Blog Tour, Interview and Giveaway: Ask Again Later by Liza Czukas

Hello everyone and welcome to Reading with ABC's stop of Liz Czukas's Ask Again Later.  This blog tour is sponsored by Merp Squad, find more information about the rest of the tour here. 

About the Book

Title: Ask Again Later
Author: Liz Czukas
Published by: HarperTeen
Release date: March 11th, 2014

Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin. Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be? Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings? Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

Find it: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | TBD

Interview

1.     What sparked the idea of Ask Again Later?

Believe it or not, it was the main character's name.  I was reading a book to my son and the illustrator's last name was Hart, and for some reason that made me wonder what it would be like to be named Heart.  After that, she was a character in search of a story for a little while.  When the idea came to me that I'd like to see what happened if you could actually see both outcomes of a decision, Heart seemed like the right character for the job.

2.     If your fairy godmother granted you the wish of the perfect actress for play Heart in a movie, who would you choose?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one.  When she was younger, I could picture Ginnifer Goodwin in the role, but I'm talking way back, late 90s Ginnifer Goodwin.  Honestly, I'd love to see an unknown come into the role and make it her own.

3.     What’s your favorite quote from the book?

"A girl has to dream, or else sink into a self-pitying depression of epic proportions on prom night when she finds herself squeezed between two acquaintances of dubious quality in the back of a limo where she must keep a wary eye on her would-be make-out buddy for the night."

4.     I love the cover of Ask Again Later.  Is it what you imagined?  Are you happy with it?

Very happy!  I love bold, graphic covers.  I thought for sure when I wrote a book about prom night, I was going to end up with a pretty girl in a pretty dress on the cover.  There are some gorgeous covers out there like that, but that just wouldn't fit for Heart.

5.     I see from your bio in Goodreads that you like “disaster” movies.  Which one is your favorite and why?

Jurassic Park.  Hands down.  I saw that movie in the theater 9 times.  It's got everything I like about disaster movies--quippy one-liners, running away, implausibility, and best of all DINOSAURS!  Runners up include: The Day After Tomorrow, Twister, Volcano, and Independence Day.

6.     What’s your favorite food?

Chips and salsa, but only if it's good salsa.  I frequently make my own and eat it all in the same day before anyone else gets any.

7.     Do you listen to music when you write?  If yes, what’s your favorite?

Sometimes I do, but sometimes I have to turn it off to concentrate.  I have a playlist for most books and I listen to those songs in the car or while I'm walking my dog to get ready to write.  My musical tastes are all over the place!  It's hard to say what's going to be my favorite at any given time.

8.     Is there any YA book being released in 2014 that you’re dying to read?

So many!  I'm excited for Dear Killer, Isla and the Happily Ever After, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and What I Thought Was True just for starters!

9.     What’s next for you?

I have another book coming out in December this year called Top Ten Clues You're Clueless.  It's another realistic YA, not related to Ask Again Later, but if you enjoy one of them, you'll probably enjoy the other.

About the Author

Liz Czukas is a freelance writer who lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ask Again Later is her first novel. She collects college degrees she doesn't use, types too loud, and always has a song stuck in her head. In high school, Liz did go to two proms but not at the same time.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Giveaway

One annotated ARC of Ask Again Later + Swag

One finished copy of Ask Again Later + Swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Merp Squad Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Mero Squad Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*