August 14, 2009

Interview & Giveaway with Terri Macleod "113 Things to do by 13"


Since I absolutely fell in love with "113 Things to do by 13" written by Brittany and Terri Macleod, I can't even describe just how excited I am to have Terri Macleod here for an interview! At the end of the interview, THREE of my readers will have the chance to WIN a copy of their very own courtesy of Brittany & Terri!


Terri MacLeod has been a celebrity journalist for over 15 years. Presently, she is a senior producer at the top rated entertainment show Access Hollywood. On a daily basis, Ms. MacLeod is at the epicenter of the celebrity loop – writing, reporting, and covering everything celebrity. She has interviewed every major A-list star, covered hundreds of red carpet events, has been backstage on photo shoots, fashion shows – you name it! Ms. MacLeod also writes an eco-celebrity column for the green web-site Tree-hugger. She is a free-lance writer on celebrity/lifestyle issues for numerous publications, including a stint as a longtime contributing editor at In Touch Weekly, where she originated and wrote weekly column/items on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.


Besides her work in the celebrity world, Ms. MacLeod’s enjoys working with and writing about teenagers. She loves to help young girls develop a can-do attitude. Ms. MacLeod’s dream is to run workshops for young teens and help girls transition into their teens with inspiration, confidence, and positive self-esteem. Ms. MacLeod is a single mother to a spunky 14-year old city kid, Brittany. She grew-up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and graduated from Denison University.






What was the inspiration behind 113 Things to do by 13?


My daughter, Brittany, put together a list of 100 things she wanted to do before she became a teenager. I took a look at her wish list and then remembered all the crazy drama I went through at “13.” It’s such a tough age! So, I thought a great gift to my daughter and tweens everywhere would be to write a girl power guide to surviving your middle school years. I didn’t want it to be preachy, but written with a legit tween attitude and be packed with lots of tips and can-do incentive. I want girls to be happy, dream big, and have healthy self-esteem. Hopefully, “113 Things To Do By 13” will inspire young girls to think outside the box, treat each other well and help make a positive transition into their teens years.


Terri, do you have a target audience in mind for this book?


There’s no age limit to enjoying “113 Things To Do By 13.” I hope there’s something in it for everyone. But, the book is intended for young girls between 8 – 14.


What would you like your readers to take away from the book after reading it?


The message of “113 Things To Do By 13” is simple: Be inspired. Be confident. Be you! I hope anyone who reads it will be motivated to try something new or pursue an old passion with gusto! At 13, everything seem so dramatic – mean girls are on the attack, your parents are bugging, homework is out of control, and your body is changing rapidly. –So, I hope “113 Things” will be a fun read and help young girls realize there’s lots of time stress to the big stuff – just enjoy the moment. Plus, all the crazy school drama will end and today’s mean girls really will NOT matter tomorrow.


What are your favorite things to do listed in the book?


#14 Discover your talent and work on it! As mentioned previously in this interview, I think it’s really important for young girls to have interests/passions outside of school. Developing a talent helps build self-esteem and take the focus off ‘fitting in and trying to be in the popular clique.’

#99 Put together a favorite go-to-outfit. Every girl’s has to have at least one outfit which makes them feel fabulous! Develop your individual style – it’s an excellent way to let the world know who you are!


#33 Make a friend outside your neighborhood. Try not to judge others. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and listen to everyone who comes into your life.


#17 Play A Prank On A Friend: Everybody has to know a good prank (or two). Pranks are a sign of affection and meant to prompt a good laugh. Healthy pranks don’t hurt feelings.


Which parts of the book mean the most to you and why?


I have to say the section on mean girls. I had my share of mean girls in middle school. Unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be excluded! My best friend turned on me in 8th grade and went on to wage a war of ‘hate’ against me. She actually had other girls sign a letter stating ‘they hate Terri too.’ I will never forget how lonely and sad that experience made me. I think it scarred me in many ways and I really don’t want other young girls to suffer the same. Please, if you are being bullied confide in someone – don’t be ashamed and suffer in silence.


How did you like working on this project with your daughter?


