Free Book Friday Teens!

by Alexa Young

Commercial Young Adult
Harper Teen
www.AlexaYoung.com

We're giving away 5 signed copies on January 23, 2009!

Synopsis:

What happens when two besties...become full-blown worsties?

Avalon Greene Rules the fashion scene at her sunny SoCal middle school with a diamond-clad fist, giving props to classmates for their fashion-do's and calling them out for their most unfortunate clothes-pas. She's determined to host the social event of the season—a soiree in honor of her forever-friendship with Halley! Unfortunately, Halley's new look is one thing Avalon just can't celebrate.

Halley Brandon Just back from art camp, Halley can't wait to share her funky new style with her best friend, Avalon. But when Avalon cries fashion foul, Halley realizes her best friend's true colors may clash with her own. Has their ultra-fabulous friendship finally gone out of style?

From sharing custody of their puppy, Pucci, to drawing up a list of who gets which friends, Avalon and Halley discover what happens when you battle the person who knows everything about you—and isn't afraid to use your secrets to get what she wants.

Also check out the next book in the Frenemies series: Faketastic.
In stores now!

Read Free Book Friday's exclusive interview with Frenemies and Faketastic author, Alexa Young!

1) Okay, let’s be honest here. Have you personally ever had a frenemy? If yes, can you tell us what caused you to go from best friends to worst enemies?

Of course. In fact, I haven’t just had a frenemy, I have had FRENEMIES, plural! In my experience, the closer the friendship, the more intense the feelings. When you care that deeply about someone, the tiniest things can cause upsets. For instance, if I’m just casual friends with you, it’s not going to bother me if you flake on our plans for the weekend. But if you’re my BEST FRIEND, I need you there…I want you there…I can’t live without you there! Cancel on me and suddenly it’s World War III! I’m pissed. I’m hurt. I’m angry. And I’m going to make you pay! I know that sounds kind of crazy, but I think really close friendships can be as complicated as, if not more complicated than, romantic relationships. As for what caused the rifts and/or led to breakups? Oftentimes, like Halley and Avalon in the series, my closest friends and I simply became different people (or maybe we never had enough in common to begin with!). Sometimes that meant we just drifted apart—hanging out with different people and exploring different extra-curricular activities or taking different classes at school—and other times, it meant out-and-out hate. I recall a few specific friendships that have gotten ugly when guys entered the picture—especially when my friends were dating…um…LOSERS! Of course, I was a total late-bloomer, so a lot of the time I felt incredibly inferior and insecure around my friends who were doing things before me (like dating and all that that entails). Instead of being excited for them or finding ways for us to grow as friends, I would put up a wall and/or judge them harshly for doing something different. I know that sounds horrible—and in some ways it was. But sometimes—if, say, the friend ditched me so she could go hook up with her boyfriend—I think I was justified in being upset. Right? Right?!

2) Halley and Avalon are both fashion OBSESSED! Did you have to do a lot of research to learn about the trends or are you a secret fashion junkie yourself?

Honestly, familiarizing myself with the world of fashion has been one of the biggest challenges for me in writing this series. Sure, I read the magazines and I LOVE UsWeekly’s Fashion Police and some of the fashion-forward TV shows, but let’s just say I spend a lot of time shopping online for Halley and Avalon. It’s actually become pretty fun—like playing dress-up with dolls. I get to shop for clothes for my characters without having to actually pay for them!

3) What's your strangest writing quirk or habit? Something that would make all of us go, "huh?"

Hmmm. I guess the strangest thing is that I MUST write at my computer, in my home office, without any distractions. I’m not one of those artsy creative writer types who can head off to remote locations with my laptop, surrounding myself with the sights, sounds and smells of the world around me—the beach, the local Starbucks, whatever. In fact, I can’t stand laptops. I need my desktop! I also find I have a much easier time writing when I’m barefoot. Actually, I’m more comfortable doing most things when I’m barefoot. Totally odd, I know, but ever since I started working from home, I stopped wearing shoes. I only wear them when absolutely necessary—like when I go out in public.

4) I have to throw in one non-writing related question. If you could choose one dessert or snack food that you could eat as much as you want of (and never gain an ounce!) what would it be?

Chocolate. Preferably dark chocolate. With almonds. But really any chocolate will do.

5) Is there more in store for Halley and Avalon after Faketastic? Any chance they’ll end up on the big screen? Or even our small Plasma/LCD flat screens?

I’m just wrapping up book three in the series—GLAMNESIA—wherein the girls head out of town for some Fashion Week fun. So, they’re meeting models and designers and even getting to live their dream of doing a little designing themselves (it’s all very Project Runway!)—all while trying to keep from killing each other. I would love to see the series wind up on TV (more than as a movie, I think). It hasn’t been optioned yet, but I’m patiently waiting for that call! :-)

About the Author:

Alexa Young is the author of Frenemies and the recent release, Faketastic. She grew up in the same town as the Julie Cooper character of The O.C., also known as Riverside, California. Now she lives and writes in Los Angeles. Visit her website at: www.AlexaYoung.com