Denise Jaden's Blog, page 16
September 5, 2013
GCC Presents Diana Rodriguez Wallach and REFLECTING EMMY!
Today on Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, I get to highlight a short story! This one is called Reflecting Emmy, and is part of the story collection Mirror Mirror.
Background About REFLECTING EMMY and the MIRROR, MIRROR Trilogy Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of the award-winning YA series Amor and Summer Secrets, has created a modern take on the myths of Narcissus and Nemesis in a contemporary teen setting.
Her Mirror, Mirror trilogy debuts September 3rd with “Reflecting Emmy,” followed by “Nara Gazing” in October, and “Shattering GiGi” in November. Each title will be a $0.99 short story sold in digital ebook format for Kindle, nook, and kobo. The titles will be combined to create the complete Mirror, Mirror trilogy, along with bonus materials and a prequel short story, in December 2013.
In early 2014, Diana’s Mirror, Mirror trilogy will be combined with the works of YA authors Jammie Kern and Magda Knight tocreate the Mythology High anthology, available in ebook and paperback through Buzz Books.
REFLECTING EMMY is about...
Eighteen-year-old Emmy is in the family business-trapping vapid narcissistic souls into her silver compact mirror for all eternity. It’s what the Rhamnusia family has been doing for thousands of years, all under the direction of Great Grandmother. Only Emmy’s latest assignment, Nara, is about to prove more challenging than she ever expected.Gorgeous and self-absorbed, Nara is unflinchingly cruel to her classmates. Even her boyfriend, Luke, can no longer tolerate her actions–much to Emmy’s relief since she finds Luke a little more than intriguing. But when Emmy tricks Nara into gazing into her mystical mirror, what she finds there is not what she’s expecting.
What People Are Saying: "A fun, fresh and thoroughly entertaining modern twist on the Narcissus myth. Readers will love Emmy and her (mis)adventures. Wallach packs a lot of story into a small packing--romance, friendship and the power of one person to make a difference. The only thing missing... is more!"~ Tera Lynn Childs, award-winning author of Oh. My. Gods., Forgive MyFins, and Sweet Venom.
"Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s Mythology High is too much fun. Emmy collects narcissistic souls for the family business but after making one tiny little mistake she finds her life turned upside down. These three stories are a must for anyone who loves Greek mythology, feisty heroines and second chances. My only complaint is that I didn’t want them to finish." –Amanda Ashby, author of Fairy Bad Day and Demosity
The Interview: Diana stopped by for a short interview about her story.
1. Tell me about your book in seven words or less.
It’s based on the myth of Narcissus.
2. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
I consider Emmy (the reimagined Nemesis) to be my main character, so I’d say my next favorite character is Nara (a revamped Narcissus). She’s the beautiful, shallow, self-absorbed teen whom Emmy is trying to wipe off the planet. Emmy is a paranormal secret agent tasked with trapping Narcissistic teen souls in her silver compact mirror. And Nara is nothing like her other targets. She might be vein and sometimes cruel, but she’s also got some glimpses of humanity in her. Her heart was broken, which has softened her a bit, making her different from your average Narcissus.
3. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
The road to publication is a long one. If you want to be an author—I mean, really want it—then you need to be prepared to settle in for the long haul. Everyone gets rejected—some spend years trying to find an agent, others years trying to find an editor, other years trying to create a fan base. Love the acting of writing so much that it makes everything else worth it.
4.What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote in a journal, mostly in high school. I still have it, actually. I turn to it every once in awhile when I’m working on the romantic entanglements in my novels, so I can more vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen with a crush, or a teen with a broken heart. There are some un-mailed letters to ex-boyfriends in there that still get me every time I read them.
5. What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn! It hooked me from the first paragraph. The story is really intriguing and the writing is really inspiring, especially as I work on my next project, which is a YA thriller.
About the Author Diana Rodriguez Wallach is the author of Mirror, Mirror, a short-story collection based on the Narcissus myth, that includes Reflecting Emmy, Nara Gazing, and Shattering GiGi (Buzz Books 2013). She is also the author of three award-winning YA novels: Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All The Drama (Kensington Books).
In 2011, she published a highly regarded essay in Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperCollins), and in2013, she will be featured in the anthology Latina Authors and Their Muses (Twilight Times Books). In 2010 Diana was named one of the Top Ten New Latino Authors to Watch by LatinoStories.com, and she placed second in the International Latino Book Awards. She hold a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter.
