3 S.R. Johannes: Spreading Awesome about The Body Finder!

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Spreading Awesome about The Body Finder!

Leave a comment on this post telling me what ability you'd love to have if you could. (you must be a follower to win!) At midnight Monday (PST), I will do a random drawing. If you sign up for my new book marketing newsletter! or already did (on the left hand side) - let me know and I'll add your name in the hat an extra time!

And the prize?
You will get a free Body Finder package that includes a tote bag (filled with swag) and a signed book of The Body Finder (Just to be clear - it is signed by Kimberly not me :)

Elana Johnson pulled together some authors to talk about their favorite book recently read.

I chose Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder. Seriously, go buy it!!!

A serial killer on the loose. A girl with a morbid ability. And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers. Now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Jay reluctantly agrees to help. As she falls intensely in love for the first time, Violet gets closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.


O.K. so this book is the kind of book that keeps you up late - even when you know your kids will be up at dawn - reading. I read this book in 2 days because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Every minute of sleep I lost was sooooo worth it. If you like James Patterson and paranormal stuff, you will love this because it mixes the two nicely. In addition, the way she writers in third person feels so personal and intimate - attributes I attached more to first person than third.

I met Kimberly last year at SCBWI LA. We were blogger buddies and had never met in person. We exchanged emails and took a chance on rooming which I think was not in character for either of us. I mean she LOOKED normal enough, right? :) (I think we both secretly prayed when we showed up, the other was not going to be a 300 lb man with hair on his back who favored tighty whities. :)

Kimberly and I immediately hit it off and I am totally confident we will be forever friends. (This is where you say - awwwwwwww!)

For those who get skittish about meeting your blogger buddies - just know that sometimes you might meet a soul mate and lifelong friend. (just be wise and always meet in a public place:)

If you are cool, you will follow her at her blog, on FB, and on twitter! :)

Here are a few fun and informative questions I threw at her:

What is the hardest part about being a published author?

For me, the hardest part about being an author is finding enough time to do everything. What most people probably don’t realize (including me until I was published) is how time consuming the non-writer side of things can be. Don’t get wrong, I love the interviews, Facebooking, blogging, etc., but sometimes I need to remember that my actual job is…oh yeah, being a writer!!! *runs to check Twitter for the 50th time today*

What is the easiest part about being published?

Definitely my commute! I love that I can just roll out of bed and start writing. Well, I mean after I make breakfast and get two kids off to school. And pick up the house, of course. And after I run all my errands and pay the bills so the lights stay on. And, oh, I need to figure out dinner plans for tonight, and I can’t forget to get the youngest off the bus…again (thank God for my neighbors)! Wait, what was the question…???

What do you wish you knew about writing and publishing before you got an agent and book contract?

I may be naive but I never realized that publishers will sometimes delay book release dates. Harper delayed the release of The Body Finder by six months, and at the time I thought it was the end of the world! Now, when I look back, I’m so SO happy they did it. Harper did an amazing job creating buzz for my book during those extra six months which I think made a huge difference! It also gave me a chance to really, really get prepared. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t cry when I first found out the delay.

If you could chose your destiny – what would it be?

Ok, so THAT is the by far the hardest question I’ve ever been asked! Thanks a lot, Shellie, I thought we were friends!!! Geez, we even shared a bed once! Disclaimer: Shellie and I were roommates at the SCBWI and it was either make a pregnant Lindsey Leavitt sleep on the floor or share a bed. We shared the bed. You’re welcome, Lindsey!

Let’s see, if I could choose my destiny? Is happiness a destiny? I know, it’s cheesy, but that’s all I really want from both my personal and professional lives. I feel very fortunate to have a supportive family, a job that I love, and a bunch of really great friends, so what more could a girl want?

Or maybe to write a book as popular as Harry Potter or Twilight. Either destiny works for me! :)

What do you think? Do you have any questions for Kimberly about the publishing business/process? She'll give you the inside scoop so leave them here and be entered into the drawing.

Also, if you want to read about another great book, check out Angie's Smibert's thoughts on M.T. Andersen's Feed. Or you can check out the full list of AWESOME books on her blog.


81 comments:

Elisa Dane said...

