Denise Jaden's Blog, page 54
October 8, 2010
OOOOOOOOOklahoma!
I really missed blogging and I only left it for a day! But I'm in Oklahoma City and having an absolute blast!
On the way here, I told someone on the plane that I've always wanted to come to Oklahoma. She looked at me funny. Then I mentioned it to a local author here. She also looked at me funny. I guess I'm strange for having wanted to come here, but I really don't understand why! It's beautiful! And very laid-back for a big city. Plus, the first thing I saw when I got into town was this:
Guess what it's called? The CANADIAN River! I knew I was meant to be here. LOL. And then there's the cool accents and the culture. I mean, you would never see something like this in Vancouver:
The real reason I came to Oklahoma, though, was for this:
A panel at the Encyclomedia Oklahoma school librarians conference with my made-of-awesome Class of 2k9/2k10 mates (from left) Fran Cannon Slayton, Joy Preble, Bonnie Doerr, and Janet Fox. They are all far more experienced speakers than I, but they encouraged me and held my hand through the whole thing, and I think it really went pretty well. The room was full at probably close to 200 people (!) and I actually spoke, several times, without choking on my own spit.
After that, we had signing at Best of Books, which also went great. Many people from our session came to find us there and buy our books, and many of our books sold out!
After the panel and the signing, I was ready to stop my perma-grin for a few minutes and chill in the hotel room for a bit. I walked the skybridge to the hotel and waited for the elevator for what felt like forever. When it finally showed up, it was full of these grubby-looking guys and a mound of luggage. I was tired of waiting, so I asked if they thought there was room for me, just to be polite, because I was ready to make room for myself! One of the guys said in a cool British accent, "I suppose you could perch on one of our suitcases," which seemed like a yes to me, so I squeezed my way in.
Now usually I would expect an elevator full of guys to shift a little and make room for a lady. But they didn't budge. That's the first thing I thought was odd. The second was the dead silence as soon as the elevator doors closed. Being at a librarians conference, and still wearing my name badge, I said, "I'm guessing you guys aren't librarians," just to break the tension. They laughed, and then went on to tell me who they were.
Well! I had gotten myself sequestered in an elevator with the members of MUSE, an alternative rock band from the UK! I had never heard of them (though I didn't actually tell them that) which doesn't mean anything - I haven't heard of a lot of bands - but when I mentioned it on Twitter, apparently EVERYBODY else knows who they are.
So, yes, that was my rock star moment of the week! And for the rest of the trip, I joked with all my author-friends, waving at the tour buses and limos and yelling, "hi guys!" All in good fun. And here's the view from the glass elevator in the gorgeous hotel:
As you can probably tell, I've had an amazing time. The best part of all has been hanging out with other more experience authors and talking shop. Here's last night's dinner:
It's kinda blurry, but from left is Janet Fox, Bonnie Doerr, me, Fran Cannon Slayton, Cyntha Liu, Joy Preble, and Tammi Sauer. We talked and laughed our heads off at everything from bad author moments to dead pets (don't ask!) I want to thank them all for an awesome time and to Stacy Nyikos, who booked the whole event and then couldn't even be there.
It was a blast! And I'd do it again in a second - especially with this great group of ladies!
On the way here, I told someone on the plane that I've always wanted to come to Oklahoma. She looked at me funny. Then I mentioned it to a local author here. She also looked at me funny. I guess I'm strange for having wanted to come here, but I really don't understand why! It's beautiful! And very laid-back for a big city. Plus, the first thing I saw when I got into town was this:
Guess what it's called? The CANADIAN River! I knew I was meant to be here. LOL. And then there's the cool accents and the culture. I mean, you would never see something like this in Vancouver:
The real reason I came to Oklahoma, though, was for this:
A panel at the Encyclomedia Oklahoma school librarians conference with my made-of-awesome Class of 2k9/2k10 mates (from left) Fran Cannon Slayton, Joy Preble, Bonnie Doerr, and Janet Fox. They are all far more experienced speakers than I, but they encouraged me and held my hand through the whole thing, and I think it really went pretty well. The room was full at probably close to 200 people (!) and I actually spoke, several times, without choking on my own spit.
After that, we had signing at Best of Books, which also went great. Many people from our session came to find us there and buy our books, and many of our books sold out!
