TV: It's just another way to tell a story, right?

Oh my goodness. How many times in my life have I heard someone tell young people (or me!) to "turn off the TV and open a book?" Or, you know, something similar?

How many times have you heard that television rots your brain? And then wanted to charge at the person making this claim like a velociraptor at a cocky paleontologist?

Oh, don't get me wrong. I love books. I mean, well, duh, I write books! I have a house full of books! Books are sort of my life. But you know what else I love?

TV.

I love TV on DVD. I love that I can use my DVR to record shows that are on at the same time. I love that there are funny shows and serious shows and documentary shows and sci fi shows. I love that there are all these stories that I can watch.

So why does TV get a bad rap? Why do so many of us think of it as a "low" art form, or as a hobby for the feeble-minded? Like, okay, The Jersey Shore exists. I'll admit it. But so does The X Files. So does House. So does Scrubs.

And, yeah, books might be easy to pin as a high art, because you have to read them. But, come on, not to lay the smack down on anyone, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that GOSSIP GIRL isn't particularly literary. (And I'm putting this out there because I'm like 99.9% sure that creator Cecily von Ziegesar would agree with me. I hope.) Does this fact stop jillions of readers from being entertained by the books? No.

Books are a form of entertainment, too. Sure, sometimes books are going to be what I like to call "meat and potatoes" books. SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green's LOOKING FOR ALASKA -- you know, award-winny types. Entertaining and also enriching. Then there are what I like to call "candy bar books" -- the books we read for funsies and sometimes consider guilty pleasures. Books without many SAT words but with superfluous kissing scenes or maybe epic gun fights. Do these books change your world? Probably not. And that's cool.

So what makes books better than TV? What makes them sacred? Like, okay, there are lots of reasons that books are different, ways that without seeing the pictures on your screen you might have to use your imagination more while you're reading. But have you ever watched an episode of your favorite show and felt just so inspired? Just wowed? The same way you feel after you finish a good book?

TV and books are different ways to tell a story. But when it comes down to it, a story is a story. Why can't we love both, treat them equally, and call it a day? Why do we think certain things can go on TV but "don't belong" in books? Why are books on a pedestal, guys? I want to know.

Review: JEKEL LOVES HYDE by Beth Fantaskey!

Retelling of classic literature and fairy tales seem to be all the rage right now. And I've gotta admit, I love a retelling, too. And that's initially what drew me to Beth Fantaskey's new book, JEKEL LOVES HYDE. But here's the thing -- it's not a retelling. And it's not a sequel either (not a fan of newly published sequels to classics -- though if you show me a good one, I could change my mind). JEKEL LOVES HYDE builds on the ideas that Robert Louis Stevenson used in his novel, and uses the novel as a pivotal theme in Jill Jekel and Tristan Hyde's story.

And it's such a good story!

Jill Jekel thinks of herself as the mousy nerd-girl, lucky to be friends with a cheerleader who might only be using her friendship as a path to homework help. Since her dad was killed, her mom has been a wreck. In fact, Jill takes care of her mom most of the time, making sure she doesn't have another breakdown. The fact that her dad's murder was never solved doesn't help her family situation, but Jill is determined to move on and make the most of what's left of her high school experience.

Tristan Hyde is a loner, an outsider whose father is a prominent British psychologist who recently moved to Pennsylvania to work with local colleagues. With a workaholic dad never home, Tristan grew close to his grandfather. And on his deathbed, Grandfather Hyde told Tristan a secret: he'd committed murder, his family was cursed, and Tristan would be affected, too. He then gave Tristan a first edition copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, saying that in those pages was the only chance Tristan might have to save himself. Now that Tristan has started having the dreams, he believes his grandfather might be right.

Both students who excel in Chemistry, Tristan and Jill's teacher offer them the opportunity to compete for a scholarship by developing an original experiment outside of class. He suggests Jill and Tristan work together, believing that it will give them a better chance at the money, especially given that a "Jekel and Hyde" team will intrigue the judges. At first, neither is interested. But when Jill realizes that her dad spent her college fund on secret research she realizes she might not have a choice. And as Tristan's dreams -- and his attraction to Jill -- get more intense, she realizes that she might be the key to solving his curse. They will recreate the experiments that the original Dr. Jeckyl conducted and look for a cure. Jill, of course, is skeptical, but the attraction to Tristan is there -- has been there, in fact, since the day he approached her at her father's funeral and offered her a comforting hug right when she needed it -- and her lack of college money is more than enough incentive to take up Tristan on his offer.

