Welcome to Daily Dose Monday, hosted by Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly. The below photos are meant to inspire and motivate you!

And also, somehow, in some way, these purple photos are a small effort to make up for the fact that I’ve been so, so, so busy with work and school these past few months, that I’ve neglected my poor blog (and you, my loyal readers) and I haven’t posted anything! So sorry!

Today’s post is all about my favorite color: purple. Purple is the color of royalty, of plums and of sunsets. Of bruises and flowers. Of crayons and people eaters. I hope you have as much fun browsing these photos as I did selecting them!

[Clicking on each photo will bring you to its source on We <3 It.]

*What’s your favorite color?*

What is World Book Night?

World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books. To be held in the U.S. as well as the U.K. and Ireland on April 23, 2012. It will see tens of thousands of people go out into their communities to spread the joy and love of reading by giving out free World Book Night paperbacks.

World Book Night, through social media and traditional publicity, will also promote the value of reading, of printed books, and of bookstores and libraries to everyone year-round.

Successfully launched in the U.K. in 2011, World Book Night will also be celebrated in the U.S. in 2012, with news of more countries to come in future years. Additionally, April 23 is UNESCO’s World Book Day, chosen due to the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, as well as Shakespeare’s birth and death.

[Their] site exists in order to learn more about World Book Night and to keep updated on new developments – and most important, to register to be a World Book Night U.S. book giver. 

World Book Night 2012 Books:

Register to be a WBN 2012 Giver:

There are currently +200 blogs signed up to participate. That means more young adult giveaways, more teen worlds, and more chances to win!

For this hop, I am giving away…

One (US only) winner will win the 3 YA books below! 

*The rules are simple:*

1. Follow the blog via RSS or Networked Blogs and leave a comment with your name, following method, and email address (1 entry)

*For extra entries, you can:*

1. Share the giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or your blog, and supply direct links (+1 entry)
2. Have a confirmed email subscription to the blog (+1 entry)

The giveaway is open from Friday, January 27th to Tuesday, January 31st at midnight.

Sorry this is only for US residents only, as I’m personally paying for shipping on the books!

Once you’ve entered, please stop by all the blogs below to enter to win more amazing YA goodies! Thanks for playing along and good luck!

[Also, be sure to enter here to win a + e 4ever , an awesome graphic novel!]

Celebrate awesome YA books by entering the fantastic giveaways below!

A few days ago, I reviewed a new YA graphic novel by Ilike Merey called a + e 4ever, which is about an androgynous teenage boy and the girl who falls in love with him (read my review here if you missed it). 

Today I have the absolute pleasure of introducing you to Ilike herself in a guest post, plus some great news about the book!

Recently, the book was announced as a 2012 Over the Rainbow book (see the full list here) and as a 2012 Stonewall Honor Books in Children’s & Young Adult Literature (see the full list here)! 

The Over the Rainbow committee’s mission is to “create a bibliography of books that exhibit commendable literary quality and significant authentic LGBT content and are recommended for adults over 18.”

The Stonewall Book Award is given annually to “English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience,” and while not the overall winner, being an honor book is a huge accomplishment!

These awards are such an amazing compliment and I want to wish Ilike the most heartfelt congratulations! The book (and you) totally deserve the attention received, and then some, so I say, keep it coming!

Also, before I share the guest post, I just want to show you how talented (and awesome!) Ilike is: SHE DREW ME! Do you want to see how I turned out in two different graphic illustrations?

Check ‘em out (click the images for larger versions)! 

Picture One: Hair II. (graphite, colored pencil, acrylic)

Picture Two: G. S, sleeping (ink, colored pencil, acrylic) 

And now, here’s Ilike:

Wow, I was so flattered when Genna asked me if I would write a guest post about my book and/or my ideas about art and writing in general! Flattered and excited and she sent me a lot of questions to get the juices flowing. Problem was, I wanted to answer them all! As you can see though, even answering a few generated reams, so I’ve tried to keep it contained. Hopefully someone can make sense of my ramblings and maybe they can be even of the tiniest of help to a person out there working on their own project…!! Questions? Comments? Screams of outrage? I’d love to hear them. And thank you Genna, for your generous hosting!!

How did you get the idea to write a LGBTQ graphic novel? Where do you get your ideas from in general?

