Meet a friend…
Posted by Devyn | Filed under Uncategorized
I’d like to start a new thing on my blog, once a month when I have time to introduce you to some of the amazing people that I call friends. First I’d like to introduce yo to Paula Chase Hyman–here is a little bit about her:
When author, Paula Chase Hyman, wrote a manuscript, in 2003, about a bright-eyed optimistic fourteen year old, suburban girl who happened to be African American, the landscape of young adult fiction featuring contemporary Black characters was barren.
In 2004, Hyperion released Dana Davidson’s Jason & Kyra and from there the slow trickle of books featuring characters of color without race being the primary focus began. And in 2006, So Not The Drama, Chase Hyman’s debut was acquired by Kensington Books to launch their YA line. She went on to write four more books that followed Mina Mooney and her group of friends and The Del Rio Bay series officially joined the small fray of books depicting a more heterogeneous teen point-of-view.
Since then, Chase Hyman has been on a journey to inject books like hers into the literary mainstream, so they’re mentioned in the same discussion as books by Sarah Dessen, Cicely Von Ziegesar and Meg Cabot.
The last book in her series, Flipping The Script, was released in April ’09.
Visit her at www.paulachasehyman.com andwww.thebrownbookshelf.com
I’ve been working on reading Paula’s book “Who You Wit’?” and have been absolutely loving it. The book contains some very unique characters! Expect to see a review for the book on Faerie Drink Review within the next few months!
But for now you don’t have to take MY word for it–here are some nice things people have been saying about her books!
“Contemporary friendship story, which revels in rich diversity of race, color, and class.”
—Booklist
“Genuine dialogue…there is plenty here for readers to ponder about race, class and popularity.” – Publishers Weekly
“With humor and a clear eye, Maryland author Paula Chase sees straight to the heart of today’s teen culture.”
— Washington Parent, February ‘08
“..surprisingly real and deep… well worth reading. ”
—TeensReadToo, on Paula’s writing
“Our fave cheerleader with flavor is back in the third installment of the Del Rio Bay series.”
—American Cheerleader, August 2008
“…a fresh contemporary friendship story and worth the read.” – Kirkus Reviews
Last but not least I have an interview with Paula posted on Faerie Drink HERE!
Thanks Paula!
BookExpo America 2009!
Posted by Devyn | Filed under Sekrit
I’m happy to announce that I will be attending BookExpo America! (As a totally normal person, no big book announcements… yet!) So if you are going to be attending–give me a shout out*! This is my first book event I’m ecstatically stoked!
*Personal Note to Maureen Johnson, do not try to hide. I. Will. Find. You.
Ned Vizzini.
Posted by Devyn | Filed under Uncategorized
A few days ago I was invited on Facebook, to a book event with Ned Vizzini. I had not idea who he was to be honest–there are so many authors out there, but I’m still amazed that he slipped through the cracks on my radar. I looked around his website, and became really interested in his book It’s Kind Of A Funny Story.
Within the hour, I had a ride ready and took the twenty minute drive to meet Ned.
When I arrived the small room was packed full of people, and I was greeted by the awesome Reading Junkie. I shuffled to the front of the room to listen to Ned speak, and since I am brutally honest–at first I was horribly bored.
HOWEVER, In Ned’s defense, I have met a lot of authors one on one–and have only seen John Green do a live event. (And two I was ten minutes late and had no idea, of what the hell was going on!) It was very new to me to sit still and listen to an author speak. But the more I listened to Ned the more I was drawn in.
I’ve listened to a lot of speakers in my life, but Ned honestly kept my attention. Once his talk was finished I sprinted to the back of the room to purchase two of his books and was first in line to get them signed.
I would like to thank Ned for introducing me to a ‘real’ author event–and making it very enjoyable & to the Reading Junkie for extending an invitation to me.
Some personal notes I would like to add, that everyone should remember when giving a large talk. He kept eye contact with everyone at least at one point during the night and he kept connected with the audience. When you connect with an audience they feel like your best friend and are more willing to purchase your work!
xo
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Devyn Burton writes stuff for teens. He was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, and lives every day to the fullest.