After the panel and the signing, I was ready to stop my perma-grin for a few minutes and chill in the hotel room for a bit. I walked the skybridge to the hotel and waited for the elevator for what felt like forever. When it finally showed up, it was full of these grubby-looking guys and a mound of luggage. I was tired of waiting, so I asked if they thought there was room for me, just to be polite, because I was ready to make room for myself! One of the guys said in a cool British accent, "I suppose you could perch on one of our suitcases," which seemed like a yes to me, so I squeezed my way in.
Now usually I would expect an elevator full of guys to shift a little and make room for a lady. But they didn't budge. That's the first thing I thought was odd. The second was the dead silence as soon as the elevator doors closed. Being at a librarians conference, and still wearing my name badge, I said, "I'm guessing you guys aren't librarians," just to break the tension. They laughed, and then went on to tell me who they were.
Well! I had gotten myself sequestered in an elevator with the members of MUSE, an alternative rock band from the UK! I had never heard of them (though I didn't actually tell them that) which doesn't mean anything - I haven't heard of a lot of bands - but when I mentioned it on Twitter, apparently EVERYBODY else knows who they are.
So, yes, that was my rock star moment of the week! And for the rest of the trip, I joked with all my author-friends, waving at the tour buses and limos and yelling, "hi guys!" All in good fun. And here's the view from the glass elevator in the gorgeous hotel:
As you can probably tell, I've had an amazing time. The best part of all has been hanging out with other more experience authors and talking shop. Here's last night's dinner:
It's kinda blurry, but from left is Janet Fox, Bonnie Doerr, me, Fran Cannon Slayton, Cyntha Liu, Joy Preble, and Tammi Sauer. We talked and laughed our heads off at everything from bad author moments to dead pets (don't ask!) I want to thank them all for an awesome time and to Stacy Nyikos, who booked the whole event and then couldn't even be there.
It was a blast! And I'd do it again in a second - especially with this great group of ladies!
October 6, 2010
GCC Presents Lauren Strasnick and HER AND ME AND YOU!
Read to the end to find out about the fabulous GIVEAWAY of a copy of HER AND ME AND YOU!
Welcome back to the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit! My next guest, Lauren Strasnick, is also a new member of GCC, she's one of my Simon Pulse Sisters, AND we share the same fabulous editor. If you haven't read NOTHING LIKE YOU, put it on your TBR list right now - trust me. But I'm here today to tell you about her much-anticipated next novel, one I'm REALLY excited to get my hands on!
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father's affair splits her family in two. Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred–and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred's twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there's just something about Fred–and something about Adina–that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world, no matter the consequences.
"Strasnick's slim second offering packs a lot into its short chapters: divorce, broken friendships, crushes, the lines between love and sex and more. Characterization, scenes, dialogue and setting are seamlessly distilled into so few sharp, image-rich phrases that the novel reads almost as if it were written in verse. Less is definitely more here, and readers are plunged into Alex's physical and emotional world within three to four words. Although the plot moves swiftly, the author's ability to capture Alex's inner world in so few words give the novel depth and balance. Complex and thought-provoking." –Kirkus
I had the opportunity to meet Lauren last year in L.A. (she's super-nice!) and more recently I asked her a few quick questions:
Welcome, Lauren! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.
Broken friendship! Thwarted love! Twincest!
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
Adina Bishop, the girl twin. She's manipulative, crazy controlling, anorexic, a drunk, super stylish, and a little in love with her brother.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read everything.
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 a bunch of plays and short stories about vampires. So very ahead of my time. ;)
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Last book that found an immediate spot on my Favorites list? THE BASIC EIGHT by Daniel Handler.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Lauren! If you'd like to find out more about Lauren Strasnick or her books, you can find it all on her website at www.laurenstrasnick.com
And if you'd like to win yourself a copy of HER AND ME AND YOU, leave a comment below telling me about one of your broken friendships...and if it was ever fixed.
Simon Pulse is generously donating the copy for this giveaway. It's open to US residents only, ages 13 and older. Good luck!!
Welcome back to the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit! My next guest, Lauren Strasnick, is also a new member of GCC, she's one of my Simon Pulse Sisters, AND we share the same fabulous editor. If you haven't read NOTHING LIKE YOU, put it on your TBR list right now - trust me. But I'm here today to tell you about her much-anticipated next novel, one I'm REALLY excited to get my hands on!
