So I was trolling Facebook the other day. It's pretty standard for me these days. I can fly through my lists and like and comment in a few minutes. I like it. Someone had said something about their family motto (for which I instantly felt inferior), and my husband reminded me that we too, have a family motto.
Suck Less.
I decided this is a good motto for a lot of things, writing included. So as I prepare to k-i-l-l my concept for NaNo with lots of words, I'm going to try to make them suck less.
Of course, how one goes about doing that is another matter entirely. I've been reading a lot lately (lucky you, because as usual, I'll be talking about the books I love), and I think instead of giving you a recommendation on why you'll like a book from a reader's standpoint, I think I'll talk about how amazing the books are based on their writing -- and what I learned from it.
This might only last for one or two books (let's be honest here), but I've read some really good ones lately that have struck something in me. Something that sounds a lot like This sucks less. Make yours suck less.
So that's my official goal for NaNo. Do you have a writing goal? In general or for NaNo?
Find Me Online
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Facing Fears
Okay, so this is always hard, isn't it? Facing down that rabid dog or whatever. But though I am terrified of most dogs, rabid or not, that's not really what I'm talking about. Not a physical fear, but an emotional one.
That's not quite right either. More of a creative one.
See, my agent and I parted ways last month. She is a lovely person and a great agent. I have no hard feelings toward her and our split was amicable.
And here I am. Facing a wide-open world of publishing for the first time in years. Well, that's not really true either, because I already have books out. The only way to truly have a wide-open publishing world is to choose a pen name and start over.
I don't think I'll do that, and now I'm exploring all the options. See, I have five full manuscripts that are finished. Like, finished. Like, I could send them to editors and agents and not be embarrassed.
I'm querying a couple of them, actually. Querying is just as painful and demoralizing as I remember from 2009. Rejections are hard--especially when the feedback is at odds from agent to agent.
I have submitted a couple of my manuscripts to small and midsize publishers that take unsolicited submissions.
I have purchased Indie-publishing guides, and I've emailed with friends, and I've discussed options with my husband.
I really do have a ton of choices. The real problem is facing the fear of choosing one over the other. It seems that every publishing model has it's pros and cons.
And of course, I want it all. *wink* But mostly, it's the fear of trying something I've never tried before that's got a grip on me right now. I almost think it would be easier if someone just told me what to do! Anyone? Ha!
Have you faced a fear? How did you overcome it?
That's not quite right either. More of a creative one.
See, my agent and I parted ways last month. She is a lovely person and a great agent. I have no hard feelings toward her and our split was amicable.
And here I am. Facing a wide-open world of publishing for the first time in years. Well, that's not really true either, because I already have books out. The only way to truly have a wide-open publishing world is to choose a pen name and start over.
I don't think I'll do that, and now I'm exploring all the options. See, I have five full manuscripts that are finished. Like, finished. Like, I could send them to editors and agents and not be embarrassed.
I'm querying a couple of them, actually. Querying is just as painful and demoralizing as I remember from 2009. Rejections are hard--especially when the feedback is at odds from agent to agent.
I have submitted a couple of my manuscripts to small and midsize publishers that take unsolicited submissions.
I have purchased Indie-publishing guides, and I've emailed with friends, and I've discussed options with my husband.
I really do have a ton of choices. The real problem is facing the fear of choosing one over the other. It seems that every publishing model has it's pros and cons.
And of course, I want it all. *wink* But mostly, it's the fear of trying something I've never tried before that's got a grip on me right now. I almost think it would be easier if someone just told me what to do! Anyone? Ha!
Have you faced a fear? How did you overcome it?
Thursday, October 17, 2013
FRIENDS AND TRAITORS by C.J. Hill
Okay, so I'm here today with C.J. Hill to celebrate the release of her second Slayers book: FRIENDS AND TRAITORS! I've met the real C.J. in real life, and she is awesome!
So let's learn a bit about the book first.
About FRIENDS AND TRAITORS: In C.J. Hill's action-packed sequel to Slayers, the group of teens known as Slayers have been betrayed—but they won’t give up without a fight.
Tori’s got a problem. She thought she’d have one more summer to train as a dragon Slayer, but time has run out. When Tori hears the horrifying sound of dragon eggs hatching, she knows the Slayers are in trouble. In less than a year, the dragons will be fully grown and completely lethal. The Slayers are well-prepared, but their group is still not complete, and Tori is determined to track down Ryker—the mysterious missing Slayer.
What Tori doesn’t bargain for, however, is the surprising truth about her powers. She isn’t just a Slayer, she’s part Dragon Lord, too. How can Tori fight to save her friends when half of her is programmed to protect dragons? And with a possible traitor in their midst, the Slayers will be divided in more ways than they ever imagined.
Sounds amazing, right? It is! I've read it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes good writing, fun characters, and the supernatural in their books.
And now we get to have some insight into C.J. and how she started writing and of course, whether she prefers bacon or chocolate!!
