Debutante of the Month: Miranda Kenneally

de·but
-noun: A person's first appearance or performance in a particular role.

Welcome to author Miranda Kenneally's debutante ball...

       

Miranda Kenneally enters the ballroom wearing a whimsical hello kitty dress. Escorting her is actor Sam Worthington.
And now (mostly) ladies and (a few) gentlemen, I introduce to you...Miranda Kenneally! *cue applause* This new author in the literature realm is debuting this month with her book Catching Jordan.

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

As guests begin entering for the party, the DJ gets to work!

The setting of your party: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Australia. I’ve always wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, and after reading all of Melina Marchetta’s books, I’m dying to visit Australia.

The guest list: Who are the top three authors (dead or alive) that you would like to meet? JK Rowling, Sarah Dessen, and Orson Scott Card.

The menu: What do you consider your "brain food", the snacks that kept you going while you wrote your novel? Mexican food! Nearly every weekend, I go out for chips and queso and margaritas and think about my plots and characters.

The deb's high heels: If you could step into someone else's shoes for a day, who would it be and why? Author/editor David Levithan. I would love to see and read the manuscripts that come across his desk every day.

The table centerpiece: What's the #1 thing that you can't go anywhere without? Caffeine in my bloodstream! I’m sort of addicted. Can caffeine be a centerpiece? Hmm. The other thing I can’t go anywhere without is a wifi signal, and I don’t think that can be a centerpiece either. :)

Now it's time for the debutante and her date to share their first dance! What song has stuck with you through life? “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney. It really is the perfect, heartfelt song.

We have a special guest tonight at the ball...Jordan from Catching Jordan! Jordan, what was your favorite scene from the novel you starred in? Probably the scene in home ec class, where my best friend Henry and I are told we’re “married” and have to take care of an electronic baby for an entire week. Henry is the mom and I’m the dad. Thanks for having me at the ball, but dances aren’t really my thing. I’m gonna go to Jiffy Burger for a milkshake now. Bye!

The heartfelt speech: How has the publishing process changed you? What have you learned from your experiences? I’ve always gone after my dreams and done what I’ve wanted to do, but publishing is probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done. When I first started seriously writing, I think a lot of people around me were skeptical. I don’t think everyone necessarily believed I could get published. I’m so glad I stuck with it. I think that’s the biggest takeaway about publishing – you just never know what’s possible until you put yourself out there.

The future: Now that you are officially introduced to society, what's next? Do you plan to write another book? Yes! I’m working on two companions to Catching Jordan: Playing Parker (fall 2012) and Bad, Bad Thing (spring 2013). Parker is about a girl who falls for the coach of the school baseball team, and Bad, Bad Thing is about a girl who can’t get over the roll she played in helping her best friend to get an abortion. Also, I’m the editor of the Dear Teen Me anthology, to be published in fall 2012.

To  finish up this debutante ball, Miranda is letting me host a fun contest! One of you lucky blog readers will get the chance to name a character in her next book Bad, Bad Thing.

Contest Details:
Ends on December 31. Open internationally.
Two extra entries to those of you that spread the word about this interview & contest (via twitter, facebook, blog post, sidebar, etc).
One winner will be randomly picked and emailed.
Fill out the form linked below to enter; comments are very appreciated but don't count as entries.

Click here to fill out the entry form!

FIND MIRANDA ONLINE: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Debutante of the Month: Leigh Fallon

de·but
-noun
A person's first appearance or performance in a particular capacity or role.

Welcome to author Leigh Fallon's debutante ball...

Leigh enters the ballroom wearing a simple, elegant, black dress. Escorting her is actor Jason Behr.

And now (mostly) ladies and (a few) gentlemen, I introduce to you...Leigh Fallon! *cue applause* This new author in the literature realm is debuting this month with her book Carrier of the Mark.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís. But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

As guests begin entering for the party, the DJ gets to work!

The setting of your party: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Ooooh, I think I'd like my party to be in one of those ice hotels up in Scandinavia. You know, dance under an ice chandelier, with icy walls that are lit up with blue lights, giving the whole chilly cave effect. Then later, sleep on an ice bed lined in furs. Fabulous!

