I'm so geeked to have my friend Krysten on the blog today talking about her new Middle Grade/Young Adult release, BEST FRIENDS... FOREVER? In fact, I'm so excited I have absolutely zero idea where to start or how to organize my thoughts because YES.
KRYSTEN. BOOKS. AND WOULD YOU RATHER...?
So I've met a ton of great people while figuring this whole publishing business out, and I'm so glad that my path crossed with Krysten. Not only did we grow up not too far from each other, but we also share a lot of the same childhood likes and dislikes. We are both super goofy, too, so I'm always a fan of anyone who can make me laugh.
When I heard Krysten's new book was being released the same month as DANIEL THE CAMP-ER, it was pretty much a given that we do some kind of silly blog post together to celebrate. We decided it would be fun to play the game "Would You Rather...?" with our characters, Daniel and Landry, asking each other questions. And then, because we couldn't resist, we asked each other a few of our own.
So, here goes...
KRYSTEN. BOOKS. AND WOULD YOU RATHER...?
So I've met a ton of great people while figuring this whole publishing business out, and I'm so glad that my path crossed with Krysten. Not only did we grow up not too far from each other, but we also share a lot of the same childhood likes and dislikes. We are both super goofy, too, so I'm always a fan of anyone who can make me laugh.
When I heard Krysten's new book was being released the same month as DANIEL THE CAMP-ER, it was pretty much a given that we do some kind of silly blog post together to celebrate. We decided it would be fun to play the game "Would You Rather...?" with our characters, Daniel and Landry, asking each other questions. And then, because we couldn't resist, we asked each other a few of our own.
So, here goes...
Would You Rather... ?
From Daniel to Landry:
Would you rather eat poison ivy or a handful of bees?
Wow, okay…hmmmm. I’m going to go for poison ivy because that sounds slightly better than the bee one.
Would you rather be covered in hair head to toe, or completely bald?
Well, I have issues with my hair looking good anyway, but…yeah, I’ll go with covered.
Would you rather shoot laser beams from your eyes or sneeze fireballs?
Have you met my friend, Ericka? I swear that girl can shoot laser beams from her eyes when she’s mad at you.
Swim in a bathtub full of seaweed or walk barefoot in a camp shower?
Are we talking bathtub full of seaweed like a spa treatment? Because then I choose that one.
From Landry to Daniel:
Would you rather have everyone ignore you all day or have to play dodge ball in gym and you’re the only one left on your side?
Playing dodgeball at all is my worst nightmare. Then being the last target for everyone on the other team? No thank you. At least I won’t get hit by fifty-kazillion dodgeballs if everyone ignores me all day.
Be grounded from TV for a month or have no Internet access for a month?
I’d rather be grounded from TV. Pretty much all of my favorite shows are on YouTube now, anyway. My mom doesn’t know that, though, so shhhh! Let’s keep that our little secret.
Favorite model: Kate Moss or Cindy Crawford?
Neither! Girls are gross.
But, if I have to choose… Maybe Cindy Crawford. She has that freckle on her face and it kind of reminds me of a chocolate chip. Chocolate chips are not gross.
Would you rather have to do a speech in front of the class or sing in front of them?
The speech. I’m really good at speeches sometimes, except when the only thing I can think of to say is “armadillo.” When I sing, it sounds like I’m gargling goldfish.
Which TV show would you rather live in: The Simpsons or Family Guy?
Hmm. Homer Simpson eats tons of donuts, and Lisa reminds me of my best friend Annie. Family Guy has a talking dog, and talking dogs are pretty cool. Family Guy also has that crazy baby, Stewie, who would probably try to steal my magic pencil so he could take over the world. Well, not on my watch, punk! I pick The Simpsons.
From S. J. to Krysten:
Would you rather kiss Screech or Urkel?
Urkel. Hands down. Pucker up.
Would you rather live in the Fresh Prince house or the Full House house?
Probably the Fresh Prince one because I wouldn’t have to share a room. Although DJ Tanner and I both had the same George Michael poster.
Would you rather go to the first day of school looking like 80s Madonna or 90s Brittney Spears?
Madonna. Madonna in any decade wins, but particularly the Desperately Seeking Susan time period. I want that whole outfit.
If you were single again, would you rather date George Michael or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Now that is a TOUGH question. I'm not comparing it to a Sophie's Choice decision by any means, but gracious, how does one choose? Does you mean George 2008 tour when he was at his hottest? Or the 1999 bad haircut time? I need to know which period George before I make my decision. But I really want to know how Ronaldo gets his eyebrows so perfect, Ronaldo seems to be the front runner in this competition....it's all so confusing.