Of course, it won't be easy. There's the fact that Jill's mom is on the verge of another meltdown, that Tristan's Dad is acting more and more erratic, that the truth about Jill's father's murder is painting him in a less-than-flattering light, and there's the regular school drama of catty girls and nasty football players, one of whom Tristan pummels. This book runs the gamut of emotions, creatively weaving in the mythology Stevenson's Jeckyl and Hyde to tell the story of two star-crossed teens doomed to deal with chemical reactions that they'd always supposed were fiction. JEKEL LOVES HYDE is science-y, romance-y, and mysterious, a great read for any reader looking for something a little different with a heroine who could be the girl next door and a bad boy who has to actually work to win her over. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up on your next trip to your library or bookstore. You won't be able to put it down.

Tough Chicks & Girlie Girls

I've seen some back-and-forth in the YA community this year on needing more STRONG female characters. We need tough girls, buff girls, girls who kick butt and take names. Some folks, though, say there are PLENTY of alpha females in the YA world. That there's room for girlie girls, too. Mousey girls, sweet girls, girls who played with Barbies and grew up to read fashion mags.

I say this: we need both.

Teen girls can't be lumped into one category. There are girls out there who are both feminine and fierce. There are girls who will relate to a character who gave her Barbies green Mohawks and there are girls who will relate to an aspiring model. And there is NOTHING wrong with that. There are books out there for both of these girls. And, in all likelihood, these girls are bffs, and end up sharing books with each other. Mohawked Barbie Girl reads GIRL IN THE ARENA by Lise Haines, loves it, and trades with Fashionista Girl for VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY by Melissa Walker. And what do I love about both of these books? They're well-written, insightful, and feature REAL girls. Girls who are three-dimentional, make good and bad choices, have complicated relationships with their family and friends, and are developing their own sense of identity.

I think there's also something to be said for girls who are strong in a more subtle way. Right now I'm reading JEKEL LOVES HYDE by Beth Fantaskey, and what I love about her character, Jill, is that while she's quiet and reserved and innocent, she is super super smart. She understands and LOVES chemistry. And even though she doesn't always stand up to bullies, and loves to be rescued and comforted by her crush, she's learning to make her own way. And girls can relate to that -- being the science nerd, feeling insecure and unpretty compared to a friend, crushing on a bad boy and wanting Prince Charming to come riding in on a white horse. And that's okay. Sometimes we need that. And sometimes -- like for Jill -- your brain is your biggest weapon.

I also love books like HOTTIE by Jonathan Bernstein, where you have a girl who kicks bad-guy booty while wearing designer heels. HOTTIE is like Clueless meets The X-Men, hilarious and girlie and badass. How perfect, because, in my mind, inside every don't-break-a-nail diva is a superhero ready to strike. And with a book as fun as HOTTIE, does it get any better?

The best thing writers can do for teen girls is to write REAL girls. And real girls are a lot of different things -- tough, happy, sad, lonely, strong, fearful, girlie, smart, feminist -- and there's no reason we shouldn't accommodate all these girls. There's plenty of room on the shelves for girl characters of every shape and size, mood and mentality!

Heading back to school could be way worse, I promise.

Yeah, I hear it's that time of year. You're donning your backpacks weighed down with textbooks and homework and bidding your beach gear goodbye. Woe! I mean, I bet you're kind of excited to see friends you haven't seen in a while, right? Or maybe that crush you meant to call all summer but never actually, um, got up the nerve? (Totally been there.) I get it, though. School can be a bummer. I don't think I know anyone who likes homework, even for their favorite class. So I thought I'd share a few reads with you that could lend a little perspective. At least you're not starting the school year in one of these books.

SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus (Egmont 2010)
Persephone "Phe" Archer has been having dreams since her sister died. Nightmares, really. And when she found out that her sister had been having them, too, Phe knew where she had to go: Devinish Prep in Shadow Hills. Her sister had written about it in her journal, had even requested information from the school. And Phe just knows that there are answers there, answers she can't find at home in California. But as soon as she steps foot on campus, she knows this isn't your average boarding school. For one, the nearby cemetery is just a little too nearby. As is the hospital. And when she meets Zach, a strange, beautiful boy who seems to attract metal like a magnet, Phe falls hard -- and her curiosity is intensified. When Zach finally confesses what Phe already suspects -- he's different, descended from the people who survived the epidemic that wiped out Shadow Hills in the 1700s -- he puts her in danger. But Phe isn't exactly average either, and as her visions -- and her feelings for Zach -- intensify, she realizes that even if it kills her, she's going to uncover what's going on in Shadow Hills. This paranormal mystery will have you guessing until the very end, and while I wouldn't want to go to school in Shadow Hills, I absolutely can't wait to visit Devinish Prep again in a sequel. (Please?!)