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father's affair splits her family in two. Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred–and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred's twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there's just something about Fred–and something about Adina–that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world, no matter the consequences.
"Strasnick's slim second offering packs a lot into its short chapters: divorce, broken friendships, crushes, the lines between love and sex and more. Characterization, scenes, dialogue and setting are seamlessly distilled into so few sharp, image-rich phrases that the novel reads almost as if it were written in verse. Less is definitely more here, and readers are plunged into Alex's physical and emotional world within three to four words. Although the plot moves swiftly, the author's ability to capture Alex's inner world in so few words give the novel depth and balance. Complex and thought-provoking." –Kirkus
I had the opportunity to meet Lauren last year in L.A. (she's super-nice!) and more recently I asked her a few quick questions:
Welcome, Lauren! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.
Broken friendship! Thwarted love! Twincest!
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?
Adina Bishop, the girl twin. She's manipulative, crazy controlling, anorexic, a drunk, super stylish, and a little in love with her brother.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read everything.
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 a bunch of plays and short stories about vampires. So very ahead of my time. ;)
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Last book that found an immediate spot on my Favorites list? THE BASIC EIGHT by Daniel Handler.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Lauren! If you'd like to find out more about Lauren Strasnick or her books, you can find it all on her website at www.laurenstrasnick.com
And if you'd like to win yourself a copy of HER AND ME AND YOU, leave a comment below telling me about one of your broken friendships...and if it was ever fixed.
Simon Pulse is generously donating the copy for this giveaway. It's open to US residents only, ages 13 and older. Good luck!!
October 5, 2010
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Mindi Scott!
Teen Author Tuesday is a regular feature, bringing you today's hottest and up-and-coming authors who write for teens.
Today I'm excited to welcome my author-friend and Pulse-sister, Mindi Scott. Mindi and I made the trek toward debut publication together and I have LOVED having her company to chat with about the very windy and emotional road.
Mindi's debut novel, FREEFALL, releases October 5th (today!) from Simon Pulse / Simon & Schuster. It is contemporary YA for ages 14 and up. I had an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and let me tell you, it is made of awesome!
Welcome, Mindi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Loss, communication, love, and overcoming fears
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
It's hard to choose only one, but Kendall Eckman was definitely a lot of fun to write. She and the main character, Seth, have a long, rocky history and she has more ways of annoying him than anyone!
Great. Can you tell my readers a bit about yourself?
At age 22, I developed a fear of the dark after watching the movies DISTURBING BEHAVIOR and THE SIXTH SENSE the same day. Somehow, I cured myself about a year later by watching the first 100 episodes of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.
Ha, that's great! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Revisions were surprising. I thought I was going to be given a list that said: "Fix this stuff like this." Instead, it was more of a soul-searching process on my part. I was given a lot more freedom than I'd expected.
Interesting. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
When you get suggestions from critique partners that you absolutely refuse to implement, take a few days (or more) to consider why your reaction is so strong. Sometimes the feedback that makes writers angry is the stuff that they really know deep, deep down needs to change.
Ah, 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?
I'm pretty much swept up! I am working on something new, though. Another dark, contemporary YA, this one from a girl's POV.
I'll look forward to 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 wrote whatever was required for homework and kept journals from ages 13 to 16 (from which I'm posting excerpts at my website). I was also a letter writer. I always wrote notes in class and during the weekends.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
FLASH BURNOUT by L.K. Madigan
I totally agree. Hilarious. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: http://mindiscott.com My Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindiscott My Twitter: http://twitter.com/mindi_scott My LiveJournal: www.mindiscott.livejournal.com
Awesome! (And what a great picture!) Thanks so much for dropping by my blog, Mindi, and all the very best with your release!
Today I'm excited to welcome my author-friend and Pulse-sister, Mindi Scott. Mindi and I made the trek toward debut publication together and I have LOVED having her company to chat with about the very windy and emotional road.
Mindi's debut novel, FREEFALL, releases October 5th (today!) from Simon Pulse / Simon & Schuster. It is contemporary YA for ages 14 and up. I had an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and let me tell you, it is made of awesome!
Welcome, Mindi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Loss, communication, love, and overcoming fears
Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
It's hard to choose only one, but Kendall Eckman was definitely a lot of fun to write. She and the main character, Seth, have a long, rocky history and she has more ways of annoying him than anyone!
