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Welcome, Josh! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Outsiders, friendship, murder, deafness, sarcasm.
Wow! Sounds great. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
I wanted to create a hearing person who communicated well with my deaf main character (Will) and I hit upon the idea of a computer-loving classmate who could chat with Will online, text with him, etc. But I didn't want the entire book to be filled with ungrammatical chat lingo so I thought, what if this kid uses perfect grammar online? What kind of high school student would that be? This one detail, combined with my plot needs, made Devon Smiley spring to life. He's very much a dork (proudly so!) who uses perfect grammar, reads the Hardy Boys even though he's far too old for it, and sports an uncool ponytail. He immediately felt very real to me and he has a lot of the funniest lines in the book. He also has a good heart and that ponytail is actually sort of awesome.
He sounds fun! Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Josh?
I live in Allentown Pennsylvania, which is even more beautiful than everyone says. I didn't study writing in college, except for a class on journalism which I hated. After college I ended up working at a library and, oddly enough, freelancing for a newspaper. It was fun newspaper writing though -- not the sort of journalism I hated. It was movie reviews and comedy essays and it helped me develop my voice and confidence. Then I went to library school and took a course in YA that opened my eyes to the genre (and alerted me to the fact that some of my "adult novels in the drawer" would be better fits as YA). So then I started re-writing them, writing some new ones, and about my third attempt of writing a YA novel became HAMBURGER HALPIN, my debut book! I still work at the library. It's not as quiet there as you think.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I have been constantly and happily surprised by how supportive and wonderful other authors are! Everyone has been very kind and generous with their advice. It's been wonderful. There's no competitiveness or jealousy. Well, sometimes I get jealous of Rachel Hawkins and then I yell "Haaaaaaawkins!" But besides that, we all cheer for one another as hard as we can.
Oh, I totally agree (about the support, I mean. I don't often yell Haaaawkins!) What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read! I think it's best to read widely in your genre and to read at least one "how to write a novel" book. I don't think you need to go crazy with writing classes and how-to books. Just find one good one to help you with structure and nuts-and-bolts stuff and then go straight to the source and read as many books by as many wildly different authors you can find in your genre. (And if you need suggestions, ask a librarian.) Then just keep writing! Writing is a skill that can be honed, and you need to understand that. But it's not all super-serious business. Have fun with it. I guess that was four pieces of advice! Here's one more! Get a good editor to keep you from being overly wordy :)
Great advice, Josh. Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I'm working on my second YA book for Knopf, hopefully to come out in spring 2011. It's not at all a sequel to HAMBURGER HALPIN, but it's similar in that it is a funny book with a high school guy narrator who gets swept up in a mystery at his school.
Cool! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I definitely wrote some dramatic and emotional high school poems. I think one was called "Screw You, Happy People of the World." Then I had a great high school English teacher (Hi, Mr. Shosh!) who taught a creative writing class I really enjoyed. He encouraged me to write funny stories if that's what I felt like doing (I wasn't always so angsty as that poem implies) and he also helped me understand a lot of the craft behind writing. And I was in a punk rock band in high school that led to a lot of time writing song lyrics, most of which had titles I shouldn't repeat. I've always been a writer in one way or another I guess!
Oh, I definitely think you should hold onto that "Screw You, Happy People of the World" title. Maybe even post that one on your blog! What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I'm happy to report that it was a book by one of my buds from the Tenners. Emily Horner's A LOVE STORY STARRING MY DEAD BEST FRIEND is everything I want my fiction to be: unique, real, surprising, touching, and more than a little hilarious. I could go on with a million more adjectives. It's a beautiful book that I think will be read for years and years and years.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: www.joshberkbooks.com, My Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshberkbooks, My Twitter: http://twitter.com/joshberkbooks, My LiveJournal: www.jberkj.livejournal.com
Thanks so much for stopping by, Josh! And for my readers, if you want to pick up your own copy of THE DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN, you can find it on Amazon or at your local independent retailer.
- Mood:
chipper
2. My dance troupe has a possible upcoming gig in Sri Lanka next month. I don't know anything about Sri Lanka, other than it's very close to India. I have always wanted to see the world, but wow, that's soon! Anyone have any experience/input to offer?
