Michelle Zink's Blog, page 48
March 14, 2011
Violet, Gay Rights, and Liking Who You Are
This week's Anonymous Teen Reader is the Violet-Eyed Reader. LOVE the name AND the reader. In fact, after reading her answers, I think it's safe to say she's one of my favorites (I know what you're thinking; that they're ALL my favorites because I ALWAYS say that. You're not wrong.).
I think one of the things I love most about these interviews is that I feel like I'm really getting a glimpse behind the curtain of the modern teenager. No stereotypes, bias, or preconceived notions on my (our!) part and no need to uphold any kind of reputation or to protect themselves by being guarded (because it's anonymous) on the part of the reader. I just get so much out of these. It makes love and hurt and root for EVERY teenager struggling to make their way in this crazy world.
So get to know the Violet-Eyed Reader. I think you'll love her as much as I do.
And if you'd like to be featured on Anonymous Teen Reader, send an email to prophecypress@aol.com with "Anonymous Teen Reader" in the Subject line.
JUST THE FACTS
Interview Code Name (you choose!);
The Violet-Eyed Reader
Current country of residence;
USA
Male or female?
Female
Age;
16
ABOUT THE BOOKS
How many books, on average, do you read a month?
I'm a fast reader, so usually 10-15 a month. (Wow!)
Favorite kind of book and why;
I like many different genres, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be fantasy (NOT paranormal, there's a difference!)
Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book;
The covers. Sometimes I'll buy a book without even reading the description if I like the cover.
What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book?
When I finish the book wishing it hadn't ended.
How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book?
Not so important, because most of my friends aren't big readers.
Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre;
I'd like to see some stronger protagonists in YA literature.
What's your biggest pet peeve in a book?
That they don't give off a luminous glow allowing you to read them at night. (LOL!)
Paperback or hardcover?
Paperbacks, because they're cheaper :D
Series or stand-alone?
Both!
ALL ABOUT YOU
If you had a life philosophy or motto, what would it be?
"It is our choices, Harry, that make us who we are, far more than our abilities." J. K. Rowling
Are your parents divorced?
No, and I think they'll be together for quite a while longer.
Do you feel that being a teenager is difficult? If so, why?
Yes! Your parents think you're doing drugs or masturbating every time you close your bedroom door! I hate that! (Oh-Ehm-Gee. I'm dying laughing right now, hon!)
List some of your hobbies.
Reading (of course), watching anime, protesting for gay rights. (you're the bomb.)
Why do you think teenagers feel the need to label one another?
Because they are too narrow-minded to accept people who are different.
Favorite color?
Violet. Not purple, violet. There is a big difference.
Is there anything in your past that makes you sad or angry? If so, are you willing to share it here?
I don't want to talk about it, because it happened like a week ago. (*hugs)
What is your passion?
Gay rights activism. I think that we're all equal.
Do you feel the need to pretend to be someone you're not? If so, why?
I like who I am, so no.
What kinds of things do you think about when you're all alone?
Pretty much the same things I think about the rest of the time.
How do you keep your bed? Covered in pillows? Made perfect every morning? A mess of tangled sheets?
Covered in Pillow Pets and clothes most of the time.
Do you ever feel the need to be invisible? If so, why?
No, I don't think I ever have.
Do you believe that you will ever find the type of love you read about and see in books and movies?
There were times when I thought I'd found it…but the person turned out to be a jerk.
Do you like school? Why or why not?
Yes, I like school, except for the fact that I sometimes get made fun of because of my sexuality. (ignorant jerks)
Do you believe that education is important?
Yes.
Are the cliques you read about or see on TV present in your school?
Not really.
Do you ever feel awkward and uncomfortable?
Yes, especially when someone is making fun of gay rights.
Favorite animal?
I like all animals, except dogs.
Have you ever been mean to someone? If so, why? How do you feel about it now?
Yes, I have. In 8th grade, my then-best friend was being made fun of for the shoes she was wearing, and instead of defending her I laughed along. Jane, if you're reading this, I'm sorry that I made fun of you. (you're a gem)
Do you regret any of the choices you've made? If so, are you willing to share them here?
Yes, but it happened recently so I don't want to talk about it.
Do they wonder or worry about what other people think about you? Be honest!
Yes! Especially since there is a lot of homophobia in the world.
March 12, 2011
Things I Love – Be Nice or Leave
[image error]This pretty much says it all, but you have to check out Alexandra Ferguson's Etsy shop for more of her witty, fun pillows crafted from felt that's derived from recycled plastic water bottles.
How cool is that!
And a nice, subtle way to lay down the law, too.
:D
Hope you all are having a happy Saturday!
