I am so excited to be part of The Summer I Became a Nerd Blog Tour (thanks, Entangled Publishing)! In this post you’ll get to read a fun interview I had with the author, Leah Rae Miller, as well as learn about a fabulous giveaway! Of course, I’ll also be talking about why I love this adorkable book!
If you haven’t heard of The Summer I Became a Nerd yet, here’s more info:
On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl’s body isn’t just unknown, it’s anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.
Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.
Title: The Summer I Became a Nerd
Author: Leah Rae Miller
Genre: Contemporary YA
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1620612385
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Imprint: Entangled Teen
Amazon Link/Barnes & Noble Link
Doesn’t this book sound like so much fun?! This book was one of my most anticipated 2013 releases and I loved reading it! The Summer I Became a Nerd is everything you want in an ideal summer, it’s fun and bright with the perfect mix of romance and nerdiness! Maddie was such a fun narrator, I loved reading about her going “undercover” to the comic book store and the lengths she would go to get the latest comic book in her favorite series. It was especially fun, because I think that all readers/bloggers (whether they read comic books or not) will be able to identify with Maddie’s excitement over getting her hands on the book! After all, I was as excited over getting to read The Summer I Became a Nerd as Maddie was over her comic book! There were also so many “nerdy” references that were so fun!
I also love how, yes, this is a light and fun book but it also covers important topics, such as being true to yourself, as we explore Maddie’s insecurities and reasons behind them. We also get some talk about supporting local, small businesses, which I am always for!
In short, if you want a book that’s sure to make you smile, then pick up The Summer I Became a Nerd today!
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Author Interview
What is your writing process like?
This is something I’m still trying to perfect, if that’s even possible. I usually start with a simple idea like “this movie” meets the book or even just a character or vibe that pops into my head. Then I’ll just start writing. I usually have at least the first few chapters before I plot everything out. Then, it’s a matter of getting that first draft done.
What was the best writing advice you have ever been given?
It’s pretty simple: Don’t give up. Whatever it takes, don’t stop. If it means using filler phrases like “Then something awesome happens but I don’t know what,” just so you can get to that next scene that you’re dying to write, then do it. Just keep chugging along because you can’t perfect words that haven’t been written yet.
What was your favorite scene to write in The Summer I Became a Nerd?
The final LARP scene. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say that I had such a blast writing that. It was one of those scenes that popped into my head the second I woke up one morning and I was like, “OMG, I have to write that this very moment!”
In The Summer I Became a Nerd, we get to see Maddie live-action role-play, obsess over comic books, and talk about Comic Con! What are your favorite “nerdy” things to do?
I like all the nerdy things! I can read comics or a good book for hours on end. Same with a good RPG. Marathons of favorite TV shows (Doctor Who or Firefly anyone?) are very common in my house. I love going to midnight premiers. I actually dressed up for the first Harry Potter midnight premier!
When you were Maddie’s age, what books and TV shows did you love?
I read a lot of horror, oddly enough. My father was a big reader and that’s what he usually read. So, when I wanted to read I dug through his stacks and stacks of paperbacks by authors like Stephen King, Brian Lumley, and Anne Rice. I also read comics and was obsessed with Lois & Clark (for those who don’t know, that was a TV show about Superman and Lois Lane).
When you go to read a book, what is a must-have for you in a story?
Ooo, that’s a tough one. I’d have to say a good voice and originality. Neil Gaiman is the best example I can think of for these two things. You never know what you’re going to get from him, except that it will be something different and written beautifully. And a good romance is always welcome, for me.
What was your road to publication like?
It was different for me than it is for a lot of writers. There was all the usual hard work and headdesking involved when one writes a novel but finding a place for my book happened because of a combination of research and luck. I didn’t sign with an agent because I found Entangled. I did my research on them and Heather Howland, my editor, just happened to be looking for a book similar to mine. And I’m so glad I found them because I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I love reading your blog and your Twitter account, so I know that you like gifs. What is one of your favorite gifs?
Hehehe, how can I pick just one?!
When I suddenly realize I’ve been on tumblr/Twitter/Pinterest almost all day and I forgot to eat:
When I find a new book that sounds perfect for me:
And this one just cuz…:
Thanks for the interview! This was a BLAST!
Thank you, Leah! I loved reading all of your answers!
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Giveaway!
There are 2 giveaways open for both U.S. and international readers!
If you live in the U.S., you have a chance to win a vandalized print book of The Summer I Became a Nerd that Leah Rae Miller will personalize herself, how cool is that?! You can also win a Wonder Woman t-shirt! Click here for the Rafflecopter giveaway form.
For you international readers, you also have a chance to enter to win an ebook of The Summer I Became a Nerd! Click here for the Rafflecopter giveaway form.
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More Info
Mother, wife, and YA author living on a windy hill in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Leah Rae Miller loves fuzzy socks, comic books, cherry coke, and brand new office supplies. The Summer I Became a Nerd releases May 7, 2013 from Entangled Teen. Stay cool!
Find Leah on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads!
