GRAFFITI PROMOTIONS is a regular feature on Writer's Alley for members of the publishing world to share valuable wisdom and experience, and to promote their work. Features include Author or Character Interviews, Book Promos, Seven Sneaky Secrets, and Guest Posts. Just signup to be featured!
***Note to MG & PB readers: today's highlight is a New Adult genre.
Some of you already know her. But for those of you who don't, I want you to meet a dear cyber-friend, New Adult Author Christina Lee. Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Hey, Christina! *waves* Give the folks a little dish about yourself.
Once upon a time, I lived in New York City and was a fashion stylist. I spent my days shopping for photo shoots, getting into cabs, eating amazing food, and drinking coffee at my favorite hangouts.
Um ... exciting! Well, at least the shopping for shoots part.
Now I live in my hometown of Cleveland, with my husband and son—my two favorite guys. I’ve always been an avid reader—reading was actually my favorite time of day when I taught second and third grade. But it wasn’t until I became a local newspaper columnist that something clicked. I finally realized I could turn my love of words into my dream of writing fiction. I write Young Adult and New Adult fiction. I am represented by Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency.
Hugs. Sara is like ... Whoa ... awesome! What else is there to know about Christina?
I also own a hand-stamped jewelry business called Tags-n-Stones, which requires me to stamp letters and/or words onto pieces of silver. They go hand-in-hand perfectly.
And I've seen some of her jewelry. It's gorgeous. Let's take a peek at your book, ALL OF YOU.
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Penguin/InterMix
Released: September 2013
Description: In this powerfully emotional debut New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.
Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.
When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.
Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.
So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.
How did the cover image and blurb come to life?
This book is an adult romance with plenty of steam. But my Bennett is a virgin and I knew that I didn't want a shirtless guy on the cover because it just didn't fit him or the story. The image and the color palette Penguin came up with for my ALL OF YOU blew me away. The cover for book two is also very cool. So, I cannot wait to see what they come up with for book three.
Teaser!!!
Oooh ... ;)
What is your favorite part of the story?
When Avery and Bennett finally negotiate their feelings and allow each other into their worlds--into their hearts--it's MAGIC.
Aw...sounds like it!
Share something quirky about yourself.
I keep handwritten lists upon lists of things I need to get done or want to accomplish all over my office. It's ridiculous and is certainly not the best system to have. =)
What can your fans expect from you next?
My next book, a companion novel to ALL OF YOU, releases on February 18th, 2014. It's called BEFORE YOU BREAK and tells Ella's story.
That is next month. Woot! On that note, here's Christina's header on her site. Book II & III covers have already been designed. Great stuff!
To top it all off, Christina has offered up an eCopy of ALL OF YOU to one lucky winner!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AND if you haven't done so already, feel free to take my writer's pledge for 2014. Just go HERE or click on the badge in my right sidebar to signup! LUV to have you.
Let me ask you this: how do you think being a young adult (age 14 - 18) differs from this new adult (age 19 - 22) age?
Thanks so much for having me, Sheri! <3 XOXO
ReplyDeleteXOXO - back at you!
DeleteCongrats to Christina! Loved All of You! And it's so awesome Sara is her agent. She's on my list of dream agents.
ReplyDeleteOh, you read it already??? #watchingfaceslowlyturninggreenwithenvy
DeleteI loved All of You! Looking forward to the next one, and it's nice we don't have to wait too long!! I used to teach third grade, too, Christina! Before having my three kids, then was a stay at home mom for 11 years and started writing sometime then! Great interview, ladies!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you used to be a teacher, Kelly. Such a wonderful way to share yourself and some goodness with the world. :)
DeleteBet she's glad she started writing that column!
ReplyDeleteI think this one is on my TBR list. If not, it should be. Fashion to writing... That's quite the jump, but what a unique twist that must put on things! Lovei t!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see Christina here. I wish her the best with this book.
ReplyDeleteChristina, very cool that you used to be a fashion stylist!
Thanks for this, Sheri. Loved connecting with Christina and loved your question. There are huge differences between those age groups and I'm so pleased to see that this new category is establishing itself. In HS it's all about learning who we are and where we fit and looking forward to that "freedom" from family constraints. After HS it's about getting on with that degree or that career and establishing ourselves as independent. We may still be somewhat tied to "home," but we definitely have one foot in the adult camp: jobs, taxes, real commitments in terms of relationships. Very big things that determine the direction our lives will take as adults.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteA guy that's a virgin - now that's refreshing.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you now too, Sheri.
The age of the characters :)
ReplyDeleteOhhhh! This sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI love all three covers and I like the sound of this story. I hope to get my hands on it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really great story :)
ReplyDeleteChristina, I didn't know you lived in New York as a fashion stylist! How cool! But I love that your boys are more important than that life. :) And I really love the heart of your story . . . love can be more! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Christina. Lots of creativity: writing and hand-stamped jewelry. I always enjoy reading Q&As with authors.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great, steamy read! Congratulations on your release Christina.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read. I love the cover.
ReplyDelete*waves to Christina* Great cover. I plan on buying this. Fashion stylist. WOW. So cool!
ReplyDeleteYay for NA, and this one sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThose three book covers look GREAT lined up next to each other on Christina's website banner :-)
ReplyDeleteTHANKS SO MUCH, Everybody! *waves*
ReplyDelete