Mary E. Pearson's Blog, page 9
June 4, 2012
Writing "keys"
I added a new page to my website For Writers.
I've received more than the usual amount of mail lately from . . .
I've received more than the usual amount of mail lately from . . .
May 22, 2012
Pub Day!
Ten years in paperback! To celebrate, today Scribbler of Dreams is out with a new cover! What do you think? I love it!
April 26, 2012
Inspiration and Tools of the Trade
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
--Ernest Hemingway
I'm starting to write a brand new book and I’m at that giddy stage, the in-love stage. Everything is possible! The pages ahead of me are an endless open territory. My characters will do great things! Hideous things! Gut-wrenching things! There are no limits to what I can do with setting! It will be a character in itself. And the plot? It will weave into complicated rivulets that will test the limits of my character! That’s what beginnings are, open territory where everything and anything is possible . . . more
--Ernest Hemingway
I'm starting to write a brand new book and I’m at that giddy stage, the in-love stage. Everything is possible! The pages ahead of me are an endless open territory. My characters will do great things! Hideous things! Gut-wrenching things! There are no limits to what I can do with setting! It will be a character in itself. And the plot? It will weave into complicated rivulets that will test the limits of my character! That’s what beginnings are, open territory where everything and anything is possible . . . more
Inspiration and Tools of the Trade
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
--Ernest Hemingway
I'm starting to write a brand new book and I’m at that giddy stage, the in-love stage. Everything is possible! The pages ahead of me are an endless open territory. My characters will do great things! Hideous things! Gut-wrenching things! There are no limits to what I can do with setting! It will be a character in itself. And the plot? It will weave into complicated rivulets that will test the limits of my character! That’s what beginnings are, open territory where everything and anything is possible. Inspiration abounds.
But I’ve written enough books to know that after the “everything is possible” stage comes the “oh crap, this isn't going exactly as I planned” stage. Inspiration alone doesn't get a book get written. And that fact makes me mindful of craft, using all the tools at my disposal to help me tell the story in the best possible way I can. At this early stage I begin revisiting and polishing up the tools I have, and always, always, begin looking for new ones. In terms of craft, I am forever an apprentice and I'm grateful for that.
I have to admit, I love reading about craft. There’s hardly a book on writing that I don’t own. Stephen King, Robert Mckee, Anne LeMott, Madeline L’Engle, Donald Maass, Betsy Lerner, Linda Seger, and many, many more--I’ve learned something from them all. I love hearing their insights, their highs and lows of the process, and their own unique approaches which could never be mine, but make me examine my own process more closely. Yes, I guess this is a time of self-examination too.
This last year when I was on tour with Alyson Noel and Jessica Brody, they both told me about the Beat Sheet from Save the Cat, a book on screenwriting by Blake Snyder. It helps you break your story down into fifteen essential beats. Much of what is covered can apply to novels too. It intrigued me. So I’m using a modified version of that to organize my thoughts.
Why don’t I just use the same methods I’ve used on all my other books? To a certain extent I do, but alas, no two books are ever alike, so they all have to be approached slightly differently. And maybe I just like mixing things up a bit to help me think in fresh ways. I love the challenge of new stories and new approaches. Maybe that’s what I love the most about the writing process, is it keeps you on your toes.
And this new book is certainly doing that. New territory. Magical. But when the walls and detours start coming, I’m grateful for the tools too.
--Ernest Hemingway
I'm starting to write a brand new book and I’m at that giddy stage, the in-love stage. Everything is possible! The pages ahead of me are an endless open territory. My characters will do great things! Hideous things! Gut-wrenching things! There are no limits to what I can do with setting! It will be a character in itself. And the plot? It will weave into complicated rivulets that will test the limits of my character! That’s what beginnings are, open territory where everything and anything is possible. Inspiration abounds.
But I’ve written enough books to know that after the “everything is possible” stage comes the “oh crap, this isn't going exactly as I planned” stage. Inspiration alone doesn't get a book get written. And that fact makes me mindful of craft, using all the tools at my disposal to help me tell the story in the best possible way I can. At this early stage I begin revisiting and polishing up the tools I have, and always, always, begin looking for new ones. In terms of craft, I am forever an apprentice and I'm grateful for that.
I have to admit, I love reading about craft. There’s hardly a book on writing that I don’t own. Stephen King, Robert Mckee, Anne LeMott, Madeline L’Engle, Donald Maass, Betsy Lerner, Linda Seger, and many, many more--I’ve learned something from them all. I love hearing their insights, their highs and lows of the process, and their own unique approaches which could never be mine, but make me examine my own process more closely. Yes, I guess this is a time of self-examination too.This last year when I was on tour with Alyson Noel and Jessica Brody, they both told me about the Beat Sheet from Save the Cat, a book on screenwriting by Blake Snyder. It helps you break your story down into fifteen essential beats. Much of what is covered can apply to novels too. It intrigued me. So I’m using a modified version of that to organize my thoughts.