I see stories everywhere. All the time, everywhere I go, I see interesting situations and I write constantly. I probably write a few thousand words every day—they need not be sophisticated words, or necessarily for a book I’m working on. I may be writing an entry for my blog or an email to a friend, or jotting an idea on a cocktail napkin, but the compulsion to write is almost irresistible. Like my drawing, my writing is highly figurative: I am interested in people and in what they do. As with my drawings, my writing tends to focus on the human mind, body and heart, often at the expense of all other background…

To be perfectly honest, I never did have the idea to write a LGBTQ story and certainly not a graphic novel. But since I am interested in people and their souls, I wonder, what engages our souls more than being in love? A few years ago I had written four novellas that I fantasized about publishing in a collection at some point, sort of like some of Stephen King’s early works, back when he wrote under a pen-name. My four stories examined the different ways we love through four very different relationships—between a compulsive gambler and the man who tries to save him (gay love) a young drifter and the Japanese masseuse who supports him (straight love); a middle-aged woman and her unborn baby’s father (bisexual love)—and finally, a beautiful androgynous boy and the tough-as-nails girl who loves him too much (for lack of a better term, I’ll call it metasexual love?!) This last story was ‘a + e 4ever’, in novella form, and though I liked it and the others as well, unsure of what to do with them once they were finished, they began their slow languish to death on my computer’s hard-drive…

Inspiration

Watching people and interacting with them inspires me to write, but so does reading. Great books make me want to write more and try to become a better writer and it is a book that saved ‘a + e’ out of my computer’s graveyard…

About two years ago, a close friend and mentor gave me a wonderful graphic novel called The Diary of a Teenage Girl by Phoebe Gloeckner. Set in 70s San Francisco, ‘Diary’ focuses on a 13 year old aspiring artist’s exploits with her mother’s boyfriend. The story line, the unbridled, painful honesty of the heroine and the unconventional structure of the novel instantly fascinated me. I have always loved graphic novels and manga (Japanese comics). In fact, I got into drawing by trying to copy some of my favorite images from my favorite graphic novelists. But Phoebe Glockner’s book was structurally unlike any GN I had read before. Once I finished it, I became slightly obsessed with the idea of creating my own. When I thought about which one of my stories would be best to illustrate, ‘a + e’ seemed like a natural choice. For one, the relatively simple plot and limited settings meant less work And then, the two main characters had such a strong visual presence in my mind. Yet again, out of the four stories, ‘a + e’ is the one closest to my heart. I decided I would try to make it into a graphic novel.

Foreseeable problems:

1. I had never made even a four panel comic in my life.
2. I couldn’t draw!!!!

Novella to Graphic –The Long Hard Road Out of Hell

To anyone out there toying with the idea of making a graphic novel, I can’t advise you on what to do. Only on what NOT to do Myself, I did not do an ounce of research once I decided to start. I think somewhere I felt that if I researched the topic, I would become so intimidated I would never start. After all, I had only a very rudimentary knowledge of Pho-shop and InDesign (oh wait, that hasn’t changed > ) and while I could copy someone else’s drawing with some degree of accuracy, I never drew ‘out of my head’, or tried to draw anything unique. i.e, I had no distinguishing style.

Since I already had the story and dialogue written down, I didn’t have to come up with that, but transferring it into images was a huge pain. I’ll call the method used the Samuel Beckett “Try. Fail. Try again. Fail Better,” method. Each failed version of ‘a + e’ became a storyboard for the next version. Slowly, painfully, my drawing style started to emerge. The style was chaos. I realized there was no way I would ever be able to draw and ink as neat and precise as say… the ‘Scott Pilgrim’ guy ahaha, so I gave up trying. You can say I embraced my inner suck-suck. My book wouldn’t be neat and it wouldn’t be precise. I wouldn’t try to fudge it with Pho-shop—the drawings (other than fixing scanner mishaps) are digitally unaltered and the text is hand lettered.

Even with this final version, there are a thousand things I would go back and change, but at some point, I believe it is important to let a work rest as a milestone and not try to constantly go back and improve it with the knowledge you currently have. ‘a + e’ is a story about growing up, and the drawings in it are my artistic adolescence.

A Graphic Graphic Novel

One of Genna’s questions that really stuck with me was: How do you think teens will handle some of the darker subject matter of the book?

The question is hard to answer, because it goes back to ‘who do we write for? And why?’ This book is about teenagers, but I didn’t initially write it with any specific audience in mind. I wrote it because I had a story to tell about these two people, Ash and Eu, but the funny thing about writing is that creating something does not necessarily mean condoning or controlling what happens. When I write, I’m not god. I’m a bystander. The characters do what they do—I don’t draft plots for my stories when I start. I take the seed of a situation or a problem and start writing it down and once the characters take on their own life, I sit back and watch the situation unfold. I don’t want to be despotic with my characters and make them do what I would do, but that does mean that sometimes, you end up with situations that make even you, the author, uncomfortable. Yet you can’t edit it away because that feels like a lie. Still, during writing ‘a + e’, there were times when I stared at the screen thinking … can I write that? Can I really write that?

