Brenda Maxfield's Blog, page 9
May 13, 2013
Welcome, Suzanne Lilly!
I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my friend and fellow-author, Suzanne Lilly! Today, we’re celebrating the release of her book, Untellable. If you like New Adult, romance, and a touch of mystery, this book is for you!
Suzanne will be awarding a backlist eBook (winner’s choice of Shades of the Future, Bad Hair Day, or Rapunzel’s Daughters) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So please take a moment to comment! I’d love to have one of my readers win!
You just have to love a main character who’s named after a beautiful tree. Her name is Aspen, and she has a past she’d love to bury. Here’s the blurb to tell you a bit more:
Aspen Dwyer, recently emancipated from foster care, is searching for a place to hide from a past with secrets too dark to share. Honey Creek, Ohio, presents itself as the best place to start a new life and stay undercover. There she meets Colton Moraine, a man with strong family ties and an even stronger sense of loyalty. His boisterous, loving family welcomes Aspen with warmth she hasn’t felt in years. She’s surprised at how quickly and deeply she falls for Colton. When a dangerous criminal comes to Honey Creek, intent on his revenge against her, Aspen must choose between two options. Should she stay and risk her life and the rejection of the people she’s grown to love? Or should she run again, and leave behind any chance of a happy future?
And here’s an excerpt to whet your appetite:
He gazed at me long and hard before finally saying, “You’re a little less green around the gills now. You’re sure you’re all right?”
“I’m sure. Now, are you going to let me drive this old tank, or do I have to watch you eat something else?”
“Hmm. Sassy is back. Yep. You’re definitely on the mend.” He stepped out of the cab and walked around the front of the truck, beating a light rhythm on the hood as he came around to the passenger side.
“First of all, put your right foot on the brake. That’s this one.” He touched my right knee. I swiped his fingers off my leg. Colton smiled. “Now slide the gear shift into drive.”
I did as he told me and waited. My hands were slick on the wheel.
He reached down into an ice chest sitting on the floor of the passenger side of the truck and pulled out a pop.
“What are you doing?” I wanted to scream it, but I kept my voice level.
He popped the top on the can. Foam squirted up, and he took a sip to keep it from overflowing.
“I do love my ice cold pop on a hot day,” he commented.
“So what of it?” I rolled my eyes, foot glued to the brake pedal.
“This is what of it.” He balanced the pop can on one knee and placed the other hand on the seat between us. “This is going to be a one can driving lesson.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that if you spill even one drop of pop on my new Wranglers, your driving lesson is over.”
“You’re not serious.”
He raised the can, tapped its top with his finger, and took another sip, never taking his eyes off me.
I brushed the hair back from my face. “I’m ready.”
“Now take your foot off the brake, and very gently, push on the gas. Remember, this can is almost full.”
I’ve read Untellable and enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s a good, clean read that whisks you away, providing an entertaining release from a busy day. The characters became my friends, and I looked forward to spending time with them. Now, that’s the kind of book I like. 
About the author:
Suzanne Lilly writes lighthearted young adult stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print, and she has placed and received honorable mentions in writing contests. Her debut novel was Shades of the Future in 2011 followed by Untellable in 2012. She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.
Visit Suzanne Here:
Buy Untellable Here:
Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.
And as always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
P.S. After you finish reading Untellable, you might enjoy Along Came Jordan!
Tagged: clean teen read, contemporary YA, NA books, Suzanne Lilly, Untellable, YA books
May 7, 2013
Homemade Iron Man!
Teens continually amaze me! (And I love it.) Perhaps you read about the male teen from the UK who designed and created his own full-body Iron Man suit! The young man’s name is Archie Whitehead, and he says he’s gotten into “special effects, props, and costumes.”
Indeed, he has! Anyone who spends months putting together such an amazing suit is more than “into” it. (To see photos of Archie’s creation, click here.) Archie built his wearable Iron Man suit from the ground up, spending $500 in materials. To give it that shiny finished look, he used automotive spray paint. When finished, he donned his suit and attended his local premiere showing of Iron Man 3. Brilliant.
A month or two ago at school , I rounded the bend in our hallway and nearly jumped with fright. There, stuck to the wall tiles, were transparent, full-sized, 3-D mannequins made completely from packing tape, giving them a hollow ghostly (dare I say creepy) appearance. I half-expected them to leap from the wall and taunt me. Astounding.
Last week, one of my seniors walked down the hall sporting a papier-mâché totem pole half her size. Three zany faces stared out from it. She had me choose my favorite. Definitely the one with the crossed-eyes and a crooked smile. Fun.
Today’s teens bring all sorts of crazy creativity to the table. From where I’m sitting, the future of all the arts shines. I can’t wait to see what these teens will create, develop, dream-up, and invent in the months and years to come.
How about you? Have you been amazed lately? Do you know of any creative teen projects? I’d love to hear about them.
And as always, thanks for stopping by.
Brenda
P.S. If you or your teen would like a good, clean read about friendship, running away, falling in love, and learning to trust again, check out Along Came Jordan. On sale now for $2.99. Enjoy, and thanks for your support! You guys are the best!
Tagged: Along Came Jordan, Archie Whitehead, art, creativity, good clean teen reads, Iron Man 3, mannequins, running away, totem pole, YA Lit
April 30, 2013
Proms and Rites of Passage
Gloves made of bullet ants, anyone?
Rites of passage are ritual events marking a person’s transition from one chapter of life to another. Transitions can be such things as puberty, coming of age, marriage, and death. Different societies and cultures have different traditional rite of passage ceremonies.
During some research, I found an interesting article, “Ten Bizarre Rites of Passage.” (Not reading for the faint of heart.)
There, Jamie Frater shares one rite of passage from the Satere-Mawe Tribe in the Amazon.
This Amazon tribe performs an initiation ritual where young men place their hands into mittens filled with hundreds of bullet ants. The bite is approximately 20 times more painful than being stung by a wasp. The tribal men will gather the ants and submerge them into a solution that temporarily knocks them out. The ants are then woven into the mittens. Upon waking up, the men will place their hands into the mittens and dance for 10 minutes. The ant’s sting prevents the body from protecting itself from pain. The body begins to convulse, and the pain can last up to 24 hours. The crazy thing is, many men will repeat this ritual many times to prove their manhood.
I share this because high school proms are now being touted as rites of passage. No, we don’t ask our teens to subject themselves to bullet ants. (A huge relief to them, I’m sure.)
With traditions like debutante balls falling out of fashion and young people getting married later in life, prom has grown in importance and people are willing to spend more on the big night, said Kit Yarrow, a consumer research psychologist.
“Prom is the new wedding,” Yarrow said. “I think that every society has to have a rite of passage into adulthood for young people, and prom has become that.”
The article highlights the money parents and teens are willing to put out for prom. The national average is now $1,139. (Up from $807 in 2011) I live in the Midwest, where evidently we are cheapies, spending only an average of $722 for prom.
The biggest part of the expense is the dress. Including shoes, alterations, and the original purchase, teens can easily spend over $600 for their outfits. Guys get off easier, but they spend $100 to $200 on tux rental.
How expensive should rites of passage be?
To say things have changed since I attended prom is putting it mildly. I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you consider prom a rite of passage? What is your opinion about the average reported cost of prom?
And as always, thanks for stopping by.
Brenda
P.S. If you’re looking for a clean, contemporary teen read, you might want to check out Along Came Jordan–just released last week!
Tagged: Along Came Jordan, Amazon, bullet ants, dance, Good clean teen read, prom, rite of passage, tribe
April 23, 2013
Release Day!
Greetings Friends! I’m super excited to let you know that my new book Along Came Jordan is now available! This is the second clean teen read in The Edgemont Series.
Here’s the blurb:
When it comes to love, sophomore Emili Jones is famous for brainless decisions. At her new school, she falls for Jordan Lawman but stuffs down her feelings, believing they can only lead to pain. When Laine Meadow, the reigning social queen, sets her sights on Jordan and senses competition in Emili, war is declared.
