In talking to Chelsea (The Page Flipper) and Heather (Book Woman), I thought it would be a fun to turn the tables and do a series on my blog of interviews with YA book bloggers — let them be the stars! So now every Tuesday, another Book Blogger will be featured.

If you’re interested, please e-mail me.

Amber “Pixie,” Page Turners Blog

1. Describe yourself without using any qualifiers relating to reading, blogging, or writing… who are you outside of your literary life?

I’m a mother, wife and an on the side photographer. I have four children; my life is built around school, Dr. appointments, meetings and anything else that happens to pop up.

2. You’re trapped in a dystopian society like that in Fahrenheit 451, where all books, periodicals, scriptures, texts, or other forms of written communication have been banned… but in this society, every person can hoard away one piece of writing to keep for herself. What is the one written piece that you choose to keep, and why?

The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It’s long, not as long as Stacey’s choice but almost. It’s just a great story, with an unfinished ending. Plus I could daydream about my Ian(played by James McAvoy) all day.

3. Congratulations! You’ve been given the position as Personal Assistant to any author of your choice (all time periods and genres allowed)… who is it, and what’s the biggest problem you have to overcome working with them?

Man, there are so many great authors, it’s hard to choose. Not sure what “problem” we would have, because I would be grateful I had a job I loved. But the first thing I thought of after I read the question was- Suzanne Collins – trying to convince her to write me into the story as Gale’s new love interest.

4. When it comes to reading and reviewing, which aspect of a book is the most important to you? The plot? The characters? The setting? Something else entirely?

This is a hard question. I am all about the story; it has to be a great story. It can be flawed, with editing errors and the over use of chagrin, but if the story is interesting, I am going to like it. To have a great story, you definitely need well developed characters a defined plot/conflict and a cliff hanger ending. Even if the story ends there, leaving it open, will have the readers contemplating different possibilities.

5. If book blogging weren’t an option, how would your reading habits be affected? Would you be as motivated to read if you couldn’t widely impart your thoughts on books to other readers?

Probably the same thing I was doing 6 months ago- annoying my daughter and teenage sister in law. I’ve been “on the internet” chatting about books for the last few years, with our blog it’s easier to pick the books we want to read. Like Stacey mentioned, I wouldn’t be reading as much YA as I am now. I would still be in the store asking kids, have you heard of this book. Is it any good?

6. You’re giving a dinner party for three contemporary (living) YA authors and three dead classical authors. Who are they, and who do you seat next to whom? Why?

Classic – Jane Austen, J.R.R Tolkien & Mark Twain

Current YA –Stephenie Meyer, J K Rowling & Suzanne Collins

Man, where do I sit?? I guess it would be Austen, Meyer, Me, Collins, Rowling, Twain, Tolkien

7. What’s your favorite punctuation mark? Why?

Does 11 count? You know when you see!!!11!!!, that always makes me laugh. I guess my favorite one would be ?, Because that is usually my state of mind.

8. What literary device could you happily never see used again? (Simile, metaphor, spoonerism, hyperbole, etc.)

I am going to say repetition in sequels. I know some of it needs to be in there, but it’s usually overdone. I hate saying this; because I love this series, but there is a certain vampire series (not Twilight) that up until the 6th book the same things were repeated over and over and over.

9. What is your favorite local bookstore? What’s a bookstore that you’ll never set foot in again? And do you have a ‘dream bookstore’ that you’d either love to visit… or would love to design and own one day?

There is one in Houston that I really like. It’s called Murder by the Book, not really local but pretty close. I only go there when they are having events I want to attend, because it’s closer to drive to B&N to pick something up. It has that old time library feel, there is a back corner that I could just curl up and read a book in all day. Luckily, I haven’t found a bookstore that I don’t like. If I could build my own— I would definitely want to put it in the middle of down town, in a loft. With a lot of windows, maybe a spot to get something to drink and some none book damaging to snack on. I love to snack when I am reading. Oh books, yeah we need a lot of books. I would keep it simple. It would be a certain type of book store like mystery or YA/Children.

