Monday, September 7, 2015

RRBC Book & Blog Block Party


Hello everyone! This is my stop on the RRBC Back to School Block Party. The prize I'm giving away is one ecopy of my new young adult novel, To Be Honest
           




I’m a mom of three teens and an elementary teacher, so back to school time hit me fast! Participating in this event is a fun break for me.

  I’d like to introduce you to the main character of my new young adult novel, To Be HonestI enjoyed getting this character interview ready and hope you like it.







To Be Honest made it to number 2 on the Hot New Releases for Teen/Young Adult Fiction in the topic of bullying. 




Character Interview: Starla Emerson


Where do you go to school and what is your favorite subject?

  I’m a junior at Centerville High School in Indiana. Being a new girl that is different from everyone else hasn’t been easy. Luckily, I’ve made some new friends.

My favorite subject is English. I love classic literature and my partner in that class is a pretty amazing guy.  


What hobbies or interests do you have?

 Photography. I like to find the beauty in things that are easily overlooked and capture it. I also collect memories and keep them inside my memory boxes in my room.


Who do you most admire?

 My new friend Chase. He adores his handicap brother, devoting his time and talents to help him. My sister and I watched him perform in a BMX competition to raise money for Cerebral Palsy research. He rocked that competition!

 He also got me to step out of my fear and play the piano again despite not having all of my fingers on my right hand. I couldn’t have performed a piano solo in front of the whole school if it wasn’t for him. He believed in me.


Do you believe in God?

Yes, I do. He brought the right people into my life during a time I needed support the most. I thank him every day for them all…my family, friends, and Chase.


Do you have a motto?

 Be Brave. Chase and his brother have drilled this into me. They told me I was brave over and over until I actually started believing it. Chase gave me a bracelet with the word engraved on it. I also wrote a poem about my new motto that I read in English class.

 I made it through a lot in my life. Losing my fingers, moving away from my friends and to a new school where I was a target of a bully online. I had to be brave.


I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Starla. I think she’s a strong girl and I had fun creating her character.  



To Be Honest Book Trailer



 Too Be Honest Playlist

Steal My Girl by One Direction

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

Heroes by Alesso and Tove Lo

Fight Song by Rachel Platten




56 comments:

  1. Hi, Tammi! Lovely looking blog and great music and a new feisty character to get to know - what could be better? :-D I really loved Beyond Vica - TBH looks like it'll just as inspiring. Wish you all the luck with it and have a great partay time today! ;-)

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    1. Thanks Jan. I'm glad you liked Beyond Vica. Starla isn't quite as feisty as Gabby but I think you'll like her. :)

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  2. Great YA books and presentation. Best wishes on your party day!

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  3. Hi Tammi! Starla sounds a brave girl! Have fun at your party today!

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  4. Hi Tammy. Enjoyed the interview and the songs. Lovely job.

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  5. Hi Tammi, I'm just amazed at the talent in this club. Your book, "Beyond Vica," is on my long TBR list. The topic of bullying is such a timely one. Children need to be taught compassion.I was fortunate that my son came by it naturally. Most do not. Thanks for sharing this Tammi.

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  6. Hi Tammi. I loved visiting your blog, and the character interview was a fun change of pace. I also greatly enjoyed the music.

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    1. Thank you Rhani. It was fun getting this post ready.

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  7. Hi Tammi. I loved visiting your blog, and the character interview was a fun change of pace. I also greatly enjoyed the music.

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  8. 'Be brave' -- great advice from Starla for all of us, especially as writers. Thank you for the character interview and glimpse into your whirlwind life, Tammi. If you can make time to write, anyone can! Thank you for the inspiring example.

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    1. Thanks Lisa!. I do have to carve out time to write. That's my escape. :)

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  9. Tammi,
    Loved the interview! Have fun at your party!

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  10. Hi Tammi. I enjoyed Starla's interview and love the playlist. To Be Honest sounds like my kind of book, I've added it to my TBR.

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  11. Hi Tammi. I enjoyed Starla's interview and love the playlist. To Be Honest sounds like my kind of book, I've added it to my TBR.

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  12. such a timely topic! wishing it and you great fortune!

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  13. I love the music as the backdrop to the interview with Starla. Your topic is one we all need to be informed about. I'll be reading your book very soon.... Enjoy your party!!

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    1. Thanks Gwen. It's been fun getting this ready. :)

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  14. Love the 1D video,Tammi. An inspired addition to your blog.

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  15. I enjoyed your character interview with Starla - well done! I'm glad you decided to target the two themes of bullying and honesty - very important for young adults at every age! Have a great block party!!

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  16. What a great character interview, Tammi. I loved reading To Be Honest, and I have to say that you are one of my fave YA authors :) Very best of luck with everything :)

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    1. Thank you so much Harmony. That means a lot as you are one of my favorite authors also. :)

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  17. Nice post! Best of luck on your party day !

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  18. Hi Tammi, your book, "Beyond Vica," is on my long TBR list. Bullying is a much needed topic to be discussed these days. I'm sure "To Be Honest" will be excellent read. Loved the interview with your character.

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  19. Hi Tammi - loved 'Beyond Vica' - great story left me wanting more. Hope you are having a great day.

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Gordon. Thanks so much. :)

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  20. "Beyond Vica Kindle Edition - You purchased this item on June 5, 2015". - :) you're on my TBR list too.

    I wanted to sit with my my daughter and read it. She might be a little young still at nine but I know it's a clean read so I was going to give it a spin with her (she likes to read - she takes the books away from me and reads them herself)

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    1. Thanks Jason. I think it's pretty safe. Hope you both enjoy it. :)

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  21. Great post with a fun interview, Tammi. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Beyond Vica' so I know I will like this book as well. I look forward to checking it out soon. Have a great blog party day today! Congrats!

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  22. Hi, Tammi. Happy Back-To-School-Book & Blog-Block-Party day on your blog. Interviews are fantastic at letting readers know more about those who write what we love to read. Excellent book trailer. I send you best wishes for great success on this blog party!

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  23. Wow, Tammi! What a fun and interesting blog post! Thank you for sharing.

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  24. Hi Tammi, I love your book trailer - it's so professional and it's really beautifully produced. It's also great to see another author dealing with the subject of bullying. I hope you have a great day!

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  25. Hi, Tammi. Enjoyed finding out about you and your book sounds awesome. Now following your blog. :)

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  26. Hi Tammi,
    First and foremost I want to say the "Beyond Vica' was one of the best books i have read this year - bar none. It was WONDERFUL and I really hope it does extremely well for you. Good Show!
    Thanks for having us all over for the RRBC Back to School Blog/Block/Book Party - it really has been a great time seeing all these talented and well organized blogs and getting to meet some of the Authors directly.

    Good luck with your new book ! Best regards,
    MikeL

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    1. Wow, what a compliment. I appreciate you stopping by. Thank you for your encouraging words.

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  27. Welcome aboard the blog train! I loved your deep colors and your trailer. And the the way you introduced your main character was so unique! Keep up the great writing! I know your teen readers will be inspired!

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  28. Hi Buce. Thank you for stopping by. :)

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  29. Hi Tammi. Great blog post. I have 'Beyond Vica' on my kindle. It's next on my TBR list. 'To Be Honest' looks like an interesting read too. I'm looking forward to seeing future blog posts. Have a great day!

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