Suzanne Young's Blog, page 5

SCBWI LA13--Pre-conference interview with author Brodi Ashton

One week until the kickoff of the SCBWI Summer Conference in LA! I was so excited when I saw Brodi Ashton’s name on the schedule, I had to ask her for an interview. Brodi’s the author of the wildly popular EVERNEATH series, and she’s also hilarious (I love her).
I love YOU!
Hey, Brodi! Thanks for answering a few questions for our pre-conference interview! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your books? I'm the author of the EVERNEATH series, which is about a girl who's spent a hundred years in the underworld getting the life sucked out of her by a hot immortal guy. At the end of the hundred years, she gets to go back to her high school for six months to say goodbye to her family and reconnect with the hot human boy she left behind, before she gets sucked back to the underworld again, this time forever. 
It's hilarious. Kidding. 
As for me, I'm a mom, and an ex-journalist, and a lover not a fighter, and a poker player, okay and sometimes I'm a fighter. 
I can’t wait to sit in on your workshop about world building. Any chance you can give us a sneak peek into your talk? I'll tell you what it isn't! It isn't just a list of the practical questions to ask yourself about your new world. (Economics, landscape, politics, etc.) It goes beyond that. And it isn't just a showing of Battlestar Galactica. And it isn't a musical review. 

What do you think a new writer could gain from attending one of the SCBWI conferences? Is there anything in particular about writing conferences that you really enjoy?

With the SCBWI conferences, I LOVE being surrounded by like-minded people! A writer's life is so solitary most of the time, and SCBWI gives you a community!
As for what a new writer could gain... I remember my first SCBWI, where Sherman Alexie gave the opening keynote. I left that speech inspired and energized. In every conference since then, there's always that "ah-ha" moment, that speech that speaks directly to you and your work, that one interaction that makes you think, "This is what I came for. This changes everything."

And finally, the poolside gala is a Black and White ball. I was thinking of going as Batman. You?
That's so strange. I'm going as Robin. In some cultures, that means we're married. 
Awkward.
And thank you for the interview! Isn't Brodi awesome?? So if you'll be at the SCBWI Summer conference in LA next week, be sure to stop by her workshops. And if you can't make the conference, you can follow all the action on SCBWI official Team Blog site. 

SCBWI LA 2013--Pre-conference interview with Donna Bray!

The SCBWI summer conference in LA kicks off in just a week! (!!!) Today I have an exclusive pre-conference interview with editor Donna Bray. Donna is co-publisher of Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins. B+B has published numerous award-winners and bestsellers in picture books, middle grade fiction, teen fiction, and nonfiction. Some of Donna's titles include the New York Times best-selling Wildwood series by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis; New York Times bestseller, Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen; the Coretta Scott King Award and Honor winner Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson.  Donna took the time to give us some insight into this year's conference:
1.) What do you think authors can learn from editors when attending a SCBWI conference?SCBWI conferences are invaluable in helping authors gain understanding of what is happening behind the scenes at publishing houses – how editors think about manuscripts, what appeals to them, how they work with authors and communicate with their colleagues, etc. It’s also great for authors to get a sense of the variety of personalities, literary tastes, and points of view in the editorial field. I believe it’s critical to be as informed as possible about the business you’re in (or hoping to enter).
2.) What will be the focus of your workshop, and do you think it’s best suited for published or aspiring authors?I actually have two workshops, both of which I think would be useful for published or aspiring authors. One is “Inside Balzer + Bray: 5thAnniversary Edition.” In this workshop I’ll be talking about how our imprint works, our mix of titles, and what kinds of books we’re looking for. This will be more than just a rundown of the books on our list (for that, folks can go to our Facebook page, where we have covers and reviews of all our titles by format and age group); I think authors can gain insight into the way a publisher shapes her list and how she thinks about books. And since the B+B list is both selective and diverse (we do everything from very young picture books through edgy teen fiction), it serves as a good introduction to a high-quality trade list.The second workshop is “The Top Ten* Things Editors Are Looking for in Authors and their Work (*or More!).” I added the “or More” because I knew that once I got started, the list would get a lot longer! Everyone wants to be the author who is beloved by his editor and everyone in-house (right?) – I’m aiming to share the characteristics and best practices I’ve seen work so well for many of our authors, pre- and post-publication.

3.) Is there any advice you can give writers on how to reach out to editors or agents they’ve met through SCBWI?Most editors and agents at the conference will let you know their individual policies for contacting them after the show – for instance, anyone who attends my workshops can send submissions for up to 6 months afterward (and I’ll give out my email address during the workshop). If they don’t, you can certainly ask. But in general, just be respectful and professional!
Thank you so much, Donna! I’m definitely looking forward to both of these workshops. Attendees can check their schedule for times. And as always, if you can’t make the conference, you can follow the official SCBWI Team Blog site for up to the minute updates. 
 

THE TREATMENT (The Program #2)

Today officially kicks off a new sweepstakes for THE TREATMENT, the second (and final) book in THE PROGRAM series. Although THE TREATMENT won't be available until next year, Simon & Schuster is giving you TWO ways to get a sneak peek!
1. Want to read an excerpt from THE TREATMENT right now?!  Introduce your friends to THE PROGRAM  by inviting them to read an excerpt of THE PROGRAM and "like" the page - once the page has reached 1000 fans, an excerpt from THE TREATMENT will be unlocked! Here's the link to read THE TREATMENT: The Treatment

Start reading THE PROGRAM here: The Program

2. Enter THE TREATMENT sweepstakes - you could be one of five people who will win an advance copy of THE TREATMENT and ensure that you are one of the very first to find out what happens to Sloane and James. The grand prize winner will receive a $150 Spa "Treatment" gift card. Here's the link: The Treatment sweepstakes

To find more details on THE TREATMENT sweepstakes and more, visit https://apps.facebook.com/simonteenkids/home SHARE the page on your Facebook wall or on twitter to help get the word out!