MY SO-CALLED DEATH by Stacey Jay (Flux, 2010)
Karen Vera has been transported from her fabulous position atop a cheerleader pyramid to DEAD High. She'd known there were risks to being a "flyer," but she didn't imagine that she'd die -- let alone become "genetically undead." Now Karen has to deal with things like her weirdo roommate who mostly cries and performs goth-y rituals under a blanket. And then there's the snacking on animal brains to prevent rot. And, oh yeah, someone in school has been harvesting her fellow student's brains and way too many signs are pointing to crushworthy Gavin. This hilarious mystery will have you hooked from page one, with its fabulously imagined world in which the teenage undead can play, complete with plenty of zombie puns. I'm really hoping that Stacey Jay will continue Karen Vera's story as a series, even if I'm not inclined hang out at the DEAD High campus any time in the near future.

CANDOR by Pam Bachorz (Egmont 2009)Candor is the perfect city where perfect teens live perfect lives and make their perfect parents proud. Oscar knows why -- his father, the founder, developed technology that makes even the most rebellious teens conform. Oscar gets kids out…for a price. Then he meets Nia, an artist and a rebel, and he finds himself smitten. Oscar wants to change – he wants to save Nia, whether that means getting her out or hiding her in plain sight. But the powers that be are stronger than even Oscar realized, and soon he is asking himself what sacrifices he is willing to make for love. Candor is terrifying and heartbreaking, a story that clearly resonates a Stepford vibe and keeps the reader guessing through the last page. It will make you feel a little crazy. There is nothing in the world that could make me register for classes at a high school in Candor. But this book is gripping, stunning, and the twisted sort of read that makes you want more.

Book Cover Envy (and Joy)

If you're a writer, there are many writerly type emotions you experience. Some experience writer's block or the inability to work through a difficult scene or story line. Some, the pain of rejection of their work by the so-called "gate keepers" of the industry--agents and even editors. Others elation and joy when the call arrives from an agent or editor with offers of representation or publication. Still others feel the sting of jealousy or a pinch from the Green-eyed Monster when writer friends find the success they seek.

Today, I feel something else. Something I have no right to feel--book cover envy. Why do I have no right to feel it this way you ask? Its not as if my own book cover sucks in comparison. I have no book on which to place a sucky cover. I haven't gotten to that stage yet. I'm still on submission to agents. Further, my own book (on submission to agents) has a dark red-headed protagonist named Grace--just like this book and I'm darn jealous.

There. I said it--out in the open in front of everyone. Waaaah.

ENTANGLED was chosen as a Waiting on Wednesday by Jean, one of our teen book reviewers from Scotland (yes you read that right--an awesome 15 year-old teen book reviewer who lives in Scotland). According to Jean's blog--The Magic Bean Review, here's a synopsis for ENTANGLED.

Grace meets enigmatic Ethan the night she’s planning to kill herself. The next morning she wakes up in a strange room with a table, chair, pens and paper. There’s nothing to do but write, and as she writes, Grace remembers the things she’s tried so hard to forget.


The hazy memories lead Grace into a dark place where friendship, heartbreak and betrayal tangle together…


Congratulations, Cat Clarke! Love your cover and hope the book does well. it not only LOOKS amazing but sounds so. From one red-headed Grace to another, rock-on!

xoxo-
Georgia

Can assigned reading ever be fun? Or, you know, at least tolerable?

Wow. First Monday back at the YA 5. Check out these new digs! And all of last week's spooktacular fun! I hope everyone has their ear to the ground, as the giveaways are still open for a few more days! Mad props to Georgia for organizing the fab madness!

It's been a hot summer here in Texas. Throughout the sweltering weeks fellow Austinite and YA-5-er K.A. Holt and I have occasionally peeled ourselves off of our respective sofas and meandered to a coffee shop where we "work" on "writing" and exchange critique and argue about what makes a good apocalypse. This week she and her kids even turned me into a unicorn with her fancy iPhone app.

Of course, this leads to book comparisons and the eventual recommendation of titles. Such as THE ROAD. Kari made me read it. She said it was for my own good. And I finished it about ten minutes ago and of course it was wonderful and I'm so glad I read it (even if I whined the whole time) and by the end of the book I was just completely engrossed.

Now I know this isn't a YA title. Cormac McCarthy writes for adults. But THE ROAD is often assigned to high school English classes, here in Austin, and while I was reading, I kept wondering a) OMG if I am struggling to read the first fifty pages of this book, how does a high school kid who also has to do, like, calculus and chemistry and stuff get through it? and b) if I am so engrossed by this book as an adult, would I have been into it enough as a teen to actually read it for class?