Great. Can you tell my readers a bit about yourself?
At age 22, I developed a fear of the dark after watching the movies DISTURBING BEHAVIOR and THE SIXTH SENSE the same day. Somehow, I cured myself about a year later by watching the first 100 episodes of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.
Ha, that's great! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Revisions were surprising. I thought I was going to be given a list that said: "Fix this stuff like this." Instead, it was more of a soul-searching process on my part. I was given a lot more freedom than I'd expected.
Interesting. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
When you get suggestions from critique partners that you absolutely refuse to implement, take a few days (or more) to consider why your reaction is so strong. Sometimes the feedback that makes writers angry is the stuff that they really know deep, deep down needs to change.
Ah, 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?
I'm pretty much swept up! I am working on something new, though. Another dark, contemporary YA, this one from a girl's POV.
I'll look forward to 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 wrote whatever was required for homework and kept journals from ages 13 to 16 (from which I'm posting excerpts at my website). I was also a letter writer. I always wrote notes in class and during the weekends.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
FLASH BURNOUT by L.K. Madigan
I totally agree. Hilarious. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: http://mindiscott.com My Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindiscott My Twitter: http://twitter.com/mindi_scott My LiveJournal: www.mindiscott.livejournal.com
Awesome! (And what a great picture!) Thanks so much for dropping by my blog, Mindi, and all the very best with your release!
October 4, 2010
Monday Mix
1. I'm packing for Oklahoma! This is my first official "business trip" as an author. I will be speaking on a Class of 2k9/2k10 panel about new voices to a room full of school librarians and then signing books at Best of Books.
2. I also have a number of local events coming up. If you'll be in the B.C. or Washington area over the next couple of months, and one of these stops is convenient for you, I hope you'll stop by to say hi. Here's the full list of where I will be for the next few months:
Oklahoma Encyclomedia
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Thursday, October 8th, 10:45 a.m. - New Voices Panel
Thursday, October 8th, 1 p.m. - Signing - Best of Books (Exhibitor Hall)
Hemingway's Books
Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
Saturday, October 16th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, B.C., Canada
Saturday, October 23rd, 5:30 p.m. - Signing (Book Fair)
Uppercase Books
Snohomish, Washington
Saturday, October 30th, 3:00 p.m. - Signing
Along with four other 2010 debut authors: Karen Kincy, Mindi Scott,
Kimberley Derting, and Chelsea Campbell
Coles
Chilliwack, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 6th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Hooked on Books
Penticton, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 13th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Black Bond Books
Mission, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 20th, 2:00 p.m. - Signing
I update the main page of my website regularly, so check back for more dates and events at www.denisejaden.com (My website also contains links to all the bookstores if you need more information).
3. I'm blogging over on The Tenners Blog today, with my top ten writing conference tips. I hope you'll drop by.
Happy Monday, everyone!
2. I also have a number of local events coming up. If you'll be in the B.C. or Washington area over the next couple of months, and one of these stops is convenient for you, I hope you'll stop by to say hi. Here's the full list of where I will be for the next few months:
Oklahoma Encyclomedia
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Thursday, October 8th, 10:45 a.m. - New Voices Panel
Thursday, October 8th, 1 p.m. - Signing - Best of Books (Exhibitor Hall)
Hemingway's Books
Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
Saturday, October 16th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, B.C., Canada
Saturday, October 23rd, 5:30 p.m. - Signing (Book Fair)
Uppercase Books
Snohomish, Washington
Saturday, October 30th, 3:00 p.m. - Signing
Along with four other 2010 debut authors: Karen Kincy, Mindi Scott,
Kimberley Derting, and Chelsea Campbell
Coles
Chilliwack, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 6th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Hooked on Books
Penticton, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 13th, 1:00 p.m. - Signing
Black Bond Books
Mission, B.C., Canada
Saturday, November 20th, 2:00 p.m. - Signing
I update the main page of my website regularly, so check back for more dates and events at www.denisejaden.com (My website also contains links to all the bookstores if you need more information).
3. I'm blogging over on The Tenners Blog today, with my top ten writing conference tips. I hope you'll drop by.
Happy Monday, everyone!
October 1, 2010
A Book and a Chat with Denise Jaden (That's me!)
