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Welcome to Author Gwendolyn Heasley.  Gwendolyn's debut novel Where I Belong gets released tomorrow!

Bio:

Gwendolyn Heasley is a graduate of Davidson College and the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned her master’s degree in journalism. When she was a little girl, she desperately wanted to be the next Ann M. Martin- the author of the beloved The Baby-Sitter’s Club series. She’s incredibly grateful that the recession rendered her unemployed and made her chase her nearly forgotten dream. She lives in New York City, teaches college and eats entirely too much mac and cheese for an adult. She’s also currently at work on a second novel for Harper Collins.


http://www.gwendolynheasley.com/

Interveiw:

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
I spent a lot of time in the Midwest where Dairy Queens are cornerstones of many towns! My favorite ice cream is a Blizzard with chocolate ice cream and Reese’s cups. There are no Dairy Queens in Manhattan, and I must say that makes me sad. Isn’t New York supposed to everything?

In WHERE I BELONG, Sonic Drive-In plays a large role as a setting, so I’d say a Sonic Blast is another favorite too.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
WHERE I BELONG explores serious issues like what is truly valuable in life and what makes a family, but the novel does it in a light, comedic, and heartfelt way.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I am working on another book for HarperCollins, which is much more serious. And I am hoping that there will be a sequel (or spin-off) of WHERE I BELONG!

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
My first fan letter. An eighth grader had to write to an author as a school project, and she was in shock when I wrote her back. The part I loved most about her letter was that she related to Corrinne and her situation even though she lives in Ohio and initially didn’t like Corrinne. And she told me that her best friend is just like Kitsy and gets super excited. The letter read beautifully and had a lot of heart. It’s currently (and permanently) taped above my desk. I cherish it.

What is your dream cast for your book?
Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld who just starred in TRUE GRIT would make a fantastic Corrinne because she has a lot of spunk and is clearly an extremely talented actress. I love Taylor Swift and think she’d make a great Kitsy because she has the same enthusiasm as Kitsy. I think Britt Robertson from the fabulous CW show LIFE UNEXPECTED would make a great Waverly because I think she’s great in everything.

As for the boys, I think Zac Ephron would make a great Rider since he can sing and has the whole hipster look going. For Bubby, I would go with a total unknown because I love when movies try something new.

As for the adults, I love Laura Hutton and she is just about the age of Corrinne’s Grandma and Harrison Ford would be a great old and dashing Grandpa for Corrinne!

You said dream cast, right?

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Write for yourself and not the market. I know a lot of people give that advice, but I think it’s true. Your writing voice will shine through the best when you write what you want to write. <

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Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley:

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery.

I really enjoyed reading Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley.  Charming characters and a believable storyline made this a well done contemporary young adult book.

As the book begins we are introduced to Corrine who is shallow, self-centered and spoiled rotten.  Life suddenly changes when her dad's investments go bad and he loses his job.  Shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas with her younger brother, Corrine must attend Public School *gasp*.  Adjusting to country life does not come easy.

I loved Corrine's down to earth grandparents.  This book has a great message about priorities, the importance of family and true friends.

I was hoping for a different ending then the one we got but was still happy with the book.  This is a stand alone but I'd love to see a sequel.  If you are looking for a light, fun read give this one a try.

Where I Belong will be released on February 8, 2011:


Content: Some language

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Teen Scene Book Tour

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Gwendoly Heasley debut author of Where I Belong is here today to do a guest post on music:

I am a big Taylor Swift fan. Although I think Taylor is probably a lot sweeter than Corrinne, I think Taylor’s songs are very teen and helped me reflect on the whole teen experience from first love to friendship to heartbreak.


The songs “Diamond on the Soles of her Shoes,” “Country Roads,” and “Billie Jean” are all parts of the novel, so I spent a lot of time listening to those tunes while editing. I wanted to give justice to those iconic songs.


Most importantly, I listened to songs from 1997 to 2001, the years that I attended high school. Although my high school experience was nothing (I repeat nothing) like Corrinne’s, I wanted to remember what it felt like to be 16. Particularly, I listened to the Cowboy Ugly soundtrack and this song “Dream” by Gabrielle. (“Dream” is amazing, iTunes it!) Those were my friends and my go-to music, and hearing them took me back. I promise any teen out there that you’ll hear a favorite song from now in 20 years, and you’ll feel 16 again. Smell and music are my strongest memory triggers.


My next novel deals with teen suicide. I have spent extensive time researching suicide and listening to any music that even tangentially involves suicide. It’s been very depressing but helpful to my writing process.


Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley:

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....



In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery.

My review of Where I Belong will be posted on January 24th as part of the Teen Scene Book Tour.

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