CHASING THE STARS by J.D. Rivera
Genre(s): New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Published: October 13th
Genre(s): New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Published: October 13th
[SYNOPSIS]
Mackenzie Blanchard’s life wasn’t easy; never had been, never would be. She thought things were looking up when she started yet another new school her senior year. She made friends and was enjoying life the best she could.
One friendship turned into something more, and just when she felt safe, things were ripped apart.
Hayes Morgan had never cared about anyone but himself. He was living the life he wanted, just having fun. He never dreamed that he would fall for the new girl in school.
What started out as a sweet friendship turned into something he never thought possible, until she vanished...
Their paths collide a year after they last saw each other, but they are both harboring secrets. Will they be able to trust and love each other again, or will the secrets rip them apart forever?
Mackenzie Blanchard’s life wasn’t easy; never had been, never would be. She thought things were looking up when she started yet another new school her senior year. She made friends and was enjoying life the best she could.
One friendship turned into something more, and just when she felt safe, things were ripped apart.
Hayes Morgan had never cared about anyone but himself. He was living the life he wanted, just having fun. He never dreamed that he would fall for the new girl in school.
What started out as a sweet friendship turned into something he never thought possible, until she vanished...
Their paths collide a year after they last saw each other, but they are both harboring secrets. Will they be able to trust and love each other again, or will the secrets rip them apart forever?
[PURCHASE LINKS]
[PLAYLIST]
[AUTHOR BIO]
J.D. Rivera lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two boys. Her life consists of school projects, homework, cartoon shows, and little league sports. She loves Diet Mountain Dew, the OKC Thunder, costume jewelry, the beach, and reading.
[STALK LINKS]
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | AMAZON
[STALK LINKS]
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | AMAZON
[AUTHOR INTERVIEW]
If you could work with any author who would it be?
Oh goodness! This is a hard question. I don't think I can pick just one. Their are way too many awesome authors that I would love to work with.
Who is your favorite author and is you writing style similar to theirs?
I have several favorite authors but I really love Sylvain Reynard, Colleen Hoover, and Rebecca Donovan. I don't think I have a similar style to them at all though.
What's your favorite part of a book?
My favorite part of a book is the first kiss. It gives me the warm fuzzies!
When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?
I don't normally look at meaning. I just have to like the name.
Did they always want to write?
I've always had stories going on in my head but I didn't really know that I wanted to write them down until I was an adult.
What do they consider to be their best accomplishment?
My best accomplishment would have to be being a mother to my two amazing sons.
If you could give advice to someone starting out what would you tell them?
I would tell them to listen to what people have to say but not to give up on their dreams.
Has social media helped you connect with fans?
It definitely has! I love talking to my readers everyday!
When you started writing did you plan to use a pen name or not?
When I first started I wanted to hide behind my pen name but I couldn't think of a good name. So, I went with initials but now most people know my real name.
If a fan would like to turn one of your series into a movie/television series; would you be up for this idea?
Sure! That would be completely amazing!
Oh goodness! This is a hard question. I don't think I can pick just one. Their are way too many awesome authors that I would love to work with.
Who is your favorite author and is you writing style similar to theirs?
I have several favorite authors but I really love Sylvain Reynard, Colleen Hoover, and Rebecca Donovan. I don't think I have a similar style to them at all though.
What's your favorite part of a book?
My favorite part of a book is the first kiss. It gives me the warm fuzzies!
When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?
I don't normally look at meaning. I just have to like the name.
Did they always want to write?
I've always had stories going on in my head but I didn't really know that I wanted to write them down until I was an adult.
What do they consider to be their best accomplishment?
My best accomplishment would have to be being a mother to my two amazing sons.
If you could give advice to someone starting out what would you tell them?
I would tell them to listen to what people have to say but not to give up on their dreams.
Has social media helped you connect with fans?
It definitely has! I love talking to my readers everyday!
When you started writing did you plan to use a pen name or not?
When I first started I wanted to hide behind my pen name but I couldn't think of a good name. So, I went with initials but now most people know my real name.
If a fan would like to turn one of your series into a movie/television series; would you be up for this idea?
Sure! That would be completely amazing!
[YA BOOK MADNESS - INTERVIEW]
1. Chasing the Stars seems like a shift from your earlier new adult romances. How is this book different, what inspired you to write it?
Yes, it is a little different! I had a dream about these characters and I had to write their story. It varies in the fact that they are meeting in high school and it's a young love, but they also go through a lot to get to the end.
2. Lately there's been a lot of buzz about people being "over" the New Adult trend. Do you feel new adult is just a trend? What are your thoughts on this?
I don't really know to be honest. I just write whatever is in my head. So some books that I write might be New Adult and some might be something completely different.:)
3. Have you ever thought about writing something paranormal? What do you love about contemporary?
I don't think I could write paranormal but I'll never say never. I'm not really sure what it is about contemporary but I've always loved it.
