The Stupid Cupid Giveaway

Did you know I have a new publication out?  Short, sweet only 99 cents?

Called Stupid Cupid, it was released two weeks ago by the Boroughs Publishing Group as part of their Lunchbox Romance line.  Here's the official blurb:

Thanks to the mythical god of love, Cupid, 16-year-old Sydney's love life is about to get complicated…even though technically she doesn't have one.

And sticking with the short and sweet theme, this giveaway is short--between now and Thursday morning, October 10th at 8 am PST.  And it is sweet--in that all you have to do to be entered is leave the name of something sugary sweet you like in the comments.  

Two winners will be chosen at random.  Good luck to all!

Fun Kindle news!

The Kindle version of my first Delacorte release, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, is available at Amazon at a reduced price.  Permanently!

This book was released in 2007, and picked up some lovely comments.  Such as:

"Nicolette is a likable, down-to-earth protagonist who is grappling with a lot of issues, and readers will quickly identify with and understand her. Ferraro does a fine job of setting up an interesting plot, funny dialogue and situations, and an engaging lead character," School Library Journal.

"A particular strength of the book is the romantic interest, Jared (who is very crush-worthy), and the sparkling banter between the characters. Ferraro convinces that these two are perfect for each other, but maintains Nic's obliviousness with good credibility. This was a delightful read, and I highly recommend it," Rosemary Clement Moore, author of The Splendor Falls, Texas Gothic and Prom Dates from Hell.

--and perhaps most famously--

"Very good for a book with a pink cover," a then-12 year old boy (who will remain anonymous because I make it a habit not to embarrass my children).

Anyway, I hope you'll check it out...and come back and let us know what you think!

Huge YA Book Giveaway

We'd like to point our YA readers to a terrific indie book giveaway happening HERE on author Elle Casey's website!   

She is offering up dozens of books by numerous authors--multiple copies of each--so there are lots of opportunities to win!

Included in the list are two books we've chatted up here at YA Fresh:  HIGH SCHOOL HANGOVER by Stephanie Hale and THE STARTER BOYFRIEND by Tina Ferraro (uh, me).  As you will see in the giveaway instructions, you can specifically request to be entered to win those books--or any of the others. 

Skip on and check out the fun.  And good luck! 

New Release: The Starter Boyfriend

I am excited to announce my new young adult contemporary release in e-book!  

The Starter Boyfriend

a young adult contemporary

by Tina Ferraro

17 year-old Courtney is completely stressed. 

There's the rift with her softball teammates, homework, housework, 

her part-time job at the tux shop, her dad’s upcoming wedding...enough! 

Would it be too much to ask for someone special in her life, 

a boyfriend she could talk to, count on, even lean on a little?

The best she’s got is a blue-eyed surfer boy who seems to save his 

biggest moves for his board, 

and a “friend date” to Homecoming with a guy still in love with his ex. 

Oh, and then there’s the tuxedo mannequin in the shop window, 

who happens to be reliable and an amazing listener.

When the mannequin gets stolen in a senior prank, 

Courtney finds herself in a midnight pursuit along beach boulevards, 

trying to save more than the mannequin, but the job she’s come to love. 

After turning to the unlikeliest of people for help, and finding that surfer boy is 

as resourceful as he is good-looking, her load begins to lighten. 

In fact, she soon might find not only what she needs, 

but what she wants, too.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, including the critiquing "fairy dust" of our own Kelly Parra!  And special thanks to the readers who kept asking me when I'd have something new out! 

Check it out here at Amazon Kindle, and here at Smashwords. Also available at Barnes and Noble Nook.

 

Hello from O-Town!

The O-Town in the title there is a wave hello at a certain golfing librarian who regularly visits this site! :)

For those of you who don't know, I was among the sold-out crowd at the recent Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando, Florida! I had wonderful conversations and lots of laughs, and picked up some good tips that applied to my writing.

Here I am at the Literacy Signing. You'll see the blue flag that indicates that one of my books is a Rita finalist!



