Angela N. Blount opens up about her new book

I'm pleased to be receiving author Angela N. Blount today to promote her YA novel, Once Upon a Road Trip.

Eighteen-year-old Angeli doesn’t "fit in." She’s never been on a single date, and she lives vicariously through an online world of storytelling. With the pressures of choosing a practical future path bearing down, she needs a drastic change. Too old to run away from home, she opts instead to embark on a solo 2-month road trip. But her freedom is tempered by loneliness — and anxiety tests her resolve as she comes face-to-face with her quirky internet friends. 

Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches — like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.

Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. 

A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure -- Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.

                   Find it on Amazon                                               Find it on Goodreads 

Hi Angela, thank you for being with us. Please do tell, what inspired you to write this book?

I think a lot of people toy with the idea of running away from home when they're young. I just waited until I was of legal age, and decided to expand my horizons by going on a cross-country road trip. At the time, I had no idea how life-altering that decision would become. (Think Eat, Pray, Love ... but the geeky teenaged version, and on a tight budget.)

What song best describes your work?

Either It's My Life by Bon Jovi, or Cross The Line by Superchick. They both fit perfectly at different points.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Lots! When I first got serious about writing, I didn't fathom how much I didn't know about it -- and about the publishing industry. Which is probably for the best as I might have been too intimidated if I'd realized what I was getting myself into. But in trying to spare others of what I wish I'd figured out early on, I'll hit a few highlights....

1. Don't write in a vacuum. Carefully seek out critiquing partners and beta readers who can offer constructive criticism and  knowledgeable feedback. It may hurt at first, but it will challenge and grow you like nothing else.

2. If at all possible, join a writer's guild or similar organization that will offer you community support and craft honing opportunities such as workshops, conferences, contests, etc. I've personally found invaluable aid and opportunities as a member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America), though I almost didn't join because I didn't think I was focused enough on romance. As it turns out, nearly everything they offer is applicable across all genres.

3. Carve out daily writing time for yourself, and defend it like professional work -- even if you don't yet feel like a professional.

4. In the words of Winston Churchill: "Never, never, never give up." You are the most qualified person in the world to tell your stories they way they need to be told. 

What are you working on now -- or would you rather surprise us?

I've just finished a Contemporary YA romance, and I'm now hard at work on the first in a YA sci-fi series. How exciting! I don't generally recommend genre-hopping, but my brain can't seem to help it.

You can find Angela N. Blount on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter



Thank you for being with us Angela, and good luck on all your future projects.

Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me

The Catastrophic History of You and Me gives a new spin to the popular vow ''till dead do us part.''

After, Brie dies from a broken heart (heart failure) she arrives in limbo where she must go through five steps to enter the afterlife: denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. Or so Patrick, a boy from the 80's who is keen on helping, tells her. But once Brie learns that anger means going back and getting even with the boy who broke her heart, she gets a bit too carried away. Why move on at all? And if Patrick says that is the best thing to do, then why is he still in limbo after so many years?

At 375 pages, the book felt quite lengthy compared to other contemporary stories, but author Jess Rothenberg did an incredible job utilizing the space and providing us with a journey through the human emotion of loss. Brie was overly talkative at first; mostly filled with rage over being dumped and seeing so many people at her funeral, who never even payed her attention while she was alive. Discovering how her family and true friends coped with things brought tears to my eyes. And definitely made me appreciate life even more.

Top Ten Tuesday: Autumn Reads

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


TOP TEN THAT CAUGHT MY EYE FOR FALL 2013

The Moon and More

"Dessen is as skilled as ever at turning out steady, satisfying stories about teens that are easy to fall for" -- Publishers Weekly

The Beginning of Everything

"Efficient use of language, evocative descriptions and subtle turns of phrase make reading and rereading this novel a delight." Kirkus Reviews

Review: The Unwritten Rule

Thou shalt not kiss thy friend's boyfriend

Sarah wanted Ryan first, but Brianna, who is more extroverted and aggressive went for him. As the three of them started hanging out together, it became obvious that there was a stronger chemistry between Sarah and Ryan. Something needed to be done about it. And soon. 

The Unwritten Rule is very repetitive despite it's short length. Brianna could be a charming girl and then turn into a terrible friend you wouldn't even wish on your worst enemy. This made it harder to root for the girl code. One wonders, how much deeper the book could have been, if Brianna had been the sweet girl next door.

On the plus side, the theme and situations (bowling dates, spending quality time with parents), made the story realistic. Elizabeth Scott also managed to give the ending a twist and provide the story with some great quotes on friendship and letting go.

Caught my arrow #23

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Birthday Week! Received lots of unexpected goodies I will soon devour. As well as James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra by author Colm McElwain.  

Received for review 

James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra

Birthday Gifts I received

Vader's Little Princess

Grave Mercy

The Dark and Hollow Places

You Against Me

The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Casual Vacancy

Borrowed from Library

The Education of Hailey Kendrick

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

H.G. Wells Steampunk Collection

What are you reading this week?