Hi, Jacqueline! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

My primary career is in costume design, mostly for stage but occasionally for screen, though I sneak in writing time whenever I can find it. My writing, like my design work, focuses on character studies, and on translating abstract ideas and themes into a visual language. I’m lucky enough to live near the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver, BC, where I dote on my demanding but adorable Welsh terrier, run enough miles to regularly destroy my toenails, and consume ridiculous amounts of tea and snacks.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve always been fascinated with stories, those we tell formally through writing, those we tell verbally and spontaneously with friends, and those we collectively perform for an audience. Even at age 6 or 7, I recall crafting imaginary worlds with elaborate plotlines and histories. My shift to pursuing writing seriously came about ten years ago when my Essential Tremor (a degenerative shake mostly in my hands and head) got significant enough to impact my ability to draw and sew, and I knew I needed to pivot if I wanted to continue working in an artistic career. My design training in world and character development was a natural lead-in to a writing career, especially when paired with years of studying literature in both undergrad and grad school. I still draw and sew, and I hope I’ll continue to do both for years to come, but I love that I’ve been able to develop another creative outlet with which I can share my love of storytelling and connect with other artists.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: The first one I remember that really stuck with me was the Chronicles of Narnia series, which I borrowed from my 2^nd grade teacher and instantly devoured back-to-back.
• The one that made you want to become an author: Maybe Jane Eyre. Because I encountered that book at a time when everything I was reading described the heroines as stunningly beautiful, and finally I got to read about a woman who was valued regardless of her appearance. It made me want to write stories that expanded that representation, particularly in romance, where physical attraction is so often the driving force of a story.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: I reread this one more than any other book, and every time, I see something new. Mary Shelly wrote it when she was eighteen. EIGHTEEN!! At that age, my greatest literary achievement was probably an overwrought breakup poem I wrote in a diary. And it was, needless to say, not great at all.

Your latest novel, The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch, is out October 31^st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Whimsy, longing, ocean, dogs, hope

What can readers expect?

Lots of comedic (and mostly true) breakup stories, my love letter to the Pacific Ocean, an adult woman still trying to figure it all out, a light touch of magic, themes about art making and the inherent conflicts of creative pursuits, an emotionally charged but also sexy love story, a tight lifelong friendship, a non-idealized small-town setting, a symbolic house, complicated family relationships, dogs and more dogs, flawed characters, some really obscure Henry James and Shakespeare references, and a cat who “likes to watch.”

Where did the inspiration for The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch come from?

I was thinking about two things. 1. How creative pursuits often create a false sense of competition that makes us feel like we’re never where we want to be in our careers because someone else is always out there “doing it better.” 2. How accumulating rejections and failures (however abstract or concrete) can leave us stuck expecting more rejection and failure, and unable to identify when to push on and when to pivot. I put the two together and thought, what if a woman is literally doomed to always be second in everything she does? How can I use a love story to explore the idea of limitations, how we identify them and what we do with them once we accept that they exist?

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Admittedly, I fall in love of with all of my characters, but I think that’s an occupational hazard, or maybe an occupational necessity. But I loved writing Imogen’s mother. She sees the world in a way that’s so different from how I see it. She’s so sure of what’s to come. And I loved writing Imogen and Eliot’s outspoken friend Franny. To me, this is very much a story about three friends, and it only works with all three of them, even though two become the focus of the romance.

This is your fourth published novel! What are some of the key lessons you have learned when it comes to writing and the publishing world?

I structure my stories from the beginning more now. I find it saves a lot of revising time, though sometimes I miss the pure joy of letting the characters take me wherever they wanted to go, as long as I could rein them back in for the key story beats.

At the risk of sounding overly jaded, I’ve also learned that publishing is a hard industry to fully understand. Some truly wonderful books and talented authors never find a significant readership. And some mediocre books sell really well. There’s an element of luck. There’s definitely an element of privilege. In the end, all we can do is write the best stories we have in us, hone our craft, persist through rejections, and hope we have a community to support us through the highs the lows. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. Now matter how many hours I spend alone at my keyboard (with my adorable dog and my ridiculous amount of tea and snacks), publishing isn’t a solitary pursuit. It’s a group effort, technically and emotionally. Find your people. You’ll need them.

What’s next for you?

Professionally? Who knows? I need Imogen’s mother to tell me what’s coming down the road! But I have another Women’s Fiction/Romance hybrid I hope finds its way off my hard drive, and a couple YA projects on the go. Included in the various drafts: some fun first kisses, another symbolic house, more complicated families, academia, a super cute bakery, a magic pocket watch, and a few pirates.

Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

Oh, gosh. Where to start, and how to not fill this page with 100 titles . . .

Within the romance space, recent reads I loved include Amy Lea’s Woke up Like This, Tia Williams’ Seven Days in June, and Regina Black’s The Art of Scandal.