10. Have you been to any Teen Read Week events or other Writers’ Conferences? What was your favorite meet-and-greet or interview experience?

Unfortunately, I have not been able to attend any of these. I would love to though.

11. In your opinion, what is a YA novel? How is it different from a children’s novel, and how is it different from an adult novel? What makes someone a YA reader — because it’s clearly more than a matter of their being “a young adult.”

A YA primarily have characters between teen – early 20’s. Their books are more “adult” they start dealing with life experiences, first love, heartbreak. Yet they are not as mature as some adult books dealing with the same situations. As an adult YA reader that is one of the things I love about YA, I can read them and talk to my daughter about certain things in the book, things she is just starting to go through(she is still preteen). I can’t really do that with any other genre of books. A YA reader can be anyone old enough to read it, there is no age limit on YA. Some of the best books ever written are considered fit into that genre. Adults sympathize with the character while teens are experimenting, living these situations with the character.

12. What’s your guilty pleasure reading snack? And what’s your guilty pleasure to read while snacking on it?

I am a huge snacker, when reading. I love to snack on raisinettes or apples. The book doesn’t matter; I would snack reading the phone book.

13. “Don’t judge a book by its movie!” As a connoisseur of all types of books, which genre do you think translates the best from page to screen? What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation? Conversely, what’s a book that you hope never to see filmed?

I agree with Stacey. I think historical fiction translates into some of the best book to movie adaptations. When I am watching a book to movie adaptation, I kind of forget the book, so that I can enjoy the movie without yelling- “There is no climbing in trees!!! Or Dobby showed him the room” I just want to be able to enjoy the movie. I hope to never see The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series made into a movie, because it would make a better series on Cinemax.

14. What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself working in the literary community?

Not sure, once all my kiddos are in school I have been planning on going back to college maybe to teach or maybe to become a Liberian, but that is about it for me.

15. Describe your perfect reading location… are you in a coffee shop sipping cappuccino or curled up at home near the window? Reading on a Kindle in the Big City or taking in the smell of a dusty hardcover?

It would be in an oversized stuff chair next to a bay window (with a great view it could be city, beach or green mountain)- with some raisinettes and a large cup of Jason’s Deli black current tea.

In talking to Chelsea (The Page Flipper) and Heather (Book Woman), I thought it would be a fun to turn the tables and do a series on my blog of interviews with YA book bloggers — let them be the stars! So now every Tuesday, another Book Blogger will be featured.

If you’re interested, please e-mail me.

Stacey C., Page Turners Blog

1. Describe yourself without using any qualifiers relating to reading, blogging, or writing… who are you outside of your literary life?

I’m opinionated, always in the middle of something, passionate about things I enjoy and love.

2. You’re trapped in a dystopian society like that in Fahrenheit 451, where all books, periodicals, scriptures, texts, or other forms of written communication have been banned… but in this society, every person can hoard away one piece of writing to keep for herself. What is the one written piece that you choose to keep, and why?

I would choose to have Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. First, it’s REALLY long. Second, she doesn’t answer all the questions so I could ponder things and make up my own story. And third it had a great story. It’s a love story, it has action, redemption, everything!

3. Congratulations! You’ve been given the position as Personal Assistant to any author of your choice (all time periods and genres allowed)… who is it, and what’s the biggest problem you have to overcome working with them?

WOW, this is really touch choice! I’m going to go with JK Rowling. And I think the biggest thing I’d have to overcome would be my lack of literature. I’m not well read, and I think it would be amazing to help with her charity work and to learn from someone how to weave so many different classic storylines together.

4. When it comes to reading and reviewing, which aspect of a book is the most important to you? The plot? The characters? The setting? Something else entirely?

