Fab Author Summer: Nicole O’Dell+Giveaway!
I’m kicking off our Mostly YA Fab Author Summer Extravaganza (MYFASE, for those of you wanting to show your support through tattoo art or embroidered pillows.) with Nicole O’Dell. I met Nicole a few years ago through a mutual writing friend, and we have been good buds ever since. Nicole is a freakin’ super hero though and just hearing her “What I’ve Done Today” list (versus my “What I’ve Shoved Off On Tomorrow” list) always wears me out. She is the mother of six, including toddler triplets, yet still manages to host a radio show, be a mom, speak, and write a book an hour. Or something like that.And stay tuned til the end of the Q&A, where we’ll tell you how to win a signed copy of Nicole’s Swept Away, a two-in-one novel that would be great for your tween or teen.
AND to sweeten the pot (because if any pot is crying out to be sweetened, it’s the MYFASE Pot), if you leave a comment on every blog post during MYFASE, beginning today and running through July 11th, when we wrap up with Sandra Byrd, then you will also be entered in a drawing for an ARC of There You’ll Find Me AND a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble. Woo!
Let us begin. Okay, Nicole, your kids are writing your bio. What would it say?
Mommy’s great! She gives us chocolate cake. While we watch Barney. For the third time. And she lets us all wear headphones so we can hear better. She even ties us to the couch so we don’t fall off. But, poor, Mom. We watch her across the room, typing on her computer because she can’t watch her TV shows while we watch Barney. Isn’t she great?
Tell us about your average day.
With Barney background music, my typical day involves waking up with the triplets at around 7am. I feed them some sort of nutritious breakfast like fruit loops. Then I spend a little while scraping them from the floor beneath the high chairs and plucking them from the back of my hair.
A few diaper changes later, Daddy takes over and I go work for a few hours of bliss. Upon re-entry, I do some laundry, cook, more diapers, answer a million questions, tuck the littles in and then get back to work. I either write a book or answer an interview like this one, plan some blogging, do some web design, plan a new proposal…or whatever.
How do you balance it all?
You mean it isn’t obvious that I don’t? Sweet! I really don’t have an answer to the how question, because I don’t feel like I do a very good job of balancing. I get done what I need to, but it’s not always without a few casualties along the way.
However, I do want to give glory to God for enabling and equipping me to do what He’s called me to do.
Any tips for those with a job, a family, and writing?
Just so we understand each other, by me giving a tip, you don’t assume it means I have it licked, right? lol
Tip #1: Leave margin–room for unexpected things and for rest. My friends are howling with laughter right now because they know that I write in the margins and use the back side and sometimes even pull a crumpled receipt from my purse to finish the margin spillover of my life.
Tip #2: Allow failure. Yeah, now my buddies are wiping the coffee off their screens because they know this is a big problem for me. Seriously. I know that in order to truly give God glory for the amazing things He’s done in my life and in my work, I need to get myself out of it. By being a perfectionist or not being able to let go or say no, I’m making it all about me. My advice? Don’t do that. 
Why do you write for teens? (Besides the big bucks…)
The big bucks notwithstanding, I just love ‘em. That and I’m afraid of them. I figure if I can get them on my side, they’ll watch my back.
In all seriousness though, I reach out to teens because of my own teen experiences. It was the time in my life when I suffered the most hardship, made the most mistakes, and felt the greatest pull of God on my life. I want to help other teens wade through all of that, however it looks in their lives.
Tell us about Swept Away. I like the covers–how the teens look age appropriate and…normal. These could be the girls at my church, the students in my classroom.
Swept Away contains two books: High Stakes, which deals with cheating in school, friendship, loyalty, and honesty, and Essence of Lilly, which covers dating relationships and purity.
Here’s “the blurb”:
In High Stakes, seniors and best friends, Amber and Brittany, are neck and neck in a good-natured com- petition for a car being given away by a local business. In Essence of Lilly, sophomore Lilly Armstrong is always looking for ways to escape the confines of her unhappy home. She “invents” youth group activi- ties just so she can hang out with her boyfriend, Jason—the only one in Lilly’s life who makes her feel special. What happens when Amber and Lilly are faced with making difficult choices? How will they handle the risky business? Readers help Amber and Lilly make the difficult decisions and see how their choices create consequences with life-altering results.
