12 Weeks to XVI

Okay today, I have something super-fun to share with you all: Week 12 in the countdown to XVI!! Julia Karr is a League blogger buddy, and she's having a 16 Weeks Until XVI contest. Every week, you can win a different prize, and we're counting down to 1/6/11 when XVI will be released!

*insert singing* On the 12th Week to XVI, the author gave to me... a teaser of twelve real places in Chicago (past & present) that inspired places in XVI. *end singing*

1. Marina Towers
2. Like Young (no longer there)
3. A restaurant near Clark & Wrightwood (no longer there)
4. My friend, Kathy's brownstone
5. Waller High School (no longer there)
6. Lincoln Park
7. State Street (the Loop)
8. Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile)
9. The Art Institute
10. Where Lincoln, Wells and Clark Streets come together
11. The Chicago River
12. Union Station

Up this week: A signed ARC of XVI by Julia Karr!

Okay, let's find out FOUR things about Julia.

1. Have you always wanted to be a writer? In one form or another, yes. When I was little I was constantly writing poetry. I was also a marathon letter writer. (Ten pages, front & back, no erasures or x-outs.) In my twenties, I wrote a musical (that will, thankfully, never see the light of day!) When my daughters were little, I started writing stories for them. Then I attempted a couple of novels (adult), which I may or may not finish one day. Throw in a few essays for the local paper and a completed middle grade novel (which I have plans for.) *smirks* *rubs hands together* Then, I wrote XVI and I can't stop writing now!

2. What made you decide to go that “extra step” and seek publication? I think I've always wanted to be published. My first published works were essays in the local paper. Then a couple of poems (adult.) And, after I started writing for my girls, it just seemed natural to want my writings to be read by someone besides me. Also, the whole process of getting a manuscript ready for submission to agents and editors means that each successive iteration my work is (hopefully) getting better, more polished, closer to what I really am trying to say. So, not only is there a goal in mind, but the path to the goal requires growth and stretching myself to get better. I like that.

3. Quick! You’ve been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take? You know, I may be the only person on the planet who has never seen survivor. *Googles Survivor* Well, uh... luxury item... bug spray, lots of bug spray!

4. And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate? Heh! This one is easy (mainly because I'm a vegetarian!) Chocolate. (Although I do like a good Fakin' Bacon, lettuce & tomato sandwich!)

More about XVI!

The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less: (Hard!) In a future where innocence is lost @ 16, how does a girl deal with secrets, lies, a hot boy & murder? And keep from being the next victim! (Whew! One character to spare!)

What I Thought: Brilliant. The voice. Nina. Sal (dude, I was SALivating). The pacing is fantastic and the dystopian jargon is not distracting or confusing. There's tension from several threats in the novel, enough to keep you turning pages like crazy. You definitely want to get this one. It comes out on January 6, 2011, and you can preorder it here.

This week's winner will be chosen from comments. It will be open until next Thursday. And, all commenters (even the winner) will be entered in the GRAND PRIZE drawing on the final week! In case you missed last week's contest on Lisa and Laura's blog, you have until tonight at midnight to enter! You can read the first chapter of XVI here.

What have you read recently that kept you up at night, turning pages? I want to read that.

Find out what the other Bookanistas are up to today:
Lisa and Laura Roecker are head over heels for Half Upon a Time.
Christine Fonseca is celebrating Cinders.
Shannon Messenger is inspired by Selling Hope.
Shelli Johannes-Wells and Myra McEntire can't get enough of The Near Witch cover.
Megan Miranda is excited about Monsters of Men.
Carolina Valdez Miller highlights the hottest November releases.