Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 36

Update from the Author Cave

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated ~ Mark Twain

While the above quote is true, last week, I had such a bad migraine (that still hasn't gone away), that I was unable to do anything and may as well have been 6 feet under. I am starting to get better (not really, but I'm back in school now) and am trying not to be crushed by the amount of homework, college applications, and internship responsibilities all while trying to stick with the Go Teen Writers 4th 100 for 100 challenge (see blog sidebar).

Anyway, an update on Book 2: After finishing the 7th draft (5 rewrites and 2 revisions) I handed Tears of an Angel off to my editor and am still waiting to work more on that. In the meantime, I have started working on Book 3: The Witch's War (book 3 in  The Belgrave Legacy ).

While I was stuck in my many headache and medicine-induced rests, I kept dreaming scenes for some of my Fearful Fairytale novels too, but was unable to write most of them down because focusing on anything for more than 5 seconds hurt.

So, that sounds like a lot of bad news, right?

Well, it is. Kind of. All that time bedridden gave my imagination free reign and once I have lots of time to write after college applications are done, I'll be on fire and will hopefully be more productive than I have been in the past few months.

That's it for now. Will check in soon. While you're waiting, check out the My Novels page and see what my crazy brain is cooking up.

Cover Reveal: Inspire by Cora Carmack

About the Book Title: Inspire
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Author: Cora Carmack
Expected Release Date: 12/15/14

Kalliope lives with one purpose.

To inspire.

As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.

Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.

Her presence may inspire genius.

But it breeds madness, too.
About the Author Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.


Her other published books:

LOSING IT SERIES
Losing It (1)
Keeping Her (1.5)
Inking Him (1.6)
Faking It (2)
Finding It (3)
Seeking Her (3.5)

RUSK UNIVERSITY SERIES
All Lined Up
All Broke Down

Fangirling in Person: The CBCBR

Yesterday, I went to the Chapter By Chapter Book Rave (or #CBCBR for short).

It was AMAZING!

I got to  buy lots of books, meet SO MANY authors, got their signatures and had pictures with them. It was a dream come true to fangirl in person.They all agreed that my name is awesome, and of course, I thanked my mom (who was standing some what stunned next to me, she's never been to a book event before, so who can blame her?)

AND, I got a signed advance reader copy (ARC) of the next book in the Rusk Universtiy series by Cora Carmack: ALL LINED UP. Yup. You read that right. Be jealous. I finished it today. It was amazing, and it is well worth the wait for you poor souls who haven't already read it. :) I'll be posting my review once it goes on public sale too, so keep an eye out for that.

Book Review: A Blindspot for Boys

About the Book Shana has always had a blind spot for boys. Can she trust the one who's right in front of her?

Sixteen-year-old Shana Wilde is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrong, Wrong, and More Wrong.

Enter Quattro, the undeniably cute lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't just fly; they ignite. And so does Shana's interest. Right as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Quattro is quickly forgotten, and Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see. So they travel to Machu Picchu, and as they begin their trek, they run into none other than Quattro himself. But even as the trip unites them, Quattro pulls away mysteriously... Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen.
My Review If it were possible for people to have book soul mates, this would be mine.

Shana's overwhelming creative passion (photography) is like my love of writing (obviously). I do also have a camera, but that's besides the point because I barely know how to use it. Actually, maybe it's not so irrelevant because my late grandma (who's my equivalent of Shana's dad, though Grammy never got cranky no matter how bad things got) was the one who bought me the camera.

Her blindspot for boys is also something I share. I've never dated like she has, but have a bad history of all the WRONG guys liking me.

So, in short?
Creative passion? √
Inspiration for said passion is gone (metaphorically for Shana and physically for me) √
Bad Record with/Blind Spot for Boys? √

It's a match made in Heaven. As Shana's mom would say, A Blind Spot for Boys and I have "sine qua non" or for you non-Latin aficionados: "an essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary."

5 stars ABout the Author Justina Chen is the acclaimed author of young adult novels including A Blind Spot for Boys, Return to Me, North of Beautiful, and Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies), which won the Asian Pacific American Award for Youth Literature. She is a co-founder of readergirlz, the online book community for teens, and lives in the Seattle area with her two children. 

September 2014 TCWT Blog Chain

TCWT: “What are your favorite book beginnings and/or endings?"

