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Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Rob Renzetti!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Rob Renzetti

Rob Renzetti is a veteran of TV animation whose work on Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends earned him an Emmy. He created the Nickelodeon show My Life as a Teenage Robot, acted as the supervising producer for Disney’s Gravity Falls, and served as executive producer on the first two seasons of Disney’s Big City Greens, among other projects. Recently, he has published four books for Disney Publishing, including the New York Times #1 Best Seller Gravity Falls: Journal 3 and Onward: Quests of Yore.

Website * Instagram * X

 

 

 

 

About the Book: The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment

From the creator of My Life As a Teenage Robot comes the second story in a middle-grade horror series about a horrible bag, the spine-chilling world hidden within it, and a terrifying adventure into the world of GrahBhag.

Perfect for fans of Coraline, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and Small Spaces.

 

Zenith Maelstrom knows he’s forgetting something…

But he can’t quite remember what. He wakes up to notes in his handwriting with messages like, “Prepare for battle!” – but what battle? – and his sister Apogee seems to grow angrier with him by the day. It’s not until he finds Apogee sneaking back into the horrible bag hidden away in their basement that all the dreadful details about GrahBhag resurface. The spiderlike Shlurps. The trio of foul mouths that hunger for blood. Eldritch horrors around every corner.

Desperate to save Apogee from her ill-planned attempt to right the wrongs of their last trip into the bag, Zenith is forced to follow her into the bizarre world that has certainly not forgotten them. Between old foes set on vengeance like Raggedy Albert and terrifying new ones like the haunting Wraith, Zenith will have to put things right with his sister without falling into the clutches of those who would do him harm. For if he is caught, Eternity Tower awaits…

With a combination of dry, absurdist humor and no-holds-barred horror, Rob Renzetti has crafted a delightfully imaginative fantasy world that will hook readers as surely as it will send chills down their spines.

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~Author Chat~

 

YABC:  How was writing a sequel different from the first book?

The biggest difference was the challenge of creating something new and at the same time familiar. You want to give your readers more of what they loved about the first book and at the same time expand the world to include new characters and locations. You also don’t want to repeat the exact same story arc but have to stay within the conventions of the genre. Luckily there’s a lot of room for different sorts of stories within the fantasy and horror genres.

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

I promise I’m not cheating when I say my favorite character is actually two characters. A sister and brother duo named Hazel and Hardy. They are guards in Eternity Tower, GrahBhag’s most feared and infamous prison. They take very different approaches to their job with Hazel being very strict and Hardy incredibly lenient. (To explain how I’m not cheating would spoil a fun reveal from the book.)

YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?

When I hit my deadline. It’s hard to feel completely done with any story. If it were up to me, I would’ve probably held off publishing the entire Horrible Bag series till I had a chance to write all three because as I’m writing the third I’m discovering things I’d wished I’d done differently in the first. All three stories are intricately connected. I had a lot of those connections figured out from the get-go but not all of them. Luckily, there have been a number of random choices I made that have actually turned out to be very useful in tying the whole series together.

YABC: What research did you do to write this book?

I’ve always loved the work of M.C. Escher and when I started thinking about what a GrahBhagian prison could be like, his depiction of impossible, perplexing places sprung to mind. I thought it would be an interesting challenge to write passages that elicit the sort of delightful puzzlement that Escher’s artwork creates in a person’s mind. To do my research, I travelled no further than the bookshelf where I keep my treasured Escher art book.

YABC:  What word do you have trouble overusing?

There are so many to choose from! I’m definitely a fan of lists with titles like “20 words to eliminate from your manuscript.” But, off the top of my head, I would pick “started.” In my first drafts, I always have characters “starting” to do something when they should just be doing that thing.

YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?

I’m an avid player of card and board games. My wife and I play games with almost every meal. And I love to hike. I live very close to Griffith Park, a huge parcel of undeveloped land in the middle of Los Angeles with dozens of different trails, one of which leads to the legendary Hollywood sign.

YABC: What kind of animal would your main character be and why?

Having lived with them for over twenty years, rabbits are my favorite animal, and I would love to feature one in a future book. But right now, I’m kicking around an idea which would have a cat as the main character.

YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?

As I’m a lover of all things horror, Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. I celebrate the scary year-round but love it when, once a year, everyone else joins me. There are many professional and amateur haunted houses in the wider Los Angeles area, but I’m especially fond of the home haunts and spend several nights each Halloween season driving to different neighborhoods to check them out.

YABC:   What’s up next for you?

The third book in The Horrible Bag series, which has the working title of The Cursed Cloak of the Wretched Wraith. It’s winding its way through the editorial process as we speak and will be out in Summer 2025. It’s been loads of fun and also a tremendous challenge wrapping up my first trilogy. I hope readers will enjoy seeing all the loose ends tied up and feel satisfied with the Maelstroms siblings’ ultimate fate. Can an ending be both horrible and happy?