This week's roundup follows;
Joint contest with photographer Heather Gardner for an 8 x 10 photo from the Circle of Fire photo shoot plus a signed copy of Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate
BIG Prophecy fanart contest for Photoshop CS5 Extended Teacher/Student Edition
Meet fanart judge, author Saundra Mitchell
This week's Anonymous Teen Reader is Philosidy
The Song of the Week is Hurt
You can still participate in Thursday Night Write through Sunday at Midnight EST
March 11, 2011
Friday Poll – Time for Prom!
[image error]Guess what, you guys?
It's prom season!
I went shopping with Rebekah for her dress last weekend. We had a great time and found a dress in just one day, which is record time for us (probably because she knew just what she was looking for). Usually, it takes weeks of shopping to find just the right dress. One that is right for the occasion, not ridiculously expensive, and that can be worn again to some other event. It's a marathon, but it's been worth it so far. Every dress we've chosen has stood the test of time, some of them for over four years.
Let's hope this one is no exception!
It's been fun for me, too, to see updates on Facebook about prom dress shopping from friends and readers. And since I thought we could all use a little light-hearted diversion tonight, I want you to weigh in on your dream dress (for any occasion!) with this week's Friday Poll!
And for those of you who have loved ones in Japan or any of the area affected by the earthquake and tsunami, my thoughts are with you.
View Poll
March 10, 2011
Thursday Night Write – It Works!
[image error]Before we get to Thursday Night Write, I have to tell you guys the coolest thing.
But first let me backtrack…
I have a confession to make.
sometimes wonder if TNW is really of any value to anyone.
I feel bad when I can't comment, and I always HOPE you guys are getting something out of it even when you're just posting and commenting for each other, but it's hard to KNOW. Sometimes, I post the prompt or whatever, and I'm not entirely sure if anyone even thinks it's worthwhile.
Then, I got this message yesterday from one of our regular contributors who's currently working on a completely new project;
"… the spark for the idea came after one of the TNW (a few weeks back, the picture of the house and woods?). I have found that participating in that is very good for my muse and creative energies. So, thanks, lady, for keeping that going."
And it just MADE MY DAY. Because that's really the whole point of TNW. Not for ME to comment. Not even for YOU to comment (though, that's fun!). But to keep you writing. To give yo a place, once a week, where you can go and post your stuff, even if all it does is keep you thinking and learning and most importantly, DOING.
On that note, let's do this thang! Above is your prompt. Usual rules apply; give yourself no more than 30 minutes (no cheating) to come up with ANYTHING inspired by the picture above – a song, a poem, a short story, a PIECE of a short story, whatever! Then, post your excerpt of no more than 500 words for comment. Don't forget to comment at least on other entry if you post one of your own. Writers of all ages and experience are welcome to play.
Happy writing!
March 9, 2011
Meet the Fanart Judges – Saundra Mitchell
[image error]Over the next month, I'm going to feature each of our Fanart judges so you guys can get to know them a little better. I know firsthand how difficult it is to find time for even the small things. Agreeing to judge a contest – any contest! – is yet another thing to add to our already-overflowing plates. I hope you'll join me in supporting our Fanart judges by spreading the word about their work. It's all stellar!
First up is Saundra Mitchell. I've never met Saundra in person (we're just never at the same conferences/retreats/events at the same time, it seems), but we've been part of the 2009 Debutantes together since 2008. One of the things I love most about Saundra is that she's such a straight shooter. What you see is what you get.
She tells it like it is, and I LIKE that!
She's also incredibly generous with her time and is always willing to drop everything and help a friend in need – whether its just some shared outrage or a quick read-through before something gets sent off to the agent or editor. And any mention of Saundra isn't complete without mentioning her work ethic. She is tireless in her efforts to spread the word not only about her own work, but about the work of others as well, and she does it all with a spirit of generosity and with no expectations of anything in return.
A screenwriter AND author, Saundra penned the screenplays for the Fresh Films and Girls in the Director's Chair short film series. Now an executive producer and head writer for the programs, she mentors young screenwriters from first page to production.
Her short story "Ready to Wear" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and her first feature film, Revenge Ends, debuted on the festival circuit in 2008. Her debut novel, SHADOWED SUMMER, won The Society of Midland Authors Book Award for Children's Fiction, was a 2010 Edgar® Award Nominee, a VOYA Summer Reading selection, a Junior Library Guild selection, and an ALAN Pick in 2009. You can find out more about that novel here.
In her free time, Saundra enjoys studying history, papermaking, and spending time with her husband and her two children. She lives in Indianapolis and welcomes you to visit her on the Web at http://www.saundramitchell.com/"> www.saundramitchell.com.
Saundra's newest book, THE VESPERTINE, releases TODAY!
That's right – TODAY! And it sounds like a Prophecy-lovers dream…
It's the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia's world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she's not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
And check out the gorgeous cover!