4. Tell me about your Trying series.
Trying to Get Over You is about a couple in college that have been together for some time. They are presented with some obstacles and have to fight for their relationship.
5. Is there anything you'd like readers to know about Chasing the Stars?
Chasing the Stars is an emotional read but I hope it's also a great love story. I hope everyone loves Hayes as much as I do.
6. What inspires you to write?
I've always been a people watcher. Usually while I'm watching them I'll be making up some story about them in my head. If it's not from people watching, it's from a dream.
7. What are some of your favorite romances? TV, movies, books.
The Notebook. I loved that book and movie. I also love Gabriel and Julia from Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno.
8. What is some advice you'd give aspiring writers?
I would tell them to write, write, write. Never give up on your dreams.
9. Do you do anything particular when you write? Have a specific playlist or favorite writing snack?
I don't listen to playlists but I do have to eat Chex Mix while writing. :)
Yes, it is a little different! I had a dream about these characters and I had to write their story. It varies in the fact that they are meeting in high school and it's a young love, but they also go through a lot to get to the end.
2. Lately there's been a lot of buzz about people being "over" the New Adult trend. Do you feel new adult is just a trend? What are your thoughts on this?
I don't really know to be honest. I just write whatever is in my head. So some books that I write might be New Adult and some might be something completely different.:)
3. Have you ever thought about writing something paranormal? What do you love about contemporary?
I don't think I could write paranormal but I'll never say never. I'm not really sure what it is about contemporary but I've always loved it.
4. Tell me about your Trying series.
Trying to Get Over You is about a couple in college that have been together for some time. They are presented with some obstacles and have to fight for their relationship.
5. Is there anything you'd like readers to know about Chasing the Stars?
Chasing the Stars is an emotional read but I hope it's also a great love story. I hope everyone loves Hayes as much as I do.
6. What inspires you to write?
I've always been a people watcher. Usually while I'm watching them I'll be making up some story about them in my head. If it's not from people watching, it's from a dream.
7. What are some of your favorite romances? TV, movies, books.
The Notebook. I loved that book and movie. I also love Gabriel and Julia from Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno.
8. What is some advice you'd give aspiring writers?
I would tell them to write, write, write. Never give up on your dreams.
9. Do you do anything particular when you write? Have a specific playlist or favorite writing snack?
I don't listen to playlists but I do have to eat Chex Mix while writing. :)
[COFFEE ADDICTS' BOOK REVIEWS - INTERVIEW]
When did you start writing?
-I've always had stories in my head but I was an adult before I actually started writing.
What made you decide to start becoming a published author?
Which authors inspired you?
-I have way too many to list but some of my favorite authors include Colleen Hoover, Sylvain Reynard, and Rebecca Donovan.
Which are your favorite authors at the moment?
-At the moment, I love Jessica Sorensen. I just finished one of her books and I already want to reread it!
Which genre do you generally write in?
-I like to write New Adult! For some reason, the stories flow better for me in that genre.
How many unpublished stories do you have?
-I think I have around 5 maybe. I'm not sure at this point. :)
What have you written?
-I've written and published: Trying to Get Over You, Guarded, Defensive, Always Friends, and as of October 13th, Chasing the Stars.
What are you working on at this moment?
-I'm currently writing a novel that may have some characters from Chasing the Stars and hopefully a novella after that.
What is your favorite type of hero/protagonist to write? Bad boys? Damaged men? The boy next door? The sensitive soul?
-I like them all! Ha!
What is your favorite type of heroine/protagonist to write? Feisty women? Strong women? Weak women? Flighty women?
-I would like to say the feisty or strong but I've written them all.
Do you write from an outline or just where the story and characters take you?
-I can't write from an outline. That's just a disaster. I have to let my characters take over.
Do you get the dreaded writer's block and how do you combat it?
-Oh yes I get it! I try to just take a step back for a couple of days or go hiking someplace to clear my mind. I get the best ideas when I'm exercising.
Do you have input in your covers? Who designs them?
-I have a lot of say in my covers. My amazing husband is my designer. (I don't get along with Photoshop!)
What are your thoughts on good & bad reviews? (We aren't counting bashing reviews, simply negative reviews that are respectful)
-I think both are good. Of course I love great reviews, but a one star review can be a great learning tool.
How do you relax? Or activities you use to relax?
-I love to go to the beach whenever I can. It relaxes me on so many levels. If I can't get to a beach, I love to walk or hike if I can find a pretty area. I love being outside!
Is there anyone who supports you that you couldn't do without?
-Everyone! I'm not just saying that either. It takes so many people to publish a book!
How do you come up with character names? How do you come up with novel titles?
-Character names are just names I like. I try to write at least half of the novel before I title it. I always want it to be a part of the book
How do you feel once you complete a book?
-I feel relief followed by excitement! It's crazy to think that someone might read the book and characters I just created!
Coffee Questions
(Please answer at least one. It is Coffee Addicts Book Reviews, after all! A coffee question has to be asked and answered.)
Coffee or Tea?
Both!!!
How do you take your coffee?
