I'm back from dropping off eldest at college on the east coast, and we're at THE SOUND OF LETTING GO summer blog tour finish line! Go check out  Candace’s Book Blog for the final stop and giveaway!

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Summer Reading...

I have come to believe that the phrase "lazy days of summer" is utter b-s. The last couple of months have careened by, leaving in their wake the usual quantities of dust, dirty dishes and epic laundry piles thus making August pretty much the same as February--heck, we've even had some rain.  Despite this, I have managed to sneak in some pleasure reading. No time for lengthy reviews but I'd like to give a shout-out to two titles here:

Allen Zadoff's first installment of his Unknown Assassin series does not disappoint. He has created a post-millenial teenage James Bond who weaves through issues of attraction, teen angst and lost parents as he simultaneously completes missions that would make superagents thrice his age quake in their Converse sneakers. Pick it up--you won't put it down until the last page. If you're like me, reading the paperback, you'll keep going through the teaser for Book 2 which, luckily, pubs this fall!

 You read a grown-up book? You seem surprised. After having several folks recommend this to me, I felt I had to give it a go. Set in Seattle (my current stomping grounds), this send-up of Microsoft and PacNW culture has you laughing then pausing to look ruefully in the mirror. It is scarily spot-on in so many ways I hesitate to recommend it to my book group because it might hit too close to home for some of us. That said, I enjoyed the fresh form of the novel which is largely epistolary (scathing emails, school memos, various letters). And, as a musing on the notion of human creativity as a process, a means of self-valuation, and a legacy, it is an interesting book.

Here are the last two SOUND OF LETTING GO Blog Tour stops 

and a link to the rafflecopter:

August 18th – Book Chic

August 25th – Candace’s Book Blog

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"Another blog tour?" you say. Why, yes!

Click on over Novel Novice to see how I'm spending my virtual summer. What about my real summer, you ask? Not nearly as exciting. But the book stuff? I'm giving away swag, suggesting summer reads, and hobnobbing with some of my favorite writer peeps. Check it out! There's even a vlog!

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Final Blog Tour Stop

Thanks to everyone who's hopped along THE SOUND OF LETTING GO blog tour. My last post is today, over at A BACKWARDS STORY. Last chance to win swag and learn a few more writing secrets!

What song do you play when your life is falling apart?

Talking about Daisy's playlist and THE SOUND OF LETTING GO with Julie at BLOGGERS [HEART] BOOKS.

About the dust in my house...

Stopping over at Dizneeee's World of Books today to chat THE SOUND OF LETTING GO and my shortcomings as a cook and housekeeper. Also, about swag and prizes.

Dizneeee's is co-hosting the 2014
STANDALONE READING CHALLENGE!

What was the original title of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO?

I'm dishing on that, favorite writers and my personal escape from the world at THE HIDING SPOT.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Writing the "bad boy" in your novel

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Today, I'm guest posting at Addicted2Novels 
about writing the character DAVE MILLER 
in THE SOUND OF LETTING GO.

Is Dave really a bad boy? 

What do you think?

How does an author revise a manuscript?

What is the best way to process revision suggestions from an editor or critique group member?
And how do you make sure you are truly revising and not just line editing?

I'll be covering these issues in a guest post over at KATIE'S BOOK BLOG today and sharing a BIG SECRET about the ending of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. (Don't worry--it's not a spoiler.)

Swoony Irish Boys

I'm over at GOOD BOOKS & GOOD WINE today, talking about the character CAL O'CASEY from THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Because who doesn't love an Irish brogue?

Talking about autism, music and motherhood with Magan at Rather Be Reading

I am beyond delighted to have my blog tour stopping at the wonderful RATHER BE READING today.  I am particularly grateful since Magan's baby due date is the same as my pub date! It's humbling to think she's taken the time to support my book while being nine months pregnant. I am so excited for her because she is an amazing, thoughtful person and this baby is so lucky to have her as a mom.

So, if you've got a moment, click on by, wish Magan the best and, you know, read what she thinks of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO!!!! (Plus you can win stuff!)

Kicking Off THE SOUND OF LETTING GO Blog Tour!

Yes, my blog tour begins on SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. As you read this, I may be near a screen because my seven-year-old is a HUGE football fan and watching him watch a big game is BETTER THAN TELEVISION!

A MILLION THANKS to you for missing the adorable Budweiser Puppy ad to help me celebrate the publication of my second YA novel, THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Today I am visiting the amazing CANDACE'S BOOK BLOG. In 2011, Candace was the FIRST PERSON TO EVER ASK FOR MY AUTOGRAPH! Here's the picture!