3. I've read a few books that fall under the "comedy" heading, and I always find them cute, but never actually hilarious. Well, recently I've been reading E. Lockhart's 3rd Ruby Oliver book, THE TREASURE MAP OF BOYS. Actually, I've been listening to the audiobook version of it. I usually listen to audiobooks in the wee hours of the morning when I can't sleep or at the gym, but this one has seriously been making me LOL - Poncho Poncho Poncho - so loudly that I can't do either! Now this is what I'm wondering - with the first two Ruby Oliver books, I read the book version and honestly, didn't find them as funny. Was TREASURE MAP much, much funnier, or is it worth getting the first two in audiobook version?
4. With my new cover for LOSING FAITH out in the wild, I'm thinking a little about swag. I'd love some opinions - what's your favorite swag, as either a fellow author or a reader on the receiving end? I've heard that bookmarks and postcards are a must for distributing to booksellers, librarians, and readers, but I've seen other things too like locker posters, mouse pads, and lip gloss. What would you like to receive? Or if you're an author who has sent out some type of swag, what do you feel has been money well spent?
Sorry for all the questions today, but my inquiring mind wants to know. Have a great weekend, everybody!
1. Comparing my road to publication with other authors.
2. Deciding that this particular place in my manuscript doesn't really NEED a metaphor.
3. Taking a week off of dance classes to stay home and eat chocolate.
Here are a few things that don't come as easily, but I'm kind of glad they don't. They leave me with a true sense of accomplishment:
1. Giving everything I've got through a grueling four-hour drill of all the most difficult dance steps I know.
2. Walking around my house, crunching carrots, and staring out windows until I come up with an amazing metaphor. Then tweaking it to make it into pure awsomeness.
3. Reading an exceptional book and, rather than closing it and wallowing in self-pity, deciding to let it inspire me.
A couple of things have helped me change my outlook this past week. First, I've been reading a book by Laura Ruby called BAD APPLE. If you haven't had the opportunity to read anything written by Laura Ruby, I highly recommend it (or read on to find out how you can get one of her books - for free).
When I look through my own works in progress, I sometimes see one sentence per chapter that I'm extremely happy with. Once in a while, if I was really "on" with my writing that day, I'll see one per page. Laura Ruby has more "on" sentences--those perfect turns of phrase--than I can even count on each of her pages.
My first reaction was to say, "I could never write this well," which of course shows me that I have learned NOTHING since reading and being inspired by WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson last fall. But...my second thought was that yes, I can write this well. If I can do it for one sentence per chapter or per page, I could do it more. It would just take more time and effort. Probably much more
To seal this wonderful revelation in my brain, I had a dance practice last Sunday. At the end of each month, my dance group gets together for a four-hour drill of all our basics, which we call "Studio Sunday". If our teacher was anyone else, many of us dancers would likely slack off and just do what is required to get through the work with as little sweat as possible. But our teacher is especially gifted in pulling the best out of us and inspiring us to be the very best that we can be. (Thanks, Paul!)
After a full day and about a bucket full of sweat, I came home with a new attitude about my writing. I've decided that no matter how many times I hear other authors putting out their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th books within months of the last one, I will not be in a rush. I'm willing to work hard. Harder than hard. I want to make my books better than just good. I want to make them excellent. (Which is not to say that fast writers cannot be excellent - I just know that I can't).
Soooooo, thanks for listening. And here's what I'd like to do: I'll share a little of my inspiration, if you share a little of yours. I've decided to give away my copy of BAD APPLE by Laura Ruby just because I'd like to see it inspire somebody else. It's actually an advanced reader copy of the book, compliments of my awesome critique partner, Shana Silver. I expect that I will want to read this one again one day, but when that time comes, I'll be happy to purchase another copy.
To enter to win this book, all you have to do is tell me in the comments one person who has inspired you to be a better writer. One name, that's all I ask.
All the regular details apply: You have to be over 13 or older to enter, a Canada or US resident, and in this case, this contest is only open to serious writers (no matter what stage of your career you're in).
Anywhere you spread the word about this contest (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.) will also earn you an extra entry. Contest closes next Thursday, February 11th at midnight, and I'll let you know who I'm going to send it to on Friday (so either leave a way for me to get in touch with you, or check back next Friday).
That's all for today. Now go forth and write something excellent!
- Mood: hopeful
I've had the pleasure of reading this one a little early and meeting Suzanne in LA at the SCBWI conference last year. If you ever have a chance to meet Suzanne, I highly recommend it. She's as much fun as her books are. Plus she's from Oregon, so I have high hopes that we'll run into each other again!
Welcome, Suzanne! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Cheerleaders who investigate cheating boyfriends. With Perk!
Ha. That's perfect! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
I really like the character of Leona. She’s smart and sassy and just the sort of friend you’d like to have around who’d always tell it like it is.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Suzanne?
I’m a former middle school teacher turned zookeeper (mother). And when I’m not fending off zombie squirrels or narrating my daughter's Barbie soap operas, I can be found camping on the Oregon coast or writing obsessively.
Yes, I'm also a...zookeeper. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
That losing an agent wasn’t the end of the world. I wish I could have read a writing business manual with a troubleshooting section in it. I would have gone there for reference several times.
Yes, maybe the Tenners should get together and write a business manual for writing. There are so many different experiences among us. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I always say to keep writing. It wasn’t my first book that sold. Or my second. Not my third of fourth. It was my fifth book! So keep writing!
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I just finished the third book in The Naughty List series: A Good Boy is Hard to Find. I have another project that’s non-Naughty List that I’m waiting for news on.
Yet another reminder that the waiting never ends, does it? Well all the best with your other project. I can't wait to hear what it's about! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Hah! I wrote crime novels starring my friends. Murder mysteries that always ended in a surprising twist. The Pillsbury Dough Boy did it? Who would’ve guessed?
That's great! What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I just finished Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. It made me feel all squishy inside.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My blog is www.suzanne-young.blogspot.com And the girls of The Naughty List also have a blog at www.thecheaterreport.blogspot.com
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne. And for my readers...you can pick up a copy of THE NAUGHTY LIST on Amazon or at your local independent retailer.
- Mood: cheerful
And here is the new text copy (for the upcoming Simon & Schuster catalog) to go with it...
A sister's sudden death is shrouded in mystery in this lyrical,emotionally intense debut.
When Brie's sister, Faith, dies in a fall from a cliff, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood, Brie must also contend with increasingly distant parents, her boyfriend's betrayal, and her sudden outcast status at school. And once she's over the initial shock of Faith's death, Brie is encountering more questions than closure. Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. She soon uncovers Faith's role in a dark and twisted religious cult...a cult that now wants Brie as a member.
And as if that's not enough, you can check out my newly-filled-in page on Simon & Schuster's website.
You can click around and see my book cover, new author photo, some fun Q&A...
And I've also been making a few changes to my own website to reflect my new cover. It's not done, but I'm working on it and would love some input on what you like/don't like.
I think the art department at Simon Pulse (in collaboration with my awesome editor) did an amazing job of capturing the essence of my book. One of their concerns, because of the title, was that it didn't get mistaken for a non-fiction book. With this beautiful impression, I don't think there will be any confusion there. I love the hopeful image of the butterflies and how the flowers draw your eye right to the title.
I'm also really thrilled with the catalog text - it sets it up as a slow-build mystery, but still gives enough detail to hopefully draw readers in.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these - please don't be shy - I really want to hear!
- Mood:
bouncy
PANIC!
But there was no need. And I made a little YouTube video to show you why. (It's my very first vlog - is this pronounced Vee-log, or just vlog? - so please don't expect too much!)
In case you can't view the above video, here are a few highlights and a few tidbits I forgot to mention:
- Copyedits were far easier than I expected. They took me about three hours, just long enough to flip through and look over all the little different colored markings through the manuscript.
- It looked more complicated that it was. There were already three different colors of markings through the manuscript when I received it - blue and red from the copyeditor, and green from my editor. I used a dark blue pen because my editor asked me to use something that would be obviously different from the rest.
- The bulk of the markings had nothing to do with me - mostly notes for the typsetter about spacing and fonts.
- I needed A LOT of help in the comma department.
- You know, like, when authors use that kinda valley girl speak? I've always heard conflicting advice about whether to enclose the word "like" with commas. With Simon & Schuster, at least, yes, you do.
- Many of the changes were just simply S & S style and not necessarily a grammatical rule.
Things I still don't know, even after copyedits: (can anyone help me???)
- The word blond/blonde. When do you use an "e" on the end?
- When you have the word "too" at the end of a sentence (i.e. She has blond hair too), when exactly do you use a comma before the "too"? I noticed in my copyedits that sometimes there was a comma and sometimes there was not. I'm wondering if there's a rule for this.
Hope this was helpful, or at least enjoyable for you! It was a great learning experience for me!
Oh! and in upcoming news, I have seen my cover for Losing Faith! (insert major squee!!!) I'll be posting it on my blog this Friday, but there MAY be somewhere on the Internet you can find it a little early if you search around...
I know, what can I say? I'm a tease.
- Mood: cheerful
Welcome Jen! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
life, death, decision, destiny, carpe diem
Oooh, sounds interesting! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in
your debut novel and why?
Jack. We don't see a lot of him, but he's that "maybe" boy we all have/had/wish we had.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I'm 5'7", blonde (kinda), can't sing, live in an old farmhouse, grow veggies in the summer, live in my Ugg slippers in the winter, have a great family and feel like the luckiest person alive.
Ha. That's great (and I can't sing either). What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
The amount of editing that happens post-sale.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Write as much as you can, whether you feel like it or not and even if it's terrible.
Excellent advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I'm in-between: book 2 is on submission, book 3's ideas are still stewing, and I'm having fun with the pre-release anticipation and promo.
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Stories that were, stylistically, not terribly different from my writing now, but didn't have much in the way of plot.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu and Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Oooh, I can't wait for Dirty Little Secrets! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: http://www.jennadolbooks.com and blog: http://www.jennadolbooks.com/blog/
I'm doing an online "launch party" on my blog with daily The Mark-related posts 1/19-1/25 and daily giveaways (books, various $25 gift cards) 1/26-2/4.
Great! Thanks so much for being here, Jen, and all the very best with your launch! If any of my readers would like to pick up a copy of THE MARK, you can find it on Amazon or at your local independent retailer.
- Mood:awake
I scanned through many photography websites, took recommendations, and finally decided to go with Cory Permack Photography, who came by recommendation of fellow author Danika Dinsmore (thanks, Danika!) He wasn't the cheapest available, but all the models in his sample photos looked so photogenic, and I hoped if he could do that for them, he could do that for me too!
The next choice was between studio shots or on location shots. I definitely leaned toward location shots, but they did run more expensive. I sweat over that for a few days before deciding that it was better to pay the extra money and have some photos I was truly happy with. So we scheduled a shoot for last Saturday on Granville Island in Vancouver.
There were, however, some things I hadn't considered about an on location shoot. First of all, it did limit my changes of clothes. Even though I brought several changes of clothes (read: practically a truckload) it was not always easy to carry clothes with me or find changing rooms at the right times. Still, because most of my shots were head shots or from the waist up, it was usually easy enough to duck behind tree or a blanket or something and change shirts. I had originally planned to get a set of dressier shots, but because of the limited dressing rooms, I ended up staying in my jeans throughout (plus they were warm!).
Which brings me to the weather. Boy, were we ever blessed! The weatherman had been calling for constant rain, but lo and behold, we woke up Saturday morning to this beautiful weather:
It was a little chilly, but that just helped me decide to do more shots with the jean jacket on and less with it off! Cory was amazingly helpful at keeping me relaxed, keeping me moving from pose to pose so I didn't get stiff-looking, and showing me some of the better pictures along the way, so I had some confidence in what we were doing.
My husband and son came along too, and I think their presence helped keep me relaxed.
Now, onto the final pictures! Cory sent me a link to a gallery where there were over 200 photos available for my download (he had already cut out all the really bad/eyes closed shots). Wow! Too many to choose from! His price included the touching up of 2 photos, so I chose this one as my first, and it will be the one that I use for my book jacket and on the Simon & Schuster website:
This is still the untouched version, and I had a ton of trouble deciding, but thanks to my LJ friends and Tenner friends (thanks guys!) I ended up being able to make a pretty quick decision.
The other picture that many of my friends had voted on as their favorite was this one:
While I did like this one, it just didn't feel as much like "me". I still plan to use it, and all of my favorite photos, in different places around the web, but this one didn't end up on the book jacket. I do, however, still need to choose a second one to get touched up, so I still love any input on that.
My husband's favorite photo of the bunch was this one:
Which I also really like, but just not quite as much as the others. My favorite one of all was one that didn't get anyone's vote! I still really like it though and will definitely use it...somewhere. This is my favorite:
And here's a few more that got a few votes, but not enough to sway me to using them for the book jacket:
All in all, it was a really great experience and I couldn't be happier with the results. I hope this didn't take too long to load with all the pictures - I could probably use a lesson in web graphics!
Oh, and feel free to point out if you have a favorite among these. I still haven't decided for sure what I'm going to use around my website, etc. so I'd love any of your thoughts. Thanks!
- Mood: bouncy
Jennifer R. Hubbard's debut novel THE SECRET YEAR was released from Viking (Penguin) January 7, 2010. It is Contemporary YA fiction for ages 14 and up.
Welcome, Jennifer! Can you tell us about your book in seven words or less?
I like these three: secrecy, loss, and obsession.
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character in your debut novel and why?
This is a tough one. Tom is probably the one I’d like to spend the most time with! He’s a lot of fun, and a good listener. He’s interested in everything—art, nature, sports, etc.
Sounds like I'd get along with Tom, too! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Here are a few “fun facts:” I joined a CSA (subscription farm) this year. I was probably one of the last people in the US to get a cell phone (though my husband still doesn’t have one). I prefer snow to rain.
Interesting! I'm just learning how to text. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Everything’s new to me, but I’ve been lucky to know several debut authors and watch them go through the process before me. So I feel like I’ve known what to expect, even though it’s been exciting to go through it myself.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read a lot, and write a lot.
Great advice. Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I’m always writing something new, and working on multiple projects. I can’t be specific about works in progress, but I see myself sticking with contemporary YA for the foreseeable future.
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote poetry, short stories, and made my first attempts at novels. I mostly wrote contemporary YA! Back then, my book attempts were full of angst but short on plot.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
There have been many I’ve loved, but the last one I really went into ultra-fangirl mode for was Peter Cameron’s Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You.
Yes, you've already told me about this one and it's on my TBR list. I can't wait to get to it! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: http://www.jenniferhubbard.com/
My blog: http://writerjenn.livejournal.com/
My Twitter: http://twitter.com/JennRHubbard/
Great! Thanks so much for stopping by, Jennifer, and all the very best with your debut! For my readers, if you're looking for a copy of THE SECRET YEAR, you can find it on Amazon or at your local independent retailer.
- Mood: cheerful
2. The Class of 2k10 has also started a feature on our blog called, "You Asked." Stop on by and find out the deets on The Call from some of our class members, or leave a comment suggesting a question for us.
3. I heard from my editor last week, and copyedits for LOSING FAITH should be headed my way around January 21st, and I'll have ten days to turn those around. I'm very excited. It felt like this day would never come. Still no word on cover art, but I'm hoping that will be soon as well!
4. I just found out from a fellow Pulse author that we will be needing out author photos soon. Very soon! Eek! So I've only been putting mine off for just about a year now, but this is the kick in the pants that I needed (thanks, Mindi!) So tomorrow I have a photo shoot scheduled on beautiful Granville Island in Vancouver. Wish me luck! Pray that I they all don't end up looking like this...
Okay, i was pulling a Hummer at the time, but still!
Hope you all have a great weekend! And don't forget to enter the Tennerific Giveaway - if not for yourself, do it for me ;).
- Mood:busy
I'm excited to welcome my guest for this week, a member of The Tenners AND a member of The Class of 2k10, Irene Latham.
Irene is the author of the recently released title, LEAVING GEE'S BEND, which came out Jan. 7, 2010 from G.P. Putnam's Sons. It's a historical middle grade novel for ages 9 and up.
And may I just say, having read this book...even though I'm A LOT older than nine and historical fiction is not my usual reading fare, this really is a book for everyone. The main character makes this book a heart-warming read and hard to put down!
Welcome Irene! Can you tell our readers about your book in seven words or less?
Alabama, quilts, adventure, family, courage, survival, love
Yes, all that and more! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character in your debut novel and why?
Mrs. Cobb, the villian. She's does terrible things, and you want to hate her -- but she's also had terrible things happen to her. I like how complicated she is.
Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
I'm the daughter of a seamstress who had the great fortune of marrying into a quilting family. When I saw The Quilts of Gee's Bend art exhibit at the Whitney, I was completely moved by the colors and textures, and how the quilts spoke of hardship and love and survival. And so began an obsession. I really didn't set out to write a book -- it's just grew out of my passion for the art and history found in a tiny, isolated place called Gee's Bend, Alabama.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I am still surprised about the controversy my heart-touching, adventure story has generated. Before its release, a committee at a local elementary school rejected the book because it contains the word "afterbirth." Anytime a book is reduced to a single word, it's disheartening. But for "afterbirth," something that isn't sexual or violent? Children are innately curious about birth, and last time I checked, it's how we all get here.
So true! That is quiet hard to believe. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Write for yourself first. Write to please YOU. If you love your story, others will too. And you're a whole lot more likely to get to "The End."
Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I've got two projects in the works: the first is another historical midgrade about two girls who escape the eruption of Mt. Pelee (Martinique) in 1902; the second is a contemporary midgrade about a boy who lives at a zoo.
Both sound great! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I got my start writing poetry when I was very young -- my first poems were love poems to my mother. My first published book was a volume of poetry, and my favorite subjects then and now, are love (in all its many forms), loss and longing.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I took a Newbery class recently, in which we were required to read Newbery titles from each decade. One I really loved and will read again is The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt. Holling is one of those unforgettable characters, and there is a passage toward the end of the book that starts, "Dear Sweet Eyes," that completely slays me.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: www.irenelatham.com
My Facebook: www.facebook.com/irenelatham
My Twitter: http://twitter/com/Irene_Latham
My Blog: http://irenelatham.blogspot.com
My book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dehrx33YA
Thanks so much for being here, Irene! You can pick up a copy of LEAVING GEE'S BEND on Amazon or at your local independent retailer. I'll leave you with a copy of Irene's trailer (it's adorable!)
Enjoy!
- Mood: bouncy
2. It's been a busy week! With four Class of 2k10 and three Tenner launches, plus a few mult-published friends who were launching books this week, I've been racing around the Internet just reading interviews and sending my congratulations. I'm a little nervous about listing the newly released books because I'm sure to miss somebody, but I'll do it anyway. And if I miss somebody, please, PLEASE, let me know in the comments and I'll add them ASAP.
In no particular order:
1. Kitty Keswick's FREAKSVILLE
2. Irene Latham's LEAVING GEE'S BEND
3. Jennifer Hubbard's THE SECRET YEAR
4. Bonnie Doerr's ISLAND STING
5. Eileen Cook's GETTING REVENGE ON LAUREN WOOD
6. Lisa Schroeder's CHASING BROOKLYN
7. Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich's EIGHTH GRADE SUPERZERO
8. Dia Reeves's BLEEDING VIOLET
9. Yxta Maya Murray's THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED
10. Carrie Jones's CAPTIVATE
11. Courtney Summers's SOME GIRLS ARE
(Thanks Shari!)
3. Phew! Did I miss any? I've only read one of these so far, but I have a couple on order and I have no doubt they will all be AWESOME! Congratulations to all the authors!
4. I went to the eye doctor this week, and was prescribed a pair of reading glasses. For those that know me well, you know I already have a very strong prescription, but this is for glasses ON TOP of my glasses (or my contact lenses actually). But I love them. LOVE THEM. I feel like I'm no longer straining to see every time I open a book or my computer.
5. It's tax time again. BLAHHHHHH. Anyone want to comiserate with me?
6. I'm going to pick one item from the above list of new books, since I don't have time to download ALL of their covers and blurbs and trailers. Here's the trailer from LEAVING GEE'S BEND. It's too cute! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
- Mood: chipper
Besides being an amazing writer, Eileen is just a really great person, and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Surrey International Writers Conference in October. I just LOVE this cover, Eileen! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.
Friendship, Revenge, Romance, Old Movies, and Destiny
Sounds fun! Other than your main character, who's your favorite character in your upcoming novel and why?
Oooh hard one. Lauren was a lot of fun to write because she is so deliciously evil, but I think the person I liked most was Christopher. He is an aspiring film director and a classic movie fan. He is one of
those rare people who is happy with who he is and not interested in worrying about what other people think of him.
Can you tell my readers a bit about yourself.
I live in Vancouver with my husband and two dogs. I always knew that I wanted to be a writer, but I didn't believe it was something that could actually happen. It was like wishing I was a princess or could move objects with my mind. One day I realized the only thing standing in the way of my dream was a lot of hard work, so I got busy writing and never looked back. If you were to ask me three words to describe myself I would say: funny, kind, quirky. Chocolate obsessed should also be on that list.
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in my chocolate obsession! You've had one book published for the adult market and now this is your second book for teens. Do you see yourself continuing writing for both audiences ?
I would like to write another adult title, but at the moment I am having such a wonderful time writing for teens. There is a lot to like about writing for teens. At that age you haven't developed that crusty cynical nature that distances people from life. When you are a teen you feel everything, when you love someone it is with a huge passion and when you hate them...well, you hate them like no one has hated anyone.
So true! What's one piece of writing advice you would give aspiring authors?
Read! The best writing teacher is other books. If there is a book you really love try and figure out what you liked and what worked for you. If there is a book that you didn't like- why not?
Great advice, Eileen! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have two projects on the go. I am working on a middle grade series about a girl in a fairy godmother family. I have just started playing with another YA idea that is a re-working of the Scarlet Letter. It has love, betrayal, blame and vindication. All fun stuff!
Wow, those both sound great! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I always kept a diary and I still have those. I like to re-read them when I'm writing because it reminds me how I felt about things at that time of my life. I wrote a lot of stories and books when I was a teen, but I had a hard time finishing anything. I couldn't figure out how to find a story I wanted to spend that much time with. There was a stage where I wrote really bad poetry, but trust me, we should all be glad that phase ended.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I'm reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (she wrote Time Traveler's Wife). It is a GREAT ghost story and very fun.
I'll have to add that to my To Read list. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
They can find me on my website: www.eileencook.com which also has my blog. I'm also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eileencook
Thanks so much for visiting with me today, Eileen! If you'd like to pick up a copy of GETTING REVENGE ON LAUREN WOOD, it is available at Amazon, or from your local independent retailer.
- Mood: cheerful
Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes
AND...
Mistwood by Leah Cypress
What I'm listening to:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
What I'm working on:
My NaNo 2009 novel, tentatively titled PERFECT AIM
How about you? What are you reading? What are you working on?
- Mood: happy
2. I promised I'd narrow my books read in 2009 down to my favorite books of 2009, and I've been sweating over it all week. I keep changing my mind! I'm just going to throw a few of my favorites out there, my favorites today at least, and you can let me know if you agree, disagree, or have a completely different list. Drum roll, please....
(in no particular order)
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney - I guess a lot of people read this one in school, but I never did. I thought it was a brilliant concept!
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - The writing in this book was truly amazing. Laurie Halse Anderson is a great inspiration.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer - A slow middle, at least for me, but a scifi book that can hold my attention has got to be something special. (And since Twilight made my list last year, I wanted to add a bit of variety).
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - A YA book that really connects with almost everybody. Not too schmaltzy for boys even.
Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham - A really enjoyable read for me, told in the precious, true-to-life, unique voice of a one-eyed little girl from Southern Alabama.
Crash into Me by Albert Borris - Unique characters with interesting backgrounds and an author who really cares about teens.
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr - I read three books by Sara Zarr this year, and could have chosen any of them for my "faves" list because of her consistently authentic voice.
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - This author can really write suspense. And creepiness.
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly - My apologies for adding a book to the list that you can't get your hands on for a while yet (May, I think). But this book was hard to put down and I loved the memorable characters.
3. I've been seeing lots of lists of New Years Resolutions floating around the Internet. Here is mine: Don't make any. I've always felt like the term "New Years Resolution" has a connotation that whatever you set will not be reached. I love setting goals, and set them constantly, not just at the beginning of the year. I'm sure 2010 will be no different. Though, to be honest, my goals at the moment center more around spending extra time with family and friends, and less around things to accomplish.
4. Favorite Christmas gifts - I was spoiled this year. Seriously. My new iphone is pretty close to my heart, but I also love the jammies, facial products, lap desk, and flat iron, This wasn't really a Christmas present, but I've also finally been able to invest in a new laptop (bye-bye Word '97!). It's been a long time in coming.
I'll leave you today with a very cool Youtube video, brought to you by Jackson Pearce and 28 YA authors giving their best advice. Very cool. You must watch it!
Happy New Year, everybody!
- Mood: calm
I'm excited to introduce another one of the fabulous Tenners, Anna Jarzab. Her debut novel, ALL UNQUIET THINGS, is due out January 12, 2010 from Delacorte/Random House. It's a contemporary mystery for a young adult audience, ages 14 and up.
Welcome, Anna! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.
Friendship, first love, mystery, death, letting go
Oooh, I love a good mystery! Other than your main character, who's your favorite character in your debut novel and why?
It's so hard to pick. I'll assume "main character" means Neily, Carly and Audrey, so I'm off the hook there and then this question gets really easy: Harvey. Lots of my characters are really angsty, and Harvey's a laid back good guy who helps his friend and makes jokes. It's hard not to like him.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Since I'm a voracious reader, a writer, and I work in publishing, my life revolves around books. I probably love books more than I love any other thing in the whole world. I live in New York City and drink too much Diet Coke. It's pretty glamorous.
That does sound glamorous (especially the Diet Coke!) What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I don't think anything's been very surprising. I've worked in publishing for a while now, so I knew reasonably what to expect. I think the biggest surprise has been me--how relatively calm I've been throughout the whole process, and that's probably because my agent and editor are so great and always keeping me in the loop on stuff. The other possibility is that I'm too busy to let anything get to me for long.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Be patient with yourself. I think so many people want to get published right away, but writing is a years-long learning process that takes real time and energy. Being published is not really the same as being a writer; focus on the latter first, and the former will work itself out.
Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I'm working on two books. One is what I call a quasi-post-apocalyptic pseudo-mystery, and one is a contemporary piece about estranged sisters.