I'll be appearing on a LIVE radio/blog show tomorrow morning! Yes, I'm very nervous. Here's the deets...
Saturday, Oct 2nd – 11:00am EST (8 am on the West Coast - hope I can get my brain in gear that early!)
And this is an interactive thing, so feel free to call in anytime after 11. The number you need to call is: 347-237-5398 (or there is also a chat area where my awesome host, Barry Eva, will pick up questions from).
Location: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond (Link to listen live or else via the chat room there).
I hope you'll stop by and say hello!
Saturday, Oct 2nd – 11:00am EST (8 am on the West Coast - hope I can get my brain in gear that early!)
And this is an interactive thing, so feel free to call in anytime after 11. The number you need to call is: 347-237-5398 (or there is also a chat area where my awesome host, Barry Eva, will pick up questions from).
Location: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond (Link to listen live or else via the chat room there).
I hope you'll stop by and say hello!
September 30, 2010
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
I'm sure you've heard that it's Banned Book Week, and I'm completely behind Speaking Loudly on behalf of books that are tackling difficult subject matter. But it's also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I think this is another great cause that I wouldn't want to see get pushed to the background.
To honor National Domestic Violence Awareness month, author Swati Avasthi has combined a blog tour for her debut novel, Split, with a charity auction. Over 40 authors, agents and editors have donated manuscript critiques, personalized books, and more to an online auction that anyone –reader, writer, booklover -- can bid on and buy. All proceeds go to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. In addition to the auction, Avasthi is donating $1/comment on her 26-stop, month-long blog tour, coordinated by Kari Olson at Teen Book Scene. If we reach the goal and cap of $250, Swati will double the donation to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. The CDC estimates that one in four women will experience intimate partner abuse during her life and UC Davis estimates that a child who grew up witnessing abuse is four times as likely to perpetrate abuse, 25 times more likely to commit rape and 6 times more likely to commit suicide. Family Violence Prevention Fund has some great initiatives, including Coaching Boys Into Men and Start Strong, that are about breaking the intergenerational cycle and preventing abuse. So, follow the tour, get stuff you want, and make a difference.
Button for going to the blog tour schedule ("Follow"):
[image error]
Button for going to the charity auction site for the event ("Auction"):
[image error]
To honor National Domestic Violence Awareness month, author Swati Avasthi has combined a blog tour for her debut novel, Split, with a charity auction. Over 40 authors, agents and editors have donated manuscript critiques, personalized books, and more to an online auction that anyone –reader, writer, booklover -- can bid on and buy. All proceeds go to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. In addition to the auction, Avasthi is donating $1/comment on her 26-stop, month-long blog tour, coordinated by Kari Olson at Teen Book Scene. If we reach the goal and cap of $250, Swati will double the donation to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. The CDC estimates that one in four women will experience intimate partner abuse during her life and UC Davis estimates that a child who grew up witnessing abuse is four times as likely to perpetrate abuse, 25 times more likely to commit rape and 6 times more likely to commit suicide. Family Violence Prevention Fund has some great initiatives, including Coaching Boys Into Men and Start Strong, that are about breaking the intergenerational cycle and preventing abuse. So, follow the tour, get stuff you want, and make a difference.
Button for going to the blog tour schedule ("Follow"):
[image error]
Button for going to the charity auction site for the event ("Auction"):
[image error]
September 29, 2010
Other People Writing About Losing Faith
I have a couple of fun things to share with you today! As I mentioned in earlier posts, my good friend Jerrica Santos wrote a song about my book and played it at my launch party.
It was amazing, and she's working on recording it for me so I can share the whole thing with you. But in the meantime, she sent me the lyrics. Keep in mind, I gave her a short synopsis of my book, she watched the book trailer, but she never actually read the book before writing this. I'm just astounded at how well it goes with my book!
