Cover Reveal: The New Guy by Amy Spalding

I adore Amy Spalding. It’s that simple, really. She’s one of my favourite writers, one of my favourite humans, and one of my favourite friends. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was asked to help reveal the cover of Amy’s forthcoming 2016 release, The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions). Having read Kissing Ted Callahan earlier this year and fallen head over heels for the novel’s pitch-perfect narrative voice, sparkling dialogue and extensive character agency, I’ve been counting the minutes until Amy’s next release. Thankfully, The New Guy sounds like it’s worth every ounce of that anticipation and more. Please read on to find an exclusive interview with the author as well as the exciting cover reveal for what promises to be one of 2016’s most irresistible contemporary romances!

1. If you could describe your novel, The New Guy, in only five words, what would they be?
Rivalry, dogs, donuts, friendship, kissing!

2. What inspired you to write this particular story?
After writing the rock-star-to-be Riley in Kissing Ted Callahan, I liked the idea of writing someone who had more immediate and specific goals. I also thought about all the great romcoms that have an antagonistic edge to them – like a You’ve Got Mail – and loved the challenge of doing MY version of a story like that. I really love writing romantic comedies but I always want to make them different from the last one.

3. How does The New Guy differ from your previous three novels?
I loved writing someone so Type A and demanding like Jules. None of my main characters have been particularly chill, but Jules is by far the least. She expects a lot out of others, and even more out of herself. So much of Jules’ struggles are self-inflicted, but she takes everything so seriously that she could never see that. It was a blast writing about the kind of girl who really has the skills to change the world for the better someday, but also would get worked up over what others may see as a very, very small complication. Also, there are way more cute dogs in this book than any other I’ve written!

4. Tell us a little more about your writing process. Do you have a particular routine? Is there a time of day or writing space in which you best like to work?
I have no routine to begin with, and then for every book it’s different. Since I have a full time job that isn’t writing (and also, obviously, a full time job that IS writing), I have to take time where I can get it. When I’m in THE ZONE I can just about write anywhere/any time. And this is good, because when life is busy, I’m stealing pockets of ten minutes here, twenty minutes there, etc. When I am NOT in THE ZONE and feeling less inspired, I tend to schedule long blocks of time at coffeeshops where I can’t be distracted by pets and Netflix and my bookshelves full of finished books written by smarter people beckoning to be read. I also have learned to be gentle with myself, and when I’m not feeling it, even if I’m dealing with a deadline, I let myself do that other stuff instead. I watch TV, pet my cats, read a book I’ve been dying to devour. And then I’m mentally rested and much readier to get back to my work.

5. Do you like to listen to music when you write? If so, is there a song or songs you feel best capture the mood and feeling of The New Guy?
I basically wrote and revised much of The New Guy while listening to Taylor Swift’s 1989. As another ambitious blonde smart girl, there is no doubt in my mind that Jules would admire the heck out of Taylor Swift, and feel like she’d really understand boy issues in a way not everyone would. So when the book comes out next year, please feel free to listen to the record while reading the book, everyone!

6. In The New Guy, the protagonist, Jules McCallister-Morgan, appears to fall for Alex Powell from the boy band, Chaos 4 All. Did you have any famous crushes growing up?
Yes but I am worried it might be a curse to have been liked by me as a tween. Kirk Cameron turned out to be a hateful religious meanie. River Phoenix died! Corey Haim also died! Johnny Depp is apparently now morphed full-time into an affected British pirate.

About Amy Spalding

Amy Spalding grew up in St. Louis, but now lives in the better weather of Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University, an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School, and currently manages digital media planning for an advertising agency specializing in indie film. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and can be seen performing around L.A. Amy is also the author of Kissing Ted Callahan (and Other Guys), The Reece Malcolm List, and Ink Is Thicker than Water.

Author Links: Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads

Title The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)
Author Amy Spalding
Pages N/A
Genre Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Publisher Poppy
To Be Published April 5, 2016
Find It On Goodreads

A ridiculously cute, formerly famous, new guy dropping into your life? It’s practically every girl’s dream.

But not Jules McCallister-Morgan’s.

I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn’t get to be the editor of my school’s long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year — early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college — and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to “live a little,” or boys. 

At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.

And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.

I know what you’re thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don’t understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I’m not going down without a fight.

* Okay, I sort of did. But it’s a sore subject.

** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell was famous.

*** Some people think I’m overreacting. But this. Means. War.

Filled with tons of romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that’s sure to have you falling for The New Guy.