C.L. Walters's Blog, page 14
May 20, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer
Alice’s escape down the rabbit hole really was about one thing: ADVENTURE. She wanted her own adventure instead of reading about it.
This quintessential idea brings to mind one of my favorite quotations in a fantasy book series I recently finished called The Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab (if you like edgy fantasy - a MUST read! The series begins with A Darker Shade of Magic). Lila, one of the central characters told another, “‘I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.’” And isn’t that, in many ways, a truth for all of us?
One amazing adventure story I wanted to share with you is The Speed of Falling Objects written by Nancy Richardson Fischer (her novel When Elephants Fly has been nominated for the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature). It is not only a survival story but also an incredible coming-of-age tale swirling with family drama and new love.
Danielle (Dani) Warren, the daughter of a TV reality survivalist, is nothing like her brave father. After an accident that takes her site in one eye, she’s learned to compensate for that change, but that isn’t the only thing she’s compensating for; she wants to make everyone else happy, especially her mom, but it’s beginning to feel like it’s at a cost to her own. When her dad, who she hasn’t seen for years, calls to invite her on a trip to the Amazon to film the next episode of his TV show, she jumps at the chance to prove she can be the daughter he’s always wanted. But nothing goes as planned. When their small plane crashes in the Amazon and a terrible secret is revealed, Dani must face the truth about her parents, about her own happiness, and find the strength to survive the deadly rainforest to find her way home.
I loved this story, and over the last several months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Ms. Richardson-Fischer through Instagram (give her a follow @nanfischerauthor). She so graciously agreed to answer my questions as a contributor to the Reading Wonderland:
CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is a survival story set in the Amazon. I have read on several occasions your aversion to reptiles and creepy crawly things. What on earth inspired this story?
NRF: I’ve always been fascinated with stories of survival—sinking sailboats and months lost at sea, climbers who help each other crawl down mountains after brutal injuries—there is no better way to figure out who people are, at their core, then to witness them struggle and see who retains their humanity, survives and thrives. Usually, it’s the person you least expect that digs deepest and surprises!
Originally the plane crash in this novel was going to happen on a snow-covered mountain. I’ve spent time winter camping, used to rock climb, and understand that world. But while doing research, it became clear that nothing would push Danny toward growth more than the Amazon.
There are 3,600 species of spiders in the Amazon Basin, 2.5 million insects, and seventeen types of highly venomous snakes. Plus, there are so many ways to die! If the plane crash doesn’t result in devastating injuries, a bite from a wandering spider can kill in less than twenty minutes. The fer-de-lance, an aggressive pit viper, has venom that leads to gangrene, amputation and death. Even the frogs exude a toxin that can cause fatal heart attacks. There are bullet ants whose bite feels like a gunshot, bloodthirsty leeches and electric eels that can unleash over 600 volts …
All of which I studied with shudders (Danny and I have that in common) as I squinted at photos, read first-person-accounts and watched survivalist videos. Choosing to create a character that has similar fears, at least in the creepy crawly realm, allowed me to identify and empathize with Danny and tap into my own very real fears to make hers more believable.
CLW: When writing this story, what was the scariest thing you researched and how did you get through it?
NRF: The scariest things were the spiders! Seriously, I am less afraid of a plane crash, broken bones and other injuries, sleeping in the jungle, even scorpions and snakes, than I am of a spider. But spiders came with the story and over time I was able to not just read about them but look at them so I could realistically describe their furry, terrifying bodies. For the record, in real life I’m still petrified of them.
CLW: There are a lot of things I loved about this book, but here are two: the way you delved into family relationships and its impact on identity, and the real way teens have feelings (especially with respect to sex and relationships) and how you didn’t shy away from either. Can you comment on what helps you explore those kinds of heavier topics with depth and realism?
NRF: The best way I know to explore heavy topics is to do the research. I read about dysfunctional families, used my own experiences in that realm, talked to teens, watched videos, read other books that dove into dark subject matter and then did my best to respectfully explore all the issues that Danny faces.
CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is your fourth book and the follow up to the YA, When Elephants Fly. Having been through this publication process, going to book signings, interacting with readers, what was the most surprising thing(s) you have learned going through the process?
NRF: The Speed of Falling Objects is actually my eleventh published book! My first eight were sport autobiographies that I co-wrote with athletes like Monica Seles, Nadia Comaneci and Apolo Ohno. I also wrote three Junior Jedi Books for LucasFilm and then wrote When Elephants Fly followed by The Speed of Falling Objects. There have been a lot of surprises along the way. First, it was a much longer process getting to the point where I could write my own fiction than I imagined. Second, I’m surprised at how much I love the editing process—that’s where the real magic happens! Third, interacting with readers, doing books signings and meeting other authors has been both a joy and much needed. Writing is a solitary process so hearing from readers who love my books feeds my soul and talking with other authors provides a much needed group of friends who both support each other and help ease the rough patches along the road to publication.
CLW: Which is the favorite book you’ve written, and why is that the case?
NRF: I really don’t have a favorite! I loved writing Lily and Swifty’s stories in When Elephants Fly and the chance to educate people about the plight of elephants, but then along came Danger Danielle Warren in The Speed of Falling Objects… Each book I write is my favorite of the moment. And then I move on and give my heart to the next story.
CLW: What is your favorite genre to read, and do you have a recommendation for readers?
NRF: My reading is all over the place. I love all of Tana French’s mysteries—she’s a poet at heart and creates incredible characters. I can’t put down Stephen King’s novels and am dazzled by his imagination and the way he makes me care. And Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale has stayed with me for life.
CLW: Favorite classic read?
NRF: For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.
CLW: Stephen King wrote that “Books are distinctly portable magic.” What was the last book you read that transported you?