The guest list: Who are the top three authors (dead or alive) that you would like to meet? Authors... ummmm. I'd have to say, JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, and Jilly Cooper.

The menu: What do you consider your "brain food", the snacks that kept you going while you wrote your novel? Coffee (and lots of it), cinnamon brown sugar poptarts are a bit of a weakness, tea (copious amounts), oh and toast...lots of toast. Nummy.

The deb's high heels: If you could step into someone else's shoes for a day, who would it be and why? I'd love to step into Elizabeth Bennett's shoes for day. I'd get to smooch Mr. Darcy, wear whale bone corsets and beautiful dresses, and I'd have a mom who got away with saying this like 'I admire all my three sons-in-law highly. Wickham, perhaps, is my favorite, but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's.' Hahahaa!

The table centerpiece: What's the #1 thing that you can't go anywhere without? I hate to admit it, but my iPhone is surgically attached to my hand.

Now it's time for the debutante and her date to share their first dance! What song has stuck with you through life? REM - Everybody hurts. Gorgeous song that has stayed with me from when I was a younger. Love it.

We have a special guest tonight at the ball...Megan from Carrier of the Mark! Megan, what was your favorite scene from the novel you starred in? Oh that would have to be where I evoked my power. Taking control, and being seriously bad ass. I don't get to be like that often. Wow! It was such a buzz.

The heartfelt speech: How has the publishing process changed you? What have you learned from your experiences? I've had to come out of my shell a bit more, put myself out there. The publishing world is a tough place, with a lot of competition. People criticize, it's the nature of the business. You have to learn to not take things personally, to move on and not dwell on overly critical comments. In publishing promoting yourself as a person and as an author is a big part of your job. I always hated having my photo taken and being in videos, now I've learned to hold my head up and smile, just be myself.

The future: Now that you are officially introduced to society, what's next? Do you plan to write another book? I've just finished the yet to be named sequel to Carrier of the Mark, and I have third book planned to complete the trilogy. I am also working on a stand alone title, and have another series brewing. All I need now is a second set of hands and endless time to do it all in. LOL.

To finish up this debutante ball, Leigh is generously giving out a party favor to one of her lucky guests! One blog follower will win a signed, finished copy of her book, The Carrier of the Mark, along with some swag!
Just fill out the form below if you'd like to be entered.

Rules:
Must be a new or old blog follower. Ends on October 31. USA only. Two extra entries to those of you that spread the word about this interview & contest (via twitter, facebook, blogger post, sidebar, etc).

FIND LEIGH ONLINE: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Debutante of the Month: Kiki Hamilton

de·but
-noun
A person's first appearance or performance in a particular capacity or role.

Welcome to author Kiki Hamilton's debutante ball...

Kiki enters the ballroom wearing a sleek, dark dress. Escorting her is actor Pierce Brosnan.

And now (mostly) ladies and (a few) gentlemen, I introduce to you...Kiki Hamilton! *cue applause* This new author in the literature realm is debuting this month with her fantastic book The Faerie Ring.

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood. Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

(Read my review here!)

As guests begin entering for the party, the DJ gets to work!

The setting of your party: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I love London. I want to live there. The city is so full castles, kings, culture and history. I LOVE
it!

The guest list: Who are the top three authors (dead or alive) that you would like to meet? JK Rowling, Robert Ludlum and Dan Brown.

The menu: What do you consider your "brain food", the snacks that kept you going while you wrote your novel? Always some form of chocolate. I’ve been addicted to plain M&M’s since I was a kid and often eat them while I’m writing. Or when I’m reading. Or hanging out. Or pretty much anytime. You get the idea.

The deb's high heels: If you could step into someone else's shoes for a day, who would it be and why? I’d love to be in JK Rowling’s heels (and her head) for a day. I think that would be fascinating.

The table centerpiece: What's the #1 thing that you can't go anywhere without? My iphone.

Now it's time for the debutante and her date to share their first dance! What song has stuck with you through life? There are so many, but Stairway to Heaven came out when I was in high school, so that’s always a good one. But so did Aerosmith’s Dream On and I love that one too.

