The cool Hal Eisenberg is here today to tell us more about his novel Overnight Sensation. You can check out my review of this fun book. Since music is a central element to this novel, he's also talking about music too. Plus, he's got a nice giveaway for you guys today. So, join me in welcoming Hal Eisenberg to Thoughts At One In The Morning!
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T@1AM: Where did you first come up with the idea for this story?
Hal: I started writing Overnight Sensation about seven years ago. I’ve always been fascinated by one-hit-wonder groups. You know, those bands or solo artists that top the charts with a mega hit and then completely disappear for whatever reason. In addition, I’ve always been a huge fan of the ‘70s rock era and have played in bands for years, so the idea for Jonah’s dad sort of evolved from those experiences. As to Jonah’s dad’s career debacle, this idea actually sprung from a real life experience of someone close to me who played in bands as well. Some of the other ideas came from the world’s seemingly endless fascination with fame and in particular, sudden fame from shows like American Idol and The Voice, as well as instant YouTube created stars. I wondered, what would happen if that sudden fame wasn’t really deserved? What would you do if you suddenly became famous for talents that weren’t really yours? Would you try to hold on to that fame? Or, would you come admit that you didn’t deserve it?
T@1AM: Overnight Sensation focuses on music from the seventies. What are your favorite songs from that decade?
Hal: Wow, that’s a tough question because there are so many. However -‐ since you asked, here’s a few: Sister Golden Hair by America, Cut The Cake by the Average White Band, Sail On Sailor by the Beach Boys, Down On My Knees by Bread, Helen Wheels by Paul McCartney (and everything else by Macca), Nobody Knows by the Raspberries (love this band!), Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly and the Family Stone (yes, that’s how it’s really spelled), My Old School by Steely Dan, Out In The Country by Three Dog Night, Couldn’t I Just Tell You by Todd Rundgren, Say Goodbye To Hollywood by Billy Joel... I could fill this entire blog, so I’ll stop here! Many of my faves are from well known artists, but the songs might not have been top ten hits. If you’re a fan of ‘70s music and you’ve not heard some of these, I urge you to Google/YouTube them and send me a list of your faves as well to my website (www.hal-eisenberg.com)!
T@1AM: Do you have any other stories in the works? What can you tell us about them?
Hal: Yes I do! And this time, the protagonist is girl :) Here’s the premise: After 16 year-‐old Casey discovers her grandfather murdered at his landscape business, she begins uncovering clues leading to his killers, as well as the fact that he wasn’t her real grandfather, and how a box of old love letters, a ‘60s rock star, and a cache of stolen Russian diamonds may all be involved. The tentative title: Number One, With a Bullet. You knew there had to be rock and roll involved in some way...
T@1AM: The song that is the focal point of the story, "Every Little Bit Hurts", is not only a real song, but also part of a contest. Tell us about it!
Hal: First of all, thanks for the compliment on the song in your review! And let me just add, I had nothing to do with it! When I began writing the book, I had this song in my head and yes, it’s a real song entitled, Every Little Bit Hurts, written and recorded by some friends of mine in a band called the Raves. I’ve always thought it should have been a hit, so, I decided to take matters in my own hands and make it the song Jonah’s dad’s band records in their basement that creates all the buzz. For the contest on my website, I’m inviting teen bands or solo acts to record their own take on the song, and download it to the site. Anyone who does this is going to receive a signed copy of the book along with some great swag like guitar pics and book marks and in addition, I’m working on some other cool prizes to give away like music store gift certificates. It’s a great way for upcoming teen bands to showcase their talent as well as a fun way to promote the book. I’ll also be having local teen bands perform at some of my book signings around the country. You don't need any fancy equipment, just your talent and computer or cell phone will work! In fact recently, I had a submission from a band that I’ll be posting on my site soon – it’s a really cool version!
Thanks for reading this and a HUGE thank you to Jessica for my interview!
Thank you Hal for coming by and for the generous giveaway!
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Hal EisenbergFifteen year-old Jonah Levine is practically invisible at Applecrest High. His Facebook page is pathetic, his baseball skills are mediocre at best, and his IQ seems to drop 50 points when talking to girls. But everything changes when his rock band, Hitstreak, becomes the hottest teen sensation in the country. And now they’re about to perform in front of 15,000 screaming fans.
So why isn’t he jumping for joy?
Well, for starters, that hit on the radio wasn’t really recorded by his band. In fact, six months ago, he and his friends could barely play a note between them. And now they’re about to perform in front of 15,000 screaming fans. What begins as a mindless prank quickly spins out of control, involving his father’s secret past as a 70’s rocker, a high school bully who wants in on the action, and a powerful, ruthless, media mogul who will stop at nothing to claim the band as his own. Will Jonah prevail? Or will he and his band go down in flames and become the biggest farce in pop music history?
Add it on ~Goodreads~
Buy it on ~Amazon~ and ~Barnes & Noble~
Watch the book trailer...
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GIVEAWAY!!!
Hal has generously offered an awesome giveaway prize for you guys... Here's a picture:
This is what you will receive if you win: one signed copy of the book, four signed book marks, and 3 pearlized, colored guitar pics.
Doesn't that sound like an amazing prize? I thought so. ;)
Rules:
1. You must be a follower.
2. You must be over 15 years old.
3. This is for US/CAN residents ONLY.
4. You can earn an extra entry by answering the question provided on Rafflecopter in the comments below.
4. This contest runs from September 26th to October 3rd.
6. Winner will be selected on October 4th and notified via blog post announcement and email.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you so much for reading, following, and entering!