On top of Laine’s jealous torment, Emili struggles to help her little sister who suffers from selective mutism and will speak only to Emili. Her mother’s suspicious behavior and her father’s job loss add to the turmoil.
Can Emili save them all while learning to love again?
And to give you a little taste, here’s an excerpt:
Laine was at EC — was there no escaping her? When I walked in, she looked up and for a split second, I saw fire flare from her eyes. “Emili, you lost?” she asked in a voice pulsing with irritation.
“Isn’t this Environmental Club?”
She jumped from her chair and came over to me. “Are you joining? Don’t you think it might be too much? I mean, a new school, and already on decorations committee for the ball?”
I regarded her expression, and noted the hint of desperation lurking behind her cool façade. “I think I can handle it.”
There was an awkward silence, and I thought she was going to forbid me to join. Then she broke into a stiff smile which didn’t reach her eyes.
“Okay, listen up!” She looked around the room and everyone gave her their attention. “This is Emili. She’s a sophomore, and she’s new here. She’ll be joining us.”
I raised my arm in a half-wave and sank into a chair. On my left sat the most gorgeous guy I’d ever seen. His smooth chestnut hair swooped over his deep toffee eyes. He sat relaxed, dominating the chair with his size. I saw how his broad shoulders strained the fabric of his Nike T-shirt. A shiver crawled up my spine. I couldn’t help it, I stared.
Was this Jordan, the guy I’d decided to avoid?
______________________
I’d be honored and thrilled if you’d click on over to Amazon to purchase it. I truly appreciate your support! You guys are the greatest!
Has there ever been a guy (or gal) in your life that you’ve tried to avoid? (Like Emili did?) I’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to share.
And as always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
Tagged: Along Came Jordan, clean contemporary teen read, ebook, high school, Kindle, new release, runaway child, selective mutism, The Edgemont Series
April 17, 2013
Welcome Karl Fields!
Hello Friends! Today, I welcome fellow author, Karl Fields. I’m delighted to have him join us today for an interview. You can also read a blurb about his book The Odd Squad, and an short excerpt.
As an added benefit, Karl has some goodies for a lucky commenter:
One commenter from each stop will win a box of “Pinks,” which are pink fortune cookies that Ander, the main character has a fondness for. One $25 Amazon gift card will be given to a random commenter at the end of the tour.
(I know you’ll all want to give a comment at the end of this post to enter the drawing!)
Now, onto our interview with Karl:
How did you arrive at the idea for your book?
I think it’s common for writers to ask themselves a lot of “what if” questions. A couple years ago, I read a newspaper article about the approach a local middle school was taking toward bullying, which involved things like assemblies, counseling, zero tolerance policies, etc. One of the students quoted said he didn’t think it would work and the best way to address the problem was for the kids to come up with solutions. That got me thinking and eventually I asked myself, “what if there was a group of kids who took it upon themselves to even the score for those who’d been bullied?”
How did you come up with the title?
Titles are one of really fun parts of writing for me. Sometimes they come easier than others, and The Odd Job Squad started out as something else (I’ve since forgotten what it was). I’m a big James Bond fan and I was watching one of those Bond movie marathons on TV when “Goldfinger” came on. The villain’s muscle man is a guy who goes by the name “Odd Job.” In my story, the characters refer to their club as a business and every time they take on an assignment they call it a job, so almost as soon as Odd Job came onscreen, the title popped into my head.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing since high school, though that stuff is really awful and no one besides me will ever see it. At one time, I wanted to be a screenwriter but I came to my senses about five years ago and decided what I really wanted to do was write novels.
Is writing your career? Or do you have a duo career at this point?
I’m not a full-time writer…yet. Currently, I have the dreaded day job, which can make it difficult to find time to write, but I hope to transition to writing as a career in the next year or so.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as an author so far?
Last year I got an email from a girl who’d read The Odd Job Squad and she was just gushing about Shooter, the main girl character. She said she liked that Shooter was tough but fair and that she related to what Shooter goes through. That was really cool, especially since that’s the sort of thing I had in mind when I was writing that character.