You've convinced me, I must buy this book, lol! I've seen a blurb for it before and was interested, but with as busy as I am, I filed it away on my tbr pile. I'm gonna move it to the front :)

Hmm...what superpower would I want? I'm gonna say super speed. I'd love to be able to get all my housework, shopping, tedious boring stuff done lickety split, leaving me time to relax, read and write. If only!

Kara said...

Right now, I wish I had the ability to get straight A's without even trying. This would probably involve the superpower of controlling my professors' minds ;)

Candyland said...

Love this post! If I could have a power, I'd want the ability to rewind time...

Anonymous said...

Cliche as it may be, I think I'd pick invisibility. The possibilities are endless!
Great contest :)

Elizabeth Briggs said...

This book looks so good! My power would be telekinesis - the perfect power for the lazy.

I love that you became friends at SCBWI LA. I hope to make some new friends there this year.

P.S. I signed up for your newsletter!

GunDiva said...

This sounds like a great book. Thanks to a fellow blogger, I'm learning to try books outside of my "normal" genres and this sound like a good one.

One question for Kimberly? How on earth do you stand the wait between query and hearing from agent/publisher? It's killing me. Any tricks for getting through?

GunDiva said...

Oh, I almost forgot...a power I'd like to have. That's tough, maybe invisibility?

Meradeth Houston said...

Oooh, this book looks like something I'd love :)

As for a super-power, I'd have to say flying. I mean, never having to deal with traffic again? Sounds awesome to me!

DeNiSe said...

Well from watching Charmed all day I think I would like the gift to be telepathy It would be amazing


denisemadness(at)yahoo(dot)com'


I loved the body finder and can not wait for the sequel

Travis said...

I'd love telepathy. That, or teleportation.
I can't wait to read this book!

Travis
spongyman1026@yahoo.com

reedinglover said...

I loooooved this book, and like you I stayed up till about four in the morning reading it and finished it the next day. Loosing sleep made no difference to me; I could not put it down! This is a wonderful contest. Thank you for having it :)

So if I could have an ability I think it would be to become invisible like Sue Storm or maybe have telekenesis. I don't know if that's how you spell it but close enough haha. Thanks again and praises for Kimberly!

Deb Salisbury, Magic Seeker and Mantua-Maker said...

Sounds like a great book!

Thanks for the contest! I'm a follower & signed up for the newsletter. (Don't remember doing that, but the form says I did. :rolleyes: at memory.)

My superpower would be being able to think my story into the computer, and have it come out the way I imagine it. ;-) Hmmm. Or maybe a better memory. Le sigh.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've had this book on my wish list for a while now. It sounds SO good!

For a super power I'd love to be able to create pockets of time all for me :)

I've already signed up for the newsletter too.

Great interview ladies - I'd choose happiness as a destiny too!

Unknown said...

I'd love to be able to jump into books like Gumby! (I loved that show - does that date me?)

I'd start with Gone with the Wind (for the clothes alone!), then jump into Anna Kareninia for the caviar!), then move on to Twilight (for Edward, of course!).

I'd love to read The Body Finder; it sounds great!

Shelly B said...

Would love to read this...I've heard such great things about it!

My power would have to be the power to hear thoughts. Great contest!
shelcowsATgmailDOTcom

Ann Marie Wraight said...

SUPER INTERVIEW LADIES!

I'm in two minds about having a special power or gift. Initially, I thought that TIME TRAVEL would def be THE ONE... but then I felt guilty.

On second thoughts, I would have to decline this one and go for HEALING POWERS. So many of my friends and family have been really sick or even passed on during my life....so who could HONESTLY give up this GIFT?
BUT
For being such a nice selfless(modest)SUPER POWERED person...couldn't I get a flying broomstick/hoover thrown in as a consolation prize...Awww, come on - I rescinded on my TIME TRAVEL power....?

Questions for the lovely Kimberly:
1) Does Shelli snore or have pongy feet?

2)What super power would YOU have wanted/needed if Shelli HAD turned out to be "a 300lb man with hair on his back who favoured tighty whities," snored and had stinky feet...? Just asking!

I've been desperate to read your book for ages - loved getting to know you better! THANKS BOTH!

Ann Marie Wraight said...