Losing Faith by Jerrica Santos (copyright Jerrica Santos, 2010)
Ever night I hear your voice again
Calling out to me
The nights they seem so lonesome when
I'm waiting here for you
I'll never be the same again
But the world continues to go on
The nights are growing cold
Silence seems to take a hold
Scared of looking back, how to act, heart has turned to stone
And then I start to fade away
Tell me how to feel
Still trying to grasp on what is real
Nothin left to lose have to choose
But I'm struggling
To put these memories away
And now
When all that has been said and done
A new day has begun
But I'm losing faith
Need someone to show me how
How can I keep moving on
When everything is gone
Cuz I'm losing faith
Tonight
Someone save me
I dwell on memories of you
But I continue on
You gave me love and laughter too
But pictures start to fade
And colours of our lives turn blue
Am I strong enough to choose
The nights are growing cold
Silence seems to take a hold
Scared of looking back, how to act, heart has turned to stone
And then I start to fade away
Tell me how to feel
Still trying to grasp on what is real
Nothin left to lose have to choose
But I'm struggling
To put these memories away
And now
When all that has been said and done
A new day has begun
But I'm losing faith
Need someone to show me how
How can I keep moving on
When everything is gone
Cuz I'm losing faith
Tonight
Someone save me
Isn't that so awesome!? I can't wait to have the recorded version to listen to while I write! And in case you missed it last time, here's a little clip of her singing it. (This one is from my brother's camera, and unfortunately, every time I try to turn it upright, I lose the sound. But it does show Jerrica's handiwork on the piano nicely.)
One other little piece of writing I wanted to share, this one a funnier little excerpt. My brother wrote me a little story for my birthday that had me feeling slightly panicked. LOL, not really, but it was fun. This is what I found in my birthday card this year:
She awoke to the sound of her own heart beating. The room was dark, save for the green LED clock blinking 12:00, and the house was silent. Unusually so. Was something wrong?
Alone in the big house the budding young author was unable to go back to sleep. She quietly slipped out from under the covers and picked up the manuscript to her latest novel, "A Gruesome Silence", and stepped out of the bedroom onto the plush carpet of the darkened hallway where she stopped dead in her tracks. Everything was perfectly silent, but she knew she was not alone, she felt a presence... she knew she was being watched.
Quickly she stepped to the top of the stairs, and began to silently descend. One step, and then another, and then another - but the third step creaked. She tried to pretend she hadn't just done that. She hoped beyond hope that it hadn't happened. Then she abandoned that hope, and ran quickly the rest of the way down the stairs, where she made a quick left into the study and as gently as possible, slammed the door behind her. There was no lock on the door, but there WAS a small wooden wedge intended to keep the door open which she kicked tightly under door in the hopes that it would at least slow the intruder - give her a few seconds head start. That is, if he was still out THERE.
Her eyes were used to the dark, and she scanned the room for anything out of place. This was her second home - or rather, it WAS her home, part of it at least. The part where she spent most of her waking hours. Where she painstakingly wrote and re-wrote her first novel, "Losing Faith", which would have been a best seller if that other darn author hadn't written a novel with the identical title, and released it two weeks ahead of her own - capitalizing on all of the work she had put into promoting her own book over the past half year.
As her eyes continued to rake the room, suddenly she stopped. Her laptop - there, on her desk. What was wrong? It was off. She NEVER turned her laptop off. Oh, this was good. Too good.
She rushed to the desk and pounded the power button, looking behind her both to the left and to the right. If she could only get this down on paper...
So as you can see, writing obviously runs in our family. Thanks again, Brent! And Jerrica!
It was amazing, and she's working on recording it for me so I can share the whole thing with you. But in the meantime, she sent me the lyrics. Keep in mind, I gave her a short synopsis of my book, she watched the book trailer, but she never actually read the book before writing this. I'm just astounded at how well it goes with my book!
Losing Faith by Jerrica Santos (copyright Jerrica Santos, 2010)
Ever night I hear your voice again
Calling out to me
The nights they seem so lonesome when
I'm waiting here for you
I'll never be the same again
But the world continues to go on
The nights are growing cold
Silence seems to take a hold
Scared of looking back, how to act, heart has turned to stone
And then I start to fade away
Tell me how to feel
Still trying to grasp on what is real
Nothin left to lose have to choose
But I'm struggling
To put these memories away
And now
When all that has been said and done
A new day has begun
But I'm losing faith
Need someone to show me how
How can I keep moving on
When everything is gone
Cuz I'm losing faith
Tonight
Someone save me
I dwell on memories of you
But I continue on
You gave me love and laughter too
But pictures start to fade
And colours of our lives turn blue
Am I strong enough to choose
The nights are growing cold
Silence seems to take a hold
Scared of looking back, how to act, heart has turned to stone
And then I start to fade away
Tell me how to feel
Still trying to grasp on what is real
Nothin left to lose have to choose
But I'm struggling
To put these memories away
And now
When all that has been said and done
A new day has begun
But I'm losing faith
Need someone to show me how
How can I keep moving on
When everything is gone
Cuz I'm losing faith
Tonight
Someone save me
Isn't that so awesome!? I can't wait to have the recorded version to listen to while I write! And in case you missed it last time, here's a little clip of her singing it. (This one is from my brother's camera, and unfortunately, every time I try to turn it upright, I lose the sound. But it does show Jerrica's handiwork on the piano nicely.)