Why don’t I just use the same methods I’ve used on all my other books? To a certain extent I do, but alas, no two books are ever alike, so they all have to be approached slightly differently. And maybe I just like mixing things up a bit to help me think in fresh ways. I love the challenge of new stories and new approaches. Maybe that’s what I love the most about the writing process, is it keeps you on your toes.
And this new book is certainly doing that. New territory. Magical. But when the walls and detours start coming, I’m grateful for the tools too.
April 13, 2012
New site! New blog!
My very first post on my new blog!
There may still be a little dust here and there, but my whole site has had a major makeover. Whew!
Now my blog, books news, etc., are all in one location--making life easier for me, and I hope for you too.
The makeover includes lots of new features and updates. If there's something else you'd like to see, let me know. On my book pages I have most of my foreign covers displayed now which is kind of fun to see. Every edition has its own unique twist and take. Do you have a favorite?
I've also updated my interviews under the "About Mary" tab. I hope you'll take the time to explore the pages and let me know what you think.
And in book news, drumroll please . . .
I have a title and pub date for the third and final book in The Jenna Fox Chronicles! It was the title I was rooting for, so I'm thrilled: The Second Life of Locke Jenkins
It will be out on March 19, 2013. I just sent my final edits off to my editor today (well, final except for copyedits of course) so for me that's great news too. Another hearty, whew!
Now on to the next book which is already brewing but I won't be talking about for quite some time as I let the creative juices percolate.
Oh! And the spring color below is courtesy of Poway High School in California. For my visit the students made dozens of colorful butterflies to decorate the library. Plus, they wrote lovely messages on the back. The librarian sent them to me because I couldn't read them while I was there. I'm enjoying every single one.
Spring has sprung in my office, even if it's drizzling outside.
There may still be a little dust here and there, but my whole site has had a major makeover. Whew!
Now my blog, books news, etc., are all in one location--making life easier for me, and I hope for you too.
The makeover includes lots of new features and updates. If there's something else you'd like to see, let me know. On my book pages I have most of my foreign covers displayed now which is kind of fun to see. Every edition has its own unique twist and take. Do you have a favorite?
I've also updated my interviews under the "About Mary" tab. I hope you'll take the time to explore the pages and let me know what you think.
And in book news, drumroll please . . .
I have a title and pub date for the third and final book in The Jenna Fox Chronicles! It was the title I was rooting for, so I'm thrilled: The Second Life of Locke Jenkins
It will be out on March 19, 2013. I just sent my final edits off to my editor today (well, final except for copyedits of course) so for me that's great news too. Another hearty, whew!
Now on to the next book which is already brewing but I won't be talking about for quite some time as I let the creative juices percolate.
Oh! And the spring color below is courtesy of Poway High School in California. For my visit the students made dozens of colorful butterflies to decorate the library. Plus, they wrote lovely messages on the back. The librarian sent them to me because I couldn't read them while I was there. I'm enjoying every single one.
Spring has sprung in my office, even if it's drizzling outside.
New site!
Whew! Shaking the dust off. I have a completely revamped website. And some news on the third book in the Jenna Fox Chronicles! A title and a pub date! Come and see.
Virtual open house with cupcakes . . . http://www.marypearson.com/blog.html
Virtual open house with cupcakes . . . http://www.marypearson.com/blog.html
February 21, 2012
February 7, 2012
Do I dare say . . .
Happy New Year?
Egad, I've had a long hiatus from my blog. Last year was an insane year for me. So much going on! Here's the short list:
1. My youngest daughter got married. (Beautiful bride and wedding!)
2. My first grandbaby was born. (I am smitten!)
3. I had a new book published! (The Fox Inheritance!)
4. I wrote and had my first short story published! (Gargouille in Enthralled anthology!)
5. I wrote and had my second short story published! (The Rotten Beast from Tor!)
6. I went on a very long group book tour! (Pen Fatale tour!)
7. And . . . ta-da! During all of this, somehow I wrote ANOTHER book! (The third and final of The Jenna Fox Chronicles)
It still makes my head spin. I honestly don't know how I did it all, but I do know I was busy, and some things had to go by the wayside--like keeping up on my blog. And the gym. And cleaning. And . . .
So I'm hoping 2012 is a bit less hectic. I am finishing up revisions of the book I mentioned in #7. No title yet. My editor and I are still working on it, tossing around possibilities. It should be out this time next year.