NRF: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow changed me forever. Then I read her follow-up, Children of God, and I was changed again.
CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey?
NRF: Too many to name so I’ll just list a few of the authors I love… Misa Sugiura, Jennifer Longo, Jennifer Mathieu, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Stephen King, Peter Straub, Rebecca Makai, Mark Helprin, Sara Blake, Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Kingsolver…
CLW: The theme is YA Contemporary books. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?
All the Bright Places [by Jennifer Niven]
A List of Cages [by Robin Roe]
The Outsiders [by S.E. Hinton]
The Hunger Games [by Suzanne Collins]
Lord of the Flies [by William Golding]
CLW: What are you working on now?
I’m working on my second adult novel! It’s an exciting new world and I hope that the readers who loved When Elephants Fly and The Speed of Falling Objects will take a chance and give my next novel a try!
CLW: Where can readers find you?
Readers can find me on Instagram and Twitter @nanfischerauthor and can write me at: nancyrichardsonfischerauthor@gmail.com. For all requests, please contact my agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency.
So much thanks to Ms. Richardson-Fischer and the time she offered to share with us!
Next Week: Piper Bee and her upcoming release, Joy’s Summer Love PlaylistCLWalters Blog RSS
May 2020
May 20, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer
May 20, 2020
May 13, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus
May 13, 2020
May 6, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts
May 6, 2020
April 2020
Apr 29, 2020
Reading Wonderland: an Introduction
Apr 29, 2020
Apr 22, 2020
Quarantine: 37 Days
Apr 22, 2020
March 2020
Mar 31, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up
Mar 31, 2020
Mar 25, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8
Mar 25, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7
Mar 18, 2020
Mar 11, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6
Mar 11, 2020
February 2020
Feb 29, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5
Feb 29, 2020
Feb 24, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4
Feb 24, 2020
Feb 19, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3
Feb 19, 2020
Feb 12, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2
Feb 12, 2020
Feb 4, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1
Feb 4, 2020
January 2020
Jan 29, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream
Jan 29, 2020
Jan 15, 2020
The Letters She Left Behind: It's here!
Jan 15, 2020
Jan 8, 2020
The Letters She Left Behind: Free Chapter 3
Jan 8, 2020
Jan 1, 2020
The Letters She Left Behind: Free Chapter 2
Jan 1, 2020
December 2019
Dec 24, 2019
The Letters She Left Behind: Free Chapter 1
Dec 24, 2019
Dec 18, 2019
The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview
Dec 18, 2019
Dec 11, 2019
The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist
Dec 11, 2019
Dec 2, 2019
Deadlines, December, New Stories Oh My!
Dec 2, 2019
November 2019
Nov 25, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 6
Nov 25, 2019
Nov 18, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 5
Nov 18, 2019
Nov 11, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 4
Nov 11, 2019
Nov 4, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 3
Nov 4, 2019
October 2019
Oct 28, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 2
Oct 28, 2019
Oct 21, 2019
THE RING ACADEMY: The Disappearance, Part 1
Oct 21, 2019
Oct 16, 2019
Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again)
Oct 16, 2019
Oct 7, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude
Oct 7, 2019
September 2019
Sep 30, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: It's time.
Sep 30, 2019
Sep 23, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: A Letter From Gabe
Sep 23, 2019
Sep 16, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story
Sep 16, 2019
Sep 9, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe
Sep 9, 2019
Sep 2, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Musical Playlist
Sep 2, 2019
August 2019
Aug 26, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Free Chapter
Aug 26, 2019
Aug 19, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: The Monster
Aug 19, 2019
Aug 12, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Gabe Facts
Aug 12, 2019
Aug 5, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Hero
Aug 5, 2019
July 2019
Jul 29, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Teens & Depression
Jul 29, 2019
Jul 22, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Love
Jul 22, 2019
Jul 15, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: The Change
Jul 15, 2019
Jul 8, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic
Jul 8, 2019
Jul 1, 2019
The Bones of Who We Are: Book Blurb
Jul 1, 2019
June 2019
Jun 25, 2019
COVER REVEAL: The Bones of Who We Are
Jun 25, 2019
Jun 17, 2019
The Ugly Truth - Free Chapters
Jun 17, 2019
May 2019
May 26, 2019
Time Away
May 26, 2019
May 20, 2019
Writing Inspiration: Music
May 20, 2019
May 13, 2019
Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson
May 13, 2019
May 6, 2019
Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview
May 6, 2019
May 1, 2019
The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST
May 1, 2019
April 2019
Apr 29, 2019
YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane
Apr 29, 2019
Apr 22, 2019
YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Pier Dye
Apr 22, 2019
Apr 15, 2019
YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday
Apr 15, 2019
Apr 8, 2019
YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula
Apr 8, 2019
Apr 1, 2019
YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge
Apr 1, 2019
March 2019
Mar 25, 2019
YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters
Mar 25, 2019
Mar 18, 2019
#momlife, #writerslife
Mar 18, 2019
Mar 12, 2019
Book Mash-Up Fun
Mar 12, 2019
Mar 4, 2019
Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes
Mar 4, 2019
February 2019
Feb 25, 2019
Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool
Feb 25, 2019
Feb 18, 2019
Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation
Feb 18, 2019
Feb 16, 2019
2000 Words Out Loud: The Bones of Who We Are
Feb 16, 2019
Feb 11, 2019
Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict
Feb 11, 2019
Feb 5, 2019
1000 Words Out Loud
Feb 5, 2019
Feb 4, 2019
Point of View and Writing
Feb 4, 2019
January 2019
Jan 28, 2019
Off to Refill the Well . . .