From Krysten to Jen:
You get to go back in time and you can either be the girl from My Two Dads or Tiffani Amber Thiessen for the day.
Is this even a question? Tiffani Amber Thiessen.
I don’t remember My Two Dads very well, but I did have a mini-crush on Chad Allen and the cute dad. When I looked at pictures of the cast, I’m feeling ashamed of my ten-year-old self.
Love’s Baby Soft perfume or Electric Youth perfume?
Electric Youth all the way. I used to think the pink spiral thing in the bottle was sooooo cool.
You can be a guest star on either Perfect Strangers or Full House. Which do you prefer?
Oh man! I lovedlovedloved Balki on Perfect Strangers. Favorite show, this one right here.
That said, I was a big fan of Uncle Joey and Uncle Jesse (Haaaave mercy!), and Stephanie had a horse. So I think the choice is clearly Full House. If anyone makes me babysit the kids, though, the deal’s off.
Which Sweet Valley High twin: Elizabeth or Jessica Wakefield?
Confession time: I wasn’t allowed to read Sweet Valley High because they were too racy. I may or may not have snuck some of them anyway (don’t tell my mom!), so I’m gonna go with Elizabeth. Jessica always irritated me.
And last, but certainly not least... Dream date with a New Kid on the Block or chance to star on Saved by the Bell?
Seriously. Do you even have to ask? Saved by the Bell, all day every day.
Would you rather eat poison ivy or a handful of bees?
Wow, okay…hmmmm. I’m going to go for poison ivy because that sounds slightly better than the bee one.
Would you rather be covered in hair head to toe, or completely bald?
Well, I have issues with my hair looking good anyway, but…yeah, I’ll go with covered.
Would you rather shoot laser beams from your eyes or sneeze fireballs?
Have you met my friend, Ericka? I swear that girl can shoot laser beams from her eyes when she’s mad at you.
Swim in a bathtub full of seaweed or walk barefoot in a camp shower?
Are we talking bathtub full of seaweed like a spa treatment? Because then I choose that one.
From Landry to Daniel:
Would you rather have everyone ignore you all day or have to play dodge ball in gym and you’re the only one left on your side?
Playing dodgeball at all is my worst nightmare. Then being the last target for everyone on the other team? No thank you. At least I won’t get hit by fifty-kazillion dodgeballs if everyone ignores me all day.
Be grounded from TV for a month or have no Internet access for a month?
I’d rather be grounded from TV. Pretty much all of my favorite shows are on YouTube now, anyway. My mom doesn’t know that, though, so shhhh! Let’s keep that our little secret.
Favorite model: Kate Moss or Cindy Crawford?
Neither! Girls are gross.
But, if I have to choose… Maybe Cindy Crawford. She has that freckle on her face and it kind of reminds me of a chocolate chip. Chocolate chips are not gross.
Would you rather have to do a speech in front of the class or sing in front of them?
The speech. I’m really good at speeches sometimes, except when the only thing I can think of to say is “armadillo.” When I sing, it sounds like I’m gargling goldfish.
Which TV show would you rather live in: The Simpsons or Family Guy?
Hmm. Homer Simpson eats tons of donuts, and Lisa reminds me of my best friend Annie. Family Guy has a talking dog, and talking dogs are pretty cool. Family Guy also has that crazy baby, Stewie, who would probably try to steal my magic pencil so he could take over the world. Well, not on my watch, punk! I pick The Simpsons.
From S. J. to Krysten:
Would you rather kiss Screech or Urkel?
Urkel. Hands down. Pucker up.
Would you rather live in the Fresh Prince house or the Full House house?
Probably the Fresh Prince one because I wouldn’t have to share a room. Although DJ Tanner and I both had the same George Michael poster.
Would you rather go to the first day of school looking like 80s Madonna or 90s Brittney Spears?
Madonna. Madonna in any decade wins, but particularly the Desperately Seeking Susan time period. I want that whole outfit.
If you were single again, would you rather date George Michael or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Now that is a TOUGH question. I'm not comparing it to a Sophie's Choice decision by any means, but gracious, how does one choose? Does you mean George 2008 tour when he was at his hottest? Or the 1999 bad haircut time? I need to know which period George before I make my decision. But I really want to know how Ronaldo gets his eyebrows so perfect, Ronaldo seems to be the front runner in this competition....it's all so confusing.
From Krysten to Jen:
You get to go back in time and you can either be the girl from My Two Dads or Tiffani Amber Thiessen for the day.
Is this even a question? Tiffani Amber Thiessen.
I don’t remember My Two Dads very well, but I did have a mini-crush on Chad Allen and the cute dad. When I looked at pictures of the cast, I’m feeling ashamed of my ten-year-old self.