Let's face it: assigned reading bears the burden of being assigned. You HAVE to read it to make the grade, and if you're anything like me, you feel that anything you HAVE to do isn't fun. I mean, I'm supposedly a grown-up, and if someone tells me I HAVE to get dressed I'm going to sit around in my pajamas for hours just to show them I don't HAVE to do anything.Maybe I should have my grown-up card revoked.

Anyway, a) yes, teenagers are ridiculously smart. So smart that there's no doubt that they can read THE ROAD and other literary books with tough topics and big words (Cormac McCarthy uses a lot of words that I have to look up). But how do they find the time? This book took me WEEKS to read, and I don't have French homework or soccer practice. So, I would like to give props to the Texas teens who read this book as part of their curriculum. You are heroes.

And b) confession time: I only did about 10% of my assigned reading. And knowing that my former English teacher Mrs. Ryder sometimes reads my posts I AM SORRY REALLY I AM but sophomore year I still read most of the stuff. I mean I loved LORD OF THE FLIES and I memorized that solioquy from MACBETH and I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS is still one of my favorite books ever, so, cut me some slack. Mrs. Ryder, I bet I read more of your assignments than my dad did when he was in your class, okay? Okay.

But by senior year I was drowning in college applications and a boyfriend from another school (didn't so much mind that bit...) and the last thing I needed in my life was Herman Melville. I know some of you out there read MOBY DICK and cherish it and are making voodoo dolls of me right now. And maybe you aren't the type of person who gets an assignment and thinks that someone is trying to kill your spirit. Heck no I wasn't going to watch APOCALYPSE NOW in class. I was going to take a nap. And I can't even remember if I "read" THE GRAPES OF WRATH or THE GREAT GATSBY and the only reason I get those books confused is that the two English classes were assigned them at the same time and my BFF was in the other class. I did read THE SCARLET LETTER that year, though. Do I get points?


I am a horrible influence. I'm kind of bad at this whole role model thing. Woops.

Anyway, I have to wonder, if I'd been assigned THE ROAD in high school -- and part of me wants to call up my old high school and find out what they're reading these days...creepy? -- would I have read it? Or would it have become a book that, to this day, I can't pick up and enjoy (SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE, for example) because it was once one of those dreadfully assigned novels.

How do you all feel about assigned reading? August is almost here and y'all are probably getting ready to cram several weeks worth of summer assignments into a blessed few days while hooked up to an IV drip of cola hoping not to nod out. Because, you know, that's how I got through THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. I hear it's a good book. Maybe I'll pick it up and actually read it for pleasure someday.

Goth Influences in Paranormal YA

An Analysis from A Real Life Goth! PART I
[Warning: this article may contain spoilers of ensuing stories]

By Amber Skye Forbes


I am this creature called a Goth, a separate species from the human race that resigns herself to hating society, scaring people, and eating bat brains. I cover myself head-to-toe in black, listen to depressing music, and go on rants about the state of our society. Did I mention bat brains are delicious?

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I lied. I'm not going to go on a tirade about what Goth is and what Goth isn't. It's up to you writers to do that research for yourself. After all, you should be used to it. You do research for your novels, don't you?

Despite all those crazy stereotypes out there about us, I don't wear white face make-up, I don't feel repressed by society, I'm not angry, I'm not hateful, and I most certainly don't self-injure or try to frighten people. I also don't always wear all black. I am a minimalist in all aspects of my life, including writing, photography, and the way I dress. Less is more for me. And because I'm a minimalist, I consider myself a preppy Goth, a Goth princess, or some girly form of Goth where pink is definitely acceptable (though some argue this is Cyber Goth).

In any case, I'm here to give my spiel about the comeback Gothic elements in literature. I'm not talking about Goth characters, either, but rather the Gothic element, most notably in YA paranormal. [There is a difference between Goth and Gothic. Goth is the person, Gothic is the literature and architecture.]

YA paranormal seems to be a popular genre right now, with books like Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick and Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl thrusting their pretty covers for all to see and being somehow more noticeable than other genres. I haven't read either of those books, of course, which is why I won't talk about them. But these are some examples of YA paranormals dominating the YA market.

Instead I'm going to talk about Goth influences in The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (more dystopian, but the Goth influence is still there), short stories from The Poison Eaters by Holly Black, and Need by Carrie Jones, and how these Gothic influences contribute to the overall themes found in these stories.

The Dead-Tossed Waves is the story of a girl named Gabry who grows up relatively safe in the city of Vista. It isn't until one of her friends is bitten and turned Mudo (zombie) that her life begins to dramatically change.