If I can’t picture what’s going on or I’m questioning how long something took or if it was possible for it to happen in that length of time I’ll lose interest. Characters are also very important. You have to really be drawn into a character. You have to feel some emotion for them to get drawn in. If characters are blah it doesn’t matter how amazing your plot is I won’t care about the characters enough to continue with it. So I guess that makes Plot lower on my list because if you screw up the first few things I mentioned I’m probably not far enough in to be drawn in by the plot.

5. If book blogging weren’t an option, how would your reading habits be affected? Would you be as motivated to read if you couldn’t widely impart your thoughts on books to other readers?

I have an outlet to talk about books I love without the blog. I’m lucky to be a bookseller and also be part of an online community that chats about books. But if I didn’t have that my friends and family would probably get really sick of me saying OOO I just found this great book. But I also wouldn’t be reading as much YA as I am and it would take me longer to find the great books that I’ve found early on.

6. You’re giving a dinner party for three contemporary (living) YA authors and three dead classical authors. Who are they, and who do you seat next to whom? Why?

Classical: Margret Mitchell, Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen

Current YA: Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, Maggie Stiefvater.

I’d have a big round table. I’d be in between Margret Mitchelle and Stephenie Meyer. Next to Stephenie would be Jane Austen, then Maggie Stiefvater, then Suzanne Collins and Geoffrey Chaucer.

7. What’s your favorite punctuation mark? Why?

! I use it a lot. It can be excitement or anger. It expresses a lot of emotion.

8. What literary device could you happily never see used again? (Simile, metaphor, spoonerism, hyperbole, etc.)

Dramatic Irony. I think this can be overdone (well any device over done can get annoying) and it makes me yell at the character more while I’m reading. I like to figure things out and sometimes it is fun knowing what the other characters don’t but not to the detriment of the character.

9. What is your favorite local bookstore? What’s a bookstore that you’ll never set foot in again? And do you have a ‘dream bookstore’ that you’d either love to visit… or would love to design and own one day?

Well I’m a bit bias; I work at a Barnes & Noble so that’s my favorite local bookstore. It also doesn’t help that there’s only 2 bookstores in town now and both are chain bookstores. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bookstore that I’d never go to again. And if I could design a bookstore…1. I’d like to have more fun things to go with teen books. I really like being able to have a physical reminder of books I love. Be it bookmarks or stickers or whatever. 2. I’d have a computer system that could search more than just the title of the book. It could search the color of the cover and theme and topic and all sorts of things like that. 3. My store would be a community place. I’d love to have a events and things always going on.

10. Have you been to any Teen Read Week events or other Writers’ Conferences? What was your favorite meet-and-greet or interview experience?

I have not. I’d love to go to some events though. I’ve been to several author signings and I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve been too!

11. In your opinion, what is a YA novel? How is it different from a children’s novel, and how is it different from an adult novel? What makes someone a YA reader — because it’s clearly more than a matter of their being “a young adult.”

A YA novel, in general, has main characters who are in their teens or early 20s. They tend to deal with topics regarding growing up, finding one’s self, getting over some challenge to a better point in life. They tend to be books that teens can relate to because they are facing a similar challenge to those in the book. Adult books deal with a lot of the same issues, they mostly just have adult content in them that is more appropriate for older readers. Their main characters also tend to be older, lets say 25 and up. I think a YA reader it someone who enjoys good plots with characters with lots of heart.

12. What’s your guilty pleasure reading snack? And what’s your guilty pleasure to read while snacking on it?

I don’t really have one. When I’m reading I don’t really snack, I’m normally so into a book I forget to eat.

13. “Don’t judge a book by its movie!” As a connoisseur of all types of books, which genre do you think translates the best from page to screen? What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation? Conversely, what’s a book that you hope never to see filmed?