Outside the romance space three of my favourite 2023 reads so far are Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow, Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, and a reread of Kashuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go.

Hmm… apparently I do have a thing for a symbolic house!

Will you be picking up The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Jacqueline Firkins, Author of ‘The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Our story begins in Mansfield, Massachusetts, where Edie Price has come to live with her aunt and uncle the summer before college. It’s the last place she’d want to be, considering she’s still grieving the loss of her mother. The town is also crawling with wealthy elites like Edie’s cousins, who are doing everything in their power to distract her from her grief with makeovers and cute boys. However, boys aren’t included in Edie’s plans. As she’s diving head first into scholarship applications two Mansfield boys are vying for her attention. There’s Sebastian, her best friend and first love who wears his heart on his sleeve, but also has a girlfriend. Then there’s Henry, a local heartbreaker who’s technically off limits, despite his addictive kisses. Someone’s heart is going to break during this process, and Edie has to make sure it isn’t hers.

I think the reason I loved this story so much was because of the fact that despite it being a clear retelling of Mansfield Park, there’s a lot more going on in there. Despite Edie not wanting to move with her aunt and uncle, the distance is giving her a reprieve from something that she did wrong. I can’t spoil anything, but this was another thing that I enjoyed about the story. I didn’t immediately sympathise with Edie. As the story progressed, I grew quite fond of her and her conundrums, especially the ones that involved her cousins. Her cousins were definitely characters that I felt became a little more complex in this retelling. Their antics are definitely ridiculous, but at the same time, you almost feel sorry for them because of who’s raised them.

This story manages to convey how Edie is handling being isolated, ostracised socially, grieving, and the expectations of others using equal measures of humour and drama. I adored that Edie isn’t the only one experiencing growth. Sebastian is also going through his own turmoil, due to performing to parental expectations and denying your own self expression. Henry is my favourite character, if I’m being honest. He’s got all the charm you’d expect of a playboy, with some sleazy actions to back that up but with a secret heart of gold. I think I liked seeing him grow the most. If there was one character who I would have loved to see grow a little more, it would have been Edie’s best friend. She comes off as a very flat character for most of the novel, told mostly through our leading lady’s perspective.

Even when you’re wanting to stay away from boys, who could possibly resist when you’ve got Sebastian and Henry on the case. I honestly wasn’t sure who I wanted Edie to be with more (that’s a blatant lie I’m telling here). I think readers will have this same dilemma and I’m still pretty sore about it. I can’t get into it much without spoiling it for everyone, so I encourage you to pick this up. I need someone to yell about this story with. The romance were definitely the cheesiest parts of the story to be sure, in the way that kids cover their eyes when they see grown ups kissing but still peek through their fingers kind of way.

Let’s be honest though, the story is certainly not complete without some antagonists making the road a little bumpy for Edie. While this story does have a main antagonist, it can be argued that there are several smaller antagonists that Edie also struggles with. I had a lot of feelings about the main antagonist because I felt some sympathy for her. In some way, Edie served as a catalyst for the insecurities that she was feeling. It ramped up everything a little more in my opinion. It’s interesting, because while the antagonist was definitely in the wrong for some of her actions, Firkin was able to unveil how often people can mask their insecurities as confidence and it doesn’t take much to bring that all crumbling down.

When I looked at the novel as a whole, I really did want to see more of the best friend. The story moves along so well, with creative definitions to words that Edie sends her bestie but I really wanted to see something more meaningful established. I can’t complain about the ending, but I can definitely tell you it was not how I wanted to end. A girl can certainly dream though. I’d rate this story a 9/10. It’s a hilarious story that’s perfect for the upcoming holiday season, when you just want to stay in and read that fun, feel-good romantic story.

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of December 17th 2019.

Will you be picking up Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

In this charming debut about first love and second chances, a young girl gets caught between the boy next door and a playboy. Perfect for fans of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Mansfield, Massachusetts is the last place seventeen-year-old Edie Price wants to spend her final summer before college. It’s the home of wealthy suburbanites and prima donnas like Edie’s cousins, who are determined to distract her from her mother’s death with cute boys and Cinderella-style makeovers. Edie has her own plans, and they don’t include a prince charming.

But as Edie dives into schoolwork and applying for college scholarships, she finds herself drawn to two Mansfield boys who start vying for her attention. First there’s Sebastian, Edie’s childhood friend and first love. He’s sweet and smart and . . . already has a girlfriend. Then there’s Henry, the local bad boy and all-around player. He’s totally off limits, even if his kisses are chemically addictive.

Both boys are trouble. Edie can’t help but get caught between them. Someone’s heart is going to break. Now she just has to make sure it isn’t hers.

The post Review: Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The rest of 2019 sees new YA books from popular authors such as Kasie West, Kami Garcia, Katharine McGee, Jenn Bennett, Ruta Septys, Philip Pullman, Natasha Ngan, Tomi Adeyemi, and Kiersten White! Plus there’s debuts, tales of Sabrina, Mulan, and Camelot, and plenty more for you to enjoy!

