Now, I say this isn’t your average interview because not only is Rebekah one of my favorite authors, she’s also my sister.

So Bec, first off, let me say I loved My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator and can’t wait for the fan mail (e-mails) to start pouring in. What would you say was the driving force behind this story?

RLP: Can it be my husband? (lol) Really, he’s the one who inspired me to write the dad in the book. Every year he (my hubby) arranges trips and nights out in search of Big Foot, ghosts, and hauntings. As something fun for the family. Plus, I’m a HUGE fan of the shows Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth.

~How long did it take for you to write My Dad’s?

RLP: Probably 3 months. (I fast tracked it during the mentor program, hosted by Romance Diva’s–an on-line romance writers group I belong to.) 

~And how long from the time of completion to publication?

RLP: This book sat on the shelf for some time, so almost two years.

~What inspired you to begin writing?

RLP: I’ve always loved reading, which branched into writing. But I’d have to say my fourth grade teacher Mr. McGrath was the person who introduced me to books, where I fell in love with the stories and wanted to write my own.

~What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

RLP: I like it all. But probably coming up with a new idea and the excitement of creating new characters–and stalking my character look-a-likes on IMBD (Internet Movie Data Base–at least I think that’s what it means) And yes, Taylor Lautner’s available to play the character part in my next book.

~(lol) If he can’t maybe Ian Somerhalder can.

RLP: No, I’m saving him for myself because he’s spicy like a meatball. (She says in an italian accent)

~I’m allowed to say you’re a dork because we’re sisters, right?! Anyway, is there anything you must have when you’re writing?

RLP: A damn good playlist, lots of water, chocolate, my dog on the back of the chair, a notebook-for character sketches, IMBD-again to stalk my “characters”, and a theasuarus . Oh, and a computer.

~Yeah, a computer helps. (lol) Next is a question I know you’ll enjoy. Does your love of Star Wars influence you as an author?

RLP: Are you kidding me, I have the force in my blood. I am one with Yoda, ye-es. Seriously though, I think Star Wars is the first thing to help me connect with the whole good-vs-evil vibe. My crush on Luke Skywalker aside, I believe Star Wars embodies everything you’d look for in a good story. Because it has the light and dark sides, romance, action…

~What is one bit of advice you’d like to impart to a beginning writer?

RLP: Don’t eat yellow snow. (ha!) Not don’t put that…

~It’s already there.

RLP: Let’s see, one bit of advice. Don’t quit writing. Even when you think a story may not go anywhere. Basically, every story you write is a stepping stone and helps you to improve your craft.

~From one writer to another that is excellent advice. Now, I know you’ve been writing seriously for 7 years, what are some things you think have helped you improve your craft?

RLP: Anytime I finish one book I immediatley begin working on the next. I also have a fab crit group, which includes my darling, beautiful sister. *wink*wink* Also, I think not taking rejection too personal helps.

~Speaking of the dreaded “R”, any thoughts on dealing with agent/publisher rejection?

RLP: Again, don’t take it personal. And make sure EVERYTHING is ready to go before you send it. As in, edit your work and/or have someone else critique or read it.

~Great advice. And one final question, what’s next?

RLP: I’m working on a story now and awaiting a contract on book I submitted last fall.

~Be sure to let me know when your next contract comes rolling in. (I know you will).

To find out more about Rebekah click HERE and enter for a chance to win her YA Paranormal Romance, My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator: Seeking Shapeshifters.

Congratulations again Bec, I look forwad to celebrating many more releases with you!

(Read the blurb for My Dad’s below)

My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator: Seeking Shapeshifters

Sixteen year old Ima Berry (pronounced I’m a) leads anything but a normal life. For starters, the ridiculous name her eccentric dad gave her is always the opening for a good joke. Not to mention the fact he makes his living as a supernatural investigator, which has them moving around every few months. It’s hard to hang out with new friends when she spends all her time trying to prove the existence of Bigfoot, ghosts, fairies and any other number of paranormal creatures. Unfortunately, the cases always end in disaster. That is until now.