You can submit your fanart through Midnight EST on March 31st. Submissions can be in any medium as long as the entries are Prophecy inspired – examples are a photograph of landscape or clothing that makes you think of Prophecy, a sketch or painting of the characters or a scene or even an imagined scene, a media composition created on the computer, etc.
Remember the Grand Prize is a biggie – Photoshop CS5 Teacher Student Extended Edition and signed copies of both Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate. Plus, two art prize packs for the runners up!
Send all entries to prophecypress@aol.com.
And please join me in spreading the word about The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell.
March 8, 2011
Song of the Week – Hurt
This week's song is from me to you. I've posted the cover by Johnny Cash in the past, and to this day, I'm not sure which one I like more. But it was Tent's song first, and this live version is incredible.
It's a song that's close to my heart. Makes me tear up every time.
March 7, 2011
A Fresh Tomorrow, Fakes, and a Scary Ride
This week's Anonymous Teen reader is Philosidy! And I absolutely LOVE the picture she chose for her interview. AND she's an Aussie!
But first, a couple quick links to keep everyone updated;
Check out my joint giveaway with photographer Heather Gardner and have the chance to win a free 8×10 photograph from the Circle of Fire trailer shoot plus a signed copy of both Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate.
The Prophecy fanart contest runs through the end of the month for the opportunity to win free books, Photoshop CS5 Teacher Student Extended Edition, and two awesome art packs.
If you would like to be featured on Anonymous Teen Reader, send your request to prophecypress@aol.com with "Anonymous Teen Reader" in the Subject line.
And now, meet this week's Reader!
Interview Code Name (you choose!); Philosidy
Current country of residence; Australia
Male or female? Female
Age; 12
ABOUT THE BOOKS
How many books, on average, do you read a month? Well i love to read heaps and heaps of books so i read about 1 novel a week.
Favorite kind of book and why; I have this secret love of romance, not the whole book focused on it, but what is a book without a good love story!
Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book; Well recommendations from other people are always leading me to purchase books! :)
What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book? If i look at how many pages i have read, and say, "I've read that much already!"
How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book? Well i trust their judgment and then i can see what the book is like for myself.
Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre; Well i would love to see a young adult book that is in the point of view of a child, that would be very interesting.
What's your biggest pet peeve in a book? Well i think that the ending of a story is very important and this does not normally happen, but i do not like it when a book ends without any purpose or meaning.
Paperback or hardcover? Uhh… i think that it depends. I do not like the hardcovers that have the paper picture that you can take off though.
Series or stand-alone? Hmm…. well stand alone, i think. Because then the book must have a very powerful ending.
ALL ABOUT YOU
If you had a life philosophy or motto, what would it be? *cough*(Stealing from anne of green gables)*cough* Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.
Are your parents divorced? No.
Do you feel that being a teenager is difficult? If so, why? Yes. I think that it is very strange when you have your parents along in the ride.
List some of your hobbies. Singing, dancing, writing, sketching, computer and hanging out with friends.
Why do you think teenagers feel the need to label one another? Well i think that it is mostly the people trying to cover up what they really feel about themselves.
Favorite color? Not that i like this with everything, but, pink.
Is there anything in your past that makes you sad or angry? If so, are you willing to share it here? Well i hate when people that have done something bad in the past, deny it because they are too ashamed of their mistakes.
What is your passion? Fashion designing.
Do you feel the need to pretend to be someone you're not? If so, why? Well maybe in this world being the real 'you' is not cool. So i guess that you must be someone you are not to be. (I think you're pretty cool!)
What kinds of things do you think about when you're all alone? If there are any kinds of supernatural stuff out there. (me, TOO!)
How do you keep your bed? Covered in pillows? Made perfect every morning? A mess of tangled sheets? Mess, mess and mess :)
Do you ever feel the need to be invisible? Yes!! In very embarrassing situations!
Do you believe that you will ever find the type of love you read about and see in books and movies? Well i can only hope right?
Do you like school? Why or why not? Definitely, i have only recently started high school and it has been extremely exciting!
Do you believe that education is important? Very very important!
Are the cliques you read about or see on TV present in your school? Well i think so. But i do not pay much attention to them because they are just fakes. (ha! You call it like you see it. I like that!)
Do you ever feel awkward and uncomfortable? Well everybody does in their lifetime.
Favorite animal? Turtle :)
Have you ever been mean to someone? If so, why? How do you feel about it now? Maybe a few times just to impress or follow the people around me, i am not usually that kind of person.
Do you regret any of the choices you've made? If so, are you willing to share them here? This may seem childish but my biggest regret was not going on a scary ride at camp :)
Do they wonder or worry about what other people think about you? Be honest! Well it depends who they are. But it would be nice to think that everybody liked you, even if that is not the case.
