The 20 Question Interview with our very own Turkeybird is our feature interview that will be happening with all of the book authors, illustrators and poets we love! Today the Turkeybird is extremely excited to share a favorite author of his and his mom’s, Keith Graves. Graves is most well known for his numerous picture books, but recently released an amazing middle grade book titled The Orphan of Awkward Falls. We’ll be posting a review shortly, but until then we wanted to share a little more about this great author! So, without further hesitation on our part, the Turkeybird’s 20 question interview with Keith Graves…

1. Do you like writing or drawing better?

I like writing better sometimes, and drawing/painting better other times.

2. Why?

Some days it just feels better to tell a story with words instead of pictures, and some days it’s just the opposite. When I want to describe an action scene, words are usually best. When I want to describe a character, I reach for my pencil.

3. When you were my age did you like to draw?

I always liked to draw. My first really cool picture was of my bike. I had a very sweet bike.

4. What did you draw the most?

I drew cartoon characters, monsters and cars mostly. As a teen I began to draw rock band posters.

5. Wow! You built a nuclear submarine! Did you get it to work?

It almost worked. My friends and I couldn’t find any plutonium in the garage, so we used Alka Seltzer tablets instead. LOTS of them. Not a great idea.

6. Crayons or Markers?

I always liked both.

7. Why?

Markers for graphics, crayons for dramatic landscapes.

8. What’s your favorite color?

Red

9. Have you ever gone possum hunting?

Never. The only thing I hunt is my cat when she gets out. But I don’t shoot her, I just give her some milk.

10. If you were four what would you read next?

Curious George

11. Do you have a favorite treat? (Mine is anything chocolate!)

I like apple pie with cheese on top. You heard me. Cheese.

12. What kind of sandwich will you be having in two weeks from now?

Who knows? My new favorite is avocado and tomato. Next week I’m thinking something involving peanut butter and some kind of fruit.

13. Swings or Slides?

I’m a slide guy. The higher the better.

14. Why?

Because you go somewhere.

15. Do you have a favorite animal?

Gila Monsters. They’re really scary.

16. Monsters or Chickens?

Both, obviously.

17. Why?

If you have to ask…

18. Do you like writing books for big kids or little kids better?

Why do you keep asking these difficult questions? I like writing for both. When I feel all ‘wordy’ I go for the older stuff. When I feel all ‘picturey’ I do a picture book for the young set.

19. What did you dress up as for Halloween?

I was a guy with a giant green hat, a fake mustache and extremely shiny shoes with chains for laces.

20. What are you drawing right now?

A gorilla named Bubbles and a monkey named Oop. They’re cracking me up.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Wow! Thanks for the great interview Keith! Next time I’ll make sure to stick to my easier questions though. I think your answer was great for which books you like writing the most, even if I think I like your kids books way more! (My mom’s the one who likes the ‘wordy’ stuff.)

“So, apple with cheese on top? I don’t know ’bout that. I really super super love cheese, but apples? Wouldn’t they ruin it? My mom says no, but I’m just not sure about that. I think you’re being silly. I’m really happy you don’t really go possum hunting though, I’m a vegetarian!

“Thank you again Mr. Graves! That was a super fun and very silly interview! I loved it!”

Find The Orphan of Awkward Falls by Keith Graves at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Chronicle Books for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Chronicle Books for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Make sure to take a look at this month’s Book Publishers 101 feature giveaway as well, for your chance to win some fantastic books from Chronicle Books!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Chronicle Books, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

The 20 Question Interview with our very own Turkeybird is our feature interview that will be happening with all of the book authors, illustrators and poets we love! Today the Turkeybird is extremely excited to share a favorite author of his, Kate Messner. Her two most recent picture books, Over and Under the Snow as well as Sea Monster’s First Day are two of the Turkeybird’s favorite reads as of late. Obviously, he was thrilled to be able to interview Kate! So, without further hesitation on our part, the Turkeybird’s 20 question interview with Kate Messner…

1. Cold or warm blooded animals?

Hmm…tough question. I bet most people say warm blooded, but the truth is that animals with fur make me sneeze, even though they’re cute. And I’m a frog and snake fan, so I guess I’ll say cold-blooded.

