Terri Clark's Blog, page 2

Is There No Room For Comedy?

I'm currently looking for an agent. It's a process that's both exciting and daunting. My project is a magical realism romcom. So far I'm getting lovely no's. I've been told my writing is strong and I have a great concept, but publishers still want dark YAs and mine is a light, comedy. Call me silly, but I'd think in a market saturated with gritty paranormals that some frothy, fun would stand out. I process all the new YA books at my library and even I am getting sick of the same kinds of books--and I'm the go-to-gal for paranormal recommendations at work! The truth is, there's SO many it's often hard to choose and many sound the same. I find I'm now gravitating to different things. It's my hope I'm not the only one who feels this way and I'll find an agent and publisher for Earworm. I really love this book and can envision some amazing viral marketing that would be a natural tie-in with its musical concept. So I'll keep moving forward with it because I believe there is a market for my Nancy Drew meets Name That Tune book. Hopefully, someone will prove to me there is room for comedy.   

From Page to Publication Workshops

I'm speaking at a couple libraries on the process a manuscript goes through from beginning to end. I hope you'll come and see me!

From Page to Publication - Learn about the many stages a manuscript goes through before it hits the shelves as a book. From revisions to copy edits, sales meetings to printing and distribution, young adult author, Terri Clark, will share her experience in bringing her book, Sleepless (HarperTeen), From Page to Publication. Examples of real documents will demonstrate each step and she'll happily answer questions to help you navigate the publishing process.

 

Saturday, Feb. 26 2011
4:00-5:00PM

From Page to Publication workshop - Southglenn Library. Reservations required. Call 303-LIBRARY or visit arapahoelibraries.org to sign up for this FREE workshop. 

Sunday, March 13th
2:00-3:00 PM

From Page to Publication workshop - Smoky Hill Library. Reservations required. Call 303-LIBRARY or visit arapahoelibraries.org to sign up for this FREE workshop.

 

This made my day!

Just found this review for SLEEPLESS and it totally made my day. Esp as I'm working on a new proposal. Thanks to Laura at The Cover for the kind review and for giving me a nice boost while I work on Earworm.

Stars: 4/5Cover: B-
Plot:Trinity always has lucid dreams, and her dreams usually involve other people and their deepest, darkest secrets.
When a teen girl goes missing, Trinity dreams about her, and is able to tell the police exactly where to go. Unfortunately, by the time the police get there, the girl is already dead. But, they are able to catch her killer, Rafe.
Rafe claims insanity, and goes away to a mental institution. He escapes, and starts coming to Trinity in her dreams. The only problem is, if he hurts her in the dream, he hurts her in real life. And if he kills her in the dream, then she'll never wake up.
Trinity pairs up with an unlikely friend, and together they try to find Rafe before he finds them.
I really liked Sleepless, and it was even better the second time reading it. It was fast-paced, witty, and fun, while still keeping a creepy and suspenseful edge.
Characters:I loved (LOVED) the characters. They were extremely realistic, I could picture them in my head, and they made the story all the better.
Writing:I like the way that Terri Clark writes. Sleepless was narrated in first person, and let me tell you, Trinity was a great MC to get to go into the mind of. Sleepless was really exciting, and I'm especially impressed with it since it was a debut book.
Cover:The cover isn't that amazing, but it's not too bad, either. I like the simplicity of it, and how it's pretty distinguishable from other books. One thing that I don't like is the font used to write "Sleepless" --- I just don't think it goes well.
Lovely Line:For most people, dreams are nonsensical fantasies. 
For me dreams are an intrusive, ugly reality. 
And though I thought my worst nightmare had already happened, it was just about to begin.(Page 20)
The Final Verdict:I think Sleepless should have a lot more recognition than it does, because it's such a great read. If you haven't heard about this book before now, don't let that stop you from reading it.
I definitely recommend you go read this book. The perfect way to read this book, in my opinion, would be curling up under a blanket on a rainy day and immersing yourself in Trinity's world.

Sleepless Review for Kindle

Yay! Just found this review for Sleepless on the Kindle.

This book was so good!It was a romance,a thriller,and a supernatural book all wrapped up in one.Terri Clark made me believe I was really there,and she is so believing as a teenage girl.I highly recommend this book!Warning:It is kinda scary,and may keep you from fallin asleep,so be warned!

If you're looking for a book for your new e-reader, maybe you'll consider reading Sleepless. :)

If you have a Nook, Sony, or anything else other than a Kindle you can buy a e-copy from BAM.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

[image error]A Christmas Story how do I love thee, let me count the ways:

Flick sticking his tongue to the flag pole (I once did this on a jungle gym and left a bloody chunk of my tongue on the bar rather than ask for help. Sadly, I wasn’t even triple dog dared to do it.)

Leg lamp. Need I say more?

“Oooooh, fuuuudge” and Lifeboy soap.

Pink bunny suit

Chop Suey Palace

May you all get whatever your Red Ryder wish is.
 
Merry Christmas!
Terri

The Girl Who Was On Fire

[image error]I see the last time I blogged (shame on me!) was when I mentioned my sale to BenBella. The copy edits are now in and I'm thrilled to share with you the GORGEOUS cover!

Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite. A film version of the first book, The Hunger Games, is currently in development.

The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.

The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy. Contributors are: Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Sarah Rees Brennan, Terri Clark, Bree Despain, Adrienne Kress, Cara Lockwood, Elizabeth M. Rees, Carrie Ryan, Ned Vizzini, Lili Wilkinson, Blythe Woolston, Sarah Darer Littman.

You can pre-order it now (on sale!). But the book releases April 2011

A small sale

I'm so excited to be part of BenBella's The Girl Who Was on Fire anthology about Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series. It'll be out April '11. My topic concerns the power fashion plays in the trilogy. Can't wait to get my hands on Mockingjay.
 

 

TSRP Clarification - Prizes

Just to clarify, I'm not looking for 30 books from a single author. :)  The readathon is a 6 hour reading challenge and I give away at least one autographed book every hour on the hour for the duration of the challenge (plus any other promo materials we're gifted with). I'm thrilled if you can send me one book. As for bookmarks, I set those out at the readthon and then they're placed in the teen area for the remainder of the year for teens to take. Hope this clears up any questions.

Teen Summer Reading Program - Author Donations Please

Hi everyone - The kids in my area have a little over 5 weeks until they are out for the summer and that means it's nearly time for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Many of you authors generously donated autographed books and promo items (bookmarks, magnets, shirts, etc.) for  last year's Readathon. I had 30 teens participate in the 6 hour reading challenge and every kid was able to leave with a great prize. (Some authors even donated to me later in the year and those books were used for...

Book Trailer for Soulless by Christopher Golden

My Teen Advisory Board  group worked really hard to create this mini-movie about Christopher Golden's Soulless. We hope to promote reading, our TAB and the library district with this project. The kids read the book and then picked out their favorite pivotal scenes. I put them into a working script and then we cast roles. The kids memorized their lines--most of them playing multiple roles--created their own costumes and everything was shot at the Smoky Hill Library.

One of my BFF's and co-work...