Tag Archives: substance abuse

Wake Up America

Young adult author Stacy Padula says, “Schools need to wake up and realize that in a world where 13 year olds are overdosing on heroin, a book that educates kids on the perils of opiate addiction would be a GOOD THING to make them read, preferably at age 11 or 12.” How many opioid relatedContinue reading “Wake Up America”

It Begs the Question – Can Faith & Reason Co-exist?

Can faith and reason co-exist? Every day, teenagers are faced with difficult situations that challenge their faith and moral compass. The Aftermath follows a group of students from Montgomery Lake High School, specifically Jason Davids and Jessie Robins. At age fifteen, Jason appears to have it all together: high grades, popular friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and any drug that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After attempting to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie, a quiet and rather plain girl, who is the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything Jason opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along?

Q&A with Stacy Padula on Writing Part 2

In preparation for an upcoming interview with Doug Llewelyn – Why do you feel your books are necessary for young adults to read? My books share the raw truth about opioid addiction, as well as other substances, in a realistic and relatable way. Drugs pose an empty promise for fulfillment, which often leads to self-destruction and hurts many others in the process. I want to help kids avoid the heartache that goes along with substance abuse and find positive/beneficial outlets for their energy. There is an immense amount of social pressure on teens today. Between social media and technology, they are constantly connected and can easily lose touch with themselves. They face enormous pressure to fit in with their peers and often lose themselves in the process…

New Video: “The Right Person” by Stacy Padula (Montgomery Lake High #1)

Friday night–a night that marks the beginning of the weekend and the long awaited break from the monotonous daily grind of high school–is otherwise known as a night to party. Chris Dunkin and his friends have been involved in the party scene since middle school, and at the start of their high school careers, they have no intention of stopping. At first, this particular night appears to be no different. However, Chris is struggling to maintain his “bad-boy” reputation once he begins to realize how damaging his lifestyle is to not only himself, but also the people around him. Courtney, the Mayor’s daughter, has always avoided the party scene, but her desire to rebel is growing, as she becomes infatuated with Chris and his friend’s reckless lifestyle. On this seemingly normal Friday night, an important choice must be made: one that could change the course of someone’s life forever.

Holiday Sale!

From now until New Years Day, all Kindle editions of the “Montgomery Lake High” book series will be on sale for $2.99! These can be read on all iPhone, iPad, and Android devices with the free Kindle App.  Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a blessed 2017!

April Special!

   The Kindle version of “The Aftermath” is on sale this week for only $3.99! Click here to purchase at a discount or start reading a sample for free.  Fun Fact:  Switchfoot lyrics were a huge inspiration to the plot of this story.  Synopsis:  For the past two years, Jason Davids has lived a charmed life.Continue reading “April Special!”

Review of When Darkness Tries to Hide by Stacy A. Padula

Kids have a lot of questions… that is no secret! But someone has a haunting secret (and plethora of questions) bound within the pages of When Darkness Tries to Hide by Stacy Padula.

A Review of “The Forces Within” by Stacy Padula

Stacy Padula Selected as 1 out of 5,000 by Publisher

Tonight, I am feeling very thankful and honored to be 1 of the 4 authors selected, out of 5,000, to be featured on the home page of my publisher’s website. To be chosen as a face of the company that has helped so many authors make their dreams come true and to know that the team you work with believes in you/your mission is incredible.

Fight Against Teen Drug Abuse

After working closely with teenagers for many years, I saw an urgent need for realistic young adult books. With teenage suicide, drug abuse, and bullying on the rise, I knew something had to be done to help teens realize their worth. Teenagers have far too much value—each and every one of them—to throw themselves into the downward spiral of substance abuse. Through the eyes of a variety of characters, my books share valuable life-lessons that point teenagers towards success and fulfillment. It is my hope that these books will help teenagers overcome the harsh battle between gaining social acceptance and being true to their own convictions.

The Aftermath: Chapters 2 – 4 (Reading of the Week)

Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of “The Aftermath” (2013)

A Prisoner’s Review: The Forces Within

My latest book “The Forces Within” was read this month by an inmate in an Atlanta prison. He was kind enough to write a review, and the chaplain shared it with a network of authors who sent it to me. I wish I knew more about the man’s story who wrote this… The Forces WithinContinue reading “A Prisoner’s Review: The Forces Within”

Thank you!

I just wanted to send out a special thank you to everyone who tuned in to WATD this morning and listened to my interview. It is always such a pleasure to share about my passion for helping the youth rise above social issues and find positive and fulfilling paths for their lives! Congratulations to MaryContinue reading “Thank you!”

A Mission to Fight Against Teen Drug Abuse

“After working closely with teenagers for many years, I saw an urgent need for realistic young adult books. With teenage suicide, drug abuse, and bullying on the rise, I knew something had to be done to help teens realize their worth. Teenagers have far too much value-each and every one of them-to throw themselves intoContinue reading “A Mission to Fight Against Teen Drug Abuse”

Official Release of “The Aftermath”

On sale today at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com The Aftermath follows Jason Davids’ journey of self-discovery, as he tries to overcome a destructive lifestyle. Jason, a high school freshman, has been caught up in drug use for the past two years. After a natural disaster strikes his town and lands one of his classmates in a coma,Continue reading “Official Release of “The Aftermath””

Back Cover Write-up: The Aftermath

The Aftermath follows Jason Davids’ journey of self-discovery, as he tries to overcome a destructive lifestyle. Jason, a high school freshman, has been caught up in drug use for the past two years. After a natural disaster strikes his town and lands one of his classmates in a coma, Jason feels responsible for the tragedy,Continue reading “Back Cover Write-up: The Aftermath”

Teen Realistic Fiction Book that Deals with Substance Abuse & Recovery – Coming fall 2013

Below is a preview of “The Aftermath” – to be released this fall: Prologue Jason Davids glanced at his bedroom clock. Seven nineteen. Twenty-four hours had passed since one of the darkest moments of his life. He sighed and fell back on his unmade bed. He curled into the fetal position and tried with allContinue reading “Teen Realistic Fiction Book that Deals with Substance Abuse & Recovery – Coming fall 2013”

Join us in the fight against teen substance abuse and bullying!

Brought to you by the Montgomery Lake High book series in partnership with Green Nation, Boston Bruins Nation, Patriots Nation, Boston Sports Memorabilia, and New England Social Network Advertising. Promotion running until 11:59pm on 5/27/12. Plain text: Here’s the deal… Teen drug abuse is on the rise—especially in the Boston area.  So…We are on a mission to reachContinue reading “Join us in the fight against teen substance abuse and bullying!”

Help Fight Teen Drug Abuse & Bullying: Spread the Word!

Brought to you by the Montgomery Lake High book series in partnership with Green Nation, Boston Bruins Nation, Patriots Nation, Boston Sports Memorabilia, and New England Social Network Advertising. Promotion running until 5/25/12.