Love’s Baby Soft perfume or Electric Youth perfume?
Electric Youth all the way. I used to think the pink spiral thing in the bottle was sooooo cool.
You can be a guest star on either Perfect Strangers or Full House. Which do you prefer?
Oh man! I lovedlovedloved Balki on Perfect Strangers. Favorite show, this one right here.
That said, I was a big fan of Uncle Joey and Uncle Jesse (Haaaave mercy!), and Stephanie had a horse. So I think the choice is clearly Full House. If anyone makes me babysit the kids, though, the deal’s off.
Which Sweet Valley High twin: Elizabeth or Jessica Wakefield?
Confession time: I wasn’t allowed to read Sweet Valley High because they were too racy. I may or may not have snuck some of them anyway (don’t tell my mom!), so I’m gonna go with Elizabeth. Jessica always irritated me.
And last, but certainly not least... Dream date with a New Kid on the Block or chance to star on Saved by the Bell?
Seriously. Do you even have to ask? Saved by the Bell, all day every day.
We want to hear your "Would You Rather...?" answers!
Comment below with your picks!
Best Friends... Forever? (Landry's True Colors Book 2)
Good friends have your back, but some go behind it.
Landry Albright hopes the new year will start off in an amazing way—instead she has to deal with more frenemy issues, boy drama, and having most of her best friends make the cheerleading squad without her. Suddenly, it seems like all anyone can talk about is starting high school next year—something she finds terrifying.
Landry gets her first boyfriend, but then gets dumped just as things come to a head with her friends. She feels lost and left out, but finds good advice about dealing with frenemies from what she considers an unlikely source. Landry faces having to speak up for what’s right, tell the truth (even when it hurts), and how to get past the fear of failure as she gets another shot at competing in the American Ingénue modeling competition.
Landry gets her first boyfriend, but then gets dumped just as things come to a head with her friends. She feels lost and left out, but finds good advice about dealing with frenemies from what she considers an unlikely source. Landry faces having to speak up for what’s right, tell the truth (even when it hurts), and how to get past the fear of failure as she gets another shot at competing in the American Ingénue modeling competition.
Excerpt
“Landry, it’s gotta be so awkward for you to be going to Vladi’s school next year,” Tori said. “I mean, what if you run into him during the tour?"
"It’s a huge place,ʺ Ashanti said. “People break up all the time. It’s not a big deal.ʺ
Tori raised her eyebrows as if to say, “Yeah, right,” and went back to her sandwich. Meanwhile my delicious homemade soup was no longer sitting well. It never occurred to me Vladi might be around during the first pre‑freshman tour. I would be mortified if I ran into him and he was with a girl. Or worse yet, running into him, and he was with Yasmin. Plus, I hadn’t told my mom about the breakup, so if she saw him, she’d probably go over to talk to him. I could already imagine it: “Landry, Vladi’s here! Hon? Why are you hiding behind the garbage can? Your boyfriend, Vladi, is here. Come say, ‘hello.’ Stop trying to run away. Why is everyone laughing and pointing at you and calling you a ‘loser dumpee?’ What does that mean?”
Well, maybe the world would end and I wouldn’t have to deal with high school or Vladi and my mother running into each other.
****
Sadly, the world did not end, and on Thursday, we all had to go to the high school for a freshman information night from 6 to 9 p.m.
"It’s a huge place,ʺ Ashanti said. “People break up all the time. It’s not a big deal.ʺ
Tori raised her eyebrows as if to say, “Yeah, right,” and went back to her sandwich. Meanwhile my delicious homemade soup was no longer sitting well. It never occurred to me Vladi might be around during the first pre‑freshman tour. I would be mortified if I ran into him and he was with a girl. Or worse yet, running into him, and he was with Yasmin. Plus, I hadn’t told my mom about the breakup, so if she saw him, she’d probably go over to talk to him. I could already imagine it: “Landry, Vladi’s here! Hon? Why are you hiding behind the garbage can? Your boyfriend, Vladi, is here. Come say, ‘hello.’ Stop trying to run away. Why is everyone laughing and pointing at you and calling you a ‘loser dumpee?’ What does that mean?”
Well, maybe the world would end and I wouldn’t have to deal with high school or Vladi and my mother running into each other.
****
Sadly, the world did not end, and on Thursday, we all had to go to the high school for a freshman information night from 6 to 9 p.m.
Get the Book
Meet Krysten
Krysten Lindsay Hager is the author of the Landry’s True Colors Series, a clean reads young adult series. Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image in both True Colors and Best Friends…Forever?
Krysten is an Amazon international bestselling author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Krysten is an Amazon international bestselling author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
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