New Release Spotlight: YA Author Krysten Lindsay Hager's Best Friends...Forever?

Good friends have your back, but some go behind it. 

 
Today's guest is Krysten Lindsay Hager, a Clean Indie Reads author who calls herself a book addict who's never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. She's originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. Welcome to Adventures in Publishing  Krysten! Please tell us about your new book and what motivated you to revisit middle school, a time most of us would prefer to forget.

KLH: Hi everyone and thanks for inviting me to visit your readers, Marianne.   I've always loved reading books that use humor and have realistic (and relatable) characters. I decided to write the book I wanted to read when I was reading YA and I’m overjoyed it’s now a series where people can follow along on Landry’s journey through dealing with friendships, the ups and downs of school, crushes, and insecurities. Sure, going back to that time in my own life was a little crazy, but lucky for me there weren’t camera phones to capture me dancing in the school talent show…while wearing jean shorts. If you’re not cringing yet, let’s just say I also had a moment of “genius” where I thought my super dark brown hair would look amazing with “Sun-In” highlights that actually turned my hair a lovely shade of copper. Sigh...

The Landry’s True Colors Series is a clean reads young adult series about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image. Best Friends…Forever? was ranked at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Teen & Young Adult Values & Virtues Fiction and #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Children's Books on Values. True Colors is an international bestselling book.

MS: Best Friends...Forever? was a trip back in time, dragging me back to the halls of South Junior High School where I encountered so many of the issues Landry faces. I thought it was  a great read that portrays the early teen years with painful accuracy. Kids today have a lot to deal with and live their lives much more publicly than my generation ever did.  Can you tell us more about Landry and her story?

KLH: Landry Albright hopes the new year will start off in an amazing way—instead she has to deal with more frenemy issues, boy drama, and having most of her best friends make the cheerleading squad without her. Suddenly, it seems like all anyone can talk about is starting high school next year—something she finds terrifying. Landry gets her first boyfriend, but he dumps her just as things come to a head with her friends. She feels lost and left out, but finds good advice about dealing with frenemies from what she considers an unlikely source. Landry faces having to speak up for what’s right, tell the truth (even when it hurts), and how to get past the fear of failure as she gets another shot at competing in the American Ingénue modeling competition. 

MS: How about an Excerpt?

“Landry, it’s gotta be so awkward for you to be going to Vladi’s school next year,” Tori said. “I mean, what if you run into him during the tour?"

"It’s a huge place,ʺ Ashanti said. “People break up all the time. It’s not a big deal.ʺ

Tori raised her eyebrows as if to say, “Yeah, right,” and went back to her sandwich. Meanwhile my delicious homemade soup was no longer sitting well. It never occurred to me Vladi might be around during the first pre‑freshman tour. I would be mortified if I ran into him and he was with a girl. Or worse yet, running into him, and he was with Yasmin. Plus, I hadn’t told my mom about the breakup, so if she saw him, she’d probably go over to talk to him. I could already imagine it: “Landry, Vladi’s here! Hon? Why are you hiding behind the garbage can? Your boyfriend, Vladi, is here. Come say, ‘hello.’ Stop trying to run away. Why is everyone laughing and pointing at you and calling you a ‘loser dumpee?’ What does that mean?”

Well, maybe the world would end and I wouldn’t have to deal with high school or Vladi and my mother running into each other.

Sadly, the world did not end, and on Thursday, we all had to go to the high school for a freshman information night from 6 to 9 p.m.

View the Book Trailer

What people are saying about True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One):

From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK: "This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!"

From Books & Authors Spot: “This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are tensed about them. This thing is looks aren't everything. This book is related to every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel.”

Buy Links:

Amazon

Amazon international

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

Kobo

Connect with Krysten:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

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New Release: Her Imaginary Husband by Lia London

New teacher Nikki Fallon is trying to ward off unwanted advances from the hunky football coach. She should...

a) slap him silly.

b) report him for harassment.

c) invent an imaginary husband.

Excerpt:

 

Coach laughed and took a step back. “So, you have plans this weekend?"

Is Gayle right? Does he flirt with all the women? Dang, he smells good.

“I was thinking I could show you some of the more intimate bars in Eastmont.” He leaned his elbow on the roof of the car, pulling his polo shirt taut across his pecs. His whole aura exuded virility, and it sucked all the moisture from Nikki’s mouth. A date sure would be a nice change. And he’s mighty hunky.

Something twinkling in his eyes set off a warning alarm in her brain.

“Uh.” Nikki searched the parking lot for some clue of an excuse.

Just then Officer Ross rolled up in his security patrol car and lowered his window. “Everything okay here? This is a no loitering zone, you know,” he said with a mock-serious tone. “The Friday before Labor Day, this place should be empty.”