ZH: Well, I really love the beginning of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. It's just so witty and captivating that you can't help but read on. And for you more literary scholar people, it also uses indirect discourse to show the outrageous Mrs. Bennet's belief and objective that last throughout the whole novel.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. (Like Quote on Goodreads)

And then, for endings, I really like the controversial epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (and incidentally, the series). Some people didn't like it because spoiler (click read more): Harry is older and not famous anymore, but I'm okay with that.

A Writing Tag

Thanks to my writing friend Eva Schon, I found out about this writing tag, and thought "Why not"? So, here it is.

What is your favorite kind of cake? If you don't eat cake {because of gluten issues or allergies or diet or whatever} what is your favorite dessert? Cheesecake is hands down, my favorite.

How long have you been writing? Since I was 9.

Do you read books and blogs about writing? If so what are some of your favorites? Yes! Check out the sidebar to see some blogs I like, and here to see what books I recommend for writers.

Do you believe it's important to study writing as an art form? Why or why not? I definitely think it's important to study it as a craft if one intends to be published, but I do think there is something magical about coming up with stories and while there are lots of conventions about form and the necessity of conflict, but there is still that bit that can never quite be explained. So, in short, yes, but don't overanalyze to the point that you lose sight of the magic.

Who's writing has influenced yours the most? I'm not sure, it's really hard to attribute just one. I'm not certain anyone's style is reflected in my own, but certain books (The Giver, Harry Potter, and The Golden Compass) definitely inspired me to write.

Do you consider writing more important than food? Why or why not? Equally important. If you don't eat, you can't write. And if I don't write, I get cranky. So both are important for my sanity.

Tell us the thing you are most excited about with your writing. I just wrapped up the 2nd book of The Belgrave Legacy, and am excited to continue working on the finale.

What are you dreading most in your writing? Even though it's far down the road, I'm nervous about writing the last book in the Fearful Fairytales series because it's really dark and will probably give me nightmares.

Would you rather have people love your book now or be considered a genius after you are dead? Now would be nice, but both would be even better!

Click-eez: Anti-Bullying Fashion Fun

My cousin just launched a new tween fashion jewelry line called Click-eez. They're stackable bracelets that represent inclusivity and are part of the anti-bullying movement in association with Pacer and End to Cyber Bullying.

He has since recruited me to become the unofficial PR manager and blog writer.

To learn more, check out Click-eez around the web:

Book Review: Storyworld First

About the Book The question I hear most about building a fantasy storyworld is: "Where do I start?"

Oz, Wonderland, Narnia, the 100 Acre Wood, Neverland, Hogwarts, the United Federation of Planets, Westeros, Middle Earth, Alagaesia, Terabithia, Gotham City, Jurassic Park, Fablehaven, and a galaxy far, far away.

These fictional places have become real in the minds and hearts or readers. These storyworlds that someone invented-someone who was once like you, learning to tell stories, learning to write, and dreaming about publishing a novel.

Whether you're starting from scratch or are looking to add depth to a finished story, Storyworld First will get you thinking.

Includes tips for worldbuilding: Astronomy, Magic, Government, Map Making, History, Religion, Technology, Languages, Culture
And how it all works together.
My Review A straight-forward and often witty guide to building your storyworld, regardless of genre.

As an author of magical realism and urban fantasy, I don't have as much story-building to do for my  Belgrave Legacy  trilogy (at least not in the traditional sense like Tolkien and Rowling), but I still adored this book!

Most writing books say that setting is a character in its own right and proceed to talk about describing the weather or a room, but this book takes it so much further—without seeming longwinded or boring.

I recommend this book for all authors! About the Author Jill Williamson is an author of all things weird. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Her Blood of Kings trilogy won two Christy Awards, and she recently finished the Rebels, book three in a dystopian teen trilogy from Zondervan/Blink Books. She loves teaching and encouraging writers and blogs weekly at www.GoTeenWriters.com. Jill lives in Oregon with her husband and two children and a whole lot of deer. Find her online at www.JillWilliamson.com, where adventure comes to life.

DNF: Queen of the Tearling

For those of you wondering, DNF means "Did Not Finish"

It breaks my heart when I don't enjoy a book (I'm looking at you,  The Great Gatsby and Moby Dick ), even more so when it leads me to quit without reaching the ending.

One of the reasons I may have been disappointed was the sheer amount of hype surrounding this book, and upcoming movie (starring and executively produced by Emma Watson). All the press about this book have raved about the strong female protagonist who is a queen in her own right and does not have the distraction of a love interest (as is very popular in YA novels) while she is trying to run her country, The Tearling.