This next shot was taken at the Rita/Golden Heart reception, and features four of the Young Adult Finalists for the Rita: Lauren Strasnick, Simone Elkeles, me and Ally Carter.



And now here we are, joined by Jennifer Echols in the far left, all dressed up at the event. (Clearly I missed the "memo" to wear black!)


Simone won, and gave a poignant and funny speech, ending with saying that Disney World really WAS the happiest place on earth. Heartfelt congrats to Simone from Kelly and me to Simone!

And thanks to all who made my conference week so special.

Randomly Fresh Giveaway!

Did you leave a comment on our YA Fresh blog in the month of July?

If so, you are eligible for our Randomly Fresh Giveaway! Simply announce yourself in our comments between now and Sunday evening, and tell us which of these three books you'd like to receive:




Check back on Monday to learn the winner! And be sure to keep up your commenting every month!

Prom Dress Book Giveaway!

It’s prom time again, and I caught myself checking out the styles on-line recently. In fact, one site, www.promgirl.net, amused me by having a category called Top 10 Prom Dresses, which of course, I like to think is a wave hello to my book!


Here are two prom dresses that I know the main character of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, Nicolette, would have loved. Pretty and pink, right up her alley!



I’d love to hear what you think of these dresses, or the prom dress or your fantasy. To be entered to win a signed copy of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, leave a comment and let me know!

The winner will be announced here on Monday!

Getting the Rita Call!

I thought I’d "go wide" (as my agent would say) with my “Rita Call” story here at YA Fresh because it’s a little bit funny and probably a very true glimpse into my ridiculous mind...

So first, a little backstory: I was a 2009 Rita Finalist with my book, How to Hook a Hottie . I had heard that “The Calls” commenced at 8:00 a.m. pacific time, and so when mine came it at about 7:20, I was knocked off my feet in more ways than one. I hadn’t even had time to get neurotic!

Well, this year, just in case lightning struck twice, I knew I’d be ready early. But I didn’t mean that to start at 4 a.m., which is when my subconscious kicked in. I fell into this nightmare where I saw my name on the RWA website as a Young Adult finalist, but didn’t get a call. I tossed and turned for what seemed an eternity, frantically trying to find out where the mistake was...

At about 6 a.m., stressed, achy and bleary-eyed, I got up simply to put an end to that awful extended dream.

Time passed. People started posting their “good news” on the websites. More and more time passed. I did laundry, made the beds, scrubbed the kitchen floor (uh-huh, desperation time).

Until--OMG--the phone rang. I could barely breathe as I dove at it. Only to hear the voice of my dentist’s receptionist, confirming an appointment. Now, she’s actually a friend of mine and a wonderful person, but at that moment, hers was not the voice I wanted to hear.

I finished that conversation and headed back to the computer to check websites and see who else finaled. Clearly, not me.

When suddenly, the phone rang again. This was getting ridiculous. No one ever calls us at that hour. Crossing the room, I hear myself mutter, “Who is it now, the Sparkletts man?”

But lo and behold, it was the lovely Stephanie Feagan, telling me The ABC’s of Kissing Boys.was a 2010 Rita Finalist. I was so shocked that I had to write her name down on a piece of paper to prove to myself later (if I doubted my sanity) that yes, the call *really did happen.*

Wow.

In hindsight, I have to say that wish I’d just chilled out and enjoyed the morning. But instead I’m looking at it as if I’m done with Rita stress now. Relaxation and merriment is my plan for the evening July 31st in Nashville, Tennessee, when the Rita/Golden Heart ceremony is held.

Kelly and I will be sure to talk more about it in the upcoming months and report back on it here.

Special Congrats Announcement!

We interrupt our regular YA Fresh blogging with this SPECIAL announcement...

Our own Tina Ferraro is a RITA finalist for her young adult novel, THE ABC's of KISSING BOYS!!!! Yes, that makes Tina a two-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious award for How To Hook a Hottie and now ABC's.

