Today, I am welcoming to Jorie Loves A Story a New Adult novelist S.B. Alexander as I started to realise that the best way to understand the changing market of Young Adult & New Adult novels is to seek out writers who are penning the stories and thereby finding a way to understand how the market is continuing to yield to the demand for stories that relate to today’s youth and emerging adults during the University years as much as provide a positive contribution to the craft of stories for growing minds. What interested me the most about S.B. Alexander’s Dare to Kiss novel is how diversely unique her lead character Lacey Robinson is inside the story itself.
Alexander tackles the brutality of domestic violence and murder of loved ones whilst honouring the anguish of surviving through the loss by giving her character an upward climb back into her reality. PTSD is a living issue affecting so many people right now, that I was surprised that it is not spoken about more in today’s fiction, as it is not only limited to returning servicemen and women anymore. Extreme trauma and stress can affect anyone who is attempting to resolve what is unthinkable and unfathomable to accept. I appreciated seeing the bold choice in Lacey’s mental health affliction as much as the courage to show through the strength of a sport she was passionately a part of she could grow a bit of distance from what shattered her life, and fuse a period of re-building and grace out of sorrow.
I originally had planned to read this novel for review for the blog tour, however, a print edition was not available which is why I opted instead to host a Book Spotlight & Author Q&A. I regularly speak about how I applaud the continuance of Equality in Literature & Diversity in Literature and I believe the more realistic stories can formulate a bridge towards understanding, empathy, and acceptance of what people are facing in today’s world, the better chance we all have towards a healthier community of people who not only respect each other but can offer a kindness that might otherwise have gone unseen. We’re all a part of the living mecca of life on Earth, but there are times where I think sometimes our differences can overstep our ability to see how our similarities will always knit us close together and allow us to enjoy each others company.
Without further adieu, here are the Questions I elected to ask of S.B. Alexander on behalf of her writing style and voice as well as the story inside Daring to Kiss:
I love how your writing novels in different genres and not keeping yourself strictly inside the Paranormal & Fantasy genres but exploring another avenue such as New Adult. I have noticed that authors of New Adult are classifying their novels in this genre on two distinctive branches of the fold: either with explicit language included and stories without explicit language. As I am a reader who prefers less brass language, how do you approach the genre for those readers who enjoy reading Young Adult but do not want to read the coarse words often found in today’s modern Adult fiction? Do you temper how much you include?
Alexander responds: In the Young Adult genre I do temper the strong language. I limit it as much as I can unless a scene calls for an out of character moment or it reflects a character’s personality.
At the heart of the story is a girl who is attempting to understand and live with her PTSD after having lost part of her family from homicide – what was the kernel of inspiration to breathe life into a character whose anguish of loss gave her such a difficult path to sort through as she walked forward from the tragic death of her Mum and sister?
Alexander responds: I had a hard road growing up, and went through something similar to the protagonist. When I was five-years-old, my dad had picked me up for the weekend, and we were going to spend it at his best friends house. I was so excited to see his best friend that I tore out of the car and ran into the house. When I did I found the man, who my dad loved dearly, dead in such a way that I had nightmares for the longest time.
By focusing on a sport she has a passion for such as baseball, I could almost see how she could put the pieces of her life back together by fusing her focus with something altogether outside the deep layers of her grief. What connected Lacey to the game originally and do you share a similar passion for baseball as well?
Alexander responds: Lacey’s older brother played baseball, and he taught her everything about the game, from the positions to the pitches. They’d sit for hours, watching the Dodgers, talking about how to throw a curveball, a fastball and a slider. After so much talking and learning the game, she wanted to try her hand at pitching. Once she slipped her fingers into the glove and threw her first fastball, she was hooked.
Like Lacey, baseball has always been a sport I’ve loved. For me, as a little girl my nighttime prayers consisted of two things. I prayed for a better life, and I prayed that when I woke up in the morning I’d be a boy and not a girl. Sure, it was a crazy prayer or wish, but I hated when the boys in my neighborhood told me I couldn’t play baseball or any sport for that matter. “Go play with your dolls,” they had said. I didn’t want to play with dolls or dress up pretty. Nope, I wanted holey jeans, a T-shirt, a bat, a glove and a baseball. I wanted to get dirty, run around bases, hit a ball, and play the game. After all these years I’m still hooked on the game. My favorite team is the Boston Red Sox.
What kind of research did you conduct for this novel as it is a step outside your regular releases?
Alexander responds: As far as baseball, I know the game so well. Even though I’ve never had the luxury of playing baseball, I follow the sport religiously. So the sport aspect for me was easy. However, I did do a lot of research on PTSD.
What was the impetus which gravitated you into writing? And, when did this occur? Who was your best cheerleader?