Though I did not finish the book, I agree with that assessment. It was clear from the first chapters, and even more so in the second. Rather than go on complimenting Kelsea, I will plainly state that the main character was not the reason I put down this book.

The plot moved too slowly for me, and simultaneously, certain events seemed to happen so fast that I felt as though I was missing something. The premise had pulled me in, but the execution did not keep me interested.

However, that being said, there are definitely still merits to Queen of the Tearling. As I said before, Kelsea is being heralded as the new standard for YA female protagonists for her independence. And while I love that she doesn't have a love interest, I think there is an annoying trend of people assuming that a girl or young woman is only strong if she never accepts help and forsakes all forms of femininity. Newsflash: strong is not a strictly masculine or asexual adjective.

As you can see from My Character Profile, there are plenty of admirable female characters who are more than a pretty face, but can also accept their female status in stride. And, most of the ones listed depend on at least a few friends (except maybe Elphaba, especially in the book as opposed to the Broadway musical).

My point is, Queen of the Tearling is making a counter-statement to the oversaturation of weak girls falling for alpha males in the YA category (and arguably in the Adult and NA markets, too).

Also, I am not trying to discourage anyone from reading this book. I still plan to see the movie because if Emma Watson is involved, it must be good. Also, I'm always slightly wary of reviews when choosing my To Read list, so if the book description (below) sounds interesting to you, give Erika Johansen's book a shot. I've conveniently posted buy links under the book synopsis, too. On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.

The Queen of the Tearling introduces readers to a world as fully imagined and terrifying as that of The Hunger Games, with characters as vivid and intriguing as those of The Game of Thrones, and a wholly original heroine. Combining thrilling action and twisting plot turns, it is a magnificent debut from the talented Erika Johansen.

Cover Reveal: The Rental

Title: The Rental (The Rental, #1)

Author: Rebecca Berto

Genre: Erotic Romance

Expected Release Date: September 22, 2014

Cover Designer: Berto Designs

At first, Rick Delaney watched Vee Wyland with the hungry eyes of a fox as if she were a rabbit … his rabbit. But one day, he slunk away without notice.

Months away from graduating high school, Vee’s life is on the verge of crumbling. At home, dire finances and long hours test her family. Her boyfriend hardly pays attention to her. And she can’t shake her feelings for his older brother, Rick. 

Then, all in one night, tragedy tears her teetering life into shreds. 

When Rick and Vee reunite, the sparks fly. However, she unwittingly signs away a future for both of them. In his world, a place called The Rental, she becomes Victoria and Rick becomes Rhett. One part of her watches with fascination, while the other unfurls and embraces her sexual awakening. It began as a game, but the consequences are real.

Following their heart’s desire is forbidden, but walking away could strip their hope for a future.

The Rental is an erotic romance that explores how sex isn’t purely physical; sometimes, it’s a gateway to your soul. About the Book Chapter 1 Rick Delaney was parked outside my house with my boyfriend. He stepped out of his car and lifted two fingers, saluting me at the front door. He shouldn’t have been.

How could he return to Melbourne after a whole year when I resigned to a life without him—a life, specifically, with the brother he’d arrived? Bottled-up feelings pounded in my chest so hard I was glad no one was home to witness it.

And my boyfriend? He tripped getting out of the passenger seat. That’s what can happen when you looked at your mobile phone instead of your girlfriend’s smiling face. My expression soured as he passed me, not even a peck on the cheek.

“What’s with the ride?” I called.

Their mum, Mrs Delaney, should’ve been dropping Justin off like usual. But he ignored me and trudged farther into my house.

Rick noticed my expression and jogged up the stairs. Elder by three years, he stood tall with the composure of a man compared to his teenage brother. Strong shoulders filled out his dark T-shirt. He was bigger in not only his upper body but everywhere—thick arms and thighs and a solid build. Add that to a smile and he melted the hearts of women everywhere—seventeen-year-old girls included.

“Mum and Dad are in Europe,” Rick said. “They call it a long-awaited honeymoon. Justin and I call it a mid-life crisis.”

My jaw hung open. How could Justin not tell me? I thought this type of thing excited a boyfriend. Weeks of no parental supervision at home—it’d excite me if not for the sudden pit of worry in my belly. “They’re away? They’re not here?”

“That’s what a holiday is.” Rick deadpanned.

“It’s just that Justin never told me anything.”

“It was only a few days ago.”