OOOppps! Sorry - in my enthusiasm about superpowers - I forgot to mention that I have signed up for the NEWSLETTER...IF I win I'd like you Both to sign it...aw....

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I love books that make you stay awake all night...even the scary ones. :)

If I could have any power/ability, I'd like to have the ablitity to take away sadness by my touch. I don't want to keep the sadness, I'd just like to help some people get happy. :)

Bookie said...

I just read The Body Finder and it was GREAT! I keep rereading my favorite scenes...like any scene with Jay. I can't stop swooning over him. I fell for him and I want to steal him away from Violet. =)

I've always thought about having superpowers when I was younger. I always wished I could fly.

Wonderful interview.

Martina Boone said...

Love this book. I blogged about it a few weeks ago on our site because I was so thrilled to share a good book with everyone! As for having a super power, I'd like to be able to read minds, specifically those of agents and editors! Thanks for the terrific post.

MamaSeal said...

I *loved* this book! I would love to have a signed copy of it. I think I would pick the ability to stop time that way I could stop time and get all the housework done and have time to relax!
I signed up for your newsletter as well! :)

Unknown said...

If I could choose a superpower, it would be ultra-sensitive and selective hearing.

This sounds like a great book ... thanks for the review!

P.S. I signed up for your newsletter

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

ann marie - i spit my coffee out at that. lets see if Kimberly LIES! we'll see what kind of friend she really is :) thx for the laugh

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

guys these powers are so good - i love the healing ones :)

Ann Marie Wraight said...

Phew - glad you're NOT offended by the personal questions...you never know if people will be pissed about those kind of things...

Er, also followed Kimberly over to her blog and FACEBOOK and THEN read her latest post....ppssst! Come here Shelli...*whispers*...do you know that she used to write to herself...and leave messages to phone herself and stuff like that...sounds a bit weird and spooky, doesn't it?...Did you realise all that when you slept with her...in the same room?

U. R. BRAVE!
KIDDING ASIDE- YOU WILL BE HUUUUUGE KIMBERLY!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

AM - SHE STILL DOES THAT! ;)

Christine Fonseca said...

Great post and interview Body Finder was great!

storyqueen said...

Great interview!

And I think I'd like flying powers...if I got to choose. Not a very discreet ability, though...

Shelley

Unknown said...

Great interview. I just have to get the book now.

My superhero power would be the ability to transport anywhere, then I wouldn't have to fight through peak hour traffic anymore.

P.S. I just signed up for your newsletter.

Giada M. said...

Thank you for the interesting interview! I can't wait to read The Body Finder! It sounds great!

About the ability...I would love to be able to *really* read people, their behaviour, their emotions...

Thank you for this amazing giveaway!
I just signed up for your new book marketing newsletter.

Please enter me only if this contest is international.

Best wishes!

Giada M.

fabgiada @ gmail.com

Stina said...

I loved the book. You don't have to enter me in the draw, Shelli, since I own a copy. Not signed of course. :(

Jenna Wallace said...

I was never a YA reader but you guys have me hooked. This book sounds great!

And though it sounds terrible, I would like the power to influence people with my mind. I SWEAR I would use it for good and not evil, like getting people to stop wearing unflattering clothes (really? leggings and a belly shirt? And a Big Mac?) and getting my kids to hop into bed on time.

jpetroroy said...

I'm a follower and I'd love to enter! My ability, ever since watching and loving the TV show Out of This World as a kid, would be to freeze time!

jpetroroy at gmail dot com

Amy Jo said...

Loved the book. Great interview! I wish I could snap my fingers and be wherever I need to be. I really don't like waiting in traffic (and gas is so expensive!).

Janet Johnson said...

I would choose to be able to move super fast to get everything done that much quicker (like the Flash, or when Superman had to type that article).

Fun interview. Kimberly sounds great.

Danyelle L. said...

Wow, this sounds great. I love the cover. I would love to have the ability of telekinesis. :D

Jo Schaffer said...

The ability to stop time so I could get things DONE! (=

Katie Anderson said...

I loved this book! Go Kimmie Go!!!!!

Windy said...

This book's been on my TBR list, but this just makes me want to move it up a little higher!

