We have a lot of fantastic authors at OneFour KidLit and are excited to introduce them all to you. One author, four questions. Today we’re talking to Bethany Crandell, YA author of SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS.
What’s your debut book about?
Here’s the Goodreads synopsis: Spoiled, Versace-clad Cricket Montgomery has seventeen years of pampering under her belt. So when her father decides to ship her off to a summer camp for disabled teens to help her learn some accountability, Cricket resigns herself to three weeks of handicapped hell.
Her sentence takes a bearable turn as she discovers the humor and likeability of the campers and grows close to fellow counselors. Now, if she can just convince a certain Zac Efron look-alike with amazing blue eyes that she finally realizes there’s life after Gucci, this summer could turn out to be the best she’s ever had.
Can you share any cool details with us?
No way! You have to read for all the juicy tidbits. I can tell you though, that it’s highly irreverent and painfully honest. Chances are you’ll feel a little uncomfortable at certain points, but you’ll hear yourself laughing none the less.
What do you do in your daily life outside of writing?
I watch a lot of TV, eat more guacamole than is healthy, and complain about things. My most recent gripe is that my favorite grocery store is closing. It may seem insignificant, but I’m all about routine. Dropping me into an unfamiliar place with an empty cart and a self-imposed, 45 minute or less deadline, is my own personal purgatory.
What are you most excited about in the debut process?
It’s probably cliché, but walking into the book store and seeing my little book on the shelf. That’s going to be pretty exciting—and overwhelming.
What inspires you to write?
A better question would be what doesn’t inspire me to write. My two girls are the obvious go-to, but my husband, my spatially-challenged dog, my boss, the homeless dude by the 7-Eleven, a jaw-dropping sunrise, or bowl of guacamole…I find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. The key is using it for got instead of evil…
 Bethany Crandell and her husband Terry live in San Diego with their two daughters and a chocolate Labrador who has no consideration for personal space. She writes Young Adult novels because the feelings that come with life’s ‘first’ times are too good not to relive again and again. SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS is coming spring 2014 from Running Press. |
Bethany – I think it’s so hard to write about sensitive subjects with the right mix of humor/reverence/reality so kudos to you for handling a sensitive topic! The book sounds awesome. Oh, and totally down with the angst of favorite grocery store closing!! That is significant!
Hi Robin! *waves* I have a 7 year-old with cerebral palsy so I’ve heard/seen/thought it all myself. I figured if I couldn’t tackle this subject–nobody could
Oh, and so glad to know I’m not the only grocery store freak out there. I actually find myself getting a teensy bit antsy on Friday nights, knowing that Saturday morning the unfamiliar aisles await me. *nibbles nails*
Ditto Robin – I’m so, so excited to read this book, Bethany! (And guacamole is the food equivalent of Aztec gold.)
Hi Robin. YAY! I hope you enjoy it. As far as Aztec gold…that’s a brand of tequila, right?! To add to the margarita that’s usually paired with the guac???…
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I first saw it announced! And I’d probably be lost without my familiar grocery store – I tried another one once and it just wasn’t the same.
Aw. Thanks, Jennifer! I’m actually blushing right now. That’s just the nicest thing to say. I hope the Short Bus takes you for a fun ride.
YAY! I cannot wait for the masses to read this book! Honestly, it’s one of my favorite reads of all time
Oh, and I totally agree about the grocery store thing. When hubby and I first moved into our house, I actually drove a half an hour to our old grocery store 
Hi sugar plum!! *tackles you*
Coming from a talented girl like you, this compliment means more than you will ever know.
Thankfully, some of the refugee employees from my favorite grocery have been moved to the new one. We commiserate together–over spills in aisle 9.
I cannot, I repeat, CANNOT wait for SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS to be in my hot little hands and then sitting proudly on my shelf. As for the grocery store? We are totally on the same level. I absolutely HATEZ when my routine is messed up.
Maniscalco love. THAT is as good as it gets
This book is as snarky, witty, and wonderful as the lovely lady who wrote it! I read it in ONE day. I never do that!!! I can’t wait for the world to gobble this gem down. Great interview, Rookie! <3
ONE day?! Hmm…Not sure that’s accurate, but who am I to complain?!
I love you, dolly doo right.
It WAS one day! Remember? We had that power outage and since I couldn’t write on my WiP, I sat outside on my porch swing and read it all! And it was amazeballs!
I’ve been looking forward to this book for ages! Ages!
Aw shucks. *blushes* I will have to put you first on the WrAHM ARC list
Can’t wait for this book!
Reblogged this on Angela Francis and commented:
I am so excited about this book!
You’re so cute, honey pie!! Thank you
This books sounds amazing. I love YA Contemporary and what an interesting subject. Can’t wait for it to come out!
Katherine, will you go to the grocery store with me?! You are so good at making everything sound exciting!! Thank you
You already know that I’m obsessed with your charisma and your writing, especially your unique and witty voice. You have such a talent, and I’m proud to share an agent with you! Counting the days until I can delve into this book!
Whatever you charge for your over-the-top PR love…I’ll pay! You are the BEST. Thanks for all the lovin’ pal!
This is one of my favorite books I’ve read of author friends I know. I love this story. It rang straight through me, I guess because I’m a special needs mom. It’s so funny, but pulls at your heart at the same time. Masterful, girl. That’s all I can say.
Aw…I’m all weepy. Thank you, Suz.
SO EXCITED for this book to rock the world! It definitely rocked mine. <3 Such an important, powerful, amazing, and – through it all – hilarious read.
Thank you, baby H. I still have the email you sent me with your comments after reading. I blush every time I read it
I can’t wait to read it! And I love your hair, too! (Had to throw that in) =)
oooh, good point, Viv. I should have pointed out that in order to purchase The Short Bus you will be required to profess your follicular love and acceptance to me.
HA! My follicles will never be as gorgeous, but I’ll try.
I will read your book while eating guacamole. In your honor. I’ll try not to snort laugh it out of my nose. (ewwwwww!)