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less: Slayers are teens with superpowers to fight dragons. Which is a good thing, because dragons are back and they don't want to be our friends.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, although I also wanted to be a ballerina, an astronaut, and an ice-skater. Thank goodness I became a writer since my astro skating ballerina ambitions didn't pay off. (LOL! It's awesome to dream.)
What made you decide to go that “extra step” and seek publication?
I joined a writers group and a lot of the women were actively sending out their stuff. I realized that if I wanted to be published I couldn't just wait around for an editor to show up at my house and ask to see my stuff. I had to send it out into the cruel, harsh world. It's a hard step--but until publishers send out roving editors--a necessary one. (So true!)
Quick! You’ve been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
A notebook and pen, of course. What else would I be doing in a remote spot besides writing my next novel? (Great question!)
Bacon or chocolate?
It's a hard choice as these are probably my two favorite foods, but I'm going with chocolate. It is my happy place. (Mine too, though it is hard to beat bacon...)
Find C.J. around the Internet:
Buy FRIENDS AND TRAITORS:
About C.J. Hill: CJ Hill is a pen name for a YA author who is best known for writing romantic comedies. (Slayers will be her 18th published book.) Her writing has shifted away from the romantic comedy genre, so her editor thought a pen name would be a good idea. (New books will include: dangerous dragons, time travel to dystopian worlds, and flesh-eating beetles.) Since the publisher refused to let her have the pseudonym : The Artist Formerly Referred to as Princess, she chose a name to honor her mother. CJ Hill was her mother's pen name, or at least it would have been if her mother had published. Her mother wrote a few children's books and a middle grade novel but was taken by cancer before she had fully learned the craft.
Most writers' first novels aren't publishable. CJ Junior's first novel wasn't, but somehow was published anyway. Now, even though it is out of print, it remains forever available on Amazon, where it taunts her with its badness. This was another good reason to use a pen name.
CJ Hill has five children, three of whom like her on any given day depending on who is in trouble. She has lived in Arizona for the last half of her life, but is still in desert denial and hopes that one day her garden will grow silver bells and cockle shells or maybe just tomatoes.
I hope you pick up SLAYERS if you haven't read it yet. And you can check out all the blog tour stops for FRIENDS AND TRAITORS over at Fire and Ice.
So let's learn a bit about the book first.
Tori’s got a problem. She thought she’d have one more summer to train as a dragon Slayer, but time has run out. When Tori hears the horrifying sound of dragon eggs hatching, she knows the Slayers are in trouble. In less than a year, the dragons will be fully grown and completely lethal. The Slayers are well-prepared, but their group is still not complete, and Tori is determined to track down Ryker—the mysterious missing Slayer.
What Tori doesn’t bargain for, however, is the surprising truth about her powers. She isn’t just a Slayer, she’s part Dragon Lord, too. How can Tori fight to save her friends when half of her is programmed to protect dragons? And with a possible traitor in their midst, the Slayers will be divided in more ways than they ever imagined.
Sounds amazing, right? It is! I've read it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes good writing, fun characters, and the supernatural in their books.
And now we get to have some insight into C.J. and how she started writing and of course, whether she prefers bacon or chocolate!!
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less: Slayers are teens with superpowers to fight dragons. Which is a good thing, because dragons are back and they don't want to be our friends.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, although I also wanted to be a ballerina, an astronaut, and an ice-skater. Thank goodness I became a writer since my astro skating ballerina ambitions didn't pay off. (LOL! It's awesome to dream.)
What made you decide to go that “extra step” and seek publication?
I joined a writers group and a lot of the women were actively sending out their stuff. I realized that if I wanted to be published I couldn't just wait around for an editor to show up at my house and ask to see my stuff. I had to send it out into the cruel, harsh world. It's a hard step--but until publishers send out roving editors--a necessary one. (So true!)
Quick! You’ve been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
A notebook and pen, of course. What else would I be doing in a remote spot besides writing my next novel? (Great question!)
Bacon or chocolate?
It's a hard choice as these are probably my two favorite foods, but I'm going with chocolate. It is my happy place. (Mine too, though it is hard to beat bacon...)
Find C.J. around the Internet:
Buy FRIENDS AND TRAITORS:
- Macmillan (read an excerpt here too!)
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Indiebound
Most writers' first novels aren't publishable. CJ Junior's first novel wasn't, but somehow was published anyway. Now, even though it is out of print, it remains forever available on Amazon, where it taunts her with its badness. This was another good reason to use a pen name.
CJ Hill has five children, three of whom like her on any given day depending on who is in trouble. She has lived in Arizona for the last half of her life, but is still in desert denial and hopes that one day her garden will grow silver bells and cockle shells or maybe just tomatoes.
I hope you pick up SLAYERS if you haven't read it yet. And you can check out all the blog tour stops for FRIENDS AND TRAITORS over at Fire and Ice.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
VISION by Lisa Amowitz Cover Reveal!
Okay, so I've known Lisa for years. She read Possession way back when it was a baby, and I'm thrilled for her success. Her next book is titled VISION, and today she's releasing the cover!