 

 

 

Title: THE TWISTED TOWER OF ENDLESS TORMENT

Author: Rob Renzetti

Release Date: 7/23/24

Publisher:  Penguin Workshop

ISBN-10: 0593519558

ISBN-13: 9780593519554

Genre: Middle Grade Horror

Age Range: 8-12

 

 

 

~ Giveaway Details ~

 

Three (3) winners will receive a copy of The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment (Rob Renzetti) ~US Only!

 

*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*

 

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Kara A. Kennedy (I Will Never Leave You)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Kara A. Kennedy

KARA A. KENNEDY has been telling ghost stories—and sometimes living them—since childhood. She holds a BA in Professional Writing from Penn State University, where she worked as a writing tutor for years. Kara is an Author Mentor Match alumna and a Pitch Wars ’21 mentee. She lives in Pennsylvania with her partner and their two kittens, Roanoke and Renegade. I Will Never Leave You is her debut novel. Find Kara online at karakennedywrites.com and follow her on X/Twitter and Instagram at @karaaislinn, and on TikTok at @karakennedywrites.

Website * Instagram * X * TikTok

 

 

 

About the Book: I Will Never Leave You

Maya has always belonged to Alana. After four years of dating, and on the precipice of graduating high school, Maya has been too terrified to consider the idea of life outside of their volatile relationship. Until she finds the courage to break up with Alana while they’re hiking in Southern California.

Then Alana goes missing. As the police get involved and the media run wild with the story, everyone seems to think that Maya is lying about Alana’s disappearance. Secretly, Maya knows they’re right: if Alana’s dead, she’s the one to blame.

But that’s not Maya’s only secret. Alana isn’t gone, not really—and she isn’t going to let Maya go so easily…

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

I love all of them for different reasons! I feel super bonded to Maya because I went on such an emotional journey with her, but I had the most fun writing Alana. Her dialogue was a blast to write – sometimes I wouldn’t know what was going to come out of her mouth next. Writing really becomes a joy when your own characters start surprising you, and that happened constantly with Alana.

YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?

Definitely the novel! The book was originally called GIRLS WE USED TO BE, taken from a line near the end of the story, but I felt it was too similar to some other titles of published works. I changed it to THE MOST BREAKABLE THING, which is the title it had when I signed with my agent and when we sold to Delacorte Press. It kept this title until the day before the deal announcement ran in Publishers Weekly – my editor suggested I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, and I immediately fell in love with it.

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

Without spoilering anything, there’s a scene where Maya is essentially being walked through a series of Alana’s memories that I really loved writing. It’s a bit more speculative and experimental, but exactly the type of thing I like writing, and I had fun making it as eerie as possible.

YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?

My cover artist, Carolina Rodriguez Fuenmayor, did an absolutely amazing job! I love the way that she incorporated California poppies, which are a major symbol throughout the book.

YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2024?

I’m beyond excited for Allison Saft’s latest release, A DARK AND DROWNING TIDE. I’ve also had the privilege of reading Rachel Moore’s adventure romcom called US IN RUINS that comes out in September. Her sparkling prose and quick wit are fully on display in this book, and I can’t wait for it to hit shelves.

YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?

I absolutely adored EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG by Jenna Voris. She blended together so many things I love in YA – a sapphic enemies to lovers romance, a fun coming-of-age story, commentary on fame and the music industry, and a twisty mystery.

YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?

I spent a lot of time rewriting the scenes where Maya spoke to, or was interrogated by, the police. Aside from making sure those conversations were accurate and engaging, I had to pay close attention to how much information Maya would choose to reveal, what she would actively conceal, and what she would give away without realizing it. It was tricky to balance, and challenging to keep all the info straight throughout multiple rounds of revisions!

YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?

Throughout the four years I spent on I Will Never Leave You, from the earliest drafting stages to final copyedits, the story’s message never changed: I wanted to not just paint a clear picture of the realities of emotional abuse and toxic relationships, but illuminate a path for anyone who has walked that particular gauntlet. Maya says near the end of the book, “to save myself, I can do anything,” and my hope is that this is helpful to survivors of any type of trauma – you are stronger than you think.

YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?

Read widely – across genres, across styles, across age ranges. I’m always learning from the different books I read, and I know I’ll never stop learning! I’d also extend that advice beyond books: consume as much media as you can, and pay attention to the writing. I’ve learned so much about craft from TV shows like Arcane and The Bear, video games like Life is Strange and The Last of Us, movies like Do Revenge and Cloud Atlas. These all seem like super random examples, but I love paying close attention to the different ways stories are told across all varieties and genres of media and bringing those influences back into my own work!

 

 

 

Title: I Will Never Leave You

Author: Kara A. Kennedy

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Genre: Young Adult, Supernatural, LGBTQ

Age Range: 12 and up

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We are excited to share a giveaway for WHEN BEAVERS FLEW: AN INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF RESCUE AND RELOCATION (Kristen Tracy)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Kristen Tracy

Kristen Tracy grew up in a tiny town in Idaho near Yellowstone Park surrounded by untamed and fascinating animals.  She is a poet and YA author and has recently started writing picture books. Her debut picture book A Cub Story was published in 2021. Kristen Tracy young adult novels include Lost It, Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus, Hung Up, and Project Unpopular. She won the Emily Dickinson First Book Award from the Poetry Foundation for her collection Half-Hazard.