March 5, 2011
I Love The Tree of Life by Terence Malick
Okay, so you guys know I"m a huge movie nerd, right?
Well, check out this goosebump inducing trailer – and the music to go along with it – for the upcoming Tree of Life by writer/director Terence Malick. I am so psyched for this movie. With a stellar cast that includes Sean Penn and Brad Pitt, Alexander Desplat doing the score, and Malick's genius, how could this be anything but incredible?
Here's the plot synopsis;
Tree of Life is a period piece centered around three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son (Hunter McCracken none SAG) of two characters (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) witnesses the loss of innocence.
We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, Jack, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does, with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world's way, of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth.
Framing this story is that of adult Jack, a lost soul in a modern world, seeking to discover amid the changing scenes of time that which does not change: the eternal scheme of which we are a part. When he sees all that has gone into our world's preparation, each thing appears a miracle precious, incomparable. Jack, with his new understanding, is able to forgive his father and take his first steps on the path of life.
March 4, 2011
Friday Poll – To Eread or Not to Eread?
[image error]Guess what, you guys?!
I got a Kindle!
After months of debating it, it finally arrived as a gift, which meant that I didn't have to think about it at all. I'm loving it!
And I have to say, I was leaning toward buying one anyway. Not to replace my paper books, but to augment them when I'm traveling or driving teenagers all over the place. Ideally, we'll get to a point where a download code for the ecopy will come with the purchase of a printed book (I'm sure this has been suggested elsewhere, but in the Zink house I have to give credit to Kenneth for the idea). That way, I could read my beloved paper copy before bed and pick it up on the fly on my Kindle during the day. In this way, it'd be like when you buy the Blue Ray copy of a movie and get the digital copy as well. And it makes sense! It would actually drive sales of paper books, because I don't know about you, but with most books, I'd be happy to pay a few bucks more for the paper copy and get the digital copy as well as opposed to getting only the ecopy.
Anyway, ereaders are changing the face of publishing in so many ways, but what I really want to know is if YOU have them and/or WANT them.
I'm especially interested to know what teens think, because yesterdays PW article on the subject pretty much validated the anecdotal evidence I've witnessed; Teens haven't made the switch as swiftly or in as large of number as have adults.
I do think that will change, but I'm curious to know what you think right now.
Along those lines, I hope you'll weigh in with this week's Friday Poll!
I've split this one out into two different polls, one for those of you over 21 and one for those of you under 21. Ideally, I'd like to have a third poll for bloggers, because I've always believed bloggers are a class unto themselves. They tend to be more aware of the trends in the publishing market, the intricacies behind publishing, etc. But I don't want to overwhelm you with polls! So for now, let's just break it down this way;
View Poll
View Poll
Happy Friday!
Purchase Prophecy of the Sisters
March 3, 2011
Thursday Night Write 3/3/2011 & Contest Roundup
[image error]I'm happy to bring back Thursday Night Write after a brief hiatus. I so love reading your entries, even when I don't have time to comment (I have to write three complete books this year, but I do my best), and I'm happy to give you a place to share your work and to meet other writers.
Before we get to this week's Write, a couple of recaps! We've had a lot going on this past week, and I want to round it up for you in one easy-to-manage post.
You can enter my joint giveaway with photographer Heather Gardner through Midnight EST on March 25th. Two winners will each receive an 8×10 print from the Circle of Fire trailer shoot (they're gorgeous!), signed copies of Prophecy of the Sisters AND Guardian of the Gate, and a postcard from me. Entering is easy and there are TEN possible entries. Find out all the deets here.
The Prophecy fanart giveaway started Tuesday with a Grand Prize of Photoshop CS5 Extended Teacher/Student Edition and two runner up art prize packs. A big thank you to Saundra Mitchell, Jessica Verday, Lisa Mantchev, and C. Lee McKenzie for taking on the role of judging what I'm sure will be a plethora of awesome entries. I'll be highlighting each of these awesome writers throughout the month of March. We've already started receiving entries, but you can get your art on for this contest right up until Midnight EST on March 31st. More details here.
March's Reader of the Month was announced as Mia from Norway. Mia will receive a $25 book store giftcard, a "Victorian Guys Are Hot" Prophecy t-shirt, and a True Blue Spa pack from Bath and Body Works. Remember, you must be a registered member of the Forum to be entered in the Reader of the Month giveaway.
You can still vote once a day for the Guardian of the Gate trailer in the Justine Sparks Reel Book Video Awards. We GOT THIS!
Rules for Thursday Night Write are the same as always; post your original short story, novel, poem, or song excerpt of 300 words or less for comment, commenting at least one other entry if you post one of your own. If you're looking specifically for constructive criticism, please ask, as it seems to be the policy to point out only the positive unless someone requests more detailed feedback.
Happy writing, guys!