In Essence of Lilly, a fabulous story, you deal with some tough issues. I know this was important to you to write about, but a worry. You handled the hard scenes so well. What do you want teens to know about the issues in this book?
Essence of Lilly deals with issues of purity. There is so much that goes into the choices a teenager faces about sex: self-esteem, joy, peace, faith, commitment, etc. I think it’s one of the hardest lines to draw and stay committed to, but it’s also the one choice that has permanent effects.
I made lots of mistakes related to this issue when I was young. I know how far-reaching the effects of poor choices can be. By putting the reader in Lilly’s shoes and letter her choose for Lilly, my hope is she’s begin to wrap her mind around the weight and permanence of those choices.
Handling this topic was a real concern for me. I wanted to be real–otherwise, what good would it do? But I didn’t want to offend anyone or open young girls minds to something before she was ready. It took a lot of prayer and guidance from friends. In the end, my publisher, Barbour, has been so supportive. They realize that the scenes had to be written as they were–not to sensationalize the issue, but to drive home the gravity of it.
I love the choose your ending idea of the series. Tell us why this concept is so cool for your readers.
I think the alternate endings give the reader the opportunity to put herself in the character’s shoes and feel more of the weight of the choice and even share some of the responsibility for it. By making the choice, the reader is then able to really imagine the scenario in her own life and commit to making good choices when the situation crops up later on. At the end of each story, there’s a little contract and a prayer where the reader can really solidify that commitment.
In October, you have The Wishing Pearl coming out. I got a sneak peek and it’s well worth the summer wait. Tell us about the Diamond Estates series.
Thanks, Jen! This series is loosely based on my experiences as a teen resident of Teen Challenge. Many authors speak of the “book of their heart”. For me, this series holds that title.
The Wishing Pearl, releases on 10/1/11, and is available for pre-order now:
Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away. . . A land far away from her stepfather’s abuse and torment.A land far away from her mother’s blind eye.A land far away from the haunting memories of her past. Olivia can’t wait to escape the confines of her home, which promises nothing but perpetual torment and abuse from her stepfather while her mother turns a blind eye. She dreams of being accepted into a prestigious music school far, far away. . .but until she graduates from high school, Olivia must make the best of her dire situation. When poor choices lead her to the brink of a complete breakdown and she finds herself dealing with the unexpected death of her best friend, Olivia comes to a crossroads. Will she find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for? Or will the demons from Olivia’s past prove too much to bear?
Where can readers find you and keep up with the million and one things you’ve got going on?
Everything I do is linked through my website www.nicoleodell.com. You can find the archives of Teen Talk Radio shows, book information, my blog, a link to sign up for my newsletter, my social stuff like facebook and twitter, bookstore…and much more.
Okay, bonus round. Now for the TOUGH questions.
1. Dream car?
A boat–if I lived on a lake and needed my boat to get to the general store. Ahhhh.
2. Most favorite book ever?
Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers Deadline, Randy Alcorn
3. Favorite 80s song?
In honor of Swept Away, we’ll go with “Papa Don’t Preach.” JOKING! lol I was a big Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith fan–actually all of the mainstream Christian artists of the 80′s. Stryper–not so much. I was also a big Chicago fan.
4. You get $500 to shop for yourself. Where do you go?
My computer! That’s where all the deals are, plus I can search for coupon codes. I’m still holding out for a visit by What not to Wear, though.
5. Favorite TV show?
I love reality TV. The cooking shows, real estate shows, American Idol (not anymore!), The Voice (thanking God for The Voice!), Say Yes to the Dress, Shark Tank, etc. I’m NOT a fan of the bachelor shows.
6. I could TOTALLY see you on Shark Tank. Not sure which side of the desk though. Okay, you have tickets to any concert. Who do you see?
Third Day. No question! If Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, or Casting Crowns opened for them–I’d be heaven! In fact, I put in a request for them to be worship leaders in heaven.
7. Taco Bell or Subway?
Taco Bell.