The Gothic influence in this novel is obvious right from the start. The novel opens up with a scene at an abandoned, decrepit amusement park, and such settings are characteristic of Gothic novels. This most likely symbolizes Gabry's world, in that it seems to be falling apart because of the onslaught of zombies with an insatiable appetite. These zombies don't even have a desire to feed, but more of a desire to turn others like them. It's a desperate world she lives in, one seemingly devoid of hope, but full of humanity. Of course, in order to appreciate the light, one must understand the darkness.

The Gothic influence, however, is best represented in Gabry. To quote a line in an article I wrote for issue 4 of Sorean: A Gothic Magazine, "main characters in Gothic novels typically show traits of vulnerability, either with isolation, a troubling past, or an undesired future." Gabry is most certainly a character that feels vulnerable. In the beginning, she plays it safe and doesn't want to take too many chances, a direct contrast with her mother, Mary, who displays a more adventurous spirit in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Over time, however, Gabry gains some of her mother's courage, but not after experiencing horrors beyond our imaginations.

Part II coming soon! Please leave your thoughts below!

Interview and Scavenger Hunt with Heather Brewer

We're celebrating the relaunch of The YA-5 with Halloween in July week! Together with YALITCHAT we've gathered four spooktakular authors who write about things that go "bump" in the night! Yesterday was Nancy Holder's turn and if you missed the interview and scavenger hunt to win a signed copy of POSSESSIONS or THE EVIL WITHIN, click here! We hope you enjoy the interviews and insights with these fabulous writers as well as the scavenger hunt (see details at end of each interview) throughout the week. On Wednesday, Heather Brewer, Claudia Gray and Nancy Holder will be chatting at Midnight Eastern over on twitter during YALITCHAT's Spooktakular celebration! For now, boo! Up next, Heather Brewer!

1. You could write about anything in the world but you choose to write about things that go bump in the night, why?
ANSWER: Because darkness is in my nature. Ever since I was very young, I’ve been drawn to spooky things, intrigued by them. They say to write what you know, and what I know tends to lurk underneath my bed at night.

2. What do you say to people who think YA books can't be scary and romantic?

ANSWER: I say that they don’t truly understand what YA is. YA is such a broad spectrum of topics that there’s room for anything and everything. And when you think about it, there’s not much difference between a cute boy giving you goose bumps and the hair on the back of your neck standing on end because of the skeery thing behind you. In both cases, your heart rate increases and your adrenaline rushes. The emotions are strangely similar.

3. Vampires or werewolves? Or is that a dumb question?

ANSWER: Without a doubt, Vampires. I’m not a dog person. And I could never make out with anybody that needed to wax that much.

4. What are you working on now?

ANSWER: I’m currently working on the first book in my new series about a vampire slayer. It’s called: THE SLAYER CHRONICLES: BEGINNING. Fans of THE CHRONICLES OF VLADIMIR TOD will know exactly who this series is about. BEGINNING will hit stores Fall 2011.

ANSWER: I’m also working on BLOODBOUND, a series about a strong girl, swords, and giant, drooling monsters. That series will begin Spring 2012.

5. What are you afraid of?

ANSWER: Clowns. And water. But mostly clowns.

6. What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

ANSWER: I still haven’t decided yet! But considering the insane amount of costumes I own, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Last year I was a zombie. This year I may be a vampiric squirrel. It depends on my mood.

7. Would you rather read a book that was suspenseful or scary?

ANSWER: I have to choose?! I think these things go hand in hand. In a perfect world, anyway.

That being said, I’m still looking for the book that will really scare me. Hopefully I’ll find it someday.



8. Ok, admit it, you watched Blair Witch with one eye open, right?

ANSWER: Nah. Blair Witch was funny! And now, every time I’m in a wooded area, I wander around shouting, “Josh! Joooosh!”

9. Have you seen Paranormal Activity? Were you scared to death or did you not even bat an eyelash?

ANSWER: Haven’t seen it. After the disappointment of Quarantine (which turned out not to be horror, but just a two hour screamer video), I’m hesitant to see Paranormal Activity. The previews look like it’ll be a similar deal. But please, if I’m wrong, someone correct me!

10. What's next for you now that Vlad is going to be out of high school?

ANSWER: A lot of fangtastic travel and tons of writing, as I finish up BEGINNING and the first book of BLOODBOUND. And, as always, reigning over the Minion Horde. :)

Thanks for stopping by, Heather. You are truly one of a kind! xoxo

---ENF OF INTERVIEW---



And now for the first few clues in the Heather Brewer portion of the scavenger hunt.

