GCC Presents: Stacy DeKeyser!

Okay before we meet the fabulous Stacy DeKeyser, I just want to remind you that today (or perhaps it's tomorrow? It says vote by October 15th, not entirely sure when that means voting ends) is the last day to vote for I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE as the Best Book of 2008 on the Venus Hottt List! It would mean the world to me if my little punk rock book actually won out against some of the bestsellers (or at least finished well!) so please go vote here!

Now, the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit presents Stacy DeKeyser and her suspense thriller YA, JUMP THE CRACKS. Here is what the book is all about and what people are saying about it:

A 15-year-old girl is accused of kidnapping when she finds an abandoned child on a train and then hides him from his abusive father. Soon she's on a cross-country journey with the boy, as each "right" decision gets her deeper into trouble -- and farther away from home. Victoria has vowed to protect the little boy no matter what. But can she keep that promise? Fast-paced suspense about a determined girl who becomes both rescuer and abductor of a child at risk.

"Bracingly realistic….With a combination of lively adventure and humane treatment of its characters, this is an absorbing and emotionally effective read." — BCCB

"Strong characters and fast-paced action." — VOYA

"Thought-provoking....Introspective tweeners will find plenty to chew on." — Booklist

"Teens are sure to find this an interesting read." — School Library Journal

It sounds like a great book and very unique premise to me! You can find out more about the book at Stacy's website and visit her on MySpace or LiveJournal, but today she is here to answer my usual questions for the Girlfriends!

Q: Please list five songs that would be on the soundtrack to your book and explain how they relate to your story or characters.

Stacy: I'm so bad with specific songs. I love to listen to music, but I don't really listen, if that makes sense. I just let it soak into the air and my brain. But here are two oldies that would fit:

You Are My Sunshine (because that's what Victoria sings to Wills in the book)
Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel

Q: Name some of your main character's favorite musicians or bands.

Stacy: She likes singers like Christina Aguilerra and Fergie.

Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians or bands?

Stacy: I'm really into Celtic/punk/rock bands like the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. But I can't usually listen to them while I'm writing! They're great bill-paying music, though. :)

Q: Even though music plays in so heavily into my storytelling, I rarely can actually listen to it while I'm writing. Can you? How does music fit into your writing process?

Stacy: I need background music, but it has to be instrumental or I'll listen to the lyrics instead of my own writing. I like traditional Celtic music or classical baroque while I'm writing.

Q: While music is my muse, I know other writers find their muse in theater, sports, art, the great outdoors, etc. What is your main muse?

Stacy: I guess it's nature and the outdoors. I love hiking, biking, raking leaves...any outdoor activity where there's lots of trees and grass.

So Stacy's a Flogging Molly fan, yet another reason for me to buy her book! I hope you'll go check out JUMP THE CRACKS today too!