Touring now is Laurie Stolarz with her new release, Bleed, which looks awesome!

Here's a bit about the book, followed by Laurie's answers to my tour questions:

Ten teens, one unforgettable day

Over the course of a single day, the lives of ten teenagers will intersect in powerful and unexpected ways.

Among them are Nicole, whose decision to betray her best friend will shock everyone, most of all herself; Kelly, who meets the convicted felon she’s been writing to for years; and Maria, whose definition of a true friend is someone who will cut her. Derik discovers his usual good looks and charm won’t help him get the girl he really wants, while Joy, a fifteen year old waitress, hoping for true intimacy, narrowly escapes a very dark fate.

Seamlessly woven together, this collection of interconnected short stories paints an authentic portrait of today’s teen experience that is at once funny, moving, and often very haunting.


What the Critics are Saying:

“Stolarz expertly weaves a combination of stories the reader will remember for a long while.” – Anne Keller, RandomReads

“The reader is swept along in this masterful plotting of characters as their lives intertwine in most unexpected ways. Laurie Faria Stolarz has captured perfectly the angst and folly of the teenage world.” – Teenreads.com

The Word From Laurie:

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL “WRITING DAY”? Since I have a toddler, I don’t really have a typical writing day. I write when I can – when he’s in pre-school or napping or sleeping. I’m pretty good about being able to work on demand. When I’m working in the morning, I love a good cup of coffee (black) and I need to shut off my e-mail to resist the urge to procrastinate.



DO YOU RECALL THE KERNEL OF INSPIRATION FOR THIS BOOK?

I really wanted to explore how the decisions we make everyday – even the smaller ones – can affect others in ways we may never even consider. The decision whether or not to pick up the phone or let the machine get it; the decision of walking to someone's house versus taking the bus; or of taking a walk by a cemetery rather than at the beach – how the outcome of those decisions can have a domino effect, affecting other people's lives...even the lives of people we may not even know.


PICK A CHARACTER IN THE BOOK AND TELL US WHAT TRAIT YOU SHARE (OR COME CLOSEST TO SHARING) WITH THAT CHARACTER.

Nicole and I can both appreciate a good-looking pair of calves (the leg muscle, not the young cow).


IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND, WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A MAGICAL TRUNK THAT GAVE YOU LIMITLESS BOOKS TO READ, OR A LIMITLESS SUPPLY OF PAPER ON WHICH TO WRITE?

The paper on which to write. Plus, I’d get to do origami with the paper.

BEER OR WINE? Wine, preferably a good cab.

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Chocolate, the darker the better.

WHAT’S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE BOOK?

The Awakening by Kate Chopin.