A bit about VISION: The light is darker than you think…
When seventeen-year-old Bobby Pendell begins to have blinding migraines followed by frightening hallucinations, he fears there’s something wrong with him. Then murder rocks his sleepy town and the visions that put him on trail of a killer—also make him the prime suspect.
A little bit about Lisa: Lisa Amowitz was born in Queens and raised in the wilds of Long Island, New York where she climbed trees, thought small creatures lived under rocks and studied ant hills. And drew. A lot. She is a professor of Graphic Design at her beloved Bronx Community College where she has been tormenting and cajoling students for nearly seventeen years. She started writing eight years ago because she wanted something to illustrate, but somehow, instead ended up writing YA. Probably because her mind is too dark and twisted for small children.
Find her on:
And now onto the cover!
Creeptastic, right? I think it fits the description really well, and I can't wait to read it! VISION is coming from Spencer Hill Press on May 13, 2014.
What do you think of the cover?
A bit about VISION: The light is darker than you think…
When seventeen-year-old Bobby Pendell begins to have blinding migraines followed by frightening hallucinations, he fears there’s something wrong with him. Then murder rocks his sleepy town and the visions that put him on trail of a killer—also make him the prime suspect.
Find her on:
And now onto the cover!
Creeptastic, right? I think it fits the description really well, and I can't wait to read it! VISION is coming from Spencer Hill Press on May 13, 2014.
What do you think of the cover?
Sunday, October 6, 2013
SKY JUMPERS Giveaway!!
Okay, so I am lucky enough to live only a few minutes away from the Famous Peggy Eddleman, author of the amazing middle grade adventure, SKY JUMPERS. I got to go to her release party a week or so ago, and I bought two copies of the book.
One for my eight-year-old daughter--who was so excited!
And one for one of you!! It's a signed hardcover, and it's the perfect read for anyone who can, well, read!
Enter in the Rafflecopter below. Contest runs all week.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
One for my eight-year-old daughter--who was so excited!
And one for one of you!! It's a signed hardcover, and it's the perfect read for anyone who can, well, read!
Enter in the Rafflecopter below. Contest runs all week.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Cover Reveal for THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE by Annette Haws!
Okay, so I'm bringing you a fun new cover today! I think this looks really fun and really cute. I've been enjoying my foray into the adult contemporary romance genre, but I do like it to be cleaner than not clean. So yeah. It sounds like THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE will fit my tastes!
Are you ready to see the cover? Well, maybe we should talk about the book first.
About THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE: Nina Rushforth was born with a silver spoon caught in her throat. She and her father have mapped out a future that includes a brilliant legal career, a marriage to an equally stellar attorney or Wall Street whiz kid, and eventually the production of three perfect children. A semester at St. Andrew's University in Scotland, was part of the plan, but falling in love with a handsome missionary was not.
Six months later, after Elliot returns from his mission and after a tumultuous courtship, Nina finds herself teaching at a junior high school, learning to keep house in a minuscule apartment, and living with a man who doesn't know any more about being married than she does. Intimacy, cooking, laundry, lesson plans, and a tug-of-war with a possessive mother-in-law prove to be more overwhelming than Nina can successfully manage. The newlyweds awaken to realize the head on the adjacent pillow belongs to a stranger.
This novel captures the heartbreak of young love caught in the turbulent social crosscurrents of the 70's, at a time when brave women struggled to find dignity and equality in the workplace, as well as peace at home.
THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE is coming out on December 10. You can pre-order it here or here. You can add it to your Goodreads shelf here (which is one of the ways to enter the contest below!).
Okay, now are you ready to see the cover? Here it is!
See how fun? I love the car, the bright blue, the tagline. Everything!
Here's a little bit about Annette -- be sure to like her on Facebook and tweet about the giveaway too!
Annette Haws’s literary strengths are based upon her experiences in the classroom. She began her teaching career as a junior high teacher in Richmond, Utah and ended it teaching Sophomore English at Murray High School in Salt Lake City. However, her favorite assignment was a five year period at Logan High School teaching English, coaching debate and mock trial, and watching the antics of her own three children who were also students in the same school.
Her first novel, Waiting for the Light to Change, won Best of State in 2009, A Whitney Award for Best Fiction, and the Diamond Quill Award for Best Published Fiction in 2009 from the League of Utah Writers. In July of 2008, the Midwest Book Review selected it as a Top Pick for Community Library Fiction Collections.
Find Annette online:
And there's a TWO DAY giveaway! This contest for $25 cash ends tomorrow night! So tweet and like and spread the word about the cover of THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Are you ready to see the cover? Well, maybe we should talk about the book first.
About THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE: Nina Rushforth was born with a silver spoon caught in her throat. She and her father have mapped out a future that includes a brilliant legal career, a marriage to an equally stellar attorney or Wall Street whiz kid, and eventually the production of three perfect children. A semester at St. Andrew's University in Scotland, was part of the plan, but falling in love with a handsome missionary was not.
