Sydell Voeller's Blog, page 2
June 23, 2011
Interview with YA author Ann Herrick
I'm happy to share my interview with young adult author Ann Herrick. I first learned about Ann several years ago after reading an article in The Oregonian about Ann's first book sale. I was very impressed! A few years later, Ann and I met while we participated in a state-wide author's event at our state capitol in Salem. We've been in touch ever since.
Now for the interview:
1. Please name your book titles and state where they can be purchased.
My young adult titles are: How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), The Farewell Season, All's Fair in Love and Words, The Real Me, The Perfect Guy and Summer Replacement. My middle-grade books are Camper of the Year and Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot.
They are available at online bookstores, most are at Amazon and some can be ordered at brick-and-mortar bookstores. For links for more information and where to buy all of my books, visit http://annherrickauthor.com/pages/myb...
2. At what point in your life did you decided you wanted to be a writer?
I first started a book when I was eleven, tried again at fourteen, but was still at that "who am I to write a book" phase and didn't finish that one either. Finally, as an adult I started AND finished a short story, then a book.
3. What obstacles did you have to surmount to begin the creative process?
Every time it's that blank page/computer screen. I can be full of ideas for a book, but sitting down with no words in front of me is always daunting. I love it after I finally have a first draft finished, because then I have something to really work with! At first, it was just getting up the nerve to really commit to writing.
4. Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
A good friend who also writes and teaches language arts. I mentioned to her once that I had always thought about writing, and she insisted that I come to a writing-group meeting with her. After that I really sat down and started writing.
5. Who has been the hardest to convince you are serious about your craft?
Acquaintances. They know I write, but seem to think it "just happens" and that I don't need specific times to write without answering the phone, etc..
6. What, if anything, is the one thing that has caused you the most heartache in accomplishing your dream? No heartache, really. Of course, I'd love it if everything I wrote would immediately be snapped up and hit the NY Times Bestseller List!
7. What has brought you the greatest joy in seeing your dream of publishing fulfilled?
Knowing when I've connected with readers. Getting fan mail, or an award such as the IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award (which, as the name indicates, is decided by kids).
8. In what direction would you like to see your work take you? (print, movies, audio, etc.)
Many of my books have been/are in print, but I'd like all of them to be. Hardcover would be great! A movie is unlikely, but that would be really fun!
If you could “cast” one or more of your books, who would you like to see in the lead roles?
Since my characters are teens and kids grow up so quickly, it's hard to say, but I could picture Elle Fanning in How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), or in Summer Replacement.
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Now for the interview:
1. Please name your book titles and state where they can be purchased.
My young adult titles are: How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), The Farewell Season, All's Fair in Love and Words, The Real Me, The Perfect Guy and Summer Replacement. My middle-grade books are Camper of the Year and Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot.
They are available at online bookstores, most are at Amazon and some can be ordered at brick-and-mortar bookstores. For links for more information and where to buy all of my books, visit http://annherrickauthor.com/pages/myb...
2. At what point in your life did you decided you wanted to be a writer?
I first started a book when I was eleven, tried again at fourteen, but was still at that "who am I to write a book" phase and didn't finish that one either. Finally, as an adult I started AND finished a short story, then a book.
3. What obstacles did you have to surmount to begin the creative process?
Every time it's that blank page/computer screen. I can be full of ideas for a book, but sitting down with no words in front of me is always daunting. I love it after I finally have a first draft finished, because then I have something to really work with! At first, it was just getting up the nerve to really commit to writing.
4. Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
A good friend who also writes and teaches language arts. I mentioned to her once that I had always thought about writing, and she insisted that I come to a writing-group meeting with her. After that I really sat down and started writing.
5. Who has been the hardest to convince you are serious about your craft?
Acquaintances. They know I write, but seem to think it "just happens" and that I don't need specific times to write without answering the phone, etc..
6. What, if anything, is the one thing that has caused you the most heartache in accomplishing your dream? No heartache, really. Of course, I'd love it if everything I wrote would immediately be snapped up and hit the NY Times Bestseller List!
7. What has brought you the greatest joy in seeing your dream of publishing fulfilled?
Knowing when I've connected with readers. Getting fan mail, or an award such as the IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award (which, as the name indicates, is decided by kids).