1. In Bloodblound, what is Kaya's power?
2. What grade is Vladimir Tod in?
3. What is "minion bling?"
4. Does Heather own a dog? (hint: answer can be found in THIS interview)

Visit Heather's website for the answers!

Prize: A signed copy of ELEVENTH GRADE BURNS or a Bathory Bats T-shirt (2 winners, one prize each).

Purchase Heather's books!

Visit Michelle Zink's or Nancy Holder's interview and scavenger hunt pages!

SCAVENGER HUNT RULES

The scavenger hunt lasts all week! You must answer all the questions CORRECTLY to win the prize from THAT author! You may enter more than once to better your chances of winning at least ONE prize. But you may only win ONE prize for the week. Each day a new author interview will be posted along with new questions. You must visit the author's website to learn the answers to the questions posted here then post your answers in the comments section on The YA-5's site in order to win a prize. Contest ends July 23 at midnight Eastern time. Winners will be announced the week of August 2, 2010.

Interview and Scavenger Hunt with Nancy Holder

We're celebrating the relaunch of The YA-5 with Halloween in July week! Together with YALITCHAT we've gathered four spooktakular authors who write about things that go "bump" in the night! Yesterday was Michelle Zink's turn and if you missed the interview and scavenger hunt to win a signed copy of either PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS or GUARDIAN OF THE GATE, click here! We hope you enjoy the interviews and insights with these fabulous writers as well as the scavenger hunt (see details at end of each interview) throughout the week. On Wednesday, Heather Brewer, Claudia Gray and Nancy Holder will be chatting at Midnight Eastern over on twitter during YALITCHAT's Spooktakular celebration! For now, boo! Up next, Nancy Holder!



Nancy Holder is the author of the YA horror series, POSSESSIONS. Her newest book, Evil Within, is the second in the series. The third is named The Screaming Season.

1. You could write about anything in the world but you choose to write about things that go bump in the night, why?

ANSWER: I honestly do not know. Whenever I write something scary, I watch tons of horror movies and write to horror movie soundtracks.
I'm in a constant state of fear for months on end. I have to sleep with the lights on. When I was little, I was terrified to get into my bed. I was sure there was a monster under it, waiting to grab me. I would have to make a running leap into bed. thought there was a skeleton inside my mattress, ready to stab me through the shoulderblades. I had to go down a long hall to use the bathroom, and one night I was so tired of being scared that I whirled around and whispered, "I'm the queen of it!" So maybe somehow I decided that if I write about it, I'll use up some of all that fear. But I really have no idea.

2. A short synopsis of one of your new books scared me! I'm a big softie. What do you say to people who think YA books can't be scary and romantic?

ANSWER: I think they're wrong. Look at Buffy and Angel, and Bella and her guys. The Phantom of the Opera. What is more romantic than a demon lover? What is scarier?

3. Vampires or werewolves?

ANSWER: BOTH!!!! Love 'em both.

4. What are you working on now?

ANSWER: I recently turned in the 3rd Possessions novel, titled THE SCREAMING SEASON. Debbie Viguie and I are hard at work on a new ya dark fantasy series called CRUSADE. It comes out on September 7th and we'll be going on tour for it.

5. What are you afraid of?

ANSWER: Permanent consequences. Loss. Premature burial. The usual.

6. What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

ANSWER: Malificent. I have the most awesome costume that my daughter bought me at Disneyland.

7. Would you rather read a book that was suspenseful or scary?

ANSWER: Both, but I would go for scary. I just finished reading LET THE RIGHT ONE IN and it was both. Very intense book.

8. Ok, admit it, you watched Blair Witch with one eye open, right?

ANSWER: RIGHT! And one hand gripping the forearm of a handsome guy.

9. Have you seen Paranormal Activity? Were you scared to death or did you not even bat an eyelash?

ANSWER: I'm too afraid to see it. Have you seen it?

Emily: Haven't seen it yet. But I LOOOOVE seeing scary movies. When I lived in NYC I would watch them alone in the dark without a second thought. But I tried to watch one by myself recently and all I could think was, "why isn't my boyfriend here to save me from the bad guys?" I clearly am getting more terrifyable with age.
Kari Anne: I haven't see it. The only time I have to watch movies is by myself in the middle of the night. I'm waaay too wimpy to manage PARANORMAL ACTIVITY alone in the dark. One day, though, in a lighted area full of people...I'm in.
Georgia: I did. I was kinda of OK while watching it. I found it a little predictable, maybe even hokey. But then I couldn't sleep and begged my husband to let me sleep with the lights on. How's that for effective film-making?
Justina: No. I prefer to NOT pee my pants. I'm funny like that.

