Kelly Couric interviews SUSAN VANHECKE

(boa waving madly) It's ME. Remember ME? KELLY Couric, the slightly chubby, super sassy and trailer-trashy twin sister of Katie Couric?!

I'm back and I'm so taking over the blog today while Barrie is hanging out over at Shari Green's blog. She doesn't even know I'm here.

And she definitely doesn't know I've arranged for an author interview with....the one...the only...



AUTHOR SUSAN VANHECKE

This is Susan. Doesn't she look creative and artsy? In fact, she's SO creative and artsy that she has TWO books out recently! TWO!



Susan co-wrote Rock 'n Roll Solder: A Memoir with Dean Ellis Kohl. This young-adult book is the true story of how Dean formed a rock 'n roll band in Vietnam during the war. We're talking having to find instruments, musicians, playing for the troops, worrying about staying alive. Yowzer! This book even has a forward by Graham Nash. Without going into too, too much details, let me just confess that once upon a time I was a huge CSN&Y groupie. I'm sure Graham still remembers me! (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

This is the cover for Susan's PICTURE BOOK (that's how versatile she is!): An Apple Pie for Dinner. It's the story of how Old Granny Smith (get it!!!?) trades a bunch of stuff to get apples so she can bake a pie. The very cool, 3D-ish illustrations are by Carol Baicker-McKee Here's a great book review by Sarahlynn of Yeah, but Houdini didn't have these hips.

Okay. Now that I've done my intro, I'll let Susan in. She's been waiting patiently for me to give her the "signal" for "the indepth interview is about to begin." (Kelly places the tips of her index finger and third finger against her lips and... whistles really really loudly. The door creaks open.)

(Susan enters slowly, blinking.) Was that the sign? Can I come in now? How long was I out there? More than a day?

Ha, ha, ha! Very funny. See, folks, she creative, artsy AND funny. (rubbing hands together). Let's dive into the interview. Susan, now that you've achieved your publishing goal, are you actually working on anything new? Or do writers publish, then chill on the couch, guzzling cocktails and bonbons?

Well, I don't know if I'd call it chillin' on the couch, exactly. More like collapsing, then praying that the synapses will recharge. But there's definitely loads of chocolate involved, the darker the better. New stuff? Yeah, there's always a bunch of new stuff waiting for some writerly love.

Chocolate and chillin'? I like the sounds of your lifestyle! So, be honest. Do you pay for your ideas? If not, where do you get them?

I follow the rainbow to its end and steal 'em from that big iron pot while the leprechaun's sleeping it off. You know, the pot with all the gold in it too. Hey, wait, it probably would be smarter – and a whole lot less work – to just take the little man's gold. Gotta try that next time.

Oh wow! I didn't realize you could actually get gold from the end of a rainbow. I thought that was, like, a fairy tale. Thanks for the tip. Next writing question: Do you outline?

Outline, shmoutline. I don't know how all those super-efficient, hyper-organized author types do it with their whiteboards and post-it notes and computer spreadsheets. If I get too [anal]ytical, it sucks the life right out of my writing. I'm more of a jot-the-story-arc-on-the-back-of-a-grocery-receipt type of gal, myself.

I agree. I could never outline. Never. (Kelly leans forward conspiratorially)Tell us something weird about yourself. Preferably juicy and scandalous. We're all friends here. Seriously. What's said on this blog, stays on this blog.

Just between you and me, Kel, I'm a book-sniffer. Total addict. Monkey on my back since grade school. I get a new tome in my hands and lose all control. Hardback, paperback, textbook, cookbook, it doesn't matter. I've got to crack that baby open, plunge my face inside, and breathe deep and long. It's a sickness, Kel, I know. But I'm handling it. Really. Maybe when I hit rock bottom – crawling the shelves at Barnes & Noble, pupils dilated, froth at the mouth – I'll consider rehab. Or maybe there's a 12-step I can look into. You familiar with Book Sniffers Anonymous?

No, I'm not familiar with that. But I'll ask around. And guess what I sniff? (pause) New shoes! (Kelly's stomach grumbles.) Time to talk food. What is your favorite dessert?

Oh, come on now, this one's too easy! You've got to know I'd answer apple pie! I'm so crazed for it that I actually applied to be a judge at the 2010 National Pie Championships in Orlando next spring. Hundreds of contestants, thousands of pies, from fruit and nut to cream and custard. Pie heaven! Hope I make the cut (no pun intended, Kel); keep your fingers crossed for me! Oh, and the recipe included in my picture book An Apple Pie For Dinner is the most delish ever. You can find it at www.AnApplePieForDinner.com; click on "Bake Your Own Apple PIe." There's even a step-by-step video to show you how to make it.

Oh, duh! Apple pie, of course! You know what I've learned from this interview, Susan? I could totally be an author. Totally. I can chill and eat chocolate. I know what a rainbow looks like. I'll start sniffing books and baking pie. I am so going to be published!

Oh, ack! What's that sound? Is that Barrie back already? I thought she'd stay way longer at Shari Green's blog. She loves Shari and all her questions. Susan, quick! Go! (Kelly opens back door and pushes Susan through.)

