Denise Jaden's Blog, page 53
October 23, 2010
#SIWC2010 Notes - 1
I decided to attempt taking my notes in an open blog post today. These are by no means comprehensive, but hopefully will give an overview. I'll be typing quickly, so forgive me for what will likely be many, many typos, and bits that don't make sense. But if you're a write who wishes they could be at a conference learning about craft, you might get something out of this...
Creating Characters That Jump Off the Page by James Scott Bell
Favorite books and movies of class members: Pay it Forward, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tombstone, Matrix, Quiet Man, Crash.
Interaction between two main characters (Quiet Man). So many levels, but all about characters with intersections (Crash).
We connect our stories through characters.
Showed scene from Casablanca. (Characters drawn in subtle tones that have a real meaning in the film). Rick is not intimidated and won't be pushed around. He uses humor as evasion. He was subtlely challenging. Defiant. He had attitude.
Lead characters must have attitude. Memorable. Dynamic. Different.
The key to originality of stories is the characters you put into those stories.
Plot without character is like action without engagement.
Great characters without plot = a relative that overstays their welcome.
Plot = the record of how a character deals with death (physical, professional, or psychological). What event can you bring in that would immediately make your character deal with one of those deaths. Stakes need to matter to the character for a reader to get involved.
True character revealed only in crisis.
Main character - reader must want them to succeed.
Anti-hero - doesn't care about the world around him (Rick in Casablanca). May have been cast out of society. Gets dragged into controversy. By the end, they either must be redeemed or go back into isolation.
Character creation:
Step 1 - Need to know 2 things - Noun of vocation and an adjective of manner. Adjective goes first.
ex. - clumsy waitress
Step 2 - voice journal - write in the character's voice. Prompt with questions. Begin sentences with, "I remember..." Don't be wedded to any one thing as you write. Get their distinctive voice.
You want to get away from the rational to find characters that jump off the page.
Step 3 - need a visual - clip pictures, or in your mind. James uses Google Images. Put the pictures in a circle and then look for relationships between these people.
This is how he sets his cast list.
Deepening your characters:
Great characters who jump off the page start inside YOU. You have to feel the characters to make them memorable.
Step 1 - Make a list of nouns from your past. The smoke. The fire. The carnival. etc.Words that talk to your subconscious. Something you remember that moves you.
Stetp 2 - Make a list of passions - things that make you mad, sad, or glad. Translate them over to your lead characters, not so much in story, but in emotion.
Step 3 - Get physical. When you write about characters, try to find a physical positioning that enables you to feel what the character is feeling. Do this for every character. Move your hands and face so that it's more than just in your head. You want to be emotional when you write your scenes.
Exercises:
Opposite Exercise - think of a scene of high intensity involving your main character. Take that scene and now imagine if your character did the exact opposite of what they're doing now.
Outside the book exercise - imagine a scene not in your book at a social gathering. Someone that person trusts walks up and throws a drink in your character's face. How does that play out?
What would make your character throw a chair out the window.
Find false self vs. true self - from mask to authenticity. Character will have a moment of self-realization (the face of my enemy).
If a novel doesn't grab a reader, for some reason that lead character introduction doesn't grab them/is not strong enough/motivations are not clear enough.
Let me know what you think! Do you agree with any of these points? Disagree? Find anything really interesting or revelatory?
Creating Characters That Jump Off the Page by James Scott Bell
Favorite books and movies of class members: Pay it Forward, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tombstone, Matrix, Quiet Man, Crash.
Interaction between two main characters (Quiet Man). So many levels, but all about characters with intersections (Crash).
We connect our stories through characters.
Showed scene from Casablanca. (Characters drawn in subtle tones that have a real meaning in the film). Rick is not intimidated and won't be pushed around. He uses humor as evasion. He was subtlely challenging. Defiant. He had attitude.
Lead characters must have attitude. Memorable. Dynamic. Different.
The key to originality of stories is the characters you put into those stories.
Plot without character is like action without engagement.
Great characters without plot = a relative that overstays their welcome.
Plot = the record of how a character deals with death (physical, professional, or psychological). What event can you bring in that would immediately make your character deal with one of those deaths. Stakes need to matter to the character for a reader to get involved.
True character revealed only in crisis.
Main character - reader must want them to succeed.
Anti-hero - doesn't care about the world around him (Rick in Casablanca). May have been cast out of society. Gets dragged into controversy. By the end, they either must be redeemed or go back into isolation.
Character creation:
Step 1 - Need to know 2 things - Noun of vocation and an adjective of manner. Adjective goes first.
ex. - clumsy waitress
Step 2 - voice journal - write in the character's voice. Prompt with questions. Begin sentences with, "I remember..." Don't be wedded to any one thing as you write. Get their distinctive voice.
You want to get away from the rational to find characters that jump off the page.
Step 3 - need a visual - clip pictures, or in your mind. James uses Google Images. Put the pictures in a circle and then look for relationships between these people.
This is how he sets his cast list.
Deepening your characters:
Great characters who jump off the page start inside YOU. You have to feel the characters to make them memorable.
Step 1 - Make a list of nouns from your past. The smoke. The fire. The carnival. etc.Words that talk to your subconscious. Something you remember that moves you.
Stetp 2 - Make a list of passions - things that make you mad, sad, or glad. Translate them over to your lead characters, not so much in story, but in emotion.
Step 3 - Get physical. When you write about characters, try to find a physical positioning that enables you to feel what the character is feeling. Do this for every character. Move your hands and face so that it's more than just in your head. You want to be emotional when you write your scenes.
Exercises:
Opposite Exercise - think of a scene of high intensity involving your main character. Take that scene and now imagine if your character did the exact opposite of what they're doing now.
Outside the book exercise - imagine a scene not in your book at a social gathering. Someone that person trusts walks up and throws a drink in your character's face. How does that play out?
What would make your character throw a chair out the window.
Find false self vs. true self - from mask to authenticity. Character will have a moment of self-realization (the face of my enemy).
If a novel doesn't grab a reader, for some reason that lead character introduction doesn't grab them/is not strong enough/motivations are not clear enough.
Let me know what you think! Do you agree with any of these points? Disagree? Find anything really interesting or revelatory?
GCC Tour Stops
I'm having a great time at the Surrey International Writer's Conference! I'll be back next week with an update, but in the meantime, Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit has been touring me, and I'm so excited about all the great girlfriends who have been hosting me the last few days:
http://www.kaycassiday.com/blog (interview + giveaway)
http://writerstephanie.livejournal.com/98248.html (interview)
http://kristinaspringer.blogspot.com/2010/10/girlfriends-cyber-circuit-denise-jaden.html (interview + giveaway)
http://sarahantz.com/blog/ (interview)
http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/ (giveaway)
http://amandaashby.blogspot.com/2010/10/gcc-presents-denise-jaden.html (interview)
http://jenniferechols.livejournal.com/143340.html (interview)
http://jessicabrody.blogspot.com/2010/10/guest-star-denise-jaden.html (interview)
http://mybignose.blogspot.com/2010/10/relationship-advice-from-denise-jaden.html (interview and giveaway)
http://caridadferrer.com/2010/10/22/gcc/ (interview)
http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/2010/10/ff-losing-faith-by-denise-jaden.html (interview and giveaway)
If you have the time, there are some very fun and unique questions in some of these interviews. And of course lots of fresh chances to win a copy of Losing Faith! Unless otherwise stated, all contests are for U.S. only, as my publisher is providing the copies.
http://www.kaycassiday.com/blog (interview + giveaway)
http://writerstephanie.livejournal.com/98248.html (interview)
http://kristinaspringer.blogspot.com/2010/10/girlfriends-cyber-circuit-denise-jaden.html (interview + giveaway)
http://sarahantz.com/blog/ (interview)
http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/ (giveaway)
http://amandaashby.blogspot.com/2010/10/gcc-presents-denise-jaden.html (interview)
http://jenniferechols.livejournal.com/143340.html (interview)
http://jessicabrody.blogspot.com/2010/10/guest-star-denise-jaden.html (interview)
http://mybignose.blogspot.com/2010/10/relationship-advice-from-denise-jaden.html (interview and giveaway)
http://caridadferrer.com/2010/10/22/gcc/ (interview)
http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/2010/10/ff-losing-faith-by-denise-jaden.html (interview and giveaway)
If you have the time, there are some very fun and unique questions in some of these interviews. And of course lots of fresh chances to win a copy of Losing Faith! Unless otherwise stated, all contests are for U.S. only, as my publisher is providing the copies.
October 21, 2010
The Girl in the Jean Jacket
Apparently my jean jacket has become somewhat iconic.
Last week when I traveled to Oklahoma, I was lucky enough to meet up with some great authors. There was one author in particular I was excited about meeting because I had followed her online for quite some time. I recognized her right away because of her brilliant smile, but when I went up to introduce myself, she said, "Oh, I know you. You're the girl in the jean jacket." Or something to that effect.
"Wh—what? Me! You know me?" I said, like the exceptionally well-spoken person that I am.
What she was referring to was my author photo, which apparently has gone before me!
It's really, REALLY cool as a debut author whose book has JUST come out, when someone actually recognizes you. For any reason.
Then, just the other day I answered my cell phone to a reporter from a local newspaper. Her first question? "Can you send me that picture of you in the jean jacket?" We went on to have a lovely conversation about writing. But it all started with the jean jacket. And the above picture ended up in a full-page spread of my local newspaper!
So this is what I'm thinking…even if I don't go on to make a good living with my writing, even if I can't come up with another single story idea or interesting set of characters... if I can get enough buzz going on for this jean jacket, maybe I can make my fortune on eBay! LOL.
All this is to say…I'm off to the Surrey International Writers Conference this weekend, because I actually do want to continue on in this writing business and improve my craft, (so excited!) and even though I may not normally dress down quite this much, I AM planning to bring the famed jean jacket so HOPEFULLY people will recognize me (and it would totally make my weekend if someone did, so please come up and say hi.) Wow, that was an awfully long run-on sentence! Good thing I'm going away to improve my craft! Anyway, I may not wear the jacket all weekend, but I'll try to keep it on for Friday at least.
And if you spot me but can't remember my name, or what I write, or anything else about me, just feel free to call out, "hey, you! Girl in the jean jacket!" And I'll know exactly who you mean.
Also, I am HORRIBLE with names. So if we've met before, please remind me. I don't mean to be a dork about this. Honestly. But it happens when your brain gets burnt out from outlining and revising and homeschooling.
I'm so excited! If you'll be at SIWC, tell me – what iconic piece of clothing might you be wearing???
Last week when I traveled to Oklahoma, I was lucky enough to meet up with some great authors. There was one author in particular I was excited about meeting because I had followed her online for quite some time. I recognized her right away because of her brilliant smile, but when I went up to introduce myself, she said, "Oh, I know you. You're the girl in the jean jacket." Or something to that effect.
"Wh—what? Me! You know me?" I said, like the exceptionally well-spoken person that I am.
What she was referring to was my author photo, which apparently has gone before me!
It's really, REALLY cool as a debut author whose book has JUST come out, when someone actually recognizes you. For any reason.
Then, just the other day I answered my cell phone to a reporter from a local newspaper. Her first question? "Can you send me that picture of you in the jean jacket?" We went on to have a lovely conversation about writing. But it all started with the jean jacket. And the above picture ended up in a full-page spread of my local newspaper!
So this is what I'm thinking…even if I don't go on to make a good living with my writing, even if I can't come up with another single story idea or interesting set of characters... if I can get enough buzz going on for this jean jacket, maybe I can make my fortune on eBay! LOL.
All this is to say…I'm off to the Surrey International Writers Conference this weekend, because I actually do want to continue on in this writing business and improve my craft, (so excited!) and even though I may not normally dress down quite this much, I AM planning to bring the famed jean jacket so HOPEFULLY people will recognize me (and it would totally make my weekend if someone did, so please come up and say hi.) Wow, that was an awfully long run-on sentence! Good thing I'm going away to improve my craft! Anyway, I may not wear the jacket all weekend, but I'll try to keep it on for Friday at least.
And if you spot me but can't remember my name, or what I write, or anything else about me, just feel free to call out, "hey, you! Girl in the jean jacket!" And I'll know exactly who you mean.
Also, I am HORRIBLE with names. So if we've met before, please remind me. I don't mean to be a dork about this. Honestly. But it happens when your brain gets burnt out from outlining and revising and homeschooling.
I'm so excited! If you'll be at SIWC, tell me – what iconic piece of clothing might you be wearing???
October 20, 2010
The Winner of Lauren Strasnick's HER AND ME AND YOU!
A couple of weeks ago, I had Lauren Strasnick as a guest on the blog, and her fabulous publisher (who also happens to be my publisher) kindly offered to give away a copy of HER AND ME AND YOU.
So I have drawn a name, and the person I am most jealous of today is...
Marissa from Adventures in Children's Publishing!
Marissa, if you'd like to send me your mailing address at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com, I'll make sure to get it where it needs to go in order to get you your book!
Congratulations Marissa, and thanks to everyone else who entered!
Also...this is my week being featured on the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit! There are a few copies of Losing Faith to be won, and also a few fresh interviews popping up with yours truly. Here are the links of the first few stops, and I'll be back as more show up. I hope you'll drop by some of them and comment!
Interview with Debbie Rigaud:
http://debbierigaud.com/debbie-rigaud-blog/?p=602
Interview with Daisy Whitney:
http://daisywhitney.com/blog/meet-denise-jaden-author-of-losing-faith/
Lauren Strasnick's blog has featured the Losing Faith book trailer and is hosting a giveaway for Losing Faith:
http://www.laurenstrasnick.com/2010/10/18/gcc-tour-denise-jaden/
Interview with Sara Hantz:
http://sarahantz.com/blog/
So I have drawn a name, and the person I am most jealous of today is...
Marissa from Adventures in Children's Publishing!
Marissa, if you'd like to send me your mailing address at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com, I'll make sure to get it where it needs to go in order to get you your book!
Congratulations Marissa, and thanks to everyone else who entered!
Also...this is my week being featured on the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit! There are a few copies of Losing Faith to be won, and also a few fresh interviews popping up with yours truly. Here are the links of the first few stops, and I'll be back as more show up. I hope you'll drop by some of them and comment!
Interview with Debbie Rigaud:
http://debbierigaud.com/debbie-rigaud-blog/?p=602
Interview with Daisy Whitney:
http://daisywhitney.com/blog/meet-denise-jaden-author-of-losing-faith/
Lauren Strasnick's blog has featured the Losing Faith book trailer and is hosting a giveaway for Losing Faith:
http://www.laurenstrasnick.com/2010/10/18/gcc-tour-denise-jaden/
Interview with Sara Hantz:
http://sarahantz.com/blog/
October 19, 2010
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Penny Noyce!
Today I'm thrilled to welcome one of my critique partners who I met through Critique Circle.
Penny Noyce is the author of LOST IN LEXICON: AN ADVENTURE IN WORDS AND NUMBERS, which was just released Oct. 1st from Tumblehome Press. It's a middle grade fantasy for ages 9-12.
Welcome Penny! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
cousins, adventure, magical, quest, friendship, danger, imagination
Great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in the novel and why?
Emily the thesaurus is a small alpaca-like creature who whispers needed words to her chosen humans. She is soft, shy, loyal, and she often seems uncannily perceptive.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?
Autumn is my favorite season - a burst of color we treasure because it's fleeting. My most exciting travel experiences have been visiting Machu Picchu, helicopter skiing in the Canadian Rockies, and horseback riding in the Okavango Delta.
Sounds like you've had an exciting life! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I've been surprised by how much adults enjoy this children's book. They feel an echo of books they loved in their own childhood.
That's great! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Write your book for a specific audience, preferably someone you love. That way you'll make it the best you possibly can, and you know you'll have an audience that appreciates it.
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?
I'm finishing up book two in the Lexicon series, which touches on music, and I'm working on a YA book about a young flute player finding the courage to face his sister's abductors, slavery, and his family's past.
They both sound great! What did you write when you were a teen, Penny? Did you journal? Write poetry?
Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I got up in the middle of the night to write poetry. I wrote passionate journals dissecting my life and the occasional story.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I loved The Time Traveler's Wife for its portrayal of the mysteries, heartbreaks, unknowns, and shifting currents of love that lasts a lifetime.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My book website: www.lostinlexicon.comMy website: www.pendrednoyce.comMy blog: windowviewblog.blogspot.comBook trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiJhpfnvk7o
Thanks so much for stopping by, Penny! And let me leave you all with the book trailer for LOST IN LEXICON:
Penny Noyce is the author of LOST IN LEXICON: AN ADVENTURE IN WORDS AND NUMBERS, which was just released Oct. 1st from Tumblehome Press. It's a middle grade fantasy for ages 9-12.
Welcome Penny! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
cousins, adventure, magical, quest, friendship, danger, imagination
Great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in the novel and why?
Emily the thesaurus is a small alpaca-like creature who whispers needed words to her chosen humans. She is soft, shy, loyal, and she often seems uncannily perceptive.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?
Autumn is my favorite season - a burst of color we treasure because it's fleeting. My most exciting travel experiences have been visiting Machu Picchu, helicopter skiing in the Canadian Rockies, and horseback riding in the Okavango Delta.
Sounds like you've had an exciting life! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I've been surprised by how much adults enjoy this children's book. They feel an echo of books they loved in their own childhood.
That's great! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Write your book for a specific audience, preferably someone you love. That way you'll make it the best you possibly can, and you know you'll have an audience that appreciates it.
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?
I'm finishing up book two in the Lexicon series, which touches on music, and I'm working on a YA book about a young flute player finding the courage to face his sister's abductors, slavery, and his family's past.
They both sound great! What did you write when you were a teen, Penny? Did you journal? Write poetry?
Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I got up in the middle of the night to write poetry. I wrote passionate journals dissecting my life and the occasional story.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I loved The Time Traveler's Wife for its portrayal of the mysteries, heartbreaks, unknowns, and shifting currents of love that lasts a lifetime.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My book website: www.lostinlexicon.comMy website: www.pendrednoyce.comMy blog: windowviewblog.blogspot.comBook trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiJhpfnvk7o
Thanks so much for stopping by, Penny! And let me leave you all with the book trailer for LOST IN LEXICON:
October 18, 2010
A Weekend of Events!
Before I forget, time has gotten a way on me a little, but I'm still planning on drawing a winner for a copy of HER AND ME AND YOU by Lauren Strasnick! I'll draw the winner on Wednesday, so if you haven't entered yet, make sure to drop by my interview with Lauren and comment. It'll only take a second.
My signing at Hemingway's on the weekend was fun and successful! Remember, if you didn't make it there and still want to pick up a signed copy of Losing Faith, you can order one through Hemingway's (there's a link on my website) or there's also a list of other upcoming signings. The next one will be at the SIWC Book Fair this coming Saturday.
Here's a couple pictures of my signing at Hemingway's:
This was getting setup before it all started. Didn't they make a lovely display for me?!
And okay, to be honest, this is just me "pretend signing" before it really got going.
Another highlight of my weekend was Mindi Scott's launch party in Seattle! Mindi and I have been author-buddies, sharing the same imprint, publisher, and publicist, and it's been so great to share the journey with her! Her party was awesome, a huge showing of people, and she completely sold out of books before I could get a copy. But it's okay, because I will be signing with her in two weeks, and as long as she doesn't feel the need to sell out again....
Mindi talked about her book, did a short reading, and the whole evening was very enjoyable. But if that wasn't enough, I was fortunate to meet up with a few of my author-friends, and got to hang with a book blogger (Hi, Sarah!) who is reading my book right now.
Once again, I was a total lame-o and didn't bring my camera, but this shot is courtesy of the fabulous Kimberley Derting. From left to right: Holly Cupala, me!, Mindi Scott (isn't her dress beautiful?!), Kimberley Derting, Karen Kincy, and Mandy Hubbard. It was a great time and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. What did you do this weekend?
My signing at Hemingway's on the weekend was fun and successful! Remember, if you didn't make it there and still want to pick up a signed copy of Losing Faith, you can order one through Hemingway's (there's a link on my website) or there's also a list of other upcoming signings. The next one will be at the SIWC Book Fair this coming Saturday.
Here's a couple pictures of my signing at Hemingway's:
This was getting setup before it all started. Didn't they make a lovely display for me?!
And okay, to be honest, this is just me "pretend signing" before it really got going.Another highlight of my weekend was Mindi Scott's launch party in Seattle! Mindi and I have been author-buddies, sharing the same imprint, publisher, and publicist, and it's been so great to share the journey with her! Her party was awesome, a huge showing of people, and she completely sold out of books before I could get a copy. But it's okay, because I will be signing with her in two weeks, and as long as she doesn't feel the need to sell out again....
Mindi talked about her book, did a short reading, and the whole evening was very enjoyable. But if that wasn't enough, I was fortunate to meet up with a few of my author-friends, and got to hang with a book blogger (Hi, Sarah!) who is reading my book right now.
Once again, I was a total lame-o and didn't bring my camera, but this shot is courtesy of the fabulous Kimberley Derting. From left to right: Holly Cupala, me!, Mindi Scott (isn't her dress beautiful?!), Kimberley Derting, Karen Kincy, and Mandy Hubbard. It was a great time and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. What did you do this weekend?
October 15, 2010
Upcoming Events
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 16th) from 1-3 PM, I'll be signing copies of Losing Faith at Hemingway's Books in Abbotsford, B.C. Canada.
Okay, I'll admit, I've had plenty of visions of myself sitting in bookstores all alone, staring at a blank wall (or a wall of books) and wondering exactly how long two hours can last. I'm a debut author, my first book only came out a month ago, which means it will probably take some time for people to hear about me and my book. I have realistic expectations. But I still don't want to be sitting all by myself.
So even if you already have a copy of my book, or even if you're not planning to buy it at all, I hope if you're in the Abbotsford area, you'll stop by to say hi. It would mean a lot to me.
And if you're farther west, the closest signing to Vancouver I have set up at this point is at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey, B.C. I'll be at the book fair, part of the Surrey International Writers Conference (you do not have to attend the conference to stop by the book fair. The fair is free and open to the public). This will be on Saturday, October 23rd, from 5:30-7 P.M.
I hope you'll be able to stop by one of these events. I'll have bookmarks and stickers there as well. If you're a regular reader of my blog, please make sure to mention it. I love meeting blog readers, other writers, and of course avid readers.
Hope to see you soon!
Okay, I'll admit, I've had plenty of visions of myself sitting in bookstores all alone, staring at a blank wall (or a wall of books) and wondering exactly how long two hours can last. I'm a debut author, my first book only came out a month ago, which means it will probably take some time for people to hear about me and my book. I have realistic expectations. But I still don't want to be sitting all by myself.
So even if you already have a copy of my book, or even if you're not planning to buy it at all, I hope if you're in the Abbotsford area, you'll stop by to say hi. It would mean a lot to me.
And if you're farther west, the closest signing to Vancouver I have set up at this point is at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey, B.C. I'll be at the book fair, part of the Surrey International Writers Conference (you do not have to attend the conference to stop by the book fair. The fair is free and open to the public). This will be on Saturday, October 23rd, from 5:30-7 P.M.
I hope you'll be able to stop by one of these events. I'll have bookmarks and stickers there as well. If you're a regular reader of my blog, please make sure to mention it. I love meeting blog readers, other writers, and of course avid readers.
Hope to see you soon!
October 13, 2010
Wandering Wednesday
Today and tomorrow I'm wandering over to The Contemps site to blog.
Today I'm spotlighting one of my favorite YA mysteries, ALL UNQUIET THINGS by Anna Jarzab.
And tomorrow I'll be sharing a little of my own teen story about losing someone young. I hope you'll drop by!
Today I'm spotlighting one of my favorite YA mysteries, ALL UNQUIET THINGS by Anna Jarzab.
And tomorrow I'll be sharing a little of my own teen story about losing someone young. I hope you'll drop by!
October 12, 2010
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Want to know what's coming up in Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction? Teen Author Tuesday highlights some of the best up and coming authors!
Today I'm excited to welcome another fellow Tenner, Guadalupe Garcia McCall. Her debut novel, UNDER THE MESQUITE, releases in Fall 2010 from Lee & Low Books. It's a Contemporary Multicultural YA novel.
Welcome, Guadalupe! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Immigrating, Dreams, Family, Friendship, Loss, Faith, Hope
Those are some serious subjects! I look forward to it. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Papi, because he doesn't agree with some of the things that Lupita decides to do but he is ultimately supportive of her (even though it hurts him to be supportive), and that's hard to do as a parent.
Can you share a bit about yourself with my readers?
Under the Mesquite was easy to write...the words just poured out of me, but it was also hard to write because some of it was coming from a very deep place, a place that is still raw with emotion. My work in progress, Six Little Sisters, is like that too...easy but hard. So in a strange way, I feel blessed as a writer.
It's always interesting to hear the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
The most surprising thing has been how very much I have in common with other writers. When I go to the Tenners website, meet other writers, and read/write about our journeys, our writer's angst, we are all alike in many ways.
Amen to that! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I heard it somewhere and it's true...Buttocks in Chair...it's the only way. It's not going to get itself written. Also, we success only at what we work at...so give it your full attention.
Great advice, Guadalupe. 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?
Right now I am in deep revision of Six Little Sisters. It's the story of 6 girls who are on a personal journey to find something that is missing in their lives. It's a story about love, family, and personal/spiritual growth.
Sounds wonderful! 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've always been a poet. So as a teen, I wrote poetry for my friends, flowery/metaphorical love poems to send to their boyfriends..who probably didn't "get it." But I also scribbled emotional love stories to entertain my friends. It's what was "selling" if you know what I mean. I was writing to the market.
That's great. What's the last book you read that you really loved?
OH MY GOD! I loved The Dark Divine. It was such a fun read... I read it in one day! But right now, I am reading The Red Umbrella and it's very, very good, on a deeper, more substantial level. I better finish soon, because Tortilla Sun is calling my name.
All three of those books are winners, in my opinion - and it's great to hear of so much excitement over Tenner books! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My new website: www.guadalupegarciamccall.com
Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Guadalupe, and all the very best with your upcoming release!
Today I'm excited to welcome another fellow Tenner, Guadalupe Garcia McCall. Her debut novel, UNDER THE MESQUITE, releases in Fall 2010 from Lee & Low Books. It's a Contemporary Multicultural YA novel.
Welcome, Guadalupe! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Immigrating, Dreams, Family, Friendship, Loss, Faith, Hope
Those are some serious subjects! I look forward to it. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Papi, because he doesn't agree with some of the things that Lupita decides to do but he is ultimately supportive of her (even though it hurts him to be supportive), and that's hard to do as a parent.
Can you share a bit about yourself with my readers?
Under the Mesquite was easy to write...the words just poured out of me, but it was also hard to write because some of it was coming from a very deep place, a place that is still raw with emotion. My work in progress, Six Little Sisters, is like that too...easy but hard. So in a strange way, I feel blessed as a writer.
It's always interesting to hear the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing. What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
The most surprising thing has been how very much I have in common with other writers. When I go to the Tenners website, meet other writers, and read/write about our journeys, our writer's angst, we are all alike in many ways.
Amen to that! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I heard it somewhere and it's true...Buttocks in Chair...it's the only way. It's not going to get itself written. Also, we success only at what we work at...so give it your full attention.
Great advice, Guadalupe. 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?
Right now I am in deep revision of Six Little Sisters. It's the story of 6 girls who are on a personal journey to find something that is missing in their lives. It's a story about love, family, and personal/spiritual growth.
Sounds wonderful! 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've always been a poet. So as a teen, I wrote poetry for my friends, flowery/metaphorical love poems to send to their boyfriends..who probably didn't "get it." But I also scribbled emotional love stories to entertain my friends. It's what was "selling" if you know what I mean. I was writing to the market.
That's great. What's the last book you read that you really loved?
OH MY GOD! I loved The Dark Divine. It was such a fun read... I read it in one day! But right now, I am reading The Red Umbrella and it's very, very good, on a deeper, more substantial level. I better finish soon, because Tortilla Sun is calling my name.
All three of those books are winners, in my opinion - and it's great to hear of so much excitement over Tenner books! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My new website: www.guadalupegarciamccall.com
Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Guadalupe, and all the very best with your upcoming release!
October 11, 2010
GCC Presents Linda Gerber and TRANCE!
My next guest on the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit is Linda Gerber. Linda is the author of the popular Death by Bikini, Death by Latte, and Death by Denim as well as two books in the S.A.S.S. series.
Almost everyone has wished that they could take a glimpse into the future—but what if such visions came unbidden, and they only foretold danger? Linda Gerber weaves this idea into a chilling and satisfying young adult novel with TRANCE (Speak; 9780142414156; October 14, 2010; Ages 12 up; $7.99). Perfect for fans of Wake, Gerber's latest paranormal thriller is a dark but addictive tale of one girl's curse to unwillingly foresee future tragedies, and the debilitating toll that it takes on her present life—until she realizes that her unwanted power may be more of a gift than a curse.
Welcome, Linda! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Trance, romance, suspense and a motorcycle-riding musician. (We're going to pretend that the hyphenated word counts as one, right?)
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
I came to really like Gina, Ashlyn's tell-it-like-it-is, free-spirit co-worker. I wish I could be more open and honest, like her.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I love Diana Gabaldon's simple "Read. Write. Don't stop."
Read all the good books you can get your hands on. Soak it in.
Write every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Even if it's not easy. Especially when it's not easy.
Don't stop. Keep repeating steps one and two. And don't let discouragement or distractions or TV shows or Internet games get in your way.
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 kept a journal, and I wrote short stories and essays that I never let anyone see.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson. Wow.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda, and all the best with your release of TRANCE! To find out more, check out Linda's website at www.lindagerber.com
Almost everyone has wished that they could take a glimpse into the future—but what if such visions came unbidden, and they only foretold danger? Linda Gerber weaves this idea into a chilling and satisfying young adult novel with TRANCE (Speak; 9780142414156; October 14, 2010; Ages 12 up; $7.99). Perfect for fans of Wake, Gerber's latest paranormal thriller is a dark but addictive tale of one girl's curse to unwillingly foresee future tragedies, and the debilitating toll that it takes on her present life—until she realizes that her unwanted power may be more of a gift than a curse.
Welcome, Linda! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Trance, romance, suspense and a motorcycle-riding musician. (We're going to pretend that the hyphenated word counts as one, right?)
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
I came to really like Gina, Ashlyn's tell-it-like-it-is, free-spirit co-worker. I wish I could be more open and honest, like her.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I love Diana Gabaldon's simple "Read. Write. Don't stop."
Read all the good books you can get your hands on. Soak it in.
Write every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Even if it's not easy. Especially when it's not easy.
Don't stop. Keep repeating steps one and two. And don't let discouragement or distractions or TV shows or Internet games get in your way.
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 kept a journal, and I wrote short stories and essays that I never let anyone see.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson. Wow.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda, and all the best with your release of TRANCE! To find out more, check out Linda's website at www.lindagerber.com