For those of you torn between reading and Russell Wilson today, here are a few snaps Seahawk mania followed by a GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM so TOUCH SCROLL DOWN!!!!

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A Giveaway & A Blog Tour!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Sound of Letting Go

by Stasia Ward Kehoe

Giveaway ends February 01, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway for the very first signed copy of TSoLG. Next week, my second novel will find its way onto actual bookshelves. Here's the scoop on my blog tour during which I'll be sharing character secrets, writing tips and musical inspirations for THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Plus there'll be prizes. I hope you'll hop along!


Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Candace's Book Blog
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Rather Be Reading
Thursday, February 6, 2014 (PUB DAY!) at G Reads Books
Sunday, February 9, 2014 - PINTEREST PARTY #1: Decorating Daisy's Music Room
Monday, February 10, 2014 at Good Books & Good Wine
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Katie's Book Blog
Friday, February 14, 2014 (Valentine's Day!) at Addicted 2 Novels
Sunday, February 16, 2014 at The Hiding Spot
Monday, February 17, 2014 - PINTEREST PARTY #2: Fantasy Casting for TSoLG
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Diznee's World of Books
Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Bloggers [Heart] Books
Monday, February 24, 2014 at A Backwards Story

Blog Tour Stop for THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa & Laura Roecker

I am thrilled and delighted to be a stop on Lisa & Laura Roecker's THIS IS W.A.R. blog tour  I was introduced to these dynamo sisters by our mutual agent, Catherine Drayton, back in 2010, before the publication of their first book, THE LIAR SOCIETY. They are amazing, talented, incredibly hard-working, and master-mystery-plotters. So, it is with great pleasure that I share our conversation with you.

http://www.thisiswarbook.com/ 

SWK: Willa. James. The Gregory Family...I love the names in this book. Are there any special stories about these naming choices?

L&L: Names are very important to us and they often change until they're just right. We wanted the Gregory boys to have a last name that could be a first name. Just because it sounds semi-pretentious. And we knew we wanted a Trip for the third. Willa's name changed the most. She was originally Alice Wells-Rowan. But when the title of the book changed from THE HUSH FUND to THIS IS W.A.R., we knew we wanted initials that would spell war. So we came up with Willa Ames-Rowan and it fit perfectly. The rest of the girls had to be named their particular names. We sit on the phone together for days and debate until we find the perfect fit.

SWK: Like the Liar Society books, W.A.R. takes place in an environment of exclusivity, of privilege.

Do you feel these settings are particularly helpful in exploring themes of wealth and power? What else draws you to these settings and how (if at all) do you feel they affect the way you build your plots?
L&L: We had wonderful childhoods. We were loved and happy and had pretty much everything we wanted. But we drove beatdown cars, worked after school at shoe stores, dry cleaners and dentist offices and spent our summers at the Solon public pool. But money (to this day) fascinates us. We know (know, know) it can't bring happiness and we also know if we had loads of it we'd still wear Target t-shirts and shop at Homegoods, but when we set out to write, we're drawn to characters with an extra-exclusive lifestyle. We like celebrities, we like design and drool over pretty things on Pinterest. The themes of wealth and power that naturally arise when we create these extraordinarily rich characters are a bonus, too!

SWK: I think you fill a special niche, writing exciting mysteries in the teen space (kind of YA Nancy Drew). What draws you to the mystery genre? Do you ever think about writing other genres and, if so, what would be your first choice?
L&L We write what we used to love to read. We grew up on Christopher Pike and Lois Duncan, so mysteries were a good fit for us. Of course, when we're plotting them out and poking holes, we curse the day we ever thought we could write a good mystery! And yes, we are drawn to other genres. We also love romance novels and are currently plotting our own version out.

SWK: I WILL NOT ask the "what is it like to work together as sisters" question because I'm sure you hear it, like, hourly. Instead, I'll as what is the ONE QUESTION you WISH bloggers and readers would ask but never do--and what is the answer?
[SWK caveat. Okay, I know the answer below seems like shameless self-promotion. In fact, I almost didn't post this part of the interview. But I honestly asked this question and this is their unedited answer!]
L&L LOVE this question! What's the book that you wish will be/was a #1 New York Times Bestseller?
Laura: Stasia Kehoe's AUDITION and THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Poetry in novel form.

Lisa: Anything by Adele Griffen. She consistently nails the teenage voice and takes us right back to those years.

To celebrate the launch of THIS IS W.A.R., LiLa and SourceBooks are giving away beautiful key necklaces. Learn more here. Then follow the links to the entry forms at these book retailers:

Amazon; B&N;

Kobo; iBooks; BAM. 

Or visit a participating indie bookstore or library—each has keys for the first 10 people who check out/order the book!