And as for superpowers ... hmmm ... I think most of them have been listed already, but I wouldn't mind the ability to control the elements - my name's not Windy for nothing! ;)

Kelly said...

I really want this book! I know it is awesome. I have read so many reviews about it. If I could have a super power, it would be to eat whatever I wanted and never gain a pound! Please enter me!
kghobbs@gmail.com

Sage Ravenwood said...

What superpower would I want? Easy, the ability to read minds. Would make living with my deafness so much easier. Why not supersonic hearing? Are you kidding, silence is golden(winks).

Thanks for the opportunity. I'm also signed up for your newsletter. (Hugs)Indigo

Carrie Harris said...

This was on my to-read list before, and it just moved up a lot of notches! Awesome post and interview, Shelli!

And I cannot believe I wasn't signed up for your newsletter. I've fixed that problem.

Heather Kelly said...

This book sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!!

My super ability? Super Mom, of course. Wish that one was real!!

Carolyn V. said...

Another great book for my list! Whoop! =)

JESSJORDAN said...

Eek! Gimme gimme. :)

I'd teleport. Hands down.

Kimberly Derting said...

Gun Diva - It's called Chocolate Therapy, it's the only way to survive the wait (may also be replaced by Retail Therapy).

Ann Marie - "Pongy"? I'd never heard that before, but I'm assuming you mean smelly, and *I* didn't notice anything rank, but I have it on good authority that kids called her "Smelly" when she was little, so...

I've also heard she may or may not snore ;) Just sayin'!!!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

Thanks for bringing up old wounds Kimberly!

Now i have to go see my therapist again ;)

its true - I was called "Smelly Jo Anus" when I was little :(

And yes, one time i did snore but it was with SF Hardy and Katie at Midsouth.

I will say in my defense. I had an allergy and ashma attack that weekend and it only happened once! I swear.

Precious said...

I've heard great things about The Body Finder. And I would love to win a copy!

I'm a follower of your blog.

What ability? Probably the ability to fly. It would be nice!

precious_shusky@yahoo.com

Suzette Saxton said...

I have a copy so don't enter me, but this book is the #1 I've been looking forward to reading!

Katie said...

I've really been wanting to read this! Such a great interview.

katiemstout[at]gmail[dot]com

If I could have any super power, I think it would be teleportation. Then I'd never have to fly on a plane ever again. lol

Christa said...

if I could have a superpower, it would be the ability to stop time. Not fast-forward/rewind/time travel, but stop time. Then I could read a lot, sleep without loosing time, write, cook, etc & still have lots of time for hubby, work, and family. : )

Thanks for the giveaway & interview.

ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

Rebecca Wells said...

Teleportation! Easy!

- Rebecca

rebeccaswells(at)gmail(dot)com

Sherrie Petersen said...

I jumped from my roof with a cape on my back when I was about five and I'd still have to say that I would LOVE to be able to fly :)

Great interview with Kimberly. I didn't realize you had to sleep with people to earn your swag :)

M Pax said...

It's a toss up between thinking the chores done and being able to fly through space. :)

Michelle McLean said...

Oooo wonderful interview and awesome book! I think it's a toss up for me between being invisible and freezing time. :D

Taffy said...

Great interview and post!

I would like the ability to smell the difference between AWESOME chocolate and so-so chocolate. That way, I'll never waste my taste buds again.

Amy Holder said...

Great review & interview! I WANT THIS BOOK! I've heard so many great things about it.

As far as the ability that I'd like... hmmm... I'd either like to be able to turn invisible. Or, I'd like to be able to talk to animals. It would be great to know what my furry pets are thinking.

Unknown said...

This sounds like a must-read. Thanks for sharing your story Kimberly.

I don't know if this qualifies as an ability but I would love to have a clone once in awhile. My "mini-me" could tackle the laundry, dinner, errands, etc. while the real me just got to write!

Emily said...

I can't wait to read this book. I'm on the waiting list at the library. :")

I'd love the ability to fly. Except I'm afraid of heights so... maybe not.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Oooo, I like swag, and I'm already signed up for the newsletter. Very cool-sounding book, which I must read. As for special ability, I'd like to be a time-traveling tourist.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I definitely want to read this book. It sounds so suspenseful. Thanks for the great interview. It's great to know that sometimes you get to see some of your blog friends in person.