Also, Tina has recently become a finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence YA category.

Yes, Tina is on fire, YA Freshers! *sizzle, sizzle*

Huge Congrats, Tina Ferraro!!!!

Let's also send congrats to the other awesome YA RITA finalists for Best Young Adult Romance:

2010 RITA for Young Adult Romance
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
Random House Group, Delacorte Press
ISBN: 978-0-385-738494

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
Hyperion Books for Children
Editor: Jennifer Besser
ISBN: 978-1-423-11638-7

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Walker Books for Young Readers
Editor: Emily Easton
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9823-7

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, MTV Books
Editor: Jennifer Heddle
ISBN: 978-1-416-57173-5

The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
Random House Group, Delacorte Press
Editor: Krista Marino
ISBN: 978-0-385-73582-7

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Editor: Anica Rissi
ISBN: 978-1-416-98264-7

*sigh* I just love RWA RITA time!!

The Winter Games: What’s Your Pleasure? (and giveaway)

Like many people around the globe, I am enjoying watching the winter Olympics in Vancouver. The grace, the guts, the glory--and I especially like the little behind-the-scenes stories that help me “get to know” athletes.

As a teen, I was completely in love with ice skating, especially the women’s solo events. So no surprise, really, that the backdrop of my 2008 young adult novel, How to Hook a Hottie, is an ice skating rink.

But as the years have passed, I have developed a new love. A fantasy, actually, because the event I want to “compete” it does not even exist: Women’s Ski Jumping. And let's not overlook the fact that I haven’t skied in years, get dizzy at high altitudes, and won’t ride on a ski lift because, well, I’m afraid it’s going to stall out and leave me dangling for many hopeless and frostbit-laden hours. And that my age and degree of fitness puts me entirely out of Olympiad competition range.

So I’ve settled for being an armchair ski jumper. When the event comes on the screen, I sit forward in my chair, my “skis” perfectly aligned on the carpet. Then, I, too, take off...hunched down, speeding...until the time comes to take off....soaring, soaring, soaring...in utter tranquility, just me and the sky...until the moment is JUST right for me touch down in a gentle, perfect, and of course, record-setting gold medal landing.

Lovely...

Okay, realistically, I know this is a super-challenging sport that requires years of hard work, training, and probably trips to the ER. But nothing of this is grounded in reality, so please, allow me to enjoy my fantasy. In fact, a few years ago, I visited the Innsbruck, Austria Olympic Ski Park.


And see that little speck walking toward the railing? That’s me! Assuredly, with ideas of grandeur running wild.

So now that I’ve dished, tell us. If you could enter one event--talent, conditioning and the like not at an issue--what would it be?

And as a bonus, leaving a comment will enter you in our giveaway, a signed copy of How to Hook a Hottie. Check back on Monday to see which random commenter will...well...staying in theme and at the risk of sounding immodest, "take gold."

Postcards from the Road!

Hello from the Romance Writers of America national conference in Washington, D.C.! I am having a fun and productive experience, networking with numerous young adult authors, reviewers, bloggers, agents and editors.

Here are a few pictures from Wednesday night's Literary Signing with YA Fresh friends.

Above is the three Young Adult RITA finalists: me, Rosemary Clement-Moore and Tera Lynn Childs.

Now here I am with Golden Heart finalist, Vanessa Barnevelt, who traveled all the way from Australia!


And here is Melissa Francis (whose first YA is due out shortly, which I believe is called BITE ME and has a stunning cover), and Jennifer Echols (whose books we've read and raved about here), and me. Jen, by the way, "made" me a RITA flag to sit by my books because apparently none of the flags made the trip to DC this year. (Thanks again, Jen!)


And lastly, our YA Fresh friend, Kay Cassidy, has been kind enough to feature me in her Author Spotlight blog today. So if you're so inclined, click HERE to read her interview with me and play the "Three Truths and a Lie Game." She's giving away a copy of The ABC’s of Kissing Boys to one lucky commenter! Good luck!