“We’re all fine, Officer,” said Coach. He clenched his jaw and ran his fingers through his hair. “Just making plans for the weekend.”

“Oh?” Ross glanced at Nikki.

“We’re not making plans together.” She waved her arms between them. “We were just talking.”

“Right. What?” Coach looked off-balance for a moment.

“Pretty soon you’ll be married to your work here.” Ross smiled sympathetically in the way all the teachers did when they implied her life was about to be forfeit to endless grading and committee meetings.

Married. Did he say married? Nikki had a brain flash. “Yes, actually! My husband’s taking me out tonight to celebrate my new job really starting.”

“Your husband?” Coach coughed.

“Isn’t he sweet?” She grinned and bounced on her heels like a giddy teen girl. “He’s always doing such thoughtful things for me.”

“I didn’t know you were married.”

“Oh yes. Newlyweds. You know how it is.” Nikki winked knowingly. Starting her engine, Nikki beamed up at Coach. “Well, good-bye. Have a great weekend!”

And just like that, Nikki was married.

  

Available on Amazon.

I had the pleasure of being an early reader for Her Imaginary Husband. It's a cute romantic comedy, a perfect quick read for a snowy evening. 

About the Author 

Lia London was a high school English teacher. When her son was born, London came home to stay, and has since written several books in a variety of genres. In addition to writing, she is the creator and curator of Clean Indie Reads, a book blog featuring “Flinch-Free” fiction by her esteemed peers. She lives happily with her real live husband (a teacher) and two children (teens), a dog and a cat. She loves jazz music, Taekwondo, and milk chocolate. For more information on her books, please visit Lia London Books

Today's Guest: LDS Women's Fiction Author Maria Hoagland

My guest today is Maria Hoagland, writer of LDS Women's Fiction and author of three novels: Still Time, Nourish & Strengthen, and Family Size, medical fiction with a twist. As soon as I learned Maria had written an Alzheimer's story I had to read it. Maria’s novel, Still Time, published by Sisters Ink, Inc. last July, is an insightful novel that sheds light on the plight of "the sandwich generation,” those among us working, raising children, and caring for a parent (or parents!) with Alzheimer's disease or other serious health concerns. Alyssa and her family relocate a thousand miles to take care of her recently widowed mother-in-law suffering with dementia. The family juggles many issues familiar to most of us: kids in high school, middle school, or church service, all with their own difficulties and frustrations; relocation and the changes inherent, including a new house, community, church, and employment; an aging, ill parent; and siblings unable or unwilling to share in the care of that parent. Ruth, her m-i-l, is uncooperative bordering on abusive, unaware of her condition and not sure why her son and his family are now living in her house or if she even wants them there. The characters are multidimensional, the dialogue and subplots believable, and the writing clear and uncluttered. Well done. I also learned a lot about the Mormon Church, which I haven't had much exposure to.  Still Time is an excellent read for anyone curious about Alzheimer’s or seeking validation of his or her role as caregiver. Welcome to Adventures in Publishing, Maria! Please tell us more about Still Time.

Thanks for hosting me, Marianne. Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in this realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes& Noble

Kobo

iTunes

Interview

Writing is a never ending job. How do you relax? Sports? Hobbies? TV? Books?

Of course, reading is the ultimate relaxation for me. My favorite places to do that are in a big bubble bath or by our neighborhood pond under the willow tree. I definitely prefer movies (especially chick flicks) over TV shows (but I do like crime shows)—and pretty much anything with a plot supersedes things without (ESPN and reality shows). As for hobbies—I would ask if cooking dinner counted, but since I don’t actually like doing that, I’ll have to come up with another one. How about spending time with my husband, supporting my kids, running occasionally, and redecorating houses?

What inspires you? Photos? Music? Nature?

I’d have to say photographs, more than music, get me going. And yes, I do share them. You can find my inspiration boards on Pinterest for each of my books. I keep them private while I’m writing, but then make them public after I release the book. I think they’re fun because you can see some of the things I mention and get a feel for what was important to me while writing it. In fact, here’s a link to my inspiration board for Still Time.

I know a lot of authors have cats, including myself.  What about you? Who’s your muse?

I have a cat, Zucchini, who loves to sit on my desk while I write. In fact, my husband and I had to switch desks so that I could have the bigger one to share with Zuch. He has a bad habit of typing for me, especially if I leave my desk unattended for any length of time, and he pushes everything else over the side of the desk! But at least he leaves enough room for me. Usually.