Historical fiction: some of the best adaptations have been the classics (especially if they are done by the BBC). My favorite book to movie…Probably any of the Jane Austen books. Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion… they have been done so well. I also think the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers hits that list too. HBO really captured the story. I can’t think of any YA books I wouldn’t want made into movies or adapted somehow but the adult book I hope doesn’t get made into a movie is The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I’m not a huge fan to start with and I’ve seen the other 2 movies and I’ve had enough hehe.

14. What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself working in the literary community?

I have no clue. I’m open to whatever comes my way. I think I’d be fun to plan book events. Something that allowed me to travel would be fun.

15. Describe your perfect reading location… are you in a coffee shop sipping cappuccino or curled up at home near the window? Reading on a Kindle in the Big City or taking in the smell of a dusty hardcover?

I have not found this place yet. But I’d imagine it’d be a big oversized chair with a blanket and music playing in the background.

In talking to Chelsea (The Page Flipper) and Heather (Book Woman), I thought it would be a fun to turn the tables and do a series on my blog of interviews with YA book bloggers — let them be the stars! So now every Tuesday, another Book Blogger will be featured.

If you’re interested, please e-mail me.

Jodi Wayne, Whatcha’ Reading Now?

1.  Describe yourself without using any qualifiers relating to reading, blogging, or writing… who are you outside of your literary life?

I’m obsessed with music and always on the search for the perfect song.

2. You’re trapped in a dystopian society like that in Fahrenheit 451, where all books, periodicals, scriptures, texts, or other forms of written communication have been banned… but in this society, every person can hoard away one piece of writing to keep for herself. What is the one written piece that you choose to keep, and why?

A copy of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution–freedom of religion, speech and press.

3. Congratulations! You’ve been given the position as Personal Assistant to any author of your choice (all time periods and genres allowed)… who is it, and what’s the biggest problem you have to overcome working with them?

I would’ve loved to work with Jane Austen.  She was defiant, a free-thinker, and ahead of her time.  I admire how her novels show concern for moral issues and questioning a woman’s place in society.  Our biggest problem working together would probably be her constant need to rein me back in.

4. When it comes to reading and reviewing, which aspect of a book is the most important to you? The plot? The characters? The setting? Something else entirely?

The character-driven novel has always been my favorite.  Strong characters pull me into the story and encourage my imagination.

5. If book blogging weren’t an option, how would your reading habits be affected? Would you be as motivated to read if you couldn’t widely impart your thoughts on books to other readers?

For me, the inability to blog about books is like going to Disney World by yourself–sure it’s fun, but so much better with someone else there to share the experience with…

6. What’s your favorite punctuation mark? Why?

I adore the em dash, which can be found throughout my own writing.  I love how it makes the reader pause and catch an emotion or point out what I want to bring to their attention.

7. What literary device could you happily never see used again? (Simile, metaphor, spoonerism, hyperbole, etc.)

Though I’m not in favor of rules in writing, I certainly wouldn’t miss never seeing spoonerism again–soooo cheesy!

8. What is your favorite local bookstore? What’s a bookstore that you’ll never set foot in again? And do you have a ‘dream bookstore’ that you’d either love to visit… or would love to design and own one day?

When I lived in both England and New York, I was a big fan of indie bookstores.  Unfortunately, I don’t know of any in the area I live now. So, I tend to buy most of my books from the local Barnes & Noble and Borders.

9. Have you been to any Teen Read Week events or other Writers’ Conferences? What was your favorite meet-and-greet or interview experience?

I’m really excited about going to my first writing conference in January—the SCBWI in Miami!

10. In your opinion, what is a YA novel? How is it different from a children’s novel, and how is it different from an adult novel? What makes someone a YA reader — because it’s clearly more than a matter of their being “a young adult.”

In recent years, the lines drawn between YA and adult fiction have become less clear.  Though YA generally has main characters of an age ranging from fourteen to eighteen, the stories are often exceptionally well-written and addressing issues beyond the standard teen or high school experience.  Because of this, it is common to see adults in the YA section of bookstores.  YA is often separated from children’s (middle-grade) due to the often mature themes and use of profanity.