8. In what direction would you like to see your work take you? (print, movies, audio, etc.)
Many of my books have been/are in print, but I'd like all of them to be. Hardcover would be great! A movie is unlikely, but that would be really fun!
If you could “cast” one or more of your books, who would you like to see in the lead roles?
Since my characters are teens and kids grow up so quickly, it's hard to say, but I could picture Elle Fanning in How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), or in Summer Replacement.
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June 15, 2011
Contest Winner
I'm pleased to announce that the winner of a free PDF version of Sandcastles of Love is Blue Eyes, who commented on my book review at Amazon.com. Congratulations, Sue!
http://www.amazon.com/review/RI5ZFD75...
http://www.amazon.com/review/RI5ZFD75...
June 1, 2011
Contest Reminder
Hi Everyone,
The deadline for my contest is looming closer! For a refresher about the details, here they are:
I'm offering you a chance to win a free copy of my teen romance, SANDCASTLES OF LOVE, by Books We Love Publishing Partners (in PDF format). If you go to the Amazon link below and follow the page about two-thirds down, you'll see a brief book review by Judith Pittman. To enter the contest, please hit the "comment" button (just to the right) and post your comments. They can be in follow-up to Judith's review, or simply new comments of your own! It's not necessary to have read the book--you can simply make comments about teen books in general, your impression of the book cover, or anything else you'd like to comment on that will help generate a discussion.
The contest will end June 15. Also, if you enter will you please send me an email at sydvoeller@gmail.com so I'll have a way to notify you if you're the lucky winner?
I hope to see you at Amazon!
The deadline for my contest is looming closer! For a refresher about the details, here they are:
I'm offering you a chance to win a free copy of my teen romance, SANDCASTLES OF LOVE, by Books We Love Publishing Partners (in PDF format). If you go to the Amazon link below and follow the page about two-thirds down, you'll see a brief book review by Judith Pittman. To enter the contest, please hit the "comment" button (just to the right) and post your comments. They can be in follow-up to Judith's review, or simply new comments of your own! It's not necessary to have read the book--you can simply make comments about teen books in general, your impression of the book cover, or anything else you'd like to comment on that will help generate a discussion.
The contest will end June 15. Also, if you enter will you please send me an email at sydvoeller@gmail.com so I'll have a way to notify you if you're the lucky winner?
I hope to see you at Amazon!
May 20, 2011
Background Settings continued
Reader connection is one of the secrets to good fiction. Again, background setting will help create realistic characters that readers can care about and root for as they attempt to solve their story problems. One of the best ways to make sure the background "stage" is set is through the use of sensory details. For example, did you notice in my May 4 blog entry how I used the five senses so you could join me and become a Beach Bum, too--if only for a short while? I described the warmth of the sun radiating off the sand, the sound of a train’s whistle, the sharp marine breeze against my face, and the soft plopping sounds of small shells dropping into my plastic pail. Further, I painted word pictures describing the green-and-white ferries crossing Puget Sound and marshmallows on green sticks and smoky beach fires that smelled of burning driftwood. I portrayed the gentle sound of the waves against the shore, and the gritty feeling of the sand beneath my toes.
Okay, now it’s time to sit down and think back to a time and place that was special in your life. What were the sights, sounds, touches, tastes, and smells that make that scene stick in your memory? Can you describe those sensory details now? Can you create a background setting that will draw the reader in and make him feel connected to your character? Give it a try and see what you can come up with. I bet you’ll be surprised!
Okay, now it’s time to sit down and think back to a time and place that was special in your life. What were the sights, sounds, touches, tastes, and smells that make that scene stick in your memory? Can you describe those sensory details now? Can you create a background setting that will draw the reader in and make him feel connected to your character? Give it a try and see what you can come up with. I bet you’ll be surprised!