Website * X

 

 

 

About the Book: WHEN BEAVERS FLEW: AN INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF RESCUE AND RELOCATION

 

This fascinating picture book tells the unique, quirky, and true story of how one man in Idaho saved 76 beavers from destroying a town by parachuting them into uninhabited wetlands.

In 1948, the town of McCall, Idaho was growing rapidly. World War II was over, and the little town tucked away in the mountains began to boom. There was only one problem. As the town expanded, they found beavers everywhere. A beaver here, a beaver there, and it didn’t take long to realize that humans and beavers weren’t great cohabitators. But one clever and resourceful Fish and Game Warden named Elmo Heter had an idea.

Heter knew that the beavers were integral to the wetlands, so keeping the well-being of the beavers in mind he set out to find a way to relocate them. After a few failed attempts, he finally landed on a wild idea… parachutes. Using a surplus of parachutes left over from WWII and creating a special box with air holes designed to pop open when it hit the ground, Heter devised a way to parachute the beavers into Idaho’s backcountry, an area that beavers hadn’t inhabited in decades.

Kirsten Tracy’s fascinating and playful nonfiction text pairs beautifully with Luisa Uribe’s detailed illustrations to bring this compelling true story to life.

Purchase

 

 

 

 

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Maggie Edkins Willis (Little Ghost Makes a Friend)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Maggie Edkins Willis

Maggie Edkins Willis grew up in Missouri and Maine in houses that, sadly, were not haunted. She now writes and illustrates books for children from her home studio in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she lives with her husband and son. Their last house is maybe haunted, but she’s still waiting to meet the ghost. You can visit her online at MaggieMadeThis.com.

Website * Instagram * Twitter

 

 

 

About the Book: Little Ghost Makes a Friend

A shy ghost learns the secret to making friends is being his spooky, sparkly self in this charming debut picture book that’s perfect for fans of Stumpkin.

Little Ghost and his mom have been happily haunting their creaky old house for years, just the two of them. When a new girl moves in next door, Little Ghost wants to introduce himself. But making friends can be scary…until he comes up with the perfect plan: he’s going to invite her over for a Halloween party! But what costume will make her want to be friends with him?

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC:  What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

This book actually started as an Instagram post. I drew an illustration of Little Ghost in a bunch of different costume pieces just as a one-off a few weeks before Halloween in 2021. An Art Director I had crossed paths with in the past, Sarah Creech, saw it and reposted it to her stories, which is where my editor, Catherine, saw it. Catherine was on the look out for a sweet character with autumnal vibes, and she reached out to my agent to ask whether I would be interested in creating a book based on that character. I was, of course, and now here we are! Sarah ended up being my Art Director on the project, and the original piece of art from the instagram post is included in the book! It’s a very serendipitous, full-circle kind of project.

 

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I love the Halloween scenes, outside at night. Trying to make the atmosphere feel glow-y and magical was a challenge while also making sure the characters didn’t feel too grayed-out. I based the neighborhood off of one where my sister lived in Houston, which had all these cool houses of different ages and architectural styles all built next to each other, which made each of the houses feel like it had a personality. Little Ghost’s haunted old house in this book is very much a character in itself, with all it’s spooky details, so that was important to me! I also love the scene where Little Ghost flops on the floor in despair– I love the bird’s eye view angle and the relatable emotions that are captured there, and that rug took forever to draw!

 

YABC:   How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?

I like to keep a specific reader in mind when I’m writing, and I try to get the voice to speak directly to them– for my middle grade books, that reader is usually me as a 10-14 year old. Books were very formative for me at that age, and I remember really well what I responded to and hoped to find in books then, so I try to tap into that. For picture books, I try to write more for my son. He’s only two and a half now, but I can already get a sense of what he responds to most in the books we read: the sound effects that get him excited, the types of facial expressions that make him giggle. That really helps shape my voice for that genre.

 

YABC:  What can readers expect to find in your books?

Friendship is always a big component in my books, as are parent-child relationships– that goes for my older middle grade graphic novels as well as picture books. I think there is a little bit of sweetness in everything I do– even my prickly characters tend to have gooey centers.

 

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

I love munching on Cinnamon Chex. I often have a cup full of dry cereal that I work my way through over a couple hours, one piece at a time.

YABC: If you were able to meet them, would you be friends with your main character?

I would love to be friends with Little Ghost! My family and I have moved around a lot over the last few years, and I’m always on the lookout for ghosts in the houses where we live. I THINK there might have been one in our last house, but our current home is new, so it seems unlikely that I’ll find one here. Guess you never know, though!

 

YABC:   What do you do when you procrastinate?

I’m not a huge procrastinator, but when I get stuck somewhere on a project it’s usually important for me to get up from my desk and move around a bit. I’ll take my dog for a walk or go to a yoga class or something, and by the time I sit back down, I’ve usually got an idea of how to solve whatever problem it is that has me stalled.

 

YABC:   What’s up next for you?

