TOUCHING THE SURFACE by Kimberly Sabatini

Way back when being an author seemed like an impossible dream (January 2009), I ventured to NYC to attend the winter SCBWI conference.  My first day there I participated in the novel intensive, where we were seated at tables of about 9 authors with 1 agent or publisher.  As we each took turns reading our first few pages aloud, one opening took my breath away.  The writing was beautiful; the story compelling.  I admit I was a little jealous.  But mostly, I was in awe because I knew I was meeting a person who would undoubtedly be published one day.  To my great delight, this author was as sweet as she was talented, and she went out of her way to befriend me and invite me out with her group that evening.  This author was none other than Kimberly Sabatini.

(That's us there in the middle.)

When I went back home, Kimberly served as my very first critique partner.  She let me bounce ideas off of her and answered my late-night e-mails.  She was a champion for Destined when I decided to self-publish it, even taking a copy to her dance studio and making sure everyone knew about it.  So I couldn't be happier to tell you that her debut novel, TOUCHING THE SURFACE, celebrates it's book birthday TODAY.

So without further ado, I give you, TOUCHING THE SURFACE!

Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring.When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right.

Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

Kimberly was nice enough to answer a few short questions for me too - even though Simon Pulse has her loaded to the gills with pre-launch activities, I'm sure!

Name three reasons readers are going to love Elliot. #1 She's a little snarky and less than perfect. #2 She loves pizza--yum! And #3 she learns that there is a difference between flying away and taking flight. <3 span="span">

If you could pick an actress to play Elliot, who would it be? I'd totally pick Ellen Page. If you want a sneak peek, here is my TOUCHING THE SURFACE Pinterest Board. https://pinterest.com/kimsabatini/touching-the-surface/

I know it's hard to compartmentalize your story, but the synopsis says it's paranormal.  When I read it (long ago), it felt more like a contemporary.  How do you feel the story reads? I consider SURFACE an accidental paranormal LOL! In my mind it's a contemporary, that by circumstance, has a little zing. 

Readers who loved _______________ will love Touching the Surface. IF I STAY by Gayle Forman and BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver.

 What song best represents Touching the Surface? LITTLE BIRD by Annie Lennox

What's the last book you read for fun? I just got done with MIND GAMES by Kiersten White--it was fabulous!

I just re-read Touching the Surface again and I loved it SO MUCH.  I hope you'll check it out too. But before you go, tell me why you want to read TTS in the comments (with your e-mail addy) to be entered to WIN an awesome swag pack.  (Similar to this, but minus the book - you'll have to get your own copy because I'm not sharing mine!)