Microphone in hand, Kelly turns to the audience. "And that folks was one of the most outside-the-box interviews with Susan Vanhecke than you'll find anywhere on the Internet. AUTHOR SUSAN VANHECKE--you met her here first!
Later gator!

Trashy Kelly Couric interviews PJ Hoover!

EDITED TO ADD: PJ IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF THE EMERALD TABLET TO A LUCKY COMMENTER. JUST COMMENT BY WED., FEB 25 AT MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME FOR A CHANCE TO WIN. EITHER CHILD #4 OR ONE OF PJ'S DELIGHTFUL RUG RATS WILL CHOOSE A NAME!




Hi bloggy peeps! I'm baaack!. It's ME, the slightly chubby, super sassy and trailer-trashy KELLY Couric! I'm taking over the blog today while Barrie is helping out in Child #4's classroom. I get to interview Author PJ HOOVER who has a fantastic middle-grade fantasy out now, THE EMERALD TABLET. Middle-grade! I love it! It's exactly my reading level! Best of all, THE EMERALD TABLET is the first in a trilogy.

(knocks on door, then strides in, carefully balancing a tray of cookies) Hello! Barrie! I'm here! And I brought you some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.




(rushes over to PJ and grabs the cookies) Thank you, thank you. I'm always looking for extra fat grams.



(opening eyes wide) Are you...is it really....Am I going to be interviewed by THE trashy Kelly Couric?!




(puffing out chest and smiling proudly) You are, dahling, you are. And let's get started. (crosses ample thighs) So, PJ, pretend I'm a really rich and famous literary agent. And you're lucky enough to get to pitch to me. What's your book about?



THE EMERALD TABLET is the adventure every kid dreams of going on! It's about five kids who have to go to summer school. Which would normally result in a total yuck factor, right? Except in this case summer school is on a hidden continent under the Pacific Ocean (Lemuria). And to top it off, the kids find out they aren't even human, but an awesome species called telegens.

Here's the cover copy:
Benjamin and his best friend Andy are different from normal. They love being able to read each other's minds and use telekinesis to play tricks on other kids. In fact, they are getting all set to spend their entire summer doing just that when Benjamin's mirror starts talking. Suddenly, Benjamin's looking at eight weeks of summer school someplace which can only be reached by a teleporter inside the ugly picture in his hallway.
And that's the most normal thing he does all summer.

So are you ready to join them, Kelly???



Yeah, right. My idea of summer fun is Camp Marriott and a spa! And a masseuse. (rolls heavily-outlined eyes) PJ, now that you've achieved your publishing goal, are you actually working on anything new? Or do writers publish, then chill on the couch, guzzling cocktails and bonbons?


Cocktails wait until the kids get home :) Ditto bonbons, but I need to hide those from the kids unless I want to share (which NO, I do not).

I'm not much of a chiller. I started book 2 in the series (THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD, Fall 2009) as soon as I'd finished THE EMERALD TABLET. And then came book 3 (THE NECROPOLIS, Fall 2010). So basically I had all three books written (in one form or another) before I signed the contract. Of course they've all been through various stages of revision, but at least the guts are there, which is nice. Because guts are the solid base we're all built around. Or maybe it's the skeleton.

I've also started a couple new projects: a MG urban fantasy with an Egyptian theme, and a YA urban fantasy based heavily in Greek mythology.

My head is filled with ideas, and my kids keep giving me new ones. I'm sure I'll never catch up—which in the writing world I think is a good thing!



You're quite the busy bee! Now, PJ, we want you to open up to us on this blog. Tell us something weird about yourself. Preferably juicy and scandalous. We're all friends here. Seriously. And if it's something like a unibrow you've never had taken care of professionally, feel free to include a pic.


Wait! Maybe I need my cocktail first!
Okay, juicy and scandalous. I once met the famous Barrie Summy. Okay, it was twice; I admit it.
No really—it's true!
And wait until I tell you what she told me...

Fine, I'll dig deep and see what I can think of.
How about this? My mom let me go to school dressed like this in seventh grade (I'm the blond one). And yes, I did used to fit those pants. And no, I wouldn't have a prayer of fitting them now. And yes, it was the 80s. And no, I would never let my daughter dress like that.

A scandalous photo of PJ Hoover (she's the blond in the shocking blue pants)

(frowning) Don't even try to fake us out that Barrie told you something scandalous. But that outfit? It is scandalous! And, now back to ME. Last time I read a whole book was in high school. Could you recommend a book for me?

The book I would recommend for you, Kelly, is THE EMERALD TABLET. In fact, I would recommend this book for every person on Earth. And could you do me a favor and recommend it to everyone you meet also? It doesn't matter if you've read it or not. Just please tell everyone it's the best book in the world. And make sure to give them the amazon link in case they don't like to leave the house.
If you aren't sure what the book is about, please go back and read this interview.

And now for the most scrumptious question of all... What is your favorite cookie? (We'd love the recipe. We're planning a side bar link with all the cookie recipes.)

Simple!
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies!