10. Tell us about your next book.

CRUSADE will out next. I'm so happy to be working with Debbie Viguie, my WICKED coauthor. Our story is about the war we lost--the war with the vampires. Our vampire hunters are the Resistance. Jenn Leitner and Antonio de la Cruz are our main characters, but it's really an ensemble story, like WICKED. We have witches, werewolves, and vampires...and possibly the spirit of St. John of the Cross as their guiding force. We love working together. We'll be on tour together in September. We haven't seen each other in a year.

Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!

---END OF INTERVIEW---

And now for the first few clues in the Nancy Holder portion of the scavenger hunt.

1. What is the name of Nancy's CRUSADE co-author? (hint: answer is in this interview)
2. What symbol is on the cover of the CRUSADE novel?
3. Where was Nancy born?

Visit Nancy's website for the answers!

Prize: A signed copy of POSSESSIONS or THE EVIL WITHIN (2 winners, one book each).

Purchase a copy of Possessions or The Evil Within

Visit Michelle Zink's interview and scavenger hunt page!

SCAVENGER HUNT RULES

The scavenger hunt lasts all week! You must answer all the questions CORRECTLY to win the prize from THAT author! You may enter more than once to better your chances of winning at least ONE prize. But you may only win ONE prize for the week. Each day a new author interview will be posted along with new questions. You must visit the author's website to learn the answers to the questions posted here then post your answers in the comments section on The YA-5's site in order to win a prize. Contest ends July 23 at midnight Eastern time. Winners will be announced the week of August 2, 2010.

Interview and Scavenger Hunt with Michelle Zink

We're celebrating the relaunch of The YA-5 with Halloween in July week! Together with YALITCHAT we've gathered four spooktakular authors who write about things that go "bump" in the night! We hope you enjoy the interviews and insights with these fabulous writers as well as the scavenger hunt (see details at end of each interview) throughout the week. On Wednesday, Heather Brewer, Claudia Gray and Nancy Holder will be chatting at Midnight Eastern over on twitter during YALITCHAT's Spooktakular celebration! For now, boo! Up first, Michelle Zink!

Michelle Zink (michellezink.com) is the author of the popular book, Prophecy of the Sisters (prophecyofthesisters.com (book website) The sequel, Guardian of the Gate will be released August 1st 2010.

1. You could write about anything in the world but you choose to write about things that go bump in the night, why?

It's two-fold, I think. My father was a horror aficionado and an avid reader. His library was full of titles by Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Peter Straub. As a teenager, I could never be without a book to read, so when I blew through the books in my school library, I turned to his. I'm pretty sure I was the only 11-year-old in my town reading The Shining! Those books really shaped me as a reader and a writer. I still love being scared, and writing those kinds of stories gives me the same feeling as reading them. At the same time, I do battle with my own darkness. I feel like I'm always struggling with my darker nature. Sometimes, I feel all alone in it. Like the rest of the world is so GOOD and happy all the time (which, of course, isn't true) and I'm the only one fighting that battle. I guess writing about it is one way to feel like I have power over it.

2. What do you say to people who think YA books can't be scary and romantic?

Oh, my gosh! So not true. Look at books like Wuthering Heights and Rebecca! Such amazing, Gothic, dark, and romantic work. Besides, it's more of a challenge to write in an under-served area. I love having to stretch to accomplish something new and different, and I like challenging readers to read something different, too.

3. Vampires or werewolves?

Werewolves. Unless we're talking Anne Rice's vampires. :D

7. Would you rather read a book that was suspenseful or scary?

Scary! I so love being scared. But suspenseful is a close second. It's difficult for me to truly enjoy anything that doesn't have at least one of those elements.


4. What are you working on now?

I have two potential series lined up. One of them is a contemporary fantasy. Very dark and action-packed. I think of it as The Dark Knight meets Twilight without the vampires. The other is a sort of Gothic Steampunk set in London in the late 1800s. I love them both, but we have to see what the agent says. ;)


5. What are you afraid of?

Losing the people closest to me. Without a doubt.

6. What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

I never get to dress up because I'm always too busy helping my kids with crazy costumes! We have a "no buy" rule when it comes to costumes, which means we can't purchase one. We can purchase pieces, but that's it, and we challenge ourselves to do it as cheaply as possible. My youngest daughter has dressed up as a mad scientist (by borrowing a lab coat, using some old glasses with the lenses popped out, and ratting her hair to high heaven) and Sarah Palin ( with a blazer and a bun, she looked frighteningly like the politician!). My oldest daughter went as a Steampunk Alice in Wonderland last year by modifying an $8 prom dress we found at the thrift store and adding her own boots and accessories.

