The Buzz: Ciao Release Blog Tour

Happy Monday bloggers! A friend of mine, Bethany Lopez, has released the third book in her Stories About Melissa series. The book is called Ciao, and as part of her blog tour I'm having her over for an interview :) Here is a little more about the book and Bethany:

Melissa has had a fantastic summer hanging out with her friends and making new ones. Life as she knows it will change when they all come together to begin their sophomore year at Dearborn High. Connections will be made and friendships will be tested. Will Melissa’s family and friends be able to help her through the challenges she will face in the upcoming months?

1.     Hi Bethany, can you tell us about your series? 

The Stories about Melissa series is a Contemporary YA series that follows Melissa as she begins high school. Throughout the series, we will get to know Melissa's innermost thoughts, as the books are written through her journal entries. We will also get to share in her experiences with her friends and families over the four years of high school, which will be detailed throughout eight books.

 

2.     Why do you write YA books? 

I started writing YA so that my daughters could read as I was writing. I enjoy the voice. I am also starting to write New Adult, which is very exciting. These are not for my daughters, as much as they are for me. It takes me back to a great time in life. A time of finding yourself and become responsible for your actions.

 

3.     What book are you reading now? 

Madly & the Jackal, by M. Leighton

 

4.     Do you use real life to inspire parts of your stories? 

I do. I mix real life and fantasy. I think the stories feel more authentic and relate able when they are based on truth.

 

5.     What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? 

Patience. I am a pretty impatient person. I like instant gratification. There is not a lot of that in writing.

 

6.     Who would you cast for leading roles, if your books were being made into movies?

 I have included the pics:  Melissa - Gage Golightly, Jess - Elizabeth Gillies, Brian - Robbie Arnell, Jimmy - I found a pic, but not sure of the name, Giovanni - Primo Reggiani, Cassie - Lily Collins

 

Casey

Jimmy

Giovanni

Melissa

Jess

Brian

 7.     In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing? How has your experience been thus far down the self-publishing road? 

The freedom to put out your book the way you want it is a huge advantage. You have complete control of what goes in to your book, which also means, you have no one else to blame if something is wrong with it. Self-publishing has been amazing. I love being able to plan everything according to my schedule. It has been a very positive experience for me.

 

8.     Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

I am really grateful that people read my books and are interested in my stories and characters.

 

 

Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult novel. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her contemporary Young Adult series, Stories About Melissa. Ta Ta for Now! and xoxoxo are available now, book three, Ciao, will be released in Aug 2012. She is currently working on books unrelated to the Melissa series.

 

 

Book Links:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

GoodReads

 

Author Links:

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