2. When you were my age did you like to read?

I’ve always loved to read, from the time I could hold a book (and probably even before then!) I grew up the youngest in a big, busy family, and I was always on the lookout for someone to read to me. Sometimes, I’d even stalk my parents’ dinner guests to find a reader. My mom still has a photograph of a three-year-old me lurking near the table with a pile of books.

3. Did you like to write?

I loved to write, and I started writing stories in first or second grade. Mostly, they were about school and my friends, and I liked to write poetry about nature, too. I still like writing about all those things!

4/5. Crayons or Markers? Why?

Crayons! Markers get all smudgy on your hands.

6/7. Is your favorite color still bright blue? Why?

Yep, I still love bright blue. I think that’s because it’s the color of the sky on a bright, clear day.

8. When your kids were my age what did you like to read to them?

We loved both picture books and chapter books, so we read a little of everything then. Some favorite pictures books were Cynthia Rylant’s THE RELATIVES CAME and Jane Yolen’s OWL MOON. For longer books, we loved CHARLOTTE’S WEB and of course, the Harry Potter series.

9. Do you like the cold or the warm out? (ie. winter or summer)

Am I allowed to cheat and say both? I live in Northern New York, almost all the way to Canada, so while we appreciate our lovely, warm summers on Lake Champlain, I also adore a good snowstorm. I love cross country skiing, too!

10. Did you dress up for Halloween?

No. Isn’t that sad? But when I took my daughter out trick-or-treating, I told people I was dressed as a sleepy mom.

11. Do you have a favorite treat? (Mine is anything chocolate!)

Oh, Turkeybird…we are kindred spirits. I am a serious chocolate lover. Sea-salt chocolate caramels are my favorite.

12. Why do you like to write?

I could probably write a whole book answering this question, but I’ll give you the biggest reasons. Writing has always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe. Plus I really love making stuff up.

13. Lakes or the ocean? We live next to the ocean and it is so neat!

Oohhhh…I have to cheat again and say both. I love the ocean, too. I get to spend time on the Gulf of Mexico when I visit my parents in Florida, and we also try to get to the ocean in New England each summer. But I live on Lake Champlain, which is a lovely, cool, northern lake with mountains on both sides. It’s beautiful, and it’s home.

14. What’s your favorite word? (Mine is silly, right now.)

Serendipitous. I’m also fond of nefarious, cantankerous, and subnivean.

15. Why?

I like the way those words taste in my mouth.

16. Monsters or Aliens?

Monsters, obviously. (Especially sea monsters!)

17. Why?

Aliens are always too impressed with themselves just because of the whole “I’m-from-another-galaxy” thing.

18/19. Do you like writing for little kids or older kids better? How come?

What I really love is being able to write for all different ages, depending on what’s interesting to me at the time and what kind of writing mood I’m in. Even though I’m grown up now, I still feel like I’m still all those different kid-ages inside, so different parts of me love different kinds of books.

20. What are you writing right now?

Right now, I am working on a new book about Ernest the Sea Monster as well as a mystery novel set in Washington D.C., Boston, and Latin America.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Thanks for the super interview Ms. Messner! I’m super excited to try some of that chocolate you talked about! And you know what? I think my mom dressed up as the same thing for Halloween!

“I’m a monster guy too! I only have one book with aliens and I think the books with monsters are way more fun.

“Thank you again Ms. Messner for the really fun interview and all of your great answers!”

Find Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Andy Rash at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Find Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Chronicle Books for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Chronicle Books for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Also be sure to take a look at this month’s Book Publishers 101 feature giveaway as well, for your chance to win some fantastic books from Chronicle Books!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Chronicle Books, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

The 20 Question Interview with our very own Turkeybird is our feature interview that will be happening with all of the book authors, illustrators and poets we love! Today the Turkeybird is extremely excited to share an interview with an author that his sister, Littlebug, and his mom can’t get enough of! He also would like to keep it quiet that he actually really loved listening to his mom read the newest book to his sister, so don’t tell anyone! So, without further hesitation on our part, Annie Barrows as interviewed by the Turkeybird…

1. Do you ever think you will write a book about/for boys?

I’m not sure. I like boys. Boys are funny. But I don’t understand them—why why why did my friend Will jump down my laundry chute and land on his head on my washing machine? I’m hoping that some boys like Ivy and Bean even though it’s about girls.

