Limelights Sneak Peek

In the new Limelights series, Orca Book Publishers presents novels about the performing arts for ages 11 to 14. Singing, acting, directing, dancing – this series promises to enlighten and entertain teens who love performance.

I’m pleased to be publishing one of the first three novels in the series with Robin Stevenson and Tom Ryan in Fall 2013. Here’s a sneak peek:

Attitude by Robin Stevenson

There’s more to ballet than pink pointe shoes and tutus.

Cassie just wants to dance, but the atmosphere at her summer intensive at a prestigious ballet school is much more competitive – and nasty – than she’s used to. Not wanting to put a target on her own back, Cassie keeps her head down and concentrates on her dancing. But when she sees real harm being done to the other visiting summer students, she finally speaks out – and finds out just how far some girls will go to succeed.

Cut the Lights by Karen Krossing

Is the play cursed or is Briar just a lousy director?

Briar may have a vision for the one-act play she’s been chosen to direct at her performing arts high school, but nobody seems to share it. Not her cast, not her crew, not even her best friend, who wrote the play. As Briar struggles to motivate her cast and crew, she learns some important truths about the fine art of directing – and about herself.

Totally Unrelated by Tom Ryan

When you step into the spotlight, you have to expect some heat.

Neil plays guitar with his family’s band, the Family McClintock, even though he can’t stand Celtic music and he isn’t as talented as the rest of the family. Or is he? When his buddy Bert convinces him to form a rock band and enter a local talent show, Neil’s playing improves. Everyone notices, including a girl who shares his musical interests. After years of standing at the back of the stage, Neil realizes that he might have what it takes to step into the spotlight.