I have a number of picture books coming out in the next few years! My next with Simon & Schuster is called DINKY THE TINYSAUR, and I think fans of Little Ghost will really love this new character. It’s kind of a Clifford-type story, but with a really fun dino twist. I’ve also got a book coming out next year with Penguin called THUNDERLAND that I’m really excited about, and I’m hard at work on my next middle grade graphic novel, BABY STEPS, as well. I’m keeping busy for sure!

 

YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?

I do really like Halloween, which is very appropriate for this particular book! My husband is a college football coach, so Halloween falls right in his busy season at work, so a new tradition we’re starting this year is decorating his football offices and inviting kids in the department to trick-or-treat there, so their dads can be a part of the fun. I’m really looking forward to it.

 

YABC:   Is there anything that you would like to add?

I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with you all about LITTLE GHOST MAKES A FRIEND! I love love love hearing from readers, so please come find me @maggie.made.this on Insta and Threads and @maggiemadethis on Twitter and TikTok.

 

 

 

Title: LITTLE GHOST MAKES A FRIEND

Author: MAGGIE EDKINS WILLIS

Illustrator: Maggie Edkins Willis

Release Date: 7/16/24

Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books

Genre: Picture Book

Age Range: 4 to 8

 

 

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Diann Floyd Boehm (Ruby Takes Chicago)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Diann Floyd Boehm

Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children’s books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”.  You can find all her books on Amazon.

Diann’s Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories.

Diann is the co-host with Dr. Jacalyn on USA Global TV.

Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations.

Diann was born to parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.

Keep in touch with Diann by joining her newsletter: www.Diannfloydboehm.com.

Website * Instagram * X * Facebook

 

 

 

About the Book: Ruby Takes Chicago

Ruby Takes Chicago is the sequel to Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More. It’s now the 1920s, and a young Ruby Dinsmore leaves her hometown of Oilton, Oklahoma, and heads for Chicago to make her dreams come true. In the first book, Ruby, born in 1904, grows up wanting to be a businesswoman and does everything she can to make it happen. At the end of Rise, Ruby’s family realizes that her dreams can only come true in a larger town where the workforce would accept a young woman with a college education. Once in Chicago, Ruby realizes with surprise that, even in a big city, society as a whole still hesitates to accept women who work outside the home. Determined to stay true to herself, she takes on the challenges of life in tumultuous times of Prohibition, protests, and women’s rights marches. Ruby meets like-minded women, and together they break through the barriers until Ruby lands the perfect job, all amidst discovering the joys of life and love, and heartbreak… and love again.

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC:  What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

Ruby Takes Chicago is the sequel to Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More. I was not sure I would do a sequel, but my publisher had enough feedback from readers that it was important to let the readers learn more about Ruby. I gave it some thought and agreed with OC Publishing that the rest of Ruby’s journey should inspire readers to find her dreams in a man’s world.

The main character, Ruby Dinsmore, is based on my grandmother Ruby. She was an inspiration to me, and I believe inspires her readers to go after their dreams.

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

The main character, Ruby Dinsmore, is my favorite character because she is someone the readers can relate to: working, love, heartache, friendship and the ups and downs of life.

YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?

I always find it hard to stop writing a story. I go back and forth, wanting to add or delete. Lucky for me, my publisher says, “Diann, you can put the pen down.” That is a great feeling.

YABC: What research did you do to write this book?

There is a lot of research that goes into writing historical fiction. I studied the:

· Years covered in the story

· Weather

· Political environment

· Fashion

· Speech

· Customs

 I must admit, I enjoyed learning so much that I went down rabbit holes and would have to get back to the purpose of the story.

 

YABC:  How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?

 Great question. There are a few ways I work to make sure I am true to my voice. My mom would give me feedback Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More. Ruby Takes Chicago I knew all the stories from my mom, grandma, aunts and cousins. Probably more information than my grandma would have wanted me to know, which helped me stay true to Ruby’s voice. Plus, I was very close to my grandma Ruby, so I knew her personality and her sisters would tell me even more stories about how grandma was and how the town reactions were to a girl who wanted more in life.

Second, my publisher, Anne O’Connell, played a huge role making sure I was true to my character’s voice.

Third, I would read out loud my work and when I do that, I can hear how I can improve my writing or if I knocked it out of the park.

 

YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy gardening, quilting, singing. I am talking some AI classes to learn about the pros and cons of AI for authors.

 

YABC:   What do you do when you procrastinate?

Depending on the season, I will be out gardening, and in the winter, I will be sewing. I have a new sewing machine that does embroidery, so I am learning how to use the embroidery part of the machine. I also enjoy simple quilting. I find it all very relaxing and my imagination seems to return so I can get back to my writing.

YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?

I love holidays for various reasons, but I must say Thanksgiving is my favorite. I have 5 brothers and their families and my sisters-in-law’s families. We all meet up at one brother’s home and sometimes we have over 32 people there. It has enabled cousins to be friends and develop a close family relationship.

We have a major feast with everyone bringing their favorite dish. There are games for the kids, watermelon contest, egg toss, water toss etc.  One of my brothers gives a little speech reminding the younger ones of the purpose of Thanksgiving and the feast begins. We gather around 1pm and sometimes no one leaves till late into the night.