2. What’s the best thing you’ve ever learned about? (I just learned about fossils in rocks!)

KOMODO DRAGONS! Their spit is poison! They don’t poop!

3. Crayons or Markers?

Markers.

4. Why?

Crayons smell better, but their color is too light.

5. I have a little sister and you are a little sister. What would be the best thing I could do for/with her?

Let her play with your stuff. That way, if you really really don’t want her to play with something, she’ll probably listen to you.

6. What’s your favorite color?

Yellow (today)

7. Are you sure there aren’t alligators in the sewer?

Well, okay, there was AN alligator in A sewer once, but it was a long time ago, and all the alligator specialists were pretty surprised about it. Alligators are cold-blooded so they need to bask in the sun to get warm, and guess what? There’s no sun in a sewer. So it’s really really unlikely that an alligator would be in a sewer.

8. Why?

See what I said up there.

9. When your daughters were my age what did they like you to read to them?

We read a lot, but some of our favorites were Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse, Sunday Morning, Moonlight, the books about Alfie and Annie Rose, the Max and Ruby books, and Sweet Dream Pie.

10. Do you have a favorite treat? (Mine is anything chocolate!)

Buttered toast.
[short break while I go get some]

11. When you were my age did you like to write?

When I was your age, I could barely hold a pencil. I liked to pick papers out of the garbage can and pretend I could write.

12. Do you like writing for grown-ups or kids better? (I think grown-ups sound boring, kids are way more fun!)

It’s a secret. I don’t want to hurt grownups’ feelings.

13. How could breaking your toe be a good thing? (That seems very silly!)

The actual breaking of the toe wasn’t much fun (OW!) but I was happy because it meant I didn’t have to go on a week-long camping trip with my class. Whew.

14. Swings or slides?

Swings.

15. Why?

It’s a tough choice, because I like them both, but I’d pick swings because they’re more like flying.

16. Do you really believe in ghosts?

Yes.

17. Why?

Because my cousins used to live in a house that had a ghost. It whistled.

18. Can you tell me my fortune? (That would be super cool!)

I can’t tell it from a distance. I have to be in the same room with you.

19. What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

There’s this great game that my kids play—you jump off a ladder onto the trampoline and boing off the trampoline onto the grass—but I’m too old for that. I’d probably break my nose. So I guess I’d have to say lying in a hammock.

20. What are you writing right now?

I just finished writing the ninth Ivy and Bean book, but I can’t tell you what it’s about because it’s a secret. I’m also writing an enormous book for grownups.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “That was the best interview! Thank you so much Ms. Barrows! Those Komodo Dragons sound so cool! Next time my mom takes us to the book store or library I’m going to look for a book all about them.

“So my mom said that I’m not allowed to try that whole ladder jumping on the trampoline on the ground thing until I get a lot older. And then she said I shouldn’t tell her when I first do it. Isn’t that funny?

“Well, I really hope that guy who jumped down your laundry chute tells you why sometime because think you would write a really funny book about boys! Maybe you could write one about boys who jump down laundry chutes? That would be super funny! Next time you come by where we live my mom said we will come see you to have you sign our books, but I’m just hoping you’ll tell me my fortune. I can’t wait! Thank you again for the great interview!”

Find Ivy and Bean No News Is Good News by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Chronicle Books for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Chronicle Books for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Make sure to take a look at this month’s Book Publishers 101 feature giveaway as well, for your chance to win a copy of Ivy and Bean No News Is Good News!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Chronicle Books, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

The 20 Question Interview with our very own Turkeybird is our feature interview that will be happening with all of the book authors, illustrators and poets we love! Today the Turkeybird is extremely excited to share an interview with one of his very favorite authors, Bridget Heos. Her most recently published picture book is one we just reviewed last week, What to Expect When Expecting Joeys: A Guide for Marsupial Parents (And Curious Kids), and the Turkeybird cannot get enough of it. Being the curious kid he is it’s the perfect book for him to spend soaking up new and interesting information. When Bridget agreed to the interview he was obviously very excited! So, without further hesitation on my part, Bridget Heos…

1. Why do you like to write? It’s fun.

Typing is kind of like playing the piano.

2. Bugs or Marsupials?

Bugs.

3. Why?

They are like aliens and aliens are awesome.

4. Did you have to touch lots of bugs for your bug book?

Yes! I raised silkworms, waxworms, and ladybugs. The silkworms went on the morning news with me, and I named them after the newscasters.

5. Was it icky?

The silkworms and ladybugs were cute. The waxworms looked globby. My six year old picked them up for me. He thought they were adorable!

6. Have you seen a marsupial in real life? (I think that would be so neat!)

I’ve seen an opossum running under a bush. I also saw one hissing in a trap. The trapper was going to release it into the wild. In the meantime, it was mad! I’ve also seen kangaroos at the Kansas City Zoo. You can walk pretty close to the mob. There is no fence because they don’t hop away.

7. When you were my age did you like to read?

Yes! I loved to read.

8. Crayons or Markers?

Crayons.

9. Why?

Markers lose their color but even the tiniest piece of crayon is still a crayon.

10. What’s your favorite color?

Red orange.

11. What is/was your favorite book to read to your sons at my age?

We loved The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. Now I read the Origami Yoda books to my older sons, who are 9 and 11. My youngest son reads to me! Recently, he read me Seasons by Blexbolex.

12. Slides or swings?

Slides.

13. Why?

I went on too many rides one time at a carnival. Now, swings make me dizzy. But I can still slide until the cows come home.

14. Do you have a favorite treat? (Mine is anything chocolate!)

Guacamole!

15. I love to collect rocks!

Do you like rocks? Yes, I love rocks.

16. Why?

You can sometimes see ancient ocean creatures on them. Maybe there are some on your rocks?

17. Do you have a favorite thing to learn about? (I like learning how things work. All kinds of things.)

Well, I get to learn about lots of cool things by writing nonfiction. For fun, I also read about humans that lived a long time ago.

18. Why?

I like thinking about how things change but stay the same.

19. What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

Watch my sons play football and walk with my friend Kara.

20. What are you writing right now?

I’m writing What to Expect When You’re Expecting Chicks: a Guide for Penguin Parents (and Curious Kids). It comes out next year, along with a book in the series about baby crocodiles.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Thank you for answering all my questions Ms. Heos! I’m super super excited for your penguin book! I’ve been reading about puffins and birds a lot and a book all about penguins would be so cool!

“I did check all of my rocks and didn’t find any old ocean creatures, but now I’m going to look for some. We live by the ocean and so maybe I can find one super quick! That would be so so neat!

“I’m hoping my mom and dad will take me to the zoo some time soon so I can see a real life marsupial. Thank you so so so much for your new fun book and for your great answers! I’m going to make sure my mom gets your new book about penguins as soon as it’s out!”

Find What to Expect When You’re Expecting Joeys: A Guide for Marsupial Parents (And Curious Kids) (Expecting Animal Babies) by Bridget Heos and Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Lerner Publishing Group for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Lerner Publishing Group Site for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Lerner Publishing Group, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you a behind-the-scenes look into the life of an editor at a major publishing house, Lerner Publishing Group. Carol Hinz who happens to be the Editorial Director for Millbrook Press, A division of Lerner Publishing Group, agreed to take time out of her very busy schedule to answer some of my most burning questions. I’d like to thank her in advance for her time and spectacular answers! There’s A Book readers are in for a treat today, so sit back and enjoy a look behind-the-scenes at one of the best in the publishing business!