As if that made it okay. If Justin didn’t spend so much time with his phone in his face, he might have remembered to tell me. I didn’t know why, but it cut me that I didn’t know an important change in his life. I told him every time my dad left to truck interstate for work and that was every few weeks. He was gone more than he was here, and Mum worked odd hours. It was lonely and hard to stay away from the temptations Justin and my best friend, Cara offered me at parties or when we hung out.

“Hey, bro,” Justin called behind us. He came up and slammed his hand on the side of the front door. “Come fix the washing machine.”

“Washing machine?” I asked. Why are you acting like you live here? I was close to adding.

“Yeah,” he held out the front of his top, “got a Coke from your fridge and it squirted everywhere.”

“We don’t have any Coke left in the fridge.”

“You do in the spare one.”

I bit my lip and flexed my fingers by my side. Facing him, I cracked a thin smile. Most of the time, Justin wasn’t like this. Correction, before recently, my boyfriend wasn’t like this. He kissed me like no one else, and made me laugh, but damn it, he either had the memory of a goldfish or was too ignorant to care.

“That was for tomorrow night!” I stared into his eyes with hope of making him feel guilty, but he was clueless. “Dad’s back from Sydney tomorrow, and Mum’s got a dinner for us three. You know he loves Coke. You know he’s been away for weeks. You know Mum’s too busy working to buy more groceries before then.”

Justin shook his head. “So uptight.” He squeezed my ass, smiling as he planted his lips fully to mine. “I love that about you, but seriously, I forgot. And, your mum works at a supermarket, for fuck’s sake.”

True, but Justin drank Coke, and ate all the ice cream, and ate all the chips, and I got sick of explaining to Mum why I was so selfish as to keep putting her out when she only requested little favours like these on special occasions. Such as tomorrow.

“I’m not uptight.” I paused. “It’s fine about the top—I’ll hand wash and Rick—”

But as I turned to tell him not to worry about fixing the washing machine, my hands met a rock solid chest. I froze. My palms lingered on the contours of his defined pecs with my fingertips at his collarbone. Not able to look at his eyes, I dropped my hands, as if that would undo our moment.

It didn’t.

I’d spend sleepless nights dreaming about his body, as I did when he was far away and stopped talking to me. Pictures and memories of him were all I had.

Justin was hot with his dark eyes and brown hair, but compared to Rick, he was scrawny. Mostly bones everywhere, and when we made out, his hips rubbed into mine. I’d forgotten his shortfalls when it was just him and me. I liked him plenty and that grew to love. But now my past was back, and I had no idea what to feel when seconds ago my hands were on his brother.

That brother with a firm build, one that wouldn’t rub against me if we were to … I shut down that thought pattern. I shouldn’t imagine Rick on top of me. We were three years apart, and at my age, sex with him was illegal.

I pulled my thoughts in and mumbled, “Oh, um,” then took a breath and tried again. “Dad’s back tomorrow, so don’t worry about it. He’ll fix it then. I feel terrible putting you out.”

“It’s fine, Vee, really. Kill some time.”

“Thanks, fag,” Justin said, pulling at my arm to drag me away.

“God, Justin, you’re such an ass sometimes.” I shook out of his grip. He looked offended, so I added, “Gotta go clean up the Coke, remember?”

“Seriously,” Rick said, “you two just chill. I’ll let myself through. This way?” He pointed down the hall.

I nodded. “I’ll come with you.”

“Fine.” Justin walked the other way. “You two have fun. I’m hanging in Vee’s bed.”

“Such a tool,” Rick said, walking to the washing machine.

“I know,” I mumbled.

I took out the mop and bucket, and then went to the cupboard to grab the concentrate liquid.

“I was born with a link to him, but indulge me,” Rick crouched by the washing machine on his haunches, legs spread and hands dangling between, “why is someone as smart and gorgeous as you with him?”

“I ask myself why—”

I stopped.

He said I was smart and gorgeous.

“Oh,” I managed between strangled breaths, “thanks.”

He half-smiled then got to work. His T-shirt rode up on one side as he leant over. Just above his pant line, the angular ‘V’ at his lower back peeked out. Hard as I tried not to gawk, it was impossible when I was alone with him in this small space.

“The um,” I started and almost forgot what I was going to say. Luckily, I recovered. “The machine won’t start. Not sure what it is. Mum and I have been hand washing for now.”

Rick turned, focusing his attention on the washer. I wiped the laundry bench and cupboard and mopped the floor, trying to concentrate on the mop end and not Rick’s ass or his body bent over the machine.

After I was done, I went to my room to hang with Justin, but he wasn’t there. I did a lap of the house, called his name, and checked the other rooms too, but he had literally disappeared. I paused a moment in the kitchen, steadying myself on the corner of the bench while I let the realisation absorb. He left without a goodbye, without much of a hello for that matter.

“Rick!” I called.

He emerged wiping his top down his face. I looked away as fast as I could, but the image of his lean eight-pack projected in my imagination anyway.

Justin might’ve been outside or somewhere I hadn’t checked. He had to be. I pushed aside the topic. It would be stupid to suggest he left.

“Thank you so much,” I said, meeting Rick’s eyes, “for in there.” I pointed behind him.

“But you don’t know if I fixed it.”

“You tried.”

He smiled with his lip jutted out and nodded, as if I impressed him. “Well,” he said, “you can be a woman of modern technology from now on. All fixed. It was a loose belt. Slipped off.”

“Oh, lucky me.”

The silence became louder, and judging by the tightness between Rick’s eyebrows, he had just noticed Justin’s absence.

“Justin?” I queried, and he nodded cautiously. “Yeah, I looked everywhere for him. This might sound stupid, but I think he left. I couldn’t find him. He’s just not here.”

Rick tensed his jaw, scoping the open living area. “Bull,” he said, but by the dismissive tone, he sounded like he was saying it to himself or about something else.

He stalked off toward my backyard without another word, so I scampered after him, my little legs no match for his long strides. I flipped the light on outside and Rick walked down the steps, following the shallow lighting spilling over the clumpy, yellowed grass and shrubs lining the property fence.

“Unbelievable,” Rick muttered, I thought, but I couldn’t be sure with his back facing me or by the growl to his tone.

He eased me back with a polite hand and walked around to my front door and beyond. He surveyed the porch and front yard in the same swift and efficient manner as the back, and then turned to me. We were facing each other separated by my whole house. The front light slammed behind him and it made him glow. I supposed I looked the same, and wondered if I seemed as mysterious and alluring as he did. Not possible.

We shut the doors and walked towards each other, meeting near my kitchen bench.

“Did he tell you he was leaving?”

“Not at all,” I said, scratching my head. “I just came from the laundry and he was gone. Maybe …” but I trailed off, feeling stupid for thinking it.

“What?” Rick said, eyes narrowed.

“Maybe he texted me letting me know why.”

Rick shrugged. “You could check.”

I did, returning with my mobile phone. I had one new message.

Justin: Had to go. Sorry, babe xoxo

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, embodying the same rage as Rick.

“What? He didn’t—” Rick looked at my mobile which I handed over, and he cut himself off to read. “He did. Where did he even go? What a bastard.”

Rick’s cheeks were inflamed now, and a telltale vein popped from his forehead. He scrubbed his temples with the heels of his hands.

I remained there not doing a thing. I hadn’t seen Rick for so long. I hadn’t a clue how to calm him down or what would be appropriate.

“It’s not a big deal,” I said. “He’s my boyfriend, not yours.”

“He’s my brother. I’m here to look out for him and the kid slips from my fingers.”

“Look out?” I asked.

Rick’s face blanched. He stood there with these big helpless arms dangling on either side of his body. He coughed and said, “Parents are away. Someone’s gotta keep him out of trouble.”

“Oh.” I sighed. “It’s nice of you to come back to keep an eye on him. I’m sure he doesn’t think so. Now he can’t run amuck with freedom.” I had so many questions to ask Rick, like whether London was an extended holiday or was he there for work or did he miss me? I couldn’t ask any of them though when we had more important things on our minds.

“I don’t think so either,” Rick said in a solemn tone. The severity of it hit me square in the chest like a physical force, and my body stood immobile while I adjusted to the weirdness of everything. Justin leaving, but also the aloof Rick Delaney that had changed since I last knew him.

“I better go search.” He patted his pockets, looked over the bench, and then ducked into the laundry room. When he emerged, he walked to the front door.

I followed, and we both turned to each other at the same time, emitting a startled chuckle from me. I placed my hand over my chest. “Thanks for everything. It’s good to see you back, Rick.” I leaned up to kiss him, and he stooped to my cheek, pecking it so lightly, only the bristle of his stubble grazed my skin.

He jogged down the front steps, unlocked his car, and was about to jump into it when he looked up at me, this big, lost expression on his handsome face. “See ya,” he called. And then he hopped in and drove.

At least he said goodbye, but the whole night had left me shaken.    
Teasers About the Author Rebecca Berto writes stories about love and relationships. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her books, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She's strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction. 

Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their pets.