You find yourself dangling between being safe and being true…

This was a double problem once I turned the story into a visual medium. How do I depict teenage sexuality or desire in a way that is true without putting people off? How graphic is graphic? There are images and sequences in the book where I really agonized. Of course, I realize some readers will be put off no matter what.  Teenage sexuality is probably a topic that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, but I believe sexuality doesn’t care one bit about who it disturbs. In my mind, it’s like a light. At some point in a life (for most people during childhood or young adulthood), it turns on and that’s that. You can ignore it, but you can’t deny it. You can have ideas about what it means, but it’s turning on in people all over, all the time with a flagrant disregard for our social rules and notions. Same with cruelty and moral ambivalence.

Black? White? Or grey?

 ‘a + e’ is in black and white, because until earlier this year, I basically considered myself a strictly black and white ‘artist’… [Yep, I still have issues with calling myself an artist. ]  So the book only uses black, white—and grey. I think it works well, since my story is the anti black and white. You can say the question it’s ultimately trying to sound out is: Are we ever only boy or girl, gay/straight, right/wrong, strong/weak, pleasured/pained, in friendship/in love, a child/an adult…. Is anything ever all black or all white in our lives? I’m sure some people would say yes, but for me, I see these issues of identity and emotion in a million shades of gray. ‘a + e’ is about being a human being in that gray zone.

At the beginning of my story, everyone at McMillan High thought Ash Machnik was a freak, but to one Eu Mason, he was a walking piece of art and that made all the difference. Everyone avoided Eu Mason as a frightening, trash-talking bitch, but to one Asher Machnik, she was a loyal and honest friend. I hope if younger people do read this book, it may help them consider that it is okay to be masculine and feminine, cruel and sympathetic, creative and destructive all in one day. All in one body. It’s not always easy, but it is okay, and even if many may not understand it, for someone out there, that is the most ideal and perfect you. 

______________________________________________________________

Thank you so much, Ilike! It has been such a wonderful honor getting to know you over the past few weeks and I wish you only the best of luck and success in the future! I cannot wait to read more from you. You truly a talented author and artist! 

And now onto the giveaway….

One International winner will win  a + e 4ever! 

*The rules are simple:*

1. Follow via RSS/Networked Blogs & ask a question(s) below for Ilike about drawing, writing, graphic novels, or general life (mandatory)

2. Leave a comment w/ your question(s), name, following method, number of extra entries, and email address

*For extra entries, you can:*

1. Share the giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or your blog (please supply direct links) for +2 entries each

2. Have a confirmed email subscription to the blog for +3 entries

3. Vote for the blog on Picket Fence blogs (here) for +1 entry

4. Connect w/Ilike (on her Blog or Goodreads) for +1 entry each

5. Add a + e 4ever  to your “To be Read” shelf on Goodreads for +1 entry

The giveaway is open from Thursday, January 26th to Friday, February 3rd at midnight.

Connect with Ilike Merey:

 On her Blog / On Goodreads / On her Publisher’s site

And so it is with great pleasure that I reveal with you all today the cover of her very own book Oracle! What makes this cover reveal even more fun, though, is the chance to win an Amazon gift card! Check out J.C.’s blog here for full details!

The official blurb for Oracle is (or is it?):

As the countdown begins, the body count rises.

With London gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn’t need a serial killer stalking the streets. They’ve got one anyway.

Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police are no closer to finding their latest murderer than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter’s disability.

Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high-profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential next victims.

One of whom could be his own daughter.

Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer’s only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.

And the official cover for the book is (or is it?):

For more information about J.C., or about her book, please stop by her blog and leave her some comments!

In the midst of starting my 3rd semester of grad school, getting ready to fly to Dallas for ALA’s Midwinter 2012 tomorrow morning, and reading A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I *finally* found time to pick three winners from my recent book giveaways. 

The first winner won 6 books from the Young Adult Faery and Fantasy Giveaway Hop, which was really a lot of fun. The other two winners are from my first annual Blogoversary, which I think went well, and each of them won 12 YA books!

After tallying all of the extra entries, I’ve picked the following winners via random.com. And now, the moment you’re all reading this for….

 And the Oscar goes to winners are:

Heather from Book Stacks On Deck won 6 books!

Tvaleros from Spades High Reads won 12 books!

Teri from Dreaming Dreams No Mortal Ever Dared won 12 books!

I’ve emailed the winners and they have 48 hours to respond before I pick new winners.

Didn’t win? Don’t despair: new giveaways are always brewing!