May 12, 2011
Contest
Hi Everyone,
I'm sponsoring a contest! I'm offering you a chance to win a free copy of my teen romance, SANDCASTLES OF LOVE, by Books We Love Publishing Partners (in PDF format). If you go to the Amazon link below and follow the page about two-thirds down, you'll see a brief book review by Judith Pittman. To enter the contest, please hit the "comment" button (just to the right) and post your comments. They can be in follow-up to Judith's review, or simply new comments of your own! It's not necessary to have read the book--you can simply make comments about teen books in general, your impression of the book cover, or anything else you'd like to comment on that will help generate a discussion.
The contest will end June 15. Also, if you enter will you please send me an email at sydvoeller@gmail.com so I'll have a way to notify you if you're the winner?
I hope to see you at Amazon!
I'm sponsoring a contest! I'm offering you a chance to win a free copy of my teen romance, SANDCASTLES OF LOVE, by Books We Love Publishing Partners (in PDF format). If you go to the Amazon link below and follow the page about two-thirds down, you'll see a brief book review by Judith Pittman. To enter the contest, please hit the "comment" button (just to the right) and post your comments. They can be in follow-up to Judith's review, or simply new comments of your own! It's not necessary to have read the book--you can simply make comments about teen books in general, your impression of the book cover, or anything else you'd like to comment on that will help generate a discussion.
The contest will end June 15. Also, if you enter will you please send me an email at sydvoeller@gmail.com so I'll have a way to notify you if you're the winner?
I hope to see you at Amazon!
May 11, 2011
How the Five Senses Enhance Background Setting
Last week we talked a little about my love of marine settings and why so many of my books are set in beach towns. But what about you? What type of environment awakens your senses and makes you feel alive and inspired? It might be a hiking trail through a majestic Old Growth forest in the mountains, the high desert with its endless miles of tan sculpted hills, a ranching community nestled into a lush green valley, or a beach where you can commune with the seagulls.
To help make our fiction characters spring to life, we need to give them a vivid background setting. In other words, our characters not only need a stage on which to perform, but they must experience their surroundings through the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Now that’s where you the writer comes in. It’s up to you to get inside your character’s head so the reader can indeed experience the world that you have created for your character. (To be continued...)
To help make our fiction characters spring to life, we need to give them a vivid background setting. In other words, our characters not only need a stage on which to perform, but they must experience their surroundings through the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Now that’s where you the writer comes in. It’s up to you to get inside your character’s head so the reader can indeed experience the world that you have created for your character. (To be continued...)
May 6, 2011
Beach Settings
Many readers have commented on the settings in my books, often centered--although not always--on the Oregon Coast or the Puget Sound area in western Washington. But why these beach settings? Why do they evoke strong memories that fuel my writing?
I grew up near Edmonds, north of Seattle. Many decades earlier, Edmonds began its existence as a logging town. Now this “friendliest town in Washington” boasts luxurious condos with sweeping views of the Sound, unique gift shops and boutiques, antique stores, and scrumptious bakeries--just to name a few. In summertime and early fall, colorful hanging flower baskets adorn the main streets, giving the town a festive, European ambience.
I remember as a small girl scouring the beach in Edmonds for shiny small rocks and shells, and the soft plopping sounds as I dropped each shell into my plastic bucket. Even broken shells would do! I remember the relatives who visited every summer without fail from the Midwest. They loved riding the ferry, even if it were only to the opposite shore and back. Often in the early evening, the women packed up a casserole, a simple salad, and beverages to tote to the beach where we’d spread out our feast onto wind-worn picnic tables. My dad would join us once he returned from work. There we’d eat, laugh, talk and gaze at the gentle waves lapping the shore. We could also see the lines of vehicles waiting to board the green and white ferries.
I remember my early teen years when my girlfriends and I’d walk to the beach during summertime. We’d spread out blankets, slather on cocoa butter, bake under the sun, and look for cute guys. With a briny breeze against our faces, the warmth radiating up from the sand, and the occasional wail of a train that rode the rails paralleling the beach, we were happy Beach Bums for the day. Later during high school, our crowd I often drove to the beach on warm summer evenings. We built beach fires that scented the air with the salty smell of driftwood. We strolled barefoot, feeling the gritty sand between our toes. Later we huddled around the fire to toast marshmallows and solve the world’s problems--or so we thought.
