"I’ve been soaking in the good moments—like being on a panel with David Levithan at the Texas Book Festival!—and not really worrying so much about the rest."
- HILARY WEISMAN GRAHAM, debut author of 2012
How was the feeling of being a published author, at last?
To be honest, it was a little bit of a roller-coaster ride at first—worrying about book sales, or whether or not critics would like it. Plus, I was having a hard time navigating the balance between time spent on REUNITED’s promotional efforts and sitting down to write the next one. But, now that the book’s been out for five months, I’m feeling really good about it. I’ve been soaking in the good moments—like being on a panel with David Levithan at the Texas Book Festival!—and not really worrying so much about the rest.
What is/are the best thing/s that happened after your book was published?
When REUNITED came out, one of the best parts was seeing photos (sent by friends and fans) of it in stores all over the country. In fact, it’s still a little mind-blowing to walk into a bookstore or library and see it up there on the shelf. But of all the pictures people have sent me, one of my all-time favorites is of my local librarian filing REUNITED’s Dewey Decimal card—something which never even crossed my mind. So, it was a fun surprise to realize I’d made it into the Dewey Decimal system.
Are you interested in writing with different genre or audience?
Yes! In fact, right now, I’m working on a very dark TV drama. And I’d love to publish a book of humorous non-fiction. I’ve already written a bunch of funny essays about my life, one of which I just told on The Moth Mainstage a few weeks ago. If you haven’t listened to The Moth podcasts on iTunes, or on NPR, you totally should. They’re true stories, told live, without notes, and they’re sooooo compelling. www.themoth.org
Do you read reviews about your book?
I try my best to avoid reading reviews, though sometimes I’ll read the good ones. Because of my past experience in the public eye—making films for the past twenty years, plus my stint on a reality show—by the time REUNITED was published, I’d already dealt with a lot of feedback about my work. For me, it’s important to remind myself that it’s really none of my business what anyone else thinks of my book. That being said, it seems as if most people really like it, which makes me happy. But I find that even reading the best reviews can mess with my head, if I’m not mindful of it. It’s almost like an addiction for me, where the second I’m done reading one person’s praise, suddenly I’m hungry for more. I guess the big lesson in it for me is just like life: if you walk around worrying about what other people think of you, you’ll end up pretty miserable.
What is your (best/fun/unforgettable) moment with a fan?
This September, I did a mini book tour with fellow YA author Kristen-Paige Madonia (FINGERPRINTS OF YOU), and before one Barnes & Noble event, we did a visit at a local middle school. A few of the girls from the school came to see us at the store the next day, and one of the mom’s told me that her daughter usually hates going to school, but on the day Kristen-Paige and I visited, she came home and said, “Mom, today was the best day of school ever!” I still smile when I think about that.
Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2012 that you loved?
There are so many great ones to choose from! But I’m a huge fan of SCARLET by A.C. Gaughen.
Fave character from a book (not yours)?
Probably Scout from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Or Hamlet.
Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.
One morning, a few years back, I was walking down the street in New York City. I’d had a pretty sleepless night, so I was tired, and running late to catch my train, so I didn’t notice that my skirt was tucked into the back of my tights, exposing my butt for all the world to see. Thank God some woman stopped to give me the head’s up. Talk about fashion faux pas.
Fave joke?
Okay, it’s not really a joke, but it’s my favorite one-liner, from Groucho Marx. “Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends.”
What's the recent thing that made you cry?
Seeing my son after I’d been on a ten-day business trip.
When's your birthday?
March 12th
Do you read/believe in horoscopes?
Only when they’re good. ;)
Fave movie?
There are way too many to choose just one. But HAROLD AND MAUDE is definitely on the list.
Fave artist/song?
“Heyday” by Level3 http://www.level3theband.com/p/free-music-downloads.html
How did you celebrate the publishing of your book? :)
By throwing myself an AMAZING launch party, complete with a cake of my book cover, 100 of my best friends, and pictures in a Pea Pod-shaped photo-booth.