Jan 28, 2019
Jan 21, 2019
Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative?
Jan 21, 2019
Jan 14, 2019
Character: Conversations
Jan 14, 2019
December 2018
Dec 24, 2018
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dec 24, 2018
Dec 10, 2018
Thank you!
Dec 10, 2018
Dec 3, 2018
The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist
Dec 3, 2018
November 2018
Nov 26, 2018
The Ugly Truth: A Letter from Seth
Nov 26, 2018
Nov 25, 2018
I won!
Nov 25, 2018
Nov 11, 2018
Swimming Sideways Sample
Nov 11, 2018
Nov 4, 2018
It's November!
Nov 4, 2018
October 2018
Oct 29, 2018
This Writer Reads
Oct 29, 2018
Oct 22, 2018
The Hate U Give (Consumers Unite!)
Oct 22, 2018
Oct 15, 2018
Swimming Sideways: A Letter to Readers
Oct 15, 2018
Oct 8, 2018
Empathy is Our Superpower!
Oct 8, 2018
Oct 4, 2018
The Writer Hoard
Oct 4, 2018
Oct 1, 2018
Swimming Sideways Play List
Oct 1, 2018
September 2018
Sep 28, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane and New Found Freedom
Sep 28, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane and the Final Battle
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 22, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane and Her Road Back
Sep 22, 2018
Sep 19, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane's Dark Night of the Soul
Sep 19, 2018
Sep 16, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane's Road of Trials
Sep 16, 2018
Sep 13, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane Crosses the Threshold
Sep 13, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Hero's Journey: Jane Goes on an Adventure
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 7, 2018
Hero's Journey: Ordinary Jane
Sep 7, 2018
May 13, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus
Buy The Vinyl Underground here
Today’s elixir is about time travel, and I think Alice’s rabbit will appreciate it since he’s always so upset about being late.
Our next stop on the Young Adult Reading Wonderland Journey is with the YA Historical. As a category, historical stories are near and dear to my heart because I’m enamored with history. My middle grade reading journey was steeped in a love for this kind of story. Books within the historical category are set within the framework of a time in history, and a fictionalized story is fleshed out within those constructs. Today’s book, The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a gorgeous example of the YA Historical but with a modern historical edge because it’s post World War II and set during the Vietnam War in 1968.
Ronnie Bingham’s brother has been killed in the Vietnam War; a conflict he was drafted into only a year prior. Steeped in his own grief as well as his own fears as he approaches aging into the draft in a few months, Ronnie feels stuck and powerless. When his best friend Milo introduces him to a new student, Hana, they discover their mutual love for music isn’t the only thing they have in common, but also an abhorrence for the war. Their club the Vinyl Underground is born and becomes the safety net they all need. In the confusion of the approaching draft, the systemic racism in their high school and community, and the difficulties of facing heavy feelings that threaten to drown him, Ronnie has to figure out what he believes and what he’s willing to do to take a stand.
The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a brand new book released by Flux Books at the beginning of March just as the chaos of stay-at-home orders took precedence and pulled this wonderful book into its current to get lost in the mire of the log jam of other kinds of information. I’d like to be a small voice to change that since this story deserves a much larger voice. Timely in its content despite the 1968 designation, themes of social justice, finding a way to take a stand, and using one’s voice to make change are paramount to the story. But like all YA - and one of the reasons I love this genre - the story finds a way to give us hope. Mr. Rufus, who so graciously agreed to this interview, has written one another book, a memoir called Die Young With Me, and The Vinyl Underground is his first book of fiction.
CLW: First, I really loved The Vinyl Underground, your debut novel which dropped March 10. A big facet of this historical novel set during 1968 is the music. Would you elaborate on what inspired the choices of the songs in the story?
RR: Thank you, so glad you dug the book! I’m a big music fan and record collector, so I was excited to center a story around the 1960’s because that’s the greatest era of music, in my opinion. Some of the songs were used simply because they set the tone of a scene or character. Others, like Eve of Destruction or Gates of Eden, I used to serve as a bridge between the insanity and uncertainty of the 1960s and the present. I threw in the MC5 to symbolize how music, as well as attitudes, were growing more extreme.
CLW: I’m an English teacher, and I’m always telling my students, “Setting matters!” So, why choose Vietnam as a backdrop versus another possible historical setting?
RR: Selfishly, I chose it because my dad is a Vietnam Vet. He never talked to me about the war growing up, so all my life I’ve immersed myself in the culture, music, history, and literature as a way to connect with that part of his life. During the 2016 election I saw so many parallels to the 1960s, but so little of the fight. Young people who didn’t even go vote were posting and marching about the election after the fact. It really broke my heart. Boo’s sound like cheers to the people who are already living in the ivory tower. Late reaction is inaction. I hope readers take that message to heart even if it makes them uncomfortable.
CLW: One of my favorite characters is Hana and her unapologetic stance on issues of social justice. What made her even more dimensional is the way you juxtaposed the idea of racial injustice with the injustice of sexism. What inspired this choice?
RR: Hana was inspired by a very real person who is every bit as badass and unapologetic. She’s an English teacher as well, and hearing about the way the political climate was affecting her minority students was very jarring. Adults will rail on the bully pulpit without realizing the street-level impact of their thoughtless words. I think a lot of kids were going through the same thing in 1968.
CLW: You are also a musician (right?). What lessons from your work as a musician played into your work as an author?
RR: The most valuable thing being a musician taught me about writing is that “it sucks until it doesn’t.” Learning an instrument, like learning to write, sucks! It’s exhausting. It’s just miserable work. But if you stick with it, there will come a day when you find your rhythm. And when you do, the whole world opens up to you.