My husband and I still visit Edmonds regularly. Though my immediate family is gone, some friends remain, and it’s fulfilling connecting with them. Yet part of our time is spent overlooking the beach and the ferry dock. There we watch the ferry traverse the Sound, a reminder that some things remain the same...
But let’s leave the memories behind for now and look ahead to my next blog entry. I’ll write about how to create evocative scenes in your own writing.
I grew up near Edmonds, north of Seattle. Many decades earlier, Edmonds began its existence as a logging town. Now this “friendliest town in Washington” boasts luxurious condos with sweeping views of the Sound, unique gift shops and boutiques, antique stores, and scrumptious bakeries--just to name a few. In summertime and early fall, colorful hanging flower baskets adorn the main streets, giving the town a festive, European ambience.
I remember as a small girl scouring the beach in Edmonds for shiny small rocks and shells, and the soft plopping sounds as I dropped each shell into my plastic bucket. Even broken shells would do! I remember the relatives who visited every summer without fail from the Midwest. They loved riding the ferry, even if it were only to the opposite shore and back. Often in the early evening, the women packed up a casserole, a simple salad, and beverages to tote to the beach where we’d spread out our feast onto wind-worn picnic tables. My dad would join us once he returned from work. There we’d eat, laugh, talk and gaze at the gentle waves lapping the shore. We could also see the lines of vehicles waiting to board the green and white ferries.
I remember my early teen years when my girlfriends and I’d walk to the beach during summertime. We’d spread out blankets, slather on cocoa butter, bake under the sun, and look for cute guys. With a briny breeze against our faces, the warmth radiating up from the sand, and the occasional wail of a train that rode the rails paralleling the beach, we were happy Beach Bums for the day. Later during high school, our crowd I often drove to the beach on warm summer evenings. We built beach fires that scented the air with the salty smell of driftwood. We strolled barefoot, feeling the gritty sand between our toes. Later we huddled around the fire to toast marshmallows and solve the world’s problems--or so we thought.
My husband and I still visit Edmonds regularly. Though my immediate family is gone, some friends remain, and it’s fulfilling connecting with them. Yet part of our time is spent overlooking the beach and the ferry dock. There we watch the ferry traverse the Sound, a reminder that some things remain the same...
But let’s leave the memories behind for now and look ahead to my next blog entry. I’ll write about how to create evocative scenes in your own writing.
April 21, 2011
Sandcastles of Love has gone live!
It's time for the drum rolls! Sandcastles of Love has gone live! Please check it out at . If you write a comment about this book release at the website, you'll get to enter a contest to win a Kindle. Also, be sure to read about the Mother's Day contest that's in the works.
To see the bookcover...
Good morning, everyone!
We're are on our way to take friends to the airport, and they're going to have beautiful weather for their flight to Colorado!
I've written earlier that my book cover is out.
Please take a look at it on my blog for my website It captures the tension between the two girls who are in love with the guy who is nearly a surfing pro. I think you'll enjoy it!
We're are on our way to take friends to the airport, and they're going to have beautiful weather for their flight to Colorado!
I've written earlier that my book cover is out.
Please take a look at it on my blog for my website It captures the tension between the two girls who are in love with the guy who is nearly a surfing pro. I think you'll enjoy it!
April 19, 2011
My new bookcover is finished!
Today is another partially sunny day in the NW, and I love it! My dear husband is busy today, as he was yesterday, cutting firewood. We love our wood burner, and since it's been such a chilly several past months, we're still keeping it going. Unbelievable since it will soon be May!
I received an email last night from my editor at BWLPP telling me that Sandcastles of Love should go live sometime this week. The cover looks great! Just for fun, I'm going to include here the first scene from the first chapter of the book. I hope you enjoy it!
I awakened with a start, bathed in cold seat, then blinked twice. A bulky shadow hovered alongside of me. Something with two glowing amber eyes was staring right into my face. Every muscle in my body tensed. Every nerve was standing on end.
I opened my mouth to scream, but all I heard was a shrill sound from my attacker.
Mee-ow.
In an instant my mind cleared. I couldn't help but giggling. Reaching out to rub the black Angora cat's head, I heard her begin to purr. Hadn't Tricia Ferris warned me her spoiled pet--who under no circumstances was to be allowed outdoors--liked to sleep on the foot of her bed at night?