On a whim, Ima’s father decides to move them to Point Hope, Alaska. Here, he plans to investigate the possibility of shifters amongst the Inuit tribes. Ima isn’t thrilled with the move, until she meets an Inuit guy named Carsen. Not only is he hot, but he’s also a star basketball player, and he’s interested in her. Too bad his best friend, Talon, doesn’t like her and takes every opportunity he can to discourage the relationship. Ima has no idea what she’s done to make him mad, but there’s no denying the strange connection between them.

As things grow more serious with Carsen, Ima uncovers a secret about him and some of the residents of Point Hope. A secret that will force her to choose between her father’s already dwindling career and her new found love. And with the knowledge of this secret comes danger…a danger that could cost them their lives.

Raygun by wintersixfour

School Daze

By Rachel Marie Pratt

Some schools have rules. Others have a code of ethics. This school—my school— has zero tolerance.

The gymnasium fills with teachers and students for today’s Call to Discipline. Despite the thousand plus in attendance to the afternoons event, the room is completely silent. Not that anyone would dare to make a noise during such an assembly. To do so would bring about great consequences.

Already there are several of us waiting in line to be punished when Principal Shuster crosses the gymnasium. Everyone joins together in showing support. Like a synchronized beat we clap. Clap.Clap.Clap.Clap.Clap.

He takes his place behind the podium. His hands part in the air and the room falls silent again.

“Welcome students. Faculty.” Shuster begins. “Here at Redwood we pride ourselves on the conduct of our students. Many of you were left in the guardianship of the school, because your parents saw the need for structure and accountability in a world drowning in its own sin and disregard. Redwood was built on discipline, with a defined set of ideals. It is through the constant application of these principles we maintain a safe environment and quality of living your parents dreamed for you.” He holds the schools commandments in his hand. All 3041 ways a student can earn a place in the Offenders Line. “Without further delay, let the Call to Discipline commence.” Shuster steps down. And in his place is Eli Manager, who we call “the executioner.”

“Francie Dressler,” he says.

The sound of my name being called reverberates off the high ceiling. Every muscle in my body tightens. I plant my feet firmly on the floor, but I’m no match for the two guards selected to bring me forward. At the center of the gymnasium, a third guard takes hold of my legs and I’m lifted onto a cool, metal slab. As if this hardened table has a memory, images of the tortures preformed here flood my mind.

“Please, don’t let them do this!” I plead with my classmates, to help me. Even though I know nobody will stop the events happening here today. I can’t blame them I’ve been where they are now. And I’ve done nothing the same as they will do nothing. Still, my yells persist until a rubber muzzle is placed over my mouth and secured to the back of my head, deadening my cries.

I thrust my head from side to side. The muzzle is like a vise squeezing my mouth closed until it feels as though my teeth are going to shatter like glass.

“I invoke the first commandment of Redwood: Tardiness will not be tolerated.”

Blinded by a glaring white light overhead, I shift my gaze to the side. A cart draws forward in my direct line of sight.

The Executioner takes his place at my side. He chooses his device of discipline. It’s one I’ve never seen before. It looks like a toy gun. But I know better, this is not a toy.

“Hold her still,” he instructs as the device whirs to life. A six inch needle shoots out. “You like my newest invention?”

© 2011, January 11, rmp. (rmg)

This muse came to me after I decided to steer from the b-rate sci-fi movie idea. In the end, I’m happy with the results. And VERY glad I didn’t attend Redwood.

Thanks for coming by. Please be sure to drop by my fellow YAFFers blogs and don’t forget to leave a comment. This will be our last Muse until after the holidays! But make sure you check back after the first of the year for more YAFF MUSE!

Miranda Buchanan

Rebekah L. Purdy

Traci Kenworth

Vanessa Barger

#1. Write: This is probably a given, but I thought I’d better mention it to avoid confusion.

#2. Visit Blogs: Comment on the blogs in the blogroll for two reasons. First off because this is a great all nighter intermission activity. And second, it’s always nice to take time out for others when your otherwise busy.