 

 

Title: Ruby Takes Chicago

Author: Diann Floyd Boehm

Release Date: November 13, 2023

Publisher: OC Publishing

Genre: Y/A

Age Range: 13 -18

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Jill Baguchinsky (So Witches We Became)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Jill Baguchinsky

Jill Baguchinsky is an award-winning author who grew up on a barrier island just off the coast of Southwest Florida, where she read too much Stephen King and dodged more hurricanes than she could count. After one storm too many, she and her mini menagerie of rescue animals moved inland. Aside from the manatees she used to watch in her backyard canal, Jill doesn’t miss much about island life. She invites you to visit her online at jillbaguchinsky.com.

Website * Instagram * X * Facebook

 

 

 

About the Book: So Witches We Became

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if “boys will be boys”, girls will fight back.

For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island’s tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast.

Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she’d rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that’s haunted her since childhood.

Easier said than done. But when Nell’s friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past.

Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse–the choice is yours.

Purchase

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I grew up on Marco Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida, so I’ve been through plenty of hurricanes. We never got a direct hit, though, until Hurricane Irma in 2017. That was the first time I ever evacuated instead of “hunkering down” at home for a hurricane; the risk of storm surge-related flooding was too great to stay. We ended up lucky; although our home needed some major repairs, things could have been much worse. Still, the entire experience—especially the unease that came from tracking the storm’s path, evacuating, and not knowing what I’d be coming home to—changed me. I knew I’d eventually write a hurricane book, both to help myself process some lingering emotions, and to play with that kind of slow, creeping dread in a more entertaining way.

That idea evolved into So Witches We Became, but along the way I realized that I was focusing on the wrong antagonist. Hurricanes aren’t villains; they’re forces of nature. Meanwhile, public discourse at the time was full of comments like “boys will be boys” and excuses about things like “locker room talk.” Hearing so much of that made me mad. Really mad. That rage inspired the real villain – the human villain – in So Witches We Became.

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

I’m really fond of Harry, Harper’s high-strung older brother, who gets roped into chaperoning Nell, Harper and Dia on their spring break trip. He’s extremely responsible, a stickler for following the rules – he totally gets that from me – but as we get to know him better, we start seeing him as more than just a stick in the mud. He carries emotional baggage of his own to the island, and he can be adorably awkward.

YABC:  What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?

A few spooky plot details are based on things I actually experienced about a decade ago, so I guess those technically came first! I was at a vacation home with a group of friends, and weird things kept happening. The phantom ice cream truck occurrence happened almost exactly as I describe it in the book, and there was a broken-down bus on the property similar to the one Nell finds on the island. The layout of the house in So Witches We Became and some of the surrounding property (especially the long, narrow dock that stretches out over the bay) are based on locations from that trip.

I don’t know if anyone else who was on that vacation remembers those details the way I do, but I did warn everyone that I’d be writing some of that week into a book someday – and now here we are!

YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I would definitely stick with horror. Horror can play around with just about any other genre and still be horror. There’s a swoony little romance subplot in So Witches We Became that balances out some of the darkness and trauma – if I can get away with that in a horror story, I can get away with just about anything.

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

I’m usually too busy tossing snacks to my office assistants to remember to grab anything for myself! They prefer romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and green bell peppers. (My office assistants are guinea pigs, and they are always hungry.)

YABC: If you were able to meet them, would you be friends with your main character?

I think Nell and I would get along great. We’re both the “mom friend” in our friend groups. We could chat about horror stories and bond over the fact that we both have childhood trauma related to sleep paralysis nightmares.

YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?

I think I’m the opposite of most writers when it comes to procrastination – most of the writers I know clean the house when they should be writing, but I write so I can put off cleaning. I’ll write an entire chapter to avoid scrubbing a toilet.

YABC: What fandom would you write for if you had time?

In terms of fanfic? Ghostbusters. The 2016 reboot. I’m not nearly as active in the fandom as I used to be, but that movie still owns my heart (the entire franchise does, but especially the reboot). Holtzmann in particular practically writes herself.

Now, if we’re talking in a professional, intellectual-property sense… I could absolutely knock anything related to Disney’s Haunted Mansion franchise out of the park. Fan for life here. Obsessed. That ride is my entire aesthetic. Call me, Disney. Let’s discuss.

YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?

Is Halloween too much of a cliche for a horror writer? The approach of Halloween signals so many good things for me. Shorter days and cooler weather are coming. Stores are increasingly full of spooky decor. Those twelve-foot-tall skeletons are waking up from hibernation and returning to lawns. Pumpkin spice is invading. Black cats are getting the appreciation they deserve. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?

I always like to mention that content warnings for So Witches We Became are available on my website, for those who like to review such things before reading: https://jillbaguchinsky.com/swwb-content/

 

 

 

Title: So Witches We Became

Author: Jill Baguchinsky

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA fiction, horror

Age Range: 14+

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Alexandra Alessandri (Grow Up, Luchy Zapata)!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Alexandra Alessandri

Alexandra Alessandri is the author of several books for children, including Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, Our World: Colombia, Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas, and Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, which is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her books have gone on to receive numerous distinctions, including the Florida Book Award, International Latino Book Award, Américas Award Commendable Title, and the ILA 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award in Primary Fiction. The daughter of Colombian immigrants, she is also an educator, a writer for Curriculum Associates, and a poet. Alexandra lives in Florida with her husband and son.

