Teens@Random

The Buzz

Archives for May 2009

• Have A Riot This Friday & Win An ARC

  May 29, 2009

  Mallory is back and has more Hollywood drama than before. If you remember David Van Etten's first release in the Likely Story series then you know all the drama that ensued in her life with her mother, boyfriend Keith, and best friend. Sure, we've all got a little bit of drama here and there but for Mallory, it gets even worse when she hits a Red Carpet Riot. Random Buzzers may also be familiar with stirring up a bit of drama of their own in a spicy script.
  
  Mallory finds out that her show has been nominated for a daytime Emmy in Red Carpet Riot and with everything swirling around her life, she can only hope for the best. If you had the chance to walk down the red carpet, what is the worst-case scenario for you? What could be the worst thing to happen to you on your big walk down the red carpet? Share your thoughts and you could be one of five lucky winners to win a copy of David Van Etten's next installment in the Likely Story series! Check back to this post for the winners list.

  Winners List: Friday May 29, 2009

  Winner	Responses
  Butterflywonder16	The worst thing that could happen to me on the red carpet is if I tripped in a pile of gum. Then after I got all of the gum off, my favorite dress that I am wearing rips.
  chicklit	My worse red carpet scenario would be being chased by a dog who just randomly appears out of nowhere(which is my worse fear no matter where i am)or being chased by a fan, subsequently I would trip and rip some part of my dress on the red carpet. That would be the most embarrassing thing that could possibly happen to me on the red carpet.
  cosmicdustbella	If I were to walk down the red carpet, my worst fear would be that my the slip I was wearing under my dress would fall. It happened to me once before when I was in a school play, it was opening night and I had a fairly big role. As soon as I started saying my lines, I could feel my slip slipping down, right in front of everybody! I had never been so humiliated!
  donovan5	Somebody throwing eggs in my face right as I turn around to smile for the cameras. Then, the picture making all the tabloids for the next few weeks. WORST DRESSED: Ryan with egg on his face.
  alexbepimpin12	The most embarassing thing that could happen to me on the red carpet would be to bump into Angelina Jolie AND TOTALLY LOSE MY COOL!!!! I would be making half-formed compliments and spew out jumbles of words. I could not think of anything worse that could happen to me on the red carpet.

  by HeadBuzzer | 13 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway

• Summer Book Wishlist

  May 27, 2009

  It’s hard to believe Memorial Day weekend has already come and gone. Next week will be June and before we know it summer will be here!  I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, there is no better way to spend a summer day than lying in the sun with a great book.

  
  This summer I am looking forward to finally finding some time to catch up on my reading and my Summer Book Wishlist is growing by the minute. (Of course first my agenda is reading that book that’s been sitting on my night table collecting dust.) My Wishlist ranges from old classics, to love stories, to light beach reads.

  
  What about you? What books are on your Summer Wishlist?

  by Buzzgirl | 34 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• This Friday’s Prophesy – You Will Win an Oracles of Delphi Keep ARC

  May 22, 2009

  Do you think you can live up to this prophesy? Oracles of Delphi Keep by Victoria Laurie comes out this Tuesday the 26^th but you have a chance of winning it today in our giveaway!
  
  Delphi Keep is an orphanage within a castle along the southern coast of England and has seen many youngsters come and go through its gates, and Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, are happy to call it home. Their lives are about to be changed when one day they find a silver treasure box. And within the box, a prophesy.
  
  If you were to stumble upon a silver treasure box that revealed one prophesy of yours, what do you think it would be? It's always fun to think about our future and what lies ahead even though not everything can be predictable. Can you see what the cards hold for your future? Let us know one thing that you can foresee in your future or hope will happen (short term or far far away into the future) and you could be one of five lucky winners for this Friday's ARC giveaway of Oracles of Delphi Keep. Check back to this post for the winners list.

  
  

  Winners List: Friday May 22, 2009

  Winner	Responses
  Cornucopiaoflove	I think that my prophecy would show me my future job, since that's what I'm concentrating the most on right now. I'd be working as a psychologist in a college counseling center, and also working on projects on campus like the Clothesline Project (which is something I've worked on at my school for the past 2 years).
  kiskasnow	That the world's economic situation will increase by the time i graduate from college. I believe that eventually people will become richer and then be happier. I have learned that money doesn't buy happiness but sure makes life easier
  book_junkie	You will write. You will express yourself throughout your published written works all of your life. Your first 27 bestsellers will have been published by the time you are 30 years old. You will write under a code name, so as to keep the mystery in your book as to who you are. Keep on the path you are on and you will find a treasure worth more than any held within a silver box.
  face_in_book	"You will come into possession of a book about two orphans, and a treasure box that changes their lives. This book, a treasure box of it's own, will quickly be devoured and ever be enjoyed." :)
  Butterflywonder16	The prophesy in my silver treasure box would be to follow whatever makes you happy. With the end of the school year approaching and my friends who are seniors graduating/going off to college, it is a very sad time. So, one thing that I hope to happen in the future is for all the graduating seniors to have promising and prosperous futures.