Find out more about Diana or her writing...
Website: www.dianarodriguezwallach.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dianarwallach
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diana.rodriguezwallach
Tumblr: http://dianarwallach.tumblr.com
Pinterist: http://pinterest.com/dianarwallach/boards/
Background About REFLECTING EMMY and the MIRROR, MIRROR Trilogy Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of the award-winning YA series Amor and Summer Secrets, has created a modern take on the myths of Narcissus and Nemesis in a contemporary teen setting.
Her Mirror, Mirror trilogy debuts September 3rd with “Reflecting Emmy,” followed by “Nara Gazing” in October, and “Shattering GiGi” in November. Each title will be a $0.99 short story sold in digital ebook format for Kindle, nook, and kobo. The titles will be combined to create the complete Mirror, Mirror trilogy, along with bonus materials and a prequel short story, in December 2013.
In early 2014, Diana’s Mirror, Mirror trilogy will be combined with the works of YA authors Jammie Kern and Magda Knight tocreate the Mythology High anthology, available in ebook and paperback through Buzz Books.
REFLECTING EMMY is about...
Eighteen-year-old Emmy is in the family business-trapping vapid narcissistic souls into her silver compact mirror for all eternity. It’s what the Rhamnusia family has been doing for thousands of years, all under the direction of Great Grandmother. Only Emmy’s latest assignment, Nara, is about to prove more challenging than she ever expected.Gorgeous and self-absorbed, Nara is unflinchingly cruel to her classmates. Even her boyfriend, Luke, can no longer tolerate her actions–much to Emmy’s relief since she finds Luke a little more than intriguing. But when Emmy tricks Nara into gazing into her mystical mirror, what she finds there is not what she’s expecting.
What People Are Saying: "A fun, fresh and thoroughly entertaining modern twist on the Narcissus myth. Readers will love Emmy and her (mis)adventures. Wallach packs a lot of story into a small packing--romance, friendship and the power of one person to make a difference. The only thing missing... is more!"~ Tera Lynn Childs, award-winning author of Oh. My. Gods., Forgive MyFins, and Sweet Venom.
"Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s Mythology High is too much fun. Emmy collects narcissistic souls for the family business but after making one tiny little mistake she finds her life turned upside down. These three stories are a must for anyone who loves Greek mythology, feisty heroines and second chances. My only complaint is that I didn’t want them to finish." –Amanda Ashby, author of Fairy Bad Day and Demosity
The Interview: Diana stopped by for a short interview about her story.
1. Tell me about your book in seven words or less.
It’s based on the myth of Narcissus.
2. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
I consider Emmy (the reimagined Nemesis) to be my main character, so I’d say my next favorite character is Nara (a revamped Narcissus). She’s the beautiful, shallow, self-absorbed teen whom Emmy is trying to wipe off the planet. Emmy is a paranormal secret agent tasked with trapping Narcissistic teen souls in her silver compact mirror. And Nara is nothing like her other targets. She might be vein and sometimes cruel, but she’s also got some glimpses of humanity in her. Her heart was broken, which has softened her a bit, making her different from your average Narcissus.
3. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
The road to publication is a long one. If you want to be an author—I mean, really want it—then you need to be prepared to settle in for the long haul. Everyone gets rejected—some spend years trying to find an agent, others years trying to find an editor, other years trying to create a fan base. Love the acting of writing so much that it makes everything else worth it.
4.What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote in a journal, mostly in high school. I still have it, actually. I turn to it every once in awhile when I’m working on the romantic entanglements in my novels, so I can more vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen with a crush, or a teen with a broken heart. There are some un-mailed letters to ex-boyfriends in there that still get me every time I read them.
5. What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn! It hooked me from the first paragraph. The story is really intriguing and the writing is really inspiring, especially as I work on my next project, which is a YA thriller.
About the Author Diana Rodriguez Wallach is the author of Mirror, Mirror, a short-story collection based on the Narcissus myth, that includes Reflecting Emmy, Nara Gazing, and Shattering GiGi (Buzz Books 2013). She is also the author of three award-winning YA novels: Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All The Drama (Kensington Books).