"Good kitty. Nice Kitty," I said in a hushed, but still somewhat shaky voice. "Now get down where you belong and let me go back to sleep." I propped myself up on one elbow and gave her a gentle shove. The cat padded her way across the covers with slow, deliberate steps. I soon felt the weight of her curled-up body against my feet. The sound of her purring mingled with the ticking of my alarm clock.
I lay back down and jerked the covers more snugly around me. Darn! My midnight intruder had just interrupted the most wonderful dream. Midnight. Tricia couldn't have chosen a more appropriate name. Squeezing my eyes shut, my thoughts drifted back to my dream. It'd been about that gorgeous sun-tanned guy I'd glimpsed on the beach.
In the dream, we were walking together hand-in-hand, the icy surf washing onto our bare feet. I don't remember exactly what the guy was saying to me, but his head had been angled close to mine, and his words had left me with a warm, melting feeling.
Actually, he was more than gorgeous--in real life as well as my dream. I guess you'd say he rated somewhere between the Beach Boys and Misca Barisnokoff. Somehow he possessed a magical combination of carefree abandonment, physical agility and perfect form.
Perfect form. That was I admired most in a guy, I guess. Someday I want to be a professional dancer. I've taken lessons for eight years now at Miss Bernstein's School of Dance near Rochester and dream of winning a scholarship to the art academy after I graduate from high school.
Suddenly I knew I had to do more than just dream. I had to find that gorgeous guy again. I had to find him if it was the last thing I did. Tomorrow, I promised myself. I would get started first thing tomorrow.
I received an email last night from my editor at BWLPP telling me that Sandcastles of Love should go live sometime this week. The cover looks great! Just for fun, I'm going to include here the first scene from the first chapter of the book. I hope you enjoy it!
I awakened with a start, bathed in cold seat, then blinked twice. A bulky shadow hovered alongside of me. Something with two glowing amber eyes was staring right into my face. Every muscle in my body tensed. Every nerve was standing on end.
I opened my mouth to scream, but all I heard was a shrill sound from my attacker.
Mee-ow.
In an instant my mind cleared. I couldn't help but giggling. Reaching out to rub the black Angora cat's head, I heard her begin to purr. Hadn't Tricia Ferris warned me her spoiled pet--who under no circumstances was to be allowed outdoors--liked to sleep on the foot of her bed at night?
"Good kitty. Nice Kitty," I said in a hushed, but still somewhat shaky voice. "Now get down where you belong and let me go back to sleep." I propped myself up on one elbow and gave her a gentle shove. The cat padded her way across the covers with slow, deliberate steps. I soon felt the weight of her curled-up body against my feet. The sound of her purring mingled with the ticking of my alarm clock.
I lay back down and jerked the covers more snugly around me. Darn! My midnight intruder had just interrupted the most wonderful dream. Midnight. Tricia couldn't have chosen a more appropriate name. Squeezing my eyes shut, my thoughts drifted back to my dream. It'd been about that gorgeous sun-tanned guy I'd glimpsed on the beach.
In the dream, we were walking together hand-in-hand, the icy surf washing onto our bare feet. I don't remember exactly what the guy was saying to me, but his head had been angled close to mine, and his words had left me with a warm, melting feeling.
Actually, he was more than gorgeous--in real life as well as my dream. I guess you'd say he rated somewhere between the Beach Boys and Misca Barisnokoff. Somehow he possessed a magical combination of carefree abandonment, physical agility and perfect form.
Perfect form. That was I admired most in a guy, I guess. Someday I want to be a professional dancer. I've taken lessons for eight years now at Miss Bernstein's School of Dance near Rochester and dream of winning a scholarship to the art academy after I graduate from high school.
Suddenly I knew I had to do more than just dream. I had to find that gorgeous guy again. I had to find him if it was the last thing I did. Tomorrow, I promised myself. I would get started first thing tomorrow.
Sydell Voeller's Blog
Last week we talked a little about my love of marine settings and why so many of my books are set in coastal/beach towns. But what about you? What type of environment awakens your senses and makes yo
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