Six months later, after Elliot returns from his mission and after a tumultuous courtship, Nina finds herself teaching at a junior high school, learning to keep house in a minuscule apartment, and living with a man who doesn't know any more about being married than she does. Intimacy, cooking, laundry, lesson plans, and a tug-of-war with a possessive mother-in-law prove to be more overwhelming than Nina can successfully manage. The newlyweds awaken to realize the head on the adjacent pillow belongs to a stranger.
This novel captures the heartbreak of young love caught in the turbulent social crosscurrents of the 70's, at a time when brave women struggled to find dignity and equality in the workplace, as well as peace at home.
THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE is coming out on December 10. You can pre-order it here or here. You can add it to your Goodreads shelf here (which is one of the ways to enter the contest below!).
Okay, now are you ready to see the cover? Here it is!
See how fun? I love the car, the bright blue, the tagline. Everything!
Here's a little bit about Annette -- be sure to like her on Facebook and tweet about the giveaway too!
Her first novel, Waiting for the Light to Change, won Best of State in 2009, A Whitney Award for Best Fiction, and the Diamond Quill Award for Best Published Fiction in 2009 from the League of Utah Writers. In July of 2008, the Midwest Book Review selected it as a Top Pick for Community Library Fiction Collections.
Find Annette online:
And there's a TWO DAY giveaway! This contest for $25 cash ends tomorrow night! So tweet and like and spread the word about the cover of THE ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
AWAKENING by Christy Dorrity
So my friend and fellow Utahn is launching her book today! She's also the one who included Possession in her Book Blogger's Cookbook -- and I can't wait to read her book! Christy Dorrity's AWAKENING is out today, and the blog tour begins. So take a second to learn about the book, add it to your Goodreads, and buy a copy!
About the Book
. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.
A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.
When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities.
After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.
When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy.
A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.
"AWAKENING is a wonder and a delight. Christy Dorrity is a talent to watch."
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale
"I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance."
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.
About the Author
Christy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
About the Book
. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.
A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.
When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities.
After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.
When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy.
A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.
Praise for Awakening
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale
"I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance."
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.
About the AuthorChristy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
Purchase Awakening by Christy Dorrity:
Friday, September 20, 2013
Inspiration from... Katy Perry?
Dude, yes. If you have not listened to some teen pop rock in the last year or so, start with Katy Perry. I don't like all her songs, but I like a good few of them.
In particular, Firework and Roar. Because you know how this publishing business is like a meat grinder? No? Well, it is. Pretend you're this fabulous cut of meat. Kobe beef or something. You go in, expecting everything to be awesome, you'll be cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and you'll be juicy, and have this butter-herb sauce, and everyone will love you.
And then... You get ground up and formed into who-knows-what-but-it-ain't-a-meatball, and drowned with some sick brown gravy from a packet, and then bypassed on the buffet line by even the most forgiving of diners.
Yeah. Publishing can be like that. But Katy Perry has your solution. You could say that the 213 times I've listened to Roar in the past couple of weeks makes it my theme song. Okay, fine. It's totally my theme song.
Watch it. Listen to it. Love it.
(I'll admit the jungle theme is a little strange... Just go with it.)
My favorite lyrics:
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Sometimes you just need to roar.
I also love Firework. Not necessarily the bra she wears... Can't believe I just used the word bra on my blog.
Anyway, I think sometimes I can relate to the lyrics of this song rather well. Let's examine.
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under?
Scream but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
(Uh, yes. To all of the above.)
And later:
You don't have to feel like a wasted space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
So yeah. I think I'm going to do that. Ignite the light and let it shine. Own the night. Roar.
ROAR.
In particular, Firework and Roar. Because you know how this publishing business is like a meat grinder? No? Well, it is. Pretend you're this fabulous cut of meat. Kobe beef or something. You go in, expecting everything to be awesome, you'll be cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and you'll be juicy, and have this butter-herb sauce, and everyone will love you.
And then... You get ground up and formed into who-knows-what-but-it-ain't-a-meatball, and drowned with some sick brown gravy from a packet, and then bypassed on the buffet line by even the most forgiving of diners.
Yeah. Publishing can be like that. But Katy Perry has your solution. You could say that the 213 times I've listened to Roar in the past couple of weeks makes it my theme song. Okay, fine. It's totally my theme song.
Watch it. Listen to it. Love it.
(I'll admit the jungle theme is a little strange... Just go with it.)
My favorite lyrics:
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Sometimes you just need to roar.
I also love Firework. Not necessarily the bra she wears... Can't believe I just used the word bra on my blog.
Anyway, I think sometimes I can relate to the lyrics of this song rather well. Let's examine.
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under?
Scream but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
(Uh, yes. To all of the above.)
And later:
You don't have to feel like a wasted space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
So yeah. I think I'm going to do that. Ignite the light and let it shine. Own the night. Roar.