Website * Instagram * X * Facebook

 

 

 

About the Book: Grow Up, Luchy Zapata

A funny, relatable middle school drama about two Colombian American girls who have always been BFFs—until sixth grade turns everything upside down.

Luchy Zapata is starting middle school, and she’s muy excited. She and her two best friends, Cami and Mateo, will finally be at the same school. Luchy and Mateo will be in art class together, and she and Cami can try out for the same soccer team! As long as they’re all together, Luchy can handle anything.

But Cami has been acting weird ever since she got back from visiting family in Colombia. She’s making new, “cool” friends who just seem mean. And suddenly, everything about Luchy and Mateo is too immature for her.

Luchy is determined to help Cami remember how special their friendship is. They’ve been BFFs their whole lives, and that can’t just disappear in a poof of glitter! But…what if Cami doesn’t even want to be friends anymore?

Amazon * B&N * Indiebound

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

The origins of this story began as my son finished fifth grade and embarked on his middle school journey. As I lived through those moments with him, navigating the messy feelings of excitement, fear, and anticipation—and later, as I watched him navigate hallways, teachers, and friendships—I couldn’t help but remember my own experiences. When he went through a friendship breakup, I remembered my own painful one in 5th grade from a friend I’d had since I was two; like Luchy, I was ditched for the “cool” kids when my BFF finally came to my school. As he flourished in his band elective, I remembered my middle school art class and the bullying I experienced there. As I heard about who-likes-whom and who’s-talking-to-whom, I remembered what it was like during my middle school years thirty-some years ago. Slowly, as I wrote down what I was witnessing and remembering, Luchy jumped onto the page with the strongest and snazziest voice I’ve experienced thus far in my writing career!

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

Luchy! She is so like my son and me in many ways, but she’s also wholly unique and her own character. She’s so much more confident in herself than I ever was at her age, and I admire her determination to stay true to who she is. But I also have a super soft spot for her BFFs Cami and Mateo.

YABC: What research did you do to write this book?

While a lot of the book is drawn from lived experiences and knowledge acquired from my own culture, visits to Colombia, and education (my MA thesis was on magical realism in literature!), I did have to do some research into art references and techniques, including the use magical realism in art as well as what art education in middle school looks like today in Miami. Huge thanks to the real Mrs. Fernandez who answered all my questions about her lessons and who gave me a glimpse into her classroom!

YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?

When I begin brainstorming a new story, I read a lot in the age category in which I’m writing, i.e. when I’m writing middle grade, I read tons of middle grade novels—especially those in similar genres. Since I write across multiple age categories, this has become important for me to refocus my voice and style for that particular project. But also! I observe kids in the age group in question. For Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, my son, his friends, and his classmates were a wonderful resource for staying true to their voices. I volunteered often at his school, and I hung out with him and his friends. This provided ample inspiration for the middle school voice. Now that he’s older and entering senior year of high school, the kids of friends and family members, as well as school visits, provide that wonderful opportunity to observe and interact with students who are younger.

YABC: What is your favorite writing space?

My favorite writing space hands down is my hammock in my backyard—weather permitting. Because of my chronic pain, I find it hard to sit for extended periods of time, so the hammock helps me be more effective with my writing time. But I also love being outdoors; it’s incredibly healing for me, so writing in my hammock is both productive and soothing.

YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?

Luchy is such a foodie, so I have plans to celebrate with some of my favorite Colombian treats on the day she releases. I’m also asking readers and friends to share their favorite middle school photos of themselves on social media with the hashtag #GrowUpLuchyZapata, to help Luchy survive 6^th grade. Be on the lookout for pics of me in all my middle school glory! And, I have an in-person launch at my local indie Books & Books on Saturday, July 27 in Coral Gables, FL at 6 pm.

 

YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?

When I’m not writing, I enjoy other creative pursuits, like doodling/drawing, music, photography, crafts, and baking. I also really love traveling with my family.

 

YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?

When I’m burnt out, I have a habit of procrastinating by binge watching The Voice or AGT. Or I start baking.

 

YABC: What’s up next for you?

Up next, I have a short story about a girl who emerges from grief and battles with fibromyalgia to discover how to love herself and life again in the anthology All the Love Under the Vast Sky, a collection of short stories in verse surrounding the theme of love. So many rockstar authors are in this anthology, edited by Kip Wilson—look for it on January 14, 2025! I also have an unannounced picture book set to release in 2026 that I’m super excited about. Like with my current books, these two are also deeply inspired by my lived experiences, including my own journey with fibromyalgia.

 

 

 

Title: Grow Up, Luchy Zapata

Author: Alexandra Alessandri

Illustrator: N/A (cover illustration by Rose Bousamra)

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary

Age Range: 8-12

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Katrina Emmel!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Katrina Emmel

Katrina Emmel grew up in New Hampshire, moved to the Midwest for graduate school, and continued traveling westward until she reached the Pacific. Now a SoCal resident, Katrina lives in an active household with her husband, two children, father-in-law, and their twin beagles, Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp. In addition to writing fiction, she loves science, crafts, making up silly songs for her kids, and supporting monarch conservation by planting lots of milkweed. Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses is her debut novel.

