What’s on my iPod: “Momentum” by The Hush Sound
What I’m reading: Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close
The last person I followed on Twitter: @b4thetrailer

1. Elise Allen on RT Book Reviews

Elise Allen had an amazing post on RT Book Reviews this past week. The post is about Elise’s experience with the Popularity Tower.

Here is an excerpt from the guest post:

I remember the exact moment I recognized the Popularity Tower. I was in sixth grade at a brand new school. I wore too-tight Healthtex turtlenecks, oversized glasses, braces that always had something stuck in them, and I was so desperate for friends I gave up my Capri-Sun juice sack every day to two girls just so they’d pay attention to me for the two seconds it took them to ask.

One morning before class, I was at my desk bent over something I was very involved in writing… which I’m fairly certain was indecipherable gibberish. I don’t remember what made me look up, but when I did, I saw a gleaming foursome at the front of the room. None of them was older than twelve, but to me these prepubescent glowed like Greek gods. They stood in couples: Feather Farr and Ron Ashland; Mina Fisher and Jack Balder. Every one of them was blonde and gorgeous.

2. AGORAPHOBICS IN LOVE on Digital Book Today

Lisa Tucker‘s new short story AGORAPHOBICS IN LOVE was featured on Digital Book Today: “Agoraphobics in Love is witty, wistful, and deeply moving.”

More about AGORAPHOBICS IN LOVE

After the accidental death of her parents, Emily retreated to their home, where she freelances for an online greeting card company and tries to come up with words for feelings she can no longer feel. Jules climbed his way up to creative director of an advertising agency; he had power, a girlfriend, and a great apartment in New York, when he started having the panic attacks that would leave him in a tiny sublet, unemployed and alone. But when Emily and Jules both join an online board for agoraphobics, what begins as friendship quickly develops into something much more. Now if only they can find the courage to leave their “safety zones” and actually meet for the first time…

Witty, wistful, and deeply moving, “Agoraphobics in Love” is an O. Henry story for the twenty-first century. In sparkling prose, Lisa Tucker perfectly captures the miracle of two lonely people finding each other—and finding their way back to life.

Buy the short story for just $.99.

3. Allie Larkin on Channel 12 in New Jersey

Allie Larkin author of STAY was on Channel 12 News in New Jersey this week talking about her novel.

More about STAY

Savannah “Van” Leone has loved Peter since the day they met. The problem is, Peter has loved Van’s best friend, Janie, since the moment they met. And now they’re walking down the aisle, with Van standing nearby in a Halloween orange bridesmaid dress, her smile as hollow as a jack-o-lantern. After the wedding, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool Aid-vodka cocktails and reruns of Rin-Tin-Tin, and does what any woman in her situation would do: She buys a German Shepherd over the internet.

The pocket-sized puppy Van is expecting turns out to be a clumsy, hundred-pound beast that only responds to Slovakian. Van is at the end of her rope—until she realizes that this quirky giant may be the only living being who will always be loyal to her, no matter what. And thus begins a friendship that will alter Van’s life in ways she never imagined.

Joe leads Van to Dr. Alex Brandt, a rugged vet with floppy blond hair and winning smile. But just as things are starting to heat up, the newlyweds return from their honeymoon, forcing Van to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to have everything she ever wanted. Warm and witty, poignant and funny, Stay marks the arrival of an irresistible new voice.

4. Andrea Bonior in COSMO/ivillage/Psychology Today/TBD

Dr. Andrea Bonior had another great week! She was featured on COSMO, iVillage, Psychology Today and TBD.

Check out the September issue of COSMO on stands now for a great article featuring Andrea talking about whether you should try to like your husband’s friends.

On iVillage, she is talking about how to raise kids in an interfaith marriage.

On Psychology Today, Andrea is discussing things you should never say to a grieving friend.

And lastly, on TBD, Andrea is talking about sending kids to college.

5. Auryn Apps on AppCrazed

Hurray for Pre-K! is featured on AppCrazed.

More about Hurray for Pre-K

Hurray for Pre-K! is part of the Auracle series from Auryn. The app is based on the print edition book “Hurray for Pre-K!” written and photographed by Ellen B. Senisi. The title introduces preschoolers to an exciting peek at a Pre-K day and is a great way for parents to help reduce child anxiety about preschool.