In 2011, she published a highly regarded essay in Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperCollins), and in2013, she will be featured in the anthology Latina Authors and Their Muses (Twilight Times Books). In 2010 Diana was named one of the Top Ten New Latino Authors to Watch by LatinoStories.com, and she placed second in the International Latino Book Awards. She hold a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter.
Find out more about Diana or her writing...
Website: www.dianarodriguezwallach.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dianarwallach
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diana.rodriguezwallach
Tumblr: http://dianarwallach.tumblr.com
Pinterist: http://pinterest.com/dianarwallach/boards/
August 30, 2013
Friday Four!
So sorry I haven't been around much lately. Here is a little of what I've been up to:
1. Reading. Much of what I've been reading lately has been critiquing manuscripts for writing friends, so not exactly much I can tell you about there, but last week I did add another book to my list of 12 awesome books read this year in the sidebar. It's THE INTERESTINGS by Meg Wolitzer, and amazingly, it's an adult book. I almost never read those. To be honest, it's not a knock-your-socks-off type of book, but rather a very deeply discovered group of characters who I really enjoyed reading about. It was a long book, and since it was checked out from the library, I was rushing trying to finish it even on my way to the library to drop it off.
2. Cooking. I've taken some cooking videos out from the library on seasonal Italian cuisine. I've really been enjoying trying new things in the kitchen. I think my favorite so far was a flourless chocolate cake.
3. Learning Spanish. My brother introduced me to the Duolingo app a couple of months ago, and I love it. My son and I have been trying to learn Spanish for a year or so, but not getting very far. Duolingo is a little advanced for him (though now that I'm catching on, I'm sure I could help him) but it's a lot of fun for me and I feel like I'm learning a ton about the language.
4. The last thing I've been working on is a secret project that I've been totally swept up in lately. I don't like to be a tease, and so this is the main reason I haven't been blogging lately. I want to talk about it...but I can't. Not quite yet. But soon, I promise. It's something that will hopefully be of interest to other authors, especially newly published authors. But that's all I can say for now.
Happy weekend!
1. Reading. Much of what I've been reading lately has been critiquing manuscripts for writing friends, so not exactly much I can tell you about there, but last week I did add another book to my list of 12 awesome books read this year in the sidebar. It's THE INTERESTINGS by Meg Wolitzer, and amazingly, it's an adult book. I almost never read those. To be honest, it's not a knock-your-socks-off type of book, but rather a very deeply discovered group of characters who I really enjoyed reading about. It was a long book, and since it was checked out from the library, I was rushing trying to finish it even on my way to the library to drop it off.
2. Cooking. I've taken some cooking videos out from the library on seasonal Italian cuisine. I've really been enjoying trying new things in the kitchen. I think my favorite so far was a flourless chocolate cake.
3. Learning Spanish. My brother introduced me to the Duolingo app a couple of months ago, and I love it. My son and I have been trying to learn Spanish for a year or so, but not getting very far. Duolingo is a little advanced for him (though now that I'm catching on, I'm sure I could help him) but it's a lot of fun for me and I feel like I'm learning a ton about the language.
4. The last thing I've been working on is a secret project that I've been totally swept up in lately. I don't like to be a tease, and so this is the main reason I haven't been blogging lately. I want to talk about it...but I can't. Not quite yet. But soon, I promise. It's something that will hopefully be of interest to other authors, especially newly published authors. But that's all I can say for now.
Happy weekend!
August 20, 2013
Girlfriends Cyber Circuit Presents DEMONOSITY by Amanda Ashby
I'm excited to welcome another GCC author today, Amanda Ashby, with her latest release:
The Black Rose–a powerful ancient force–has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis’ high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That’s where Cassidy comes in.
She’s a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She’s the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her. Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“With interesting characters and a fresh plot, this absorbing read addresses everything from peer pressure to intelligent guy pals to self-reliance, with just enough paranormal activity to maintain an edge. The message never overwhelms the fun in this frothy paranormal romp.” Kirkus Reviews
“Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.” School Library Journal
THE INTERVIEWAmanda stopped by for a short interview to talk about her new book:
Welcome, Amanda! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.Fun bundle of action, romance and adventure.
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why? I love Nash. He’s my heroine’s best friend and not only is he an asexual genius with striking good looks (that are of course wasted on anyone else) but he also walks around in big highwaymen coats and an attitude. I also might have listened to a lot of Adam Ant while I was writing him!