What’s the most difficult thing that’s happened to you as an author so far?
I’m probably just fortunate, but I feel like most of experiences as a writer have been good ones. The thing that’s most difficult is being discovered. There are so many great books out there, and readers only have so many hours in a day, so getting noticed is a chore.
What are your current projects?
I’m in the middle of the second book in my Mom Con series, which is for adults. Think of it as “Ocean’s 11” with a group of single mothers. I’m also planning a series for teens that’s a takeoff on The Three Musketeers, a comic book series, and I also have to work in the sequel to The Odd Job Squad. In other words, not much. J
What do you see in your near future?
A new computer! My existing one is about eight years old and definitely making its last lap.
What quirky thing would you like your readers to know about you?
I collect USB drives, the weirder the better. My most recent addition is one shaped like a Taco Bell hot sauce packet
What would you like written as your epithet?
He told great stories.
Tell us about The Odd Job Squad:
When he’s not struggling with algebra, thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Shoot Ander’s crew an email and, if your case if legit, they’ll deliver some retribution on your behalf.
It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to keep him and his friends from blowing their cover.
But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention-dodging skill he can muster to keep a lid on his secret.
You can find Karl at his website: www.karlfields.com
Click to buy his book at the following outlets:
Here’s an excerpt from The Odd Squad:
Christian and I swung the double doors open, upping the volume as voices – someone calling “foul” and someone else disagreeing, both at the top of their lungs – bounced off the walls. A handful of guys were shooting around at the basket closest to us, but at the far end, six others were locked up in their usual after-school game of three-on-three, and right in the middle of it was the target: one Greg Bilski.
Here’s the main thing you need to know about Greg: calling him a 49ers fan is like saying those Victoria’s Secret models are kind of pretty. He knew the name of every player the ‘Niners had drafted for the last ten years. He could analyze their playoff chances better than the guys on ESPN. The guy even blew off his own birthday party to watch a ‘Niners game – a preseason game.
On the day of the Drive Thru, he’d been running his mouth since homeroom about his new, officially licensed 49ers jersey, complete with his name on the back. Everybody had heard about it by the end of school. There was no way that thing would ever come in contact with sweat – his or anyone else’s.
The second we entered the gym, I spotted the jersey, neatly folded and resting on the bottom row of bleachers at the far end of the court. I’d taken a couple steps towards it when I realized Christian wasn’t with me. “Ready to do this?” I asked. He licked his lips, nodded and we started down the sideline. “Did Shooter look okay to you?”
Friends, take a moment to leave a comment and be entered into the drawing! Not to mention, I always love to hear what you have to say.
And as always, thanks for stopping by,
Brenda
Tagged: book tour, Karl Fields, Middle Grade Fiction, teens, The Odd Squad, YA Fiction
April 15, 2013
Library Read ‘n’ Feed
Signing Books!
What’s more exciting for an author and teacher than being in a room packed with teens who love to read and write? Not much! Last Saturday was Anderson Library’s yearly Read ‘n’ Feed. Authors S.A. Bodeen, Mike Mullin, Steve Sheinkin, and Me (woo hoo!) had the privilege of speaking. What a blast!
Sharing about The Lance Temptation
I totally enjoyed hearing my fellow authors’ presentations. It was wonderful to get a glimpse into their creative processes. During my talk, I decided to take advantage of all the great teen brains and imaginations. I’m presently working on The Bonfire, Book One of a new series. I thought, who better to give me plot twists than the teens themselves. So, I introduced my characters, gave some backstory, and opened it up. The room erupted! Plot lines crammed the air, and relationship angles flowed. One of the teens took notes for me all over the whiteboard. It was crazy bedlam!
But it was magical! Those teens were on fire.
Now my brain is bursting with all their ideas, playing with plot lines, and imagining their scenarios.
A HUGE thank you to all those teenagers. I told them I fully expect to see their books on the bestseller lists someday.
Maybe sooner than later!
How about you? Have you ever had the chance to pick the brains of a great group of people? I’d love to hear about it.