 

Meet AUDITION bad boy Remington over at A Good Addiction!

Click here for the character interview!

Plus chatting about writing and dancing at Novel Novice!

Bookanistas: THE DAY BEFORE by Lisa Schroeder

I'm thrilled to be reviewing another verse novel--especially one with a layer of music!  Before jumping in, I did want to mention that I'll be opining on writing, dancing and bad boys at Novel Novice, in case you haven't had enough of my blog tour ;)

Plot without spoilers…An exceedingly complex family situation has turned Amber’s life into a mess of confusion. In an attempt to sort things out, she decides to run away to the beach—for just one day. But instead of peace, she finds Cade, whose life may be as full of heartache as her own.

Of literary interest…The Day Before is a novel in verse, a form dear to my heart. Beyond this, though, Lisa Schroeder intersperses letters from various past times that give the “day before” greater meaning. I also love the way the novel feels as evanescent, as fleeting, as the time that slips away from Amber and Cade as the story progresses.

Finally, just gotta say…As one verse/chapter title notes, there’s a very big “reveal” toward the end of the novel and I so don’t want to give it away. What I will say is that this novel is full of surprises and texture. I particularly enjoyed the way Cade’s band and its lyrics meshed into the story. And, oh, that romantic night at the beach…!

What are the other Bookanista's rockin' on today?
Elana Johnson REVEALS something awesome!
LiLa Roecker announces a winner - plus Past Midnight series giveaway
Christine Fonseca reveals books she cannot wait to read
Beth Revis interviews My Very UnFairytale Life author Anna Staniszewski
Shannon Whitney Messenger interviews Skyship Academy-Pearl Wars author Nick James & agent Jennifer Rofe – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby twirls for Audition
Shana Silver burns for Circle of Fire
Carrie Harris devours Deadly

October for Arts!!!

The Page Turners Blog is featuring novels
about the performing arts all month in this cool feature:

They're featuring Audition this week and more great arts books later this month.
And, lest we have no midweek fun, check out this New York Times article dishing about writers' dining delights. What's your favorite by-the-keyboard treat?

 

Here's mine:

 

On Blog Tours, Ruby Red Beverages & Burning Stuff

I'm so excited to be blog touring over at Good Books & Good Wine today and not just because there's a wine glass in her banner that just might be filled with nice Quilceda Creek cabernet!  Audition will also be featured this week at the Page Turners Blog where there's a whole lotta dancin' going on!

And, lest you think all this blog tour celebrity is making me other-than-I-am, herewith a picture of stuff I burned while answering blog tour questions this past weekend.  Questions, anyone?

A lovely blurb from Novel Novice & WIN!!!

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe is a sexy, poignant, and beautifully written coming of age story that will enchant readers of all backgrounds

--Sara Gundell, http://www.novelnovice.com/

As you know, the blog tour kicks off today.

Go HERE for a list of stops.

And go HERE to enter to win signed books, posters, and all kinds of fun writing and ballerina swag.

My first Audition blog tour vlog is up at Eve's Fan Garden today. Hope on over and say hi!

Ready...Set...Audition Blog Tour!

Here's the (okay, I went a little crazy) schedule of Audition Blog Tour stops, plus a few fun detours. Here and there, there'll be prizes (referring you here to 9/28's Swag Attack post) & surprises.  Hope you'll hop along from time to time to...
 
OCTOBER 1 Eve’s Fan Garden
OCTOBER 3 Good Books and Good Wine
OCTOBER 4 YA Bliss and  Arts in YA feature week at The Page Turners Blog
OCTOBER 6 The Book Cellar
OCTOBER 7 Princess Bookie
OCTOBER 9 Missy Reads Reviews
OCTOBER 10 G Reads
OCTOBER 11 The Book Scout
OCTOBER 12 Author Spotlight at YA Contemps
OCTOBER 13 Haunted Halloween at Confessions of a Bookaholic; More than Just a Book
OCTOBER 14 The Story Siren
OCTOBER 15-16 Debut feature at Badass Bookie
OCTOBER 16 Red House Books
OCTOBER 18 The Well-Read Wife
OCTOBER 19 Good Choice Reading
OCTOBER 20 Bloggers (heart) Books
OCTOBER 21 A Backward Story
OCTOBER 22 Books Devoured
OCTOBER 23 A Backward Story & Reclusive Bibliophile
OCTOBER 24 Literary Rambles
OCTOBER 25 The Hiding Spot
OCTOBER 26 The Undercover Book Lover; The ModPodge Bookshelf
OCTOBER 27 Novel Novice
OCTOBER 28 A Good Addiction
OCTOBER 29 Bookalicious