And new stories ideas and characters have already come courting. I keep pushing them away which is what I always do with stories, and then finally, I succumb to the ones that just won't stop wooing me. But right now I will keep them at bay until I finish these revisions.
(Are revisions ever really ever finished? But that's another post.)
Egad, I've had a long hiatus from my blog. Last year was an insane year for me. So much going on! Here's the short list:
1. My youngest daughter got married. (Beautiful bride and wedding!)
2. My first grandbaby was born. (I am smitten!)
3. I had a new book published! (The Fox Inheritance!)
4. I wrote and had my first short story published! (Gargouille in Enthralled anthology!)
5. I wrote and had my second short story published! (The Rotten Beast from Tor!)
6. I went on a very long group book tour! (Pen Fatale tour!)
7. And . . . ta-da! During all of this, somehow I wrote ANOTHER book! (The third and final of The Jenna Fox Chronicles)
It still makes my head spin. I honestly don't know how I did it all, but I do know I was busy, and some things had to go by the wayside--like keeping up on my blog. And the gym. And cleaning. And . . .
So I'm hoping 2012 is a bit less hectic. I am finishing up revisions of the book I mentioned in #7. No title yet. My editor and I are still working on it, tossing around possibilities. It should be out this time next year.
And new stories ideas and characters have already come courting. I keep pushing them away which is what I always do with stories, and then finally, I succumb to the ones that just won't stop wooing me. But right now I will keep them at bay until I finish these revisions.
(Are revisions ever really ever finished? But that's another post.)
September 21, 2011
Pen Fatale Tour!
In just one week the Pen Fatale Tour will kick off! I'm so excited!
I'll be touring with authors Jessica Brody, Gabrielle Zevin, and Alyson Noel, meeting readers and fans all across the country. Meeting readers is one of the best things about being an author. Their passion for books is inspiring and makes me want to get back to my keyboard and write!
Here's the schedule of public stops. Besides these, we will also be meeting with lots of different schools during the day.
TEXAS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
6:00 PM Barnes & Noble, The Woodlands, TX
SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
7:00 PM off-site event hosted by Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
OCTOBER 1, 2011
Austin Teen Lit Festival, Austin, TX
Pen Fatale panel will be moderated by author Margo Rabb
ILLINOIS
OCTOBER 4, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville, IL
Panel will be moderated by Mary Harris Russell, contributor to Chicago Tribune
COLORADO
OCTOBER 5, 2011
7:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Boulder, CO
OCTOBER 6, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Tattered Cover, Highlands Ranch, CO
Panel will be moderated by Claire Martin, The Denver Post
CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 9, 2011
3:00 PM in-store event at Vroman’s, Pasadena, CA
OCTOBER 10, 2011 5:00 PM event at Upland Public Library, Upland, CA with Mrs. Nelson’s Toy & Book Shop
WASHINGTON
OCTOBER 12, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
Panel moderated by Stephanie Dunnewind, The Seattle Times
OCTOBER 13, 2011
7:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Lynnwood, WA
*****************
For ALL the details, locations, and times, visit the Pen Fatale page HERE!
I'll be touring with authors Jessica Brody, Gabrielle Zevin, and Alyson Noel, meeting readers and fans all across the country. Meeting readers is one of the best things about being an author. Their passion for books is inspiring and makes me want to get back to my keyboard and write!
Here's the schedule of public stops. Besides these, we will also be meeting with lots of different schools during the day.
TEXAS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
6:00 PM Barnes & Noble, The Woodlands, TX
SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
7:00 PM off-site event hosted by Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
OCTOBER 1, 2011
Austin Teen Lit Festival, Austin, TX
Pen Fatale panel will be moderated by author Margo Rabb
ILLINOIS
OCTOBER 4, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville, IL
Panel will be moderated by Mary Harris Russell, contributor to Chicago Tribune
COLORADO
OCTOBER 5, 2011
7:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Boulder, CO
OCTOBER 6, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Tattered Cover, Highlands Ranch, CO
Panel will be moderated by Claire Martin, The Denver Post
CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 9, 2011
3:00 PM in-store event at Vroman’s, Pasadena, CA
OCTOBER 10, 2011 5:00 PM event at Upland Public Library, Upland, CA with Mrs. Nelson’s Toy & Book Shop
WASHINGTON
OCTOBER 12, 2011
7:00 PM in-store event at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
Panel moderated by Stephanie Dunnewind, The Seattle Times
OCTOBER 13, 2011
7:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Lynnwood, WA
*****************
For ALL the details, locations, and times, visit the Pen Fatale page HERE!