We have a special guest tonight at the ball...Tiki from The Faerie Ring! Tiki, what was your favorite scene from the novel you starred in? Thanks for letting me attend and not making me sneak in! ;-) I’d have to say that one of my favorite scenes occurred in a different ball room - this one was in Buckingham Palace. When you read the book you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

The heartfelt speech: How has the publishing process changed you? What I used to think was the most important point in the process (besides selling my book) was getting my cover but I know better now. I have met so many wonderful authors through the Elevensies and the Class of 2k11 that will be friends forever. Also, I am very grateful for all the kind and wonderful notes that I’ve received from readers who have either read an advanced copy of the book or are so excited to read the book and that, by far, has been the best part of my path to publication. What have you learned from your experiences? Patience!

The future: Now that you are officially introduced to society, what's next? Do you plan to write another book? I have written the next book in THE FAERIE RING series and I’m waiting to hear back from my agent on whether we can send it on to my editor. So while I’m waiting for her response I just finished a realistic contemporary novel called THE LAST DANCE that I absolutely loved writing. Now I’m either going to work on a new paranormal or a steampunk novel I’m halfway through.

To finish up this debutante ball, Kiki is giving out a party favor to one of her lucky guests! One blog follower will win a signed copy of her book, The Faerie Ring.
Just fill out the form below if you'd like to be entered.

Rules:
Must be a new or old blog follower. Ends on September 30. USA only.



FIND KIKI ONLINE: Website | GoodReads | Twitter

Debutante of the Month: Victoria Schwab

de·but
-noun
A person's first appearance or performance in a particular capacity or role.

Welcome to author Victoria Schwab's debutante ball...

Victoria enters the ballroom wearing a vintage black and white halter dress. Escorting her is none other than Alexander Skarsgard of True Blood.

And now (mostly) ladies and (a few) gentlemen, I introduce to you...Victoria Schwab! *cue applause* This new author in the literature realm is debuting in August with her book The Near Witch.

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true. The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him. As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

As guests begin entering for the party, the DJ gets to work!

The setting of your party: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I'd have it in a forest, fey-style, right at dusk when the whole world smears at the edges. Lights in the trees, a thousand small ones like stars or fireflies, or magic.

The guest list: Who are the top three authors (dead or alive) that you would like to meet?

Neil Gaiman, J.K. Rowling, Laini Taylor.

The menu: What do you consider your "brain food", the snacks that kept you going while you wrote your novel?

Chocolate, most definitely. I'd want chocolate in a dozen forms, and if people didn't like chocolate, well, then, they probably wouldn't be at my party.

The deb's high heels: If you could step into someone else's shoes for a day, who would it be and why?

It's less someone else's shoes I'd want, and more their eyes. I so often wonder how different my view is of the world than another's, so I think I'd like Neil Gaiman's eyes, just for a day.

The table centerpiece: What's the #1 thing that you can't go anywhere without?

Pens. I have to have pens on me at all times. I write on everything, receipts, notepads, my arm, etc. I'd love a bouquet of pens on every table.

Now it's time for the debutante and her date to share their first dance! What song has stuck with you through life?

Queen's "We Will Rock You" :)

We have a special guest tonight at the ball...Lexi from The Near Witch! Lexi, what was your favorite scene from the novel you starred in?

The first time Cole led me out onto the hills. When he showed me what he was. Or maybe the moment before we left, when he kissed me, just in case.

The heartfelt speech: How has the publishing process changed you? What have you learned from your experiences?

Publishing continues to change me. To shape me.

The future: Now that you are officially introduced to society, what's next? Do you plan to write another book?

My next book is called THE ARCHIVED. I'm positively shaking with excitement for this project. I am not really supposed to talk about it right now, but I'll say it's kind of like Buffy meets If I Stay. That mash-up seems to change daily.

To finish up this debutante ball, Victoria is giving out a party favor to one of her lucky guests! One blog follower will win a swag pack that includes a signed bookplate, bookmarks, and buttons. Just leave your email in a comment if you'd like to be entered.

Rules:
Must be a blog follower. Ends on August 30.

FIND VICTORIA ONLINE: Website | Blog | Goodreads