slim of ever finding her missing mother.
However, she meets Perry. An Outsider - or Savage - with superb senses whose also searching for someone. Both have skills and knowledge to help one another. If both of them stay alive, both will find their answers.

Review: Hm. This is a book with mixed reactions for me. This COULD be an amazing, perfect, wonderful novel - all those things. And this is a great book, first and foremost. But there are small things that for me, let it down. Firstly, look at this cover. My first thoughts when seeing the front cover in the flesh? It's Bella and Jacob from the hugely successful Twilight series. As a note, this is nothing like Twilight. It just annoyed me, like they were aiming for THOSE girls that were obsessed with Jacob in Twilight (sorry Twilight bitterness with now be put away for a while). I do not like this cover.

Aria meets Perry before she is put outside Reverie in extraordinary situations. Without revealing too much, she basically breaks into a deserted compound with the leader of Reverie's son, her best friend and some other boys 'just for fun' and something happens that means she is saved by Perry. Although the 'events' mean the opening may seem fast-paced and interesting, it is not.

This books took 100 pages for me to actually get into it. The opening was one of the worst I have read and I was on the verge of giving up completely until Aria is put outside and Perry and her meet. In fact, the book only completely had my enjoyment until we meet Roar, Perry's old friend. I know it is universally thought around the blogosphere that the opening is well...not THAT great, and I agreed completely. The opening does let this novel down and without this bad introduction, this book would have probably been higher in many ratings. The opening MAY just not suit my tastes but I just found it slow paced for such an eventful few chapters, Perry annoyed me straight away and I had no idea what Reverie was, what Aria was talking about or even who she was. It took me halfway through the book to realise Luminda is Aria's mother...

However, once the story gets going, it is great, interesting and always keeps you on your toes with the narrative. The issue of the Senses in Perry's world could be incredibly complicated for the reader but Rossi successfully references and talks about these at ease - I understood what they were and what they meant for Perry completely. It was interesting, the contrast between the two worlds. Aria's world reminded me of now with teenagers living life through virtual worlds for something to do. It kind of showed well, this is what we could all be like in 20 years time, perhaps. The world were just so different and although I would have liked some more description of Reverie, I could imagine the difference of the worlds clearly for Aria.

The characters are done amazingly. I admit Perry REALLY annoyed me at the beginning.  Perry in the opening is completely different to the one at the end - he may grow at a character but it was like the beginning one was an older Perry to the one at the end. He seemed more 'teenager-ish' at the end. This may be purposefully but it was SUCH a difference. Aria, I know annoys some people at the beginning, but I liked her determination throughout the book. She also grows as a character, and hardly complains about the situation she is in unlike some other books. I liked how she just got on with it.
For me, the minor characters make this book - Roar, Cinder, Talon. Roar is by far my favourite with his witty comments. Ah, I loved him.
Perry and Aria's don't exactly hit it off straight away. They hate each other in fact but feel they need to stay together. However, the love does come eventually and magically. This seemed relatable and genuine to me. I mean, most people do not fall in love at first sight. They do not start touching each other straight away. So I approved of the eventual growth of their love for each other and how it was written so well.
The closing was very abrupt for me. It just kind of ended. However, this is a series and as it ends SO AMBIGUOUSLY I can see Rossi making way for the rest of the series.

Another thing that really confused me is that the characters in the book go on and on about the Aether. This is like a third force that attacks from the sky. BUT THEY NEVER EXPLAIN WHAT ON EARTH IT IS. It's like I'm expected to know. I have no idea if this is right but from what I can tell, it is like a electric storm that can burn you alive...I have no idea if the lack of knowledge of what this is was done on purpose but...

I know I will read the whole of this series. This book has definitely caught my attention to Veronica Rossi. Despite the annoying complications in this book like the opening and the Aether, this book has some sparkling characters and an ending that HAS to make me want to read the rest of the series. She has created a book where the imperfections are overlooked more by the things that are great about this book: the setting, characters and romance. I, and many others, will be negative but trust me, pick up this book if you have the chance, ignore the opening, make your own judgement. I think you'll get hooked.
Verdict: Very bad at points but overall, this book makes me want more and more.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for review - much appreciated.