CLW: The Vinyl Underground is your first fiction novel, but not your first book. You’ve also written a memoir called Die Young With Me. Was the process different to see these books completed?
RR: The process was way different. Die Young With Me was the story of me getting into punk rock and spending my teenage years battling cancer. It felt like a miracle when it got published and won awards. The Vinyl Underground was easier to write but harder to get published. Partly because of the subject matter, partly because many editors said kids don’t care about the 1960s. It was disheartening, because with Vinyl Underground I set out to prove myself as a writer and not just someone who got a memoir published because they’d lived through a bunch of traumatic experiences. But it is what it is, and that’s the nature of the business. I’m very proud of both books and humbled than anyone takes the time to check out anything I do.
CLW: What is a fun tidbit about The Vinyl Underground that would surprise readers?
RR: I got the idea for the book when I found a love letter tucked in a used LP I randomly bought. The letter was 40 years old between two high school sweethearts! I thought it was such a beautiful thing to pair a message with a song.
CLW: What is your favorite genre to read, and do you have a recommendation for readers?
RR: One of my favorite genres is pulp crime, because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is offensive, funny, ridiculous, and incredibly entertaining. I tell that to people all the time, and they roll their eyes. But if you can accept it for what it is, you can be exposed to a lot of great writing. James Ellroy is the living master of the genre, but he isn’t suitable for young viewers. Insert every trigger-warning imaginable here.
CLW: What was the last book you read you found magical?
RR: The book I’m currently reading is magical as hell. It’s called The Lost Book of Adana Moreau, by Michael Zapata. It’s beautiful writing and a beautiful story that spans decades, borders, and dimensions. It’s an incredibly thought provoking read.
CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey?
RR: Lots of authors inspired my understanding of form, breaking the rules, and writing honestly. But the book that inspired me to start writing was Born on the Fourth of July, by Ron Kovic. It’s the memoir of a soldier who was shot and paralyzed, and ultimately became a leading voice of the anti-war movement. I’d never read anything like it. I still haven’t. It was raw power.
CLW: The theme is YA Fiction. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?
RR: I honestly don’t read enough of it to make any recommendations. So maybe we should skip this one, ha-ha.
CLW: What are you working on now?
RR: My agent Shannon is currently shopping around my third book right now. I am currently working on a television pilot, which has been interesting!
CLW: Where can readers find you?
RR: Well, I was supposed to be on tour through May but that’s been rescheduled due to the pandemic. So, as long as I’m quarantined they can find me either inside my house listening to music or walking the streets with my dog Baby Biscuit. Hopefully they’ll find me back on the road sooner than later!
Interested in finding out more about Rob Rufus and The Vinyl Underground? You can find him on Instagram at @rob_rufus, on Twitter @rob_rufus , and his website is www.robrufus.net
NEXT WEEK: Nancy Richardson Fischer & The Speed of Falling ObjectsCLWalters Blog RSS
May 6, 2020
Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts
The Bookworm Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts is the companion book to The Replacement Crush. Both are available at bookstores (I urge you to choose your local independent bookstore!)
Welcome! Welcome to the bottom of the rabbit hole. I will be your host as we tour this Reading Wonderland together. Here’s your magical elixir for the journey:
First stop, YA Romance and the adorable YA RomCom. As a genre, YA books (and truthfully, stories on the whole) are so much about identity and relationships, that a category of finding love and acceptance while discovering self is paramount. Our author on today’s blog, Lisa Brown Roberts, is a veteran writer with six titles to her name, the most recent being a RomCom called The Bookworm Crush that came out in 2019.
In The Bookworm Crush, Amy loves reading and books - especially romance novels - but she doesn’t see herself like the brave heroines she reads about. Toff, on the other hand, is an anti-reader, but an incredible surfer ready for the pro-circuit. When Toff rescues Amy from an adventure that perhaps is on the verge of going awry, Amy realizes he’s the perfect person to help her win a competition to meet her favorite author, because he is, after all, a winner. What Toff doesn’t realize, however, is that by agreeing to work with Amy, she’s going to push him to face some spaces in his own heart he’s been avoiding. Told in alternating perspectives shared by both Amy and Toff, readers get to go on a ride with them that is laugh-out-loud funny, gorgeously sweet, and wonderfully poignant leaving the reader satisfied and buoyant.
I’m so excited that Ms. Roberts agreed to be interviewed to dish about The Bookworm Crush among other things that make reading magical.
CL WALTERS: The Bookworm Crush, the companion novel The Replacement Crush (both YA RomComs), was released in 2019. What were one or two real-life experiences/observations/inspirations that contributed this story?
LISA BROWN ROBERTS: The Replacement Crush- I love bookstores (don't we all) and thought how fun it would be to essentially grow up in one, and work there recommending books and running a book club. It was fun to create that life for Vivian, the heroine. Vivian's mom (Rose) is an author/bookstore owner, and making her an author was pure selfish indulgence on my part. I gave Rose some of my own traits, and incorporated my son's embarrassment about how flaky I can be when I'm in the middle of writing a new book.
The Bookworm Crush - Instagram is my favorite social media space, and I really love bookstagram. Incorporating that into a novel was so much fun. I'm so thrilled with all the positive feedback I've received from book bloggers and bookstagrammers who loved that aspect of the story. I love all of the amazing bookstagram photos of this book, too! It's very "meta." :)
CLW: You already know that I adore Toff (and I know I am not alone in that swoony adoration); I have posted about him enough. Did you make a Pinterest board for his character and what other elements inspired this adorable prankster?
LBR: Ah, Toff...I had so much fun with him! My books are always created characters first, plot second. Toff just appeared fully formed in my mind when I wrote The Replacement Crush. Some characters reveal themselves more slowly to me, in layers, but he just *boomed* onto the page, ready to party!