About the Author

When Maria is not writing, she can be found walking barefoot in soft grass, remodeling houses with her husband, and enjoying campfires with their three children. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. Maria earned her degree at Brigham Young University, and although she adores mountain

Connect with Maria

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Goodreads

Thursday Guest Author: Krysten Lindsay Hager

I'm in the midst of a Pubslush campaign for my next novel Swim Season and need lots of help from friends, family, just about anyone who will give me a hand. This indie publishing business is hard - the hardest thing I've ever done.  To relieve a little of the stress I've enlisted the help of several of my fellow authors. Each week throughout the campaign I'll introduce a different one who will answer a few questions I've come up with about high school and varsity sports, as well as publishing and marketing tips. They'll tell you a little about themselves and their latest project.  I'll visit their blogs and do the same. This helps all of us meet new readers, and helps my readers discover new books and writers they may not know of who have great stuff. Please take a moment to visit their links. And don't forget to visit my Pubslush page and see what's going on. No swimsuit required.

###

Today's guest is Kristen Lindsay Hager

Krysten Lindsay Hager is an author and book addict who has never met  a bookstore she didn't like.  She's worked as a journalist and also writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction.  True Colors is her bestselling debut novel from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio, where you can find her reading and writing, She received her master's in American Culture from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Welcome to Adventures in Publishing Krysten and thanks for helping me with the Swim Season Pubslush campaign. To get started I thought I'd ask you a couple of questions about high school and sports, since that's what the book is about, and then we'll move on to your marketing tips for authors and your book projects.

1.  Most of us have strong feelings about our high school experience. Was yours a yay or a nay? Please explain.

I loved high school. Middle school not so much, but high school was great. I met some great friends there—most of which I’m still friends with today. Middle school felt more repressive, while I felt like I could be myself more in high school.

2.  Did you play sports in high school? If yes, which one(s) and how did it work out for you? If not, do you have children who play sports?

I didn’t play on any teams, but my friend Laura and I used to play tennis all the time. Truth be told, we followed each tennis session off with a trip to Dairy Queen.

3. Pubslush is a global marketing platform to assist authors with pre-publication publicity and sales. Do you have any key marketing tips for authors?

I think the best tip is to pick one or two things that you’re good at and come naturally to you. If you’re more introverted then social media might not be the best for you, but maybe guest blogs or posting informational articles. If you are more social, then Instagram or Twitter may work for you.

4.  Can you tell us about your latest project?

I recently finished writing the sequel to True Colors and signed a contract for it. It’s tentatively titled: True Colors 2 (The Landry Series): Best Friends…Forever? I am looking forward to working with the editors on that next and also I have a rewrite of an adult novel I’m working on…I think that rewrite might be plotting against me though!

Here's a sneak peek at True Colors:

Every day I walked down the sidewalk to school and wished I were one of the interesting popular girls who ran up with exciting news. Just once I’d like to be one of those girls instead of the being the one who didn’t get invited to things because people “forgot” about me.

Landry Albright just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, a new crush, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you because of it.

Excerpt:

The competition was for girls between the ages of thirteen and seventeen, but it felt like Ericka,Tori, and I were the youngest ones there. I only saw a couple of girls from school, and the lineup looked more like something you’d see on a music video set. All the girls were gorgeous, and they had these curvy womanly bodies. I looked like a skinny little kid next to them. The first girl walked out, and I heard the judges say she “owned the runway,” and, “walked like a gazelle.” I was starting to feel ill. I wasn’t sure which way it was going to come, but I knew I had to find a bathroom — fast. I started to get out of line when Ericka grabbed my wrist.

“It’s almost time,” she said. A tiny bit of spit flew out of her mouth and hit my cheek.

I wasn’t sure why she was so intent on me going through with it, but she had a death grip on my arm, so I didn’t have much of a choice. Her number was called and she walked out to the stage. One of the other girls said she walked like a kid with sand bucket stilts on her feet, but she came back with a smirk on her face like she knew she’d get chosen.

“They said they had never seen such long legs,” she said.

Tori was next.

“She walks like a gorilla at feeding time,” said the girl behind me.

I went next, and I tried to focus on not tripping over my feet. My mom’s pumps had a rubber sole on the bottom, which probably wasn’t the brightest idea seeing as my shoes were making squeaking noises as I walked. I was so nervous I couldn’t stop smiling as I walked. I looked like the plastic clown who blows up balloons with its mouth at the Pizza Palace. When I got to the end of the runway, I tried to cross my feet to turn like the other girls had, but I over rotated and ended up doing a full spin which made my kilt fan out and gave the mall walkers a view of my blue underpants. I tried to act like it was intentional and did an extra turn. One of the judges put her hand up to stop me, and I held my breath as she started to speak.

5.  Where can we learn more about you and your books?

You can learn more about me and my books by visiting:   

My Website

Facebook

Twitter 

Pinterest

Instagram

Goodreads

Book Trailer

Google+

Amazon author profile

You may purchase True Colors at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

iTunes

Kobo

Smashwords

Amazon UK

You can find out how I answered my own questions on Krysten's blog right here.