#3. Read: That’s right. During my all nighters it’s essential that I keep a book close (that’s not my own) and read five pages here and there. I find this helps me to pull back from what I’m attempting to write so that when I revisit my work ten minutes later it’s like looking at it with fresher eyes.

#4. Chat on Skype: This works especially well with a friend in another time zone who’s impressed when you say, “Oh yeah, I’m still awake at 2 am. What time is it there? Oh, only 9? What’s that, you need to go to bed?” I find this activity tends to revive me for the big finish.

And finally, the  activity to do when pulling an all nighter…

Blog!

How do you handle an all nighter?

#1: Social Vibe: I’m raising money for education but not in the way you’d think. Here’s how it works. Click on the social vibe widget (further down my sidebar) and it’ll open to a set of Company based ads. You watch the ad and the company donates money to the cause. It cost them money and each of us 5 minutes of our time. A really easy/great way to give back.

#2: The 2011 Debut Authors Challenge – hosted by The Story Siren. This is exciting to me. Because as a writer it’s easy to sometimes write/critique and forget to read. (Or get too busy to read). I’m hoping this challenge will help me step back even more to simply enjoy a book and of course support Debut Authors. Just found this out as well, each month/for every review done on a debut book participants names are put into a drawing for a prize pack. Below is a photo of January’s pack. Let me just say, WOW!

#3: The contest area in my sidebar. (Which I may move lower, because it distracts me for some reason.)

#4: Totally 4 YA: It’s a fantastic NEW authors group geared completely at teens, their lives, their world, YA reading, YA writing… the list goes on and on.

#5: A *hush-hush* sisters site getting ready to launch.

As you can see it’s starting off to be an exciting year already! Oh and before you go, don’t forget to tell me, what’s new with you?

I’m talking RESOLUTIONS, like billions of other people are. (You know, being as it’s that time of year).

I had resolutions last year that didn’t go much further than the day I posted them. So this year, The BIG “R” is going to be the BIG “G” instead. Yep, you read right. I’m thinking of starting a petition, because like those rejection letters, that in some way let us no we’re not quiet there, the New Years resolutions seem just like that. Like once a year we post a list of what’s wrong with us. What we just haven’t managed to get right. And then 2 weeks down the road when we drop the ball it’s like getting a rejection all over again.

So yeah, this year, I’m getting goals, not breaking resolutions.

My goals for 2011 are:

Use two methods in which to get organized and on top of things: (Calendar and a timer)

Develop my craft: whether through reading, writing, or information provided on-line.

Support others in “getting there”.

Give back.

Sleep more.

—————————–

And that about does it for the goals, which are realistic for the first time in years. I think this NON-resolution stuff may work out yet.

Have you got goals?

Also, don’t forget to VOTE!

Okay, this is NOT one of Simone Ekeles new releases, but I love her so much, I have to be reading her books until I can pick up Chain Reaction (the 3rd installment in the Perfect Chemistry series) when it comes out in MAY 2011.I’ll of course be giving my short review of Return to Paradise (the sequel to Leaving Paradise) as soon as I finish, but let me just say, I love it already. Only approx 100 pages in and I wish her books never ended.

Also, new to the bookshelf this past week is Matched by Ally Condie (Allyson Condie). Can’t wait to crack this one open!

What’s on your bookshelf?

A little older, but still funny as heck:

A modern take on an old story:

If you make it to this point…lol…here’s a great newer video. The more I listen to this song the catchier I think it is.

Merry Christmas Everyone! *brought to you by me and you tube*

*disclaimer: My beliefs are my own and in no way am I suggesting you have to share them with me.

DECEMBER_____________________________________________

December 2010:

The Report: My sister suggested this book to me

Title: How I live Now

Author: Meg Rosoff

Pages: 194

ISBN:0553376055 (ISBN13: 9780553376050)

RATING: 4♥♥♥♥ bff’s

How I Live Now surprised me.  I wasn’t positive I would care for the author’s unique way of telling the story. In the end, I enjoyed Meg Rossoff’s writing, characters, world and writing style. Parts of the story were just heartbreaking while others brought hope and laughter.