8. A chef is cooking your breakfast. What do you order?
If I had no allergies? A lobster/asparagus omelet with hollandaise. My allergies would eliminate the lobster, the hollandaise, oh, and the eggs. So, I’ll go with Taco Bell.
9. What is one physical attribute you’d steal from a celebrity?
EASY! Carrie Underwood’s legs.
10. Favorite magazine?
Do I have to be honest? In Touch, Life & Style…any of those. They’re a Friday night, soaking in a tub guilty pleasure of mine.
11. Nicole, there’s no magazine judgment here. Though my favorite is People The Wall Street Journal. Favorite show your kids watch?
Toy Story 1, 2, 3 and Tangled.
That’s it! You may now step out of the Mostly YA Fab Author Summer Extravaganza hot seat. Thanks so much for stopping by, Nicole!
Thanks so much for having me over to your awesome site for such a fun interview!
Guys, to get in the running for a signed copy of Swept Away, just leave a comment by Sunday eve at dusk-thirty-two, answering the following question: What is YOUR favorite fast food restaurant? Winner announced July 13th.
See you Wednesday when we talk about a super fun writing conference, then Friday when we chat it up with YA author Stephanie Morrill!
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70 Comments so far
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I avoid fast food as much as possible. It it’s my only option then I’ll choose Wendy’s.
My favorite fast food is Subway. I can choose a healthy veggie sub..no cheese..plenty of veggie’s on wheat!
judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com
Fazoli’s – yum!
KFC for sure! most of my family has an unhealthy obsession with their hot wings. we go there far too often randomly late at night…they definetly make a lot of money off us.
Dairy Queen for sure
Chick-fil-A. No question. And I worked there for 10 years but still eat there regularly. That’s a good sign.
Would love this book. Have three girls [and one boy] I’m going to have to help navigate through these waters before long – and I need all the help I can get…
carol at carolmoncado dot com
Culvers – especially since they now have sweet potato fries!
Chickfila!! Their waffle fries are the best! And the sweet tea makes me feel Southern, though I live in MD. And though I COMPLETELY respect their policy abut not opening on Sundays, that’s mostly the day when I really want to stop by. I’ll get all the way there and then have to turn around and go to Wendys.
Fun interview!
I want to sound all healthy and say my favorite is Subway (which I do love), but let’s be honest: my heart belongs to Chick-Fil-A. Mmm.
oh, definately KFC.
their macaroni and cheese is to die for
Taco Bell!
Great interview and contest!
I just moved to Arizona, so I would have to say my favorite fast food place is In-N-Out! =D
I can only choose one?!
Chic-fil-a it would be then. I love their “summer” milkshakes. This year’s banana pudding shake is great–although I still think last year’s peach was the best! The sandwiches are yummy and the waffle fries and sweet tea–downright heavenly.
Gotta go–I hear the cows telling me to eat more chicken.
You know, although I could probably blindly taste a French dry from every major fast food chain and tell you where it came from and the state the potato grew in (french fries are my guilty pleasure, and ice cream, oh and cookie dough)… I really have a craving for a roast beef sandwich and some insanely calorie dense curly fries. So at the moment I’d have to go with Arby’s.
Chick-Fil-A is the best. Where do they find those polite kids to work there? Why didn’t I ever have any of those polite kids when I was a teacher?
After teaching middle school for so long, YA is my favorite. I can’t believe I’ve never read Nicole’s books. I’m going right now to Amazon!
laurelprincess12 (at) gmail (dot) com
My favorite restaurant is probably Olive Garden cuz they have the BEST BREADSTICKS EVER!!!!!
Either Chick-fil-A or Subway. =)
~Kristin
Dairy Queen- only for the blizzards!
Great interview! I would have to say Braums and Taco Delight!!!
Thanks so much!!!
Thank you Jenny for doing MYFASE!!! I must have lived in a whole all my life but I am so glad to hear about Mrs. Sharon! Her books sound soo cool! Anyway my favorite fast food restaurant would have to be Chick-fil-A! I could eat everyday! My family likes it so much that my brother did a school project on the founder/owner and he got to meet him!! He is really old but I thought it was cool I got to meet him! Btw his name is Truett Cathy! Thanks for doing this Jenny! Your books and blog mean a lot to me!
