The Internet's Largest Collaboration of Children's and Teen Book Authors and Illustrators

All over the country. All in one place. Fresh voices. Fresh content. Find out what's happening with AuthorsNow!

Get the Flash Player to see the slideshow.

Author Spotlight: Jennifer Jabaley, LIPSTICK APOLOGY (Giveaway Alert Now – 08/31/09)

Posted on August 24th, 2009 by Jennifer Jabaley · Email post Email post · Print Print

Jennifer Jabaley

Jennifer Jabaley

This week, we’re celebrating Jennifer Jabaley’s debut! An optometrist and mother of two, Jennifer Jabaley began writing her first novel after a phone call from her sister sparked an idea for a story that lingered in her mind and stirred her creative juices. She lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia and is currently at work on her second book.

Here’s a little bit about LIPSTICK APOLOGY (Razorbill).

Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she’s sure she’ll get busted. What Emily doesn’t know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: Emily please forgive me scrawled in lipstick – her mother’s last words.

Now it’s fall in New York City and Emily’s trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media – and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can’t let go of her mother’s mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

With help of a whole new kind of family – one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser – Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.

Sometimes goodbye is just the beginning.

LIPSTICK APOLOGY by Jennifer Jabaley

LIPSTICK APOLOGY by Jennifer Jabaley

If you had to give your book a movie rating: G through Rated R, which one would you give and why?

I would rate LIPSTICK APOLOGY PG-13 because there are sad themes of death and loss as well as happy themes like parties, kissing and pranks all which require a teenage mentality to appreciate.

What topics, issues, or themes does your book address? What drove you to write about them?

In LIPSTICK APOLOGY the overriding themes are about family and forgiveness. I was drawn to writing about family because I’m living very far away from my nuclear family and closest friends. At the time I was writing this book, I found myself asking the question, how do you build a family around you when the ones you love the most are so far away?

Name three examples of readers who would identify or like your book.

  • Anyone who has experienced death of a loved one.
  • Anyone who has moved to a new location, experienced a new school or had to rebuild friendships.
  • Anyone who loves a good love story.

List a few statistically improbable phrases or sentences one might find in your book. These are phrases or sentences you might never find anywhere else.

  • The camera zoomed in even closer on the coral lipstick writing. It was smudged, but unbelievably, the message was still clear.
  • I knew I wasn’t very good at chemistry, but I did have experience watching the Food Network and the word that kept coming to mind was flambé.
  • “We’ll be mid-make-out, the pain will escalate, and my jaw will give out and come crashing down! I’ll probably sever his tongue!”
  • See what you’re doing to me, Mom – cavities and weird jaw problems!

Can you tell us why you think this book is different from the rest?

First of all, LIPSTICK APOLOGY is a fast, entertaining read and I think it has broad appeal even to reluctant readers. Beyond the fun parties and dating scenarios, the underlying mystery of Emily’s mother’s apology could stimulate discussions on secrets, families and forgiveness.

Now tell us about other already-published books that readers of your book might enjoy.

  • Readers who enjoy THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS series or any of Sarah Dessen’s novels would also enjoy the tone and themes of LIPSTICK APOLOGY.
  • Readers who like the action packed writing style of Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls books will like the fast pace of LIPSTICK APOLOGY.

Now whet our appetites with a teaser.

Steve McCaffity just undressed me with his eyes.

Okay, maybe I’m still clothed, but we definitely made eye contact. Well, actually, he might have only glanced at the tiny chocolate stain on my V-neck – so it was noticeable.

I decided to level with myself. It was actually quite possible that Steve McCaffity didn’t even know that I existed.

    Are you offering authors visits to schools, libraries, or other organizations?

    I hope to!

    Are you willing to speak nationally?

    Sure!

    List a few example titles of presentations, talks, or workshops you might give for an author visit.

    • Forgiveness: Why something that is so hard to do can be so freeing.
    • Reinventing Your Family
    • Concept to Print: A Roadmap from Inexperienced to Published Author

    This concludes our interview with our latest author, JENNIFER JABALEY. We wish her much success with her debut novel LIPSTICK APOLOGY. To see what Jennifer is up to these days, visit her website at http://www.jenniferjabaley.com or her blog http://jenniferjabaley.livejournal.com.

    *GIVEAWAY ALERT* Jennifer is giving away a signed copy of LIPSTICK APOLOGY to a winner and a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble to another winner. Tell your friends and leave a comment for the author! Enter by August 31st, 2009 11:59 PM CST.

    Your email address will not be displayed publicly and will only be used to contact you if you win! And don’t forget to participate in our other AuthorsNow! giveaways.

    Categories: Author Spotlight · Contests

    About The Author

    Jennifer Jabaley
    Jennifer Jabaley was born in New York and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in chemistry and received a doctorate from Southern College of Optometry. A part-time optometrist and mother of two, Jennifer began writing her first novel after a phone call from her sister sparked an idea for a story that lingered in her mind and stirred her creative juices. LIPSTICK APOLOGY will be released in August of 2009 by Razorbill. Jen lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia and is currently at work on her second book.  Read more about Jennifer Jabaley.

    Related posts:

    1. LIPSTICK APOLOGY by Jennifer Jabaley
    2. Author Spotlight: Jennifer Kramer, OCEAN HIDE AND SEEK (Giveaway Now – 3/17/09)
    3. Author Spotlight: Samantha R. Vamos, BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR (Giveaway Alert: Now – 05/22/09)
    4. Author Spotlight: Mark Fink, STEPPING UP (Giveaway Alert: Now – 04/08/09)
    5. Author Spotlight: Sarah Ockler, TWENTY BOY SUMMER (Giveaway Alert: Now – 08/05/09)

    Comments

    • 1 Larissa Hardesty // Aug 24, 2009 at 2:36 pm

      I’d really like to read this book. It sounds great! Best of luck to you!

    • 2 MJ // Aug 24, 2009 at 4:05 pm

      I’d love this. Do we leave comment here or on her site??

      mj.coward[at]gmail.com

    • 3 Emilee Barnett // Aug 24, 2009 at 4:41 pm

      The story sounds great! I’d love to read it.

    • 4 GirlwiththeBraids // Aug 24, 2009 at 5:46 pm

      All three examples of the readers who’d like this book fits me! Now I’m even more sure that I want to read this book. It’s been my Number One to-read for months, ever since I saw it in the Upcoming Releases section of BN’s site. :)

      The cover is gorgeous and exotic. The perfect touch of each! The storyline is definitely unique and different from others. What inspired you?

      The lines you provided from the book has me hooked. I can’t wait to read it! Good luck on this book and on future releases, Ms. Jabaley. :)

    • 5 BookBegger // Aug 24, 2009 at 9:13 pm

      I can’t wait to read Lipstick Apology! It looks amazing! :)

    • 6 Cindy S. // Aug 24, 2009 at 10:33 pm

      This sounds like a super book

    • 7 Amber G // Aug 24, 2009 at 10:41 pm

      This looks like a great book and I think the cover is very eyecatching as well. Please enter me & thanks for the giveaway!

    • 8 Vicky H. // Aug 24, 2009 at 11:11 pm

      Even as a person who doesn’t read very often, I find that the story seems very touching and interesting. I like a good, emotional read, and I think my sister would enjoy this as well.

    • 9 Marilyn Wons // Aug 24, 2009 at 11:59 pm

      You are a fine writer – thank you

    • 10 Rebecca Graham // Aug 25, 2009 at 12:22 am

      Sounds like a book I need to add to my reading list.

    • 11 Tina J // Aug 25, 2009 at 1:21 am

      Can’t wait to read this!

    • 12 Laura Collins // Aug 25, 2009 at 1:54 am

      Sounds like a great read.

    • 13 JANICE R // Aug 25, 2009 at 4:00 am

      SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL BE AN INTERESTING BOOK.

    • 14 Tari Lawson // Aug 25, 2009 at 4:15 am

      The premise of the book is very interesting. You have me wondering what Emily’s mom’s secret is.

    • 15 Ann F // Aug 25, 2009 at 4:37 am

      This sounds like an interesting book that I’d like to read. Great interview!

    • 16 adrienne Gordon // Aug 25, 2009 at 4:42 am

      interesting book.

    • 17 Carol Lawrence // Aug 25, 2009 at 4:51 am

      This item from the interview resonates with me-Name three examples of readers who would identify or like your book.

      Anyone who has experienced death of a loved one.
      Anyone who has moved to a new location, experienced a new school or had to rebuild friendships.
      Anyone who loves a good love story. jelly15301@gmail.com

    • 18 Heather S // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:06 am

      The book sounds very interesting. I will check it out.

    • 19 Cheryl // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:16 am

      This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks!

    • 20 randi // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:23 am

      I think my daughter would really like this book.

    • 21 Nicole C. // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:50 am

      This sounds like a great book!

    • 22 Sharon Harmon // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:53 am

      Barnes & Noble is my favorite store of all!! The book sounds intriguing! Thank you for the contest!

    • 23 Katie Hickle // Aug 25, 2009 at 7:19 am

      I can’t wait to read this book!!!!!!

    • 24 Sandra K321 // Aug 25, 2009 at 8:30 am

      Congratulations on your first book. It sounds like it has enough storylines to keep me interested.

    • 25 amber // Aug 25, 2009 at 9:40 am

      How great, this book sounds wonderful. I’m in the middle of writing my first novel also! :) congrats

    • 26 Deborah Wellenstein // Aug 25, 2009 at 10:26 am

      I would love to read this-thank you!

    • 27 Llehn // Aug 25, 2009 at 10:52 am

      I’d love to play please. Thanks.

    • 28 Carol G // Aug 25, 2009 at 11:12 am

      I think my granddaughter would like this book, and I know I would like the gift card!

    • 29 courtney // Aug 25, 2009 at 11:23 am

      the book looks really great. I love to read, and this one looks awesome. Thanks for the chance

    • 30 hminnesota // Aug 25, 2009 at 12:17 pm

      I would love to read this in any time I get .

    • 31 Lori Walker // Aug 25, 2009 at 12:39 pm

      This seems like a good read… a real down to earth mommy time book. Thanks for the chance!

    • 32 Anne D // Aug 25, 2009 at 2:48 pm

      I’d like to read this book.

    • 33 Nora SP // Aug 25, 2009 at 3:47 pm

      This sounds so similar to my life with family living so far away and my closest friend lives miles away.

    • 34 JAMES LYNAM // Aug 25, 2009 at 5:22 pm

      FANTASTIC. MY TURN TO WIN.

    • 35 Joanne Schultz // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:15 pm

      This book sounds great. I can’t wait to read it!

      Thanks for the giveaway!

    • 36 Tawnda // Aug 25, 2009 at 6:29 pm

      this sounds so interesting! I’d love to read it

    • 37 Erica C. // Aug 25, 2009 at 9:05 pm

      Sounds good…I love a good love story.

    • 38 barbara wright // Aug 26, 2009 at 7:01 am

      Oooh – this sounds really good! I’d love to read this!

    • 39 beth shepherd // Aug 26, 2009 at 12:07 pm

      This would be awesome!!!
      Thank you for the chance
      tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

    • 40 Carol // Aug 26, 2009 at 12:09 pm

      I need something new to read while I recover from my foot surgery, this sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway, it’s lovely.

    • 41 Monique Rizzo // Aug 26, 2009 at 12:16 pm

      Looks like a great book!! Thanks for the chance.
      mogrill@comcast.net

    • 42 May Schultz // Aug 26, 2009 at 4:30 pm

      This book sounds SO GOOD! I sure would like to win it.

    • 43 Ellie W // Aug 26, 2009 at 5:51 pm

      Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
      eswright18 at gmail dot com

    • 44 Ashley // Aug 26, 2009 at 10:31 pm

      this book looks so good! it looks like the perfect thing for me to read this fall.

    • 45 Miaelkaye // Aug 27, 2009 at 8:50 am

      Sounds like a good book that I could read with my 16 year old niece. :)

    • 46 desiree kelley // Aug 27, 2009 at 10:04 am

      would love to read it

    • 47 Billy // Aug 27, 2009 at 1:15 pm

      It looks good. I would love to read it.

    • 48 Sheila Hickmon // Aug 27, 2009 at 2:17 pm

      This looks really good! Thanks for the chance to win it!!

    • 49 autie // Aug 28, 2009 at 12:19 am

      I’d love to enter!

    • 50 Ashley Rudder // Aug 28, 2009 at 3:16 am

      i really can’t wait to read your book, it sounds so good!

    • 51 Crystal R. // Aug 28, 2009 at 8:42 am

      I’m hooked! I’d love to win a copy of this!

    • 52 The Brain Lair // Aug 28, 2009 at 8:51 pm

      I love that cover! Please enter me in this contest.

    • 53 CC // Aug 28, 2009 at 9:12 pm

      Congrats! I’d love to win!

    • 54 mindy // Aug 29, 2009 at 10:49 am

      sounds fascinating and good luck on the next one

    • 55 Deedles // Aug 29, 2009 at 11:26 am

      Sounds like a great read.

    • 56 Karen Gonyea // Aug 29, 2009 at 12:29 pm

      Sounds great :)

    • 57 Lilibeth Ramos // Aug 29, 2009 at 12:32 pm

      Jennifer sounds great! Congrats and I really want to read Lipstick Apology!

    • 58 Tamie Gonzalez // Aug 29, 2009 at 12:44 pm

      Congratulations on the publication! Best wishes to your second book!

    • 59 AmandaK // Aug 29, 2009 at 3:57 pm

      I’ve been dying to read Lipstick Apology! Good luck on your second book!

    • 60 Isaac A. // Aug 29, 2009 at 9:17 pm

      I would really like to win the signed book, but the gift card would be okay I guess :)

    • 61 etirv // Aug 29, 2009 at 9:36 pm

      Sounds like a really good read, thanks!

    • 62 Vicki Wurgler // Aug 30, 2009 at 10:47 am

      I would love to read this book

    • 63 Pamela // Aug 30, 2009 at 11:15 am

      I am an avid reader and this book sounds right up my alley!! I am a B&N lover so the gift card would definatly be put to good use!!

      Pamela

    • 64 Pamela S // Aug 30, 2009 at 11:32 am

      Ohhh…..I want this book. It sounds interesting and I can’t wait to see what the “apology” means. Plus I have a daughter entering college and I think she’d love to read it too! (after me of course LOL)
      Thanks so much!

    • 65 Erma // Aug 30, 2009 at 12:50 pm

      This sounds like an awesome book.

    • 66 MegS // Aug 30, 2009 at 1:39 pm

      This looks like such a good book!

    • 67 amy delong // Aug 30, 2009 at 2:22 pm

      looks like a good read,I really need a new book!!

      ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

    • 68 Kim F // Aug 30, 2009 at 3:25 pm

      I have a niece that this book would be perfect for. Of course, I would have to read it first because it sounds so wonderful.

    • 69 Kelly Polark // Aug 30, 2009 at 3:51 pm

      I’ve heard some good buzz on Lipstick Apology on various blogs! Congrats to Jennifer!

    • 70 Becky // Aug 30, 2009 at 4:00 pm

      Sounds like a great book.

    • 71 Bambi M // Aug 30, 2009 at 6:59 pm

      Sounds like a great book and I’d love to read it!

      thanks for the chance :)

    • 72 Sherri B. // Aug 30, 2009 at 8:18 pm

      Your book sounds very intriguing! I always wonder where authors get their ideas from…best of luck to you!

    • 73 shawna // Aug 30, 2009 at 8:57 pm

      Sounds like a great read!

    • 74 Samantha H // Aug 30, 2009 at 10:48 pm

      Looks like a good book! Thanks!

    • 75 christopher h // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:04 am

      sounds really good

    • 76 Benita G. // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:49 am

      Life, loss, love, forgiveness. All emotion we grapple with daily. I’d love to read this book.

    • 77 Justine // Aug 31, 2009 at 1:38 am

      Awesome that you are getting into writing, I really envy you as I’ve had stories for years but never really did it, congrats!!

    • 78 rachel burke // Aug 31, 2009 at 6:23 am

      this sounds like a great book

    • 79 Kayce C // Aug 31, 2009 at 8:54 am

      Hi Jennifer. Thank you for the interview. I am a fan of action packed books.

    • 80 Marie // Aug 31, 2009 at 9:24 am

      This sounds like a great book! Thanks for posting the wonderful interview.

    • 81 Kelly F // Aug 31, 2009 at 9:46 am

      Excellent interview post! Thanks for the chance to win!

    • 82 Veronica Garrett // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:13 pm

      Great interview. The book sounds fantastic. I would love to read it.

    • 83 Geoff K // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:51 pm

      Sounds like a great book with a colorful array of characters and a touching and funny storyline, based on the tidbits and excerpts provided in the interview! I’ll have to see out a copy for my niece – and give it a read before I hand it over to her — thanks!

    • 84 Marianna // Aug 31, 2009 at 1:14 pm

      Looks like a great book and enjoyed the interview!

    • 85 DanV // Aug 31, 2009 at 2:28 pm

      Looks interesting

    • 86 Ed Nemmers // Aug 31, 2009 at 4:26 pm

      Happy Monday!

    • 87 Jay F. // Aug 31, 2009 at 4:31 pm

      Sounds like an interesting book

    • 88 sarah woods // Aug 31, 2009 at 5:42 pm

      Love to bring this especially for my curiosity does lipstick need, deserve the Apology. Thanks SW

    • 89 Mishia // Aug 31, 2009 at 6:54 pm

      Looks like a great book. Best of luck in the future!

    • 90 dwndrgn // Aug 31, 2009 at 7:16 pm

      What a great giveaway, books rock!

    • 91 susan smoaks // Aug 31, 2009 at 7:54 pm

      i can’t wait to read lipstick apology

    • 92 Dddiva // Aug 31, 2009 at 8:09 pm

      Sounds wonderful just up Dev’s alley- I am sending her the link.

      Congrats on your first novel and best of luck with your writing career.

    • 93 Sarah Z // Aug 31, 2009 at 9:03 pm

      Can’t wait to pick up a copy – love fast entertaining reads!

    • 94 Bethany // Aug 31, 2009 at 9:48 pm

      I’d really love to read this book! I’m an aspiring author too. Also a sophomore in college. So this interview was inspiring! :)

    • 95 Sylvia // Sep 4, 2009 at 8:20 am

      The book sounds really amazing and based on the reviews I’ve been reading, I think it really is:D I hope I win!! Thanks!

    • 96 Prodhi // Sep 5, 2009 at 2:37 am

      Ooh the book looks AMAZING!

    • 97 Jennifer Jabaley // Sep 10, 2009 at 6:40 pm

      congrats to Monique Rizzo – you won a signed copy of LIPSTICK APOLOGY!

    Leave a Comment