Crappy New Year makes its debut in print following successful Kindle-only run

Dec. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- As if the death of her father wasn't bad enough, Tess Amory's mother plans to remarry soon. While Tess wants nothing to do with future stepsister Felicity, Ian next door acts like he wants MORE to do with Tess. With a high-stakes Open Mic coming up, Tess can either fly away from all this craziness...or do something about it.  

   "Meg Wilson is a delightful new voice. CRAPPY NEW YEAR is a snappy, funny and insightful book for readers of all ages. As someone who never recovered from {adolescence}, I can attest, Meg nailed it. A wonderful debut!"
---Elizabeth Peavey, Maine Humorist and Columnist

Meg Wilson grew up in a huge blended family and spent summers aboard various vessels as her father made his living on the ocean. She now raises a smaller blended family with husband Jim in southern Maine.

Crappy New Year may be purchased through www.megwilsonauthor.com/books

KIDS CORNER’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Kids Corner: Where did you come up with the idea behind “Crappy New Year“?

Meg Wilson: I grew up in a huge blended family of eleven. Five of my half-siblings lost their mother when they were very young, and two more half-siblings had endured their parents’ divorce. My younger sister and I were born into this family full of kids struggling to adjust to huge changes. Even since I wrote Crappy New Year, my own children have endured divorce and remarriage, and now have six step-siblings in all. I guess you could say that Crappy New Year is more reality than an idea. Three old photos of my huge family are links to my books, etc. at www.megwilsonauthor.com.

Kids Corner: Can you tell us more about Tess and her character development in the book?

Meg Wilson: Tess is sometimes misunderstood and is certainly not without flaws. Luckily, she has a great sense of humor and relies on it when things get really crappy. In the beginning she reacts strongly and negatively, especially to Felicity, but she’s still likeable. Who can blame her for being angry? By the end, we notice her taking control, embracing a few changes, and even trying to play hero.

Kids Corner: “Crappy New Year” deals with many themes that are issues in the modern, American blended family? What do you hope readers take from “Crappy New Year“?


Meg Wilson: Adolescence is a horrible time to lose a parent or endure divorce and remarriage. This book is not fantasy. It is reality. I hope readers who are going through similar “crap” recognize that they are NOT alone! Many millions of kids are dealing with Tess and Felicity’s situations – all over the world, in fact. There are many places to turn to for help, books like Crappy New Year among them.

Kids Corner: What is your favorite scene in “Crappy New Year“?

Meg Wilson: I love it when Felicity has to jump-start Rob’s car and Tess is brought down a few pegs. Of course, the Poetry Open Mic scene goes without saying. I love Ian!

Kids Corner: Can we expect anything else from you? A Series? Anymore YA Novels?

Meg Wilson: My novel, appropriate for older teens, is called Mourning Dove (http://www.amazon.com/Mourning-Dove-ebook/dp/B00A8TPR74/?...). It earned semifinalist status in the 2012 Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/) Breakthrough Novel Award, finishing in the top 50 of 5,000 general fiction novels. I just published Mourning Dove with Create Space, and my local bookstore will be carrying both books starting next week! Additionally, I will be publishing my third project in the spring. It is called Wander Women: Dream Meets Reality on the Appalachian Trail. I am currently following ten girls, ages 19 to 26, as they hike all the way from Maine to Georgia. Most have finished hiking, but two are still out there in the wilderness!

Kids Corner: What authors have influenced you? Any YA authors that have influenced your current work?

Meg Wilson: John Irving has taught me how to find irony in almost every situation. YA authors such as Joan Bauer make me laugh out loud, and that’s the best thing a book of any genre can do for me.

Kids Corner: Any advice for our young writers out there?

Meg Wilson: Yes. Keep a diary or a journal, and keep it handy. Write down your observations, or if you happen to overhear interesting conversations. You’ll appreciate it when it’s time to crank out a novel! One of Tess’s poems came right out of my own poetry notebook from ninth grade. I wonder if readers will be able to pick out which one!
A very special thanks to author Meg Wilson! Everything you ever wanted to know about Meg Wilson is at www.megwilsonauthor.com or send her an email at meg@megwilsonauthor.com. Don’t forget to check out Kids Corner review for Crappy New Year by clicking here (http://kids.kindlenationdaily.com/2012/11/4th-grade-student-akai-f-reviews-kids-corner-book-of-the-week-crappy-new-year-by-meg-wilson-this-book-made-me-see-how-important-family-is/)!