Tomato Girl

I'm pleased to announce that I'm a guest today on "A Good Blog Is Hard to Find." This is a group of Southern authors who blog about books, writing, new releases and other things. I wrote about how I got the idea for Tomato Girl. For those interested in reading it, the blog can be found here:

http://southernauthors.blogspot.com/

Great Blog! Loved the way the poem was started by using the word "RED". I think to find a starting point would be one the hardest parts. Your publicist very kindly sent me a copy of Tomato Girl - which I am currently reading- I am loving it so far - my heart aches for Elle.

Thank you, Mindy! I'm so glad that you were able to get a copy. I look forward to hearing what you think about the book when you finish reading it.

Ohhh - I finished it last night - there came a point where I thought, this is too much, I just can't take anymore, but I kept on reading thankfully and the ending was great. Thats one of my signs of a outstanding book when you are still thinking about it the next day. I will be posting a review within the next couple of days. Hope you already working on another!

#4

that is just how I felt. I felt it was too much, too harsh... but I had to keep reading for Elle...

loved the ending.

Thank you both. Yes, I am working on another novel. I suspect that a lot of my writing will delve into difficult lives and damaged people.

My bound copies of Tomato Girl arrived yesterday. It's exciting---and a little surreal-- to see the finished book!

They look beautiful! We've had some talks around the office about who the girl on the cover represents--Ellie or the tomato girl? Regardless, I love the colors and the image. Simply gorgeous. The book will be in stores August 26, so gear up!

I have heard so many wonderful things about Tomato Girl. I know it will be a huge hit. I NEVER win something from the request or if I do, it is the least favorite book I wanted. Is there other ways to get ARCs of your book? I just wondered as I do get ARCs elsewhere and have done about 20 reviews since starting 3 months ago. I need a hint at how to win one of the first thing books...help! When will Tomato Girl be on sale?? You must be so excited!

Thank you....I hope you're right. And yes, I am very excited, especially with the bound copies arriving this week. I keep pinching myself and checking the author bio&photo--yep, it's me all right.

Tomato Girl will be in bookstores on August 26th (my parents' wedding anniversary), but is in stock now at Amazon and B&N.

This book sounds great - I can't wait to read it.

Thank you, Kathy. Please let me know what you think of Tomato Girl once you've had a chance to read it. I enjoy hearing from readers.

Blogcritics posted a review of Tomato Girl today:

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/08/15/125420.php

That is a wonderful review... but then, it was a wonderful book.

Thank you, Kath. Blogcritics posted a follow up interview that may be of interest:

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/08/18/062135.php

And a friend send me a link to a review she saw posted online:

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/FEATURES06/80...

I've posted a new review on my blog:

http://jaynepupek.blogspot.com/

Wow! What a review. I can't wait for your book to come out.

Thanks, Kathy. Tomato Girl is available online now at Amazon, B&N, etc. and should be in bookstores Tuesday!

Hi - I'm new.

If you live in a major city and walk into a Barnes and Noble store you will see Tomato Girl displayed on the Hardcover New Release table for a couple of weeks (beginning Tues.).

My store is not in a major city so it won't be displayed. :(

But I ordered my own copy and look forward to seeing it.

Pam

Welcome, Pam...and thank you for ordering a copy of Tomato Girl! I look forward to hearing what you think of the book once you have a chance to read it.

I live in a small town, too. We do have a stoplight--finally. Richmond isn't too far away, so the book should be on display there.

Happy Release Date, Jayne!

Pam

Thanks, Pam. I thought this day would never come. Lol!

So what are you doing to celebrate?

Actually, I spent the day working on book reviews. Not very exciting, I know.

I did a happy jig when I saw your book in a bookstore the other day. How's that for celebration?!

That sounds great! I wish we had a video clip of that;-)

Congrats on all of the great reviews, I know how much I enjoyed it. Tomato Girl is on order at our library and there are a lot of reserves on it already. Can't wait to see what you are creating next - Not to rush you or anything - guess I could let you enjoy the success of Tomato Girl!!

I bought Tomato Girl today and can't wait to start it!

Thank you, Mindy and Kathy! I am working on another book, but taking a little break from it for the next few weeks while I focus on spreading the word about Tomato Girl.

I wrote an essay on a blog for first-time novelists. Here's the url for anyone who wants to take a look:

http://megwaiteclayton.com/1stbooks/?p=43

I loved your post on that blog. If you ever need another blog to post on, just let me know!

Many thanks, Kathy. I'd be delighted to write something for your blog. Email me at JaynePupek@aol.com and we can talk about topics, etc.

Tomato Girl is the best book I've read in a while. I absolutely love this book!

Those words are the ones a writer most longs to hear. Thank you, Kathy, and thank you for your review.

I'm hosting a giveaway for an autographed copy of Tomato Girl by Jayne Pupek. I loved this book. You can enter here

I took a peek at the giveaway and it looks like you're getting a great response!

Yes, the response to the giveaway has been very exciting!

I was interviewed recently by Valerie Fox at Press1. Here's the link for those of you who might like to read it.

http://www.leafscape.org/press1/v2n2/pupek-interview.html

I'm absolutely delighted to be a guest at Faster than Kudzu, the blog of bestselling novelist and fellow Southerner, Joshilyn Jackson. Read my answers to Joshilyn's 3 questions:

http://www.joshilynjackson.com/mt/archives/000918.html

I'm in the process of writing the Reader's Guide for Tomato Girl and would love to include questions from readers. If any of you would like to submit questions suitable for book club discussion groups, please email them to me at JaynePupek@aol.com

Many thanks!

Jayne

Two recent interviews...and a book giveaway:

http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/2008/09/recently-i-heard-about-this-great-...

http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2008/09/interview-with-jayne-pupek-on-community....

I wanted to share the new book trailer/video for Tomato Girl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-foLb0HIWc

Please feel free to share it with friends or post it on blogs if you'd like.

Thanks for taking a look.

Best,

Jayne

I'm not sure I understand the whole concept behind book trailers, but I'm glad to see you have one, Jayne!

ooooh!!!

cool video! I like it :)

Thanks for taking a peek! The purpose of a book trailer is simply to reach more potential readers. By posting it on YouTube, My Space, Facebook, TransitTV, etc., it reaches people that might not otherwise see it.

Very cool, thanks Jayne! You're going to start seeing more and more book trailers as publishers are having to think of unconventional ways to plug books these days. Amazon, BN.com, and Powells.com also use book videos in some of their promotions.

Thanks, Lindsey! I have noticed more and more book trailers on author websites, Amazon, etc. I had fun working with COS to make the video for Tomato Girl.