1. What makes Lerner Publishing different from other publishers?

I think the diversity of Lerner’s list really sets it apart. Lerner became established as primarily a series nonfiction publisher, but we also publish single title nonfiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and graphic novels. In addition, Lerner is a mid-size family-owned publisher based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People who work at Lerner truly care about making the best books we possibly can for kids.

2. Why the focus on Children’s books as opposed to incorporating adult titles as well?

While a number of our titles are sold in bookstores, our main market has always been schools and libraries, so I think that’s a big reason for the exclusive focus on children’s books. Interestingly, Lerner has published a couple of adult titles— Undefeated: The Life of Hubert H. Humphrey came out in 1978. And Harry Lerner wrote a memoir that came out in 2009 to coincide with the company’s fiftieth anniversary.

3. Lerner Publishing has numerous imprints. Do you work with each of them or focus on a specific imprint?

I’m editorial director of Millbrook Press, so that’s my main focus. However, our acquisitions meetings, cover approval meetings, and other meetings cover the whole range of imprints. The editorial department is also small and many of our editors work on books for several imprints, so we’re all aware of what the other imprints are up to, which is nice.

Millbrook is a lot of fun; we publish illustrated series nonfiction, picture books, and single titles for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Our books cover curricular and high-interest topics, and we try to present those topics in playful or unconventional ways.

4. What do you love most about the editing process?

Hmmm…I love the moment of discovery when I read a manuscript for the first time and know it’s a book that I just have to have on Millbrook’s list. I love seeing when a revision comes in and the author has completely understood what I was getting at and has made the book even better than I expected. I love the point near the end of the editing process when the text is in good shape and the author and I are polishing the text make sure that every word is just right.

5. Is being an editor a solitary task, or do you have a lot of opportunities to collaborate in-house?

There are times when editing is definitely solitary, but I’m a big fan of collaboration. When I’m stuck on something, I’ll drop by a colleague’s office and read something aloud or ask for a second opinion. I also enjoy working with our graphic designers—from brainstorming illustrator ideas for a picture book, to reviewing initial cover designs and sharing my feedback, to seeing how a great interior design can bring together text and images in such interesting ways.

6. What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about being an editor?

-You don’t need have memorized every last rule regarding grammar, spelling, or punctuation to do this job. (Copy editors and proofreaders need these skills.)

-How much of the day is spent communicating about various aspects of the books—with authors, illustrators, photographers, agents, as well as in-house colleagues—but not actually editing.

-Just because children’s books are short, that doesn’t mean they’re easy!

7. Of all the books you’ve edited, which has been your favorite?

Danielle, what a difficult question! They are all my favorites. But here are two that I’m very proud of:

Journey into the Deep, by Rebecca L. Johnson

This book was a big undertaking for all involved. We knew from the beginning that the sea creatures photos in this book would fascinate readers, but Rebecca came up with an equally interesting text and was able to weave together the text and photos seamlessly. This book is also available, with a few extras, as our very first iPad app!

Spiky, Slimy, Smooth by Jane Brocket. I read Jane’s blog, yarnstorm, and admired her photographs for several years before it occurred to me that she might do a nice job with a children’s book. I sent her an email from out of the blue and lo and behold, we’ve now started a little series called Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts. Jane is fantastic to work with and just as nice as you would expect from reading her blog.

8. What trend have you seen in submissions lately, and what do you wish you’d see more of?

I see too many submissions that take a very straightforward approach and simply present topic X. While the writing may be clear and at the proper reading level, I don’t believe that it’s enough to simply choose a good topic. I want to see more books with an interesting hook to draw readers in, whether it’s a different type of narrative, a quirky point of view, or just a fresh take on a topic.

9. Is Lerner Publishing Group currently accepting submissions for any of their imprints and what are you looking for?

Andrew Karre occasionally has a call for submissions for Carolrhoda Lab HERE.

Kar-Ben also accepts submissions—see info HERE.

10. What are some books that you’ve edited that are coming out soon?
Just out now is “Miss Pell Would Never Misspell” and Other Painless Tricks for Memorizing How to Spell and Use Wily Words by the incredibly clever Brian P. Cleary.

