Beth Fantaskey News!

Since I'm a fan of JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE, I'm here to help Beth out a bit by spreading some awesome JESSICA news!

First, the sequel to JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE, JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE, drops on January 10th but bookstores are already stocking the shelves and online retailers are releasing the books ahead of schedule. So be sure to order it!

Second, if you haven't read JESSICA'S GUIDE yet, you can download it for free from the HMH website! But you have to hurry. That piece of awesomeness will expire on the 6th.

Third, the extra pieces that bridge the two books, mainly Jessica and Lucius's wedding, have been revised and posted on Beth's website! Be sure to read it so you don't miss any of the story.

And last but not least, Beth is giving away a trifecta of her books, JESSICA'S GUIDE, JESSICA RULES and JEKEL LOVES HYDE to one lucky winner in honor of RULES's release! If you want them, be sure to get your entries in by the 10th.

Great news, right? I told you.

Jekel Loves Hyde Contest!

If you haven't heard already, Beth Fantaskey is having a huge contest for her upcoming release of Jekel Loves Hyde. All you have to do (hey, for some people, it is that simple!) is create an eligible book trailer for her book and you can win signed copies of not only this book, but Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side! And on top of that, the winning trailer will become the official trailer for the book. Awesome, right? Just check out Beth's website for more information on how to enter and what you can win.

Author Bites - Beth Fantaskey on Killing Mockingbirds

A big thanks to Beth Fantaskey for contributing to Ban This! What those parents banning books fail to realize is that these books, the ones they think will dement their poor children's minds, are hugely inspirational, hugely helpful and it's hugely detrimental to remove them from circulation in any way. But I'll let Beth have the floor on that.

As I was trying to figure out what I could contribute to this dialogue, I started surfing the web for information about exactly which books have been challenged in recent years.

I’d heard about – and therefore expected to see – certain titles popping up again and again. (Good old Catcher in the Rye! Did anything make me want to read it more than the endless fretting about its content?)

But then I came across – and was jolted to see – To Kill a Mockingbird listed as a book that has faced numerous challenges.

What?

That novel taught me more about compassion, and human decency, and the importance of doing the right thing, and being open-minded about people who seem “different” than…Well, few people or things had a greater influence on me as a young person trying to set my moral compass.

I spent the greater part of my young life wishing I was – and in my better moments trying to be – as brave and kind as Scout, and feeling lucky that I had a Dad who was a good deal reminiscent of Atticus Finch, minus the law degree. Tom Robinson awed me with his quiet, powerful grace in the face of racism that threatened his life. Even Mrs. Dubose, the angry neighbor, turned out to have a hidden strength. Gosh… I think I learned something from just about every character in that book, as the various players’ true selves emerged.What a masterpiece, on every level. Thirty-some years later, I still carry its lessons with me.

I might not be the best person in the world – but I guarantee you that I’m a better person for having read To Kill a Mockingbird.

And I kind of think that, right there, says all I need to say about banning books.

You're Cordially Invited . . . + Reminder!

Just to remind everyone, my The Devil's Kiss contest ends tonight at midnight, EST! Be sure to get your entries in by then!

By special invitation of Beth Fantaskey, you all are cordially invited not only to the wedding of Jessica Packwood and Lucius Vladescu, but to actually plan it! The planning started yesterday so I'm a day late in the release but the first round of voting is still open for a while so get to it! Click on the image to read the invitation!

Author Bites - Interview with Beth Fantaskey

I did this interview on my writing blog back in January, before I had this blog and before I even read Jessica's Guide. I don't know what it was about this book that drew me in immediately but I had to know more about the author. Since I hadn't read the book yet, the questions are a little more general and since it was for my writing blog, a little more writing-centric. So this'll probably be something a little different than your standard author interview on other book blogs in that respect. Enjoy!

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What got you to start writing? Was it something you’ve always done or did you just wake up one day and say ‘I want to write a novel’?

Actually, I’ve been writing professionally for my entire adult life. I’ve done everything from political speechwriting to newspaper reporting, so writing a novel just seemed like the next step in my career. I used to go into book stores and think, “I would love to do that . . .” So I tried!

Is “Jessica” your first novel or do you have manuscripts in your trunk? If you do, how many did you have to write before snagging an agent?

Like everybody, I wrote a few manuscripts that were mainly experiences. I think “Jessica’s Guide” was my third complete manuscript.

Donna’s Note–I’m telling you, three’s the magic number here.

How do you balance writing in your life? Is it something you make time for or when you have a spare second?

Writing really is my job. And as a freelancer, I depend on it for my income . . .the more I write, the more I get to eat! It’s definitely a top priority in my life.

Are you a pen and paper or a fingers and keyboard type of writer?