And as always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
P.S. NEXT WEEK, April 23rd, Along Came Jordan – a clean, contemporary teen read – comes out! Book Two of The Edgemont Series.
Tagged: Along Came Jordan, Brenda Maxfield, clean contemporary teen read, library, Mike Mullin, plot, S.A. Bodeen, Steve Sheinkin, teenagers, The Lance Temptation, writing, YA books
April 9, 2013
Back from Europe and a Goodreads Giveaway!
Paris was freezing! Beautiful, yes. Inspiring, yes. Delicious, yes. But, oh, so so cold! We stood in line for hours to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was 32 degrees F. Once on top, we gazed out at the astounding view with ice cubes for ears and popsicles for noses.
But whatever the weather, Paris is always a good idea. The day we climbed the Arc De Triomphe, the temperatures were more forgiving. A few batches of people were even picnicking on the top. We posed forever, taking each other’s photos catching the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Touring the Louvre gave new meaning to the cliché “walking our legs off.” There are 12 km of halls inside that museum, and it’s entirely possible to become hopelessly lost!
I bicycled with the students through a park in Madrid. We circled a lake which was breathtakingly beautiful. What a fun opportunity to join the Spaniards in their Sunday activities. We rode up and down rolling paths, even finding a magnificent slide park built big enough for adults!
I watched over my group of 30 like the proverbial hen. And I’m relieved to report that I delivered all the students home to their respective families. Whew!
Upon arriving home, I had a nice present! I discovered that The Lance Temptation is now available in paperback! Woo Hoo! Always thrilling news to an author.
We’re holding a Goodreads Giveaway, and I hope you all enter to win a free paperback copy! Enter here.
And a big thank you to those of you who post reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. I’m so thankful and appreciative! **hugs**
I’d love to hear from you! What were you busy with during your spring break?
And as always, thanks for stopping by.
Brenda
Author of Good, Clean, Contemporary Teen Reads
P.S. It’s almost here! Book Two of The Edgemont Series Along Came Jordan comes out April 23rd!
April 1, 2013
Somewhere in Paris
Happy Tuesday, Friends!
Right now, I’m somewhere in Paris. I wasn’t sure if I’d have Internet while I was gone or whether I’d have time to use it! (Ha!) So, I scheduled this to post while I’m away. I didn’t like the idea of skipping a week.
Last night at a local Asian restaurant, I had the best experience. I was dishing up some grilled veggies when a teen came up to me and asked, “Didn’t you write a book?”
I replied, “Yes, I did.”
And then she said, “I read it and loved it!”
I was delighted! (Which is an understatement.) Later, she came up to the table where my husband and I were eating and asked for my autograph on the back of her meal tab.
She totally and completely made my week!
I realized anew how precious encouraging words are, and how meaningful it is to receive a sincere compliment.
So today, I want to tell all of you how special you are to me! I am privileged and honored to have you visit my blog and read my books. Thank you so much. You are the greatest!
I love to hear your comments and insight, and I love to learn about your experiences. In many ways, this blog isn’t mine; it’s ours.
Have you recently had one of those moments when you felt appreciated? Please share! (If I don’t respond right away, remember I probably have no Internet right now.)
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
P.S. Along Came Jordan, Book Two of The Edgemont Series comes out April 23rd. Woo Hoo!!
March 26, 2013
Spring Break in Europe!
Yesterday it snowed. A lot! I had to look at the calendar to make sure it was nearly April. Some schools in our area are on spring break this week. Hmm, isn’t the dream of spring break supposed to be frivolity on the beach somewhere, not the drudgery of wading through shin-high snow!
My school’s spring break begins next week. However, in two days I take off early for Madrid and Paris. I’m leading a group of 30 students and a few moms on tour. I’ve been planning and working on this for a year and a half. (I find myself somewhat shocked that it’s finally here!)
I’m also shocked at how many people signed up to go. The last group I took to Europe a couple years ago had thirteen people. This week’s tour is more than double!
The students are over-the-moon excited. Many of them have never been out of the States. Some have never boarded a commercial plane.