I loved working with my daughter – an exciting journey we took together. Brittany served as my editor. I wrote the majority of text and she would go over it and make sure the tone was tween authentic. We wanted to keep it fun and not too preachy.


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Will we see a sequel to "113 Things to do by 13"?


I would love to write another book. Perhaps, “116 Things To Do By 16.” Also, I am interested in reaching out to real young girls and find out what’s happening in their lives. So, I want to get a blog going on “113 Things To Do By 13’s” facebook page. You can do that by going - HERE!


I have to admit that MANY of my readers are AVID readers. What about both you and Brittany?


Both my daughter and I are huge readers. Brittany loves the Twilight series and Percy Jackson mythology adventure books. I am a news junkie. I read magazines, newspapers, blog sites, and books. I would much rather curl up with a good book at night than turn on the TV.


Since you both like to read, who are some of your favorite authors and/or books?


I hate to single out favorites! I really don’t have one life-changing book. I enjoy reading everything. I especially like ‘coming of age’ stories and tales of strong women who against all odds rise up to life’s challenges.


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As a professional writer, I've always wondered just how you handle writer's block. Any tips?


That’s a tough one? I used to pace the house and get all crazy when I got writer’s block. But, I’ve learned a good walk or a yoga class can do the trick. Remove yourself from the situation. Nothing positive comes out of trying to force yourself to be creative – take a moment and breathe – and your good ideas will flow again.


What advice do you have to give for all of my readers that are aspiring writers themselves?


Just write. Don’t worry about grammar or churning out the perfect story, just get your ideas down on the paper. Then, go back and edit. It’s important to finish what you started –if you’ve got an awesome idea – stay with it! Also, keeping a journal is excellent writing practice. Try to write in your journal at least once a day. It’s a great way to express your feelings and get in the habit of writing something other than a school paper.


Thank you SO much for being here at Royal Reviews by Park-Avenue Princess, I really can't say enough wonderful things about your book! It's been a pleasure!


Now, are YOU ready to win a copy of "113 Things to do by 13"? Well, I just happen to have THREE copies available to give away! You want to know how?


Rules:


You MUST be a resident of the U.S. or Canada

You MUST follow my blog (so click the little button)

Also, I have to be able to get your mailing address (No P.O. Boxes Please)


Giveaway Points:


Your first comment should include your name and email!
+1 For each of the groups you friend/follow me on the left
+1 For entering another contest I have going on right now!
+3 For Tweeting this Giveaway (link back)
+5 For following me on Twitter
+5 For blogging about this Giveaway (sidebar is fine just link back)
+10 For displaying my button on your blog
+10 For signing up as a FAN of 113 THINGS on FACEBOOK!
**PLEASE NOTE: Giveaway will run until September 4th Midnight (EST) and The THREE WINNERS will be posted on this blog on September 5th! I will also notify the winners by email. You'll have 48 hours to get back to me! Thank You!**
Good Luck and Live Life to the Fullest!!


Kisses XXX

42 comments:

  1. I would love to read this and I think my daughter would read this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TJE...it's SUCH a good book! I bet she'd LOVE it! I did and I'm sure I'm MUCH older than she is! LOL

    Thanks for stopping by!

    xoxo Park-Avenue Princess

    ReplyDelete
  3. +1 Following Blog
    +3 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/leslielv08/status/3308438656
    +5 following on twitter
    +5 link on sidebar: http://thatchickthatreads.blogspot.com
    +10 became a fan on facebook: Leslie Anne

    this is great!

    leslie-lv at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like fun! Enter me please!

    I'm a follower too.

    melacan at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Leslie and Pam, I've got you both!

    xoxo Amy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi,

    This looks great - pla count me in.

    Thanks!
    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com

    +3 I just friended you on Amazon, Goodreads, LibraryThing.
    +5 follow on twitter
    +1 i entered the contest with mrs. magoo reads
    +5 I'm posting a link to your contest on my blog's sidebar.

    http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/

    thanks so much for the entry!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks likea great giveaway
    I have an award for you at
    http://bookmagic418.blogspot.com/2009/08/lemonade-award.html#links

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a follower.