One other little piece of writing I wanted to share, this one a funnier little excerpt. My brother wrote me a little story for my birthday that had me feeling slightly panicked. LOL, not really, but it was fun. This is what I found in my birthday card this year:
She awoke to the sound of her own heart beating. The room was dark, save for the green LED clock blinking 12:00, and the house was silent. Unusually so. Was something wrong?
Alone in the big house the budding young author was unable to go back to sleep. She quietly slipped out from under the covers and picked up the manuscript to her latest novel, "A Gruesome Silence", and stepped out of the bedroom onto the plush carpet of the darkened hallway where she stopped dead in her tracks. Everything was perfectly silent, but she knew she was not alone, she felt a presence... she knew she was being watched.
Quickly she stepped to the top of the stairs, and began to silently descend. One step, and then another, and then another - but the third step creaked. She tried to pretend she hadn't just done that. She hoped beyond hope that it hadn't happened. Then she abandoned that hope, and ran quickly the rest of the way down the stairs, where she made a quick left into the study and as gently as possible, slammed the door behind her. There was no lock on the door, but there WAS a small wooden wedge intended to keep the door open which she kicked tightly under door in the hopes that it would at least slow the intruder - give her a few seconds head start. That is, if he was still out THERE.
Her eyes were used to the dark, and she scanned the room for anything out of place. This was her second home - or rather, it WAS her home, part of it at least. The part where she spent most of her waking hours. Where she painstakingly wrote and re-wrote her first novel, "Losing Faith", which would have been a best seller if that other darn author hadn't written a novel with the identical title, and released it two weeks ahead of her own - capitalizing on all of the work she had put into promoting her own book over the past half year.
As her eyes continued to rake the room, suddenly she stopped. Her laptop - there, on her desk. What was wrong? It was off. She NEVER turned her laptop off. Oh, this was good. Too good.
She rushed to the desk and pounded the power button, looking behind her both to the left and to the right. If she could only get this down on paper...
So as you can see, writing obviously runs in our family. Thanks again, Brent! And Jerrica!
September 28, 2010
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Mara Purnhagen!
I'm excited to welcome one of my Class of 2k10 mates back again!. Mara Purnhagen, a 2010 debut author, already has her 2nd book coming out!
PAST MIDNIGHT came out September 1, 2010 from Harlequin Teen. It is Contemporary YA for ages 14 and up.
Welcome, Mara! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
paranormal, normal, discovery, secrets, mystery, friendship, energy
Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
I like Avery, who is my main character's friend. She's a cheerleader hiding a tragic secret. She bonds with my main character, Charlotte, because Charlotte is new in town and doesn't see her as others do: with pity. Avery can't stand people feeling sorry for her. She's tough and can handle intense situations.
Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?
I'm a night owl. I like to read during the day and write at night. It took me a while to find a good creative groove, but this is what works for me. Night time is also the only quiet time in my house. I have three sons, and each one is louder than the next. If they're not sleeping, they're talking. Or jumping. Or running around screaming. That kind of happy chaos is not always conducive to writing.
Yes, that makes sense! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I think I was surprised most by the amount of time I spend on self-promotion. I've had to learn to hand out bookmarks to people and discuss my writing, which is something that has taken me a while to adjust to. I'm a writer—I prefer to sit behind my computer rather than stand in front of a crowd.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
When inspiration strikes, go with it. Don't worry if your first draft isn't perfect. You will read and revise your story at least a dozen times before it goes to print, so write as much as you can and fix it later.
Are you swept up with promotion for your books right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have a very busy year ahead of me! My first novella will be published online in January 2011. The second book in the series, One Hundred Candles, will be published in March 2011. A second novella comes out in the summer of 2011, and the third book in the series, Beyond the Grave, hits shelves in September 2011.
