This week, I'm thrilled to host awesome YA author/self described shoe fanatic, Jennifer Banash, whose second book in her ELITE series, IN TOO DEEP, was just released!! And lucky for us, she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions.
And she's also giving away a signed copy of IN TOO DEEP to the person who comments with the best Valentine's Day story!
But first:
THE STORY:
If you don’t belong here— you just don’t belong…
The Bramford building’s newest resident and small-town transplant Casey McCloy is adapting to life in the Big Apple and loving it. She’s got the look, the attitude, and a delish new boyfriend, Drew Van Allen. But she’s starting to have second thoughts as to whether the “New York” Casey is the real Casey. And she’s not so sure she likes herself much anymore. She’s not the only one.
Madison Macallister has always had her Manolo Blahniks firmly planted on the top rung of the social ladder—until that corn-fed cow Casey stole Drew away from her and made her look the fool. So what if Madison wasn’t exactly dating Drew at the time? She wanted him. And everyone knows that Madison gets what she wants, like Drew—and a little revenge.
Praise For THE ELITE series, and IN TOO DEEP:
“The Elite is Pretty in Pink for the millennium generation.”
—Romance Reviews Today
What's a Normal, Illinois girl to do when she enters the world of New York City's rich and bitchy? Hold tight, because this is one drama-filled ride."
--Melissa Walker, author of Violet on the Runway.
"In Too Deep is a seductive read."
—Innovative: A Word for the WriTeen Blog
“Fans of the drama, romance, gossip, and privileged lifestyle depicted in Gossip Girl and Blue Bloods will be drawn to In Too Deep... In Too Deep continues to showcase the glitzy and glamorous lifestyle of New York City’s privileged teens...Banash’s Elite series continues to rock above the rest.”
—The Compulsive Reader Blog
“As you know, life in the posh and drama-filled Upper East Side is never easy! Hold onto your Hermes scarves and Coach handbags, the Bram Clan is back for more action and drama!”
—The Book Vault Blog
“Banash is fabulous at creating relatable characters in over-the-top situations.”
—In Bed With Books Blog
The same questions I always ask:
1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?
I was working as a ghost writer for a bestselling YA series, and having a great time, but something kept nagging at me, the thought that, "You know, I could do this better!" Sounds conceited, but it's 100% true. I knew the terrain the series was covering intimately, and I was interested in the stories that were NOT getting told.
2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?
I work at the kitchen table! I've tried having a desk, but I just can't do it. There's something downright magical about the kitchen table for me. The only other place I work is a local coffee house. But no matter where I am, I HAVE to have some kind of cakey-muffiney treat to reward myself after a few pages . . . or sentences . . .:)
3. What book rocked your world growing up?
Less Than Zero, by Bret Easton Ellis. I read it and thought "Awesome. Someone feels as alienated and disconnected as me!" I was not a happy camper as a teenager, LOL! Also, I was obsessed with the Sweet Valley High books (the original series) when I was around 11--just OBSESSED. I still collect the SVH's with the original covers all these years later. (I felt the same way about CATCHER IN THE RYE--too bad I didn't know you then!- Alyson)
4. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?
I would like to go back and spend time in old-time Hollywood--really see inside the old studio system and hang out with stars like Bette Davis, Greta Garbo, and Marilyn Monroe. The time just represents glamour, intrigue, and the most delicious scandal.
Jennifer's Story:
Jennifer Banash attended high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and currently lives in Southern California with her Beagle, Sigmund, and her vast designer shoe collection. She is the author of THE ELITE series, published by Berkley Jam. Watch for the third installment of THE ELITE, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, coming in July 09!Links:
IN TOO DEEP on Amazon
THE ELITE on Amazon
Jennifer’s Blog:
jenniferbanash.wordpress.com
Jennifer’s Website
MySpace:
Facebook:
Don't forget to comment for your chance to win!!!!
11 comments:
The Elite was such fun - I'd love to win a copy of In Too Deep!
Rachel Kramer Bussel
rachelkb@gmail.com
yes please! i also collected SVH books, i think well into the 40's. BUT i donated them all when my folks sold the house. =| congrats jennifer and thanks for a fun interview, alyson. the book sounds very intriguing!
I have been dying to read these books but they aren't at my library yet and I am in a buying freeze. great interview!
sports[dot]erikalynn[at]gmail[dot]com
I don't even have any great Valentines stories! My dad used to make us all heart shaped breakfast though!
I'm about halfway through The Elite and I'm loving it!
Erika, you can always request that your library order my books--you'd be doing me a great favor by doing so, and they will be happy to oblige. Then you'll be able to read them w/out shelling out your cash too! See? Everybody wins! :)
xo
Great interview - and one of those answers just sparked a total epiphany!
I like the interview. =)
This is my story: My favorite Valentines memory was in second grade. Since it was Valentines, I BEGGED my mom to buy cards for my class. She did on the morning of Valentine's Day. But the cards that she bought were race cars, since it was the only thing left. I didn't write my name on the cards. I passed them out, and the look on the girls faces were HILARIOUS. They made faces of pigs.
Well if I'm too late to comment then enjoy the story anyway.
Ok two things you need to know First I'm engaged to a kind man named David and he believes that Valentines Day is a commercial holiday not the holiday of love.
Second I hate the fact that people cut down beautiful flowers just to watch them die several days later.
Valentines Day 2009:
So Last year was a trying year in our relationship I felt several times that we were on the verge of losing everything. So when David told me that he wasn't going to be off on Valentines day this year like he usually was I felt kind of betrayed. So I made plans to hang out with my best friend. Long story short I cancled because I watched my niece so my sister could at least enjoy Valentines day. So everyones asleep and I hear my door open and there stands David with this on single Rose but its really shiny. I was about to be mad but I take a closer look and its the most beautiful Purple rose with a clear polish and tiped with platinum. It was beautiful, I was speechless. He says "It's forever in bloom." It is so far my greates treasure, and even though I didn't spend the whole day with him it is my most treasured Valentines day so far.
My favorite Valentine's story involves my son and I. Chris is a special needs guy - 21 years old and just moved into assisted living at the end of November. I brought him some Valentine's goodies the other day where he lives, including the requisite cup of Dunkin Donuts cofee....When he saw me, to see his face light up with that HUGE, dimpled smile, run to me, and throw his arms around me, it made me feel more unconditional love in that one moment than I'd ever known. It made me feel absolutely fabulous!
Jennifer, I definitely have requested them...and a whole bunch more...i live in a really tiny town and our library is sparse. I am also the queen of interlibrary loan there. I keep the librarians busy for sure.
I would love to read these books, great giveaway fro the summer!! Great birthday present if i do get it this month:))
euphoriabliss@hotmail.com
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