Author's Website: http://www.veronicarossi.com/NeverSky/HOME.html
Pages: 375
Publisher: Atom - part of Little, Brown
Challenges: None

The next book in the series, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT will be released in 2013.

Author Interview: Jenelle Jack Pierre

This is the first ever post on a new feature called 'The 5 Questions' where I ask authors 5 of the same questions about their new book.

Today, I have Jenelle Jack Pierre, author of Before I Breathe, to answer the 5 questions on her new book. 

How did you come up with the idea for Before I Breathe?

I wanted to write about a female character who had a different high school experience than the norm.  Without giving a major conflict away, Kalena spends much of the story outside the walls of high school, which creates a major shift in her world and is a problem for her parents.

What did you enjoy writing most about in the book?

I enjoyed the process of Kalena falling in love with Isaiah and the excitement of it, because her feelings were new.  Novelty's always a powerful thing in a person's life.

But Isaiah is someone that affects Kalena's life in negative ways also, and showing how their relationship changes throughout the novel was fun.

Describe the book in a sentence.

Before I Breathe tells the story of a High School sophomore who gets pregnant and leaves her parents home to live with her first love.

What advice would you give to future writers - both writing and publishing wise?

I would tell future writers to make 2012 the year that they WRITE.  Writing well has a learning curve and every writer needs practice to produce good work.

In publishing, thankfully ebooks and self-publishing has given writers an avenue that wasn't available before, when literary agents and traditonal publishers were the primary gatekeepers.  After writing, doing revisions, writing, and doing more revisions, let people you trust read your work; and continue the process until you feel you're ready to publish.

What are you working on next?

I've written a novel to be released in Fall 2012.  It's tentatively titled Passing High School.  It's based on three girls who are "passing" in their lives in some way.  Another word to describe the "passing" that takes place in the novel could be "poser."  I'm also working on some short stories, which I also enjoy writing.

Thanks Jenelle!

Synopsis: Kalena Moore is a Montgomery High student who isn’t into school.  Isaiah Wilkins is a classmate that her friends think is trouble.  Life becomes more interesting when Kalena starts dating Isaiah, but soon things spin quickly out of control and she gets pregnant.  Then Kalena sees that there's another side to her boyfriend.

Determined to put her life back together, Kalena takes a path where there is no turning back. 

BEFORE I BREATHE is out now

For more information, go to Jenelle's Twitter page - @JenellePierre

Special £1 editions of Maureen Johnson & Will Hill

For those who live in the UK, this is something you may be interested in.

Every year is World Book Day on the 1st March where those under the age of 18 and in full-time education are given a £1 book token to buy either the special editions released for the day or to contribute to a book of their choice (although they have to pay the rest).
It is something I personally have grown up with, the excitement when I was young to receive the token, thinking already what I will be buying with it. It is something that really encouraged me and many others to do the ancient activity of just reading. Something that is so important in a digital media generation that this world is developing into.

Anyway, because mostly the £1 special World Book Day books are normally only a selection of children's books (for this year's selection, click here)

However, because us teenager's get a little left out once we hit 14 and aren't exactly interested in cute kittens and finding a caterpillar, Waterstones (a UK bookstore) have decided to release special editions sold at £1 for the day of two YA titles, starting tomorrow (27th February)
These are:

The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson 

Department 19 - Will Hill

Both of which are supposed to be VERY good books so this is a great selection for Waterstones to choose. Just to emphasise, this IS JUST AT WATERSTONES FOR THESE TWO BOOKS. It is merely a promotion as part of World Book Day to make us YA readers feel less left out. 

I personally will be running from the train station after college to (thankfully only a 5 minute walk) my local store to get The Name of The Star. Thanks Waterstones!

For more info, click here to go to Maureen Johnson's blog where she explains everything. 

Enjoy - let me know if you got a copy!

On My Bookshelf (15)

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren  (I don't have a Mailbox...)