Website * Instagram

 

 

 

About the Book: Near Misses & Cowboy Kisses

A swoon-worthy YA rivals-to-lovers romance between a Nebraskan cowboy and California girl, thrust together on the Oregon Trail.

Anything’s possible under a prairie sky…

 

Riley Thomas is feeling stuck—she’s moved from California to Nebraska, she’s on a weeklong Oregon Trail family bonding excursion, and her luggage is lost. There’s no one her age on the trip except a tall, dark and irksome cowboy who wrongly assumes she has zero ability to handle the great outdoors. She can’t wait for this misery to end—even though going “home” isn’t even possible anymore.

Lone wolf Colton Walker loves the simpler life of the plains and his family’s tourism business that helps protect them. He’s a stand-up guy—not a love ‘em and leave ‘em type like his rival, Jake. And he knows better than to take his chances with a prairie princess like Riley.

But Riley’s got more sense than Colton thinks–and he’s not nearly as inflexible as he seems. And under a wide prairie sky of puffy clouds and bright stars, everything comes into focus–including a cowboy’s heart.

Katrina Emmel’s Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses will take you on a sweeping journey across the American prairie . . . once you love a boy in a Stetson, you’ll never be the same.

 

 

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC:  What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I was up late one night, unable to sleep, and an infomercial came on about an Oregon Trail excursion where families could have a pioneer experience, complete with campfire cooking and tenting. The idea of traveling across the American prairie in a covered wagon stuck with me and I couldn’t shake the idea that an excursion like that would be an interesting and unique setting for a contemporary young adult romance.

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I’m proud of the bison chase scene. I don’t often incorporate cinematic-style action scenes in the romances I write, so incorporating writing that’s more physical and less introspective was a good challenge. It was important to me that the scene be fast-paced and full of tension, but also plausible. 

 

YABC:  What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?

The landscape came first, and it spent almost 10 years kicking around in my brain waiting for the right concept. Once I’d decided to use the Oregon Trail/American prairie as the setting for a contemporary YA romance, the plot and the characters developed pretty quickly.

YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Definitely romance, because the world needs more love and hope and positive, sunshiny vibes. I’m channeling my inner Jackie DeShannon here, and if this was an audio interview, I ‘d probably break out into song with a few bars of “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Or maybe, “All You Need is Love,” by The Beatles.

YABC:   How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?

To develop a character’s voice, I read books and watch shows and movies developed for the young adult market. Newspaper and magazine articles written by and/or about teens are also valuable resources. I also draw a lot from the emotions and experiences I had when I was a teen.

YABC:   What can readers expect to find in your books?

Readers can expect smart and swoon-worthy leads and vibrant settings, where the romance is a sweet, slow-burn. I try to keep the story light-hearted and the ending satisfying. I also like to add in science references and plenty of animals (both domesticated and wild), too.

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

 I usually don’t eat when I’m writing, as drafting tends happen while I’m in a folding chair at my kids’ sports practices or late at night in bed (and it’s never a good idea to get crumbs in bed). However, a good cup of tea has gotten me through more tricky writing sessions than I can count.

YABC:   What do you do when you procrastinate?

I try very hard not to procrastinate. I learned quickly when I was a resident advisor in college that crises usually happened the night before a major exam or a report was due, so it was good to be ready before a deadline. However, when there’s a lot on my plate, I can get into “freeze mode,” where I just don’t know where to start. In those situations, I usually create a task list to make things more manageable and keep myself motivated to get stuff done.

YABC:  What fandom would you write for if you had time?

I’m a Murder, She Wrote fangirl, and would love to create some crimes for the incomparable Jessica Fletcher to solve. My 7-year-old daughter and I are currently making our way through the series and I love the questions she asks and the who-dunnit theories she comes up with.

YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?

This is a tricky question and I don’t think I can choose just one. Every year for Halloween, I’ve designed and handmade my kids’ costumes, which is always a good challenge and a lot of fun. On Christmas Eve, we enjoy a traditional Lithuanian Kūčios dinner with old family recipes that involve a lot of “add it until it tastes right” directions. We also have an annual last day of school celebration that involves a scavenger hunt and s’mores. A few years ago, we actually celebrated a holiday every day, and I can tell you that planning for 365 different holidays is a lot of work, but the memories we made were 100% worth it.

YABC:   Is there anything that you would like to add?

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share a bit about myself and NEAR MISSES & COWBOY KISSES with Young Adult Book Central!

 

 

 

Title: NEAR MISSES & COWBOY KISSES

Author: Katrina Emmel

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Delacorte Romance

ISBN-10: 0593708148

ISBN-13: 9780593708149

Genre: YA Romance

Age Range: 12 and up

 

 

 

~ Giveaway Details ~

 

Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Near Misses & Cowboy Kisses (Katrina Emmel) ~US/CAN Only!