This month we’re releasing What to Expect When You’re Expecting Joeys: A Guide for Marsupial Parents (and Curious Kids) by Bridget Heos with illustrations by Stéphane Jorisch. It’s hilarious and adorable!

In spring 2012 we’re going to be releasing the most gorgeous picture book I’ve ever worked on. It’s called A Leaf Can Be . . .  and it’s by Laura Purdie Salas with illustrations by Violeta Dabija.

Thank you again Carol! This was such a marvelous peek into the life of an editor and at Lerner Publishing. I’m thrilled to see so many wonderful books continuing to come out and especially excited for A Leaf Can Be, it looks gorgeous!

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Lerner Publishing Group for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Lerner Publishing Group Site for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Lerner Publishing Group, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Today I have the privilege of welcoming back an author that’s no stranger to the There’s A Book audience, Estevan Vega. A young, up and coming author of at least two young adult novels, numerous short stories and more. Today I have the opportunity of sharing a short interview with Estevan in preparation for my upcoming review on his most recent release, Ashes which is the sequel to Arson. So, without further hesitation on my part, Estevan Vega…

1. Describe Ashes in 10 words or less.

It’s intense. Unexpected. Romantic. Everything you want from a sequel. 

2. Your writing as a whole tends to lean toward the “darker” side. Holy crap. Does it? Can you shed any light on why that is?

Um…because monsters live underneath my bed. No…better, I got my heart broken and never got over it. Secretly I’m a sadist egomaniac who enjoys infecting the minds of the youth. No, you mean seriously? Aw, heck, I guess I should be honest with this question…I was dropped one too many times as a baby. I hear Stephen King and Anne Rice were too. I suppose some children, and a few writers, never recover. 

3. If you could meet any one author currently living or not, who would you choose and why?

Richard freaking Matheson. That guy has written so many stories I have just fallen in love with, many of which come from The Twilight Zone era. I think a lot of his writing is just genius. I also have enjoyed I am Legend and several of his film adaptations too. But he’s up there in years…not sure how much time I got. 

4. What’s your favorite picture book from your childhood?

I don’t know, but I have quoted Green Eggs and Ham and Are you my Mother? about a hundred or so times. 

5. With Ashes now published and on it’s way to great things, what are you writing about now that we can look forward to in the future?

There is much to look forward to, but as the old caveat goes…if I tell you, I’d have to…oh, forget it. I’m working on fleshing out the third chapter in the ARSON series. It’s gonna be tight. It will pick up where Ashes leaves off and we’ll see where that bad boy goes. Also, I’m writing a cool short story, a love story, and that should be out soon. Also, within the next few months, look out for another full-blown novel, a revamped, supernatural thriller from the past. It is about to be reborn. So much on the horizon. 2012 is gonna be so awesome I hear it’ll border on apocalyptic!

Be sure to check out my website and sign up for the newsletter!

Thank you so much, Estevan, for stopping by There’s A Book today! Richard Matheson is incredible and you’d probably kill me for telling you that I know someone who grew up writing with him. He’s an amazing author and I can completely understand why you’d want to meet him! As for what’s coming up in your future, it sounds like we’ve got quite a bit to look forward to in the next year or two. I for one, can’t wait! Best of luck with everything!

Summary for Ashes:

More than three months have passed since Arson and Emery were taken. Taken and then separated.

And experimented on.

Salvation Asylum is more like a prison than a psychiatric facility. Unknowingly, Arson has become a vital instrument in a campaign set to genetically alter mankind. Enraged, confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, he wonders if he will ever see Emery again. His new existence is one crawling with questions. Is Grandma alive? Where does the fire come from? Can he become more than a monster?

In Ashes, book two of the ARSON series, nightmare and reality collide as Arson must embrace what he is and the haunting realization that there may be others out there, others like him.

Make sure you stop by the rest of The {Teen} Book Scene Blog Tour for more great reviews and interviews!
Thank you so much to the author, Estevan Vega, for providing the eGalley of Ashes for review! Look for my review coming in November!