8. Ok, admit it, you watched Blair Witch with one eye open, right?

Yes, but I cover my eyes when it comes to gore! Ick!


9. Have you seen Paranormal Activity? Were you scared to death or did you not even bat an eyelash?

Oh, God... that movie REALLY got under my skin. While I was watching it, I thought, "Okay, this isn't so bad." But then when I went home to sleep, I was really freaked out. I kept hearing that weird sound you'd hear when, well... YOU KNOW. I think it took about three nights to be able to sleep without my heart beating fast and loud in the dark!

10. Tell us about your next book--Guardian of the Gate.

When I started writing Prophecy, I really wanted to create an epic fantasy series. I didn't want to write a series t hat was a series because it COULD be, but because it HAD to be. I miss those epic, otherworldly stories of old like Lord of the Rings and The Mists of Avalon. Guardian of the Gate is the continuation of Lia's journey to find the missing page of the prophecy and the remaining keys. The story literally cannot be complete without the next two books. In Guardian of the Gate, Lia embarks on a dangerous quest, becomes acquainted with a mysterious new guy, and faces a betrayal of unimaginable proportions. Dun-dun-DUN! :D It's a story you can get totally lost in, and I hope you all enjoy the journey.

Thanks for stopping by, Michelle and good luck with GUARDIAN OF THE GATE!

Click to purchase a copy of Prophecy of the Sisters or Guardian of the Gate.

---END of INTERVIEW---


And now for the first few clues in the Michelle Zink portion of the scavenger hunt.

1. What song is Michelle into (video is posted on her website) this week?
2. What movie is Michelle looking forward to seeing more than any this year so far?
3. What city will Michelle be visiting on September 10, 2010?
4. What is the name of Michelle's new book?

Visit Michelle's website for the answers!

Prize: A signed copy of PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS or GUARDIAN OF THE GATE (2 winners, one book each).

SCAVENGER HUNT RULES

The scavenger hunt lasts all week! You must answer all the questions CORRECTLY to win the prize from THAT author! You may enter more than once to better your chances of winning at least ONE prize. But you may only win ONE prize for the week. Each day a new author interview will be posted along with new questions. You must visit the author's website to learn the answers to the questions posted here then post your answers in the comments section on The YA-5's site in order to win a prize. Contest ends July 23 at midnight Eastern time. Winners will be announced the week of August 2, 2010. Winners must be followers/friends of the The YA-5 site!

WHITE CAT Review

When Holly Black's WHITE CAT arrived I must admit, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not one of those people who actually enjoys reading review copies. I don't enjoy the pressure of feeling like I have to like the book. Honestly, I expected it to be good.

When I read the synopsis of WHITE CAT on the official website, I figured this was no ordinary YA book. This was something I hadn't seen before--something smart, engaging and fun. I figured this was going to be exactly the kind of book that I was going to fall in love with. I was right.

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

WHITE CAT reads like a thriller, family-saga, crime drama and coming of age YA all rolled into one. Cassel is the perfect main character even with all of his flaws and we love to cheer him on even as he gets into trouble, makes bad choices and shows us his imperfections.

The relationship between Cassel and his family is one of the more interesting I've seen in YA. Everyone has an angle. Mother, brothers and grandfather all there with some sort of influence--good or bad. I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out with the mother in the next book.

In WHITE CAT, nothing is truly as it seems and yet, everything has a wonderfully reasonable explanation--well--in the world of curse magic--that is. The world Black has built is completely compelling and alluring and only slightly unlike that of our own. It is those minor yet incredible differences that make Cassel's world so amazingly intriguing.

The book has a very cinematic flow from opening to ending. I could easily visualize every scene as I read. The intricacy of the world in which the characters lived was so well developed--that you almost forget that their existence is not normal.

I finished the book in a day and a half and am genuinely disappointed that I will have to wait so long for the sequel. WHITE CAT is the best book I've read this year. I challenge you to come up a book that is as original, evenly paced, well put together and solid overall in terms of a YA offering. It will appeal to boys and girls as well as those interested in both contemporary and paranormal content. With a little romance sprinkled in, it has something for everyone.

Simon and Schuster says the book works for ages fourteen and up. There is some some under age drinking but it's done well. I highly recommend WHITE CAT. I can't say enough great things about it. I may even be gushing.

Visit the WHITE CAT official website here.

Visit Holly Black's official website.

visit Simon and Schuster.

Visit our wonderful tour hosts, MundieMoms.