I have two recipes I LOVE!

Recipe 1:
Go to freezer section of your favorite grocery store. Here in Texas, I'm way partial to the H-E-B. And yes, the B in H-E-B does stand for Butt.
Find a frozen dough package of whatever White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies are on sale.
Pick it up.
Buy it.
Cook per directions. Remember to save part of the uncooked dough to eat raw.

Recipe 2:
Walk into your favorite deli or other establishment which sells cookies.
Get money out of wallet.
Request one White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookie.
Pay for it.
Eat cookie.

(munching on a cookie) Okay, that's it, bloggy friends. The interview is officially over. I have some serious snacking to do. Have a great weekend! And thank you for stopping by, PJ Hoover, author of THE EMERALD TABLET.

EDITED TO ADD: PJ IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF THE EMERALD TABLET TO A LUCKY COMMENTER. JUST COMMENT BY WED., FEB 25 AT MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME FOR A CHANCE TO WIN. EITHER CHILD #4 OR ONE OF PJ'S DELIGHTFUL RUG RATS WILL CHOOSE A NAME!

Kelly Couric interviews TERI BROWN!

Kelly Couric here! (waving hands and dancing around madly). Barrie usually introduces me as..."the slightly chubby, super sassy and trailer-trashy KELLY Couric." I'm all that and more, folks. All that and more.




(Door squeaks open.) Hi, I'm Teri Brown. Is this where Barrie's doing my interview? Are you her secretary?

(Hands on ample hips, Kelly glares at Teri.) Her secretary? I so don't think so. If I weren't such a huge fan of Read My Lips, I'd quit talking to you. (clears throat) Okay, blogsphere people, I'd like you all to meet Teri Brown, member of the Class of 2k8, debut YA novelist of the fantastic Read My Lips.


Thank you. Thank you. So, Barrie put you in charge of my interview?




(looking around) Well, ya certainly don't see her around, do ya? In this cutthroat biz, you snooze, you lose. And that's literally what she's doing. Napping.



Oh, That's right. I heard Barrie's having a tough time with insomnia. Poor thing.


Poor thing? She's a major wimp. (claps loudly) Okay. On with the interview. Teri, pretend I'm a really rich and famous literary agent. And you're lucky enough to get to pitch to me. What's your book about?




I guess that depends on whether it’s an elevator pitch or a longer pitch! My elevator pitch was this: A deaf skater chick moves to a new school and uses her amazing lip reading ability to infiltrate the popular crowd, bust up an exclusive secret sorority, and tame the school rebel.

If we were actually talking over drinks I would expand on that!


Do you outline?





Do I what?

Um no. I actually start off with an idea and then write a back cover type blurb on it. Then I write out a three or four page synopsis and try to capture the major plot elements as well as the MC’s emotional journey. Then I start writing. Usually the finished product differs quite a bit from the first synopsis!

Now that you've achieved your publishing goal, are you actually working on anything new? Or do writers publish, then chill on the couch, guzzling cocktails and bonbons?



I wish! Once you’re published you immediately start worrying about the second book! It’s so important for your overall career to get that second book contract, to say nothing of your self esteem!

Then there is the whole book launch to worry about! And then of course, sales, etc. Being a writer entails so much more than writing!

Tell us something weird about yourself. Preferably juicy and scandalous. We're all friends here. Seriously. What's said on this blog, stays on this blog.



Except of course that the blog is PUBLIC!




Drat! You're pretty AND smart.






I’m afraid I’m going to have to abstain from anyting scandalous, because my past is pretty checkered!

One cool thing is that I survived a brain tumor. At least, it’s pretty cool to most teens! Especially when I get into the gritty details on how they had to slit my nose open and break it in order to get up to where the tumor was and… what? Kelly are you alright? You’re looking a little green…





(plugging ears) This is NOT a medical blog. I repeat, this is NOT a medical blog.




(Teri smiles) I think Barrie could've handled that.



(Kelly rolls eyes) Whatever. So, what's your favorite cookie? Are you willing to share?




Share cookies or recipes? I am seriously dieting so I haven’t had a real cookie in ages. My favorite cookies are Oreos. Honestly. So I am currently stuck on the 100 calorie pack Oreos. They don’t have any cream filling, but I think it’s overrated anyway.

Thanks so much for stopping by. You're definitely my type of gal. Well, except for the gross medical details. But I'm definitely into the checkered past thing. So, did you bring me a gift? Like, say, a bottle of Glenfiddich? In that cute triangular bottle?


(Teri laughs.) No gifts, sorry. But thank you for interviewing me. And tell Barrie I hope she's sleeping better soon.



Sure. I'll tell her. You can count on me. Yada, yada, yada.




Okay, people. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Read My Lips by Teri Brown. You have until Saturday, July 12 at midnight (Pacific time). The next day, because Child #4 is only eight and doesn't get to stay up until midnight, Child #4 will randomly choose a name from a bowl. Barrie'll send you the book.

Kelly tosses a boa over her shoulder, then sashays off. When she's halfway across the room, she stops and turns. "Hey, and don't worry...I'll be back!"