(Sidenote: So nice!)
*****
Hilary Weisman Graham is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and novelist.
She lives in rural New Hampshire with her husband and son, roughly thirty minutes away from the nearest grocery store.
Find Hilary:
Website: http://www.hilarygraham.com
Blog: http://hilarywgraham.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilaryWeismanGraham
Twitter: @HilaryGraham
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12988064-reunited
Simon & Schuster Author page: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Hilary-Weisman-Graham/70282925
Level3's Website: http://www.level3theband.com/
by Hilary Weisman Graham
Published: June 12th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Summary (Goodreads):
1 Concert
2000 Miles
3 Ex-Best Friends
Alice, Summer, and Tiernan are ex-best friends.
Back in middle school, the three girls were inseparable. They were also the number one fans of the rock band Level3.
But when the band broke up, so did their friendship. Summer ran with the popular crowd, Tiernan was a rebellious wild-child, and Alice spent high school with her nose buried in books.
Now, just as the girls are about to graduate, Level3 announces a one-time-only reunion show.
Even though the concert’s 2000 miles away, Alice buys three tickets on impulse. And as it turns out, Summer and Tiernan have their own reasons for wanting to get out of town. Good thing Alice’s graduation gift (a pea-green 1976 VW camper van known as the Pea Pod) is just the vehicle to get them there.
But on the long drive cross-country, the girls hit more than a few bumps in the road. Will their friendship get an encore or is the show really over?
Trailer:
Praise for REUNITED:
“An adventure worth reading” –School Library Journal
“By turns silly, funny, a little moving, and unpredictable” –Booklist
“A classic road-trip coming-of-age story” –VOYA
This book is AMAZING! One of my favorite books of 2012, I swear. If you're looking for a great contemporary read, I highly suggest Reunited. If you're looking for a book about ex-friends getting back together, I highly suggest Reunited. If you're a music lover, read Reunited. If you're just a book lover, read REUNITED. ~ Gypsy Book Reviews
Reunited is one of those stories that stays with you for some time. Hilary does an excellent job of grabbing you and sucking you in so much so you don't realize your at the end of the story until you turn the page and there are no more pages. I truly loved this book and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! ~ Diary of a Book Addict
Their road trip is at once hilarious and poignant, the dialogue spot-on, the friendships raw and real. REUNITED is a great ride! ~Diana Renn, Author, TOKYO HEIST
If you're a fan of contemps and road trips and laughing, definitely don't miss out on Reunited by Hilary Weisman Graham. ~ Tara (Hobbitsies Reviews)
Hilary Weisman Graham's debut is a fun, bubbly and heartwarming coming-of-age story of friendship, love, and ultimately, finding yourself and being true to who you are --- no matter what. It's one of those books that has a little bit of everything, for everyone... one of my favorite YA Contemporary reads of 2012 so far! ~ The Teen Book Guru
Best Girl Bonding I have read in a while! ~ Mary (Bookhounds)
What an amazingly written book! Graham has done the very difficult job of capturing the distinct voices of three very different girls. ~ Katie McGarry, Author PUSHING THE LIMITS
Buy REUNITED now!
GIVEAWAY!
(Please READ these important details before jumping to the Rafflecopter! :)
- win a SIGNED hardback of Reunited!
- open to US only.
- one winner will be picked via Rafflecopter entries.
- the winning entry will be CHECKED. So please be honest in entering each one of them--you never know, it might be the winning entry.
- if the winner has not responded within 48 hours, another winner will be picked.
- all personal details will be kept privately and deleted after.
- Hilary and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.
- ends December 27th
I haven't read this book but I will definitely buy it once it is available in our local bookstore. Reunited seems like my kind of read. I forgot the last time I've read a fun contemporary with music and road trip..I hope they release it now here!
A lucky winner, indeed. :)
Thank you so much for your time and signed hardback for the giveaway, Hilary! You are awesome.
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