Overall I thought it was an excellent read. Though, I admit it may not tug everyone’s heart as it did mine.

NOVEMBER____________________________________________

November 2010:

The Report: Purchased Perfect Chemistry (Book #1) from local bookstore

Title: Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry Series, #2)

Author: Simone Elkeles

Pages: 324

ISBN:0802720862 (ISBN13: 9780802720863)

RATING: 6♥♥♥♥♥♥ marry me!

Simone has fast become one of my favorite authors. All that really needs said, is if you haven’t read the Perfect Chemistry series, do. Now that I’m waiting on Chain Reaction (the 3rd in the series to come out) I’ve bought and read several other Simone Elkeles titles. She’s brilliant. This follow up to the first book, Perfect Chemistry features Carlos, Alex’s brother. Carlos is just as hot, dangerous and full of pride. Kiera, his opposite, seems very innocent, but I love the depth the author gives to her character. This is a book (series) I will read over and over again.

**The third book in the series is all about Fuentes brother #3 Louis. Seriously can’t wait!

OCTOBER______________________________________________

October 2010:

The Report: Purchased Perfect Chemistry (Book #1) from local bookstore

Title: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles

Pages: 360

ISBN:0802798225 (ISBN13: 9780802798220)

RATING: 6♥♥♥♥♥♥ marry me!

Simone creates fantastic characters in a lovely story. I adore Alex, the guy from the wrong side of the tracks pitted with the perfectly imperfect Brit. There’s a growth in their relationship that the author captures and maintains throughout the story. And an honesty about how Alex (a gang member) views life and girls. Simone does an excellent job at volleying between the two characters POV, which was key in this book. In short, I loved Perfect Chemistry, love the author, and now I’m off to purchase Rules of Attraction. (No such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to books written by Simone!)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

These and future reviews can be referenced any time in the future by clicking on THE SHORT REVIEWS title in the menu bar above the blog header. Hope you enjoyed the reviews! I would love to hear about what you’ve read, what books you love and/or if you have any suggested reads for me. Just let me know by leaving a comment on this post.

Two Fabulous Authors Doing UK Blog Tours.

And since they’re on line tours, we can all play!! Thanks to Jenny over at  Wondrous Reads, for this Fab info!! She says to check out all the details on the banners and join in! (banners made by the talented Kat at S&S!)

I adore both of these authors. Simone Elkeles who I author crush…BIG TIME! And Brenna Yovanoff, who was absolutely lovely participating on a YA panel at Romance Divas! So excited for this event arranged by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK (@simonkids_UK on Twitter).

Tell me, will you be available to play on any of these dates?

Before you go click over to read the most recent December ‘SHORT REVIEW’.

Mom says if I don’t believe in you I don’t get crap for Christmas. So rather than risk it, I’m writing you this letter. Okay, so here goes: If you get me what I want for Christmas, I swear I’ll be awesome-good next year. Like I won’t lie about texting in school or fight with my brother—actually I still might—but I’ll be nice to him too. And when it’s my turn to do dishes, I’ll do them without complaining, probably.

And here’s the list of what I would like: Kindle, Gift cards for music and books, a laptop, a 19inch flat screen tv for my bedroom (the one I have is reeeeeeeally old), a digital camera, an Ipod touch, clothes, store cards so I can buy my own clothes (no offense, but you’ve worn the same suit forever now) and maybe get yourself something nice.

I pledge to believe in you for as long as I live at home.

Me

p.s. If you really want kids to believe in you, maybe consider a website and provide an e-mail address for us to contact you directly. Sorry, but everything is techy now. And while I know kids aren’t supposed to see you, maybe you could start a blog and post pics of your wife, house, reindeer and elves.  Also, maybe you could change your name to Cyber Santa, just a thought.

Merry Christmas!