ROAR.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Judging a Book by its Cover (and Title)
Okay, so I read a lot of books. Usually it's something one of my friends wrote, or a recommendation from a friend, or something that's getting a lot of buzz. But recently, I've decided to try reading something I've never heard of before.
Shocking, I know.
So I go to the Kindle (which is how I read now. I know, you're disappointed), and I simply start clicking around. I find this book called FLAT-OUT LOVE by Jessica Park. I read it--and I really like it. Like, like it a lot.
It's not exactly YA, but it reads very much like a YA. I suppose this is called New Adult (Julie, the MC is a freshman in college), a genre I'll admit I've been skeptical about and honestly, a little scared of.
See, I don't want the entire plot to be the romance. Don't get me wrong. Romance is essential in the books I love, but I've read so much that I'm getting weary of the busy/scorned/betrayed/world-weary woman falling for the sexy/hot/tall/dark/handsome/motorcycle-riding guy. That said, I still read a lot of those and enjoy them. I know, I'm a mixed bag.
Anyway, I've derailed here. I've read several NA novels, and I've found they're not really my thing. I've found them to be a bit romance-heavy, and sometimes more sexy than I want to read.
But FLAT-OUT LOVE wasn't either of those. There is romance--and I really enjoyed and was rooting for it. But there's more. There are other--more important--plot lines going on. Real relationships and real problems being explored. Some romance, but not the immediate kind of romance, but the kind of relationship that takes months to build.
That's why I loved the book. So I finish, and I want to read more books like that. Well, the Kindle (or Amazon) will tell you what other books people are buying when they buy FLAT-OUT LOVE.
And I started judging. That cover looks too romance-heavy.
That cover looks too sexy.
What is that on the cover?
I can't read that title. (Remember, I'm on the Kindle. It's small.)
I can't pronounce that character's name.
I'd only click on the covers that looked like I might get something that had substance and sported a title I could read easily. Then I'd read the book description. I'll admit that none of them piqued my interest for one reason or another, and I'm still looking for my next read that's like FLAT-OUT LOVE.
But I realized that book covers and titles are really important to me, and I think, all readers. It's our first judgement of a book. It might be that we'd really enjoy what's behind the cover, but we'll never see it if that first impression isn't done well.
Do you find yourself judging books this way? And do you have any recommendations for what I can read if I loved FLAT-OUT LOVE? I'd love to hear them!!
Shocking, I know.
 |
| Buy here |
It's not exactly YA, but it reads very much like a YA. I suppose this is called New Adult (Julie, the MC is a freshman in college), a genre I'll admit I've been skeptical about and honestly, a little scared of.
See, I don't want the entire plot to be the romance. Don't get me wrong. Romance is essential in the books I love, but I've read so much that I'm getting weary of the busy/scorned/betrayed/world-weary woman falling for the sexy/hot/tall/dark/handsome/motorcycle-riding guy. That said, I still read a lot of those and enjoy them. I know, I'm a mixed bag.
Anyway, I've derailed here. I've read several NA novels, and I've found they're not really my thing. I've found them to be a bit romance-heavy, and sometimes more sexy than I want to read.
But FLAT-OUT LOVE wasn't either of those. There is romance--and I really enjoyed and was rooting for it. But there's more. There are other--more important--plot lines going on. Real relationships and real problems being explored. Some romance, but not the immediate kind of romance, but the kind of relationship that takes months to build.
That's why I loved the book. So I finish, and I want to read more books like that. Well, the Kindle (or Amazon) will tell you what other books people are buying when they buy FLAT-OUT LOVE.
And I started judging. That cover looks too romance-heavy.
That cover looks too sexy.
What is that on the cover?
I can't read that title. (Remember, I'm on the Kindle. It's small.)
I can't pronounce that character's name.
I'd only click on the covers that looked like I might get something that had substance and sported a title I could read easily. Then I'd read the book description. I'll admit that none of them piqued my interest for one reason or another, and I'm still looking for my next read that's like FLAT-OUT LOVE.
But I realized that book covers and titles are really important to me, and I think, all readers. It's our first judgement of a book. It might be that we'd really enjoy what's behind the cover, but we'll never see it if that first impression isn't done well.
Do you find yourself judging books this way? And do you have any recommendations for what I can read if I loved FLAT-OUT LOVE? I'd love to hear them!!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
On Overload
Okay, so at the risk of becoming the world's biggest hypocrit ever, I've sort of decided to move away from the blogosphere. I feel like a complete hack, having taught many (MANY) "how to blog" classes at conferences and conventions.
I love blogging.
Or at least I used to.
Over the past year, I've fallen more and more out of love with it. I find it so much easier to send a tweet, or update my Facebook status, and I can easily read through my lists and groups to find out what's going on with the people I care about.
I know. That makes me like, the worst blogger ever. I just can't keep up anymore (haven't been able to for a long time), and I've been wondering if blogging is a platform that I'm all overloaded on.
And I think maybe it is.
I've been hesitating from moving away from it -- though, let's face it, I've been emotionally detached for a while now -- because I used to love it so much.
But I also used to love cotton candy. Now I just find it sticky, and messy, and overpriced. I didn't worry about abandoning that sweet for something else I liked. I don't know why this move has taken so long or feels so... I don't know. Painful? Yeah, probably painful.
I will still be here, periodically, as I have things to say and contribute. But really, I'm spending more time on twitter and Facebook. Or writing -- definitely writing.
Have you ever gone through this? Leaving behind something amazing and good, hopefully in the pursuit of something better?
I love blogging.
Or at least I used to.
Over the past year, I've fallen more and more out of love with it. I find it so much easier to send a tweet, or update my Facebook status, and I can easily read through my lists and groups to find out what's going on with the people I care about.
I know. That makes me like, the worst blogger ever. I just can't keep up anymore (haven't been able to for a long time), and I've been wondering if blogging is a platform that I'm all overloaded on.
And I think maybe it is.
I've been hesitating from moving away from it -- though, let's face it, I've been emotionally detached for a while now -- because I used to love it so much.
But I also used to love cotton candy. Now I just find it sticky, and messy, and overpriced. I didn't worry about abandoning that sweet for something else I liked. I don't know why this move has taken so long or feels so... I don't know. Painful? Yeah, probably painful.
I will still be here, periodically, as I have things to say and contribute. But really, I'm spending more time on twitter and Facebook. Or writing -- definitely writing.
Have you ever gone through this? Leaving behind something amazing and good, hopefully in the pursuit of something better?
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Winning Streak or Losing Streak
Okay, so I've been gone for a while! I swear I didn't mean to do that. But I was crazy-busy with planning and executing WriteOnCon (only the most amazing thing ever!) and then I moved right into work again. School starts TODAY, and I've been swamped with teacherly things, and motherly things, and well, when you stop blogging for a while, you sort of forget it's there... Tell me I'm not the only one who does that!
Anyway, I know I give you guys my professional development lectures every year. I just find them so inspirational, and I find that they almost always relate to how I'm feeling as a writer.
So we focus a lot on data at my school, because we're a Title I school and a lot of our funding comes from such things. One of our speakers was talking about winning streaks and losing streaks. He said something that resonated with me. He said that it only takes two (TWO) events to get on a streak, either winning or losing. Two successes to feel confident. To self-analyze how we're doing, and what we could be doing better. Two successes to feel like we know what we're doing. (He, of course, was talking about creating successes for kids, and I, of course, agreed and then applied it to writing/publishing.) Two successes to think, "Hey, I might be good at this."
Hopefully, you've been on a winning streak before. Maybe even in publishing.
Then he said that it only takes two disappointments or failures to be on a losing streak. Two failed tests. Two instances where a student couldn't perform what they were asked to. And this is the dangerous spiral. When you're on a losing streak, you want to give up. You criticize yourself mercilessly. You have no confidence and no motivation to keep trying. Not only do we start to think, "I can't do this," we continue that thought to "I can't do this, because I'm not good at it."
Oh, how I've felt this in writing. Two rejections in a row can get you there. Maybe my book is terrible. Maybe I'm not a good writer.
Two bad reviews. My book is lame. I can't plot. I should just give up.
The trick is to take the "failures" and make them into successes. Or ignore them. Or make it so you don't even know about them.
Or eat a lot of ice cream and have a writer's group to vent to. Ha!
No matter what, I felt that what our trainer was saying was true. I've felt it as I've pursued a writing career, and I know my students feel it as they try to learn math, science, and English. My goal is make sure EVERY interaction they have is a success, and I'm going to try to work through the losing streak in writing, anticipating a success just around this next corner...
Where are you right now? Winning streak or losing streak?
Anyway, I know I give you guys my professional development lectures every year. I just find them so inspirational, and I find that they almost always relate to how I'm feeling as a writer.
So we focus a lot on data at my school, because we're a Title I school and a lot of our funding comes from such things. One of our speakers was talking about winning streaks and losing streaks. He said something that resonated with me. He said that it only takes two (TWO) events to get on a streak, either winning or losing. Two successes to feel confident. To self-analyze how we're doing, and what we could be doing better. Two successes to feel like we know what we're doing. (He, of course, was talking about creating successes for kids, and I, of course, agreed and then applied it to writing/publishing.) Two successes to think, "Hey, I might be good at this."
Hopefully, you've been on a winning streak before. Maybe even in publishing.
Then he said that it only takes two disappointments or failures to be on a losing streak. Two failed tests. Two instances where a student couldn't perform what they were asked to. And this is the dangerous spiral. When you're on a losing streak, you want to give up. You criticize yourself mercilessly. You have no confidence and no motivation to keep trying. Not only do we start to think, "I can't do this," we continue that thought to "I can't do this, because I'm not good at it."
Oh, how I've felt this in writing. Two rejections in a row can get you there. Maybe my book is terrible. Maybe I'm not a good writer.
Two bad reviews. My book is lame. I can't plot. I should just give up.
The trick is to take the "failures" and make them into successes. Or ignore them. Or make it so you don't even know about them.