Oh, gosh - keyboard. I don’t know how authors like Dickens did it, writing 400-page manuscripts by hand. He must have had the world’s worst writer’s cramp, 24/7. And I can’t imagine not being able to just mark, say, an entire hour’s worth of text and hit “delete,” when necessary!

Donna’s Note–LOL! That’s how I’ve written my entire writing life and this past November, for NaNo, was the one and only time my wrist started to cramp.

Any websites or books you want to recommend that helped you as a writer?

My favorite resource is a dog-eared, 1961 Rodale Synonym Finder. It has these wonderful, sort of archaic expressions that somehow inspire me to think differently about how to express things.

What’s the single best piece of advice about writing that you’ve ever received?

Don’t mess around cleaning your house or trying to make everything around you “perfect” before you write. Those types of things are just distractions. Just sit down and DO IT.

How do you push through the “OMG this sucks! EPIC FAIL!” moments of self-mutilation we all have in writing?

I have a pretty standard ritual for that. I go to the gym, get on the treadmill and listen to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” or Social Distortion’s “Live Before You Die,” run really fast, and get all fired up about doing my best . . . which is all we can really do, right?? Then I just try to work again, before the endorphins wear off.

Did you know you were always a YA writer or was it something that you just realized one day?

Actually, the characters of Jessica and Lucius dictated my path into YA. I wanted to write their story, and that made me a YA writer, sort of by default. I’m glad to be here, though! I love the way YA readers are so eager to interact with authors.

If you could dip one author in gold and worship him or her, who would it be and why?

Although I’m a HUGE fan of Alexandre Dumas, I would have to say the aforementioned Charles Dickens. His work is so emotional, and timeless, and although I’ve read “The Pickwick Papers” Christmas scene every Christmas for about 10 years, I still cry. That’s amazing talent, in my opinion.

What did you stress over more: the novel or the query?

The novel, definitely. I was so doubtful that the query would work that I just sort of dashed it off, if I remember right.

Care to share your hook that you used in your query?

I don’t remember exactly, but it was something on the bad-vampire-humor-side, like, “Sometimes love sucks - and that can be a good thing.” Looking back, I think it was a little risky! I probably wouldn’t recommend being so off-the-cuff.

What was your initial reaction when you got “the call” #1 from your current agent and #2 from your agent about the sale of “Jessica”?

I had a complete, embarrassing freak out when my agent called to say that she wanted to represent me. It was such a thrill. The, when she sold the book, I think my heart stopped. I was so overwhelmed that I kept it a secret for the longest time. I just kept thinking, “This can’t really be happening . . .”

No doubt “Jessica” will be compared to the “Twilight” series, as Publisher’s Weekly has already done in passing. How do you feel about that?

“Twilight is a cultural phenomenon - a force of nature - so I’m flattered by any comparisons, but especially happy about contrasts. I love it when somebody e-mails to say, “I liked that your book had the intense romance of “Twilight,” but had humor in it, too,” or something like that.

Are there any particular scenes in “Jessica” that you didn’t want to cut but knew they had to go?

Hmm . . . Actually, I remember adding, more than cutting, scenes, and I loved the additions, like Jess’s breakup with Jake, which wasn’t in my original manuscript.

Do you find that your characters have a tendency of getting away from you and hijacking the story, leading down a foreign road that you never even thought of taking?

Sure, that definitely happens . . . It’s weird how people you invent can surprise you. I guess that’s just testament to how real they become.

Which character had the loudest voice that just wouldn’t shut up?

Lucius is definitely a forceful presence . . . but I liked to hear him talk! I was always happy to write his letters.

You can only choose one: which one of your characters is your favorite?

I love Jess, and even Faith, but I’d have to say Lucius. I created him, and he still fascinates me!

Aside from writing, what’s another passion of yours?

Music. I’m totally un-musical, but I can spend hours just listening to my iPod and daydreaming.

Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?

Smooth . . . I think I’m too lazy to actually chew peanut butter.

How about a guilty pleasure. Care to spill one of those?

Every Friday night, I get a big stack of women’s magazines - the kind you buy next to grocery store aisles - and some kind of really bad fast food like a huge Big Mac, and I sit for about two hours stuffing my face and reading about make up and clothes and hairstyles. It’s my favorite time of the week . . .

What’s your favorite movie?

Right now it’s “The Princess Bride.” I just discovered it, years after its release, and I think it’s such a great blend of comedy, romance, and adventure. I love it!

Author Bites - Beth Fantaskey on Mob Rule

This time around on Author Bites it's all about Beth Fantaskey and mob mentality. As you all know (if you don't, time to crawl out from under that rock), Beth is the author of the marvelous Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side and while it's filled with snark and high school drama, it taps into some pretty serious issues like mob rule (not THE mob, just A mob) and being different. Read on to find out what Beth has to say.


Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is, of course, a love story. But it’s also about being different, whether you’re a size ten in a society that prizes size two – or a vampire prince walking through a high school cafeteria.

I am really drawn to that theme, and to people who have the courage to stand out.

I encourage my kids to wear the crazy, mismatched outfits they love, or do their hair up in ponytails that sprout all over their heads, or take drama when everybody else is playing soccer.

And, although I’m shy, I try, in my own way, to take small stands against conformity. A few years ago, I had a job with this awesome dental plan, and one of my friends kept saying, “You should get braces! Fix that crooked tooth!”

But I kind of like my crooked tooth. It might not be traditionally “pretty,” but it’s ME.

And in the end, I kept my face the way it’s been since I was a kid. My little rebellion.

And being REALLY different… well, that takes guts. I applaud people who live on their own terms. That’s why, when Lucius first walks through the cafeteria, and students edge away, I stress that he doesn’t get embarrassed. He interprets their cringing as deference to his difference.

Of course, being different can be risky.

For all the efforts to boost “tolerance,” a lot of people still struggle with accepting those who don’t look, sound or act like “we” do. And if you don’t think this can get downright dangerous, just read the news. Recently, a bunch of Pennsylvania high school kids got into a fight with an immigrant boy, racial slurs flew, and the outnumbered “outsider” ended up dead.

Scary, scary stuff. But it happens.

That’s why, in Jessica’s Guide, I included a fairly literal interpretation of the classic movie scene, where the villagers descend with pitchforks and torches to expel the monster – the “different” being – from their midst.

At first glance, that might seem over the top. But is it, really?

I’m not preaching. I’ve edged away, too, from difference. Who hasn’t? But our reaction to different people… it’s definitely worth trying to think about, before we act.

Beth Fantaskey's "So Much Better Than Nice" Giveaway!

Ok, so you've read my review of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side and if you haven't run out to buy a copy yet, why the hell not? Are you waiting for the earth to move you? Come on!

Well, if you are hesitant to go out and buy it (for whatever insane reason), you can win it and so much more straight from Beth Fantaskey herself! Awesome, right? Here's the blast email she sent out -

Hi everybody!

To celebrate the launch of my new and improved website, bethfantaskey.com, I’m hosting a “So Much Better Than ‘Nice’” giveaway. I’ve put together one grand prize package that I hope you’ll think is… well, “better than nice,” as Lucius would say!

(One of the prizes is DEFINITELY one of a kind…)

Stop by the site and click on “News and Updates” to enter by Midnight, EST, May 30.

And as always, thanks for your e-mails, etc.!

Beth

The prizes are absolutely wicked so be sure to stop by her site and enter!

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

First published in 2009.

Enter a bizarre new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu who claims Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth and he's her long-lost fiance. He's arrogant, officious, embarrassingly overprotective, and, well, incredibly hot.

Armed with a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health and Emotions, Jessica tries to imagine the transition from an average American teenager to a glam European vampire princess. But just when things start to heat up with Lucius, a devious cheerleader sets her sights on him.

Soon Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war - and save Lucius's soul from eternal damnation. All of which leaves her to wonder: Wouldn't life be easier if she could just fall for a nice mortal boy? (book flap blurb)

Go read. Nao. Nao. Why are you still reading? Go buy. Nao. Dammit, you're still here? Nao? I guess I better do the review then, huh?

Ok, so the first editorial review I read of this book was on bn.com and it's a Kirkus review. The first sentence states, "Populated with thoroughly flat characters, this vampire romance, despite charming moments, makes Twilight look like a feminist handbook." To which I go, O_o. Huh? To further discredit the review, the reviewer (who is anonymous) goes on to reference Lucius as Lucien and states a female vampire must be bitten at puberty in order to be turned into a vampire. Um, no. It's Lucius and it's 18. Here's a hint to all you reviewers out there: if you're going to give a review, especially a bad one, and want to maintain your credibility, you might want to get the book's facts straight. The review also puts the book for ages 12 to 14. Wha? So yeah, Jessica would so trample Stella Crow with her horse, Belle. I kept trying to find any kind of substantiating evidence that would somehow spit on feminism in this book and while it had it's moments, to say it made Twilight look like a feminist handbook is going so far out of the way to insult that you're going to need to reprogram your GPS to find your way back.

Jessica is a very logic-minded girl, almost to the point of being pig-headed. If it exists in her real world, then it's fine by her. When Lucius shows up, he kind of dashes her logic right out of the mythical window. And damn is he funny doing it! The short insights into Lucius's head with his letters are absolutely hilarious. Oh how he mocks lentils! He's so snotty and arrogant and he just doesn't quite know what to do with himself now that he finds himself on a vegan farm. Other than protect Jessica from high school assholes. Which she abhors him doing and is sincere about it too.