 

*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*

 

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We are excited to share a giveaway for SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN (Laan Cham)!

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author: Laan Cham

Laan Cham is a first-generation Singaporean-British-American illustrator from New Jersey who currently lives in Vancouver. Somewhere in Between is her author-illustrator debut, and she is the illustrator of the forthcoming chapter book series Camp Scream.

Website * Instagram * X

 

 

 

 

About the Book: Somewhere In Between

Join a little girl named Pink on a journey to two enchanting realms: the Land of Sunshine and the Land of Snow! But when the rulers of these worlds can’t get along, it’s up to Pink to show them the magic that’s possible when they come together.

Pink has just landed in a new world. First she meets Fireball, a red creature who rules the Land of Sunshine—home to the sun (of course), beaches, and swimming. Then she meets Snowball, who rules the Land of Snow, and who enjoys building snowmen, ice skating, and sledding.

To Pink, it’s all fun and games… until the two creatures start bickering, and ask her to pick a side. It’s up to Pink to help Fireball and Snowball find common ground by showing them a third side—one in which magic exists, if only they can come together to make it.

This whimsical picture book about friendship, conflict resolution, and the complex emotions of being caught in between is perfect for middle children, or any child who finds themselves stuck in the middle.

Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

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Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Benson Shum (Mooncakes Mean Family)!

 

 

Meet the Author: Benson Shum  

Benson Shum is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. He uses watercolor and ink to create his illustrations. His books, Anzu the Great Listener and Anzu the Great Kaiju were selected as Kid’s Indie Next List Recommend by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature (SEL) by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC). Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animation Supervisor at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Encanto and Zootopia 2. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.

Website * Instagram * X * Facebook

 

About the Book: Mooncakes Mean Family

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with this sweet story of food and family!
Jade and Crystal love the Mid-Autumn Festival because it means it’s time to make a tasty treat—mooncakes! Crystal’s favorite part of the delicious dessert made of lotus seed paste is the yummy salted egg yolk at the center, meant to represent the moon. Join the sisters as they gather with their family for a memorable meal together!

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

~Author Chat~

 

YABC:  What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I love to eat mooncakes. It was a special time for me when I was a kid. My sisters and I would go to Chinatown and pick out mooncakes with the family. I especially loved the ones shaped like animals. They came in all shapes and sizes, and I love the folktales that come with the festivities. I wanted to share a story about two sisters who have a love of mooncakes and want to share their Mid-Autumn Festival traditions.

YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?

That’s a tough one. Maybe when I don’t’ know what else to add. Having a critique group or a writer/illustrator friend you trust to see if its missing anything. Also, your editor would be there to help and guide.

YABC: What research did you do to write this book?

I look at photos online for reference. I read articles on how many people celebrated the holiday. There are many different traditions. I recalled what my family did during the festivities and how I felt about them.

YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until about 7 years ago. I drew a lot as a kid and still do for my career, but writing came a little later. It wasn’t until I got into illustrating books that I fell in love with the art form. I was telling stories through my illustrations and animations but not in written form, so I decided to give it a go and write my own stories, and I love it.

YABC:   How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?

I try to balance how a character that age would speak and how they feel and react to situations. I would listen to how my niece and nephew talk as well. Would that say it like that? Does this sound more like an adult speaking?

YABC: What type of scene do you love to write the most?

I love writing the relationship between characters. How they feel, what is going through their minds. I do the same when I’m animating as well. It makes the characters really come to life, to have their own thoughts and feelings.

YABC:   What is your favorite writing space?

I write pretty much anywhere. A lot of the time, my initial spark of writing is jotting down ideas on my phone in my “notes” app when something pops into my head, so I don’t forget.  After I get a chance to sit down. I’ll take my laptop and sit anywhere to write. I do enjoy going to a coffee shop. I love the random noises around me when I’m writing.

YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?

I’m working with my local bookstore to do a story time for Mooncakes Mean Family. Then we’ll celebrate with friends with a bite afterwards and just catch up! I’m also going back to my hometown in Vancouver, BC to do a launch up there as well. With my family and friends, so that’ll be fun too!

YABC:   What do you do when you procrastinate?

I try to put away all distraction and try to concentrate. I write down mini goals to get accomplished every day till the deadline comes up. That way I can see and plan how much more I have left to do.

YABC:  What fandom would you write for if you had time?

I’m fascinated by Asian mythology and folktales and how they came about. I would love to have time to research and learn more about them. It’ll be funl to create stories with those characters.

YABC:   What’s up next for you?

I have another book in the same format called WE ARE LION DANCERS, coming out December 31^st, 2024. I’m really excited for it, as I was part of a Lion Dance group when I was young. And to be able to share my experience and love for the art form. It’s such a beautiful dance and tradition to celebrate the Lunar New Year. There will also be cameos of characters from my previous book, ALEX’S GOOD FORTUNE that will turn up in this book as well!

 

Book’s Title: Mooncakes Mean Family

Author: Benson Shum

Illustrator: Benson Shum

Release Date: July 16th, 2024

Publisher: Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House

Genre: Early Reader

Age Range: 5-7

 

 

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