Wow! Yes, you must be busy, but congratulations on all of your success! 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 journals, but I read more than I wrote. As far as reading young adult books, there wasn't as much available to me in high school as there is now. I read Paula Danziger, Judy Blume and Anne Rice. Today, the YA genre has exploded into something that would have thrilled my younger self. I love it.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I try to read two books a week, so that's a tough question for me. Two books that stood out to me in August were Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards, which featured an incredible story steeped in history, and Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis, which had a contemporary plot. Totally different books, but I would highly recommend both.
Three Rivers Rising was awesome! I'll have to add Everything is Fine to my TBR list. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: www.marapurnhagen.com,
My Facebook: www.facebook.com/mara.purnhagen
My LiveJournal: http://marapurn.livejournal.com/
Thanks so much for visiting today, Mara! And all the very best with your upcoming craziness!
PAST MIDNIGHT came out September 1, 2010 from Harlequin Teen. It is Contemporary YA for ages 14 and up.
Welcome, Mara! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
paranormal, normal, discovery, secrets, mystery, friendship, energy
Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
I like Avery, who is my main character's friend. She's a cheerleader hiding a tragic secret. She bonds with my main character, Charlotte, because Charlotte is new in town and doesn't see her as others do: with pity. Avery can't stand people feeling sorry for her. She's tough and can handle intense situations.
Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?
I'm a night owl. I like to read during the day and write at night. It took me a while to find a good creative groove, but this is what works for me. Night time is also the only quiet time in my house. I have three sons, and each one is louder than the next. If they're not sleeping, they're talking. Or jumping. Or running around screaming. That kind of happy chaos is not always conducive to writing.
Yes, that makes sense! What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
I think I was surprised most by the amount of time I spend on self-promotion. I've had to learn to hand out bookmarks to people and discuss my writing, which is something that has taken me a while to adjust to. I'm a writer—I prefer to sit behind my computer rather than stand in front of a crowd.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
When inspiration strikes, go with it. Don't worry if your first draft isn't perfect. You will read and revise your story at least a dozen times before it goes to print, so write as much as you can and fix it later.
Are you swept up with promotion for your books right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have a very busy year ahead of me! My first novella will be published online in January 2011. The second book in the series, One Hundred Candles, will be published in March 2011. A second novella comes out in the summer of 2011, and the third book in the series, Beyond the Grave, hits shelves in September 2011.
Wow! Yes, you must be busy, but congratulations on all of your success! 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 journals, but I read more than I wrote. As far as reading young adult books, there wasn't as much available to me in high school as there is now. I read Paula Danziger, Judy Blume and Anne Rice. Today, the YA genre has exploded into something that would have thrilled my younger self. I love it.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
I try to read two books a week, so that's a tough question for me. Two books that stood out to me in August were Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards, which featured an incredible story steeped in history, and Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis, which had a contemporary plot. Totally different books, but I would highly recommend both.
Three Rivers Rising was awesome! I'll have to add Everything is Fine to my TBR list. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: www.marapurnhagen.com,
My Facebook: www.facebook.com/mara.purnhagen
My LiveJournal: http://marapurn.livejournal.com/
Thanks so much for visiting today, Mara! And all the very best with your upcoming craziness!
September 27, 2010
Monday News & Reviews
I promised I wouldn't post EVERY review of Losing Faith here, and I won't. But over the weekend, I had some very cool reviews and I just wanted to pick a couple to share with you:
Emilie's Book World shared a review that made me grin from ear to ear, not so much because it was riddled with praise, but more because I felt like she really got the things I would want a reader to take away from the book.
And I couldn't resist posting this one from The Heart of Dreams because it IS riddled with prai...
Emilie's Book World shared a review that made me grin from ear to ear, not so much because it was riddled with praise, but more because I felt like she really got the things I would want a reader to take away from the book.
And I couldn't resist posting this one from The Heart of Dreams because it IS riddled with prai...
September 24, 2010
Fun Friday!
After a few weeks of craziness surrounding my book launch, I've finally been trying to catch up on a few other things. You know, real life? Unfortunately it doesn't have a pause button. Anyway, not much time for blogging, but I wanted to share this ultra-fun video from my friend, Jen Hayley. If you haven't seen it yet, take two minutes and watch - trust me!