I'll be back next week with more! Happy weekend, everyone!

Win All 3 YA RITA Nominated Books!

Many of our readers remember us talking last year about the Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best YA Book because Kelly was up for Graffiti Girl!

This year, I was lucky enough to get “the call,” and it was made all the sweeter for me when I heard the authors who are also in the category, Rosemary Clement-Moore and Tera Lynn Childs, both wonderful writers and friends!

So I had this silly idea to play a little RITA game here at YA Fresh, and give away all three books to one commenter, and Rosemary and Tera were up for it, so away we go...

The Rules: Pretend your editor asked you to write two books conforming to two titles: the others in your Rita category. What spin might you put on them?

Let’s start my book, How to Hook a Hottie:

Tera says: “Big city fashionista falls for a hunky professional fly fisherman and joins his month-long wilderness fishing expedition so she can spend quality time with her dream guy.”

Rosemary says: “A carefree summer fishing trip goes horribly awry when the hapless group of teens pulls a sulphurous demon out of the depths. Can they save the world from a creature that comes from way WAY farther down than the Black Lagoon? It's 'Most Dangerous Catch' meets 'Drag me to Hell.'"

Okay, so what’s the blurb on the back of the book?

“At 17, Kate Delvecchio has one goal in life: to become a millionaire before the age of 20. And as far as she’s concerned, college will only slow her down. Unfortunately for Kate, the one thing her parents do agree on is that they totally disagree with her strategy. And so the deal is born. If Kate can raise five thousand big ones by graduation day, her parents will hand over the balance of her college account to invest as she pleases. No college, no degree, and no way she’ll ever be able to pull it off.

But when Kate accidentally agrees to go to the sports banquet with the hottest guy at school, she stumbles upon a possible cash cow. The rest of the junior class is amazed that no-nonsense Kate could hook such a hottie, and one by one they approach her for help hooking their own. She doesn’t know anything about getting guys, but for $100 a pop, she’s more than willing to invent a six-step plan for How to Hook a Hottie. And how could that possibly backfire?”

Next up, Tera Lynn Childs' Oh.My.Gods.



Rosemary says: "A late night study session in Comparative Religion goes horrible awry, releasing a pantheon of trickster deities from around the world, and a mismatched group of misfits have to round up the supernormal scamps before they wreck havoc onto an unsuspecting suburban shopping mall. It's 'Clueless' meets 'The Breakfast Club' meets 'Supernatural.'"

Tina says: "hmmm...that's going to feature a collection of brothers, a la Jonas, Wahlberg or Baldwin, where one is simply hotter than the next. OMIGOD, OMIGOD...OMIGODS!"

The real deal:

“When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and plans to move to an island in the Aegean Sea, Phoebe’s well-plotted senior year becomes ancient history. Now, instead of enjoying a triumphant track season and planning for college with her best friends, Phoebe is trying to keep her head above water at the überexclusive Academy. If it isn’t hard enough being the new kid in school, Phoebe’s classmates are all descendents of the Greek gods! When you’re running against teammates with superpowers, dealing with a stepsister from Hades, and nursing a crush on a boy who is quite literally a god, the drama takes on mythic proportions!”

Last, but never least, Rosemary Clement-Moore's Hell Week.


Tina says: "gotta be summer camp. Adventures include looking inside the latrine, a coiled rattlesnake, and no internet access."

Tera says: "December 21, 2012 -- After years of speculating about the Mayan doomsday prophecy, the world's fears are realized when the major television networks announce a week-long reality TV blackout"

But according to Amazon.com:

“Maggie Quinn is determined to make her mark as a journalist. The only problem? The Ranger Report does not take freshmen on staff.

Rules are rules. But when has that ever stopped Maggie?

After facing hellfire, infiltrating sorority rush should be easy. It’s no Woodward and Bernstein, but going undercover as the Phantom Pledge will allow her to write her exposé. Then she can make a stealth exit before initiation. But when she finds a group of girls who are after way more than “sisterhood,” all her instincts say there’s something rotten on Greek Row. And when Hell Week rolls around, there may be no turning back.

