An Interview with Anne Osterlund + Signed SWAG Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

I'm so excited to host Anne on the blog today as part of her blog tour. I've been looking forward to the release of her YA contemporary novel, Salvation, ever since I first read the summary, and now it's here!!! Yep, release date is January 10th.

I asked Anne a few questions about Salvation, check them out below!

LET'S TALK ABOUT SALVATION

Describe Salvation in twenty-five words or less.
A YA contemporary novel about Salva (Salvador) Resendez, a young man who does not want to be everyone’s salvation. And Beth, the walking disaster area.

Where did you get the idea for it?
I first met Salva and Beth in the middle of a collision, as described here. Papers, pencils, the contents of Beth’s backpack, and point of view everywhere! I didn’t realize there was an entire book coming, though, until Salva’s best friend, Pepe, shoved him into the prologue.

In Salvation, which character is the most challenging one to write? I've read on your webpage about Salva refusing to go home. Is he the stubborn one? Or was writing about Beth and drawing her out of her shell more difficult than bringing Salva home?

Salva has a very well-behaved façade. But he is stubborn. He is definitely more difficult, as your viewers can read about here

Beth actually has a very helpful personality. Things tend to fall apart when she’s around, but that makes for great action in a novel. She does have a tendency to use too many adverbs.

Share a quirk you developed while writing Salvation.
Sometimes after imagining the family scenes, I would dream in Spanish.

So far you have written YA contemporary romance in Salvation, historical fantasy in Aurelia and Exile, and science fiction in Academy 7. Are you planning on writing something different in the future?

My current New Year’s resolution is to finish Redemption. Aurelia, the heroine of Aurelia and Exile, demands that I wrap up her third and final novel. She’s dying to tell you all about it, but she knows this is Salva and Beth’s moment so she is very patiently—for Aurelia—biting her tongue. Though, as a tradeoff for such good behavior, I did post one blog about Redemption here.

I also have at least two ideas for regular historical fiction, as well as future contemporary, fantasy, and sci-fi novels. We shall see which characters are the most demanding next!

SOMETHING PERSONAL

I've received a lot of recommendations from you on Goodreads! And you're an author and a teacher, how do you find time to read tons of books, write books and teach?

It’s a complete mystery!

Favorite genre?

I read about a third fantasy, a third historical fiction, and a third everything else. Mostly YA. I would probably say that fantasy is my favorite genre, but I love to read and write outside the box.

A message to readers, fellow book bloggers, fans?
Come visit! My characters and I would love to have you join us at any of the following:
Our website: www.anneosterlund.com
Our blog: www.anneosterlund.blogspot.com
And for the rest of our SALVATION Blog Tour!
http://anneosterlund.com/event_schedule.htm

Salvation by Anne Osterlund
January 10th 2013 by Penguin Young Readers Group

Salvador Resendez--Salva to his friends--appears to have it all. His Mexican immigrant family has high expectations, and Salva intends to fulfill them. He's student body president, quarterback of the football team, and has a near-perfect GPA. Everyone loves him.

Especially Beth Courant, AKA the walking disaster area. Dreamy and shy, Beth is used to blending into the background. But she's also smart, and she has serious plans for her future.

Popular guy and bookish girl--the two have almost nothing in common. Until fate throws them together and the attraction is irresistible. Soon Beth is pushing Salva to set his sights higher than ever--because she knows he has more to offer, more than even he realizes.

Then tragedy strikes--and threatens to destroy everything that Salva has worked for. Will Beth's love be enough to save him?

Thoughtful and romantic, this is a beautifully written story about following your heart and fulfilling your potential.

We're giving away some AWESOME SWAG signed by Anne. If you're wondering what the goodies look like, check out the pic below.

Photo isn't mine. I grabbed this from The Authoress since I can't find a pic of the swag.

Rules:

Open Internationally

Ends January 20th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway