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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: LISA MANTCHEV, EYES LIKE STARS (GIVEAWAY ALERT NOW – 11/24/09)

Posted on November 17th, 2009 by Lisa Mantchev · Email post Email post · Print Print

Lisa Mantchev

Lisa Mantchev

This week, we’re celebrating Lisa Mantchev’s debut! Lisa Mantchev wrote her first play in the fourth grade, and has been involved in the theater ever since. She has published numerous short stories, but Eyes Like Stars is her first novel. She lives with her husband, daughter, and four hairy miscreant dogs on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state.

Here’s a little bit about EYES LIKE STARS (Feiwel & Friends).

All her world’s a stage.

Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.

She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents.

She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.

Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

EYES LIKE STARS

EYES LIKE STARS by Lisa Mantchev

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

This is where I hear Fred Savage in my head, asking very warily, “Is this a kissing book?” and I have to nod and say, yes, it certainly is.

So, we’ll rate it PG, for occasional swearing, smoking, the drinking of the contents of Alice’s “Drink Me” bottle, and the kissing.

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

This is very much a coming-of-age novel, in which Bertie tries to find out who her family is and where she belongs. Firmly believing that the two are connected, she struggles to find her niche in the Théâtre Illuminata so that when her long-lost mother turns back up to claim her, Bertie will “still be there to find.”

I think I gravitate toward displacement stories… all my favorite books when I was a young reader involved unusual, fantastical lands. It’s a bit of a twist to make the fantastical land (in this case, a theater where all the characters from every play actually exist) the commonplace bit of the plot, though.

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

Theater lovers of all ages. Readers who like snappy dialogue, magical reality, and humor. Shakespeare groupies (there have to be those, right? Teens wearing shirts emblazoned with his portrait, screaming “WE LOVE YOU WILL!” when the camera pans over them?)

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.

  • You set off the cannon, blew holes through three set pieces, and set the fire curtain on fire.
  • So you’re stuck with us because of your innate inability to pee standing up?
  • What color is pandemonium? It sounds yellow.

How can your book be used in the classroom?

Eyes Like Stars can be used to demonstrate theatrical traditions and terminology, playwriting format, and as a introduction to several of Shakespeare’s plays. There are also references to plays like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid. The novel can be used to introduce reluctant readers to some of the classic plays, as well as whet their interest for attending live theater. Flashbacks in the book are in script format and can be acted out in a classroom setting as well.

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

Readers who like EYES LIKE STARS might also enjoy THE LOOKING GLASS WARS by Frank Beddor, WONDROUS STRANGE by Lesley Livingston, and (for younger readers) the Shoes series by Noel Streatfeild.

Now whet our appetites with a teaser.

The fairies flew suspended on wires despite their tendency to get tangled together. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, busy assessing her reflection in the looking glass and thinking perhaps she shouldn’t have dyed her hair blue on this particular morning, turned to glare at them when they rocketed past the end of her nose for the third time in as many minutes.

“If you make me spill this stuff on the stage,” she said, “I’ll squeeze you until your heads pop off.”

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

Dependant upon distance of travel.

Are you willing to speak nationally?

Dependant upon distance of travel.

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

  • Stealth Shakespeare: The Ninja Bard of the Théâtre Illuminata
  • It’s All In The Timing, or “Three Banana Peels and a Cream Pie… is that funny?”
  • Playwriting Format: Starting With Two Characters, Talking

This concludes our interview with our latest author, LISA MANTCHEV. We wish her much success with her debut novel EYES LIKE STARS. To see what Lisa is up to these days, visit her website at http://www.theatre-illuminata.com or her blog at http://lisamantchev.livejournal.com.

*GIVEAWAY ALERT* Lisa is giving away a signed copy of EYES LIKE STARS. Tell your friends and leave a comment for the author! Enter by November 24th, 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 otherAuthorsNow! giveaways.

Categories: Author Spotlight · Contests

About The Author

Lisa Mantchev
Lisa Mantchev wrote her first play in the fourth grade and has been involved in the theater ever since. She lives on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State with her husband, daughter, and four hairy dogs. Before writing EYES LIKE STARS, she penned and published more than thirty short stories.  Read more about Lisa Mantchev.

Related posts:

  1. EYES LIKE STARS by Lisa Mantchev
  2. Author Spotlight: Lauren Bjorkman, MY INVENTED LIFE (Giveaway Alert Now – 11/10/09)
  3. Author Spotlight: Jennifer Jabaley, LIPSTICK APOLOGY (Giveaway Alert Now – 08/31/09)
  4. Author Spotlight: Mark Fink, STEPPING UP (Giveaway Alert: Now – 04/08/09)
  5. Author Spotlight: Margaret Muirhead, MABEL, ONE AND ONLY (Giveaway Alert: Now – 04/20/09)

Comments

  • 1 Jessica Kennedy // Nov 17, 2009 at 9:00 am

    One of the best covers ever made! And the book was just amazing too! A favorite of this year.

  • 2 Erin W // Nov 17, 2009 at 9:25 am

    I love the cover! Whoever made this cover, well, they should get a payrise! Haha. Can’t wait to read this book!

  • 3 Ilene G. // Nov 17, 2009 at 9:38 am

    Sounds like an inventive and magical book. I’m looking forward to reading it and sharing it with my friends.

  • 4 Katie Hines // Nov 17, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Sounds like a wonderful book. I loved the part about blue hair. I once had orange hair, but it was not on purpose!

  • 5 Carmen Alexis // Nov 17, 2009 at 10:32 am

    First of all, I have to agree with some of the commenters before me… I love the cover! haha. I was always into animation and graphic arts, this cover totally makes me want to believe in all that is magical.

    The book sounds amazing. I knew about it before reading this author interview, but still haven’t had a chance to read it. It’ll be awesome if I could win it. :)

    I especially like the questions about how to incorporate the novel into the classroom. I’m an aspiring teacher and I think this novel would be a great complement to a language arts or drama lesson. Thanks for that!

    Well, I’d love to win this book. Thanks for this awesome contest.

  • 6 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) // Nov 17, 2009 at 11:09 am

    I’d love to read this :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

  • 7 George Ferris // Nov 17, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    Great contest.

  • 8 Cathryn // Nov 17, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I’ve actually had this on my list of books to read since the summer, but not too easy to find in the Sundance, WY, area. Would it be possible to find on Amazon? I guess instead of asking, I should go look. =)

  • 9 Llehn // Nov 17, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    I’d love to play please!

  • 10 Ann F // Nov 17, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    I would really like to read this book.

  • 11 Elie N // Nov 17, 2009 at 9:25 pm

    I have heard a lot of buzz about this book, it is on my wish list. Thanks for the chance to read and review it.

  • 12 Kim // Nov 17, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    I’d love to win this book. I gave my copy away for a giveaway at my blog and now I’m sad! Eyes like Stars was awesome! :)
    Thank you!

  • 13 bunnyb // Nov 18, 2009 at 12:26 am

    I’ve read so many good reviews on this book! I have it on my wish list :) Hope my wish comes true :)

  • 14 Allison // Nov 18, 2009 at 1:07 am

    I’m looking forward to reading this book; I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.

  • 15 Corrine // Nov 18, 2009 at 1:42 am

    Borrowed this book up on a whim and it’s fabulous! I love the Shakespearean stage the author sets and the amazing characters! Lisa Mantchev is a great young adult writer! I can’ t wait for her next project!

  • 16 Jessy // Nov 18, 2009 at 11:34 am

    I have to agree with everyone the cover is beautiful. I thought this book was so unusual that you had to keep reading it to find out more.

  • 17 FredTownWard // Nov 18, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    I, too, had been fascinated by the cover when Amazon recommended it to me, and based on the description, had placed it on my Amazon Wish List for Someday purchasing.

    However, should I be so lucky as to win a copy, I will read and review it promptly.

  • 18 Libmaven // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    I read an advanced copy of EYES LIKE STARS and immediately fell in love with the characters, setting, and plot. I hope she follows this debut novel with more Beatrice Shakespeare Smith adventures!

  • 19 Deedles // Nov 19, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    Love the cover. I have this on my wish list.

  • 20 Celia // Nov 20, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    I’d love to win a copy – I got the book from my local library, but alas! they made me give it back. Great, great stuff. Thanks!

  • 21 Ginny // Nov 20, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    My sister has told me great things about this book – I think I would enjoy it (and so would my students!). Please include me in your giveaway. Thank you!

  • 22 Raelena // Nov 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    I love the cover! This book sounds very interesting.

  • 23 JakeLsewhere // Nov 20, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    Sounds like a good book, and not that I’d solely judge a book by its cover but I really dig this one.

    Thanks for having this interview.

  • 24 Van Anh Do // Nov 20, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I was out to get myself a copy of lament and I saw this book and I was like, okay, I’m getting this instead.

  • 25 DeeAnn S // Nov 21, 2009 at 11:26 am

    If I saw this book in a bookshop I’d definitely pick it up because of the cover. It’s very eye catching and makes you want to find out more about the story inside. I’d love to read it. Thanks.