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?Do as I say not as I do – hahahaha! Actually, I’m not even joking because I’m a terrible writer. I lack discipline and I break the rules all the time (usually without even knowing they were a rule in the first place!) But in all seriousness, despite my flaws I was always determined to get published, so I guess my only advice is that if this is what you want then you have to find a way to fight for it.
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?I avoided writing altogether. I was always really good at English and read anything I could get my hands on but it never occurred to me to write in my spare time. I was probably too busy planning my wedding to Shaun Cassidy!
What's the last book you read that you really loved?I’ve just finished The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling and I really adored it. I also really loved The Casual Vacancy as well, which was dark, depressing and kind of fantastic! The thing that’s always appealed to me about her writing is that she reminds me of all the English authors that my dad used to read like Jerome K Jerome and PG Wodehouse so it’s a cozy, comforting reminder of my childhood all at the same time!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally returned home for some sunshine. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Fairy Bad Day was selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and was a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region.
FIND HER
http://www.amandaashby.com
https://twitter.com/amandaashby
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Ashby
The Black Rose–a powerful ancient force–has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis’ high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That’s where Cassidy comes in.
She’s a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She’s the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her. Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“With interesting characters and a fresh plot, this absorbing read addresses everything from peer pressure to intelligent guy pals to self-reliance, with just enough paranormal activity to maintain an edge. The message never overwhelms the fun in this frothy paranormal romp.” Kirkus Reviews
“Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.” School Library Journal
THE INTERVIEWAmanda stopped by for a short interview to talk about her new book:
Welcome, Amanda! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.Fun bundle of action, romance and adventure.
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why? I love Nash. He’s my heroine’s best friend and not only is he an asexual genius with striking good looks (that are of course wasted on anyone else) but he also walks around in big highwaymen coats and an attitude. I also might have listened to a lot of Adam Ant while I was writing him!
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?Do as I say not as I do – hahahaha! Actually, I’m not even joking because I’m a terrible writer. I lack discipline and I break the rules all the time (usually without even knowing they were a rule in the first place!) But in all seriousness, despite my flaws I was always determined to get published, so I guess my only advice is that if this is what you want then you have to find a way to fight for it.
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?I avoided writing altogether. I was always really good at English and read anything I could get my hands on but it never occurred to me to write in my spare time. I was probably too busy planning my wedding to Shaun Cassidy!
What's the last book you read that you really loved?I’ve just finished The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling and I really adored it. I also really loved The Casual Vacancy as well, which was dark, depressing and kind of fantastic! The thing that’s always appealed to me about her writing is that she reminds me of all the English authors that my dad used to read like Jerome K Jerome and PG Wodehouse so it’s a cozy, comforting reminder of my childhood all at the same time!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally returned home for some sunshine. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Fairy Bad Day was selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and was a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region.
FIND HER
http://www.amandaashby.com
https://twitter.com/amandaashby
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Ashby
August 16, 2013
Friday Four!
1. I was doddling around the web this week when I came across my new cover for FAST FICTION!
I wasn't too shocked, since I had seen a few mock-ups for the cover before. New World Library had asked for my opinion on them (which, believe me, does not always happen) when they were in the designing stages, and so I'm thrilled with the final product. Here's what it looks like:
2. I've seen it up on Amazon and GoodReads with this summary, which I also think sounds pretty great:
Whether readers have a great idea for a novel, but can't get started, or have been working on one for five years, one tactic that helps thousands of would-be novelists move past procrastination to a finished draft is a deadline. In this case, a very short one: 30 days. Fast Fiction is inspired and informed by the author's yearly participation in NaNoWriMo, a web-based 30-day writing challenge each November with over 256,000 participants in 2011, over 35,000 of whom completed the program's stated goal of a 50,000-word novel. Fast Fiction is a quick, inspirational, step-by-step and day-by-day guide to writing a structurally sound and engaging first draft in the shortest amount of time possible. It provides a great starting point for writers as they ditch time-wasters, detour frustration, and overcome self-doubt, and it helps them decide where to go with their story and how to get there quickly, with results. Told in the empathetic and accessible voice of an author who can provide an insider’s look at her own craft and publishing experiences, Fast Fiction provides readers with their own writing coach as they embark on a quick, fun, and challenging 30 days to a first draft.
