Teens@Random

The Buzz

• ARC Giveaway Friday - Poisoned Honey

  Mar 12, 2010

  Happy Friday everyone! We are thrilled to announce that today we are giving away ARC copies of Poisoned Honey from author Beatrice Gormley! Here's a little more about the book:

  This story begins with Mariamne, a vulnerable girl who knows little of the ways of the world. Much as she wants to be in control of her own destiny, she soon learns she has no such power. She must do as her father and brother see fit, and when tragedy strikes, Mari must marry a man she does not love and enter a household where she is not welcome, for the good of her family.

  But she finds a small way to comfort herself when she meets an Egyptian wisewoman who instructs her in the ways of the occult arts. In the spirit world, Mari finds she has power. Here, she really is in control of her fate. But is she? Or is the magic controlling her?

  This gripping portrait of one of the most misunderstood and controversial Biblical figures is the story of a young girl’s path through manipulation and possession, madness and healing, to a man who will change the world forever.

  To enter for your chance to win, please tell us in the comments section your thoughts on destiny. Do you think our fates are already pre-ordained or do you believe we have control over our own destinies. Winners will be announced on Monday.

  
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  by HeadBuzzer | 52 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway Poisoned Honey

• 7 Sure Signs of a Bad Book

  Mar 11, 2010

  A discussion with SOPHIE.

  This post will hopefully be helpful to writers- what not to do- and readers- whether or not you're wasting your time with your current read.

  
  

  1. It's boring: It seems elementary, but nobody is interested in a boring book. If an author spends twenty pages merely showing off their vocabulary- with no hint of plot action whatsoever- the reader will easily lose interest.

  2. It's unrealistic: Yes, this holds true for the fantasy genre as well. If characters are making out of the blue decisions simply to satisfy a plot twist that makes no sense at all, the author will lose the reader's respect.

  3. It's unoriginal: Books based off of old classics (such as Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, based off of Much Ado about Nothing) are always fun, as well as books less obviously inspired by classics (such as Twilight, inspired by Pride and Prejudice). But if a novel is like twenty others of the same genre, this is no testament to the author's talent, and no enjoyment to the reader.

  4. It's predictable: If, from page one, the reader can foresee all plot twists, as well as how the book will end, it's no fun to read. Take a tip from Agatha Christie and insert (believable) surprises into your novel; and add in the unexpected ending.

  5. Stereotypical characters: Before writing, try filling out a few character exercises. Reading books with with stereotypical, shallow characters are no fun; I prefer novels with complex, multi-layered people.

  6. Exploiting teen issues: Have you ever read a novel with anorexia, cutting, abuse, and suicide all in the first two chapters? Not very realistic, or enjoyable, is it? Try sticking to one issue, and do a good job with that one.

  7. Bad pacing: If all of the first nineteen chapters are spent with the protagonist pining away in his/her room, and in the last chapter the protagonist finds out s/he is a secret agent and rescues the world, that's bad pacing. Not only will the reader quit before finishing the novel, but it just looks bad on the author's part.

  What do you think are some signs of a bad book?

  
  

  
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  by HeadBuzzer | 7 comments |

• Lauren Henderson Visits Random Buzzers Next Week

  Mar 11, 2010

  Happy Thursday everyone! We are thrilled to announce that Kiss in the Dark author Lauren Henderson will be joining us next week to discuss her latest work and answer your questions! If you haven't been to her forum yet, check it out now and ask her some questions! In the meantime, here's a letter Lauren wrote to all of you! Enjoy.

  Well, hello ladies! (And gentlemen, if there are any out there...)

  I’m really looking forward to talking to you all from March 15-19th. By that time I’ll be well into writing Book 4 in the Scarlett Wakefield series, and it’ll be a positive pleasure to take a break every now and then and pop online to meet the people without whom the stories in my head would never go anywhere – the readers. Being a writer basically involves sitting by yourself in a room trying not to watch daytime TV. It’s not exactly sociable. So I love to hear from people who’ve read my books, or might be interested in reading them. Please, bring all your suggestions, comments, questions, criticism (my skin’s fairly thick) and feedback on what you all think of the characters and stories.

  One of the most fun parts about writing a mystery series is that the plots have to be strong, and the characters have to be tough and resourceful to cope with all the twists and turns that come their way. I gave my heroine, Scarlett, a background in gymnastics so that she can jump, tumble, and climb her way in and out of trouble when she’s investigating the deaths of the people who keep dropping like flies around her. And her best friend, Taylor, is even more hard-core – she’d probably win a wrestling match with Vin Diesel.

  CLICK MORE TO SEE THE REST OF LAUREN'S LETTER

  
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  by HeadBuzzer | 1 comment |
  Filed under: Buzz Author Lauren Henderson

• They Never Came Back - Reviewed by SOPHIE

  Mar 10, 2010

  Title: They Never Came Back

  Author: Caroline B. Cooney

  Grade: A-

  Ideal Audience: Boys & Girls, 13-18

  Summary: Cathy Ferris is attending summer school, intending to learn a year's worth of Latin in the rigorous six week course. However, when fellow student Tommy Petrak bursts out, telling her she is a dead ringer for his missing cousin, Murielle, the situation turns a whole lot more interesting than just a dead language.

  Five years ago, Murielle's parents fled the country after the government found out that they had embezzled millions and millions of dollars from people through false investment deals. Murielle was supposed to go with them, but due to a glitch in the plan, she was separated from her parents. The FBI had never been able to locate her parents, and Murielle had disappeared into the foster care system.

  Cathy initially rejects Tommy, but what if she is his missing cousin? When the FBI catches wind of the situation, they hatch a plot to make Cathy/Murielle lure Murielle's parents back home to jail. The question is: does Cathy want to do this? Does she even have a choice in the matter?

  My thoughts: Although I wouldn't classify this novel as a mystery, it was still full of intrigue and thrill. The exciting plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and although the writing was a bit impersonal (something which I think detracts from children's and teens' books), the novel was still unique enough to capture people's interest.

  The ethical questions raised combined with the "keep you on the edge of your seat" aspect was enough to make me very interested in Cooney's other works.

  
  

  
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  by HeadBuzzer | 0 comments |
  Filed under: Buzz Blogger

• Random Hour #77: Character Inspiration

  Mar 10, 2010

  No writer can deny this simple truth – one of the most important elements to a great story is creating great characters. Well thought out and well written characters are essential to penning a successful book. Some of you may wonder how authors come up inspiration for some of their characters. Sometimes authors gather inspiration from people they already know, some authors gather inspiration from people they just see on the streets. Sometimes a great character was written at random, inspired by something totally unrelated to literature. Regardless of where the inspiration comes from, it’s the end result, the end character that matters most.

  When writing up new characters, where does your inspiration come from? What are some of the most memorable characters from books you’ve read?

  
  

  
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  by Buzzgirl | 4 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• The Ultimate Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Superfan is.....

  Mar 9, 2010

  After viewing all the submissions for the biggest Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Superfan activity, we have selected CMEISTER3 as the biggest fan! Congrats!

  
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  by HeadBuzzer | 6 comments |

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