I consider it a privilege to be the organizer of this trip for the students. The group is a fun mix of high school students from ninth to twelfth grade. It’ll be an eye-opening experience in many ways.
So…..while all the other teachers are hopefully putting their feet up for some well-deserved rest, I’ll be hiking my way through the amazing sites of Europe with a great group of teens!
How about you? Have you ever gone on a foreign tour with a school group? If you could plan a student trip, where would you go?
I’d love to hear from you.
And as always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
P.S. HUGE thank you’s to those dear readers who leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, etc. It means the world to us authors! I’d love for you to Read The Lance Temptation! A good, clean, teen read. :-)
March 19, 2013
Welcome Michael A. Rothman!
Friends, I’d like to give a huge, warm welcome to fellow author, Michael A. Rothman! I’m so glad he’s here today!
Michael has written an fantasy called Lords of Prophecy. This is the third book of his epic series. As I began this book, I was reminded a bit of The Hobbit. Michael has provided maps of the area, which significantly help to get a feel of place for the story.
And one can’t help but be drawn in when the first line of the book is “I’m a murderer.” The tone is set. There’s going to be action in this story–and a lot of it! Rothman doesn’t disappoint. Yet he does manage to interwine romance throughout the book.
Female readers will identify with Arabelle who is the strong female protagonist. She’s a bit surprising at times, but is a character who will resonate with readers.
I couldn’t help but enjoy the ending. I don’t want to be a spoiler, so I won’t give details. Suffice it to say that you leave the book satisfied, content, while still wanting more–which in my opinion is the best way to end a book.
As you know, I teach high school. I received a copy of Lords of Prophecy to read. So, now I get a double benefit: A fun romp of a read and a new book for my classroom library. I already have quite a few students in mind who will love Rothman’s book!
Here’s a blurb about Michael’s book:
The Riverton brothers have completed their training, and despite their own personal skills, they worry about the forces arrayed against them. Knowing the barrier that’s kept the people of Trimoria safe for over five centuries is weakening, the brothers ready their ragtag army of humans, dwarves, and elves for battle.
In the meantime, on the other side of the ancient barrier, a growing army of demons have readied themselves for the final battle against the people of Trimoria.
As the barrier weakens, Ryan is struck by bouts of debilitating madness. As the barrier crumbles, so does the hope of Trimoria’s citizens.
Click Here to Purchase Michael’s book.
Here’s some great news: Michael will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commentor during the tour!
So, please take a minute to comment below! (I’d love for you to get the prize!)
About Michael:
I’ve been writing throughout my career as an engineer, however my writing had been relegated to technical books and technical magazine articles. Heck, you might even find a couple of those musty tomes still for sale if you look hard enough.
With my foray into epic fantasy, I’ve shed the shackles of technical writing and created novels that I hope will be attractive to a much wider audience.
I’ve always admired truly epic tales. You know the ones I mean. The book you crack open, wander through and utterly get immersed in. The story takes you on twists and turns you never expected, run into dead-ends that make you wheel your arms backward to prevent you from falling into an endless abyss. By the time you reach what you think is the end, you’ve read hundreds of pages and realize the end is really only the beginning of the story.
You close the book and wonder out loud. “Do I have the next book? Is it out yet?”
My goal when I started writing the first book (HEIRS OF PROPHECY) that involved the Riverton family was to make a story that would allow a younger audience access to such a tale. Since then, a second book (TOOLS OF PROPHECY) was released, and now I introduce the third book in the series with LORDS OF PROPHECY.
As to my other writing activities, I’ve completed another as of yet unreleased novel in the Prophecies series, and they are scheduled to be released as soon as – well, as soon as the paperwork on them is complete, and the lawyers nod their heads up and down.
I hope you enjoy the novel.
In the meantime, if you want to see my ramblings, I lurk at the following social media portals:
Twitter – @MichaelARothman
Facebook
Blog
Remember, your comment below enters you in a drawing for a $50 gift card from Amazon!
And as always, thanks for stopping by!
Brenda