3. The NEVER ENOUGH audiobook is well underway. The narrator, Bryarly Bishop, is doing a fabulous job of bringing Loann to life, and I should be able to share a clip of it with you soon. (Does anyone else think it's strange that my narrator for LOSING FAITH was named Becca Battoe, and this narrator is Bryarly Bishop? All these B's!!)
4. I've added another book to my 12 Awesome Books I've Read This Year in the right sidebar. A SECOND book by Rainbow Rowell, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately this one is not out yet, and mine is a borrowed copy (thanks, Shana!) so I can't pass it along to any of you, but definitely add FANGIRL to your TBR list!
Other than that, I've just been doing summer stuff. Last weekend I was talking about writing at a music festival here in B.C. This weekend I'll be helping with a Polynesian show at a local campground. Nothing but variety in my life!
Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the summer!
I wasn't too shocked, since I had seen a few mock-ups for the cover before. New World Library had asked for my opinion on them (which, believe me, does not always happen) when they were in the designing stages, and so I'm thrilled with the final product. Here's what it looks like:
2. I've seen it up on Amazon and GoodReads with this summary, which I also think sounds pretty great:
Whether readers have a great idea for a novel, but can't get started, or have been working on one for five years, one tactic that helps thousands of would-be novelists move past procrastination to a finished draft is a deadline. In this case, a very short one: 30 days. Fast Fiction is inspired and informed by the author's yearly participation in NaNoWriMo, a web-based 30-day writing challenge each November with over 256,000 participants in 2011, over 35,000 of whom completed the program's stated goal of a 50,000-word novel. Fast Fiction is a quick, inspirational, step-by-step and day-by-day guide to writing a structurally sound and engaging first draft in the shortest amount of time possible. It provides a great starting point for writers as they ditch time-wasters, detour frustration, and overcome self-doubt, and it helps them decide where to go with their story and how to get there quickly, with results. Told in the empathetic and accessible voice of an author who can provide an insider’s look at her own craft and publishing experiences, Fast Fiction provides readers with their own writing coach as they embark on a quick, fun, and challenging 30 days to a first draft.
3. The NEVER ENOUGH audiobook is well underway. The narrator, Bryarly Bishop, is doing a fabulous job of bringing Loann to life, and I should be able to share a clip of it with you soon. (Does anyone else think it's strange that my narrator for LOSING FAITH was named Becca Battoe, and this narrator is Bryarly Bishop? All these B's!!)
4. I've added another book to my 12 Awesome Books I've Read This Year in the right sidebar. A SECOND book by Rainbow Rowell, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately this one is not out yet, and mine is a borrowed copy (thanks, Shana!) so I can't pass it along to any of you, but definitely add FANGIRL to your TBR list!
Other than that, I've just been doing summer stuff. Last weekend I was talking about writing at a music festival here in B.C. This weekend I'll be helping with a Polynesian show at a local campground. Nothing but variety in my life!
Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the summer!
August 13, 2013
Great Speed-Writing Resource!
Ah, it's summer. That's my only excuse for why I haven't been blogging. But I found this resource, and it's free today, so I really wanted to jump on here and share it.
Many of you know I'm a homeschooling Mom, and this is officially a homeschooling resource, but it gives some great advice for anyone who wants to write creatively faster. My forthcoming book, FAST FICTION (coming in February) will of course delve into this subject as well, but I thought the authors of this book had some great and simple and quick-to-implement advice. It's free today, so drop by here and download the pdf ebook. Come back and let me know what you think!
Many of you know I'm a homeschooling Mom, and this is officially a homeschooling resource, but it gives some great advice for anyone who wants to write creatively faster. My forthcoming book, FAST FICTION (coming in February) will of course delve into this subject as well, but I thought the authors of this book had some great and simple and quick-to-implement advice. It's free today, so drop by here and download the pdf ebook. Come back and let me know what you think!
July 26, 2013
Friday Four!
1. What am I reading? Tina Fey's BOSSYPANTS. There are not a lot of books that can literally make me laugh out loud, but many times this week I have spit out my food or wine or nearly choked on my own saliva from laughing so hard at this book. Laughter is very good for the soul (and the body) so I highly recommend this book. And you may notice I don't recommend (or read) a lot of grown-up books. This is going on my Top Twelve (see right sidebar).
