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!!!!