Alexander responds: I’ve written in a diary since I can remember. I’ve always found writing cathartic, a way to release my emotions. Still, I’ve always had the story idea of a girl playing baseball in a male dominated sport. I tried several times to weave the idea together, but after a few attempts I shelved the story due to the career path I followed. It wasn’t until two years ago when I decided to get really serious about writing. An employee whom I managed at the time, his wife was striving to be a writer. Her and I used to talk about stories and writing. From those conversations, she motivated me to stop talking about writing a book and just do it. So I put all my effort into the learning the craft. I took online classes, and found an editor who loved my writing. She was my cheerleader as I began my writing journey, and still is.
What are your favorite tools to use whilst writing? And, where do you write to gain the most inspiration?
Alexander responds: I love to begin my outline and my first chapter the old fashion way—a notebook and a good pen. I’ll work this way until I have the plot somewhat worked out. Then I switch to my Mac. I don’t use any of the special software for writing. I use Microsoft Word for all my stories. I also keep a binder with character descriptions, themes and any research I do along with a summary for each chapter.
Most of my ideas stem from getting out of my office and not thinking about the plot or the characters. I find whether I’m in my car or on a plane an idea will come to me, especially if I’ve been struggling to figure out the next scene. I also find that sitting in front of the TV with my laptop works wonders for my inspiration.
As you have mentioned previously you write the story first and settle where the story fits on the shelf later, are there any stories you have yet to explore that are outside Young Adult & New Adult audiences?
Alexander responds: I do have a mystery lurking in the depths of my subconscious.
Author Connections:
Site | @sbalex_author | Facebook
Book Synopsis:
Besides her family, Lacey Robinson’s only other love is baseball. She’s on top of the world when Arizona State University approaches her to discuss a scholarship. To be the first girl ever to grace a college boys’ team is beyond what she has ever dreamed. Her fastball is impeccable, her curveball equally as good, and her slider annihilates anyone who dares to step in the batter’s box. But fate has its own way of throwing curveballs.
When she looses her mother and sister to a home invasion, baseball and her dreams die with them. Tragedy has a way of seeping deep into her psyche, causing nightmares, panic attacks and blackouts. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her psychiatrist recommends a change of scenery and picking up the things that she loved to do, and for Lacey that is baseball.
After a move clear across the country, only two things matter to Lacey—overcome her PTSD and make Kensington High’s baseball team. However, she never counted on meeting someone who wants her as badly as Kade Maxwell. The tall, sexy and drool-worthy bad boy has a magical touch that awakens her feminine side, and a kiss that slowly erases her nightmares. But getting involved with him may be dangerous when Kade’s nemesis returns to town to settle a vendetta. To complicate matters, her PTSD has taken a turn for the worse. She has to find a way to heal otherwise she may not have a chance at anything in life, especially love.
Author Biography:
S. B. Alexander’s passion for writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining. Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat down and wrote her first novel. One year later, she published two novels with three more slotted for release.
Her books are targeted toward the young adult and new adult markets. Her Young Adult series, Vampire SEALS, includes three books: On the Edge of Humanity, On the Edge of Eternity, and On the Edge of Destiny which have garnered high praise from readers. Dare to Kiss is the first book in her New Adult Maxwell series.
Alexander’s career has been colorful — a former Navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox.
She enjoys playing golf, is moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help people. She currently works full time in Corporate America and writes any chance she gets. She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.
As foresaid at the beginning of this post, I applaud writers who are stepping outside the box as far as the stories they are giving to readers and the diversity of characters they are bringing out of the shadows. Mental Health awareness has sparked several book blogosphere events & hashtag conversations in the twitterverse recently that I smiled at seeing take a wildfire passion across the boards as readers and writers united together to share the acceptance and humbling conveyance of how Mental Health & Mental Illness are not stigmas to run away from but conditions that deserve acceptance, grace, and kindness.
I have had friends through the years who have struggled with Mental Health as much as having had family members who have had a difficult walk as well. I always understood why my friends were hesitating to tell me what they were facing and what they were living through as the world at large doesn’t have the best reputation for acceptance nor empathy. On my own personal convictions of embracing our unique differences and of accepting people as they are, I always put my friends’ mind at ease by telling them they can always find a listening ear and a big hug of support. Each of us has a walk to live as we go through life, and what crosses we will each bear as life expands forwards is not known as we live through our everyday hours. How anyone can make someone feel uncomfortable or indifferent simply due a medical condition to me is not kosher nor is it acceptable.
Recently, whilst attending a community dinner at a local church, there was a woman who had a service dog as she suffers from social anxiety disorder – an official announcement had to be made to present the fact that a growing complaint was being circulated that the woman and her dog should be asked to leave the dinner. At hearing this declaration even having to be expressed to those of us in attendance kicked up my dander, but thankfully not only did common sense (& the law itself!) prevail to allow the woman to stay (as clearly the complaining faction is uninformed about the disabilities act & the allowance of service animals in ALL public buildings & religious service facilities!) but I found a way to make my own family’s support on behalf of all individuals who use service animals known to the man connected to the woman with the dog. I simply cannot stand in the face of such prejudicial judgment without clarifying my own opinion as a way to remain the beacon of light in the shadows of darkness. Mum would have gone ahead of me to do this same thing as we’re accord on this issue (& my Da too), but she was distracted by a gentleman next to her who wanted to voice his own displeasure in finding there is a line being crossed these days against those who need assistance and those who are different from others. Blessedly a fuller conversation occurred after the meal, whereupon we learnt the service dog was given a Native American name which reflects “Spirit Keeper or Guide”, and a member of their family was Cherokee.