2. What am I writing? I have had a glorious three days of writing absolutely nothing! Of course, if you've followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that not writing makes me grumpy. But my mind needed a few days for a creativity-chill. I was starting to jumble thoughts between all my books and question everything I was writing or revising. I'm already feeling much more clear-headed. I have notes on two manuscripts waiting for me, plus I'm expecting copyedits on FAST FICTION by the end of the week, so I will be launching into a very busy August of writing.
3. Yes, I'm still homeschooling. We took a week off for our recent trip to California, but we are back at it almost daily. I like homeschooling through the summer. It gives us a chance to not worry so much about the curriculum and have fun learning together. Yesterday, for example, we watched this fun physics video on building stronger sand castles. Then we went to the beach and conducted some experiments on the strength of sandcastles (we ended up with one that could hold both my son and me without collapsing!)
4. The only thing better than visiting good friends you haven't seen for a while, is visiting a good author-friend you haven't seen in a while. This weekend I get to do both! I'll be going to the Okanagan to catch up, soak in the sun, drink wine, and talk shop with Elle Strauss and some other very good friends.
Wishing you all a very happy weekend!
2. What am I writing? I have had a glorious three days of writing absolutely nothing! Of course, if you've followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that not writing makes me grumpy. But my mind needed a few days for a creativity-chill. I was starting to jumble thoughts between all my books and question everything I was writing or revising. I'm already feeling much more clear-headed. I have notes on two manuscripts waiting for me, plus I'm expecting copyedits on FAST FICTION by the end of the week, so I will be launching into a very busy August of writing.
3. Yes, I'm still homeschooling. We took a week off for our recent trip to California, but we are back at it almost daily. I like homeschooling through the summer. It gives us a chance to not worry so much about the curriculum and have fun learning together. Yesterday, for example, we watched this fun physics video on building stronger sand castles. Then we went to the beach and conducted some experiments on the strength of sandcastles (we ended up with one that could hold both my son and me without collapsing!)
4. The only thing better than visiting good friends you haven't seen for a while, is visiting a good author-friend you haven't seen in a while. This weekend I get to do both! I'll be going to the Okanagan to catch up, soak in the sun, drink wine, and talk shop with Elle Strauss and some other very good friends.
Wishing you all a very happy weekend!
July 22, 2013
Green Gas, Aliens, and Other Unearthly Things!
One of my great writing friends just had a book come out! Well...she and her little alien friend actually released this book. And to celebrate, I'd like to welcome my new buddy Ace Hansen to the blog for a short interview. Here's his new book:
Welcome, Ace! What gave you the idea to write about green gas, of all things?
A breath mint commercial. You know the one, right? We watch a lot of Earth TV on our planet.
Do you have problems with gas or do your friends have problems with gas?
Who doesn't have a problem with gas? On my planet we all pass green gas, but I guess you Earthlings fart invisibly. So strange!
Or did the green reveal itself to you in a strange (and stinky) dream?
Farts have never invaded my dream world. Have they invaded yours?
They have invaded my dreams, Ace, but sometimes I wonder if that's because I sleep next to my husband. I know JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY was not the original title of this book. Can you tell us a little bit about how the title has transformed?
The original title was WHEN FARTS TURNED GREEN-A GLOBAL GAS CRISIS but apparently there are some of you out there who have a problem with the "f" word, so we had to change the title in order not to scare some of you Earthlings off.
Do you have any advice for writers trying to plot a mystery, with or without green gas?
Make the solution both surprising and interesting. We aliens are super smart readers and can usually figure out the answer to your mysteries within the first page.
Great advice! What’s the most surprising thing about your path to publication?
That people exist who don't think green gas is funny! What's wrong with them?
I agree! This is your first middle grade novel. Do you have others in the works, and if so, do they involve any stinky substances?
Maybe.
What are you working on now?
My spaceship. It broke down a couple of years ago and I can't wait to get back to my home planet. I love you Earthlings, but I miss my favorite foods. Gummy worms are the closest thing you've got, but I'm afraid I'm going to eat up all of them on your planet before I can get home!
If you'd like to learn more about Ace (of course you do!) you can find him on:Ace Hansen's WebsiteTwitterFacebook
If you'd like to purchase JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY it's available as an ebook now and is coming in print Fall 2013:MuseItUpAmazonBarnes & Noble
Kobo
Thanks so much for visiting Ace (and Angelina!) and all the very best with your debut!