If there is such a thing as a sorority from hell, you can bet that Maggie Quinn will be the one to stumble into.”

Okay...who else wants to play? Take a quick stab at how you would spin either Hell Week, Oh.My.Gods or How to Hook a Hottie (just one will do, and you can be brief), and be entered to win all three copies of this year’s RITA nominated books. Or tell us which one(s) you liked best! Or just say "Enter me." It's easy!

The winner will be named Sunday night, July 12th! Stay tuned!

Another Look at Mean Girls!

Last weekend, I watched the movie, Mean Girls, for the second time. The first was in the theater, as the chaperone to a car full of middle school girls. I thought it was cute, but I was more interested in the girls’ opinions about mean girl realism in their world than I was my own take. I wasn’t even seriously writing YA.

But this time was different. For Kirkus Reviews made a reference to it in their review of The ABC’s of Kissing Boys. Here’s the last line:

“...This is familiar territory for anyone who's seen Mean Girls, but Ferraro's protagonist is resilient enough to withstand and prevail over her tormentors.”

I wanted to see the movie again, to refresh myself with the story, and to see if I agreed that the goings-on in my DeGroot High School had similarities to their North Shore High School.

Also, since becoming a fan of the Thursday night program, The Office, I’ve been staying around for 30 Rock, as well, and admiring Mean Girl screenwriter Tina Fey’s comedic and writing talent. (And on a totally superficial note, her name and mine are so close--just ask Google!) So I planned to watch it with an eye toward her, too.

And I must say, Tina Fey and the screenplay did not disappoint! She made me smile, and much of the writing made me laugh. And even gave me a couple, “Man, I wish I had thought of that line!” moments. (“It’s like I have a fifth sense, like ESPN,” and “Made out with a hot dog? OMG, that was one time!”)

And I tapped into the same sense of powerlessness under Mean Girl leader Regina George that I'd felt when writing Chrissandra Hickey, that fear of saying the wrong thing, wearing the wrong things, doing the wrong thing, that would result in my banishment.

And so bottom line?

Do I see the connection between the mean girls in Mean Girls and in The ABC’s of Kissing Boys? Yep! Chrissandra and her minions could stand tough against Regina George and her girls. (Although Mean Girl Karen--the airhead--is likely to get the biggest laughs!)

Am I flattered that Kirkus Reviews made this connection? Absolutely. In fact, I think they are totally...FETCH!

So tell us, are you a fan of the Mean Girls movie? Have a favorite scene or line you want to share?

Exciting News!!!

The announcement for RWA's RITA and Golden Heart nominations have hit the cyber world today and the nominees for the RITA for Best Young Adult Romance are...

Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Random House Group, Delacorte Press (ISBN: 978-0385734141)
Krista Marino, editor

How to Hook a Hottie by Tina Ferraro
Random House Group, Delacorte Press (ISBN: 978-0-385-73438-7)
Krista Marino, editor

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
Penguin Group USA, Dutton (ISBN: 978-0525479420)
Sarah Shumway, editor

YES!!! YA Fresh's Tina Ferraro is a 2009 RITA finalist!!!

Help me wish Tina a big CONGRATS!!!!!

Best Booksigning Ever!

Some people favor their birthdays. Some holidays. Me? It’s my now-annual Once Upon a Time Book Launch Parties that makes my year!

Especially the one held last weekend, with record attendance and sales for The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, and the following quote from my teenage son, “Mom, that was your Best Booksigning Ever!”

I agree!

Many of you know about the game we played because we did the same giveaway here. My daughter and her best friend mingled around with a poster-sized version of my book cover (like the one behind my head here)



and pink slips of paper, asking for name, phone number and a guess as to the name of the lipstick.


Here are some of my favorite answers: Peachy-Keen, Blushing Pig, Kiss Me Coral, Caramel Kisses, Green (haha), Rose Petals in Springtime.