Christina Lee said...

OOHH this is next on my list--I hear it's awesome! Great interview, thanks! It's been fun hooping around!

Riv Re said...

I've been wanting to read this book for ages! I'm a follower and would love to win this!
I'd love the ability of invisibility. All of those times that I need to sneak away, or just wish people could leave me alone? Yeah, invisibility would be good.
email: rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I've been meaning to read this book -- the cover art alone calls my name! I loved Kimberly's interview answers, too. Hearing her "voice" makes me even more excited to read her book!

Great giveaway :) If I could have one ability -- you know, like a super power -- I'd have an effect on people making them feel generous. Not just towards me! But that they'd put others needs before their own. Wouldn't the world be a better place?

Hope you're enjoying spreading the awesome as much as I am!

Mandy said...

This book sounds so great, I can't wait to read it. I've heard soo many great things. (:
bratdownstairs @yahoo.com

Shannon O'Donnell said...

This book is already on my wish list. I can't wait to read it! Great interview, ladies. I guess I'd better bump this one closer to the top of the TBR list! :-)

Larissa said...

Great interview! I really want to read this book!

I'd want to have telekenesis. :)

ally said...

It's been on my TBR wish list fo months!!! I signed up... hope i win!

ally said...

Oh and i'd love to be able to understand and speak any language :D

Signed up *Alannah*

Kristen said...

I'm a follower :) I would like to be able to heal all diseases.. .a healer :)

Angela Ackerman said...

My power would be to open people up to empathy. I think a lot of good in the world could be achieved if more people put themselves in another's shoes. :)

Elana Johnson said...

Oh, great interview. The non-writing side of life is so hectic.

I've read TBF and simply loved it! I wish I could meet up with you gals at SCBWI this year. There's still a little bit of hope... I'll keep you posted. :)

Nichole Giles said...

I heard about this book at a recent conference, and ever since it's been on my list of books to buy. Thanks for the review.

Jeanne Ryan (Serenissima) said...

Another one to add to the reading list. Just signed up for your marketing newsletter and hope that one day I'll have a need to do some serious marketing for my own books. ;->

The ability I'd want is shape-shifting.

Jenn Adams said...

I've had my eye on this book for a while. I mean, can you say Gorgeous Cover? Not that I judge a book by its cover. Ever. *coughing*

Okay, so, superpower . . . the ability to hypnotize my kids into cleaning the house so I can spend all my time reading and writing! (I signed up for the newsletter, too.) :o) Thanks!

Liz S said...

The ability to stop time or at least slow it down, so I had more time for...well, just about everything!

The book sounds so good. Can't wait to read it!

I also subscribed to your newsletter and follow the blog.

B.J. Anderson said...

Awesome prize and great interview! I am a follower!

Christina Farley said...

I'm always on a good hunt for a good book. There is something so refreshing about opening and book and not being able to put it down.

My secret want to be power? To be bring joy to anyone I touch.

Aik said...

I've been wanting this book, like, FOREVER! I'd really love to read it!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Cynde L. Hammond said...

Great contest, Shelli!

I have signed up to be a "follower" on your blog, and I sure would appreciate a "follow-back" on MY blog, "Cynde's Got The Write Stuff".

In answer to your question: "What ability would you love to have if you could?" I think I would like to have selective mind-reading abilities." By that I mean, that I would only want to be able to hear the thoughts that were plaguing or tormenting the people that I was with; the ones that they really needed prayer for, so I could help them feel better. That would be such a gift.

Oh...and I did sign up for your "new book marketing newsletter', too.

I think I remembered everything.

Here's my email addy, also:
cyndelouwho22(at)gmail(dot)com

Until next time,
Cynde

Cynde's Got The Write Stuff.


"Here's a little something, just for you!"

Laura Ann Dunks said...

This book sounds amazing.

Subscribed to your newletter.

Would super power would I want? The power to heal. I always wanted to help people and be a doctor. But chronic illness landed me moslty bed bound in Nov 2008. I would love the power to magic away peoples sickness.

Laura Ann Dunks

http://www.lauraanndunks.com/