Welcome, Ace! What gave you the idea to write about green gas, of all things?
A breath mint commercial. You know the one, right? We watch a lot of Earth TV on our planet.
Do you have problems with gas or do your friends have problems with gas?
Who doesn't have a problem with gas? On my planet we all pass green gas, but I guess you Earthlings fart invisibly. So strange!
Or did the green reveal itself to you in a strange (and stinky) dream?
Farts have never invaded my dream world. Have they invaded yours?
They have invaded my dreams, Ace, but sometimes I wonder if that's because I sleep next to my husband. I know JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY was not the original title of this book. Can you tell us a little bit about how the title has transformed?
The original title was WHEN FARTS TURNED GREEN-A GLOBAL GAS CRISIS but apparently there are some of you out there who have a problem with the "f" word, so we had to change the title in order not to scare some of you Earthlings off.
Do you have any advice for writers trying to plot a mystery, with or without green gas?
Make the solution both surprising and interesting. We aliens are super smart readers and can usually figure out the answer to your mysteries within the first page.
Great advice! What’s the most surprising thing about your path to publication?
That people exist who don't think green gas is funny! What's wrong with them?
I agree! This is your first middle grade novel. Do you have others in the works, and if so, do they involve any stinky substances?
Maybe.
What are you working on now?
My spaceship. It broke down a couple of years ago and I can't wait to get back to my home planet. I love you Earthlings, but I miss my favorite foods. Gummy worms are the closest thing you've got, but I'm afraid I'm going to eat up all of them on your planet before I can get home!
If you'd like to learn more about Ace (of course you do!) you can find him on:Ace Hansen's WebsiteTwitterFacebook
If you'd like to purchase JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY it's available as an ebook now and is coming in print Fall 2013:MuseItUpAmazonBarnes & Noble
Kobo
Thanks so much for visiting Ace (and Angelina!) and all the very best with your debut!
July 19, 2013
Friday Four!
I'm sure thankful for #FollowFriday on Twitter. Otherwise I'm sure I would have had no idea what day it is!
1. I'm home from Sacramento! Had a great time visiting friends there. Our friends put on a huge natural bodybuilding competition, so my husband and I try to join them each year to help out (we used to run our own bodybuilding shows). This year we stayed on a few days extra and traveled to the coast with our friends (along with a new friend, Chris Nsubuga, who also happened to be a pro champion from the competition). Here we are together (I'm almost as lean and muscular, right?)
2. I'm a little behind on things like blogging, but I still have a little green alien on deck for a blog interview. Next week Ace Hansen will be here for sure. Look forward to it! He's a fun little guy.
3. What am I reading? I just finished up THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE by Leila Sales, and as anticipated, I absolutely loved it! It's not out quite yet, but maybe I'll have a contest soon so one of you can win this early copy.
4. What am I writing? Still plugging away at MAKING MIRACLES. I'll be looking for a couple of beta readers soon, so if you're interested, email me at d(at)denisejaden(dot)com. I also have received some feedback on some other manuscripts, so I have lots to keep me busy through the summer.
The weather is beautiful here and not too terribly hot. I'm feeling bad for all my Twitter friends who have been cooking lately. Since it's summer, I've been thinking about good beach reads. Next week I'll try to come back and list a few of my favorites. Do you have favorite beach reads?
Happy weekend! Oh, and a happy birthday to me--I'm getting even older on Sunday :-)
1. I'm home from Sacramento! Had a great time visiting friends there. Our friends put on a huge natural bodybuilding competition, so my husband and I try to join them each year to help out (we used to run our own bodybuilding shows). This year we stayed on a few days extra and traveled to the coast with our friends (along with a new friend, Chris Nsubuga, who also happened to be a pro champion from the competition). Here we are together (I'm almost as lean and muscular, right?)
2. I'm a little behind on things like blogging, but I still have a little green alien on deck for a blog interview. Next week Ace Hansen will be here for sure. Look forward to it! He's a fun little guy.
3. What am I reading? I just finished up THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE by Leila Sales, and as anticipated, I absolutely loved it! It's not out quite yet, but maybe I'll have a contest soon so one of you can win this early copy.