Book: a + e 4ever

Asher Machnik is a shy, effeminate soul who just wants his junior year at his new high school to go by quickly, painlessly. Terrified of being physically touched (with a real phobia that makes him break down and sweat), Asher throws himself whole-heartedly into his sketchbook, escaping within his drawings. 

Unfortunately for him, Asher’s soft features and androgynous look make him a target for the school’s ignorant bullies. But it’s this same delicacy, this fragility, that draws Eulalie to Asher as well. He’s different from anyone she’s ever met before, in a good, but unexplainable way. 

Eulalie (Eu for short) is seriously mad at the world–and she’s not afraid to show it. Labeled as a dyke and a freak by her fellow classmates, Eu doesn’t take crap from anyone. But she also understands what it feels like to be alone. When she defends Asher in the lunchroom, the two strike up a fast-forming friendship. They’re both outsiders, they’re both artists, they’re both Jewish, they’re both music fans, but most of all, they’re both in desperate need of a best friend. They need each other. 

As the two get to know each other better, Eu develops a crush on Asher, while he, meanwhile, explores his sexuality and tries to overcome his fear of being touched. But will Asher ever recognize that the person who understands him most isn’t in some bar, it’s in Eu? Or will E and A never get to realize what might have been between them?  

This graphic gorgeous black-and-white novel perfectly captures the whirlwind blur that is high school. From going to darkened bars that make you feel empty, to concert halls with pounding walls, Merey vividly portrays the challenges and emotional roller-coasters that being a teen is all about.

The art is impressive, with great detail and attention paid to bodies and faces, specifically eyes and lips. Sometimes the backgrounds are blurred, sometimes there are large chunks of text. It is a slightly varied graphic novel experience than the one I’ve experienced before, although no less enjoyable. I love that the story works on so many levels, too. This is a book where readers can read into the book however they like.

And while there are some scenes (and subjects) that are hard to swallow and digest, the book is ultimately uplifting, in my opinion, and it leaves a good taste in your mouth. I was sad when it was over and haven’t been able to get it out of my head for days. In fact, I inhaled the book and stayed awake after I’d finished just staring off into space. It’s been haunting me for reasons that I cannot articulate. It’s certainly not for everyone, though.

a + e 4ever  is a highly entertaining and worthwhile read, where readers can lose, and find, themselves all on the same page.

Here are a few shots of what the inside graphics look like:

The Title Page

The first page (minus some text)

The Middle (about)

Audience: fans of graphic novels, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning readers (LGBTQ), wallflowers, outsiders, thespians, mature teens and adults

Themes: boy/girl friendships, new kid at school, high school, LGBTQ relationships, questioning sexuality, love, discovering oneself, recovery/coping, bullying, religion (specifically Judaism), defining (and redefining) gender roles, art, drawing, music/concerts, school play, first love, rape, incest, virginity, phobias and fears of being touched or getting too close to people, self-identity

Readalikes (If you love this, you will also like): 

√ Wet Moon series by Dr. Ross Campbell (also GNs)
√ f2m: The Boy Within by Hazel Edwards 
√ Circle of Change by Laney Cairo
√ Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger
√ I Am J by Cris Beam 

Please note: this book counts towards the following 2012 Reading Challenges:

Connect with Ilike Merey:

 On her Blog / On Goodreads / On her Publisher’s site

**Also, I will be featuring a guest post (and drawing?) from the author, I. Merey soon, so be sure to be on the look out for that. If the writing and drawing from a + e 4ever  are anything to go by, we are all in for a very big treat!**

Welcome to the official Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop! This wonderful and faery-filled hop is graciously hosted by Kathy of I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Velvet from vvb32reads.

There are currently +100 blogs signed up to participate. That means more faery giveaways, more fantasy worlds, and more chances to win!

For this hop, I am giving away…

One (US only) winner will win the 6 YA fantasy and faery books below! 

(Please note, some of these books may be ARCS and/or signed):  

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

*The rules are simple:*

1. Follow the blog via RSS or Networked Blogs and leave a comment with your name, following method, and email address for 1 entry

*For extra entries, you can:*

1. Share the giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or your blog (please supply direct links) for +1 entry
2. Have a confirmed email subscription to the blog for +1 entry

The giveaway is open from Friday, January 6th to Thursday, January 12th at midnight.

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]

Sorry this is only for US residents only, as I’m personally paying for shipping on the books!

Once you’ve entered, please stop by all the blogs below to enter to win more amazing YA goodies! Thanks for playing along and good luck!

[Also, be sure to enter my 1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway here, where you can enter to win over 20 books!]

Celebrate awesome YA books by entering the fantastic giveaways below!