Or eat a lot of ice cream and have a writer's group to vent to. Ha!
No matter what, I felt that what our trainer was saying was true. I've felt it as I've pursued a writing career, and I know my students feel it as they try to learn math, science, and English. My goal is make sure EVERY interaction they have is a success, and I'm going to try to work through the losing streak in writing, anticipating a success just around this next corner...
Where are you right now? Winning streak or losing streak?
Monday, August 5, 2013
The Domino Effect
Okay, so I took a little vacation last week. I've been around on Facebook and Twitter, but not much. I did buy a new car, and I've been slammed with WriteOnCon things. You do know about WOC, right? Because if you don't, you should get in on the fun! Go over to the WOC site to find out more.
Additionally, I'm working on a novel--hopefully the final polish! I've written, edited, and polished enough manuscripts now to name this stage "the domino effect."
This is the round where you're doing targeted fixes in character and plot. Seeding emotional ties you've missed before. Planting clues or details so you can earn the big payoff at the end. Ensuring the motivation is correct and strong. Those sorts of things.
It's not like adding a new scene or eliminating a chapter that isn't working and replacing it with one that does.
No, this requires a fine toothed comb, a careful eye, to find the exact location to insert maybe 15 words that will make your manuscript shine. You don't want to put in too many hints, or make them so few and far between that readers forget.
This round of polishing is really like playing dominoes. The details must be evenly spaced and perfectly aligned. The transitions must be strong so as not to give away where you've inserted said details.
For me, this is the toughest and most rewarding round of edits. The toughest, because one false move and the whole thing doesn't feel right. The most rewarding, because when you get it right... Ahhh.
Don't you think writing is like playing dominoes?
Additionally, I'm working on a novel--hopefully the final polish! I've written, edited, and polished enough manuscripts now to name this stage "the domino effect."
This is the round where you're doing targeted fixes in character and plot. Seeding emotional ties you've missed before. Planting clues or details so you can earn the big payoff at the end. Ensuring the motivation is correct and strong. Those sorts of things.
It's not like adding a new scene or eliminating a chapter that isn't working and replacing it with one that does.
No, this requires a fine toothed comb, a careful eye, to find the exact location to insert maybe 15 words that will make your manuscript shine. You don't want to put in too many hints, or make them so few and far between that readers forget.
This round of polishing is really like playing dominoes. The details must be evenly spaced and perfectly aligned. The transitions must be strong so as not to give away where you've inserted said details.
For me, this is the toughest and most rewarding round of edits. The toughest, because one false move and the whole thing doesn't feel right. The most rewarding, because when you get it right... Ahhh.
Don't you think writing is like playing dominoes?
Monday, July 22, 2013
Some Things...
Okay, so sometimes life comes at you full force. Last week was one of those weeks. In short:
Monday: Washing machine breaks down mid-cycle. I go to the laundromat. For any of you who have to do this regularly, my condolences. I realize how blessed and fortunate I've been for the past 15 years having my own washer and dryer.
Tuesday: Washing machine repairman says it'll cost $500 to fix the washer.
Also Tuesday: The ice maker goes on the fritz (again). Pull out fridge (I've actually cleaned behind it recently, so this isn't as disgusting as you might be thinking!), and inspect the line. Everything looks good, and things go well, if not a little wet because that water line wasn't all the way off...
Wednesday: Husband's car won't shift out of park. Watch YouTube videos. Go to automotive store and buy part. Begin drive home...
Then this:
Thursday/Friday: Talk to a billionty people about the car accident, the insurance, medical appointments, rental cars, etc. etc. We were in the car alone (no kids, thank goodness!), and we walked away. There's the normal aches and pains and stuff, but all in all, we are alive and healthy.
This week, we're going on vacation. I'm not quite ready for it because of the firestorm that was last week, but mentally, I'm already there. Ha!
Have you had weeks like this? And hey, isn't this what we do to our characters in our novels? "Hey, you think this is bad?? Just wait five more pages... *cackle*" I mean, seriously.
Monday: Washing machine breaks down mid-cycle. I go to the laundromat. For any of you who have to do this regularly, my condolences. I realize how blessed and fortunate I've been for the past 15 years having my own washer and dryer.
Tuesday: Washing machine repairman says it'll cost $500 to fix the washer.
Also Tuesday: The ice maker goes on the fritz (again). Pull out fridge (I've actually cleaned behind it recently, so this isn't as disgusting as you might be thinking!), and inspect the line. Everything looks good, and things go well, if not a little wet because that water line wasn't all the way off...
Wednesday: Husband's car won't shift out of park. Watch YouTube videos. Go to automotive store and buy part. Begin drive home...
Then this:
Thursday/Friday: Talk to a billionty people about the car accident, the insurance, medical appointments, rental cars, etc. etc. We were in the car alone (no kids, thank goodness!), and we walked away. There's the normal aches and pains and stuff, but all in all, we are alive and healthy.
This week, we're going on vacation. I'm not quite ready for it because of the firestorm that was last week, but mentally, I'm already there. Ha!
Have you had weeks like this? And hey, isn't this what we do to our characters in our novels? "Hey, you think this is bad?? Just wait five more pages... *cackle*" I mean, seriously.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting
Okay, so today I'm showing some dystopian love to THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting. I realize I'm way behind the times on this one -- but I did buy it when it came out! Sometimes books have a way of getting lost around my house. There's just so much to read, you know?
But you should definitely add THE PLEDGE to your list! Let's examine.
About THE PLEDGE: In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines your class, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution.
Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. The only reprieve from oppression is within the drug-filled underground club scene. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. As the violent clashes between the totalitarian monarchy and the rebel forces escalate, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible grip of a deadly regime.
I loved Charlie as a main character. Writing a character that has a secret and can't tell is hard--trust me, I've tried! It always seems like there are people who know, or the MC tells someone randomly. Well, that didn't happen here. Charlie has a secret -- she can understand languages -- and she doesn't tell. Shocking, I know.
I liked that about her. I also liked that she was more than she knew, but she actively sought to discover the answers. Along the way, she meets Max -- who is also so much more than he seems. I liked that we got to see things from his POV too. I'm finding more and more that I liked multiple POVs in books, as long as they're done well.
And Kimberly does them well in THE PLEDGE.
If you like a little bit of magic mixed in with a very cool society, you'll like THE PLEDGE. I liked that it was dystopian (because I love dystopian!), but I also felt a lot of fantasy vibes in the book. I really liked that genre mixing.
Check out what the other Bookanistas are reading this week:
But you should definitely add THE PLEDGE to your list! Let's examine.
Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. The only reprieve from oppression is within the drug-filled underground club scene. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. As the violent clashes between the totalitarian monarchy and the rebel forces escalate, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible grip of a deadly regime.
I loved Charlie as a main character. Writing a character that has a secret and can't tell is hard--trust me, I've tried! It always seems like there are people who know, or the MC tells someone randomly. Well, that didn't happen here. Charlie has a secret -- she can understand languages -- and she doesn't tell. Shocking, I know.
I liked that about her. I also liked that she was more than she knew, but she actively sought to discover the answers. Along the way, she meets Max -- who is also so much more than he seems. I liked that we got to see things from his POV too. I'm finding more and more that I liked multiple POVs in books, as long as they're done well.
And Kimberly does them well in THE PLEDGE.
If you like a little bit of magic mixed in with a very cool society, you'll like THE PLEDGE. I liked that it was dystopian (because I love dystopian!), but I also felt a lot of fantasy vibes in the book. I really liked that genre mixing.
Check out what the other Bookanistas are reading this week:
- Rebecca Behrens leaps over THE MOON AND MORE by Saran Dessen
- Tracey Neithercott croons about CROAK by Gina Damico
- Kimberly Sabatini delves into THE INFINITE MOMENT OF US by Lauren Myracle
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Revising in the Digital Age
Okay, so I used to go through my manuscripts over and over (okay, I still do that!), and then finally when I thought I had it, I'd print it. The hard copy was the last version I went over to find all the little things I just couldn't see on the screen.
I mean, I couldn't print my 350-page novel every other day, you know?
But now, I find that I'm not printing anymore. The goal was always to see the manuscript in a different way.
I'm using my Kindle. I can email any document (PDF or simply a Word doc) to my Kindle email address and ba-bam! It shows up, ready to read. I can change the font, the size, the background color. And I can see it in a different medium -- anywhere!
Not only that, but I recently discovered that I can HIGHLIGHT things in the text. I used to keep a notebook with me as I read my manuscripts on the Kindle. I'd take notes on what needed to change/be fixed in each chapter.
Now I can highlight those things -- and it's easy to find those notes, because Kindle keeps them in a list for me!
It's a match made in heaven. Not only that, but I can email myself a new version of my book every day if I want! I even sent myself my launch day speech. No more printing for me!
Have you used an e-reader to actually edit before? Did you know you can highlight the things you need to fix in the manuscript?? I mean, seriously!
I mean, I couldn't print my 350-page novel every other day, you know?
But now, I find that I'm not printing anymore. The goal was always to see the manuscript in a different way.
I'm using my Kindle. I can email any document (PDF or simply a Word doc) to my Kindle email address and ba-bam! It shows up, ready to read. I can change the font, the size, the background color. And I can see it in a different medium -- anywhere!
Not only that, but I recently discovered that I can HIGHLIGHT things in the text. I used to keep a notebook with me as I read my manuscripts on the Kindle. I'd take notes on what needed to change/be fixed in each chapter.
Now I can highlight those things -- and it's easy to find those notes, because Kindle keeps them in a list for me!
It's a match made in heaven. Not only that, but I can email myself a new version of my book every day if I want! I even sent myself my launch day speech. No more printing for me!
Have you used an e-reader to actually edit before? Did you know you can highlight the things you need to fix in the manuscript?? I mean, seriously!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)