4. What am I writing? Still plugging away at MAKING MIRACLES. I'll be looking for a couple of beta readers soon, so if you're interested, email me at d(at)denisejaden(dot)com. I also have received some feedback on some other manuscripts, so I have lots to keep me busy through the summer.
The weather is beautiful here and not too terribly hot. I'm feeling bad for all my Twitter friends who have been cooking lately. Since it's summer, I've been thinking about good beach reads. Next week I'll try to come back and list a few of my favorites. Do you have favorite beach reads?
Happy weekend! Oh, and a happy birthday to me--I'm getting even older on Sunday :-)
July 12, 2013
Friday Four!
1. What am I reading? I'm just starting THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE by Leila Sales. I haven't read much of it yet, but I'm fairly sure I will love it, first of all because my friend, Shana Silver, loved it, and secondly because it is Leila Sales.
2. What am I writing? I'm busy revising MAKING MIRACLES. Still not sold on the title of this book, but I haven't come up with anything better yet. This revision has been difficult--the last person I had read it brought up some very good questions, and I'm having to dig deep in order to answer them.
3. My good friend, Angelina Hansen, has a little pet green alien. He's having a book launch today for his debut novel, JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY. It's an awesome book--my son and I had a great time reading it together. It costs less than a venti mocha, and I'm not sure if you know this or not, but supporting a debut novelist is truly one of the most heroic things an earthling can do. Aliens (and authors) everywhere will sing your praises (metaphorically--lots of us don't have very nice voices :-)
Isn't that the cutest cover ever? You can find the party over at yascribe.blogspot.com and I'm pretty sure no one throws a party like a little green alien.
4. If that's not enough fun, little green Ace Hansen will be joining my on my blog next week to answer every question you've ever wanted to know about green gas!
I'm off to Sacramento to join some good friends at their bodybuilding show. I hear the weather's supposed to be make-a-grilled-cheese-sandwich-on-the-sidewalk hot. Should be fun!
2. What am I writing? I'm busy revising MAKING MIRACLES. Still not sold on the title of this book, but I haven't come up with anything better yet. This revision has been difficult--the last person I had read it brought up some very good questions, and I'm having to dig deep in order to answer them.
3. My good friend, Angelina Hansen, has a little pet green alien. He's having a book launch today for his debut novel, JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY. It's an awesome book--my son and I had a great time reading it together. It costs less than a venti mocha, and I'm not sure if you know this or not, but supporting a debut novelist is truly one of the most heroic things an earthling can do. Aliens (and authors) everywhere will sing your praises (metaphorically--lots of us don't have very nice voices :-)
Isn't that the cutest cover ever? You can find the party over at yascribe.blogspot.com and I'm pretty sure no one throws a party like a little green alien.
4. If that's not enough fun, little green Ace Hansen will be joining my on my blog next week to answer every question you've ever wanted to know about green gas!
I'm off to Sacramento to join some good friends at their bodybuilding show. I hear the weather's supposed to be make-a-grilled-cheese-sandwich-on-the-sidewalk hot. Should be fun!
July 9, 2013
Want a #FREE Audiobook?
My LOSING FAITH audiobook has just gone live at Audible.com! To help promote this title, Audible is offering a couple of free copies of the audiobook!
Here's a little about the book:
A terrible secret. A terrible fate.
When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.
As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.
Click her to listen to a sample of the audiobook, read by the awesome Becca Battoe!
The whole idea of this giveaway is promotion, so to enter to win a copy, all you have to do is tell me in the comments how you would be willing and able to promote it. Do you have a review blog where you can review it? Do you like to spread the word about books on Twitter or Facebook? Do you attend a youth group that might be interested in hearing about it?
This contest is open internationally. Make sure to leave a way I can get in touch with you if you win, and good luck!
Here's a little about the book:
A terrible secret. A terrible fate.
When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.
As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.
Click her to listen to a sample of the audiobook, read by the awesome Becca Battoe!
The whole idea of this giveaway is promotion, so to enter to win a copy, all you have to do is tell me in the comments how you would be willing and able to promote it. Do you have a review blog where you can review it? Do you like to spread the word about books on Twitter or Facebook? Do you attend a youth group that might be interested in hearing about it?
This contest is open internationally. Make sure to leave a way I can get in touch with you if you win, and good luck!