11. What’s your guilty pleasure reading snack? And what’s your guilty pleasure to read while snacking on it?

I don’t generally eat while reading and never feel guilty for reading anything–every bit of literature has its place.

12. “Don’t judge a book by its movie!” As a connoisseur of all types of books, which genre do you think translates the best from page to screen? What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation? Conversely, what’s a book that you hope never to see filmed?

I rarely find a movie to ever be as wonderful as the novel.  That said, I did love the book and movie of both The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

13. What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself working in the literary community?

I see my novel published and loved by an endless number of readers.:)

14. Describe your perfect reading location… are you in a coffee shop sipping cappuccino or curled up at home near the window? Reading on a Kindle in the Big City or taking in the smell of a dusty hardcover?

I enjoy reading in bed surrounded by pillows. I tend to be “old school” and love the feel of a book in my hands.

In talking to Chelsea (The Page Flipper) and Heather (Book Woman), I thought it would be a fun to turn the tables and do a series on my blog of interviews with YA book bloggers — let them be the stars! So now every Tuesday, another Book Blogger will be featured.

If you’re interested, please e-mail me.

Danielle S., The First Daughter/There’s A Book

1.  Describe yourself without using any qualifiers relating to reading, blogging, or writing… who are you outside of your literary life?

I’m a mom to two wonderful kiddos whom I’ve nicknamed The Turkeybird and Littlebug, and have now been married for 5 years. We recently moved from Virginia to California after my husband graduated law school and started work with a law firm here. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m glad to be settled finally. I also have a love of music; most of my life has been spent studying and performing the flute (around 25 years of it). Besides those things I have a passion for teaching and helping others in whatever way I can.

2.  You’re trapped in a dystopian society like that in Fahrenheit 451, where all books, periodicals, scriptures, texts, or other forms of written communication have been banned… but in this society, every person can hoard away one piece of writing to keep for herself.  What is the one written piece that you choose to keep, and why?

If I had to chose, I would say my own personal journal. So many things and thoughts can be contained in a journal and I have found throughout my life that it is the one thing I always refer back to. In good times and bad I can turn to it for guidance or merely to see how far I’ve come so that I can have the encouragement I need to carry on.

3.  Congratulations!  You’ve been given the position as Personal Assistant to any author of your choice (all time periods and genres allowed)… who is it, and what’s the biggest problem you have to overcome working with them?

Probably Cassandra Clare. She’s an amazing writer and extremely snarky, which I think is great! But my biggest problem would be holding my own, because I truly think she can dish it out so well.

4.  When it comes to reading and reviewing, which aspect of a book is the most important to you?  The plot?  The characters?  The setting?  Something else entirely?

Absolutely, without a doubt, THE PLOT! I usually have a hard time not picking up on what is going to happen in a story (or even a TV show or movie) and it drives me crazy. So, when I can pick up a book and get to the end without thinking, “oh yeah, this again…” it’s truly the best thing ever and I will generally read the book over and over.

5.  If book blogging weren’t an option, how would your reading habits be affected?  Would you be as motivated to read if you couldn’t widely impart your thoughts on books to other readers?

Yes, in fact if I was blogging I’d probably read more, if I’m being honest. But I have a desire to help others who have been in my same predicament and so the time spent blogging is very rewarding.

6.  You’re giving a dinner party for three contemporary (living) YA authors and three dead classical authors.  Who are they, and who do you seat next to whom?  Why?

Contemporary: Stephanie Meyer, Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Classical: Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ayn Rand (Not sure if these all qualify, but I like them, so there!)

Besides keeping Meyer and Austen apart because they would never shut up, I really don’t mind who sits by whom, although Fitzgerald and Clare could have some very interesting conversation to listen in on I think. Most I picked these authors because they’re all ones I love. There work inspires me and is enjoyable to read.