The true answer: Nude. (Dull. I know, right?) But it didn’t matter because we did random drawings, and soon had three winners of “the lipstick, some glosses and candy”: a walk-in customer, the mom of one of my favorite readers, and a teenage guy who said he was going to give it away on Valentine’s Day (aaaawww...).

Meanwhile, people moved in and out, in and out. Here’s some of the action:



















Including a special “guest appearance” by favorite teen author, Paula Yoo.


Here I was, in the back of the store,


but I later heard from several sources that Billy Ray Cyrus from “Hannah Montana” (otherwise known as Miley Cyrus’ dad) strolled on by the store and glanced in at the action.

If I had known, I would have had someone yell, “Catch, Billy Ray!” and tossed him copies of all three of my books. For Miley, in case she’s looking for new projects. But alas, he was The Man Who Got Away.

Still, the fun was far from over, as more people came and went, and the store staff and I decided to have a little fun with the camera and the kissing theme.

Kisses and Goodies!

And let's kick off today with the lucky winner of Tina's ABC's of Kissing Boys Lipstick goodie bag....

Book Spot, Lucile,  you are the winner!!!
Please contact Tina with your mailing address @ admin@tinaferraro.com for your prize. Thanks for playing, Everyone, and don't forget there's another giveaway this week. :)

So I'm so super excited about Tina's latest release, as I am for every one of Tina's books, but this one...this one shares so many varieties of kissing that I just loved reading how this story unfolded. *smooches* It was a serious education! Parker Stanhope was one character I did not want to leave, but luckily I get to read ABC's again and again anytime I'd like.

You see, I only knew of one type of kiss as a young girl that was both scary and thrilling. The first kiss. I remember it in a sort of fond and laughable moment when I was supposed to kiss a boy for a full 5 seconds. An eternity, really. :) I was ready, though. I stood in front of the boy named Brandon, with his shaggy brown hair and safety-pinned pant legs, determined to get through these sure to be life-altering 5 seconds...

And what happened? The boy kissed me 5 quick pecks on the lips. For five seconds...one kiss per second. haha! I chuckle everytime I think about it. I think I shall name that kiss the 5 Peck Kiss!

Come on, there isn't anything so thrilling, so memorable, as your first kiss. Have a first kiss moment to share? 

oxox
~kelly

Tina Gets an Early Holiday Gift...

This week, my publisher, Random House, released my 2007 book, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress as a Kindle! Yay!


And the timing couldn’t be better since Santa’s bringing me a Kindle for Christmas. (At least, he’s supposed to...) So the way I see it, on Thursday, while the family is cleaning up and starting breakfast, I’ll be in front of the computer, downloading my book from Amazon...

The gift that keeps on giving, huh?

Here’s wishing you unexpected gifts, too!

Furbys: The Must-Have Holiday Toy of 1998!

Do you remember Furbys? Those slightly adorable/slightly creepy (personal opinion) electronic pets that were all the rage 10 years ago? That started out speaking “Furbish,” but the more English they “learned,” they more they “grew?”



Kids love them for a year or so--then dropped off the market. I understand a newer version was released in 2005, but did not take off the same way.


In The ABC’s of Kissing Boys (now available for pre-sale), main character Parker still has a battery-less Furby on her bedroom shelf. She’d wanted it more than anything back then, and worked tirelessly around the house to earn the money to buy it. Comparing that young passion to what she’s so sure she wants right now, she wonders if in the end, it won’t be the memory of the chase that is sweetest, too...

Does anyone else still have a Furby around the house? Or have a memory of one?

California Dreamin’

Those who know me, know I dream big. Of lofty goals and why-not-me’s? But I also dream, well, small. In particular, a couple summers ago, while I was waiting for my editor to let me know what she thought of the first draft of HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE, I woke up in a cold sweat that she had said we had to change every word, including the title, my name, and its target audience! I mean, she thought it that bad.

In truth, she ended up really liking it, and we did considerably less revising on it than we did on TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS, which just goes to show that sometimes dreams are just...well, dreams.