It gets to a point where it's maddeningly frustrating for Jessica not to admit to herself what's going on until she finally starts to and then everything starts to slip away. There definitely is a "too late" moment going on that only drove me further and faster to keep reading to see what the resolution would be. I think the dynamic that was built up, though, between Jessica, Lucius and Faith, has happened to all of us at one point or another. Someone pursues us, we kind of go "eh" although there could be potential but when we finally get to coming around, that interest has moved on and we're left going, "um, hello?" It's infuriating to read it happen, especially who it's happening with.

Yes, there are some similarities to Twilight. What I saw? The couple of times that Jessica claims she loves Lucius deeply and doesn't want to live with the pain of losing him. Yeah, that's also a Romeo and Juliet thing too, not to mention a slew of other romance reads but considering Twilight's popularity, and the book's vampire/human romance, the comparison was bound to be made. But that's pretty much where the similarities stop. Hate to break it to the Twihards but Stephenie Meyer didn't invent the star cross'd vampire lovers. Hard pill to swallow, I know, but a pill nonetheless.

Where Bella is a weak, simpering little turd that excelled at nothing, didn't have a self of her own and could only stand on her own two feet with the support of Edward, Jessica was very much her own person with her own ideals, her own thoughts and lo! We were in her head the whole time and and lo! Minimal complaining! And it wasn't anywhere near insufferable! She also didn't comment on how hot Lucius was every freaking nanosecond. Yay! Jessica had her own life, was capable of functioning on her own, had goals. Did that all kind of crumble? To an extent, yeah. Here she thought she was this normal girl until this arrogant schmuck guy shows up and tells her she's a vampire princess that's destined to marry him in order to end a centuries-long vampire war. After getting over the absolute insanity of that and realizing it's real, how would your life shape after that? Especially if you started to fall in love with said cranky Romanian guy? Love does funny things to your head but she didn't push anyone away. People pushed her away because of the rumors that were spread about her. She didn't want to be alone. She was miserable to be alone. She wanted Mindy and Jake back in her life but they wouldn't go near her because of ignorance. And then there's Lucius. To say the shit hit the fan towards the end of this book is an understatement. That senior year really did suck. Badly.

The only injustice I saw in this book was the title. It's probably one of the most unfitting titles I've ever seen in a book. And the emphasis on the vampire dating guide. It was mentioned a handful of times, most of them in passing. It certainly wasn't central to the book but from all the blurbs, you'd think it was. Jessica's Guide to Staking Senior Year would have been a better, and more pertinent, title. I'm not really sure what the aim was there but it just doesn't fit with the story.

All in all, an absolutely amazing book and I'm so glad I went nutball over it when I saw the review on Publisher's Weekly back in January. Smart I was to listen to my gut! Fantaskey has an amazing knack for being able to propel the reader from one end of the book to the other in a compelling, intricate and well-written story. This is what a turmoil-ridden teen vampire romance should read like. There's depth, individuality and realism all mixed into this fantasy world. Jessica is real. Her reactions are believable. Her actions are believable and her emotions can be felt through the pages. I laughed out loud, my eyes watered and I just didn't want it to end.

But it did. Rather abruptly. Please tell me there's going to be a sequel. Beth? A little help?

Obama Starstruck

As it turns out, there is something that could goggle President Obama.

While at the G20 summit, the president made a beeline for Harry Potter author JK Rowling so he could introduce himself and tell her how he read her books to his daughters. Have I said lately how much Obama rocks my socks?

Among other Rowling fans at the summit were Russian president Medvedev and his wife Svetlana who actually asked for an autograph. Wouldn't you?

Win a Signed Copy of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Nothing says love like a signed book, right? Well, the Story Siren is giving away a signed copy of Beth Fantaskey's debut novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, if you make a comment on her author tales post here. This is just one of the many contests that crazy girl has going so once you're done with this one, be sure to check out the rest.

But if you want Beth's book, be sure to be quick about it. The contest ends February 12th. Go comment. Now!

Beth Fantaskey Book Signings

If you happen to be in the Willamsport, Pennsylvania area and are as eager to get your hands on a copy of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side as I am, author Beth Fantaskey has started posting book signing dates on her website. Come to Connecticut, Beth!

So far the dates are as follows--

February 7th from 6pm at Otto's Bookstore in Williamsport
February 13th from 6pm at Barnes and Noble in Camp Hill
February 14th from 1pm at Page After Page in Lewisburg

In all honestly I have no idea if those last two are near Williamsport or not but I know Williamsport. That's where the Little League World Series is held. Now that you've had your random tidbit for the day, I'd just like to add that I like how Beth leaves the end time open. When it's over, it's over, right?