  • 26 Gayle Morgan // Nov 21, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    I would like to read this.

  • 27 Linda Peters // Nov 21, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    just the cover makes me want this, thanks

  • 28 Anne Taylor // Nov 21, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Gorgeous artwork and I’d love to own a copy!

    thanks

  • 29 Andrea // Nov 21, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    This book sounds amazing! I would love to read it!

  • 30 Benita G. // Nov 21, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    This would make a great classroom read.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  • 31 Shari D // Nov 22, 2009 at 8:41 am

    This sounds like a book I would really love.

  • 32 Diane Baum // Nov 22, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    This sounds like a good book.

  • 33 JAMES LYNAM // Nov 22, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    KEEP WRITING.

    I WANT TO WIN THIS ONE!!!!

  • 34 Karen Gonyea // Nov 22, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Sounds great :)

  • 35 Kristen Harvey // Nov 22, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    I would love to win this one!

  • 36 Lexie // Nov 22, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    I absolutely adore Bertie and Mustardseed :D

    Lexie

  • 37 Rachel Y. // Nov 23, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Such a pretty cover!
    I love judging a book by it’s cover!
    I’d love to win it. c ;

    - Rachel Y.

  • 38 Sara // Nov 23, 2009 at 3:43 am

    Sounds like a great book – and I adore the cover!

  • 39 Rosa // Nov 23, 2009 at 5:06 am

    This book sounds like a fascinating read! The examples of phrases above reminds me of the way my friends and I talk.

  • 40 Diane Westerbeek // Nov 23, 2009 at 7:10 am

    waiting to read- hope I win

  • 41 Margay // Nov 23, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I’ve been reading a lot of good press about this book – can’t wait to read the book itself!
    Margay

  • 42 Erma H // Nov 23, 2009 at 10:48 am

    This looks like an awesome book.

  • 43 Jenny Gibbons // Nov 23, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    What a gorgeous cover! I’d love a chance to win this.

  • 44 Kelsey // Nov 23, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    I’ve been wanting to read Eyes Like Stars for a long time. The summary sounds great and the cover is just brilliant!

  • 45 J. Lee // Nov 23, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    sounds likea great book

  • 46 Ed Nemmers // Nov 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    This is a great book title!

  • 47 Karla // Nov 23, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    i have been wanting to read this for a while.i LOVE the cover!

  • 48 Jessica // Nov 23, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    This sounds like one my son and I would both love to read.

  • 49 Angela Winesburg // Nov 23, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!

  • 50 Jay French // Nov 23, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    Sounds like my daughter would like this, she was in her school production of Alice in Wonderland.

  • 51 Cherie J // Nov 23, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Please enter me. This book is on my wish list. Would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  • 52 heatherzilla // Nov 23, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    I am anxious to read this book. As others have posted, the cover is amazing.

    Please include me in the giveaway. I would love to win a copy. Thanks!

  • 53 dorothy l // Nov 24, 2009 at 11:41 am

    What a interesting story line please enter me in the giveaway

  • 54 Alexandra // Nov 24, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    I would like to enter. :) The book sounds very interesting, and I really like the cover.

  • 55 Tim Hughes // Nov 24, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    I have a teenage daughter who just got herself involved in theatre this past year in school after much prodding from Her Step-mom and myself(Dad) and now she absolutely loves it and I am sure she would love this great read as well.

  • 56 Susan Smith // Nov 24, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Sounds like a good book

  • 57 Shirley // Nov 24, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    This will make a great C’mas gift —after I read it first!

  • 58 Alexa // Nov 24, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    I really want to read Eyes Like Stars! I love the cover!

  • 59 Wanda // Nov 24, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    I would love to be entered in your draw. The book looks great!

  • 60 Sherri B. // Nov 24, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    I love the cover. My daughter would love this book. Thanks for the chance!

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

  • 61 Gloria // Nov 24, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    I’d love to give this to my niece. She likes magical reality and humor and would like this I’m sure.

  • 62 Melanie // Nov 24, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    This sounds wonderful!
    I would love to read it, I love books with magic, and shakespeare!

  • 63 Veronica Garrett // Nov 24, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to read it.

  • 64 Heather C // Nov 24, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    Love the theater, so this will be a great read for me! Love the title, too.

  • 65 Gianna // Nov 24, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Please enter me :)

  • 66 Lily Kwan // Nov 25, 2009 at 12:06 am

    This book sounds very interesting. I’ll definitely check it out!

  • 67 Pothi - Admin Assist - AuthorsNow! // Nov 25, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Congratulations Cherie J! You’ve won this Spotlight.

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