I like to put a little Splenda in it.
Starbucks or Seattle's Best? Or what IS your favorite coffee shop?
Starbucks! I love Starbucks!
If you don't drink coffee, what the HECK do you do to stay motivated without THE best beverage known to man?
I'm also a huge Diet Mountain Dew addict!
If you don't drink coffee, what is WRONG with you, woman/man!?! (I'm teasing, really... although if you hate coffee you might have a screw loose... *hee* I love you!!)
I agree!!!!
-I've always had stories in my head but I was an adult before I actually started writing.
What made you decide to start becoming a published author?
Which authors inspired you?
-I have way too many to list but some of my favorite authors include Colleen Hoover, Sylvain Reynard, and Rebecca Donovan.
Which are your favorite authors at the moment?
-At the moment, I love Jessica Sorensen. I just finished one of her books and I already want to reread it!
Which genre do you generally write in?
-I like to write New Adult! For some reason, the stories flow better for me in that genre.
How many unpublished stories do you have?
-I think I have around 5 maybe. I'm not sure at this point. :)
What have you written?
-I've written and published: Trying to Get Over You, Guarded, Defensive, Always Friends, and as of October 13th, Chasing the Stars.
What are you working on at this moment?
-I'm currently writing a novel that may have some characters from Chasing the Stars and hopefully a novella after that.
What is your favorite type of hero/protagonist to write? Bad boys? Damaged men? The boy next door? The sensitive soul?
-I like them all! Ha!
What is your favorite type of heroine/protagonist to write? Feisty women? Strong women? Weak women? Flighty women?
-I would like to say the feisty or strong but I've written them all.
Do you write from an outline or just where the story and characters take you?
-I can't write from an outline. That's just a disaster. I have to let my characters take over.
Do you get the dreaded writer's block and how do you combat it?
-Oh yes I get it! I try to just take a step back for a couple of days or go hiking someplace to clear my mind. I get the best ideas when I'm exercising.
Do you have input in your covers? Who designs them?
-I have a lot of say in my covers. My amazing husband is my designer. (I don't get along with Photoshop!)
What are your thoughts on good & bad reviews? (We aren't counting bashing reviews, simply negative reviews that are respectful)
-I think both are good. Of course I love great reviews, but a one star review can be a great learning tool.
How do you relax? Or activities you use to relax?
-I love to go to the beach whenever I can. It relaxes me on so many levels. If I can't get to a beach, I love to walk or hike if I can find a pretty area. I love being outside!
Is there anyone who supports you that you couldn't do without?
-Everyone! I'm not just saying that either. It takes so many people to publish a book!
How do you come up with character names? How do you come up with novel titles?
-Character names are just names I like. I try to write at least half of the novel before I title it. I always want it to be a part of the book
How do you feel once you complete a book?
-I feel relief followed by excitement! It's crazy to think that someone might read the book and characters I just created!
Coffee Questions
(Please answer at least one. It is Coffee Addicts Book Reviews, after all! A coffee question has to be asked and answered.)
Coffee or Tea?
Both!!!
How do you take your coffee?
I like to put a little Splenda in it.
Starbucks or Seattle's Best? Or what IS your favorite coffee shop?
Starbucks! I love Starbucks!
If you don't drink coffee, what the HECK do you do to stay motivated without THE best beverage known to man?
I'm also a huge Diet Mountain Dew addict!
If you don't drink coffee, what is WRONG with you, woman/man!?! (I'm teasing, really... although if you hate coffee you might have a screw loose... *hee* I love you!!)
I agree!!!!
[CONFESSIONS OF A Y.A and N.A BOOK ADDICT - INTERVIEW]
What inspired this story?
It came from a dream. I woke up and I immediately started outlining.
How old were you when you wrote your first book?
I think I was 30. At least I was that age when I wrote the first book I'll admit to writing. :)
Did your story go as planned or did your characters take over?
Every book I've written the characters have taken over. I usually know how it will end but I have no clue what happens before that until I'm actually typing.
If you had to describe this book to someone in 140 characters or less, how would you do it?
Sweet, heartbreaking, and romantic? Maybe. I'm not really good at this. :)
Did you write your characters with anyone in mind?
I didn't really. I described them from my dream. Well, I take that back. I did describe a secondary character to look like someone but I won't say who. I'll let the readers decide that.
It came from a dream. I woke up and I immediately started outlining.
How old were you when you wrote your first book?
I think I was 30. At least I was that age when I wrote the first book I'll admit to writing. :)
Did your story go as planned or did your characters take over?
Every book I've written the characters have taken over. I usually know how it will end but I have no clue what happens before that until I'm actually typing.
If you had to describe this book to someone in 140 characters or less, how would you do it?
Sweet, heartbreaking, and romantic? Maybe. I'm not really good at this. :)
Did you write your characters with anyone in mind?
I didn't really. I described them from my dream. Well, I take that back. I did describe a secondary character to look like someone but I won't say who. I'll let the readers decide that.
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