Woops! I put mrs. Sharon!! I meant Mrs. Nicole! I was thinking about something else hehe
Taco bell
I could eat tacos every day and not grow tired of them .
Yeah MYFASE!!!! Ms. O’Dell’s book sounds really interesting. So I’m here, pumped and ready to win some giveaways!
I’m pretty old-fashioned and slightly cliche. My fav fast food restuarant is McDonalds. French fries and McFlurries are my comfort food…for my mind, not my hips.
Taco Bell. I love their 7 Layer Burrito!
I love Say yes to the dress. I like my fair wedding and four weddings too. When what not to wear or say yes to the dress are not on tv.
Favorite fast food? Hmm…. I should say Burger King considering I’m the assistan manager at one, but I can’t. My town only has four fast food joints (Traveling is such fun, if only for trying different fast food): Bk, McDonald’s, Subway, and Quiznos. I like the three (yes, three) for different reason’s. Today, and probably if pressed, I’d say McD’s. They just got an AMAZING mango pineapple smoothie. Love it.
whoops typos ‘assistant’
I really like Quiznos too. It’s not fair to poor Quiznos (or my money spent) not to mention that. Good food.
I hardly ever eat out any more, since I can’t eat gluten.
But before that I think it was Taco Bell. Even when it didn’t like me.
steak ‘n shake.
it’s the greasiest, probably most unhealthy fast food out there…i love it. the perfect way to rid your feelings of “oh, i really shouldn’t of…” is wash it down with a super healthy cookie dough shake (it’s dairy, right?) and BAM. guilt free.
The Wishing Pearl sounds wondeful. Can’t wait to check it out
My favorite fast food would be Chick-Fil-A (*DUH*)
You guys are so much fun! Thanks for having me over here for a visit, Jen!
Ok, not to be totally blah here, but I have to say McDonalds! Salty french fries… (sigh)
I would have to go with Taco Bell–it’s healthy and GOOD!
Chick-fil-a by far is the absolute best fast food restaurant ever created! Not only is it deliscious but it has shake! Cookies and cream shakes that equal even more yumminess when combined with their fries. The fact I love is that they blast Christian music and are closed on Sunday which is super cool… And super annoying because I always want to eat it on Sunday.
I love a good many fast food restaurants to be honest. There’s just something so completely good about greese, salt and sugar. My favorite would probably be Wendy’s, because of their frosties. And if you get a side order of french fries and dip them in the frozen chocolaty goodness, you’re pretty much in heaven.
What??? No takers for Sonic…who can pass up tater tots and grape slushes…mmmm!
My husband and I have supported Teen Challenge on a monthly basis for more than 15 years…so I’ll be putting The Wishing Pearl on my wish list.
Thanks for letting us hang with all these authors during MYFASE, Jen…and for letting us have a chance to win some goodies. =) Blessings!
Oh my goodness. The baby bio absolutely cracked me up! Also, I’d take Carrie Underwood’s legs in a HOT MINUTE.
Oh, and THIS: “the scenes had to be written as they were–not to sensationalize the issue, but to drive home the gravity of it.” THIS makes me want to read her work. So glad she’s got a supportive pub!
And my favorite fast food restaurant would definitely be Chick-fil-A. Diet lemonade, 3-piece chicken strip and a small fruit cup please! And don’t you dare try to steal my mandarin oranges! =)
I’m gonna say McDonald’s I have an obsession with their fries plus they have these Oreo mc.flurries that put me in heaven!!!
Most definitely Qdoba. Naked burritos are the way to go. Mmmm….cilantro lime rice
Now I really wanna read her books! I’d have to say that Taco Bell is probably my favorite…so gross, but so good…
Chick-Fil-A! The hot chicken sandwiches, salty waffle fries, and chocolatey milkshakes are to die for! I also love how the employees are so kind and helpful.
My second choice would have to be Arby’s. Their French Dip sandwiches are absolutely delicious, and paired with their greasy curly fries, can only be beat by Chick-Fil-A!
I’m not a huge fast food person… but I do love Baja Fresh every once in awhile.
I love me some Taco Bell…but since I can’t have gluten anymore, I (sadly) stick to Wendy’s baked potatoes.