Good luck! And I hope you enjoy THE TREATMENT!!!

The Book Tour!

Today kicks off the Summer Lovin' Tour! Come see me, Shannon Messenger, Jessi Kirby, Morgan Matson, Sarah Ockler and Kimberly Derting! We're going to have a blast, and in some cases, PIZZA! I'm currently seeing how many days in a row I can eat the stuff (not really, but it feels that way).


 My tour stops:





Wednesday 5/15-- 7:00PMEvent at Once Upon A Time Bookstore2207 Honolulu AvenueMontrose Shopping ParkMontrose, CA 91020


Thursday 5/16-- 5:00PM Event at Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop 1030 Bonita Avenue La Verne, CA 91750

Friday 5/17--7:30PM Event at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore 2810 Artesia Blvd. Redondo Beach, CA 90278


Saturday 5/18-- 3:00PM Event at Mission Viejo Library (sales through Whale of a Tale Bookstore) 100 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Sunday 5/19-- 3:00PM Pizza Party at Copperfield’s Bookstore 775 Village Court Santa Rosa, CA 95405  
COME SEE US!!! We'll entertain you!

The Program audiobook!

The Program audiobook is on sale, and I have to say, it's pretty awesome. It was one of Audible's Editor Picks for April! The narrator, Joy Osmanski, did an amazing job with Sloane! I'm so excited for you to hear it. 

Listen to a free excerpt HERE





Also, you can check out an excerpt from an interview I recorded about THE PROGRAM at the end of the book: https://soundcloud.com/simonschuster/suzanne-young-the-program  Listen to the full interview available only on the audiobook download edition:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-program-unabridged/id637999998  Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00C5MIT54&qid=1367422415&sr=1-1
I hope you enjoy!!

THE PROGRAM: reviews, signed copies, and tour info

THE PROGRAM is now officially in the world! Later in the week I'll be posting a link to the audiobook, which is fantastic, so keep an eye out for that. And if you need to get a copy of THE PROGRAM, you can order below: 

If you would like a signed copy, you can order from Changing Hands Bookstore and request a signed copy in the additional information box. Be sure to add any personalizing you'd like. Click HERE.

Otherwise THE PROGRAM is available at B&N, your local indies, and Amazon (as well as other places).



Reviews

THE PROGRAM has received some amazing professional reviews. Here are the highlights:

"Readers will devour this fast-paced story that combines an intriguing premise, a sexy romance, and a shifting landscape of truth." Booklist (Starred review)

"For lovers of dystopian romance, this gripping tale is a tormented look at identity and a dark trip down Lost-Memory Lane."  Kirkus

"Young has created strong characters that readers will fall in love with and has developed a captivating world that will not soon be forgotten" SLJ 

The Summer Lovin' book tour

I'm super excited to say that I will be going on a book tour with a five other fantastic authors: Kimberly Derting, Jessi Kirby, Shannon Messenger, Morgan Matson, and Sarah Ockler. It's going to be amazing!! (Also, please come. I'm skipping school for this...)

Wednesday, May 15th
7:00 pm
Once Upon a Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Avenue
Montrose Shopping Park
Montrose, CA 91020

Thursday, May 16th
5:00 pm
Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop
1030 Bonita Avenue
La Verne, CA 91750

Friday, May 17th
7:30 pm
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, Redondo Beach
2810 Artesia Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Saturday, May 18th
3:00 pm
Mission Viejo Library
Exact details TK
Hosted by: Whale of a Tale Bookstore

Monday, May 20th

(Sorry. I won't be able to make this event. Finals week for my students!)
7:00 pm
University Bookstore
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

           Thursday, May 23rd
           6:00 pm

Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 South McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283

Friday, May 24 at
4:30 pm
Panel at the Phoenix Comic-con
Phoenix Convention Center
100 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

I will also be speaking at Phoenix Comicon May 25th-26th. Times to come on that. For more info about the event, go HERE.

And finally, I'll be at BEA this year to promote JUST LIKE FATE--my new book coming out this August co-written with the fabulous Cat Patrick (Forgotten, Revived, The Originals). We'll have specific panel and party dates, so stay tuned.

Also, did you see THE PROGRAM ad in Entertainment Weekly? It was the Arrested Development issue! I was pretty much freaking out. There are a lot of contests online to win stuff related to THE PROGRAM, but this post is already so long...

Thank you to all my readers! I hope you love THE PROGRAM!!!

THE PROGRAM Book Trailer

I'm so happy to bring you the creepy trailer for THE PROGRAM. Ten days until the book is officially released!!! Please share the trailer if you like it!!

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

  
Read an excerpt at www.theprogramseries.com and order your copy today!

B&N         Amazon            Indiebound

THE PROGRAM promotional photos

Check out the amazing promotional photos my creative writing students took for THE PROGRAM. Grab and share if you like. :-)


 
 

A DESIRE SO DEADLY

Check out the cover for A Desire so Deadly (A Need so Beautiful #2.5). It's not Harlin... but it is red, so that's cool. You'll get plenty of Harlin in the pages. :-)

I really love this cover! And it looks great with the others!


 
Desire comes out July 2nd, 2013 through Harper Teen's new Impulse line.

THE PROGRAM!

Finished book! Finished book!!! Can't wait to get my hands on them! First thing I'm going to do is pull off the jacket so I can see the case cover!!

Look!