Part I Interview with Lisa Burstein, author of Pretty Amy

Welcome back everyone! Today I am very excited to introduce Lisa Burstein, the author of the YA novel, Pretty Amy and to give away 2 bracelets and signed bookmarks!

I noticed this book was getting rave reviews, so I knew I had to take a look. And what woman doesn't like to relive prom? OK, so this prom was a little different, but the characters were captivating.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Book Description: Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

Amazon review for Pretty Amy: Pretty Amy

Blurb about Lisa Burstein: Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Pretty Amy is her first novel. She never went to her senior prom.

Interview Part I of Lisa Burstein

1) How did you start writing?
I tell this story on my website, but it's true. My first short story was a Thanksgiving tale from the point of view of the turkey from freezer to oven to plate. I wrote it in second grade and my teacher went nuts for it, because it was so different from what anyone else did. Her approval of my creativity was the start, for sure. But I went to college for writing and also to grad school, so I really, really wanted to make it my career. It still isn't my full-time career, but I'm so glad I have the opportunity to share my work with others.

2) Are aspects of your characters derived from yourself or people that you know? In what ways?  
I was a lot like Amy. Just like her I had such a desire to belong, to fit in, to have people who understood me. I wanted that so badly and I guess I never felt like adults understood that. It was most of the reason I wrote PRETTY AMY. If I'd had it when I was in high school I feel like I would have been able to understand my feelings better. I wouldn't have felt so alone. That feeling was something I never admitted to anyone, not even my friends and I want to let teens know it's okay to feel lonely even surrounded by friends and family.

3) Who was the most fun character to write about? 
Well I am writing a book from Cassie's point of view now and that is REALLY fun. She just says whatever she thinks and has no filter, which is really fun to see how far I can go with her.