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May 24, 2012

Blogger Birthday Bash: Interview Susane Colasanti

Hey Guys!! 
Today we have an awesome interview with Susane Colasanti! Ms. Colasanti has Keep Holding On releasing this month!  So come read this interview with Susane Colasanti and checkout Keep Holding On! Remember to comment so you get an entry in the giveaway!



What was your inspiration to write your book?
Keep Holding On was inspired by my own experiences with being bullied. By writing this book, I was able to turn the negative experiences I endured into something positive. I wanted to reach out to teens and help them feel less alone.
Why did you start writing books for young adults? And why this genre?
Teens are my people. My internal age will always be 16. I just don’t really feel like a grownup. My books focus on soul mates because I am obsessed with soul mates. And yes, they do exist!
Are you currently working on anything new? If so can we get a clue on what it is ;D?
I’m always working on a new book. The one I’m revising now will be published in May 2013. This book was super fun to write. I revisited the format I used for When It Happens with alternating chapters from the girl’s and boy’s perspectives. My goal was to write an epic love story. I hope I was successful!
Who was your favorite character in the whole story? And why?
Simon Bruckner. Simon is made of awesome in so many ways. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He lets his freak flag fly. He also has some sweet style.
What is the best part about having your book released in May?
May is my favorite month. May is all about springtime and renewal and busting out the flip-flops and tees. May is happy. Anything seems possible in May. It feels like the world is wide open.
Speed Round 
Favorite food?
Vanilla cupcakes with fluffy pink icing and vintage sprinkles
Print Books or E-books?
Old-school books, of course!
Favorite City in the world?
New York City, baby. I’m thankful every single day that I get to live here.
Questions on Keep Holding On

Does Keep Holding On have any relation to the song by Avril Lavigne?
Yes! The song totally inspired the title. I also heart the Glee version.
Have you ever been bullied? How do you deal with it?
I was bullied all through junior high and high school. My biggest regret is not having more confidence at the time to take a stand against the kids who were tormenting me. Admitting what was going on would have been mortifying. One of my goals in writing Keep Holding On was to inspire teens to speak up. Whether they’re being bullied, witnessing bullying, or bullying someone, I want teens to talk about what’s happening and ultimately create a more loving culture.
What advice do you give to those who have been bullied?
Stay strong and never give up. I know how it feels to be afraid to go to school, to feel nervous in class, wondering when the next attack will come. But if you have the strength to keep moving forward, you can create a better life for yourself. Focus on the things you can control about your life that you want to improve. Things do get better later, but you have the power to improve your life right now. If you’re currently being bullied, please reach out to someone you trust who can help you. I know it’s scary to speak up, thinking that the torment will increase if you do. But remaining silent just makes things worse for everyone. Friends, family, teachers, guidance counselors, and social workers all have the power to help put an end to your pain.
What is your favorite part of the cover?
Noelle’s purple Converse. I rocked every color of Converse in college until they were in tatters. And I wrote on my sneakers in high school (back before that was a thing), just like Noelle does in the book.
Standing up for yourself can take a lot of courage. Has there ever been a time where it was hard for you to do so?
Every day of junior high and high school was a day I wished I had the courage to take a stand. Hopefully, Keep Holding On will inspire readers to have the courage that I didn’t. Now is the time to be strong. Now is the time to take a stand. Be the change.

~Fishy >O

8 comments:

  1. Very cool Fishy! I need to check out some of Susan's Books!
    Inky
    @Book Haven Extraordinaire

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  2. Very swell post. I love Susan! She's hilarious and just fun. She seems like such a cute adorable person.

    Kandee

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  3. I love Susan's books, I am a big Fan!! Great Interview :)

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  5. Wonderful interview. I'm sad to hear that Susane was bullied throughout junior high and high school :(

    I'm looking forward to reading Keep Holding On!

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  6. I'm sooo excited to read this book!!! :) Awesome interview:)
    -JennyC

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  7. Keep Holding On looks so good!I've got to check out Susan's books!

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  8. LOVE SUSANE'S BOOKS!!!!!She is so awesome and her books always keep me interested.

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