Wow, those sound like polar opposites! But both sound great. I love sister stories. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote bad ripoffs of books I admired, and then I wrote overwrought dramas that would have been too over-the-top for Lifetime, but which I thought were "literary." That includes the first draft of ALL UNQUIET THINGS, which is lost to the mists of antiquity at this point, thank God.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I read East of Eden for the first time this year, which was amazing. I put it in my rotation of books I read yearly. I also really liked the new Dan Brown book, which surprised me, and Hold Still by Nina LaCour, which is set in NorCal like my book.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: http://www.annajarzab.com/, My Twitter: http://twitter.com/ajarzab
Great! Thanks so much for the interview, Anna and all the best with your release! ALL UNQUIET THINGS is available from Amazon or at your local Indie bookstore.
- Mood: cheerful
In the approximate order that I read them...
1. Torched by April Henry
2. What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
3. One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
4. The Invisible Circus by Jennifer Egan
5. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
6. A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
7. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
8. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
9. Drive Me Crazy by Erin Downing
10. Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
11. Breathe My Name by R.A. Nelson
12. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
13. As Simple as Snow by Gregory Galloway
14. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
15. Perfect: A Novel by Natasha Friend
16. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
17. Dramarama by E. Lockhart
18. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
19. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
20. So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
21. The Boyfriend by E. Lockhart
22. Peeled by Joan Bauer
23. Jane In Bloom by Deborah Lytton
24. The Appeal by John Grisham
25. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
26. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti
27. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
28. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
29. Teach Me by R.A. Nelson
30. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
31. The Boy Book by E. Lockhart
32. What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook
33. Before I Die by Jenny Downham
34. Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury
35. Waiting To Score by J.E. MacLeod
36. You Know Where to Find Me by Rachel Cohn
37. Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
38. Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
39. Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
40. My Big Nose & Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
41. I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
42. EIGHTH-GRADE SUPERZERO by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
43. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
44. Owl in Love by Patrice Kindl
45. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
46. Pure by Terra Elan McVoy
47. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
48. Boy Toy Barry Lyga
49. Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham
50. Crash into Me by Albert Borris
51. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
52. Jungle Crossing by Sydney Salter
53. Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
54. Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
55. The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter
56. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
57. Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood by Jame Richards
58. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
59. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
60. The Big Cheese of Third Street by Laurie Halse Anderson
61. Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
62. Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
63. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
62. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
63. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
64. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
65. Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
66. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
67. Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
68. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
69. Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
70. Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
71. Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
How many of these have you read? Any of your fave's on here? What's your list from 2009 (please post a link if you've blogged about it somewhere)?
- Mood:accomplished
Here's a little something for you if you have some time to watch over the holidays. The Tenners have put togethere their first book trailer, including many of the new releases for early 2010.
Enjoy!
- Mood: content
Lindsay's debut novel, Scones and Sensibility releases December 22, 2009 (Today!) from Egmont USA. It's contemporary, humorous for middle grade readers, ages 8-12.
Welcome, Lindsay! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.
Humor, friendship, matchmaking, romance, disaster, baking, heartwarming fun
Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's your favorite character in your debut novel and why?
I adore Miss Wiskerton, an old, grumpy lady who lives down the street from Polly, my main character. Miss Wiskerton, no matter how crotchety she can be, always makes me laugh!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself.
I love snowy days and iced mochas. I hate washing dishes and the sound of teeth grinding. I wish I knew how to speak a different language, but I'd settle for a Scottish accent. And I think vacuuming is one of
the most satisfying household chores ever.
Vacuuming, huh? Want to come over?
I'm kidding. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
That I still feel like I'm starting at square one on this journey as an author.
Amen to that. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I know we all hear it a lot, but it's true: Read everything you can get your hands on, and Write all the time!
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I just finished a new middle grade novel called The Culinary Year of Gloria Cubbins and am about half-way through another middle grade novel titled My Life As An Omelet!
That is the best title ever! What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I've always been horrible at journalling, so looking back on all my fruitless attempts at that have always been extremely hilarious. I did write overly emotional and literary poetry in high school that always had a strange resemblance to books that I loved.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
One of the books that I've read recently and absolutely loved was When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.
I haven't read that one, but my critique partner's reading it right now. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: www.lindsayeland.com and from there you can see where else I am on the internet!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Lindsay, and I wish you all the very best with your upcoming debut! If you're looking for Scones and Sensibility, you can find it on Amazon or at your local independent bookstore.
- Mood:creative
