ABOUT PICTURE IMPERFECT:
Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey
Publication Date:
Sept 22, 2015
Publisher: Swoon
Romance
Genre: YA,
Contemporary
Sixteen-year-old Max Prescott knows all too well the joys of
cheating girlfriends and traitorous friends. He’s not eager to have his heart
trampled again, but money and a fresh start can mean the difference between
happiness and a dark path with his name on it.
So when Melly Hewson, a perky and enigmatic classmate, asks
him to be her model for a year-long photography project, Max agrees. Melly
Hewson is everything Max isn’t. She’s outgoing, witty and always knows the
right words to say. And despite his best efforts, Max finds himself drawn to
her.
Still, he isn’t stupid. He knows a girl like Melly will only
use him and then never speak to him again. Besides, he’s been to that rodeo. As
long as he keeps his feelings off the market, he won’t make the same mistakes
as last time.
Yet underneath Melly’s sweet smiles lies a secret she’d
rather kept hidden. And as the year goes on and the photos pile up, Max and
Melly will find themselves developing through the negatives, a story that when
told could push them to opposite ends of their world. But the only thing worst
than the truth is, the facade that surrounds them.
ABOUT
JELSA MEPSEY:
Jelsa Mepsey writes young adult contemporary romance
fiction, drawing inspiration from daily life. With her work, she is dedicated
to spurring people to think about what they have taken for granted and to shed
light on the issues people avoid talking about. As an Asian-American in her
20s, she is excited to explore more of the human experience as she herself
journeys through life. Writing, rock climbing 5.12 routes, and playing various
instruments have resulted in the formation of many calluses on her hands over
the years. When not engaging in her previously mentioned hobbies, Jelsa can be
found at her local library with a stack of at least ten books, naming her
various pens, or staring at her dog Waffles for inspiration.
1.
When did you first
realize you wanted to be a writer?
There was no defining moment because I’ve always wanted to be one
ever since I could remember, even if I didn’t know it. I wrote short stories,
including a pop-up book, and also a few editions of a newspaper titled “The
Doughnut.” By the time I moved on to writing novels, I barely noticed the
transition.
2.
How long does it take
you to write a book?
My current shortest record is 11 days, and the longest is about 2
years. It really varies depending on what I’m doing in life and how many
problems I encounter while writing the story.
3.
What is your work
schedule like when you're writing?
I write whenever I can without really having a set schedule. The
other day I wrote while standing in line for Chipotle, for example.
4.
What would you say is
your interesting writing quirk?
It’s a tie between the fact that all my stories are connected in
some way or another and how particular I am about my spirals’ colors and what
order they go in. (It’s a series of 9 and confuses people).
5.
How do books get
published?
Writers either find an agent who finds a company, find a company
by themselves without an agent, or go the self-publishing route.
6.
Where do you get your
information or ideas for your books?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, whether it’s the books I read
or the thought of fun-house mirrors at a carnival. I research what I need to,
but most ideas come from my runaway imagination.
7.
When did you write your
first book and how old were you?
I finished writing a book in sixth grade that I refuse to ever
publish, so I don’t really count it. However, in eighth grade at the age of 13
I finished writing the first book in an eight-book series. After I rewrite it
significantly, I plan to publish it along with the rest of the novels. In
between sixth and eighth grade, I wrote a series that spanned 16 spirals about
my Pokémon figures.
8.
What do you like to do
when you're not writing?
I
rock climb, read, walk Waffles (my dog), and play various musical instruments.
9.
What does your family think
of your writing?
That’s something you’ll have to ask them.
10.
What was one of the most
surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I’m a very logical person who likes to plan things out, so I was
surprised by how “pantsing,” as some people like to call it, works out so well
for me. I don’t plan out too much as I write in order to let the characters
tell me their stories, rather than me overly dictate theirs.
11.
How many books have you
written? Which is your favorite?
I have about 40 rough drafts, most of which are extremely rough
and not ready for the public eye yet. PICTURE IMPERFECT isn’t my favorite just
because it’s getting published first. Max is the character who helped me truly
find my voice, and that transition is absolutely memorable and tied to this
novel.
12.
Do you have any
suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
The best thing that has ever happened to me is getting feedback
from other writers. PICTURE IMPERFECT would still be sitting in a document on
my laptop without all the help and support I received.
13.
Do you hear from your
readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
The most recurring comment is people asking me for a sequel. Said
sequel may be coming sooner or later.
14.
Do you like to create
books for adults?
Everything I’ve written so far is targeted towards young adults,
but I may write a book about Max’s dad that would target an adult audience.
15.
What do you think makes
a good story?
To me, a good story is one that makes me think, whether it’s about why we exist, how we define our standards of beauty, or
controversial material that makes me examine my stances on issues. A good story
doesn’t end with the last page.
16.
As a child, what did you
want to do when you grew up?
Nothing specific. All I knew was that I wanted to use my life to
help people.
17.
What would you like my
readers to know?
Thank you so much for your time! An author is nothing without
readers, so you’re awesome! Keep loving life and reading books.
Link to Goodreads:
Purchase Links:
Link to Tour Schedule:
Giveaway Information: Contest ends October 16, 2015
·
One (1) winner will receive a digital copy of Picture Imperfect by Jelsa
Mepsey, and a $10 Amazon GC (INT)
Thank you for the chance to win :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks sweet, I really would like to win it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the author interview!
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDelete