Denise Jaden's Blog, page 43
April 19, 2011
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Amy Holder and THE LIPSTICK LAWS!
I'm thrilled to welcome another writer friend of mine to the blog today, Amy Holder. I can't believe her release date is finally here! I've been watching her go through and nerve-wracking process of waiting to see that first book on the shelves, and now that it's here, I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!
THE LIPSTICK LAWS was released April 4, 2011 from Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Humorous coming-of-age story about popularity gone wrong. (Oops! That's nine words...can I count coming-of-age as one? lol)
Judges, can we allow that? Sure! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
I had a lot of fun writing Britney's character because it was entertaining to be able to create and write a villain. But, my favorite character (other than April) has to be Delvin. He's so awkwardly sweet, well-meaning and genuine… I wish I could pick him out of my story and be friends with him in real life.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Amy?
I'm a huge animal lover with an affinity for chocolate, laughing, art, my CHI hair straightener, and having fun. I'm originally from upstate New York (close to the setting of THE LIPSTICK LAWS), but I currently reside in the Philadelphia area with my verbally challenged sidekicks (pets).
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
One of the most surprising things has been realizing the amount of time and steps that go into making a manuscript a published book. There are so many people involved in a book's publication (author, editor, copy editor, proofreader, cover designer, marketing team, publicist, etc, etc.), it's amazing how much effort is put into each book that's published every year. I have a whole new respect for each and every book that's ever been published.
Yes, that was shocking to me too! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Never give up! The road to publication is a bumpy one…and the bumps don't necessarily end when you secure a book deal. You have to have determination, perseverance and the talent to back up your ambition in order to succeed.
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
Getting ready for my upcoming release has sucked up most of my free time, but I am working on another humorous YA manuscript as much as I can when I have time.
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 angst-ridden poetry that would be fully deserving of an emo-rific award! It was filled with teen torture (my own inner torture, not torturing teens…just had to clear that up ), philosophical questions, gushing over teen love…and then venting over a broken heart. Yes, I was very overdramatic and set on a path to write tragedies. I'm not quite sure what happened between then and now.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Well, that's an easy one! LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, of course!
Aw, you just made my day! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?
Please visit my author website to find out more information about me, my book(s), upcoming events and more at www.amyholder.com
Thank you SO MUCH for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your debut!
THE LIPSTICK LAWS was released April 4, 2011 from Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Humorous coming-of-age story about popularity gone wrong. (Oops! That's nine words...can I count coming-of-age as one? lol)
Judges, can we allow that? Sure! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
I had a lot of fun writing Britney's character because it was entertaining to be able to create and write a villain. But, my favorite character (other than April) has to be Delvin. He's so awkwardly sweet, well-meaning and genuine… I wish I could pick him out of my story and be friends with him in real life.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Amy?
I'm a huge animal lover with an affinity for chocolate, laughing, art, my CHI hair straightener, and having fun. I'm originally from upstate New York (close to the setting of THE LIPSTICK LAWS), but I currently reside in the Philadelphia area with my verbally challenged sidekicks (pets).
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
One of the most surprising things has been realizing the amount of time and steps that go into making a manuscript a published book. There are so many people involved in a book's publication (author, editor, copy editor, proofreader, cover designer, marketing team, publicist, etc, etc.), it's amazing how much effort is put into each book that's published every year. I have a whole new respect for each and every book that's ever been published.
Yes, that was shocking to me too! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Never give up! The road to publication is a bumpy one…and the bumps don't necessarily end when you secure a book deal. You have to have determination, perseverance and the talent to back up your ambition in order to succeed.
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
Getting ready for my upcoming release has sucked up most of my free time, but I am working on another humorous YA manuscript as much as I can when I have time.
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 angst-ridden poetry that would be fully deserving of an emo-rific award! It was filled with teen torture (my own inner torture, not torturing teens…just had to clear that up ), philosophical questions, gushing over teen love…and then venting over a broken heart. Yes, I was very overdramatic and set on a path to write tragedies. I'm not quite sure what happened between then and now.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Well, that's an easy one! LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, of course!
Aw, you just made my day! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?
Please visit my author website to find out more information about me, my book(s), upcoming events and more at www.amyholder.com
Thank you SO MUCH for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your debut!
April 18, 2011
April Check-In! #wipmadness
Well, it's the 18th, my deadline day, and I'm almost done this revision! I should be done it in the next couple of hours and send it off to my editor. Very happy about that!
I've been thinking about my goals for the rest of the month. My next *should* project is a proposal my agent and I have been working on. It's not that I don't want to work on this, but it's just that I have another project I want to work on more. Remember that bright, shiny new project that tried to distract me in the third week of March Madness? Well, it's still nagging at me. So I've decided I want to give it a week to fester in my mind. I'll allow myself to brainstorm a bunch of notes, and then I hope by next Monday I'll have gotten it out of my system for the time being and can get back to work on my proposal.
How about you? I've seen on Twitter that many of you are making great word count milestones! Congratulations! Have your goals been staying pretty consistent on one project through April then? I want to hear all the deets!
I've been thinking about my goals for the rest of the month. My next *should* project is a proposal my agent and I have been working on. It's not that I don't want to work on this, but it's just that I have another project I want to work on more. Remember that bright, shiny new project that tried to distract me in the third week of March Madness? Well, it's still nagging at me. So I've decided I want to give it a week to fester in my mind. I'll allow myself to brainstorm a bunch of notes, and then I hope by next Monday I'll have gotten it out of my system for the time being and can get back to work on my proposal.
How about you? I've seen on Twitter that many of you are making great word count milestones! Congratulations! Have your goals been staying pretty consistent on one project through April then? I want to hear all the deets!
April 14, 2011
Readergirlz - I Rocked the Drop!
Readergirlz is supporting Teen Lit Day with their annual Rock the Drop, where people all around the world are "dropping" books for others to find!
Click the link above to find out more.
I just finished Rocking The Drop at my old high school right near my house. It was kinda fun, being covert and all, sneaking into the school and leaving a copy of LOSING FAITH right inside the main doors for someone to find!
Did you Rock The Drop today? Remember, it doesn't have to be your own book and you don't have to be an author to do it. Just print off the nameplate from the Readergirlz website, slip it into a teen-targeted book, and leave it anywhere you like!
Click the link above to find out more.
I just finished Rocking The Drop at my old high school right near my house. It was kinda fun, being covert and all, sneaking into the school and leaving a copy of LOSING FAITH right inside the main doors for someone to find!
Did you Rock The Drop today? Remember, it doesn't have to be your own book and you don't have to be an author to do it. Just print off the nameplate from the Readergirlz website, slip it into a teen-targeted book, and leave it anywhere you like!
April 12, 2011
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Carole Estby Dagg and THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS!
I'm happy to welcome another Class of 2k11 author to the blog today! Carole Estby Dagg's debut novel, THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS, releases April 4, 2011 from Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It's Historical Fiction for tweens, ages 11 and up.
Welcome, Carole! Please tell me about your debut novel in 7 words or less:
adventure, 232-day walk, mother-daughter, women's suffrage
Sounds very unique! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
Clara Estby's mother, Helga (my great-grandmother), because she is such a flawed yet noble character.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
Since childhood I wanted to be a writer, but was afraid to try so I became a librarian instead. My first book finally comes out the year I turn 67. I write in Everett, Washington, and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island. I am a techno-idiot and don't own a cell phone.
What's the most surprising (and best) thing about your path to publication so far?
I submitted part of my manuscript for critique at the national Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA. At the end of my 15 minutes, my critiquer, Candie Moonshower, asked me if I'd like her to submit my work for the Sue Alexander Award. "What's that?" I asked. It was my ticket out of the slush pile. After winning the award I signed a contract with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
What a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can you offer any advice to aspiring authors?
If you have a story to tell, keep trying. I had 29 rejections on The Year We Were Famous over a period of 10 years before I signed a contract. I didn't just keep submitting the same manuscript again and again though. During that time I took 8 college-level writing classes, attended countless writing workshops and conferences, and completely rewrote the book at least a dozen times, going from diary format to third person to first person, sassy voice, more mature voice, adventure focus to character development focus, 400 pages down to 250.
Great advice (and insight!) Can you give us a sentence or two about your current project?
After spending over ten years writing about Clara Estby I couldn't let her go, so I'm writing a sequel that involves secretarial school and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Excellent. What did you write when you were a teen, Carole?
Very long term papers. Even then I liked the research more than the writing. I read a lot, though, and still read over 100 books a year.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi. I'm relieved that you phrased that question the last book you really loved; otherwise the list would go on for pages.
Wonderful. Thanks again for visiting, Carole, and if readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website is www.CaroleEstbyDagg.com
And here's the book trailer for THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS. Enjoy!!
Welcome, Carole! Please tell me about your debut novel in 7 words or less:
adventure, 232-day walk, mother-daughter, women's suffrage
Sounds very unique! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
Clara Estby's mother, Helga (my great-grandmother), because she is such a flawed yet noble character.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
Since childhood I wanted to be a writer, but was afraid to try so I became a librarian instead. My first book finally comes out the year I turn 67. I write in Everett, Washington, and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island. I am a techno-idiot and don't own a cell phone.
What's the most surprising (and best) thing about your path to publication so far?
I submitted part of my manuscript for critique at the national Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA. At the end of my 15 minutes, my critiquer, Candie Moonshower, asked me if I'd like her to submit my work for the Sue Alexander Award. "What's that?" I asked. It was my ticket out of the slush pile. After winning the award I signed a contract with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
What a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can you offer any advice to aspiring authors?
If you have a story to tell, keep trying. I had 29 rejections on The Year We Were Famous over a period of 10 years before I signed a contract. I didn't just keep submitting the same manuscript again and again though. During that time I took 8 college-level writing classes, attended countless writing workshops and conferences, and completely rewrote the book at least a dozen times, going from diary format to third person to first person, sassy voice, more mature voice, adventure focus to character development focus, 400 pages down to 250.
Great advice (and insight!) Can you give us a sentence or two about your current project?
After spending over ten years writing about Clara Estby I couldn't let her go, so I'm writing a sequel that involves secretarial school and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Excellent. What did you write when you were a teen, Carole?
Very long term papers. Even then I liked the research more than the writing. I read a lot, though, and still read over 100 books a year.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi. I'm relieved that you phrased that question the last book you really loved; otherwise the list would go on for pages.
Wonderful. Thanks again for visiting, Carole, and if readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website is www.CaroleEstbyDagg.com
And here's the book trailer for THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS. Enjoy!!
April 11, 2011
April Check-In! The Madness Continues...
How's the madness going? I've had lots of fun checking in with the #wipmadness tag over on Twitter this week. It makes me feel not-so-alone.
My deadline for my revision of the novel formerly known as APPETITE FOR BEAUTY (still no title!) is April 18th, which if you're neurotically counting as I am, is exactly one week from today. The good news is, I think I've fixed all the major problem parts. This pass is more about cutting back on inner monologue and showing things more through actions. I find it's getting easier the more I get into my girl Loann's head. Still not easy, but easier!
So that's where I'm at. I'll have to think about what my goals will be after April 18th, but for the moment, I'm just sprinting for that particular finish line. How about the rest of you? I've seen big bouts of progress (and many virtual stickers awarded) on Twitter, so I sense things are going well all around, but I can't wait to hear all the deets!
My deadline for my revision of the novel formerly known as APPETITE FOR BEAUTY (still no title!) is April 18th, which if you're neurotically counting as I am, is exactly one week from today. The good news is, I think I've fixed all the major problem parts. This pass is more about cutting back on inner monologue and showing things more through actions. I find it's getting easier the more I get into my girl Loann's head. Still not easy, but easier!
So that's where I'm at. I'll have to think about what my goals will be after April 18th, but for the moment, I'm just sprinting for that particular finish line. How about the rest of you? I've seen big bouts of progress (and many virtual stickers awarded) on Twitter, so I sense things are going well all around, but I can't wait to hear all the deets!
April 8, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - The Last One!
I haven't heard from our latest prize winner yet, so I'll announce our last winner and then the two of you can race to get me your choice of prize!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our last winner is...Ghost Girl!!!Congratulations to you, and to not only all of our winners, but also to all of you who worked toward a goal during March! Ghost Girl, please send your mailing address to d (at) denisejaden (dot) com .
And the rest of you...I hope to see you back here for check-in on Monday!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our last winner is...Ghost Girl!!!Congratulations to you, and to not only all of our winners, but also to all of you who worked toward a goal during March! Ghost Girl, please send your mailing address to d (at) denisejaden (dot) com .
And the rest of you...I hope to see you back here for check-in on Monday!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
April 7, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Two More!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our next winner is...L.S. Taylor!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our next winner is...L.S. Taylor!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
April 6, 2011
YALITCHAT and MARCH MADNESS Prizes!
Tonight I'm the guest author on #yalitchat! The topic is faith in YA, and if you're on Twitter, I hope you'll stop by and join the conversation. It would be great to have a variety of perspectives. It starts at 6PM PST / 9PM EST and runs for a little over an hour. Just watch for the hashtag #yalitchat !
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our next winner is...Jenn B!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our next winner is...Jenn B!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
April 5, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Day 5
Our first four winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...Akoss!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...Akoss!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
April 4, 2011
April Check-In! (And of course more March Prizes!)
Those of you who are still working away through April, I'm thrilled to have you hanging out with me. This can be really, really hard work and even though we pretty much need to do it alone, there can still be camaraderie. We are the only ones who really understand each other.
So if you're having a good week, share, and your success can inspire us! If you're having a more difficult week, share that too, so we can offer you unlimited virtual hugs, chocolate, and words of wisdom (I'm sure there are some wise people here, right?)
As for me, my goal was to get through the first 80 pages of my book by the time my husband got home from a business trip. This was the major "problem area" of my manuscript. Well, I got to page 78, so I'm feeling pretty satisfied with that. (Believe me, it was so hard to NOT just stay up and making it to page 80, but because of reorganizing, I would have had to start in on a whole new section that I don't have detailed plans for yet. So essentially I think I met my first April goal!) How about the rest of you?
And yes! I have another March Madness prize to give away! Our first three winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...JRO!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
So if you're having a good week, share, and your success can inspire us! If you're having a more difficult week, share that too, so we can offer you unlimited virtual hugs, chocolate, and words of wisdom (I'm sure there are some wise people here, right?)
As for me, my goal was to get through the first 80 pages of my book by the time my husband got home from a business trip. This was the major "problem area" of my manuscript. Well, I got to page 78, so I'm feeling pretty satisfied with that. (Believe me, it was so hard to NOT just stay up and making it to page 80, but because of reorganizing, I would have had to start in on a whole new section that I don't have detailed plans for yet. So essentially I think I met my first April goal!) How about the rest of you?
And yes! I have another March Madness prize to give away! Our first three winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...JRO!!!Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
