Falling Behind Blog Tour

Title: Falling Behind

Author: Dee Avila

Genre: Mature Young Adult

Release Date: June 2013

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255294-falling-behind

Book Synopsis

Going into the her second year of high school in the rural town of Laton, Reese was ready to come out of her shell, experience life with her best friends and find a way to tell Titus she wanted to be more than friends. When Josh, the new student, shows up on the first day and a whirlwind relationship starts between him and Reese, she was in her own world and barely noticed her friend spiraling downhill. The night Josh pushed her to far her best friend died, causing her own world to spiral.

Trying to move on from losing her best friend and ignore what Josh did to her, Reese pulls away from everyone. She had to overcome her fears and face her demons to be able to move forward.

Excerpt

Candice was waiting at the end of her long driveway when I pulled up. As she climbed into the car, I noticed old, yellowish bruises on her left wrist. My gaze flicked from her wrist to her eyes, as I pressed my lips into a tight line. “Candice, wanna talk about those?”

“Nope.”

“Listen, if those are from Alex, you need to get out—end things with him; sooner, rather than later.”

“I said I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“I don’t give a shit what you want to talk about. Those are bruises from fingers. I can see it. How many more do you have, C? I hope that’s it and you’re doing the smart thing.”

“Ugh, fine it was one time. He grabbed my wrist, as I was walking away, after we had an argument. I threatened to leave him. He just grabbed harder than he thought. No big deal, Ty, I promise. We talked about things and we’re fixing things. He won’t do it, again.”

“I’m going to keep an eye out. If I see anything else, I will kick his ass. I promise you.” 

When we pulled into the school parking lot, my eyes scanned the whole campus. It was covered in green balloons and those cheap cowboy hats. I laughed when Candice squealed. “I can’t believe they did this! Our varsity team better have done something to their school.”

We were playing the Riverdale Cowboys for Homecoming. The two schools were cross-town rivals. We always did something to each other’s school on game day. I usually went, but this morning, I woke up late. “I don’t know what they did. But they all went.”

“I bet that’s where Alex went, then.”

“Probably. Come on we’re going to be late for class.”

Purchase Links

Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B00E1WCHOU

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E1WCHOU

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-behind-dee-avila/1116795252

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/342071

About the Author

I'm a wife and mother of four. I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I use to write fairy tales when I was in grade school, but now I love writing about those tough high school years and how one decision can change the course of your life. Friendships, first loves and over coming the odds all interest me.

Three years ago, I decided life was too short to waste my stories by letting them collect dust on my shelves. I researched querying, took a few writing workshops and wrote the whole time. I first ventured away from what I normally wrote and tried a Paranormal Romance. That novel is tucked safely away. A year ago I chose to go back to my roots and write what I love - friendships, love and choices - how speaking out can save a life, maybe yours or a friends.

I talked to other authors and made wonderful friends. That's when I learned about self-publishing. I'm glad I followed through. I was so nervous to hit publish, but now I am grateful for the encouragement. It was the best decision I've ever made.

I'm usually in front of my laptop. When I'm not writing I am either trying to catch up on a weeks worth of laundry or on Facebook. I am a huge procrastinator. Usually close to a deadline, you can find me actually cleaning house just so I don't have to hit send. I think sending my books out to betas and my editor is the second scariest thing in the world. I love Rockstars and PB&J sandwiches. (Not the healthiest I know but it’s the fastest and it tastes good.)

Connect with the Author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeAvilaAuthor

Website: http://www.deeavilabooks.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/deeavilabooks

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6894904.Dee_Avila

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dee-Avila/e/B00FCE4ZUU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

There is a Tourwide Giveway which includes:

(1) Signed Paperback set of Falling Behind and Candice's Story by Dee Avila (US Only)
(2) $25 Gift Cards to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Winners Choice - 1 Winner Each)
(1) $10 Amazon Gift Card
(2) eBook copies of Without Boundaries by CJ Azevedo
(1) eBook copy of Crash and Burn by Chelsea Camaron
(2) eBook copies of Beautiful Chances by Alicia Rae
(1) Signed Paperback of Thursday Nights by Lisa N. Paul
(1) eBook copy of Derek by Dawn Martens
(1) eBook copy of Whiskey Lullaby by Dawn Martens and Emily Minton

Hello Dee and welcome to Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom


What inspired you to write your first book? My first book, would have to be The Babysitter's Club. What inspired me to write and publish this book was my mom passing away. Life is too short not to live your dream.

Do you have a specific writing style? I believe I am still developing my style.

How did you come up with the title? Falling Behind started off with a different title, and it didn't change until I had a cover made and realized how much it looked like a horror story. I read through the manuscript again. The heroine battles through some tough issues and at times she starts falling behind and those two words held more truth than the original title.

How much of the book is based on your life experiences? The whole theme of the book is based off events that happened during my high school years. Of course, some of those events are dramatized.

Are your novels based on someone you know, or events in your own life? The Falling Series is based off events from my life. The next series I plan on publishing is not. I think they will be the complete opposite from the Falling Series. I've already started sketching those out.

Which of your novels have influenced your life the most? I'd have to say Falling Behind. It's my first published work and it made me come out of my shell some. It was weird to put myself out there like that.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Eisley Jacobs

What book are you reading now? The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

What are your current projects? I am preparing to publish the next in the Falling Series #1.5 Candice's Story. I am writing the first draft to Falling #2 Falling Apart. I am outlining and character developing my new series, which at this point has four books. The two series will keep me busy for the next two years.

Do you see your writing as a career? I sure hope so.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? No

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? The Babysitter's Club. I loved the world created there and wanted to recreate it when I was little.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? Because Candice's Story is so intense and can spoil Falling Behind I can't share that or Falling #2.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Staying on task. I am horrible at procrastinating.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? Not yet

Who designs your cover(s)? I have been doing them myself.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? Getting it right. I had the first three drafts spread out through five or six documents. It took me a while to piece it all together in order. I am trying to write in order this time. But I find myself opening a new document to save a certain scene that's farther down in my manuscript.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Write, read, write and write and read some more. Both reading and writing strengthens your skills.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Thank you! Thank you for taking a chance on me and my writing. Thank you for taking the time to message me or comment on my page or leave a review, they all mean the world to me.

Thank you for your taking the time to join us today. Thank you for the great questions.