GCC presents Wendy Toliver

Woot!!!! I'm so happy today because it's time to tour the awesomely awesome Wendy Toliver, who is not only one of the Girlfriends but she is also one of my fellow Teen Fiction Cafes!!!! Anyway, I loved Wendy's first two romantic comedies, Secret Life of a Teenage Siren and Miss Match and I've been dying to read her brand new young adult book, Lifted! Not only does it have an amazing premise but it also has a totally gorgeous cover, don't you think!!!!!

I actually had a friend who liked to shoplift when we were at University. I could never do it due to my huge fear of getting in trouble, but Nicole stole loads. At first it was just small things but as time went on she started stealing more and more until she met a guy who liked to shoplift as much as she did and then they both spiraled out of control until they were stealing the most ridiculous things - like giant stuff animals. The crazy thing was that instead of making her happy, she ended up getting more dysfunctional and depressed. I ended up losing touch with her when she dropped out of Uni, but I've never forgotten that time of my life.


Anyway, here's the skinny on Wendy's book:

Being bad never felt so good...

Poppy Browne had never stolen anything in her life before moving to Pleasant Acres, Texas and meeting Mary Jane and Whitney. But when Poppy walks out of the mall with her two new friends and her first pair of stolen jeans, she’s hooked. Before long, Poppy is lifting whenever she gets the urge—it’s never about the merchandise, it’s always about the thrill. But when her secret gets out, the girls in Poppy’s clique turn on one another. As she watches her life collapse around her, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie … and how far she’ll go to protect herself.

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I was watching a show on TV about how shoplifting is a huge problem, especially with teens, and thought it would make an interesting topic for a book. Most people have either shoplifted themselves, have been tempted to try it, or know someone who has, so I think it’s something we can all relate to.

Are you a panster or a plotter and do you find your writing process changes from book to book?

At my heart, I’m mostly a pantser. But since I have to submit proposals (according to my contract) to sell a book, I have to come up with an outline or synopsis, so I’m learning to be a little more of a plotter as I go. I'm a quote queen and there's nothing I like more than reading other people's words of wisdom.

Do you have a favorite quote that motivates you or sums up the way the you write?

I wrote a book on quotes! (Really!) Here’s one I’m particularly fond of: The most absurd and reckless aspirations have sometimes led to extraordinary success. (Luc de Clapiers)

What's your favorite television series right now? Okay, I know this isn't a writerly question but I'm a very nosy person who has a very large television habit to feed!!!!

I’m really into the Vampire Diaries and can’t wait for next season! oooh - it's just about to start here in NZ. I'm sooooo excited. The commercials look awesome!!!!

Everyone has a talent. Mine is being able to discover chocolate no matter where it is hidden in the house. What about you? What is your secret talent (apart of course from being a fabulous writer!!!!!) I think I’m really good at doing girls’ hair. Which is completely unnecessary as I’ve got three little boys. Then again, I’m really good at catching lizards and other little critters so that does come in handy. hahaha - that is so funny. I'm dreadful at doing my daughter's hair so I wish I had your talent!!!! Retweet this button on every post blogger