Read on to discover a few of the YA books coming out between July and December! Tell us in the comments below which ones you’re excited to read!

JULY

Maybe This Time by Kasie West
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Beloved author Kasie West brings her signature witty banter and rom-com fun to a bold, fresh format. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral for YA.

Season of the Witch by Sarah Rees Brennan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the creator of Riverdale comes the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a new Netflix series based on the classic Archie comic series. This prequel YA novel tells an all-new, original story.

Destroy All Monsters by Sam J. Miller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A crucial, genre-bending tale, equal parts Ned Vizzini and Patrick Ness, about the life-saving power of friendship.

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia and first-time graphic novel artist Gabriel Picolo comes this riveting tale of finding the strength to face who you are and learning to trust others–and yourself.

Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Danielle Stinson’s Before I Disappear is an action-packed YA novel where a young woman has to find her little brother after her town disappears into thin air.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Told in alternating timelines, Thelma and Louise meets Gone Girl in this twisted psychological thriller about the dark side of obsessive friendship.

AUGUST

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows—it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the critically-acclaimed author of Under a Painted Skyand Outrun the Moon and founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.

Bright Star by Erin Swan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Erin Swan’s YA fantasy debut, Bright Star, is an action-packed adventure tale of rebellion, romance, and finding one’s voice in the heart of a storm.

Here There Are Monsters by Amelinda Bérubé
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Blair Witch Project meets Imaginary Girls in this story of codependent sisterhood, the struggle to claim one’s own space, and the power of secrets

Hello Girls by Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Thelma and Louise gets remade in this powerful, darkly funny teen novel from acclaimed authors Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry. Two teenage girls who have had enough of the controlling men in their lives take their rage on the road to make a new life for themselves.

SEPTEMBER

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power. With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Inspired by wuxia martial-arts dramas as well as the centuries-old ballad of Mulan, The Magnolia Sword is perfect for fans of Renee Ahdieh, Marie Lu, or Kristin Cashore–a thrilling, romantic, and sharp-edged novel that lives up to its beloved heroine.

Six Goodbyes We Never Said by Candace Ganger
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Candace Ganger’s Six Goodbyes We Never Said is no love story. If you ask Naima, it’s not even a like story. But it is a story about love and fear and how sometimes you need a little help to be brave enough to say goodbye.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

American Royals by Katharine McGee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What if America had a royal family? If you can’t get enough of Harry and Meghan or Kate and William, meet American princesses Beatrice and Samantha.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Sky in the Deep in this bewitching, historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Holly Black and V.E. Schwab.

OCTOBER

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this stunning fantasy adventure from debut author Charlotte Nicole Davis.

The Secret Commonwealth (The Book of Dust #2) by Philip Pullman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Return to the parallel world of His Dark Materials in the second volume of Philip Pullman’s new bestselling masterwork The Book of Dust, and discover what comes next for Lyra.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a world thriving with black magic, four young crooks embark on a quest to take down their criminal leader after they discover the plot behind his dangerous new magic.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A light-hearted and romantic contemporary novel set during the holiday season and full of humor, heart and heartbreak.

NOVEMBER

Across A Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a new fantasy series reimagining the Arthurian legend, set in the magical world of Camelot.

All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

All-American Muslim Girl is a relevant, relatable story of being caught between two worlds, and the struggles and hard-won joys of finding your place.

Crown of Oblivion by Julie Eshbaugh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this mesmerizing YA fantasy mash-up of The Road meets The Amazing Race, one girl chooses to risk her life in a cutthroat competition in order to win her freedom.

Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Lovers of dark, high-octane adventure will be enthralled by Sarah Harian’s Eight Will Fall, a genre-bending YA fantasy standalone, perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Leigh Bardugo.

Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this mesmerizing sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

DECEMBER

Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

The Weight of A Soul by Elizabeth Tammi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Lena’s younger sister Fressa is found dead, their whole Viking clan mourns—but it is Lena alone who never recovers. Fressa is the sister that should’ve lived, and Lena cannot rest until she knows exactly what killed Fressa and why—and how to bring her back. She strikes a dark deal with Hela, the Norse goddess of death, and begins a new double life to save her sister.

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut about first love and second chances, a young girl gets caught between the boy next door and a playboy. Perfect for fans of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

To Whatever End by Lindsey Frydman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Quinn Easterly is cursed. With one touch, she can see the end to someone’s life. Everyday deaths, and ones that haunt her in her daydreams. Ones that have always proven impossible to prevent. She has finally learned to go about life as usual until she meets Griffin.

Watch Over Me by Mila Gray
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Come Back to Me comes a striking new novel about a young woman— desperately trying to protect her family from their violent father—who finds safety, and a passionate romance, with an ex-Marine.

Are there any YA books you’re excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post YA Books Releasing Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.