It was hard not letting him take over The Replacement Crush. I knew I had to write his story and I was so happy that Entangled Teen wanted to publish it. I had to give Toff his first real romance, and Amy had crushed on him forever, so...happily ever after for them and for me as an author!
I think we all know those guys – the life of the party, the ones who bring the fun, who charm themselves out of trouble…I certainly crushed on more than one as a teen.
I do create Pinterest inspiration boards for each book. I keep them private until the book is published and then I make them public. Sometimes I continue to add to them after the book is out. The thing is, I love the idea of Pinterest, but I don’t have much time to use it as much as I’d like to.
CLW: The interesting Instagram/Bookstagram world is almost a character in this book. What were things you researched to flesh out this facet of The Bookworm Crush?
LBR: I started following the bookstagram world a couple of years ago and was astounded at the passion readers have! The #shelfies amaze me - so gorgeous and unlike my messy bookshelves. I love #BookfaceFriday and knew I had to incorporate that into the book (side note- I had to explain #BookfaceFriday to my editor since she'd never heard of it). Basically, I do a lot of stalking on bookworm accounts, but not in a creepy way. One of [the] best reader emails I've received was from a girl who was so inspired by Amy that she started her own bookstagram account. That made [me] so happy.
CLW: The Bookworm Crush is your sixth book (Congratulations!). Do you have a standout experience with a fan you’re willing to share?
LBR: My favorite part of being an author is interacting with readers. Social media is great, but meeting readers in person is fantastic. A couple of years ago, I attended a reader event in Atlanta that was mostly geared to adult romance readers. Lots of fun, but not much action in the YA author area, so I was thrilled when a sweet teen girl approached my table holding copies of all my books. She said she’d come to the event to meet me. Nothing tops that!
CLW: Do you have a favorite #otp (While #bonnieandclyde should make a list maybe a different one)?
LBR: Just like Amy in The Bookworm Crush, I love Lizzie and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I’ve written my own P&P retelling (like so many other authors) and hope to publish it someday. Barack and Michelle Obama are a real-life #otp for me, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Also, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan are a fabulous BFF #otp.
CLW: One of my favorite scenes in The Bookworm Crush is when Amy becomes the victim of an incapacitated Toff. Was there an event that inspired this particular scene or perhaps specific things that inspire your process in writing scenes filled with romantic tension?
LBR: I’m glad you liked that scene! It was added during the revision process with my editors. We cut one scene and needed another. I’m not really sure what inspired it, though I wanted a scene where Toff and Amy were “trapped” together, which this was. When I wrote it, I wasn’t sure if it worked. I couldn’t tell if it was funny or just weird. My editors loved it, so I trusted them, and hearing from readers that they like it, too, is a relief!
Writing the scenes with chemistry and romantic tension are my favorites. They usually grow organically from the characters. For instance, in the #BookfaceFriday scene, I knew Toff would be ridiculous and bossy and flirty, but I didn’t know exactly how until I started writing and he took over. Again. ☺
CLW: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
LBR: I can’t pick just one!
Writing a first draft is my favorite part of the writing process. Actually, getting that “ah ha” feeling when I come up with an idea that I’m excited to write is my first favorite part, then capturing the feeling of the story and wrangling my characters into a draft is my second favorite part of the process. I turn off my internal editor for that first draft, and it’s so fun and freeing to write everything I want to. I worry about cutting later.
Opening my box of author copies is another highlight, especially after going through multiple rounds of revisions. Holding the finished book always causes happy tears.
Hearing from readers once the book is out in the world-that is the best. I love when readers see themselves in my stories, and find the characters relatable and real. Those are the highest compliments. Well, and when they fall for the love interests, too. That’s always good. ☺
CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey?
LBR: Here are a few of the bigger influences:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – my favorite book as a kid, along with her nonfiction that I love as an adult.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, of course
All of Judy Blume’s books
Julie Anne Peter’s books. Julie was my first writing mentor, and she’s a brilliant author. Her books are fierce and brave. She was one of the first big LGBTQ authors in YA, and her book Luna, featuring a transitioning character, was nominated for a National Book Award. She’s also hilarious and kind, and she’s the reason I didn’t quit writing.
CLW: The theme is YA Romance. What books make your top-five list in no particular order?
Really tough to narrow down, but here are five of my favorites:
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
CLW: What are you working on now?
LBR: This very moment, it’s hard to write because of COVID. My day job is super busy, and when I’m not doing that, I’m spending my time with my family trying to stay upbeat and getting sunshine as much as possible.
However, once I resume writing, I’ll get back to a couple of YA rom-coms that are in various stages of creation and revision.
CLW: Where can readers find you?
LBR: I’m most active on Instagram, semi-active on Facebook, and usually avoid Twitter, but pop on once in awhile ☺
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |BookBub|
Next Week: Rob Rufus and The Vinyl UndergroundCLWalters Blog RSS
April 29, 2020
Reading Wonderland: an Introduction
The Cantos Chronicles: a book stack.
Reading is the opportunity to slip through a portal and walk in the shoes of the hero. Stephen King wrote that reading was “portable magic.” John Green said reading is the unique opportunity to develop empathy. Anyway around the description, reading is a way to escape while staying right where you are. And that is exactly where we find ourselves - stuck right where we are.
I’m an avid reader regardless of circumstances. Whether I’m following “Stay-at-home” governmental mandates or just my own introverted stay at home preferences, reading is what I enjoy. Here’s some perspective, I set a Goodreads 2020 challenge of 100 books (last year I read 92). I’m reading my 34th book this year as I round out April and head toward May. I finally picked up the fantasy A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, and as I write this am about 40 pages into the narrative (I can see why there are rave reviews!).
