Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
Please help me welcome Geoff Herbach to ABaaL today. He’s stopping by for an interview to gear up for the release of his upcoming novel, FAT BOY VS. THE CHEERLEADERS. I wanted to read this book before, but considering his Q&A made me snicker, I’m even more excited to dig in! Check out his book and Q&A below, and then go pre-order your copy!
It’s geeks versus jocks in an epic battle of the beverages! From “one of the most real, honest, and still funny male voices to come around in a while” (YALSA) comes a brand-new cast of quirky characters, pitting fat boy Gabe against the high school cheerleading team in a battle over control of the school’s soda machine. The war is ON! Never have the stakes been so high. Never have the trenches been so deep. Never has one soda vending machine been so vital. When the high school cheerleading team takes over the machine’s funds previously collected by the pep band, Gabe will not stand for it. Something must be done.
Sourcebooks Fire | May 6, 2014 | Goodreads
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound
Q&A with Geoff Herbach
In the length of a tweet (140 characters), tell us about your book.
Our sad-at-heart hero, Gabe, learns he can’t just make jokes if he’s going to keep blasting on his trombone in the school band. He’s going to have to lead a rebellion!
What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve looked up in the name of research – or what do you think the government has flagged you for?
Jeez. I look at a lot of pictures of teen clothing, so I have an accurate picture in my head. I do sometimes worry about that. I don’t wear any of it, at least.
Are you working on something new? Can you tell us what’s coming next?
Yes, a book about a poor kid named Taco who gets his rich girlfriend pregnant. He’s banned from seeing her, banned from her life.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
My mom had an awesome typewriter.
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose, and why?
Can they be dead? Walter Payton, the new Pope, Dalai Lama, Maude Gonne (Irish revolutionary), and my mom. They’re all super interesting. We’d have a good time.
If you were stranded on a desert island what are 3 things you’d want to have with you?
Pizza oven and makings. Sun block. Surf board (I’d learn).
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
One book? Man! Okay, Catcher in the Rye. One!
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Google glasses.
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
They’re all at my house for dinner right now!
What are your pet peeves?
Mean people. That’s all.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I love visiting schools. I love it, love it, love it. Especially middle schools, for some reason (I hated being in middle school).
If you could jump into a book and live in that world, which would it be?
Any New York Judy Blume setting, with that family. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, maybe.
What is your dream cast for your book?
Walter Payton, the new Pope, John Travolta, my mom. I’m very bad with actors’ names.
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I lived that book for about a year.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Gabe’s song is “Tequila!” Easy to play on trombone and very fun.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Be patient, work hard, don’t freak out.
What’s your favorite quote?
Three things cannot be long hidden: The sun, the moon, and the truth.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
NFL football player or writer.
If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you and why?
Vin Diesel. I like his big, round head.
Who are your all-time favorite authors?
Judy Blume, Kurt Vonnegut, George Saunders, Jennifer Egan, J.D. Salinger, and Tony Robbins (have you heard about the elephant and the rope?).
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and, it’s all small stuff.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve received?
Be patient.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I like to share my talents. There’s tons of stuff I’m terrible at that I try to hide, though.
What are you favorites? Book, movie, music/band, candy, food, vacation spot?
Hm. I really love Reece’s Pieces and that reminds me of E.T. I also like Sanibel Island, Florida and pizza. I loved The Pixies.
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Grasshopper Jungle. Have it. Can’t wait to read it.
Which authors have influenced you most?
Kurt Vonnegut and Judy Blume.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Bad Posture.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cold Pack Cheese Spread.
What TV show/movie/book is your guilty pleasure?
America’s Funniest Videos (totally embarrassing — I’ve seen every episode).
About Geoff Herbach
Geoff Herbach is the author of the Stupid Fast YA series (Stupid Fast, Nothing Special, and I’m With Stupid) and Fat Boy vs. The Cheerleaders. His books have won the Cybils Award for best YA Fiction and the Minnesota Book Award. They have been listed among the year’s best by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, The Junior Library Guild, Booklist, and many state library associations. In the past, he wrote the literary novel, The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg, produced radio comedy shows and toured rock clubs telling weird stories. Geoff teaches creative writing at Minnesota State, Mankato. He lives in a log cabin with a tall wife (Steph)
Many thanks to Geoff Herbach for stopping by and answering my questions, and to Sourcebooks Fire for making this possible!
Twitter: fakesteph
says:
I like the don’t freak out advice, and I’m looking forward to Grasshopper Jungle, too! I just bought it for audio!
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring
on other blogs? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss
and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my
readers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Ruthie recently posted..Ruthie
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
fierce all star cheer recently posted..fierce all star cheer