Find Out Friday: Jennifer Echols + Win A Signed Copy of The Ex Games

General Questions:

What inspired you to write books for young adults?

I have always written one book for young adults and then one book for adults, back and forth. I think this is because I finished writing my first novel when I was 20. I was still reading a lot of young adult books myself. Writing for teenagers feels very natural to me.

What's your favorite part about being a writer?

The writing itself! There’s almost nothing I’d rather do than sit outside with my coffee and my laptop, getting lost in a plot.

Are you working on any other books?

At the moment I’m writing Endless Summer, the sequel to The Boys Next Door. It will be out next June. Then I’m revising Forget You, my next romantic drama from MTV Books. It will be published next July. And THEN, during NaNoWriMo, I’ll be working on a top secret idea I absolutely love for my third romantic drama for MTV Books.

What is your favorite Simon Romantic Comedy?

I haven’t read all of them--Drive Me Crazy and Love Off-Limits are behind me on my bookshelf, actually--but some of my favorites are Sea of Love by Jamie Ponti, 30 Guys in 30 Days by Micol Ostow, and A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedmann.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

It was always in the back of my mind, but when I first went to college, I studied to be a high school band director.

The Ex Games questions:

What was your favorite part to write in The Ex Games?

Hayden trying to rescue Chloe, and Nick having to rescue Hayden instead. This actually happened to me and my friend Amy, but in a much less romantic way, and that’s why the book is dedicated to her.

Where did you get the idea for The Ex Games?

My editor wanted a snowboarding book. I came up with the title first, and pretty quickly I figured out the basic plot.

Do you snowboard or did you have to do a lot of research on it before writing?

I snow ski. The slopes and the ski resort town are based on my experience. I’ve never boarded, so I watched the winter X Games and a lot of DVDs to try to get it right.

Where did you get the characters names from?

I keep a list of names I like, but I couldn’t really tell you why I like them.

How do you feel about the cover?

I absolutely love all my covers drawn by Amy Saidens. A lot of book covers are just stock photos that the publisher bought the rights to, so it makes me feel very special that Simon Pulse asks Amy to draw a cover just for me every time.

Having said that, I wonder if the cartoon covers make the books look like they’re meant for a younger audience than they actually are. When the series debuted in 2004, chick lit was big, and all chick lit books had cartoon covers to let you know they were comedies. Times have changed, and nowadays most books have a soft focus photo on the cover, even comedies. I sometimes wonder whether the covers mislead potential readers about my books, because a lot of reviews of my books have started, “Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you...”

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Now onto the giveaway...

So this month I'm hoping to reach 150 followers, it's Halloween, it's my three month blogoversary.. so there're a lot of things to celebrate. I'm having a month long Celebration and I'm kicking it off with a giveaway for...

A signed copy of The Ex Games.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE BATTLE OF THE EXES...

Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized break-up. Now the two are “just friends,” excluding the occasional flirtation.

When Hayden wins the girls’ division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn’t have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick’s bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden’s and the boys on Nick’s, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated--and if they’re not careful, they might end up igniting some old flames. Rules: US Only! Ends: October 15th Followers Only Must leave your email address in the comment! Extra Entries: +1 Comment on my review of The Ex Games: here +2 follower +1 Answer: What is your favorite Simon RoCom? +1 link in your sidebar Good luck everyone! CONTEST CLOSED