    I also follow on twitter -- doodlebug40.

    marielay@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'd love to have this book!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOLOL! What a great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gaby! Of course you are entered! Thanks for stopping by (as always)

    Bookmagic, I can't thank you ENOUGH for the award! I'll post about it soon and link back to you! Thanks again! You're IN!!

    Marie and MoziEsme you are both entered and I have you added up so far..let me know if you do anything else!

    Thanks J.kaye! Love the new avatar!

    xoxo AMY

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would like a chance to win this.
    +10 I wear your button
    +5 I follow on twitter
    + something else cause I am super!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have the perfect little someone who is turning 8 that would love this book!

    + I follow

    + I entered the Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz book giveaway

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. +Trin IS super!! LOL You're in crazy woman!!

    And I've got you and your special little one in mind Christy Jan!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This would be perfect for my niece.

    winterset AT peoplepc.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am a follower.

    cindyc725 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Please count me in.

    cindyc725 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. +1 I just sent a friend request at GoodReads

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. + I entered the Miche Bag contest

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  20. + I entered the Seduce Me contest

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. + I entered the Lizzy Bleu contest

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looks like a good book, please enter me into this drawing.

    I'm a new follower via Friend Connect.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
    jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've also blogged about this giveaway here.

    Thanks,
    jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. +1 Commenting
    Ninja Fanpire
    ninjafanpire@hotmail.com
    +1 Added Facebook friend
    +1 Added Goodreads friend
    +3 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/NinjaFanpire/status/3386658528
    +5 Following on Twitter
    +5 Linked to contests in blog post: http://ninjafanpire.blogspot.com/2009/08/contests_15.html
    +10 For signing up as a FAN of 113 THINGS on FACEBOOK!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please enter my name in your draw.
    Thanks.
    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am a follower of your blog.
    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Please in include me..

    lovestoread0708(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am also a follower

    lovestoread0708(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. +1 follow you
    +1 I entered How to be A Hepburn in A Hilton World
    +5 For following you on Twitter(donnak4)
    +10 button on my blog-http://donna444444.blogspot.com/
    donna444444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. This would be a great gift for my niece. She is 9 (just turned on the 25th) going on 25. The book seems to be the kind of thing that would definitely get her attention.

    +5 for following on Twitter
    +10 for facebook

    Matthew Carter MAC1981@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sounds interesting!

    Froggy
    froggarita@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I follow you on twitter!

    Froggy
    http://froggaritavillesbookcase.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I added the link in my sidebar under contests!

    Froggy
    http://froggaritavillesbookcase.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have your button on my blog!

    http://froggaritavillesbookcase.blogspot.com/2009/08/links.html

    Froggy

    ReplyDelete
  35. I tweeted it

    https://twitter.com/Froggarita

    Froggy

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am a friend of yours on book blogs

    Froggy

    ReplyDelete
  37. +1 following
    +3 tweet
    http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/3738284786
    +5 follow on twitter
    @phxbne

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm following your blog ~ my email is in my profile.

    My daughter is about to turn 12 this month, what a fun present to give her for her last year before becoming a teen!

    ReplyDelete
  39. +5 twitter ~ momof2dancers
    +1 ~ entered bookshelf giveaway
    +10 ~ facebook fan
    +3 ~ https://twitter.com/momof2dancers/status/3746249267

    ReplyDelete
  40. i would love to win thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
    5 twitter follower
    10 on facebook lepaige is my id thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  41. Enter me:
    goodbooksandgoodwine[at]gmail.com

    +3 tweeting - (@booksandwine) I retweeted your contest tweet today
    +5 following you on twitter (@booksandwine)
    +10 I have your link button on my sidebar (http://readingisthespiceoflife.blogspot.com)


    Awesome interview by the way, I feel for the author when she wrote about how her best friend turned on her, bullies really do suck!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Please sign me up!

    (+1) Follow Google Friend
    (+5) Follow on Twitter
    (+5) Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/
    NancyeDavis/status/3770935923

    (+1) Subscribe via email
    (+1) Facebook Fan Park Avenue Princess
    (+10) Facebook Fab 113 by 13

    FB name: Nancye Epperson Davis

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete

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XXX ~ The Princess