Interview:
1. What drew you to writing originally?
The voices in my head finally became too loud to ignore. Either I gave them a forum to tell their stories or I went to therapy. Writing was cheaper.
2. What makes Summer on the Short Bus 'special'?
It’s unapologetically honest.
That’s not to say there aren’t other books out there that share this trait--there definitely are--but odds of finding a fluffy, kumbaya story are a lot greater than running into one that won’t say “sorry” for offending you.
3. What's your favorite part of the contemporary genre?
Emotions!! Real life is chock full of ups and downs, happys and sads, goods and bads, prettys and uglys (yes, these are all words!). I love reading, and writing, about real life and all of the feels that come with it.
4. Favorite contemporary reads?
I absolutely adored ASPEN by Rebekah Crane as well as HOW MY SUMMER WENT UP IN FLAMES by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski. Eric Devine, my Running Press brother, writes some pretty intense, honest books that always deliver. Also, anything by Jennifer Echols or Jenny Han and I’m good to go.
5. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
TRUST YOUR GUT.
Readers, crit partners, agents and editors will all have opinions on how you can make your story stronger and in many cases their suggestions will resonate. But at the end of the day, only you know exactly how the story should go. Always trust your own instincts.
Synopsis:
Her sentence takes a bearable turn as she discovers the humor and likeability of the campers and grows close to fellow counselors. Now, if she can just convince a certain Zac Efron look-alike with amazing blue eyes that she finally realizes there's life after Gucci, this summer could turn out to be the best she's ever had.
Summer on the Short Bus is a very non-P.C., contemporary YA with a lot of attitude, tons of laughs, and a little life lesson along the way.
You Can Find it At:
B&N
Amazon
Indiebound
Goodreads
Author Bio:
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Bethany lives in San Diego with her husband, two kiddos (one of whom is differently-abled), and a chocolate lab who has no regard for personal space. She believes that prayer solves problems and that Jake Ryan is going to show up at her door any minute now…. She is represented by Rachael Dugas of Talcott Notch Literary Services.
You Can Find Her At:
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Amazon
Indiebound
Goodreads
Author Bio:
You Can Find Her At:
Website
Great interview! Ha, I loved her answer to question #1. And I must check out her book, as well as her favorite contemporaries. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, yeah therapy is really expensive! Haha! :D I love this interview. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteTherapy really is expensive! Haha I love this interview, so much fun! :D
ReplyDeleteWell unapologetically honest sounds really good to me and emotions are my favorite thing in contemporary as well. I hope that this one has plenty of it. Great interview :)
ReplyDeleteI agree ^^ apologetically honest is the best kind! I do love the answer to the first, it is very true too. Brilliant interview!
ReplyDeleteI think the emotions are one of my favorite parts of contemporary too. :D I'm really looking forward to this book. The fact that it's unapologetically honest just makes me want to read it even more.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of this event! :)
Great interview! I think Bethany is pretty much awesome in general, and this totally cements it. Is it bad to need both writing and therapy? ;)
ReplyDeleteShannon @ It Starts At Midnight
This sounds so cute! I love that she stuck with her gut an didn't back down! Thanks for the interview!
ReplyDeleteI loved this interview! Especially her response to why she started writing!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is really cute, and the story sounds good as well! I enjoyed the interview, especially her response to the first question. Writing was cheaper!
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview! I'm really excited to read this book; it sounds adorable. I also love the vivid emotions of contemporary because the circumstances are usually relatable. Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteLove this interview. I have been wanting to read Summer on the Short Bus. I have heard good things.
ReplyDeleteI personally would rather write. Therapy is expensive. And I agree, so many emotions. I love when a book makes me feel. Such a good feeling. Even if it makes me cry. (Especially with the ups and downs, makes it feel so real that way!)
I have only read one Jenny Han book and it was awesome, I am planning on reading others. And I am going to have to look into those other Contemporary recs.
Great interview and wonderful advice!
Great Interview!
ReplyDeleteSummer on the Short Bus has been on my TBR for quite awhile. I just haven't got to it yet! What I'm looking most forward to is that "unapologetic" and humorous story, that Bethany says it's like. I have high hopes for it! ;)
ReplyDeleteYep, honesty is one of Bethany's virtues!! Her book was marvelous and she is a blast to follow on Twitter (you all should do this). I am a US commenter. Thank-you for the fab givie. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome interview! I loved Summer on the Short Bus and I love how honest it was and like she said, unapologetic! Life doesn't always have to be PC! Thanks for a great interview and hosting!
ReplyDelete