I started reading at a young age (though I don’t think that it is a prerequisite to finding a love of reading) and that book was Beverly Cleary’s Ramona, the Pest. After making my way through all of Cleary’s books, I found a science fiction book by Jean Karl called But We Are Not of Earth. When I was a preteen, I babysat so I could go to my hometown’s one bookstore to buy Sunfire Romances and in high school, a friend introduced me to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught historical romances. I was hooked. I graduated to suspense novels, horror and mysteries until I was reading whatever I could get my hands on to help me find that portal and escape into a different world.
Always an introverted kid who hid social anxiety behind smiles and tools to seem like an extrovert, books allowed me to be brave. They helped me to take risks, to be the hero, or solve the mystery. They helped me fall in love and imagine worlds where bookish girls could be just as brave as ones who were really brave. Books helped me escape and find solace in the struggle of growing up and trying on who I was becoming.
So, I’m always surprised when someone says, “I hate reading” or “I don’t read.”
Seriously?
My answer is always: You just haven’t found your book yet.
The truth is that there are so many books new and old, so many different writers and writing styles, so many different approaches, so many different tropes, so many different genres and subcategories, it must be a statistical improbability that you wouldn’t find a book that speaks to you.
So, with that in mind, I know that sometimes people don’t know where to look or how to get started looking. (It was a librarian who handed me Ramona. Thank you, Mrs. DeWitt). With that said, because I am a Young Adult writer as well as a teacher of young adults, I’m always drawn to this genre. This is where we will begin our journey. Additionally, YA books typically resolve in a way that offers hope and light which seems like a great place to begin especially in uncertain times. And be forewarned, YA isn’t only for young adults. I can say with great certainty, YA has the potential to make readers of all of us.
During the month of May, I will be featuring four different wonderful YA writers of varied categories who generously agreed to give me some of their time. In their interviews, we’ll talk about their specific title - which I have enjoyed immensely - and they will also share the books that inspired them, books they recommend. My hope is that perhaps you’ll find a title that speaks to you, a book that offers that magic portal for you to move through for a little while to find some adventure, joy, love, the treasure, the magical elixir, solve the mystery or to save the day.
So, like Alice in Wonderland, (a book by Lewis Carroll in case you’re interested in checking that classic out), we’re sliding down into the rabbit hole. See you at the bottom!
April 22, 2020
Quarantine: 37 Days
I’ve been reading a ton. I post reviews to my Goodreads and my Instagram accounts.
37 Days.
I’ve been in quarantine with my family for thirty-seven days. To keep that in perspective, Anne Frank was in hiding over seven hundred days in order to avoid the Nazis and then lost her life when she was discovered. I not only have nothing to whine about, but I need to remember the relative comfort with which I’ve been afforded as I stay home to try and flatten the curve for the greater good. Perspective.
Sigh.
And still, this is nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. I was born after the Vietnam War, so the closest I’ve ever come to cataclysmic events in the United State were two Iraq Wars, the “Hanging Chad” of a US Presidential Election, 9-11, and the housing bust and subsequent economic events of 2008. My experience has been sheltered and privileged. I have nothing to whine about.
And yet, I’m sure I can find crap to whine about.
I have less time now. Not true. We all have twenty-four hours. I’m just having to figure out how to redesign it within a new framework.
I find my mind drifting more than it did. I’m a pretty focused and goal-oriented person. Since I’ve been at home for the quarantine, I sometimes lay down on the floor and stare up at the ceiling. Empty. What’s with that?
I miss the option. I’m an introvert by nature, and being home has always been easy. I didn’t go to many places by choice, but you know what was nice - the choice to do it. I don’t think I will take that for granted again.
But there seems to be more to be positive about.
Being with my family. Sure. There are probably times I’d like to screech and yell at them like a witch whose broom was stolen. But with older children, I haven’t had the opportunity to be with them and my husband like this since they were little.
Some Good News. Serious have you not watched this? John Krasinsky is magical and I am hooked. Every week, I find myself moved by the beauty of the human race. The way we have moved toward one another.
Being a witness to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. That always gets me going, and maybe is rooted in listening to the stories of my grandfather as a member of The Greatest Generation.
Learning to be more purposeful with my time.
Using what’s in the cupboard instead of going out to get stuff. Learning to be more resourceful.
Sewing masks (by hand because my stupid sewing machine broke), and witnessing the movement. It reminds me of stories about “Victory Gardens” for some reason.
Laughter and finding ways to make sure to keep it at the front of our hearts.
ESPN releasing “The Last Dance” early! Michael Jordan is King!
I’m sure I could keep going, but maybe you have something to share. Drop it in the comments below.
CLWalters Blog RSS
March 31, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up
On Sale today, where ever books are sold. Hooray!
We did it. We made it to the finish line, and The Cantos Chronicles are out in the world today. How we did remains to be seen, but here’s the feedback on our journey:
Followers LOVE the new covers!This was the first thing that was mentioned as a ”stand out” in terms of marketing these books. This doesn’t surprise me (and probably doesn’t anyone else either) which reiterates the point that authors (indie authors, specifically) should budget for a cover as part of your marketing strategy. How the product appears matters. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, right? Case in point: Look at the two Swimming Sideways covers (pre-rerelease and post). Which one do you like better?
The black and white was the second cover. It’s a Canva stock image and clearly an inexperienced Indie move. It isn’t the wisest choice when trying to “stand out” in a competitive market. The new cover is designed by a trained graphic artist, Sara Oliver Designs, and is original to Swimming Sideways!
Um. Yeah. The new cover is hands down better than the other (thank you, Sara!)
