Climbing the Ladder...

In our writing profession, we have landmarks--moments, achievements or events that seem to elevate us up a rung. Some of these are quite notable (awards, book reviews, sales) and some personal and quiet (fan mail, nods and favors from peers and superiors).

Along this line, I am always particularly tickled whenever I see my name in the acknowledgement of a friend’s book, whether it stands alone or as part of a group (such as the Buzz Girls). It’s so fulfilling to know that I helped someone along on their writer’s journey, even just a little bit.

This week I hit a new landmark. On the back cover of my critique partner, Kelly Parra’s (fabulous) new release, Invisible Touch is an endorsement quote from yours truly:

“Readers are going to delight in this fast-paced, gripping story, and be kept spellbound until its surprising finish,” Tina Ferraro, author of How to Hook a Hottie.

I am thrilled that MTV Books not only liked my quote (I’m not a natural born reviewer, so finding what I want to say and how to say it is sometimes a challenge for me) but that they think that my name and my reputation might possibly help Kelly’s sales. It is an incredible honor to be attached to this terrific book!


So share with us...have you had any recent landmarks in your career? Anything that either made you feel proud or that you’d stepped up a rung on the ladder?

What I’m Re-Reading: Invisible Touch, Kelly Parra

Tina

Tina Ferraro
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys - January 13, 2009
How to Hook a Hottie - Out Now, Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Out Now
www.tinaferraro.com

Kelly Parra Rocks My World!

We are starting a new theme this week called Rock My World. First up, we’re going to dish about those special writer-friends who keep us fired up, honest, and on course: our critique partners.

Kelly Parra and I met five years ago through a critique partner coordinator in the Kiss of Death Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Our love for writing (and for family) helped us to quickly bond, and to become the most important person in each other’s writing lives.


Kelly and I have ridden many waves together, but whether up or down, we’re “there” for each other, with support and our full attention to each others’ projects.

Last year, her first book, GRAFFITI GIRL, was released to rave reviews, and this year, she was thrilled to receive The Call from the Rita Award coordinator not once, but twice, with the news that it was a finalist for Best First Book and Best Young Adult Romance. (Yay, Kelly!)


This September, her second YA novel, INVISIBLE TOUCH, hits the shelves. Here is a sneak peak at the blurb:

Secrets. Everyone has them. Some are bigger than others, and sometimes the only way to keep them from consuming you is to whisper them on a weblog. Kara Martinez is a normal, uncomplicated teenager on the outside, but hides a traumatic past and a surreal secret that she reveals only on an anonymous website.

Kara sees signs

Moments of time where a single image appears on the front of a persons torso, like a small screen, showing a quick flick. The same words repeated to her in the physical world, on television, in print, or by someone speaking to her. Signs of premonition, she calls them, since the images are forewarnings about the person involved--one piece linked to a bigger puzzle. With the repercussion of debilitating headaches should she ignore her ability, Kara has no other choice but to follow the clues and attempt to save others from possible unfortunate fates.

An invisible gift or a curse?

When one vision leads her to Anthony Garcia, a dangerous boy from a rough side of town, she is thrust into a conflict between teen rivals. Despite her familys concern, she cant stop her growing feelings for Anthony or the brutal images she sees on the people around him that are pushing her into danger. While those closest to her begin to look into the secrets of her past and her present, Kara must stop one fate from turning deadly--and its fatal outcome from becoming her own.


INVISIBLE TOUCH is a terrific read, one that will stay with you long after you put it down. You can preorder here through Amazon:

INVISIBLE TOUCH

Well, I have loved this opportunity to brag about Kelly! Now feel free to follow my lead and say something sweet or fantastic about her, too!

Tina

Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie - Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Finalist, National Reader’s Choice Award
www.tinaferraro.com