Last night, while I was still awake, I had one of my “lofty” type dreams come true. When the Spring 2008 Children’s Book Sense Picks were posted on the American Booksellers Association website:

BookSense

(For those who don’t know, this list represents “recommended” new reads to their members--the owners and managers of independent bookstores--and are nominated by them as well). Nestled inside the seven YA picks was this:

HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE: A Novel, by Tina Ferraro (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $8.99, 9780385734387 / 0385734387) "Ferraro captures the high school voice perfectly with this enjoyable romp about a smart young girl's desire to make money, only to come up with a slightly harebrained plan that is not what she bargained for. A good, fun read for girls 14 and older." --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA

Definitely a surreal experience to discover that my little book about hotties and a six point plan has gone on to literary recognition and recommendation! But hey, part of being a big dreamer is knowing when to shut up and just say thanks. So thanks to my editor for her support and input, to Kelly for her good ideas and holding my hand when I got insecure, and to everyone who reads it and thinks it’s not half-bad!

And keep dreaming, everyone...

We're continuing Hottie Week with an interview with Tina today, and don't forget about her chat tonight (Tuesday, January 15th) at 5:30 PST here. Thanks!

What's Fresh with Tina Ferraro's How To Hook a Hottie

Hey Tina, as always it's a pleasure to chat with you! :) Please tell us all about your latest novel, How To Hook a Hottie.

Tina: My latest novel, How to Hook a Hottie, was released by Delacorte Press (Random House) on January 8. Here's the blurb:

Kate DelVecchio plans to be a millionaire before she's 21. When she agrees to go to a sports banquet with a hotshot baseball player, she stumbles upon a possible cash cow. The rest of the school is amazed that the no-nonsense Kate could hook such a hottie, and one by one approach her for help hooking their own. She doesn't know anything about getting guys, but for $100.00 a pop, she's more than willing to try, including inventing a 6-step-plan on How to Hook a Hottie. And how could that possibly backfire?

Great, could you share a bit about the main character of your book and what makes her unique?

Tina: Kate is sooooo different from me that she scared me. At 17, she's exceptionally focused and driven, knows what she wants--and even more importantly, what she does not. I'm still working on those goals, even as an adult! But what she and I shared was a bit of daring--to throw ourselves into an uncertain project (me, the book; her, the matchmaking aspect). And while this sounds odd, I really felt like it was a collaborative effort that we pulled it off, me feeding off her determination, and she leaning on me when thing started to fall apart. So oddly enough, she's actually the heroine I've connected the strongest with, and I'm proudest of.

How did the idea for this novel come about?

Tina: There was no lightning strike moment with this book, the way there was with Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. It came together over a period of time, trading in and out different ideas and character traits. But the introduction of the baseball hottie, Brandon, was the glue that made it start to stick, as was 12 year-old, Lexie, who Kate initially cannot stand, but in whom she starts to see herself and to realize that all she thinks about her life and what she wants isn't necessarily so black-and-white.

So tell us, Tina, what do you hope readers will gain from reading this novel?

Tina: I hope they like the story and characters, of course, but also, the Hottie Hooking Tips, and the Hexagon on page 91 that allows them to play with people in their own lives and see who may or may not be compatible!

So fun! Thanks for sharing, Tina. Would you like to close with a novel you highly recommend and why?

Tina: Yes, I just finished reading a terrific book that will be released in September by MTV Books called Invisible Touch. Kelly Parra is the author. (Say who?) Okay, all kidding aside, Kelly has knocked it out of the ballpark again with this heartfelt and exciting book, and I recommend everyone check it out.

Thanks, Tina!!

Tina Ferraro is the author of two novels with Delacorte Press, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress and How to Hook a Hottie. Next year, The ABC's of Kissing Boys will be released. She lives in California with her husband, their three teenagers, and a cat who thinks he's the hottie prototype for all her books. Visit her website, www.TinaFerraro.com.