2. Followers enjoyed getting to know me (the author).Shocking - I know - baring who I am isn’t comfortable - naturally introverted, but adaptably extroverted. That means I’m a freaking chameleon. No. Actually, it doesn’t, but I’d like to think it is a super power. Okay. In all seriousness, while being more in the “spotlight” doesn’t feel comfortable, it is a part of building a relationship. There is a give and take between people. What’s your favorite color? Mine is… This must occur, right for that reciprocal relationship building. This doesn’t stop even in a social media world which means we have to put ourselves out there.
What made this difficult for me (besides the whole discomfort of being in the “spotlight”) is the belief that I don’t think I’m all that interesting. I’m just ordinary Cami. Here I am feeling like my brain might be boiling over trying to figure out what’s interesting, and I’m thinking “there’s nothing worth sharing.” Perhaps this is a lie I tell myself because people expressed: I liked getting to know you. Hmm. Who knew? The lesson then: I can’t be afraid to put myself out there; I can’t worry about if what I have to share is interesting or not because I can only be myself; and I can’t be afraid to share my truth.
The methods mentioned were sharing the music playlists, sharing the book lists, and the new content snippets that helped readers feel more connected to the characters. That’s cool (and I wish I could share with you how cool these people are in my head… still!)
4. Followers liked being able to “talk” with other followers about the books while reading.One IG follower said that being able to talk about the books with other readers while reading was a little like a “social media book club.” Bookstagrammers have this on lock and are very prolific in this regard. It’s a great tool (though I won’t pretend I’ve figured out how to generate more engagement with this; I think it will continue to be time and consistency).
Well. Here we are fellow road trippers. We’ve parked the van in the garage. We’re popping the champagne. Let’s toast to nine weeks of bumping along this Indie Marketing Road to a job well done. Thank you for being on this journey with me.
What’s next? Not sure. I’m going to take a couple weeks to finish my current book and figure myself out.
Now, I have to figure out how to look at the “after publication” marketing. :)
March 25, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8
One more week until The Cantos Chronicles releases March 31, 2020!
Good News! IndieReader.com gave Swimming Sideways, Cantos Chronicles Book 1 a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating! That means it’s considered a, “IndieReader Approved” designation and will go on their “BEST OF…” YA round up. That’s AWESOME!
One another note:
With the chaos of the current situation, I wasn’t sure if I should even post, but I decided that regardless, I’d committed to this Indie Author Marketing Road Trip. Though I’ve been grounded to a halt due to a very flat tire, a bent rim, and inclement conditions, but that’s part of the journey right? It begs the question: How do we adapt in the face of challenges.
This is pretty challenging. :)
So here we are.
My events are cancelled for now. As difficult as this is to take, I’m choosing to look at it as an opportunity to develop and grow. I hope to eventually reschedule.
My IG friends have come in clutch by posting. Thank you to them for keeping things visible. I appreciate it so much. I haven’t seen any of the reviewers post yet. Hope those are forthcoming.
I’ve maintained my Social Media content - that’s about the extent to my abilities right now. It Is what it is.
I’m working on April’s newsletter for my subscribers and some new work to share with them.
I developed a #bookstagram challenge with the hashtag #quarINTEENd which I hope provides 1) something fun and creative to do in April while we’re all shut in; 2) sparks discussion between book lovers, and 3) adds to the community.
In light of the climate and the difficulties, I offered an Ebook copy of Swimming Sideways to interested readers via Instagram and Facebook. The offer still stands. You can sign up for my newsletter, you can email me (clwalters2015@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram, and I will email you the ebook. This offer is valid until Tuesday, March 31. Happy reading.
Available March 31, 20202 in Ebook, Paperback and Hard Cover wherever books are sold.
CLWalters Blog RSS
March 18, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7
If I thought I didn’t know if I was coming or going last week, this week it’s all about staying put. I’ve had to park it. At home. Social Distancing. And with no end in site, it makes me wonder what’s to come? Well, hopefully I’ll offer some interesting content. Here’s a vlog brought to you from the inside of my bathroom (LOL) as I reflect about this week.
In the grand scheme of my Independent Author Book Marketing road trip, the vehicle sort of stalled on the side of the road. I got pulled over by the police and escorted to the next motel where I’ve been directed to hang out for the next couple of weeks. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Great. What does this mean for book marketing? Long term, I don’t know. My events might be shot. Short term, I’ve got Social Media.
One of the things I mention in the vlog was publishing the Book Playlists on Instagram for each of the books in The Cantos Chronicles. One of the biggest necessities of marketing is identifying the target audience. As a YA Writer, I’m speaking to teens, specifically 16-18 year olds (though I’m beginning to wonder since my books seem to have a crossover adult appeal. This begs the question: am I marketing to the correct audience?) Since art of all kinds speaks so loudly to me, and every teen I have known speaks music, I decided a playlist might be a solid interactive experience).
I’ve begun to consider that this isn’t a short term game, but a long one. I’m in the process of building a relationship with readers. That’s going to take time and consistency. So while we might be “In the Wait” (Oh hey, head over to Wattpad to read those short vignettes if you’re interested in them), I need to continue to be vigilant in offering the strongest content I can to showcase who I am as a writer and as a person.
Rerelease day for The Cantos Chronicles is right around the corner (March 31, 2020) though they are available for PreOrder. Two more weeks!
Next Week: Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8
CLWalters Blog RSS
March 11, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6
Are we coming or going at this point? I’m not sure. It would seem I’m just following the road, windows down, music blasting and hoping beyond all hopes that the car is headed in the right direction. At least I have you all with me.