In regards to being a girl who LOVES playing baseball — I had my own unique situation in childhood where I had tried out for Little League, made the cut, only to be told by the Coach I was the ‘wrong gender’ and thereby kicked off the team before they passed out the shirts & assigned our positions! I was properly mortified — I was the only little leaguer who was escorted! off the field! My parents wanted to ‘fight for my right to play’ until they met another family who had faced the same issue with their daughter & had ‘fought city hall’ so to speak the year prior only to be worse off in the end on how the equality of sports for children was in place but the practice & acceptance of it was not; they did not pursue it further due to the expanding costs involved to prove the point. I simply walked off the field elated I made the cut knowing I could have played third base but left deflated in full realisation of how far we still had to go to have equality for gender rights. I continued to play ball in school — at recess or during P.E. whereupon my skill set grew and I never let a ball get past me; I had a rep for killing runs home & that suited me just fine!
I had my own glove which was coveted to be ‘borrowed’ by the boys (it was a Leftie) and I was happily playing a game which I was passionate about. Several years ago I found out about the Adult Amateur Baseball League where you can play on Co-Ed Teams; if I ever live in an area that has one established I am most definitely going to ‘try-out’ and try to get on a team at long last! I simply never cared to play ‘softball’ as my heart was knitted & tied into baseball. I cried buckets watching A League of Their Own and have seen nearly ever baseball (and/or sports film across the spectrum of sports) since the day I was told ‘girls can’t play baseball’ no matter how good they are at the game itself. Therefore, in a twist of fate connection, I can honestly relate directly to the author on this score!
For all of these reasons and a few more as well, I look forward to one day reading Dare to Kiss, yet I am thrilled to peaches I can draw attention to this novel ahead of time; hopefully inspiring one of my readers to pick it up and celebrate Lacey’s strength as she transitions through such an emotionally gutting moment of her life. I was going to give proper shout-outs to my bookish blogging friends who celebrated the Mental Health Awareness blogosphere event, however, sadly the only blogger I can remember who participated off-hand is Lianne @ Caffeinated Life! (her posts were here, here, & here) If I can re-locate others who participated I will update this post in the future to reflect their participation as well. I had wanted to join in myself, but I had a long difficult Summer and simply gave my support from afar. If the event re-occurs in 2015, I will most definitely take a more active role!
This blog tour stop is courtesy of:
JKS Communications: A Literary Publicity Firm
The novel & the Book Trailer have a content warning:
Strong language. Sexual content. Intended for audiences 17 years and older.
Please click to view the Book Trailer knowing of this notice.
Inspired to Share: I can attest that the one scene where Lacey & her boyfriend are in the throes of a kiss is not overly done nor is it outside of something I’d see in any Romantic Comedy or Drama that I might gravitate towards seeing myself at the theater, on tv, or on dvd. However, I thought it was nice for the author to market her novel with a Content Warning especially on the footheels of my post about my frustration on a lack of content notes for literature. When I originally became interested in this novel, I was not aware of the content warnings as I didn’t read anything that had them attached until after the tour was in full force. I think if all novels had a simple guideline like this, those of us who want to defer from reading vulgarity in stories &/or other inclusive elements that might sit unwell with us, we’d be able to make better choices across the board. The chatter online continue to run the gambit of pro vs con on the topic, but to me, the more knowledge we all have ahead of time cannot help but guide us on our own paths. Interestingly enough, the leading vocal movement for warnings on books is coming from University students who have unique backgrounds & want to curb further emotional stress & trauma from reading stories too akin to their own situations of which they survived. This includes victims of rape, incest, domestic violence, war, PSTD, and other instances where certain thematic choices would distract rather than enlighten. I am standing behind them and if I can be more actively involved I will become so. Until then, I agree with either a sticker or a little notice that simply states what Ms. Alexander did for her readers – she is incredibly ahead of the curve! Bless her!
Likewise, this is one instance where I am choosing to read a novel in the future that runs counterpoint to my own choices on this particular subject. It is always at my discretion when I choose to step outside my own reading choices & preferences, and this novel to me is on the same level of interest as Etched On Me was previously. The paperback release is set for 6th of October, 2014!
Discover what I am hosting next by visiting:
Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.
{SOURCES: Cover art of “Dare to Kiss”, the tour badge, Author Biography, Book Synopsis, and Author Photograph were provided by JKS Communications and used with permission. Blog Tour badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Bookish Events badge created by Jorie in Canva. Post dividers & My Thoughts badge by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Badge for Mental Health Awareness Month had html codes provided on the host blog.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
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