7.  What’s your favorite punctuation mark?  Why?

Recently, the good ole ? This comes because my son is just getting into that stage where he asks questions like “where does the water come from???” And so on…I think it’s great, that is if I can tolerate it.

8.  What literary device could you happily never see used again?  (Simile, metaphor, spoonerism, hyperbole, etc.)

Don’t really have one I feel is overly used, so keep them all!

9.  What is your favorite local bookstore?  What’s a bookstore that you’ll never set foot in again?  And do you have a ‘dream bookstore’ that you’d either love to visit… or would love to design and own one day?

Unfortunately the local bookstore I loved went out of business last year. It was in the town we are living in currently and was where we purchased one of my sons first books. The amazing thing about it was that on the walls it had original art work from all the children’s illustrators in the store. I loved it! It also wasn’t super cluttered with rows of never-ending books that you couldn’t get through with small children in tow, so it was perfect for me at the time. This would probably also fit into my ‘dream bookstore’ as well, I just think that there should be some kind of incorporation of authors/illustrators to keep the public in touch with where they’re getting their “entertainment”, it makes it more personal. It did for me at least. Don’t really have a bookstore I wouldn’t go into.

10.  Have you been to any Teen Read Week events or other Writers’ Conferences?  What was your favorite meet-and-greet or interview experience?

No conferences yet, but I am planning on attending BEA in May 2010. My favorite “interview” has been with the illustrator for the site, Jenny Mattheson, she has been amazing and is wonderful at what she does.

11.  In your opinion, what is a YA novel?  How is it different from a children’s novel, and how is it different from an adult novel?  What makes someone a YA reader — because it’s clearly more than a matter of their being “a young adult.”

I think more of it has to do with a state of mind and not so much an age number. A children’s novel is most definitely aimed at children – you can feel the whimsical nature attached to it. And an “adult” novel seems to me, in my personal experience, a little more technical or analytical. Most of us may not want to admit it, but our “highschool” or college years were some of our most fun times. Our emotions and feeling were tied to everything we did. This is what makes a YA novel to me. It’s about the emotional experience the feeling of adventure in whatever aspect it takes on. This doesn’t make it juvenile in my opinion, but embraces our truest nature, the feeling part of us.

12.  What’s your guilty pleasure reading snack?  And what’s your guilty pleasure to read while snacking on it?

Definitely Lindt White Chocolate Truffles, but I can’t eat too many, it’s just not good for me. My guilty pleasure to read…anything written by Charlaine Harris or Stephenie Meyer. What can I say?

13.  “Don’t judge a book by its movie!”  As a connoisseur of all types of books, which genre do you think translates the best from page to screen?  What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation?  Conversely, what’s a book that you hope never to see filmed?

I think I’d be a little prejudiced by saying I think YA books translate best, but that’s probably because I don’t like a lot of “adult” books and the ones I have read that became movies stink. Even though it was a while ago I still think the first Harry Potter movie, The Sorcerer’s Stone was the best book to movie translation. I’m not really looking forward to The Host by Stephanie Meyer being made into a movie, because I think it could be very bad.

14.  What are your plans for the future?  Do you see yourself working in the literary community?

I plan on continuing forward with There’s A Book in hopes that I can expand on some of the features I have planned, like “When I Was Young”. As far as working in the literary community, I’d love the opportunity, but primarily to help encourage reading in youth. I think the industry has come a long way in a few short years and I want to do my part to continue it’s growth.

15.  Describe your perfect reading location… are you in a coffee shop sipping cappuccino or curled up at home near the window?  Reading on a Kindle in the Big City or taking in the smell of a dusty hardcover?

Anywhere quiet, without children, if I’m reading for myself and I’d have to have a hardcover – I’m way more into the feel of the book in my hands. But if I’m doing what I do everyday, it would be sitting down on the overstuffed “beanbag” chair in my sons room with him curled up next to me reading out of a stack of books he picked out while he continues to say, “more more mom!”