We just passed the week six marker. SIX WEEKS!?! Can you believe it? Feels like yesterday that I started this Independent Author Marketing Series, and now we’re here at the six week mark. Three weeks left until The Cantos Chronicles rereleases, and though it’s difficult to tell with accuracy, *preorders seem strong (which potentially is exciting).
*based on numbers provided by wholesale book distributor.
The Cantos Chronicles
The method to keep things on the road this week involved these check list items:
Social MediaI listened to a great 15 minute podcast by Mixtus Media this week that purported it isn’t necessary to spread yourself too thin by doing ALL Social Media hotspots. Maybe that’s a little like visiting Disneyland and California Adventure and trying to do both parks and all the rides in one day. Instead, chose the format that works best and commit to that one. My favorite is Instagram. I touch base on Facebook. I’m rarely on Twitter. I do a drop in of Tumblr, but I spend the bulk of my social media presence on good old IG.
My GOAL for IG this week was to offer a bit more character depth to potential readers. All three protagonists (Abby, Seth and Gabe) were featured in my stories. Truthfully, I don’t think it worked as well as I had hoped. It was my fault - the premise of asking characters questions operates on the assumption that people already know them. What do you ask if you haven’t read the story? On the other hand, people who have read the stories saved me by asked some questions. Those answers may have offered potential readers food for thought. What do you think?
I don’t think the idea is a bad one, just perhaps that the execution could have been better.
Add to the Instagram mix, my awesome helpers on the book review and book recommendation blitz have been posting - one a day. That has been lovely to see and share. Anyone see a post from someone else that sparked your attention?
One more social media point was the completion of a flash giveaway on Instagram. It was a quick: “First 10 people to comment about some such or other will receive an ebook copy of Swimming Sideways.” It moved quickly, ten people received the ebook and hopefully they LOVE it! My thinking was to get some advanced copies out into the world to 1) generate excitement, 2) provide an early copy, and 3) perhaps inspire more people to share.
Book SigningFurther planning was done for a book signing at my local Barnes & Noble in Honolulu. With the Hawaii Literacy Project contacted and the event planners at my local B&N on board, the end of April or early May is looking like it might be a real possibility; I will use my newsletter to announce an event like this. When the plan solidifies, it will be a bit like turning full circle because I started this journey way back in November and it became the impetus for the entire rebrand of The Cantos Chronicles books.
Other Bookish EventsI contacted two local book events: A children’s literature conference held in June as well as a Book Festival held in October. I applied to both as a panelist and vendor and will be presenting at the Children’s Literature Conference in June! Still waiting to hear back on the second event, but I will keep you posted. This means I will have an event in April, perhaps one in May, one in June, one in July, am working on October and still waiting to hear back about November.
In addition to those events, I met with a high school librarian to develop a workshop for high school students about creativity. This presentation will happen at the high school where I work in April, but I’ll get to serve in a different capacity outside the realm of classroom teacher and stepping into the role of published author.
Finally, I’m giving away all of the remaining ARCs of the books to my students. They are super excited and don’t care that there are editorial mistakes in the books. Their response was: “Mrs. C, we won’t even know the mistakes are there.” (I don’t know if that is a reflection of my teaching or something else - LOL).
Wrap Up
The road is stretched out ahead of us. Are we going the right direction? I think so. I’m feeling confident, accomplished and filled with hope that where ever the road leads is exactly where I’m supposed to go. Did I have some missed turns -yeah, I think so - but that’s learning, right? With Week Six Independent Author Road Trip Marketing Journey stretched out along the asphalt behind us, we’re on to Week Seven. Only two more blogs until The Cantos Chronicles rerelease, and a final post to wrap up the road trip. I am super interested to know what you’ve noticed over the last six weeks? What has stood out? What kinds of questions are popping up for you? How can any of my experiences help inform you moving forward? Be sure to follow me on IG (@cl.walters) and keep an eye out for questions about this series in a couple of weeks.
Next week: Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7CLWalters Blog RSS
February 29, 2020
Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5
The new covers are here!
The covers to The Cantos Chronicles are out! Swimming Sideways, The Ugly Truth and The Bones of Who We Are look glorious both online and in person, because guess what came in the mail this week!?!? The books. The reveal video is an agenda item for this coming week.
The cover reveals and the book trailer were the biggest agenda items for this fifth week on the Indie Marketing Journey. It was a giant mountain with several switch back hairpin turns, but we made it! Several days removed, I’m happy, hopeful and grateful for the reception of the covers and the trailer reinforcing the efforts I made this month, though gains will remain to be seen.
What else did I work on this week?
My March Newsletter has been written and scheduled. One of my goals with the newsletter is to make it beneficial for people to sign up, so I offer items that only subscribers are provided. This month my subscribers are automatically entered into the next giveaway promotion as well as receive a deleted scene from Swimming Sideways that didn’t make it into the final version. I hope that things like this provide subscribers with the “extra” they are looking for by being subscribers.
After making sure the March blitz is planned and ready, I’m in the process now of planning out the content for this coming month. If the first four weeks was about building the bond between readers and the characters of the books, this second four weeks will be about maintaining the connection, trying to create visibility, and generating excitement.
My social media goals have also shifted some. While I am maintaining my author support system on IG, I am activity working to connect with my target audience. Last week, I wrote about posting to wattpad unsure about the cost-benefit analysis, but I can provide anecdotal evidence that I have had more people reading. Has this translated to people interested in committing to The Cantos Chronicles? I’m not sure yet, but I am hopeful.
Are you enjoying the journey with me? What have you tried? What are you thinking about? Talk to me so I don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Be sure to leave a comment. Oh, and would you turn up that song on the car radio too: “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee.
Next Week: Indie Author Marketing Update No. 6CLWalters Blog RSS