  
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 12 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway Oracles of Delphi Keep

• Random Hour # 37: Finding Time to Read

  May 20, 2009

  As the book that I have been meaning to start sits on my nightstand collecting more and more dust with each passing day, I can’t help but wonder... Am I the only one who hasn’t had any time to read lately?
  
  Our lives are filled with busy schedules, schoolwork, and other obligations, not to mention the constant messages we get from our computers, televisions, and our Facebook profiles. It seems that in today’s modern society, finding time to read has become increasingly more difficult.
  
  In between soccer practice and piano lessons, did we forget to pencil in “reading”? If we can take time to give priorities to all other activities in our life, shouldn’t we treat reading with the same respect?
  
  What do you think? How do you find time in your busy schedule to read?
  

  by Buzzgirl | 24 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Castration Celebration ARCs in Store – Celebrate With Us!

  May 19, 2009

  The Random Buzzers store was recently updated with copies of Castration Celebration ARCs - there are now only 4 copies left! The book comes out next Tuesday the 26^th but you can get your advanced copy now in the Store. We wanted to celebrate the release of this title by having our very own musical! In Castration Celebration, Olivia's summer goal: to write a musical that censures men with wandering eyes (read more about the book HERE). It's a musical like no other and we're sure Random Buzzers can come up with a completely unique musical as well! Just take a look at the fine script writing skills from a past collaborative piece of work.
  
  Are you ready to take on the challenge of writing a musical? Don't worry, you won't be doing it alone! Just like the Likely Story script, writing this musical will follow similar steps. First, we will need a subject. Participate in our first activity for this musical writing and let us know what topic you think would make for a great musical. You only have 1 week to submit your ideas. Next, all members of Random Buzzers will have the opportunity to vote upon the subject and then we begin the 6-week process of writing a musical this summer at Random Buzzers!

  by HeadBuzzer | 2 comments |
  Filed under: Castration Celebration

• Summer Is Around the Corner & So Is YOUR Slept Away ARC

  May 15, 2009

  
  It’s about that time of year again when we all think about summer activities, getaways, and fun under the bright sun. For this Friday’s ARC giveaway, we wanted to give away a fun summer read about an adventure away from home and the comfort of what we’re used to.
  
  In Slept Away, Laney Parker is a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, brunching at sidewalk cafes, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—partying at her classmates’ apartments.  Her summer is about to be flipped when she is sent away for a more “rustic” experience at sleep away camp with log cabins, lakes, and all!
  
  Can you recall one extreme summer experience of yours? Did you ever go away or do something that was completely out of the norm for your summer season? Share your story with us and you could be one of five lucky winners to win a copy of Slept Away for this Friday’s giveaway! Enter HERE and check back to this post for the winners list. Good luck!

  Winners List: Friday May 15, 2009

  Winner	Responses
  mrdarcy3	One summer before my senior year in high school I went to Iowa to for a week long course on learning how to speak Welsh. I'm not fluent, but I can speak a few words... Cymru am byth
  bethafauna64	The life-changing summer of 2006 was definitely a strange one. One of my best friends, who I really don't see very often because we go to different dance schools, called me up nearly everyday to see if I wanted to swim with her. As we swam, we would talk about our plans for the next year. I had been dancing at my dance school for 14 years and she had just switched to a new one after her old studio tragically closed. I talked about how I was unhappy and she talked the opposite. Then she said, "You should switch to my dance school," and I said, "...Okay!" It was the biggest change of my life; switching schools on a whim, but it was totally worth it. I wouldn't change the past or my decision for anything.
  bookgrobie	I go to visit Finland with my grandmother and cousins every summer. One time we were all bored and decided to go play in the woods. We started throwing pine cones at each other and ended up having this epic 2 hour long pine cone fight. It was so much fun.
  bubblyprincess0924	A couple of summers ago, I got the strangest summer. I was at my little sister's 4th birthday party. Afterwards, my dad said to all of my sisters, "Girls, we are moving to Arkansas" None of us knew where that was, seeig as I was nine and I had lived only in New Jersey and California. He told us that we had exactly six weeks till we moved. So, in six weeks we packed up our entire house, had a going away party, hopped on a plane, and moved. When we got to Arkansas, it was exactly 1 day till my first day of 5th grade. We had to visit my new school, buy uniforms, and go school supply shopping all in one day! That was definitely my strangest summer yet.
  Winter0058	Summer had just started and my family and i had planned on going to Washington D.C. We didnt really have a set date. One day, as we were all talking, my dad goes "lets go to D.C. today." We were all shocked because my dad is known as the planner, the one that organizes things ahead. We then proceeded to call my cousin and his family, and invited them along.we all met up at my cousins house and at 3 a.m we headed out for our 6-7 hour drive. When we got there, we were exhausted and really had to go to the bathroom. Overall it was a spontaneous and very fun trip! =]

  
  
  

  by Buzzgirl | 10 comments |
  Filed under: “ARC friday Giveaway”

• Random Hour #36: Tearjerkers

  May 14, 2009

  Books and Music have a lot in common. The both provide somewhat of an “escape,” allowing us to be taken away from our own reality for a short time and get lost in the words we hear in the melodies or read on the pages.  Our moods tend to dictate what kind of book or song we choose.  Sometimes I go for a light read or upbeat song, and other times I am just looking for a good cry.

  Sometimes “Tearjerkers” are the best kinds of books—they are the ones that take you on an emotional journey and allow you to truly experience the characters’ pains, joys, and sorrows. I tend to find that these books have a complexity and depth that other lighter reads seem to lack. On the rainiest of days, I truly believe there is nothing better than getting lost in your tears.

  What about you. Do you tend to pick a book based upon your moods?

  Do you tend to choose “Tearjerkers” or do you find them too sad?

  This week’s Random Hour Post was inspired by our Special guest author Lurlene McDaniel, whose heartbreaking stories tackle difficult issues and show us that although we may not be able to avoid rainstorms, we can certainly learn to dance in them.

  by Buzzgirl | 13 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Author Lurlene McDaniel Joins Us on Monday!

  May 8, 2009

  Random Buzzers is happy to let you know that our next featured author, Lurlene McDaniel, will be joining us this Monday May 11th!

  If you haven’t already, you can leave your questions, comments, and greetings for Lurlene on her special thread HERE. You can also check out her YouTube channel HERE.

  Make sure to leave your questions for Lurlene before she officially arrives this coming Monday and look out for some special book activities. We're thrilled to have her here starting next week!

  Here is Lurlene’s special message to you:

  Dear Reader----
  Lucky me!  I get to be the feature author on Random Buzzers.  For the next two weeks, you can ask me questions on this site, and I will answer them.  Plus, I also get to tell you about two of my books, the newest, BREATHLESS, and a title that published last year, PREY.
  BREATHLESS explores a difficult and controversial topic---assisted suicide.  The story centers around a championship high school diver whose inoperable bone cancer makes him explore “quality of life” issues.  At what point do people lose control of their own life options?  And what is the difference between “ethics” and “morality.”  Perhaps we can get some good discussions going on Buzzers if you have thoughts on this topic.  Once you read BREATHLESS, you may have a new perspective on this heart rending subject.
  As for PREY, this book explores an illicit relationship between a female teacher and a male student.  Told from both viewpoints, this story explores the psychology of such a relationship and its aftermath on the lives of the characters.   I’m pleased to say that PREY was chosen to be a Reluctant Reader Best YA book for 2009 by the American Library Association.  I’m honored.
  I really like challenging my readers to think about controversial subjects and see these subjects in a new light.  Most of all, I like to know that I’ve written a book that draws readers in and lets them empathize completely with the characters.  If I can do this, then I’ve done my job as a writer.
  Thanks to all of you and to my wonderful publisher, who gives me lots of leeway to create books that linger in the imagination after the story is completed.
  

  Best wishes,
  Lurlene
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 5 comments |
  Filed under: Breathless Lurlene McDaniel Prey

• The good thing about Friday is--it's not Thursday...

  May 8, 2009

  Is everyone having a good Friday so far? We're excited to let you know that our ARC giveaway this week is for copies of If the Witness Lied by Caroline B. Cooney! Author Caroline B. Conney has written numerous titles in the suspense, romance, horror and mystery genres and her latest, gripping thriller, If the Witness Lied, details how love, devotion, and forgiveness make resilience—and recovery—possible.

  We are giving away five copies of this ARC TODAY! Make sure to enter our giveaway HERE for your chance to win. Check back here for the winners list.

  Good luck and happy Friday!

  
  

  Winners List: Friday May 8, 2009

  Winner	Response
  NICOLE21	Jack gets home in time to see Aunt Cheryl waving good-bye to the garbage truck driver.
  IAMTHEQUEEN	Jack arrives home to find Aunt Cheryl has just returned from the transfer station.
  NotTheGrinch	I think Jack goes home to find his room empty...he'll have to learn to rely on his memories of his family instead of using their belongings as crutches. Caroline Cooney is a very skilled author...and she knows that usually a character has to suffer before he can grow--I'm guessing she's starting the book off with a big chunk of hardship right away. But I can't wait to read it to find out!
  RLEROY	There's something unusual about Jack that will reveal itself when he attempts to stop his Aunt Cheryl from remodeling his room and tossing out his most prized yet painful possessions.
  WDEBO5487	Jack jumps down trying to retrieve the boots then suddenly a security gaurd comes and cathes him, the gaurd turns out to be Diana's brother a fellow protector.

  
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 9 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway

• Random Hour #35: Fairy Tales

  May 6, 2009

  When I was little, my parents used to read me a bedtime story each night before I went to sleep.  My favorites included Superman, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. As children we are told fairy tale stories involving Princes rescuing Princesses, superheroes flying over buildings to save the day, and, always, everyone lived happily ever after. As we start to grow up, we realize that life isn’t necessarily going to be a fairy tale. Although it may be naïve to believe in Prince Charming, Clark Kent and the glass slipper, I’m still holding on.

  When we grow up should we stop believing in fairy tales and superheroes or should we try to keep that childlike innocence?

  What do you think?

  by Buzzgirl | 19 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour