Friday Five -- Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is another Class of 2k12 sibling, and one that I'm absolutely delighted to have on the blog today.  Her middle grade novel, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS hit stores yesterday.  I was very lucky to get an advanced reading copy from Penguin (what, me? beg?) and spent an entire day crying while I read Carley's story.  


THE FIVE:

1.  If you could go back in time, where/when would you go?  

I’d go back to when my mum was alive and healthy. We’d have tea with milk and talk and laugh and I’d assure her that the Red Sox actually *are* going to win the World Series in 2004. And she’d tell me that I’ve always had a wonderful imagination.

2.  What keeps you awake at night?

Ha! These days, nothing keeps me awake for long!

3.  What is your most treasured possession?

I’d have to say pictures and videos of my kids growing up. Also, an afghan that my grandmother made me as a wedding gift—but gave to me six years before I got married. And my wedding band. And, I have to admit, my ARC of One for the Murphys is pretty cool. Oh, I was supposed to pick one???

4.  What one word do you think describes you best?

Indescribable. :)

5.  Who are your real-life heroes?

Well, I’d have to say that my brother, Rick, and his wife, Jill, are my heroes. There are few people in the world with hearts like theirs. They’ve shown that again and again for as long as I’ve had a memory.

ABOUT ONE FOR THE MURPHYS:


In the wake of heart-breaking betrayal, Carley Connors is thrust into foster care and left on the steps of the Murphys, a happy, bustling family. 


Carley has thick walls and isn’t rattled easily, but this is a world she just doesn’t understand. A world that frightens her. So, she resists this side of life she’d believed did not exist with dinners around a table and a “zip your jacket, here’s your lunch” kind of mom. 


However, with the help of her Broadway-obsessed and unpredictable friend, Toni, the Murphys do the impossible in showing Carley what it feels like to belong somewhere. But, when her mother wants her back, will she lose the only family that she has ever known? (From Lynda's website)

Order One for the Murphys here.

ABOUT LYNDA:

You can find Lynda on her website.
On Twitter.

GILT playlist -- Kitty

Because Kitty is the narrator of GILT, songs for and about her featured heavily on my playlist while I was writing it.  Some of the songs were contradictory.  Some were descriptive.  One or two songs illustrated Kitty as she became - long after the action of the novel passed.  (I write with the long view in mind, one of the perks of writing historical fiction!)

Avril Lavigne's COMPLIC8TED didn't make it onto my iPod.  I didn't listen to it while I took my long walks to get through plot points.  I never heard it at the gym while I was working off writerly excitement or frustration.  But I kept coming back to it on YouTube.

Because Kitty needed to hear it.



But then, we learn through life, don't we?  Some things can't be learned through lecture.  Sometimes, only experience can teach us the hardest lessons.

Come Join the Party!

Because I've been hearing from so many of you who can't come to the GILT launch party at the Avid Reader, I've decided to open it up to everyone!

All next week will be a GILT party.  I will give away one launch party door prize (see my TWO WEEKS! post) to an online winner, which will include a signed copy of GILT.  There will be other prizes as well, so watch this space!

Lastly, the Avid Reader has kindly agreed to ship signed copies after the launch party to anyone who calls in advance (you must pay for postage).  Please call 530-758-4040 for prices and details.