Favorite fast food joint? Probably Subway but I’m not the healthy sandwich kinda girl. I’m more of the ‘drench it in oils and fats’ type of girl.
Can we say more than one? Cause I had a whole day to think about the question, and I have decided that I love McDonalds, Wendy’s, and Burger King equally. It’s like choosing between your children. Sure, one is prettier than the other, and another one may be smarter than the other, but you love them all equally…or in this case, Wendy’s is healthier than Burger King or McDonalds, but McDonalds fries are the best, but Burger King burgers are AWESOME!!!
Chick-fil-a all the way! I love how they aren’t disgusting fatty/greasy with any of their foods! CHICKIN ROOLZ, BURGERZ DRUL. And they do so many great offers and specials all the time. Then, there’s the best: they play Christian music and aren’t open on Sunday. Did you know the creator of Chick-fil-a is a Christian (kind of obvious) he did so many great things for the community, like building a kids’ church camp?
In-N-Out!!
And Nicole you are my hero! Toddler triplets!! My-o-my. Convinced us work at home mommas survive on two things: chocolate and the grace of God.
Chipotle!
I have been seeing Nicole’s books in several places lately! My sister is a YA youth/reader and we were JUST talking last night that so many of her books have language in them. Not, not, not good! I’ll have to check your books for her. Thanks for the post!
hoosong and larrys! its this great restaurant like beaches…. its heaven
Totally Chick-fil-a! They have the BEST Cookies and Cream milkshake! I also love how Chick-fil-a is Christian based business.
I love me some Chipotle! I don’t feel so bad eating there
I know I’ve missed this giveaway, but I plug for Mickey D’s. Fruit and yogurt parfaits are just great.
Loving MYFASE!
My favorite is taco bell! No matter what some may say about, it will always be my favorite!
my fav for food is subway!! but for smoothies etc. i love mcdonald’s new strawberry lemonade smoothie… and robek’s!!
First of all… I love the covers of the books. And second of all… I would have to go with Chickfillet (woah how do you spell that???)
Haha, love “What I Put off On tomorrow” list idea
I’m in love with Cookout. I’m a vegetarian and they have the best grilled cheese around!
I guess the right answer would be to say I don’t eat fast food, but that would be a lie. As a student with three jobs I spend a lot of time in the car. Therefore you get acquainted with A LOT of fast food. I would have to say my favorite fast food is Panera Bread. There Mac and Cheese is FANTASTIC!
Hands down favorite would have to be Five Guys Burgers and Fries! So yummy!! I feel a craving coming on now……
Wendy’s! You can’t beat a baconator and Frosty…
Jenny said:
My husband and I have supported Teen Challenge on a monthly basis for more than 15 years…so I’ll be putting The Wishing Pearl on my wish list.
Thanks so much for supporting the efforts of TC. It’s a great organization!
Thank you to everyone for the fun replies! I’m sooooo hungry for grease right now!
I’ve seen this author around cyberspace, but haven’t read anything by her yet. But I’d love to start. Thanks for the chance to win!
That’s an easy question! My favorite fast-food would be Chic-Fil-A! Nothing beats it, in my eyes!!!!
Favorite fast food is Burger King. I love a cheap burger. I would try to not drive past one when I was pregnant with my second child…or I would have to stop. I have been know to scrounge for all coins and my child’s piggy band to make a swing by to get a .97 cent burger! FLAME-BROILED BABY!!
Loving all these author intros…building a great “to read” list!
I think I’d have to go with Zaxby’s. Their chicken and french fries and ceasar salad are all amazing! Not to metion the birthday cake milkshake:) But it all depends in what I’m in the mood to eat.
My favorite fast food place is Chick-fil-a!
Chick-fil-a!!!!! Honey roasted barbeque, waffle fries, and a chocolate shake!
My favorite fast food Dairy Queen only for the blizzards and Taco Bell for their burritoes!
Does Chipotle count? Cause they’re fast…and they serve food.
I love Chipotle!
Oh gosh this is a toss up between Sonic (they have HAPPY HOUR!!!) and Chick Fil A. So good.
Not exactly a “fast” food, but Baja Fresh would be my fave.