So about an hour after doing last week's On My Bookshelf, I went to the library and got more.
Ever felt like there are so many books you want to read that there is literally not enough time in life to do it all in? Yep - feeling that was now.

Borrowed from Library: 

Bumped by Megan McCafferty - this has been on my to-read for a while so I'm glad I've finally for a copy of this. 

Abandon by Meg Cabot - this is a bit paranormal, as described in a recommendation booklet I found in the library - a genre I avoid. But it's Meg Cabot. And it's a re-telling of Helen of Troy. And with my daily Classics lessons, this is something that interests me. 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer - I wasn't sure about this one but I've seen so many positive reviews for this one on the blogosphere and it sounds quite interesting that I thought I'd go for it.

All dystopian? Interesting.

What did you get this week? 

Have a good one :)

Author Interview: Meredith Zeitlin

Today, Meredith Zeitlin is here to ask five questions on her upcoming book, FRESHMEN YEAR AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. (Click here for my review)

1) What made you write your new book, Freshman Year and Other Natural Disasters? 

I wanted to write a book that was sort of a response to the Gossip Girl/Clique/etc. craze - a book about a REAL girl in NYC, who isn't drinking martinis at the Savoy while clutching a limitless platinum card and having X-rated affairs with half of her school, but who drinks wine coolers in her friend's living room, has parents that drive her insane, and thinks everyone is having sex but her. A book with a cast of relatable characters like the ones I loved growing up, that made me feel like I wasn't the only awkward bookworm in the world.

2) What did you enjoy the most about writing it? 

Well, I've always enjoyed writing itself... but I think the most exciting moment was when I realized I had an actual BOOK on my hands. I had just been chugging along, not really sure where I was going... so that was a pretty cool feeling. Of course, then I had to figure out what to do with it!

3) Describe the book in a sentence  

The hilarious tale of Kelsey Finkelstein's (mostly disastrous) adventures as a high school freshman.

4) What advice would you give to future writers - both in the writing and publishing process? 

* Write. Don’t sit around worrying that you don’t know what your ending is or what kind of book it should be or that you don’t know how to get an agent. Just write – even if it’s terrible. Just keep going. You’ll be amazed what you come up with.

* This piece of advice is actually credited to my writing teacher in college, the marvelous Michael Elyanow: “Kill Your Babies.” Basically, it means that even if you’ve written what you think is the funniest, most clever, poignant, whatever, thing in the world, if everyone is telling you it doesn’t work to further your story… cut it. Be brutal. It’s very hard, but it makes your work better. (Even if you think it won’t.)

* Do your homework. When looking for an agent – or publisher, if you’re going that route first – find out who is on whose client roster, what genres of work that person represents, whether that person is accepting new clients, what they want you to submit if so, etc etc. If you send your brilliant historical novel to someone who is looking for true crime, it’s just a waste of your time and the recipient’s. 

* Don’t get frustrated and stop writing. Put it down, eat a cake, watch a Golden Girls rerun… but come back to it!

* Don’t think your first (or second, or third) draft will be your last, even if you’re sure it can’t get ANY better. It can, and it will.

* Don’t give up if you get rejection letters from agents or publishers – I certainly did, and I’m sure I will again. Yes, it sucks, but it probably means that it isn’t the right fit for you to work together, not that your work isn’t good. Keep getting your writing out to different people; even if it seems like it’s taking forever to connect with someone. Things in the publishing world DO take forever. I’m still learning that, every step of the way.  

5) Are you working on anything else?   

I wrote a children's picture book that I'm hoping will find a home soon, and I'm working on another YA novel. It's not a sequel to Freshman Year..., but it takes place in the same world, so you'll see some of the characters again


Thank you to Meredith and G.P.Putnam's Sons

Contact: 

www.kelseyfinkelstein.com

@zeitlingeist (Twitter)

www.facebook.com/FRESHMANYEARBOOK

I'll just leave you on the amazing trailer for this book - this made me want to read the book!

FRESHMEN YEAR AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS will be published on 1st March 2012.

Check out my review of the book - here